[
{"source_document": "", "creation_year": 1797, "culture": " Portuguese\n", "content": "Produced by Pedro Saborano. Para coment\u00e1rios \u00e0 transcri\u00e7\u00e3o\nproduced from scanned images of public domain material\nfrom Google Book Search)\nGALAT\u00c9A\nEGLOGA.\nPRIMEIRA, E SEGUNDA PARTE\nPOR\nANTONIO JOAQUIM DE CARVALHO.\nLISBOA: M. DCCCI.\nNA OFFIC. DE SIM\u00c3O THADDEO FERREIRA.\n_Com Licen\u00e7a da Meza do Dezembargo do Pa\u00e7o._\nAO LEITOR.\nEsta primeira Egloga, ha 16 annos impressa, agora fa\u00e7o-a reimprimir, para\ntirar-lhe as lisongeiras Cartas, para emendar-lhe algumas passagens com\nmelhor escolha, para curar-lhe alguns vicios gerados por aquelles, que duas\nvezes a reimprim\u00edr\u00e3o, a pezar do meu gosto, e para ligar ambas as Partes,\npor que a primeira d\u00e1 a materia para a segunda.\nSe me increparem, porque fa\u00e7o domavel o Gigante Polyfemo, contra a opini\u00e3o\ndos melhores Poetas, respondo: He verdade, que a Fabula nos mostra este\nCyclope hum monstro de crueldade, de extraordinarias for\u00e7as, e destemido:\nhum tragador de seis companheiros de Ulysses, e delle mesmo o seria, se\nastucioso n\u00e3o lhe fugisse: hum soberbo em fim, que declamava, que nem ao\nmesmo Jupiter temia; mas pergunto: Este Gigante era humano, ou n\u00e3o? Todos\nme dir\u00e3o, que sim. Pois se era humano, era sugeito ao imperio da Raz\u00e3o, com\ncujas armas o ataco, e o ven\u00e7o: e s\u00f3 seria inverosimil, se eu com a raz\u00e3o\naccommettesse hum Tigre, hum Le\u00e3o, huma Serpente. Se os mais n\u00e3o piz\u00e1r\u00e3o\nesta estrada, porque n\u00e3o quizer\u00e3o, pizo-a eu, porque quero, e por que\nposso, sem atropelar a verosimilhan\u00e7a.\nSe altero o caracter da Egloga; se me aparto da simplicidade pastoril; se\nfa\u00e7o inflammar Polyfemo, e respirar vingan\u00e7a, he porque eu n\u00e3o pinto hum\ndaquelles Pastores do Seculo de oiro, em que reinava a mansid\u00e3o, e o socego\nde espirito; pinto hum Cyclope, hum Pastor ferino, que abrazado no ciume, e\nna ira, deo barbara morte ao mancebo \u00c1cis, lan\u00e7ando-lhe em cima hum\npenhasco: cat\u00e1strofe, que eu n\u00e3o pinto, por n\u00e3o fazer huma Egloga com\nespirito de Tragedia.\nEu tive a fortuna, de que alguns homens (discr\u00e9tos homens!) dissessem, que\nn\u00e3o era minha a minha Egloga Deploratoria intitulada JOSINO na chorada\nmorte do Principe o Senhor D. JOS\u00c9. Eu serei feliz, se agora tiver a mesma\nfortuna, porque se esses contrastes duvidarem de ser minha esta obra, boa\nser\u00e1 ella pela sua avalia\u00e7\u00e3o. Esses, que duvid\u00e3o, examinem, busquem,\ndescubr\u00e3o o legitimo Author, e o mostrem para gloria sua, e descredito meu.\nConhe\u00e7a o mundo o homem virtuoso, o homem raro, que se can\u00e7ou naquella\ncomposi\u00e7\u00e3o, para renunciar em mim a posse, o lucro, e o credito della. E se\neu a furtei, onde est\u00e1s homem roubado, que n\u00e3o acodes ao teu cabedal,\nsabendo, que em meu poder existe? Denunc\u00eda-me; clama justi\u00e7a contra mim.\nAh! Ninguem falla? Ninguem me acusa? Pois acuso-me eu, mas he da temeridade\nde emprehender a guerra sem ter armas: de querer lugar na R\u00e9publica das\nLetras sem ser Cidad\u00e3o de Athenas: de fazer Versos sem beber da Cast\u00e1lia,\nsem soccorro das Musas, sem conhecer Apollo. Os Versos (toscos Versos) que\nha trinta annos escrevo, s\u00e3o os denunciantes, as testemunhas, e os Juizes\ndo meu crime. Acusem-me, como eu me acuso deste delicto; por\u00e9m n\u00e3o de\nroubador, officio imfame, que n\u00e3o cabe em almas honradas; mas se os\ncr\u00edticos me arguirem pelos pobres, insulsos Versos, devem igualmente\nattender em minha defensa, que estes se n\u00e3o tem mel, tambem n\u00e3o tem veneno;\nse n\u00e3o deleit\u00e3o, tambem n\u00e3o ferem. Isto supposto, fa\u00e7\u00e3o-me Justi\u00e7a.\nGALAT\u00c9A\nEGLOGA.\nPRIMEIRA PARTE.\nINTERLOCUTORES.\nPOLYFEMO, E LAURINDO.\nPOLYFEMO.\nAh! Campos, campos meus! V\u00f3s, que algum dia\n  Me servieis de amavel companhia:\nV\u00f3s, que os ouvidos daveis ao meu canto,\n  Prestaimos boje, para ouvir meu pranto;\nSe bem, que ass\u00e1z me custa magoar-vos,\n  Depois de com meu canto deleitar-vos;\nMas eu ado\u00e7arei a vossa m\u00e1goa,\n  Dando-vos de meus olhos rios de agua:\nCom ella florecei para os viventes,\n  E \u00e1 custa do meu mal vivei contentes,\nQue eu n\u00e3o vos lograrei, n\u00e3o; nem j\u00e1 gora\n  A minha morte p\u00f3de ter demora;\nOs Ceos a mandem, que em tormentos fortes\n  Huma morte he melhor, que muitas mortes.\nAh! Campos, se v\u00f3s fosseis animados,\n  E ponderasseis bem os meus cuidados,\nDe mim aprenderieis, que a ventura,\n  Ao que nasceo feliz, he que procura:\nE Aquelle, que nasceo j\u00e1 desgra\u00e7ado,\n  Sempre lhe foge com semblante irado.\nMas quem he, que este monte vem subindo?\n  Pelo trage he Pastor: sim, he Laurindo,\nQue talvez magoado d'escutar-me,\n  Quer meios procurar de consolar-me:\nEm v\u00e3o, em v\u00e3o se can\u00e7a, se o intenta;\n  Que em vez de alivio dar-me, a dor me augmenta.\nAgora mais me vejo impaciente,\n  Que at\u00e9 me afflige a vista de hum vivente:\nMas elle vem, n\u00e3o posso resistir-lhe,\n  J\u00e1 n\u00e3o posso esconder-me, nem fugir-lhe;\nSe fujo desta parte, he ribanceira,\n  Se daquella, me affogo na ribeira;\nPois nella acabarei, morrer n\u00e3o temo;\n  De huma s\u00f3 morte acabe Polyfemo.\nLAURINDO.\nDetem-te, amigo, e espera, que fazias?\n  A ti mesmo matar-te pertendias?\nSeres comtigo mesmo \u00edmpio tyranno,\n  Para hum damno evitar com maior damno!\nPOLYFEMO.\nDeixa, deixa, que eu morra por piedade,\n  Porque morrendo, evito a crueldade\nDos \u00edmpios Deoses: ah! Viver n\u00e3o quero,\n  Pois vida t\u00e3o penosa n\u00e3o tol\u00e9ro:\nTu contar\u00e1s \u00e1 falsa Galat\u00e9a,\n  Que por ella me expuz \u00e1 morte feia;\nPor\u00e9m no peito o cora\u00e7\u00e3o me estalla,\n  Vendo, que \u00c1cis tyranno ha de logralla:\nMas logre-a, logre-a, embora, oh que tormento!\n  Que eu s\u00f3, por tal n\u00e3o ver, morrer intento.\nLAURINDO.\nSocega, amigo, queres dessa sorte\n  Dar a vida, por quem te causa a morte?\nQueres vingar-te della socegado?\n  Desprezou-te, despreza-a: est\u00e1s vingado.\nPOLYFEMO.\nDesprezar Galat\u00e9a, e offendella\n  Quando s\u00f3 morrer por ella!\nIsso n\u00e3o, que depois de eu adoralla,\n  Valor n\u00e3o tenho para maltratalla:\nElla pratique embora a crueldade,\n  Que eu n\u00e3o devo imitar-lhe a impiedade.\nLAURINDO.\nConheces, que te offende essa perjura,\n  E inda morres por ella? Oh que loucura!\nPOLYFEMO.\nSim, amigo, traidora a considero;\n  Mas quiz-lhe bem: querer-lhe mal n\u00e3o quero.\nEu n\u00e3o lhe amo o rigor, sim a belleza,\n  Que he parto singular da natureza:\nTu, que a conheces, v\u00ea, se raz\u00e3o tenho\n  Para adoralla com t\u00e3o grande empenho:\nO lindo rosto, aquelles olhos bellos,\n  T\u00e3o matadores, que em chegando a v\u00eallos,\nParece, que do rosto lhe saltav\u00e3o,\n  E que para n\u00e3o v\u00eallos me cegav\u00e3o.\nAs loiras tran\u00e7as, bem como doiradas,\n  Sobre seus alvos hombros espalhadas.\nSe as costas me voltava por desprezo,\n  Como que a ellas me levava prezo:\nNas lindas faces se me figurav\u00e3o\n  Duas papoilas, que entre a neve estav\u00e3o.\nA boca, que em conceitos sempre acerta,\n  Parecia huma rosa meia aberta;\nMas quando grave, e graciosa ria,\n  Oh quanto ent\u00e3o mais bella parecia!\nMostrando os claros dentes, que esmaltav\u00e3o\n  Seus bei\u00e7os, que de n\u00e1car se formav\u00e3o;\nE co'a for\u00e7a do riso as faces bellas\n  Duas covas fazi\u00e3o como estrellas.\nAs m\u00e3os por engra\u00e7adas, e pequenas\n  Pareci\u00e3o formosas a\u00e7ucenas.\nMil vezes quiz beijar-lhas; por\u00e9m ella,\n  Que o damno prevenia na caut\u00e9la,\nEscondendo-as, de mim mais se affastava,\n  Que at\u00e9 nisto ser casta bem mostrava.\nEstas bellezas, esta honestidade\n  For\u00e3o priz\u00f5es da minha liberdade,\nE quanto as lindas m\u00e3os mais me negava,\n  Tanto as doces priz\u00f5es mais me apertava;\nMas n'huma s\u00e9sta vi, que ella dormia\n  Junto do pote, que na fonte enchia:\nVou-me p\u00e9 ante p\u00e9, e hindo a beijar-lhas,\n  Me arrependi, porque temi manchar-lhas.\nNem s\u00f3 para pegar-lhes valor tinha,\n  Porque m\u00e3o t\u00e3o grosseira, como a minha,\nN\u00e3o devia tocar aquella neve,\n  Que s\u00f3 com outra igual tocar-se deve;\nMas immovel fiquei, pois s\u00f3 gostava\n  De ver a bella ac\u00e7\u00e3o, em que ella estava.\nO branco rosto sobre o curvo bra\u00e7o,\n  Outra m\u00e3o tambem curva no rega\u00e7o:\nO corpo reclinado sobre a fonte,\n  E a curta sombra, que lhe dava o monte,\nS\u00f3 metade do rosto lhe cubria,\n  Que muito mais formosa inda a fazia.\nEu, que s\u00f3 me detinha em admiralla,\n  Sem que tivesse intento de acordalla;\nComo de gosto estava arrebatado,\n  Sem que eu sentisse, cahe me o cajado:\nD\u00e1-lhe nos p\u00e9s: acorda ella assustada,\n  V\u00ea-me, levanta-se, e com voz irada\nMe diz: \"Vil, s\u00f3 comigo! Que fazias?\n  \"Dize: acaso offender-me pertendias?\n\"Se por gigante intentas de vencer-me,\n  \"Matar-me poder\u00e1s, mas n\u00e3o render-me:\n\"Que a minha honestidade he t\u00e3o constante,\n  \"Que n\u00e3o cede \u00e1 violencia de hum gigante.\nN\u00e3o, (eu lhe respondi) n\u00e3o te offendia:\n  Nem de ti outra cousa pertendia,\nMais do que ao menos, pois te n\u00e3o lograva,\n  Ver-te: e so com te ver me contentava.\nSe nisto te offendi, ou me desculpa,\n  Ou me castiga, se me achares culpa:\nQue se eu da tua m\u00e3o for castigado,\n  Serei ditoso, se antes desgra\u00e7ado.\nMas dize-me, cruel, se me estimaste,\n  Porque raz\u00e3o sem culpa me deixaste?\nE se indigno me achavas para amante,\n  Porque juraste de me ser constante?\nQue resposta daria a fementida?\n  \"Vai-te louco, (me diz) que aborrecida\n\"At\u00e9 de ouvir-te estou, nem posso dar-te\n  \"Outra raz\u00e3o maior de desprezar-te,\n\"Sen\u00e3o, que as Leis de Amor j\u00e1 n\u00e3o tolero:\n  \"Amei-te, em quanto quiz, hoje n\u00e3o quero.\n\"Em fim, tu n\u00e3o \u00e9s do meu agrado:\n  \"Basta: vai-te, que est\u00e1s desenganado.\nE com este rigor aquella \u00edmpia\n  Foge: chamo-a, mais ella me fugia:\nEu vendo a ir t\u00e3o bella, quanto irada,\n  Corpo gentil, cintura delicada,\nAfflicto exclamo: Ah! Deshumana f\u00e9ra!\n  Nunca te eu v\u00edra, ou nunca te perd\u00eara.\nLAURINDO.\nAinda louvas a ingrata por formosa,\n  Quando enorme se fez, sendo aleivosa?\nPolyfemo, se queres ser discreto,\n  N\u00e3o recordes a offensa, nem o affecto:\nQue o affecto tambem o tempo o gasta,\n  E a offensa he parto de huma louca, basta\nQue \u00e1 raz\u00e3o nunca os olhos tem abertos,\n  E sem luz que far\u00e1? Mil desacertos:\nPor isso \u00e1quelle, que extremoso a trata,\n A paga, que lhe d\u00e1, he ser-lhe ingrata.\nBem como o bravo lobo carniceiro,\n  Que v\u00ea, que a innocencia de hum cordeiro\nN\u00e3o p\u00e9de entranhas ter para aggravallo,\n  Por isso mesmo quer despeda\u00e7allo;\nMas se este acha hum rafeiro, que o extingue,\n  Tambem ella achar\u00e1 quem bem te vingue:\nE no entanto o melhor he esquecella,\n  E se possivel for, nunca mais vella.\nPOLYFEMO.\nTambem deixar de a ver he impossivel,\n  Porque sem vella, a dor mais insoffrivel\nCreio, que dentro n'alma padecesse,\n  Como a flor, que sem Sol murcha, e n\u00e3o cresce.\nAh! Se eu agora a visse, e lhe fallasse,\n  Talvez que a meus gemidos se abrandasse:\nE p\u00f3de ser, que a achasse arrependida\n  De perder, quem por ella perde a vida.\nOh qu\u00e3o feliz seria a minha sorte,\n  Se ella abrandasse aquelle genio forte!\nDo desprezo, e d'affronta eu me esquec\u00eara,\n  Se hum riso, se hum sinal de amor me d\u00e9ra.\nTudo, tudo por ella perderia:\n  Sem gado, sem choupana ficaria:\nSujeitar-me-hia pelos seus amores\n  A viver das esmolas dos Pastores:\nPois sem logralla, tudo me he penoso,\n  E logrando-a, sou pobre; mas ditoso.\nLAURINDO.\nSe amas com tanto extremo a huma traidora,\n  Que mais fizeras, se fiel te f\u00f4ra?\nPOLYFEMO.\nEsta alma, que me anima, se pudesse,\n  Creio, que em paga d'esse amor lha d\u00e9sse,\nAmando-te, era justo premialla;\n  Mas desprezando-te, he loucura amalla:\nSim, que o homem n\u00e3o mostra ser discreto\n  Amando a falsa, que tem outro objecto:\nPois daqui nasce a mancha da deshonra,\n  E antes se perca a vida, do que a honra.\nQue se havia dizer na nossa Ald\u00eaa,\n  Se depois dessa ingrata Galat\u00e9a\nPor outro te deixar, tu a buscasses,\n  Esquecido d'affronta inda a estimasses?\nE n\u00e3o tremias, n\u00e3o te envergonhavas\n  De dizerem, que a honra desprezavas?\nAh! Querias do amor ser arrastado,\n  Perdendo a fama, e credito de honrado?\nDize, responde, a falla n\u00e3o escondas;\n  Mas ou me vence, ou nada me respondas.\nPOLYFEMO.\nNada responderei por defender-me,\n  Pois por s\u00e1bio chegaste a convencer-me:\nSe a paix\u00e3o me cubrio de escuridade,\n  Tu me mostraste as luzes da verdade:\nAgora j\u00e1 conhe\u00e7o, que essa \u00edmpia\n  Mais f\u00e9ra, que o drag\u00e3o, que o monte cria,\nNem amor, nem piedade j\u00e1 merece,\n  Pois por outro me deixa; e assim se esquece\nDa f\u00e9, que me jurou, e da lealdade,\n  Com que sempre a tratei; que a falsidade\nN\u00e3o podia caber n'hum peito amante,\n  Que ainda offendido mostra ser constante.\nEu, que at\u00e9 \u00e1s Pastoras, quando as via,\n  Nem ainda, o Ceo vos guarde, lhes dizia:\nE se acaso de longe as avistava,\n  Por lhes fugir, a estrada rodeava.\nTudo isto por fineza \u00e1quella infame,\n  Que, s\u00f3 t\u00e3o feio nome, he bem lhe chame;\nPorque a saber, que \u00e1s outras eu fallava,\n  N\u00e3o julgasse, que alguma me agradava;\nPor\u00e9m que premio vim a tirar disto?\n  Sabes o que? Com todos ser malquisto:\nDesprezarem-me todos, ver-me agora\n  Aqui s\u00f3, sem amigos, nem Pastora:\nE a falsa, tanto extremo desprezando,\n  Amar outro, e ficar de mim zombando!\nE soffro tal inj\u00faria sem vingar-me!\n  Poderei socegar sem despicar-me!\nN\u00e3o, n\u00e3o socegarei, que hum peito irado\n  Socega s\u00f3 depois de estar vingado.\nSim, vou j\u00e1 despicar-me... Mas que intento!\n  Que fa\u00e7o! Aonde vou! Que pensamento\nHe este, que me occorre! Oh quanto errado\n  Gyra o discurso de paix\u00e3o cercado!\nEu matar Galat\u00e9a! Oh que vileza!\n  Naquella rara imagem da belleza\nDescarregar o golpe penetrante!\n  E havi\u00e3o ver meus olhos nesse istante\nAquelle brando peito traspassado!\n  O rosto, bem qual Sol quando eclipsado!\nE os olhos, que daquelle Sol s\u00e3o raios,\n  Perdendo a luz na sombra dos desmaios!\nAquellas lindas faces t\u00e3o c\u00f3radas\n  Eu poderia vellas desmaiadas!\nA boca rubicunda, e graciosa,\n  Bem qual entre jasmins a linda rosa,\nEu teria valor, teria vida,\n  Para vella sem gra\u00e7a amortecida!\nE havi\u00e3o escutar-lhe os meus ouvidos\n  O pranto, os ais, e os ultimos gemidos:\nJ\u00e1 com tr\u00e9mola voz, e a cada instante\n  Vella convulsa, afflicta, e delirante,\nSem alento, sem c\u00f4r desfalecida,\n  Dando hum suspiro, e acabando a vida!\nOh Ceos! Que horror concebo em ponderallo!\n  Eu tremo, g\u00e9lo-me, e de dor estallo:\nQue cora\u00e7\u00e3o t\u00e3o barbaro haveria,\n  Que obrasse t\u00e3o enorme tyrannia?\nEu teria valor, se a offendesse,\n  Para vella morrer, sem que eu moresse?\nN\u00e3o, n\u00e3o teria tanta impiedade,\n  Que vendo cahir morta hume Deidade,\nN\u00e3o me sahisse deste insano peito?\n  O duro cora\u00e7\u00e3o de dor desfeito.\nNem mais contemplar quero tal desgra\u00e7a,\n  Que parece, que o Ceo j\u00e1 me amea\u00e7a,\nQue a terra vejo abrir, que j\u00e1 comigo\n  Se abate, e me confunde por castigo.\nAh! Minha Galat\u00e9a, vive embora,\n  Bem que me sejas infiel, traidora:\nAinda te amo, se bem, que o n\u00e3o mere\u00e7as;\n  Eu pade\u00e7a, mas sem que tu pade\u00e7as:\nVive feliz, e logra o teu amante:\n  Oh justos Ceos, que dor t\u00e3o penetrante!\nMal posso respirar, que at\u00e9 o alento\n  Me soffoca a violencia do tormento.\nVai-te, amigo, e me deixa s\u00f3 hum pouco,\n  Que eu n\u00e3o estou em mim, eu estou louco:\nOh! Venha embora a morte rigorosa\n  Acabar-me esta vida t\u00e3o penosa.\nLAURINDO.\nDeixa, amigo, esse louco desvario,\n  Que o ser de homem deslustra, offende o brio:\nE que o mundo dissesse pertendias,\n  Que por huma mulher enlouquecias?\nPOLYFEMO.\nTambem dir\u00e1, que n\u00e3o me alt\u00e9ra a offensa,\n  Pois tol\u00e9ro a inimiga na presen\u00e7a.\nLAURINDO.\nPerdoando-lhe tu por generoso,\n  Que ha de o Mundo dizer? Que \u00e9s virtuoso.\nMas se a fraca mulher \u00edmpio punias,\n  S\u00f3 de cubarde o nome vil terias.\nPOLYFEMO.\nSim, perdoada est\u00e1: eu lhe perdoo,\n  Pois da sua fraqueza me condoo;\nTambem, porque talvez seja innocente,\n  Se bem que a culpa a accuse delinquente;\nGalat\u00e9a he honesta, he recatada:\n  Pois quem duvida fosse requestada\nD'aquelle \u00c1cis traidor, e que a enganasse\n  Com v\u00e3s promessas, para que o amasse?\nLAURINDO.\nPensas bem que a mulher de honesto estado,\n  Se d\u00e1 seu cora\u00e7\u00e3o, sempre he rogado;\nSe bem que o rogo algumas n\u00e3o convence;\n  Mas a feia ambi\u00e7\u00e3o a muitas vence.\nPOLYFEMO.\nSim? Pois hoje ver\u00e1s, que a minha ira\n  S\u00f3 contra aquelle infame se conspira:\nElle, por me arrancar de amor a palma,\n  Me roubou a doce alma da minha alma,\nVista dos olhos meus, bem como estrella,\n  Que luz me dava, para poder v\u00ealla.\nClara luz, doce vida, alma preciosa,\n  Tudo perdi. Oh scena lastimosa!\nTudo o vil me roubou; por\u00e9m protesto\n  Fazer o seu castigo manifesto\nAo Ceo, \u00e1 terra, a todos os viventes:\n  Elle me offende, as culpas s\u00e3o patentes;\nPois o proprio delicto he, que o condemna,\n  A que segundo a culpa, sinta a pena.\nLAURINDO.\nQueres que a morte de \u00c1cis justifique\n  Huma c\u00e9ga paix\u00e3o, hum vil despique?\nPOLYFEMO.\nQuero, porque da inj\u00faria se n\u00e3o gave,\n  Que o proprio sangue a sua culpa lave:\nE se neste lugar j\u00e1 o apanh\u00e1ra,\n  O cora\u00e7\u00e3o do peito lhe arranc\u00e1ra.\nLAURINDO.\nDize: se a Galat\u00e9a perdoaste,\n  Depois que a culpa enorme lhe provaste,\nO Pastor, que he talvez menos culpado,\n  Porque n\u00e3o he, como ella, perdoado?\nPOLYFEMO.\nElla sim: me offendeo; mas obrigada,\n  E merece perd\u00e3o por violentada;\nMas elle n\u00e3o he digno de clemencia,\n  Pois mais culpado est\u00e1 pela violencia.\nLAURINDO.\nAqui n\u00e3o ha violencia, ha certa culpa,\n  Que Amor condemna, e logo Amor desculpa,\nDelicto immensas vezes praticado\n  Por quem ama, e pertende ser amado.\nPOLYFEMO.\nAssim se obra; mas sempre he falsidade,\n  Quando offende as leis santas d'amizade.\nLAURINDO.\nHe m\u00e1o quebrar a Lei; mas que te espanta,\n  Se ella te jurou f\u00e9, e a f\u00e9 quebranta?\nPolyfemo, discorre mais prudente;\n  Vence-te a ti, se queres ser valente:\nEu teu amigo sou, eu sou mais velho,\n  Tu, que \u00e9s mais mo\u00e7o, toma o meu conselho\nNo falso Amor n\u00e3o fa\u00e7as confian\u00e7a:\n  Desterra a ira, foge da vingan\u00e7a,\nQue esta inquieta, aquella te amofina:\n  De qualquer dellas sempre vem ruina.\nMales, que tu n\u00e3o queres supportallos,\n  N\u00e3o deves para os outros desejallos,\nQue \u00e1s vezes s\u00e3o, qual pedra despedida,\n  Que no mesmo que a deita, abre a ferida:\nQueres a morte de \u00c1cis? N\u00e3o ponderas,\n  Que p\u00f3de em ti cahir, se nelle a esperas?\nTeme o Ceo vingador, teme-lhe a ira:\n  O Ceo, que a vida d\u00e1, s\u00f3 elle a tira:\nS\u00f3 elle sobre as vidas tem dominio,\n  E n\u00e3o deves opp\u00f4r-te ao seu designio;\nNem ao menos vingar-te levemente\n  Poder\u00e1s, sem que fiques delinquente.\nOlha, que para Jupiter Supremo\n  He menos, que hum mosquito, hum Polyfemo.\n\u00c1 voz s\u00f3 do seu raio penetrante\n  Treme de susto a rocha mais constante.\nFoge, foge de o veres irritado,\n  E n\u00e3o fa\u00e7as, que a m\u00e3o levante irado.\nAh! J\u00e1, mudas de c\u00f4r, tremes, e pensas?\n  Pois a ti mesmo, espero, te conven\u00e7as.\nPOLYFEMO.\nTremo de confus\u00e3o, e de mim tremo;\n  Os castigos do Ceo Respeito, e temo;\nMas o affecto, a paix\u00e3o, a honra, a offensa\n  N\u00e3o me deix\u00e3o ac\u00e7\u00e3o, em que eu me ven\u00e7a:\nVejo a justa raz\u00e3o, quero seguilla;\n  Mas a paix\u00e3o vem logo a destruilla:\nQue este meu cora\u00e7\u00e3o nunca descan\u00e7a\n  De chamar-me ao caminho da vingan\u00e7a.\nLAURINDO.\nQualquer paix\u00e3o, qualquer impaciencia\n  Se vence com discurso, e com prudencia.\nPOLYFEMO.\nT\u00e3o desgra\u00e7ado sou, que neste empenho\n  Nem j\u00e1 discurso, nem prudencia tenho:\nQuem vio t\u00e3o enredado labyrintho\n  Como este, que na id\u00e9a, e n'alma sinto!\nDeoses, se justos sois, ou dai-me a morte,\n  Ou me livrai de confus\u00e3o t\u00e3o forte;\nEu se vingar-me vou, me precipito;\n  Porque aos Deoses offende o meu delicto:\nSe assento em perdoar, n\u00e3o persevero,\n  Porque em vendo o offensor, logo me altero;\nPor\u00e9m hum novo meio j\u00e1 me occorre:\n  Melhor acerta, quem melhor discorre.\nEu n\u00e3o quero incitar ao Ceo clemente,\n  Mas para n\u00e3o vingar-me do insolente,\nEu fugirei de o ver, que ao v\u00eallo, logo\n  A cinza quente exhalaria fogo.\nDeixarei estes monte, estes prados,\n  Que a verdura me dav\u00e3o para os gados:\nIrei viver nas mais occultas brenhas,\n  Onde gente n\u00e3o veja, mas s\u00f3 penhas:\nDa vingan\u00e7a, e d'affronta assim me privo,\n  E ninguem sabe se sou morto ou vivo.\nLAURINDO.\nResolves bem, amigo; sim, he justo\n  Fugires do perigo a todo o custo;\nPorque busca a desgra\u00e7a todo aquelle,\n  Que vendo o damno, n\u00e3o se aparta delle:\nPerca-se a Patria, perca-se a fazenda,\n  Perca-se tudo, e nunca o Ceo se offenda.\nTu sim perdes lavoiras, e o serrado;\n  Mas o Ceo, que esses bens te havia dado,\nTe dar\u00e1 novos campos mais extensos,\n  Donde possas colher frutos immensos:\nQuem perder pelo Ceo, fique esperando,\n  Que em vez da perda, ficar\u00e1 lucrando:\nSe a tua cho\u00e7a perdes, caro amigo,\n  A minha he grande, vivir\u00e1s comigo:\nPara a tua lavoira dar-te-hei terra\n  Da campina, que tenho, al\u00e9m da serra;\nDar-te-hei duas palmeiras mui frondosas,\n  Donde colhas as t\u00e2maras gostosas:\nDar-te-hei duas formosas aveleiras,\n  Tortas sepas, vi\u00e7osas oliveiras:\nE do mais fruto, que o Ceo der, pendente\n  Repartiremos ambos irm\u00e3mente.\nPara o gado l\u00e1 tens vi\u00e7osa relva,\n  L\u00e1 tens para o recreio a linda selva,\nOnde achar\u00e1s hum bosque mui sombrio,\n  De huma parte arvoredo, d'outra hum rio:\nAlli se ouvem os p\u00e1ssaros cantando,\n  Alli se escuta o rio murmurando,\nNelle and\u00e3o de cont\u00ednuo os pescadores,\n  Nelle pesc\u00e3o tambem alguns Pastores\nO saboroso peixe \u00e1 longa cana,\n  Ou com o iscado anzol, que mais o engana:\nEm fim, he campo ameno, he deleitavel,\n  Fructuosa a terra, o clima saudavel:\nL\u00e1 vivir\u00e1s, amigo, descan\u00e7ado,\n  Sem ver a causa do mortal cuidado:\nPois naquella distancia por extensa\n  N\u00e3o v\u00eas o offensor, nem v\u00eas a offensa.\nPOLYFEMO.\nDiscreto amigo, amigo verdadeiro,\n  Tu fostes dos humanos o primeiro,\nQue me soube vencer: eu que algum dia\n  Nem a raz\u00e3o, nem Deoses conhecia,\nHoje a raz\u00e3o abra\u00e7o, os Deoses temo;\n  Tu me fizeste hum novo Polyfemo.\nLAURINDO.\nConvence-te a raz\u00e3o, porque \u00e9s humano,\n  Que a raz\u00e3o s\u00f3 n\u00e3o doma o bruto insano.\nPOLYFEMO.\nOh grande, oh raro exemplo d'amizade!\n  Oh cora\u00e7\u00e3o, gerado de piedade!\nDespido d'ambi\u00e7\u00e3o, e d'avareza,\n  S\u00f3 inclinado \u00e1 m\u00edsera pobreza!\nDeixa, que por mostrar-me agradecido,\n  A teus honrados p\u00e9s chegue abatido;\nE esta boca, por quem ser\u00e1s louvado,\n  Beije o ch\u00e3o duro, dos teus p\u00e9s tocado.\nLAURINDO.\nSuspende, Polyfemo, eu n\u00e3o pertendo\n  A tua gratid\u00e3o, antes me offendo,\nDe a meus p\u00e9s te prostares abatido,\n  Acatamento s\u00f3 ao Ceo devido.\nPOLYFEMO.\nOh quanto \u00e9s digno de louvor completo,\n  Por liberal, humilde, e por discreto!\nAprenda o avarento ambicioso\n  A ser mais liberal, mais caridoso:\nO que da santa, e m\u00edsera pobreza\n  Foge, como quem foge da vileza,\nVeja, que o rico, o paderoso, o nobre\n  Talvez, chegue a pedir esmola ao pobre:\nEsse, que as minas abre, e colhe o ouro,\n  Julgando a vida ter no seu thesouro,\nVeja, que a vida, e ouro n'hum momento\n  He como o fumo, que consome o vento:\nSiga os teus passos o soberbo inchado,\n  Que julga, que a ventura tem ao lado:\nOlhe, que a seca o grosso rio esgota,\n  E at\u00e9 com vento o cedro se derrota.\nLonge, longe de n\u00f3s, \u00f3 vicio forte,\n  Vicio mais feio, do que a feia morte.\nLAURINDO.\nN\u00e3o ter\u00e3o parte em n\u00f3s vicios danados,\n  Nem pizar\u00e1\u00f5 a flor dos nossos prados;\nQue esta l\u00e3, que nos cobre, esta pobreza\n  Contra o vicio nos serve de defeza.\nVamos gozar a santa paz ditosa,\n  Vamos colher a fruta saborosa\nDa minha bella Ald\u00eaa: vem, amigo,\n  Que eu n\u00e3o me ausento, sem que v\u00e1s comigo.\nPOLYFEMO.\nVamos; mas ah Laurindo, quem diria,\n  Que por huma mulher, por'huma \u00edmpia\nEu havia deixar a minha Ald\u00eaa,\n  E ir d'esmolas viver na terra alheia?\nOh triste Polyfemo! Oh desgra\u00e7ado!\n  De ti deves queixar-te, e n\u00e3o do fado:\nEm mil exemplos o perigo viste,\n  Devias fugir delle, n\u00e3o fugiste?\nPois agora o teu erro ir\u00e1s pagando,\n  E o damno sem remedio lamentando.\nTome exemplo de mim, o que ama c\u00e9go,\n  Julgando ter no amor todo o socego,\nVeja a minha desgra\u00e7a, e tema o dano,\n  Que sempre nasce deste amor profano:\nN\u00e3o prenda a doce, amavel liberdade,\n  J\u00e1 que o Ceo lhe quiz dar livre a vontade:\nFuja do amor, e guarde esta doutrina,\n  Se quizer viver longe da ruina.\nMas ah! Nem j\u00e1 do amor quero lembrar-me,\n  Que he facil outra vez precipitar-me.\nAdeus, \u00f3 campos meus, campos amados,\n  Que me daveis o fruto, e pasto aos gados:\nJ\u00e1 n\u00e3o hei de ferir vossos ouvidos,\n  Nem j\u00e1 respondereis aos meus gemidos.\nAdeus, \u00f3 rio meu, que me obrigavas,\n  Quando ao meu gado tuas aguas davas;\nMas pago ficas, que essa grossa enchente\n  A augmenta de meus olhos a corrente.\nAdeos, pl\u00e1cida fonte, onde algum dia\n  Se alegre rias, eu alegre ria;\nNo prazer te imitei; mas hoje afflicto\n  S\u00f3 no pranto, que verto, he que te imito.\nLembra-te, \u00f3 fonte, que a cruel Pastora,\n  Essa, que sem raz\u00e3o me foi traidora,\nPor ti jurou, que essa agua lhe faltasse,\n  Se ella de amor a pura se manchasse:\nAgora deves, pois faltou perjura,\n  Por castigo negar-lhe essa agua pura:\nComo ella contra si justi\u00e7a pede,\n  Ou procure agua longe, ou morta \u00e1 sede;\nMas ah! Que digo! He muita crueldade:\n  N\u00e3o, n\u00e3o lhe negues agua por piedade,\nTem della compaix\u00e3o, d\u00e1-lhe desculpa,\n  Basta s\u00f3, que a castigue a propria culpa.\nAdeos, \u00f3 prado ameno, as flores bellas\n  Eu te roubei para tecer capellas:\nPerdoa-me, e talvez que inda melhores,\n  Que \u00e1 custa do meu mal ter\u00e1s mais flores:\nE apague a minha culpa, que te aggrava\n  Este pranto, que humilde os p\u00e9s te lava.\nAdeos, Pastores, doces companhias\n  Dos meus passados, e felices dias;\nPor\u00e9m dias t\u00e3o breves, quanto he breve\n  No Irverno a calma, no Ver\u00e3o a neve:\nSe o meu canto aprendestes algum dia,\n  No tempo da ventura, e d'alegria\nHoje do meu desgosto, e do meu damno\n  Podeis lucrar mais util desengano,\nVendo, por breve ser minha ventura,\n  Quanto a glotia do mundo pouco dura:\nQue apenas nos faz ver hum falso gosto,\n  Logo atr\u00e1s delle vem maior desgosto.\nAdeos, \u00f3 Galat\u00e9a; mas que digo!\n  Cuidei, que tinhas inda o nome antigo;\nMas n\u00e3o deves ter j\u00e1 nome de humana,\n  Sendo Le\u00e3o feroz, vibora insana:\nFica-te embora em paz, e s\u00f3 te pe\u00e7o\n  De mim t'esque\u00e7as, que eu de ti m'esque\u00e7o:\nSim, farei, que n\u00e3o tornes a lembrar-me\n  Para querer-te, nem para vingar-me:\nE poderemos s\u00f3 ficar lembrados\n  Do exemplo, com que fomos doutrinados:\nMas v\u00ea, quanto differem as doutrinas,\n  A que eu te dei, daquella, que me ensinas:\nEu te ensinei a ser fiel, constante,\n  Tu me ensinaste a ser falso, inconstante;\nMas nunca me seguiste a lealdade,\n  Nem eu soube seguir-te a falsidade;\nPor\u00e9m essa doutrina; inda que inutil,\n  Estimo-a, porque em parte me foi util:\nSe at\u00e9 aqui das Pastoras n\u00e3o fugia,\n  Porque a sua trai\u00e7\u00e3o n\u00e3o conhecia,\nJ\u00e1 della fugirei desenganado,\n  Como quem foge do animal damnado.\nLonge, longe de mim, \u00edmpias tyrannas,\n  Ide viver com f\u00e9ras deshumanas:\nEm fim, parto a morrer: Adeos, Pastora,\n  Adeos, \u00edmpia: Adeos, falsa: Adeos, traidora.\nSONETO.\nNovo exemplo aqui tens, m\u00edsero humano,\nQue incensas os Altares da vaidade,\nAqui te mostro a estrada da verdade,\nPor onde ao Templo v\u00e1s do desengano:\nDe Polyfemo o lamentavel damno,\nDe Galat\u00e9a a horrenda falsidade\nTe excitem a fugir da crueldade,\nQue he premio certo desse amor tyranno!\nElle consome os bens, a honra offende,\nO socego perturba, arrisca a vida,\nE o cora\u00e7\u00e3o mais livre assalta, e rende.\nAh! Destr\u00f3e essa m\u00e3o f\u00e9ra, humicida,\nRompe os duros grilh\u00f5es, com que te prende,\nQuebra-lhe as setas, ficar\u00e1 vencida.\nGALAT\u00c9A\nEGLOGA.\nSEGUNDA PARTE.\nDO MESMO AUTHOR.\nINTERLOCULORES.\nGALAT\u00c9A, LAURINDO, E \u00c1CIS.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nEGLOGA.\nA bella, incomparavel Galat\u00e9a,\n  A Nynfa, tutelar, gloria d'Ald\u00eaa\nO seu \u00c1cis perdido busca afflicta:\n  Corre, examina, geme, chora, e grita:\n\"\u00c1cis! \u00c1cis! Meu bem! Onde te escondes?\n  \"Eu rouca de chamar-te, e n\u00e3o respondes?\n\"Se nas margens do rio por ti clamo;\n  \"Mais foge o rio, quanto mais te chamo.\n\"Se \u00e1 fonte vou teu nome repetindo,\n  \"Ella vai murmurando, e vai-se rindo.\n\"S\u00f3 este monte de me ouvir magoado,\n  \"Se eu te chamo, elle chama, e tu calado!\n\"Ah meu \u00c1cis! meu bem, se inda tens vida,\n  \"Soccorre esta, que he tua, ass\u00e1z perdida.\n\"E se aos campos Elysios j\u00e1 partiste,\n  \"L\u00e1 ver\u00e1s breve a Galat\u00e9a triste.\n\"A ti me ha de ligar a morte crua;\n  Pois tu \u00e9s a minha alma: eu alma tua.\nLAURINDO.\nQue vozes, ternas vozes t\u00e3o sentidas\n  Os montes ferem de afflic\u00e7\u00e3o nascidas!\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAh Pastores, que, alegres, divertidos\n  Cantais ao triste som dos meus gemidos!\nSe este pranto vos move \u00e1 caridade,\n  Deparai-me o meu \u00c1cis, por piedade.\nLAURINDO.\nA voz he de mulher. que ao longe grita.\n  Quem pud\u00e9ra valer \u00e1 triste afflicta!\nOs duros \u00e9cos, que este valle atr\u00f4\u00e3o,\n  Sen\u00e3o me engano, desta encosta s\u00f4\u00e3o.\nEu vou por este pedregoso atalho\n  Ver, se encontro, quem he, ver se lhe valho.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAh! Ninguem j\u00e1 responde aos meus clamores?\n  J\u00e1 n\u00e3o acho piedade nos Pastores?\nMisera Galat\u00e9a! A que chegaste,\n  Depois que amor no cora\u00e7\u00e3o geraste!\nMas ah! Sen\u00e3o me engana a mata espessa,\n  Hum homem para mim o passo apressa!\nHe Pastor: quem ser\u00e1? N\u00e3o vejo tanto,\n  Pois me escurece a vista o grosso pranto.\nSer\u00e1 o meu bom \u00c1cis? Se elle f\u00f4ra,\n  Huma nova alma eu conceb\u00eara agora.\n\u00c1cis! \u00c1cis! \u00c9s tu? Responde, falla:\n  Ou n\u00e3o he elle, ou n\u00e3o me estima, e cala:\nLAURINDO.\nHe Pastora; e se n\u00e3o me engana a id\u00e9a\n  Pelo gentil semblante he Galat\u00e9a.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAh! J\u00e1 vejo: j\u00e1 estou desenganada,\n  Que o meu \u00c1cis n\u00e3o he. \u00d3 desgra\u00e7ada!\nLAURINDO.\nGalat\u00e9a, que tens? Tu, que algum dia\n  Semeavas os campos de alegria,\nHoje com pranto, e vozes, que enternecem,\n  Murchas as plantas, que ao teu riso crescem!\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nFeliz foi esse tempo; por\u00e9m hoje\n  De mim (qual rez ferida) o prazer foge.\nMas dize-me, Laurindo, acaso viste\n  O meu \u00c1cis, por quem suspiro triste?\nLAURINDO.\nHa dias, que o n\u00e3o vi; mas que motivo\n  Banha o teu lindo rosto em pranto activo?\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nEu te mostro a origem, que ao mostralla,\n  No triste peito o cora\u00e7\u00e3o me estalla.\nHa tres dias... Oh dias de amargura,\n  Mais negros para mim, que a noite escura!\nQuando o Sol hia ver outro Orizonte,\n  Deixando triste o rio, o valle, o monte,\nMetto o fuso na r\u00f3ca, o gado chamo\n  Para o pobre curral, vem ao reclamo:\nConto as cabe\u00e7as, falta-me a Ovelhinha,\n  Que eu estimava mais, que as mais, que eu tinha,\nPor brincadora, esperta, e t\u00e3o malhada,\n  Que parecia com pincel pintada.\nTinha-me tanto amor, que se eu gemia\n  Ella ent\u00e3o nem brincava, nem comia.\nMas se me via alegre, ou se eu cantava,\n  Ella ao meu lado de prazer saltava.\nEu afflicta a busquei t\u00e9 junto ao T\u00e9jo;\n  Quando na margem o meu \u00c1cis vejo.\nCorre a ver-me, e no riso amor explica;\n  Por\u00e9m vendo-me afflicta, afflicto fica.\nPergunta-me a raz\u00e3o: conto o successo,\n  E que procure a minha rez lhe pesso.\nElle me diz ent\u00e3o com vozes ternas,\n  Vozes, que esta alma ha de guardar eternas:\n\"Ah! N\u00e3o chores, meu bem, minha alegria.\n  \"Em cujos olhos brilha a luz do dia!\n\"Se os encobres com pranto, e magoa enorme,\n  \"Queres, que o dia em noite se transforme?\n\"Fugio-te a tua Ovelha: eu ta procuro;\n  \"E por teus lindos olhos eu te juro,\n\"Que se ella viva est\u00e1, e eu souber della,\n  \"Inda que arrisque a vida, hei de trazella;\n\"Mas se baldado for o meu empenho,\n  \"Das minhas escolhe huma, ou quantas tenho,\nE com t\u00e3o terno amor me enchuga o rosto,\n  Que me leva metade do desgosto.\nQuiz partir, dava hum passo, ent\u00e3o parava,\n  Como que em mim seu cora\u00e7\u00e3o deixava:\nPartio; e a cada passo.... (\u00f3 que retiro!)\n  Voltava para mim, dava hum suspiro;\nQue o cora\u00e7\u00e3o presago lhe dizia,\n  Que era a ultima vez, em que me via.\nE bem se verifica (oh Ceos! Conforto!)\n  Que n\u00e3o me ha de ver mais, porque he j\u00e1 morto.\nLAURINDO.\n\u00c1cis morto! Que dizes, Galat\u00e9a?\n  Isso he certo, ou te engana a falsa id\u00e9a?\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nEu te exponho a raz\u00e3o, em que me fundo.\n  Quem vio (oh Deoses) scena igual no Mundo\n\u00c1cis partio: pass\u00e1r\u00e3o-se dois dias,\n  Dias de magoas, noites de agonias,\nEm cada instante, que elle me tardava,\n  Mil desgra\u00e7as a id\u00e9a me pintava.\nPor\u00e9m hoje no valle d'azinheira,\n  Junto \u00e1 ponte da pl\u00e1cida ribeira,\nDebaixo de hum cipreste levantado,\n  C\u00f3pia de mim, eu vigiava o gado;\nSe bem que pouco vigiar podia,\n  Quem de chorar j\u00e1 quasi nada via.\nCan\u00e7ada de lutar com meu tormento,\n  Meu unico, amargoso mantimento,\nA affligida cabe\u00e7a ao tronco encosto,\n  E sobre a curva m\u00e3o inclino o rosto.\nO somno, que ha dois dias meu n\u00e3o era,\n  Veio piedoso, que antes n\u00e3o viera!\nPois me fez ver em sonho... Oh que desgra\u00e7a!\n  A causa desta dor, que me traspassa.\nEu vi... triste vis\u00e3o! Que al\u00e9m da serra,\n  Por hum dos regos da lavrada terra,\nHia o meu \u00c1cis triste, suspirando\n  Com prompta vista a minha rez buscando;\nOutras vezes, olhando para a Ald\u00eaa,\n  Clama saudoso: \"Ah minha Galat\u00e9a!\nQuando de entre hum pinhal... de o dizer, tremo:\n  Sahe o barbaro, o manstro Polyfemo.\nToma-lhe o passo, e n'hum trilhado estreito\n  Com dardo agudo lhe traspassa o peito:\nClamando: \"Morre, vil, morre, inimigo,\n  \"Que inda mereces mais cruel castigo.\n\"Chama agora o teu bem, chama a fingida,\n  \"Grita por ella, que te torne a vida.\n\u00c1 violencia do golpe, o desgra\u00e7ado\n  Solta do peito afflicto hum ai magoado\nTr\u00e9mulo, curvo, com a m\u00e3o convulsa\n  O peito aperta, donde o sangue pulsa:\nQuer suster-se, n\u00e3o p\u00f3de, a for\u00e7a falta:\n  A m\u00e3o solta do peito, o sangue salta:\nVai vergando, e cahindo: hum tronco agarra:\n  Este se quebra, o fraco p\u00e9 lhe esbarra;\nE sobre hum mar de sangue da ferida\n  Cahe exhalando a preciosa vida.\nCom vista incerta, os olhos vidracentos,\n  Tr\u00e9mula a voz, sem c\u00f4r, j\u00e1 sem alentos,\nExclama, em fim, nas m\u00e3os da morte feia:\n  \"Valei-me, Ceos, adeos \u00f3 Galat\u00e9a.\nE soltando hum suspiro, os olhos serra:\n  Ferindo as plantas, magoando a terra.\nOh Deoses! Inda incerta esta desgra\u00e7a;\n  He qual farp\u00e3o, que o peito me traspassa;\nE se he certa, mandai, que a dura morte\n  Sobre mim venha, e descarregue o corte:\nMorreo \u00c1cis por mim, por elle eu morra:\n  Qual do seu, do meu peito o sangue corra:\nLAURINDO.\nMisera Galat\u00e9a enchuga o pranto,\n  Que hum sonho falso n\u00e3o provoca a tanto.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nEste sonho, a demora, e Polyfemo,\n  Tudo me assusta, e a desgra\u00e7a temo.\nLAURINDO.\nO sonho intimidar-me n\u00e3o devia\n  Por ser falsa illus\u00e3o da fantasia.\nDo Pastor a demora, que te assusta,\n  Tambem p\u00f3de nascer de causa justa.\nSe temes Polyfemo, o susto affasta:\n  Comigo vive, eu nunca o deixo, e basta.\nE desde que o domei por teu respeito,\n  Tudo que eu mando, que elle fa\u00e7a, he feito.\nPiza, piza, a teus p\u00e9s essa agonia:\n  Faze, que a fonte com teu riso ria.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nTu destr\u00f3es em parte o meu desgosto;\n  Mas n\u00e3o consegues ver-me enchuto o rosto:\nN\u00e3o: fazer que esta setta n\u00e3o me fira,\n  S\u00f3 p\u00f3de o meu Pastor. Ah! Quem o v\u00edra!\nS\u00f3 p\u00f3dem os seus olhos engra\u00e7ados\n  Dar vista aos meus j\u00e1 c\u00e9gos, e can\u00e7ados.\nMas temendo o rancor de Polyfemo,\n  As proprias sombras dessas plantas temo.\nLAURINDO.\nDo triste Polyfemo o rancor deixa:\n  Tu foste a causa, e s\u00f3 de ti te queixa.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nA causa fui! Eu sou f\u00e9ra impestada,\n  Que fizesse aquella alma invenenada?\nLAURINDO.\nA causa foste, sim, porque o amaste,\n  E por \u00c1cis, sem culpa, o desprezaste.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nPelos Deoses do Olympo Soberano\n  Juro que nunca amei tal monstro insano.\nLAURINDO.\nPois se he certo, que amor n\u00e3o lhe tiveste,\n  Porque falsas promessas lhe fizeste?\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nPorque assim o meu \u00c1cis defendia\n  Da vingan\u00e7a, que o vil lhe promettia.\nLAURINDO.\nAh! Pois quiz com violencia... ( que loucura!)\n  Gerar amor, que nasce da ternura!\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nSim, com rigor queria, que o amasse,\n  E que o meu peito ao meu Pastor fechasse.\nClamando irado assim: \"Cruel Pastora,\n  \"Tu desprezas soberba, a quem te adora?\n\"\u00c9s toda do teu \u00c1cis? Pois discorre,\n  \"Que ou tu has de ser minha, ou \u00c1cis morre.\n\"Dize, resolve j\u00e1, ou vou matallo;\n  \"E o cora\u00e7\u00e3o aos olhos teus mostrallo.\nEu ante o monstro vil de crueldade,\n  Que n\u00e3o cede \u00e1 raz\u00e3o, nem \u00e1 piedade,\nRogo-lhe compaix\u00e3o: n\u00e3o se enternece:\n  Choro humilde a seus p\u00e9s: mais se embravece.\nEu delirava neste lance forte\n  De dar ao triste a vida, ou dar-lhe a morte.\n\u00c1cis morrer por mim, sendo innocente!\n  N\u00e3o, por livrallo fiz-me delinquente.\nCom o tyranno usei de id\u00e9as novas\n  Para dar-lhe de amor fingidas provas;\nMas o meu firme peito era impossivel,\n  Que abrisse a porta aquelle bruto horrivel.\nSe nisto te aggravei, \u00c1cis desculpa;\n  Se eu delinquente fui, foi tua a culpa.\nLAURINDO.\nNao chores, virtuosa Galat\u00e9a:\n  De ti fazia mui diversa id\u00e9a;\nBem que eu n\u00e3o sigo as linguas venenosas,\n  Que as mulheres s\u00f3 trat\u00e3o de aleivosas:\nSei, que muitas o s\u00e3o, sim, n\u00e3o duvido,\n  Pelos casos, que vejo, e tenho ouvido;\nMas contem-se as trai\u00e7\u00f5es d'ellas, e d'elles,\n  Se acharem nellas mil, ha dez mil nelles.\nTu, exemplar Pastora, mostrar queres,\n  Que \u00e9s a gloria, o modelo das mulheres:\nQue os falsos homens p\u00f3des doutrinallos;\n  E com teu mesmo exemplo envergonhallos.\nVai-te em paz, vai guardar teu manso gado:\n  Do teu \u00c1cis feliz d\u00e1-me o cuidado,\nQue eu hirei procurallo: em mim confia,\n  Que hei de tornar-te a noite em claro dia.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAh piedoso Laurindo! Se tal fazes,\n  A hum corpo morto nova vida trazes.\n\u00c1CIS.\nQue triste vejo a serra, o valle, o monte!\n  O rio pasma, corre turva a fonte.\nSim, sem a minha amavel Galat\u00e9a\n  A clara luz do Sol he triste, e feia.\nMas onde te acharei, gentil Pastora,\n  Para clamar ent\u00e3o: j\u00e1 vejo a Aurora!\nAves, tornais o canto em agonia\n  Porque vos falta a Mestra d'harmonia?\nO Ceo com ella adoce o meu tormento,\n  Tereis nova li\u00e7\u00e3o, e eu novo alento,\nMas ah! Que vejo! Que gentil Pastora?\n  Parece Galat\u00e9a! Oh feliz hora!\nN\u00e3o, n\u00e3o me enganes, lisongeira id\u00e9a.\n  N'altura... em trage... em gesto... he Galat\u00e9a,\nQue est\u00e1 banhando em pranto o lindo rosto:\n  Eu corro, eu vou tornar-lhe a magoa em gosto.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\n\u00c1cis, se \u00e9s vivo, sorte igual n\u00e3o tive.\n\u00c1CIS.\nInda o teu \u00c1cis dos teus olhos vive.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAh! Que vejo! \u00c1cis! Ceos! Ser\u00e1 mentira?\n\u00c1CIS.\nHe verdade; o teu \u00c1cis sou: respira.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nOh Providentes Ceos! Deoses Clementes,\n  Que assim curais as chagas dos viventes.\n\u00c1CIS.\nTu choras! He de gosto, ou de agonia?\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nChorei de magoa, agora de alegria.\n\u00c1CIS.\nTu choravas por mim! Mere\u00e7o eu tanto?\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nV\u00ea bem o estrago, que em mim fez o pranto.\n  Estes olhos, que tu chamavas bellos,\nHoje magoados fugir\u00e1s de v\u00eallos.\n\u00c1CIS.\nAssim mesmo s\u00e3o dois lindos diamantes,\n  Quie inda eclipsados, sempre s\u00e3o brilhantes.\nMas dize, Galat\u00e9a, que motivo\n  Acendeo esse fogo, t\u00e3o activo?\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nA ausencia de tres dias (longos dias!)\n  De lagrimas, de sustos, de agonias;\nE mais que tudo hum sonho feio, horrivel,\n  Que o n\u00e3o matar-me, n\u00e3o parece crivel:\nSonho cruel, que me pintou na id\u00e9a\n  A desgra\u00e7a maior, scena mais feia:\nQue o monstro Polyfemo te arranc\u00e1ra\n  A amavel vida, que esta vida ampara.\n\u00c1CIS.\nE credito lhe d\u00e9ste, sendo esperta?\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nSim, que a m\u00e1 nova quasi sempre he certa.\nLAURINDO.\nSe eu n\u00e3o corro a tiralla da vareda,\n  N'algum despenhadeiro achava a queda.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nLaurindo nos meus males tomou parte,\n  E at\u00e9 por compaix\u00e3o quiz ir buscar-te.\n\u00c1CIS.\nBom amigo, e bom Mestre, as s\u00e3s doutrinas\n  Tu com virtuoso exemplo, nos ensinas:\nTu semeas os campos de equidade,\n  N\u00f3s colhemos os fructos da piedade.\nLAURINDO.\nHuns para os outros sermos bons devemos:\n  Todos somos irm\u00e3os: de hum Pai nascemos:\nSe hum errar, deve o outro encaminhallo:\n  Se hum cahir, deve o outro levantallo.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nPerdoa, que eu atalhe o teu conselho,\n  Proprio de hum S\u00e1bio, Virtuoso, e velho.\nDize, meu \u00c1cis, dize, por clemencia,\n  Qual foi a causa de t\u00e3o longa ausencia?\n\u00c1CIS.\nFoste tu: foi o amor, e foi o empenho\n  De trazer-te a Ovelhinha, a qual j\u00e1 tenho.\nAo casal ta levei; mas sem achar-te;\n  Pois vieste a buscar-me, eu vim buscar-te.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAchaste a minha Ovelha! Ah! Onde estava?\n  Bem que eu por ti nem della, me lembrava.\n\u00c1CIS.\nVisinhos campos, as distantes terras,\n  Amenos valles, escabrosas serras,\nTudo corri: examinei choupanhas,\n  Pobres Ald\u00eaas, rusticas cabanas.\nPerguntei aos campinos, Lavradores:\n  Rebanhos espreitei: busco aos Pastores:\nTodos dizem: \"N\u00e3o vimos, n\u00e3o sabemos:\n  \"Nem leve rasto dessa Ovelha temos.\nEu de perd\u00ea-la j\u00e1 desenganado,\n  De magoa afflicto, de buscar can\u00e7ado,\nVoltar queria a ver teu lindo rosto;\n  Mas dava gosto a mim, e a ti desgosto:\nEu a dor da saudade em mim curava;\n  Mas na m\u00e1 nova, nova dor te dava.\nNisto pensava triste, e vacilante,\n  Quando escuto berrar pouco distante,\nParto, gyro, procuro, em v\u00e3o procuro:\n  Pois nada vejo: vejo hum bosque escuro,\nQue o Sol formoso nunca vio por dentro:\n  Corro, o bosque examino; e l\u00e1 no centro\nVejo hum pobre roupeiro esfrangalhado,\n  Dormindo, e a Ovelhinha preza ao lado.\nEu, que a vejo, e conhe\u00e7o, \u00f3 que alegria\n  Em teu obsequio a minha alma enchia!\nCom lentos passos vou muito manso andando,\n  O sussurro das plantas receando,\nSe bem que o vento amigo me valia;\n  Pois nem das folhas o brincar se ouvia.\nChego ao ladr\u00e3o: observo, que em socego\n  Dorme roncando: na Ovelhinha pego:\nSobre os hombros a ponho, e vim fugindo,\n  Do furto alegre, de alegria rindo.\nTrepando huma deserta ribanceira,\n  Ou\u00e7o hum grito, \u00f3lho a traz, vejo \u00e1 carreira\nSeguindo-me a gritar o vil roupeiro:\n  \"\u00d3 ladr\u00e3o! Larga a Ovelha! \u00d3 ratoneiro!\nEu, que vejo o meu credito infamado,\n  P\u00e1ro, e com ira mostro-lhe o cajado.\nPrudente parto: segue-me as pizadas:\n  Tor\u00e7o a vareda, corre-me \u00e1s pedradas.\nDellas me affasto; e por final prejecto.\n  Na leve funda grossa pedra metto.\nAgito a funda: corro ent\u00e3o mais perto:\n  Desparo a pedra, no vil peiro ac\u00e9rto.\nFica o ladr\u00e3o sem tino: quer suster-se:\n  N\u00e3o p\u00f3de: cahe: forceja para erguer-se:\nOutra vez cahe de costas: vai rolando:\n  P\u00e9ga-se \u00e1s pedras, mas em v\u00e3o pegando,\nQue as mesmas pedras, em que busca abrigo\n  R\u00f3l\u00e3o sobre elle por maior castigo;\nE despenhado assim pela barreira\n  Vai t\u00e9 parar na margem da ribeira.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAh! Que dizes! Mataste o desgra\u00e7ado?\n\u00c1CIS.\n  N\u00e3o ficou morto, n\u00e3o, mas maltratado,\nEu vi... com quanta dor o estive vendo!\n  Cahio mortal; depois se ergueo gemendo.\nOlhou-me ent\u00e3o com iras, e amea\u00e7os;\n  E tr\u00e9mulo partio com lentos passos.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nTu, que es no cora\u00e7\u00e3o manso cordeiro.\n  Hoje tornado em lobo carniceiro!\n\u00c1CIS.\nEu cordeiro n\u00e3o sou; por\u00e9m se o f\u00f4ra\n  Tornar-me em lobo foi preciso agora.\nLAURINDO.\nCastiga-nos o Ceo, se nos vingamos;\n  Mas tambem quer, que a vida defendamos.\n\u00c1CIS.\nSe mais piedade do ladr\u00e3o eu tinha,\n  Nem eu era j\u00e1 teu, nem tu j\u00e1 minha.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nSe a amavel vida o \u00edmpio te roubava,\n  N'huma s\u00f3 morte duas mortes dava.\n\u00c1CIS.\nEsses extremos no meu peito os guardo\n  Para atear de amor o fogo, em que ardo.\nVamos, vamos, formosa Galat\u00e9a,\n  Alegrar com teu rosto a triste Ald\u00eaa:\nA Ald\u00eaa, que por ti chorava agora,\n  Qual bom Filho, que a M\u00e3i perdida chora.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nChora a P\u00e1tria, por mim? Quanta amizade\n  Devo aos bons, que se nutrem da piedade!\nLAURINDO.\n\u00c9s bella, e inda mais bella por virtuosa;\n  Que a virtude inda a feia faz formosa.\nPor\u00e9m v\u00ea, que a Virtude cultivada,\n  Cresce, bem como a planta, que he regada;\nMas se falta a cultura, vai murchando;\n  E qual planta sem agua vai secando.\nHide: a ben\u00e7\u00e3o do Ceo sobre v\u00f3s des\u00e7a:\n  Aos vossos olhos branda relva cres\u00e7a;\nE nella apascenteis grossas manadas\n  De prenhes vaccas gordas, e malhadas.\nTantas as cabras, tantos os cordeiros,\n  Que ench\u00e3o os valles, ench\u00e3o os oiteiros.\nHide, que he longe a Ald\u00eaa: hide, que he tarde:\n  O Ceo vos aben\u00e7\u00f4e, o Ceo vos guarde.\nA ben\u00e7\u00e3o gere em v\u00f3s dois bons Esposos,\n  Que fructos d\u00eam ao Ceo, fructos ditosos.\n\u00c1CIS.\nAdeos, meu bom Pastor, meu caro amigo,\n  Gloria dos campos, deste povo abrigo.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nEssa ben\u00e7\u00e3o do Ceo, que em n\u00f3s desejas,\n  Sobre tudo, que he teu, sobre ti vejas.\n\u00c1cis, vamos aqui pelo serrado,\n  Que he mais perto, he mais doce, e he povoado.\n\u00c1CIS.\nVamos cortando por entre estas faias:\n  D\u00e1 c\u00e1 a m\u00e3o: salta o rego: olha, n\u00e3o caias.\nTu saltas mais, do que eu: \u00e9s bem ligeira!\nGALAT\u00c9A.\n  Se eu quiser n\u00e3o me apanhas na carreira.\nQue far\u00e3o hoje ao ver-me de contentes\n  As amigas, visinhos, e os parentes,\nQue ao v\u00earem-me vagar s\u00f3 sem conforto\n  Julgar-me-h\u00e3o morta, por julgar-te morto?\n\u00c1CIS.\nSe o bem nos foge, at\u00eaa-se o desgosto:\n  Torna o bem, morre o mal, renasce o gosto.\nTu ver\u00e1s nas Pastoras desgrenhadas\n  Olhos feridos, faces desmaiadas.\nE ao ver-te, o riso, e pranto misturando,\n  Humas \u00e1s outras com prazer chamando:\nTodas para te verem correm, vo\u00e3o:\n  Vivas, applausos pelos ares s\u00f4\u00e3o.\nHuma te beija a face alva, e rosada,\n  Que a faz com pranto seu rosa orvalhada.\nOutra te enfeita as tran\u00e7as graciosas\n  De myrto, e cravo, de jasmins, e rosas.\nVer\u00e1s, que ao som das lyras vem cantar-te\n  A magoa de perder-te, o bem de achar-te.\nVer\u00e1s, como os chorosos innocentes,\n  Quando te virem, brincar\u00e1\u00f5 contentes.\nVer\u00e1s a fonte, que turbada a vejo,\n  Corre alegre a dar a nova ao T\u00e9jo.\nVer\u00e1s o T\u00e9jo, que sem ti bramia,\n  Qu\u00e3o pl\u00e1cido vem ver-te \u00e1 praia fria.\nVer\u00e1s o Melro, o Rouxinol suave\n  Convertendo a tristeza em canto grave.\nVer\u00e1s saltando os tenros Cabritinhos\n  Alegrarem os tristes Cordeirinhos,\nVer\u00e1s curvar-se o tronco a dar-te as frutas;\n  Correr o rio, vir trazer-te as trutas.\nHoje far\u00e1s feliz, far\u00e1s contente\n  A Ald\u00eaa, o rio, a fonte, o gado, a gente.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nFeliz me fazes tu: viver me fazes:\n  Aos meus bons dias novos dias trazes.\n\u00c1CIS.\nComo posso eu fazer a alguem ditoso,\n  Quando s\u00f3 por ser teu, sou venturoso?\nSem ti rustico sou, humilde, e pobre:\n  Comtigo s\u00e1bio sou, sou rico, e nobre.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nDemos gra\u00e7as a Amor: Amor cantemos,\n  Que assim nos t\u00e9ce a Santa paz, que temos.\n\u00c1CIS.\nSim, cantemos Amor: a voz levanta,\n  A voz sonora, com que Amor encanta.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAmor me fez guerra:\nLut\u00e1mos, venceo-me;\nO peito rompeo-me\nPara \u00c1cis entrar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\n\u00c1CIS.\nAmor nos tens olhos\nForjou doce flexa:\nFerio-me: esta brexa\nTu sabes curar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAo ver-me ferida,\nPrimeiro assustei-me,\nDepois alegrei-me,\nAmor fui cantar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\n\u00c1CIS.\nEu pude da seta\nSalvar o meu peito;\nN\u00e3o quiz: puz-me a geito,\nDeixei-a entranhar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos Beijar.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nDepois de ferir-me\nMostrou-me as alg\u00eamas;\nE diz-me; \"N\u00e3o temas\n\"Quando eu tas lan\u00e7ar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\n\u00c1CIS.\nFerir-me, prender-me\nN\u00e3o era preciso,\nBastava hum teu riso:\nHum teu brando olhar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAmor, abre as azas\nVem, prende estes bra\u00e7os,\nQue os teus doces la\u00e7os\nN\u00e3o hei de quebrar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\n\u00c1CIS.\nSou prezo por gosto,\nPor honra cativo:\nPor prezo he que vivo,\nQual peixe no mar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nAmor, chama as Gra\u00e7as,\nE o Santo Hymeneo!\nQue venh\u00e3o do Ceo\nMeu la\u00e7o apertar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\n\u00c1CIS.\nTu chammas as Gra\u00e7as?\nN\u00e3o clames por ellas;\nPois Gra\u00e7as mais bellas\nEm ti venho achar.\n  Taes la\u00e7os, taes setas\n  Devemos beijar.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nBasta: can\u00e7ada vou: mais n\u00e3o cantemos:\n  Logo melhor n'Ald\u00eaa cantaremos.\n\u00c1CIS.\nPois vai tu pela encosta desse monte,\n  Que a lyra vou buscar: l\u00e1 saio \u00e1 fonte.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nN\u00e3o te demores l\u00e1, minha alegria.\n\u00c1CIS.\nJ\u00e1 volto a ver-te, minha luz do dia.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nLevas-me a vida, a j\u00f3ia mais perfeita.\n\u00c1CIS.\nEm penhor dessa vida esta alma acceita.\nGALAT\u00c9A.\nEm penhor! Queres pois, que a restitua?\n\u00c1CIS.\nN\u00e3o; se essa vida he minha, esta alma he tua.\nFIM", "source_dataset": "gutenberg", "source_dataset_detailed": "gutenberg -  Galat\u00e9a\n"},
{"source_document": "", "creation_year": 1797, "culture": " English\n", "content": "Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed\nproduced from images generously made available by The\nInternet Archive)\nTHE LETTERS\nGRACCHUS\nON THE\n_EAST INDIA QUESTION_.\n_LONDON_:\nPRINTED FOR J. HATCHARD,\nBOOKSELLER AND PUBLISHER,\nNO. 190, OPPOSITE ALBANY, PICCADILLY.\nPrinted by S. GOSNELL, Little Queen Street, London.\nADVERTISEMENT.\nThe following Letters appeared in the MORNING POST, at the dates which\nare annexed to them. The impartial Reader will find in them a strong\ndetermination, to uphold the public rights of the Country, with respect\nto the India Trade; but he will not discover any evidence of a desire to\nlower the just, and well-earned honours, of THE EAST INDIA COMPANY, nor\nany symptom of a disposition hostile to their fair pretensions.\nLETTERS\nOF\nGRACCHUS.\nLETTER I.\nGENERAL VIEW OF THE EAST INDIA QUESTION.\n_Tuesday, January 12, 1813._\nThe crisis, at which the affairs of the East India Company are now\narrived, is one which involves the most important interests of the\nBritish Empire. It would be unnecessary to prove a proposition which is\nso universally acknowledged and felt. It has happened however, that, in\nour approaches towards this crisis, the Public understanding has been\nbut little addressed upon the subject; so that the appeal which is now\nsuddenly made to their passions and imaginations, finds them unprepared\nwith that knowledge of the true circumstances of the case, which can\nalone enable them to govern those passions, and control those\nimaginations. Let us then endeavour to recover the time which has been\nlost, by taking a deliberate view of the circumstances which produce\nthis crisis.\nThe crisis, is the proximity of the term which may conclude the East\nIndia Company's rights, to the exclusive trade with India and China, and\nto the powers of government now exercised by them over the Indian\nEmpire.\nThe rights of the East India Company are two-fold; and have long been\ndistinguished as, their _permanent_ rights, and their _temporary_\nrights. Those rights are derived to them from distinct Charters, granted\nto them at different times by Parliament. By the former, they were\ncreated a _perpetual_ Corporate Society of Merchants, trading to\nIndia[1]. By the latter, they obtained, for a _limited period of time_,\nthe exclusive right of trading with India and China, and of executing\nthe powers of government over those parts of the Indian territory, which\nwere acquired either by conquest or by negotiation. The Charter\nconveying the latter limited rights, is that which will expire in the\ncourse of the ensuing year 1814; on the expiration of which, the\nexclusive trade to the East will be again open to the British population\nat large, and the powers of the India Government will lapse in course\nto the Supreme Government of the British Empire, to be provided for as\nParliament in its wisdom may judge it advisable to determine.\nThe renewal of an _expired_ privilege cannot be pursued upon a ground of\n_right_. The exclusive Charter of the Company is _a patent_, and their\npatent, like every other patent, is limited as to _its duration_. But\nthough the patentee cannot allege a ground of right for the renewal of\nhis patent, he may show such strong pretensions, such good claims in\nequity, such weighty reasons of expediency for its renewal, as may\nensure its attainment. Such are the claims and the pretensions of the\nEast India Company to a renewal of their Charter; and as such they have\nbeen promptly and cheerfully received, both by the Government and the\ncountry at large.\nBut the progress of society, during a long course of years, is of a\nnature to produce a considerable alteration in the general state of\nthings; the state of things must, therefore, naturally be called into\nconsideration, upon the expiration of the term of years which determines\nthe exclusive Charter of the East India Company; in order to inquire,\nwhether that Charter should be renewed precisely in the same terms, and\nwith the same conditions, as before; or whether the actual state of\npublic affairs demands, that some alteration, some modification, of\nterms and conditions, should be introduced into the Charter or System\nwhich is to succeed.\nThe arduous task of this investigation must necessarily fall upon those\npersons, who chance to be in the Administration of the Country, at the\nlatest period to which the arrangements for the renewal of the Charter\ncan be protracted; and it is hardly possible to imagine a more difficult\nand perplexing position, for any Administration. Those persons, if they\nhave any regard for the duties which they owe to the Public, will\nconsider themselves as standing _between two interests_; the interest of\nthose who are about to lose an exclusive right, and the interest of\nthose who are about to acquire an open and a common one. They will be\ndisposed to listen, patiently and impartially, to the pretensions of\nboth parties; of those who pray for the renewal of an exclusive\nprivilege, and of those who pray that they may not be again wholly\nexcluded from the right which has reverted. And although they may amply\nallow the preference which is due to the former petitioners, yet they\nwill endeavour to ascertain, whether the latter may not, with safety to\nthe public interest, receive some enlargement of the benefits, which the\nopportunity opens to them, and from which they have been so long\nexcluded.\nWhile they thus look alternately to each of these interests, and are\nengaged in striving to establish a reconciliation between the two, it\nwill be neither equitable nor liberal for one of the interested parties\nto throw out a doubt to the Public, whether they do this \"from a\nconsciousness of strength, and a desire of increasing their own power\nand influence, or from a sense of weakness and a wish to strengthen\nthemselves by the adoption of popular measures[2].\" And the author of\nthe doubt may find himself at length obliged to determine it, by an\nawkward confession, that Ministers do not do it \"with any view of\naugmenting their own patronage and power[3].\"\nIt is thus that the Ministers of the Crown have conducted themselves, in\nthe embarrassing crisis into which they have fallen. Fully sensible of\nthe just and honourable pretensions which the East India Company have\nestablished in the course of their long, important, and distinguished\ncareer, they have consented to recommend to Parliament, _to leave the\nwhole system of Indian Government and Revenue to the Company_, under the\nprovisions of the Act of 1793; together with _the exclusive trade to\nChina_, as they have hitherto possessed them; but, at the same time,\nconsidering the present state of the world, and its calamitous effects\nupon the commercial interest in general, they are of opinion, that some\nparticipation in the Indian trade, thus reverting, might possibly be\nconceded, under due regulations, to British merchants not belonging to\nthe East India Company; which would not impair the interests either of\nthe Public or of the Company.\nIn this moderate opinion, they are fully justified, by the consent of\nthe Company, to admit the Merchants of the out-ports to a share in the\nIndian trade. And thus far, all is amicable. But the out-port Merchants\nhaving represented to Government, that the condition, hitherto annexed\nto a Licensed Import Trade,--of bringing back their Indian Cargoes to\nthe port of London, and of disposing of them solely in the Company's\nsales, in Leadenhall Street,--would defeat the object of the concession;\nand that the delay, embarrassment, and perplexity, which such an\narrangement would create, would destroy the simple plan of their\nventure; and having therefore desired, that they might be empowered to\nreturn with their cargoes to the ports from whence they originally\nsailed, and to which all their interests are confined; Government, being\nconvinced of the justice of the representation, have proposed that the\nImport Trade may be yielded to the Out-ports, _under proper\nregulations_, as well as the Export Trade. To this demand the Court of\nDirectors peremptorily refuse their consent; and upon this _only point_\nthe parties are now at issue. This question alone, retards the final\narrangements for the renewal of their Charter.\nYet it is this point, which one of the parties interested affirms, to be\n\"a question of the last importance to the safety of the British Empire\nin India, and of the British Constitution at home;\" and therefore\nundertakes to resist it, with all the determination which the importance\nof so great a stake would naturally inspire. But, when we compare the\nreal measure in question with the menacing character which is thus\nattempted to be attached to it, we at once perceive something so\nextravagantly hyperbolical, something so disproportionate, that it at\nonce fixes the judgment; and forces upon it a suspicion, that there is\nmore of policy and design, than of truth and sincerity in the assertion.\nThat objections to the measure might arise, capable of distinct\nstatement and exposition, is a thing conceivable; and, these being\nstated, it would be a subject for consideration, how far they were\nremovable. But to assert, in a round period, that the safety of the\nempire in Europe and Asia is fundamentally affected in the requisition,\nthat a ship proceeding from Liverpool or Bristol to India, might return\nfrom India to Liverpool or Bristol, instead of to the Port of London,\nis calculated rather to shake, than to establish, confidence in those\nwho make the assertion. Yet this is the question which the country is\nnow called upon to consider, as one tending to convulse the British\nConstitution. Surely, if the foundations of the empire in both\nhemispheres have nothing more to threaten them, than whether the\nout-port shipping shall carry their cargoes home to their respective\nports, or repair to the dock-yards in the port of London, the most timid\npolitician may dismiss his alarms and resume his confidence. When the\nEast India Company, by conceding a regulated Export Trade, have at once\ndemonstrated the absurdity of all the predictions which foretold, in\nthat Trade, the overthrow of the Indian Empire; we may confidently\nbelieve, that the Import Trade will prove as little destructive, and\nthat its danger will be altogether as chimerical as the former.\nWhether the Court of Directors endeavour to fix that menacing character\nupon the proposed Import Trade, as a bar against any further\nrequisition, is a question which will naturally occur to any\ndispassionate person, who is not immediately and personally interested\nin the conditions of the Charter; and he will be strongly inclined to\nthe affirmative in that question, when he finds, that the reason which\nthey have alleged for their resistance, is their apprehension of the\nincreased activity which the practice of smuggling would acquire, from\nthe free return of the out-port ships from India to their respective\nports. It is not a little extraordinary, that they should so strenuously\nurge this argument against those persons, who, while they propose the\nmeasure, are themselves responsible for the good management and\nprotection of the revenue; and who must therefore be supposed to feel\nthe necessity of providing means and regulations, adapted to the measure\nwhich they propose. The Ministers of the Crown have not failed to inform\nthe Court of Directors, that, in consequence of the communications which\nthey have had with the Commissioners of the Customs and Excise upon the\nsubject, they find that the Directors have greatly over-rated the danger\nwhich they profess to entertain; and they acquaint them, that new\nregulations will be provided to meet the new occasion; and that the\nout-port ships and cargoes will be subject to forfeiture upon the\ndiscovery of any illicit articles on board. Yet the Court of Directors\nstill persist in declaring, that the hazard of _smuggling_ is _the\nreason_ why they will not grant to the out-ports an import trade; and\nthis, through a fear of compromising \"the safety of the British Empire\nin India, and the British Constitution at home.\"\nA calm and temperate observer, who scrupulously weighs the force and\nmerits of this reasoning, will naturally be forced into so much\nscepticism as to doubt, whether there may not be some _other reasons_,\nbesides the safety of the Empire, which may induce the East India\nCompany to stand so firm for the condition of bringing all the import\nIndian trade _into the Port of London_? Whether there may not be some\nreasons, of a _narrower_ sphere than those of the interests of the\nEmpire? In searching for such reasons, it will occur to him, that the\nPort of London is the seat of the Company's immediate and separate\ninterests; and he will shrewdly suspect, that those interests are the\n_real_, while those of the Empire are made the _ostensible_, motive for\nso vigorous a resistance. When he reflects, _that it is proposed to\nleave the Company in the undisturbed possession of all the power of\nGovernment over the Indian Empire, which they have hitherto enjoyed;\nthat they are to remain possessed, as heretofore, of the exclusive trade\nto China, from whence four-fifths of their commercial profit is\nderived_; that they themselves have virtually admitted the falsity of\nthe theoretical mischiefs, foretold as the certain results of an\nout-port trade, by having agreed to concede that trade, to the extent\nrequired by Government; that they equally allow, an import trade for the\nmerchants of the out-ports; but make their resistance upon the single\npoint, that the import trade should be all brought together into their\nown warehouses, and should be disposed of in their own sales in\nLeadenhall Street: when he combines all these considerations, he will\nthink that he plainly discovers, that the interests of the Empire at\nlarge are not quite so much involved in the question as they proclaim;\nand that, if any interests are more pressingly calculated than others,\nit must be their own, and not the Public's. If their interests are to be\naffected by the measure, let them fairly state it, and show the extent;\nbut let them not endeavour to defend them covertly, under an artful and\nfactious allegation of _the ruin of the British Constitution_. And if\nthey really do apprehend that the Constitution would be endangered, let\nthem not hazard such consequences by their own proceedings. Let them not\ncome forward as advocates for the preservation of the Empire, if their\nrhetoric is to sink into a threat, of \"_shutting up the great shop of\nthe India House.\"_\nIt may be well to call to the recollection of the East India Company,\nthat they owe their present state to an assertion of those very rights\nto open trade which have now been brought forward; for, when the first,\nor London East India Company had experienced certain disappointments and\nfailures, various adventurers came forward with claims similar to those\nwhich have been alleged by the merchants of the present day, and\nobtained an incorporation, to the prejudice of the old Company; and\nalthough the old, or London East India Company, afterwards effected an\nunion with the new, or English East India Company, and with them gave\norigin to the present Company, yet the UNITED EAST INDIA COMPANY should\nnot forget, how much the activity of the Indian trade was stimulated by\nthe assertion of the rights of their predecessors, _to participate in\nthe trade which had been granted exclusively to a former Company_.\nGRACCHUS.\nFOOTNOTES:\n[1] The _rights and pretensions_ of the Company are fully considered in\nthe Tenth Letter.\n[2] Considerations on the Danger of laying open the Trade with India and\nChina, p. 13.\nLETTER II.\n_Wednesday, January 13, 1813._\nIt is a distinguishing character appertaining to Britons, to express\nforcibly their feelings, whenever they think they discover any\ndisposition to encroach upon their rights. It is not therefore to be\nwondered at, that the communication of the papers, on the subject of the\nEast India Company's Charter, which was made by the Directors to the\nProprietors, on the 5th instant, should have produced the effect which\nwas then manifested; of an almost unanimous disposition, to support the\nDirectors in their resistance of a measure, which, at the time, was\nregarded as an invasion, on the part of the Government, of the\nestablished rights of the East India Company.\nBut now that the momentary ebullition of that spirit has had time to\nsubside, and to give place to cool and sober reflection, it may not be\nunacceptable to the Proprietors at large to look calmly and attentively\ninto the subject; and to examine its bearings on their own substantial\ninterests.\nIt must be manifest to every man, who will only refer to the accounts\nwhich have been published in the Reports of the Select Committee of the\nHouse of Commons, that, from the magnitude of the Company's debt, it\nwould be impossible to calculate the time at which the Proprietors could\ncontemplate any augmentation of their present dividends of 10\u00bd per\ncent.; even though the Charter, instead of being within one year of its\nexpiration, had an extended period of twenty years to operate.\nIt is equally manifest, from the correspondence of the Court of\nDirectors with Government, that, in agreeing to the proposition of\nopening the Export Trade to the out-ports of the United Kingdom, they\nwere free from any apprehension, that the continuance of the present\ndividend could be endangered by their conceding that point. And,\ntherefore, although the Proprietors were precluded from entertaining any\nreasonable expectation of _an increase_ to their dividends, they were\nperfectly warranted to consider the continuance of that which they now\nreceive, as free from any hazard, in consequence of the extension\nproposed to be granted to the Export Trade.\nWhether they may remain in the same confidence, under _all_ existing\ncircumstances, is a question which the Proprietors are now earnestly\nsolicited to examine. The point at issue (if I may apply that expression\nto a case, in which the Company are upon the disadvantageous ground of\npetitioning for the renewal of a privilege, now about to expire) is,\nwhether the ships which shall be permitted to clear out from the\nout-ports of the United Kingdom, ought to be allowed to return to any\ngiven description of those ports, or whether they should all be\ncompelled to enter at the Port of London? And upon _this point_ is made\nto hinge a question, which may affect (not the _British Empire and\nConstitution_, but) the main interest of the Proprietors, namely, _their\ndividends_. For no man can be so inconsiderately sanguine as to suppose,\nthat the Company, under the present pressure of their pecuniary\nembarrassments, (whatever may have been the causes from whence they have\narisen;) embarrassments proceeding from a debt, in India and in England,\nof _more than forty-two millions_; nearly four millions of which are in\naccepted bills on England, which will shortly become due, and for the\npayment of which there are not funds at the India House; no man can be\nso inconsiderately sanguine as to suppose, that the dividend may not\nbecome a little precarious, under such circumstances. It must be evident\nto the most superficial observer, that the credit of the Company with\nthe Public can only be sustained by the prompt and liberal aid of\nParliament; and it will hardly be maintained, that it is a _propitious_\nmode of soliciting that aid, to connect with the solicitation an avowed\ndetermination to oppose a measure, which Government represent it to be\ntheir duty to recommend to Parliament, for the general benefit of the\ncommunity; a measure, founded on, and growing out of, the principle of\nthe Charter of 1793, which first opened the private trade between India\nand this country; the provisions respecting which trade have been\nprogressively extended at subsequent periods, and of which trade the\nPublic will now call for a further enlargement and participation, as a\njust and necessary qualification to the proposed renewal of the\nCompany's Charter.\nThe City of London, indeed, is _now_ an exception, and apparently a very\nweighty one, to this general call; but it will lose much of that weight\nwith the Public, and must fall into the scale of an interested party,\nwhen it is recollected, that so long as the question between the Company\nand the Public was, whether the commerce with India should remain a\nstrict monopoly, or whether a participation in it should be granted to\nindividuals, under the restriction of importing to London the\ncommercial interest of the metropolis was powerfully incited against the\nCompany; and that, to that great commercial interest, supported by the\nweight of Mr. Dundas's opinion, and to the more enlarged view which Lord\nWellesley took of the subject, the extension that has hitherto been\ngiven to the private trade with India is to be attributed. The\nexperience of twelve years has now proved, that both India and the\nparent state have greatly benefited by that extension; and it has\nfollowed, as a necessary consequence of that experience, that the active\nand intelligent merchants of the other large ports of the United\nKingdom, have urged their fair pretensions, to be admitted to a share in\nthe profits of that widely diffused trade; by sending their merchandise\nfrom their own ports, and by receiving the returning cargoes into their\nown warehouses, in those ports.\nA reference to the printed papers (as has already been signified) will\nshow, that the Court of Directors were prevailed upon to concede _the\nfirst_ of those points, but that they have been immoveable with respect\nto _the second_; although their own commercial knowledge must have made\nit evident to them, that the concession of the first, that is, _a free\nexport_, would be nugatory, unless supported by the benefit arising from\nthe _freedom of import_; which is not only in the proportion of four to\none in amount to the export, but is requisite to give that unity to the\nconcern, without which great commercial establishments cannot be kept\nup.\nSuch is the state of the question, or, as it has been called, by some\nstrange perversion of ideas, the _negotiation_, between the Company, as\napplicants for a renewal of their Charter which is about to expire, and\nthe Government, through whose aid it is to be solicited, or at least,\nwithout whose concurrence it is certainly very questionable, whether\nthey would be able to obtain it. These are the circumstances, under\nwhich the affairs of the East India Company must necessarily, and\nspeedily, be brought forward, for the consideration of Parliament. Can\nit, then, be considered an exaggerated view of the hazards of such a\nsituation, to suppose, that some guardian of the public purse may deem\nit requisite to inquire, whether the application for pecuniary aid from\nParliament ought not to be preceded by a substantial proof, not of\nconcession, for they have in fact nothing to concede, but of something\nlike accommodation on the part of the Proprietors? And in that event,\nmight it not be questioned, whether, since the dividend of 10 per cent.\nwas sanctioned upon an assumption, that the revenue of the Company\nyielded a _surplus_ of upwards of a million; now, when instead of a\nsurplus, a _deficit_ is admitted to exist, the dividend ought not to be\nreduced, not merely to the standard from which it had been raised under\nthe supposed prosperous state of the Company's affairs, but to a\nstandard to be regulated by the amount of the ascertained profits upon\ntheir own trade, under whatever circumstances it may hereafter be\nconducted?\nIt is not meant to insinuate, that any condition of the kind alluded to\nis likely to be imposed, in granting the relief so pressingly required\nby the present exigencies of the Company; but if a necessity for the\nwinding up of their affairs, as an exclusive Company, should arrive, and\nif their own resources, with the profits they may derive from their\ncommerce as a Corporate Body, should not be adequate to the payment of a\ndividend of 10\u00bd per cent.; could it reasonably be expected, that\nParliament would, in _all future times_, extend its liberality towards\nthe Proprietors of India stock, to the extent of _securing to them_ a\ncontinuance of their present dividend?\nIt is to be feared, that those who may have calculated upon such a\nresult, have taken a false measure of their _prospective situation_; and\nit is on account of this apprehension, that it appears highly important\nto call the attention of the Proprietors to the care of their own\nsubstantial interest in the dividend; an interest, which to them is, and\nmust be paramount.\nGRACCHUS.\nLETTER III.\n_Thursday, January 14, 1813._\nIt is at all times an object equally interesting and instructive, to\ntrace the origin of laws and institutions, and to follow them in the\nprogress of their operation; but this inquiry becomes more powerfully\nattractive, when the pursuit is stimulated by an anxiety to defend a\nsupposed right, or to acquire an extension of advantages which are\nalready possessed.\nSuch an investigation appearing to be a necessary sequel of the subject\ntreated of in a former communication, let us now take a succinct view of\nthose provisions of the Act of 1793, by which the East India Company,\nupon the last renewal of their Charter for a fixed time, were called\nupon to relax from the exclusive restrictions of the monopoly which they\nhad so long enjoyed. Taking that Act as the source and origin from\nwhence the present India Question arises, let us briefly follow the\nsubject in its progress, down to the propositions that are now before\nthe Public.\nIt is necessary to premise, that the Company had, from an early period\nof their commerce, granted as a favour and indulgence to the Captains\nand Officers of their ships, permission to fill a regular portion of\ntonnage with certain prescribed articles, upon their private account,\nsubject to the condition; that those privileged articles should be\nlodged in the warehouses of the Company, that they should be exposed by\nthem at their sales, and that they should pay from 7 to 5 per cent. to\ncover the charge of commission and merchandise.\nThe Act of 1793, relieved the trade carried on under this indulgence, by\nreducing the rates of charge to 3 per cent.; which was established as\nthe rate, at which the more enlarged trade, for the first time allowed\nby that Act to private merchants unconnected with the Company, should\npay to the Company; which trade was then limited to 3000 tons, the\nshipping for which was to be provided by the Company, who were to be\npaid freight for such tonnage, and were to have the same control over\nthe goods which might be imported, as they already exercised over the\ntrade of their Captains and Officers.\nIt was soon found, that the conditions, under which this trade was\nopened, changed its operations, so as to render the privilege of little\nvalue. The residents in India, for whose benefit it was professed to\nhave been principally intended, presented memorials upon the subject to\nthe Governments abroad; and the merchants of London represented to the\nauthorities in England, the necessity of an enlargement of the\nprinciple, as well as a correction of the regulations. It is not\nnecessary, to go into any detail of the reasons upon which those\napplications were supported; because Mr. Dundas, who then presided over\nthe affairs of India, and who had introduced and carried through\nParliament the Bill of 1793, did in the most explicit terms inform the\nCourt of Directors, in his letter of the 2d April, 1800, that \"he should\nbe uncandid, if he did not fairly acknowledge, that experience had\nproved it to be inadequate to the purposes for which it was\nintended--and that therefore he was clear, that the clause in the Act\nought to be repealed, and in place thereof _a power be given to the\nGovernments abroad, to allow the British subjects, resident in India, to\nbring home their funds to Britain on the shipping of the country_;\" that\nis to say, on ships built in India. This letter, of the President of the\nBoard of Control, was referred by the Court of Directors to a special\nCommittee of their body; who, in a very elaborate Report, dated 27th\nJan. 1801, that is to say, after the deliberation of eight months,\ndeclared that it was impossible for them to acquiesce in the proposition\nthen made by Mr. Dundas. They supported their opposition by a variety of\narguments, from which the following short passage need alone be\nselected:--\"The proposals which have been brought forward by certain\ndescriptions of men, both in India and in England, for the admission of\ntheir ships into the trade and navigation between India and Europe,\n_proposals which extend to the establishment of a regular and systematic\nprivilege_ in favour of such ships, appear, when maturely weighed, and\nfollowed into all their operations, _to involve principles and effects\ndangerous to the interests both of the Company and of the nation_; that\n_the adoption of those principles would, immediately and essentially,\naffect both the system of policy which the Legislature has established\nfor maintaining the connexion and communication between this country and\nBritish India, and the chartered privileges of the East India Company_.\nAnd the introduction of any practice of this nature, would tend to widen\ngradually, and indefinitely, the channel of intercourse between India\nand Britain; to multiply the relations between the two countries; and to\npour Europeans of the lower sort into India, and Indian sailors into\nthis country; to lessen, by both these means, the respect for the\nEuropean character; _to disturb and shake our government there_; and, in\na word, to lead progressively but surely to colonization.\"\nThe language employed by the Court of Directors at the present day, in\nopposition to the proposition for allowing private ships returning from\nIndia to import to the places from whence they had sailed upon their\noutward voyage, is feeble and languid; in comparison with the passage\nwhich has been just now recited, from the Report of their Special\nCommittee, made upwards of twelve years ago, upon the proposition then\nsubmitted by Mr. DUNDAS. That Minister, in his reply of the 21st March,\n1801, to the Court of Directors, observed, \"_I have reviewed my own\nopinions with the most jealous attention, and I have weighed, with the\nmost anxious care, the arguments of those who suppose that the system\nwhich I have recommended, is likely to produce any inconvenience or\ndanger to the rights, privileges, and exclusive interests of the East\nIndia Company: but it is my misfortune to view the subject in an\nopposite light. If any thing can endanger that Monopoly, it is_ AN\nUNNECESSARY ADHERENCE TO POINTS NOT ESSENTIAL TO ITS EXISTENCE.\" Mr.\nDundas then adverted to a letter of the 30th September, recently\nreceived from the Governor-General, Marquis Wellesley, which, he said,\n\"had with clearness and precision ably detailed and demonstrated the\ngrounds of those opinions.\"\nBut, the judgment and reasoning of Mr. Dundas, elucidated by the\narguments of Marquis Wellesley, (which were founded on the knowledge of\nwhat, at the time, was passing under the eye of the Governor-General,)\nhad not influence upon the Court of Directors, sufficient to make them\nadopt the proposition of the President of the Board of Control; and\nstill less, the enlargement of that proposition, as suggested by Lord\nWellesley; who represented, \"the great advantages that would result to\nthe Sovereign State, by encouraging the shipping and exportation of\nIndia; and, that if the capital of the Merchants in India, should not\nsupply funds sufficient for the conduct of the whole private Export\nTrade from India to Europe, no dangerous consequences could result from\napplying, to this branch of commerce, capital drawn directly from the\nBritish Empire in Europe:\" thereby taking that trade from foreign\nnations, whose participation in it was become \"_alarmingly increasing_.\"\nThese distinct and concurring opinions, of the President of the Board of\nControl and the Governor-General, could not prevail upon the Court of\nDirectors to \"alter the opinion they had delivered.\" They accordingly\ndrew up paragraphs, to be sent to the Governments in India, conveying\ntheir _final resolutions and instructions_.--\"The British residents in\nIndia,\" they said, \"aided by those who take up their cause here (_viz._\nthe King's Ministers and the Merchants of London), desire to send their\nown ships to Britain, with private merchandise; and the principle of\nemploying British capital in this trade, is also contended for. This\ntrade, although it might for a time be carried on through the existing\nforms of the Company, would at length supersede them; the British\ncommerce with India, instead of being, as it is now, _a regulated\nmonopoly_, would deserve, more properly, the character of a regulated\nfree trade; a title, which it is to be feared would not suit it long.\"\nSuch is the substance of the paragraphs which the Directors had\nprepared, upon the propositions we have been considering; although both\nthe one and the other of those propositions explicitly provided, _that\nall the private trade with India, export as well as import, should be\nconfined to the Port of London_. The Board of Control, though no longer\npresided at by Mr. Dundas, interposed its authority; and, on the 2d\nJune, 1801, the Directors were enjoined not to send those paragraphs to\nIndia.\nThe language of the Court of Directors in 1813, upon the question of the\nImport Trade, is, as has been already affirmed, feeble and languid in\ncomparison with that which the same body employed in 1800 and 1801, with\nregard to the admission of India-built ships in the carrying trade\nbetween Britain and India; but Indian-built ships have, from that time\nto the present, been employed in that trade, and none of the alarming\nconsequences, which the Directors had predicted, have resulted from that\npractice.\nMay it not therefore be reasonably assumed, that the alarm under which\nthey now profess themselves to be, would prove to be equally unfounded;\nthat the direful influence upon the Constitution and Empire, which the\nDirectors tell us is to be apprehended, from any change in the existing\nsystem that shall admit private ships returning from India to import at\nthe places whence they had cleared out, would be found to be as little\nentitled to serious consideration; and that neither the public revenue,\nnor the immediate interests of the Company, would be endangered by an\nexperiment, which the Government and the Company would be equally bound\nto watch; and which Parliament could at all times control, and if\nnecessary, absolutely bring to a termination?\nGRACCHUS.\nLETTER IV.\n_Saturday, Jan. 16, 1813._\nHaving hitherto taken a view of those parts of the India Question, which\nmore immediately relate, to the commercial interests of this country,\nand to the Proprietors of East India Stock; let us now advert to the\ndeportment of the Directors towards the Ministers of the Crown, in their\nlast communication made to the Court of Proprietors.\nIt appears, from the printed papers, that as long back as the month of\nApril, the President of the Board of Control put the Court of Directors\nin full possession of the _final opinion_ of His Majesty's Ministers;\nconcerning the privileges of trade which, they conceived, it would be\ntheir duty to submit to Parliament, as the basis of a Charter. Early in\nthe month of December, a deputation from the Court of Directors appears\nto have been admitted, by special appointment, to a conference; in which\nit is known to every clerk and messenger about the offices, as well as\nto every member of that deputation, that the three Secretaries of State,\nthe First Lord of the Treasury, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer\nattended. And it is equally notorious, that two subsequent meetings were\nheld, between the same parties. We are warranted to infer, from the\nletter of Lord Buckinghamshire, that the discussions which took place at\nthose several conferences, were declared to be open and unreserved; with\na view that the Members of Government, and the Members of the\nDeputation, might freely, and without restraint of form, deliver their\nreasons for the opinions which they respectively held.\nThe impression which the Court of Directors received, from the conduct\nof the Ministers of the Crown, in those conferences, is manifested in\nthe Letter from the Chairman and Deputy Chairman to the President of the\nBoard of Control, of the 30th December, in which \"they return sincere\nacknowledgments for the attention with which their representations had\nbeen listened to, in the various interviews with which they had been\nhonoured by his Lordship, and His Majesty's Ministers, who attended.\"\nIn conferences of this nature, and between parties thus relatively\ncircumstanced, all that was to be expected from the Ministers of the\nCrown was, that they should listen with attention to the representations\nmade to them, and should reply to those representations, so as to\ncommand the acknowledgment of the inferior party. If, in the issue, (to\nuse the words of Mr. Dundas to the same authorities in 1801,) \"after\nhaving reviewed their opinions with the most jealous attention, and\nafter having weighed, with the most anxious care, the arguments brought\nforward, it was still their misfortune to view the subject in an\nopposite light\" to that which presented itself to the judgment of the\nDirectors; it was not to be expected, that they should surrender their\nown judgment to that of the Directors, who stood in the anomalous\ncharacter of defendants and judges in their own cause.\nAt the time that these conferences were terminated, the Ministers appear\nto have entertained an expectation, that the subject would not be\nfurther agitated, until an official communication should be made upon it\nfrom Government. The Court of Directors, however, met on the 18th\nDecember, and entered something very like a protest, by anticipation,\nagainst the measure, which they knew, (from what appears to have passed\nat the conferences,) would be the subject of that official\ncommunication; and they transmitted it to the India Board. By the\nirregularity of this proceeding; which bore upon the face of it the\nappearance of a design, either of intimidating Government from coming to\nthe final decision which they had signified, or of creating a bar\nagainst future discussion; they precluded Government from going into any\ndetail of argument, and consequently, the reply of the President of the\nBoard of Control appears to have been principally intended, to convey\nofficially to the Court of Directors that result, which the Members of\nthe Deputation were already in possession of; namely, \"those conditions,\nupon which alone, consistently with their public duty, the King's\nServants could submit a proposition to Parliament for the renewal of the\nCharter.\"\nTo this official communication, the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the\nEast India Company sent a reply, wherein they offer some explanation of\nthe irregularity; but, in their opposition to the ultimate determination\nof Government, they call upon the King's confidential servants, to\nimpart to them all the reasons which had determined them to think, that\n\"the privilege of Eastern commerce should be extended to British\nmerchants;\" and also, the specific regulations which they may propose to\nadopt, for giving additional security to the revenue against smuggling.\nThe President of the Board of Control, thus called upon to step out of\nhis sphere, or to admit the Court of Directors to _Cabinet discussions_,\nwas constrained to acquaint them, that \"the duty of Ministers had been\nperformed, by communicating to the Company the conditions on which they\nwere disposed to submit the business to Parliament;\" at the same time\ninforming them, that they would find most of the reasons, which had\ndetermined the judgment of Ministers to yield to the representations of\nthe out-port merchants, stated \"in the petitions presented by those\nmerchants to the Houses of Parliament.\" And he finally referred them,\nwith confidence, to the \"justice and wisdom of Parliament, for obtaining\na due regard to their interests.\"\nIf the Court of Directors did not entertain feelings and views very\ndifferent from those of the community at large, in consequence of that\npeculiar position which renders them _defendants, and judges, in their\nown cause_, they could not fail to contemplate with applause, the\ntemper, patience, and regard to public engagements, which mark the whole\nproceedings of Government on this arduous occasion. But, being at one\nand the same moment, petitioners and arbitrators, and having their\njudgments biassed under those clashing characters, they have not always\nkept themselves within the capacity, in which alone they can\nconsistently treat with the Government of the country. In their\ncommunications with the Servants of the Crown, respecting the renewal of\ntheir Charter, all that they are authorized to pretend to, is to have a\ndistinct knowledge of the conditions, on which the Government think they\nshall be justified in the sight of the country, in proposing to\nParliament the renewal of their Charter; and, in the course of obtaining\nthis information, they have experienced the utmost consideration, and\nhave received the most ample and unreserved communications from His\nMajesty's confidential servants; who have given their attention to every\nargument urged by those who appeared as representatives of the Court of\nDirectors, and have put them in possession of all the grounds upon which\nthey differ from them in opinion. After having done this, they have\ndischarged their highly responsible duty to the Public; and if \"_they\nhave the misfortune to view the subject in an opposite light_,\" the\nCompany's records will show them, that this is not the first time a\nradical difference of opinion had subsisted, concerning their\npretensions, between the King's Ministers and the Court of Directors.\nSuch being the true state of the case, it becomes a subject of grave\ninquiry, why the Directors, in the Court of Proprietors held at the\nIndia House on the 5th instant, took no step whatever for moderating the\nspirit which was then shown; or for rectifying the false impressions\nwhich were there testified, respecting the deportment of His Majesty's\nMinisters. It does not appear, that any one of the Directors who were\nparties in those various conferences, in which they acknowledge to the\nPresident of the Board of Control that they experienced so much\nattention, took any forward step to set right the misrepresentations\nwhich were delivered; or to repel the charges, implied or declared, of\ncontempt, neglect, encroachment, &c. which were so freely imputed to the\nServants of the Crown. But they left the spirit which had improperly\nbeen excited, to act by the impulse of an erroneous impression; omitting\nto render to the Government that justice, which the frankness of their\nproceedings strongly called for.\nA review of the debate at the India House,--with the Directors, either\nsilently withholding what they were enabled to impart in justification\nof the Government, or by the rhetoric of some of them tending to blow\nwider the flames of discord,--would almost authorize a suspicion, that\nthe Directors were not displeased at the fever which their silence\nnourished. It is therefore earnestly to be hoped, for the honour of the\nEast India Company, and more especially for the interest of the\nProprietors, that some Director, or other individual, may, at the next\nGeneral Court, strive to efface the memory of the last; who may call\nupon the Deputation, to render to the Ministers of the Crown whatever\njustice is due to them, for their conduct in the late discussions; and\nwho may recommend a revision of the statement, in which they represent\nto those Ministers, that the terms on which Government have offered to\nthe Company a Charter, are such as may \"_leave their dividend unprovided\nfor_,\" and \"_create a necessity for their going to Parliament_!\" For,\nunless they have brought themselves to a state to suppose, that\nMinisters and the Public have lost all intelligence, they must know,\nthat both Ministers and the Public are well aware, that they are\nactually under _a necessity of going to Parliament_ for aid, as soon as\nParliament shall be assembled; and that, at the present moment, _their\ndividend_ may, in strictness, be considered as _unprovided for_.\nGRACCHUS.\nLETTER V.\n_Tuesday, January 19, 1813._\nThe writers, who have recently undertaken to defend and justify the\nopposition of the Court of Directors to any extension of the Import\nTrade from India to the out-ports of the kingdom, have laid a peculiar\nstress upon an opinion conveyed in that part of Mr. Dundas's Letter of\nthe 2d of April 1800, in which that Minister was considering \"the\n_agents_ to be employed at home; to manage the private trade of\nindividuals from India, and to take care of their interests in the\ncargoes of the returning ships.\" He states his opinion, that \"there is\nno use of any interference by the Company; that the great interest to be\nattended to on _the part of the Company_, is, that no goods come from\nIndia that are not deposited in the Company's warehouses; and that the\ngoods, so imported, be exposed at the Company's sales, agreeably to the\nrules prescribed for that purpose.\"\nIn taking ground upon any principle, it is necessary to ascertain\nwhether it applies to the case in point. That it was a great interest to\nthe East India Company to watch and control the trade carrying on under\ntheir own licenses, is obvious; and this the Company could not\neffectually do, unless that Trade, on its return from India, was brought\nunder their own eye, and collected within the sphere of their own\ncontrol; which is confined to the Port of London. But the case, to which\nthis argument is now applied by the advocates for the Company, is so\nessentially deficient, that the principles appear to be wholly\ninapplicable. In this _new case_, the extended trade would be carried\non, not under _the Company's licenses_, but under _the provision of\nParliament_; and the protection and control of that trade would become\nthe care, not of the Company, but of the executive Government. Here then\nthe determination of that trade would be governed, not by the separate\ninterest of the Company (which alone came within the scope of Mr.\nDundas's argument), but by the combined interests of the Company and the\nPublic at large. To this _combined interest_, Mr. Dundas's argument was\n_not_ directed; and it is a fallacy in reasoning, to apply a partial\nargument to a general case.\nBut, let us grant what these advocates assume; that the opinion here\ndelivered by Mr. Dundas, does really apply to the case in question. May\nnot that have happened at the present day, which actually did happen\nwith regard to the regulations of the Charter of 1793? Might not new\nlight be thrown upon a subject in 1813, which was supposed to have been\nthoroughly investigated in 1800? And, as the candour and openness of Mr.\nDundas caused him, in 1800, to avow, that the provisions of 1793 were\n_inadequate_, and prompted him strenuously to recommend the adoption of\na _new principle_; is it not possible that, taking into his view all the\ncircumstances which bear upon the question at the present day, he might,\nhad his life been spared, have been convinced, that the extraordinary\nand unforeseen changes which have taken place in the political and\ncommercial world, might have now rendered it, not only expedient but,\nnecessary to relax, in some degree, upon the point of the import trade\nfrom India?\nAt an early period of the present discussion, Ministers appear to have\nentertained the same maxim, of confining the import trade from India to\nthe Port of London. They were afterwards led, by a full exposition of\nall the various interests which remonstrated against that close\nrestriction, to deem it just and expedient to propose (and wise and\npolitic for the East India Company to consent), that _such of the\nprincipal out-ports as possessed the means whereby smuggling could best\nbe guarded against_, should participate with London in the import trade\nfrom India; reserving exclusively to London, the whole of the trade\nfrom China. This alteration of their original plan was suggested by\nthem to the Court of Directors, not as a relaxation of the _existing\nprivileges_ of the Company (which was the nature of Mr. Dundas's\nproposition in 1800), but as a qualification to take place under _a new\nCharter_.\nWhen Mr. Dundas suggested to the Directors the new principle, of\nadmitting Indian-built ships as the vehicle for carrying on the private\ntrade, he was not treating with them concerning _the renewal_ of their\nCharter; for they had then an _unexpired term of fourteen years_, in the\nprivileges conferred upon them by the Act of 1793. His proposition, as\nhas been just observed, went to _a relaxation_ of an important part of\nthose _subsisting privileges_; for which he sought to gain their\nacquiescence; and as his opinion was decided and avowed, \"that the\nostensible form of Government for India, with all its consequent detail\nof patronage, must remain as it now is, and that the monopoly of that\ntrade ought properly to continue in the hands of the East India\nCompany;\" it was prudent and seasonable in him to dwell upon that point.\nHave not the Ministers of the present day evinced the same opinion? Have\nthey not proposed, to leave the patronage of India, and the exclusive\nprofits of the China Trade, with the Company? Does not the China Trade\nensure the employment of all the large ships in the service of the\nCompany; together with the continued engagement, in that line of\nservice, of the Commanders and Officers of those ships; and also, of\nevery other description of person now connected with that (_the\nlargest_) branch of the Company's concerns? Have not Ministers proposed\nto confine the private trade with India to ships of four hundred tons\nand upwards; thereby leaving to the owners of such of the smaller ships\nnow in the service of the Company, as by possibility may not be required\nfor their commerce, the advantage (which establishment in any line of\nbusiness must always give) of finding employment from those who, under\nthe proposed extension, may engage in that trade? Have not Ministers, in\nproposing that the _Government_ of India should continue to be\nadministered through the organ of the Company, proposed to them the\ncontinuance of the peculiar and great benefit, of carrying on their\n_commerce_ by means of _the revenue_ of that Government? Whereas, the\nprivate adventurers must trade upon their own capitals, or at an heavy\ncharge of interest.\nHow is it, then, that we hear so much of the loss which our Navy must\nsustain, from the large ships of the Company being withdrawn from the\nEastern Trade; of the distress to which the Commanders and Officers, and\nthe numerous classes of artificers and others connected with those\nships, are to be exposed? Why are we told, that the East India Docks\nwill be left empty, and the Proprietors be reduced to apply to\nParliament for an indemnification? Can it possibly happen, that all\nthese calamities, so heavily denounced, should arise out of a permission\nto be granted to private ships, returning from India, to proceed to\n_certain ports to be designated_; more advantageously situated for their\ntrade than the Port of London? A permission, which the Directors\nthemselves are of opinion will not long be made use of to any great\nextent; for they have told us, that the adventurers in those private\nships will be disappointed in their speculations; and they have adverted\nto the mass of individual loss, which must ensue from the delusion, as\nfurnishing a strong argument, why Government ought not to yield to the\nimportunity of the Merchants of the out-ports.\nFrom all that has been stated, it would appear, that instead of the\nexaggerated picture of distress, which the advocates for a close\nmonopoly to the Port of London have represented as the necessary\nconsequence of relieving commerce from its present restrictions, we\nought to entertain a well-founded expectation; that _every class and\ndescription of persons_, who now find employment in the Indian Trade,\nwill continue to have their industry called into action in the same line\nof employment, and even to a greater extent, in some instances, than is\nnow experienced. For, unless the _union of interests_, which has so\nrecently taken place between the City of London and the East India\nCompany, should have the effect of preventing all competition between\nthe Merchants of London (formerly so eager to participate in the trade\nwith India), and the Merchants of the out-ports; it cannot fail to\nhappen, from the spirit of enterprise which has uniformly distinguished\nthe Metropolis, that the Port of London, _to which the whole India Trade\nwould be generally open_, will furnish its full proportion of the new\nadventurers; and thus amply fill up that void, which the East India\nCompany affirm would be created in the Port of London, by diverting so\nmuch of the Indian Trade to the out-ports: more especially, as all the\nhouses of Indian agency, which have been formed since the Act of 1793,\nare established within the Metropolis.\nSince this is the just prospect, which the adoption of the conditions\nproposed by Government as the terms for the renewal of the Company's\nCharter, opens to our view; since the share which the London Merchants\nmay take in the enlargement of the trade, would not fail to supply\nemployment for all that industry, which the Court of Directors assert\nwill be interrupted and suspended; while, at the same time, the\nextension of that advantage will create new sources of industry in\nvarious parts of the kingdom, without impairing or diminishing that of\nLondon; whose will be the awful responsibility, if, by an obstinate\nrejection of terms capable of yielding consequences so extensively\nbeneficial to the community, the Charter of the Company should not be\nrenewed; and if the disastrous effect should in consequence be produced,\nin London and its vicinity, of \"a suspended industry, interrupted\nemployment,\" and all the train of sufferings and calamities which has\nbeen drawn out? Who will be chargeable, before the country, with \"the\nloss and waste of establishments which have cost upwards of a million\nsterling--of shipping, to the amount of many millions--of a numerous and\nrespectable class of warehouse-keepers, clerks, and superior servants,\njoined to three thousand labourers, and their families--of tradesmen of\nvarious descriptions, who have incurred a very great expense for the\nconduct of their business?\" Who will be chargeable, in fact, with all\nthis destruction? Will it be the Government, who desire the East India\nCompany _to keep their Indian Empire, and their exclusive China trade_?\nOr will it be the Conductors of the East India Company, who shall suffer\nthis great machine suddenly to stop its action, _because their limited\nexclusive privileges are not made perpetual_?\nGRACCHUS.\nLETTER VI.\n_Friday, January 22, 1813._\nGracchus is charged, by some of the champions of the East India Company,\nwith error and a want of candour, because he has represented the\nDirectors to have maintained, that opening the import trade from India\nto the out-ports of the kingdom, involves a question of the last\nimportance to the British Empire in India, and to the British\nConstitution at home; and those writers affirm, that the Directors do\nnot deduce the danger of those great interests from the question of the\nout-port trade, but from the question of disturbing the present system\nof administering the Government of India.\nYet he can discover, neither error nor want of candour in his statement.\nIf those advocates will take the pains to follow the whole argument of\nthe Directors, on the present occasion, throughout, they must be\nsensible, that his statement cannot be controverted. The Directors,\nindeed, avoid expressing their proposition in the fair and distinct form\nin which it is here drawn out; yet such is the proposition in effect.\nFor, if the whole of it be reduced into a form of syllogism, it is no\nother than this:--\n     \"Whatever shall cause the subversion of the present system of\n     Indian Government, will cause danger to the Empire and\n     Constitution.\n     \"But, pressing the extension of _an import trade from India to the\n     out-ports_, will cause the subversion of the present system of\n     Indian Government.\n     \"Therefore, _pressing the extension of an import trade to the\n     out-ports, will cause danger to the Empire and Constitution_.\"\nIf we question the _minor_ proposition, and ask, Why, pressing an import\ntrade for the out-ports, should necessarily cause the subversion of the\nexisting system of Indian Government? the answer of the Directors is\nalready given:--Because they _will not_ continue to carry on that\nGovernment, if an import trade from India should be granted to the\nout-ports. Thus, the original statement is demonstrably established; and\nall the logic of the City cannot overturn it.\nThe Directors must permit the words \"_will not_;\" for, with the record\nof the East India Company's history before us, it is impossible to say\nthey _cannot_. In proof of this assertion, let us take a review of that\nhistory, and let us examine, what evil resulted to the Company, _during\nthe period that the import trade from India_ WAS ACTUALLY _extended to\nthe out-ports of Great Britain_.\nWhen the first, or London East India Company, had incurred the\nforfeiture of their Charter in 1693, by the non-payment of a stipulated\nsum of money, their privileges were immediately restored to them, and\nconfirmed by letters patent, granted by King William III. upon this\nexpress ground:--\"Considering how highly it imports the honour and\nwelfare of this our kingdom, and our subjects thereof, that a trade and\ntraffic to the East Indies should be continued; and being well satisfied\nthat the same may be of great and public advantage; and being also\ndesirous to render the same, as much as in us lies, _more national,\ngeneral, and extensive, than hitherto it hath been_,\" &c.\nThis principle, of promoting a more national, general, and extensive\ntrade to India than had subsisted under the then existing Company's\nexclusive Charter, gave rise to _a new measure_ in the year 1698, in an\nAct passed in the 9th and 10th year of the same king, entitled, _An Act\nfor raising a sum not exceeding two millions, &c. and for settling the\ntrade to the East Indies_. The parties subscribing towards that loan,\nwere formed into a Society, called _The General Society of Merchants,\n&c._; and such of them as chose to unite their subscriptions, and to\nform a joint-stock, were incorporated under the name of _The English\nEast India Company, &c._ The General Society possessed the privilege of\nan export and import trade with India, with the power of _bringing their\nimport cargoes from India to the_ OUT-PORTS _of the kingdom_, in the\nsame manner as is proposed by Government at the present day; with this\nonly difference, that the General Society of Merchants were not\nrestricted as to the ports at which they should enter, whereas\nGovernment have _now_ proposed, that merchants _should be restricted to\nsuch ports as can best afford the means of guarding against the\ndepredations of smuggling_.\nThe regulations, which were adopted for ships importing from India to\nthe out-ports, are to be found in the Act 9 and 10 William III. c. 44.\ns. 69. and were as follows:--\n     \"Provided always, and it is here enacted, that no Company, or\n     _particular person or persons_, who shall have a right, in\n     pursuance of this Act, to trade to the East Indies, or other parts\n     within the limits aforesaid, shall be allowed to trade, until\n     _sufficient security_ shall be first given (which the Commissioners\n     of the Customs in England, or any three or more of them for the\n     time being, are hereby authorized and required to take, in the\n     name and to the use of His Majesty, his heirs and successors), that\n     such Company, or _particular persons_, shall cause all the goods,\n     wares, merchandise, and commodities, which shall at any time or\n     times hereafter, during the continuance of this Act, be laden by or\n     for them, or _any of them_, or for their, or any of their accounts,\n     in _any ship_ or ships whatsoever, bound from the said East Indies,\n     or parts within the limits aforesaid, to be brought (without\n     breaking bulk), to _some port of England or Wales_, and _there be\n     unladen and put to land_, &c. And that all goods and merchandises\n     belonging to the Company aforesaid, or _any other traders to the\n     East Indies_, and which shall be _imported into England or Wales_,\n     as aforesaid, pursuant to this Act, shall by them be sold openly\n     and publicly, by inch of candle, _upon their respective accounts_,\n     and not otherwise.\"\nUpon this Act of the 9th and 10th of William III. was built, in the\nfollowing year, that famous Charter of the Company, upon which they rest\nthe weight of their pretensions; and that very Charter, as is here\nrendered incontestable by the Act itself, comprehended the principle,\n_of an Import Trade from India to the_ OUT-PORTS _of the kingdom_.\nThe form and condition of the security which was to be given by the\nout-port merchants, will be found in the Act, 6th Anne, c. 3. entitled,\n\"_An Act for better securing the duties on East India goods_.\" By that\nAct, the security to be given was fixed \"at the rate of 2500l. sterling\nfor every hundred ton their ships or vessels shall be respectively let\nfor;\" and the _only_ restriction imposed upon the import trade from\nIndia was, that it should be brought \"_to some port in Great Britain_.\"\nThus, then, any man who looks but a little beyond the objects which lie\naccidentally before his eyes, may see, that the measure now suggested by\nGovernment, instead of being a wild and airy speculation, a theoretical\ninnovation, a _new_, untried, and dangerous experiment, on which we have\nno ground to reason from experience (as it has been ignorantly and\nfalsely asserted), is nothing more than reverting to an _ancient_\nprinciple, involved in the Company's applauded Charter of the 10th of\nWilliam the Third, and to the practice of our forefathers in the\nbrightest period of our domestic history; a period, in which the British\nConstitution received its last perfection, and from which the present\npower and greatness of the British Empire, in the East and in the West,\ndates its origin.\nHaving sufficiently proved and established this _great fact_, let us\nnext inquire, what history reveals to us, of _the consequences_ of that\nimport trade to the out-ports, that can tend, in any degree, to justify,\nor give support to, the Company, in determining to resort to an\nalternative which, they acknowledge, will subvert the system of Indian\nGovernment (and thereby shake the Constitution at home), rather than\n_renew the measure_ of a regulated trade to the out-ports.\nWe have not to deduce these consequences from _abstract hypothesis_, but\nfrom _historical testimony_; let us, then, observe what that testimony\nunfolds. No evil, of any kind whatever, resulted to the incorporated, or\nJoint Stock Company, from the privilege enjoyed by the out ports. On the\ncontrary, that _Joint Stock Company_, issuing out of the General Society\nof Merchants (which, as has been above stated, soon became the English\nEast India Company), rose above all their competitors, notwithstanding\nthe power of importing, without limitation, to _any of the ports of the\nkingdom_; and such was the rapidity of their progress, that they\novercame the former, or London Company; they obtained a surrender of all\ntheir rights to St. Helena, Bombay, and all their other islands and\nsettlements in India; they at length received that ancient Company into\ntheir own body; and finally became the United East India Company of the\npresent day. And so little did the competition and free import of the\ngeneral merchants tend to obstruct the growth of the United Company,\neven in the age of its _infancy_; and so \"superior were the advantages\nthey derived from trading with a joint-stock (to use the words of one of\nthe Company's most strenuous champions), that at the time of the union\nof the two Companies, out of the whole loan of two millions, only\n7000l. then remained the property of the _separate traders of the\nGeneral Society_; and this sum also was soon absorbed in the United\nCompany[4].\" If then the Company, starting originally with only a joint\nstock, against a competition in the out-ports of the kingdom, with a\npower to import to those out-ports, outstripped and overcame all their\ncompetitors; what can they seriously apprehend from a renewal of the\nsame experiment, in the present momentum of their power, and when they\nare able to unite with their joint-stock, the whole of the revenues of\ntheir present empire in the East?\nBut it may be asked, if no better success is likely to attend the\ncommercial speculations of the out-ports, why is so strong an effort\nmade, to admit them to a share in the India trade? The answer is\nobvious. When Mr. Dundas, in the year 1800, so forcibly expressed his\nopinion against any such admission, he did not ground that opinion upon\na question of _ports_, but of _commercial capital_. He considered the\ncapital of the Company as sufficient for all the advantage which the\nPublic, in the aggregate, could derive from the India Trade; and he\nmaintained, that the aggregate interest of the Public would suffer from\nany measure, tending \"to divert any larger proportion of the commercial\ncapital of the country from a more advantageous and more profitable\nuse.\" But the circumstances of the world are become materially altered,\nsince the period of 1800. The commercial capital, of which Mr. Dundas\nthen reasoned, is deprived of that advantageous and profitable\nemployment which his argument supposed, and is therefore without\napplication or direction; from whence it has resulted, that the\noperation of commerce is interrupted, and its activity suspended. The\nallowing that capital to be partially directed to the markets of India,\nwould therefore, under present circumstances, have the great national\nadvantage, of recovering the activity and spirit of commerce, and of\nencouraging an extensive public interest which is at present\ndisappointed, if not dormant; and, whenever a more prosperous state of\nthings should return, the capital so engaged for a time, would, from the\nnature of commerce, unquestionably recall itself, and seek again a more\nprofitable market, if any such should open. In the mean time, the East\nIndia Company, adding to their joint-stock all the revenues of India,\nneed hardly know, because they could not _feel_, that they had any\ncompetitors in the markets of India. And, as the Executive Government\nwas able to guard the out-ports against smuggling in the period of _the\ninfancy_ of the Company, they might and ought to feel a perfect\nconfidence, that the same authority can guard them equally now, in the\npresent period of _their maturity_.\nThus, since history renders it indisputable, that an import trade from\nIndia to the out-ports of the kingdom has been heretofore exercised\nunder Acts of Parliament, and that it may be perfectly compatible with\nthe highest prosperity of the East India Company; since the Executive\nGovernment can guard it against smuggling at the present day, as well as\nin the reigns of King William and Queen Anne; and since a great and\nurgent national interest reasonably demands it, both from Parliament and\nthe Company; the present moment furnishes a most fit occasion for the\nCompany to consider, Mr. Dundas's solemn call upon \"their wisdom,\npolicy, and liberality,\" made by him to them in the year 1800; and also,\nhis weighty admonition, that \"_if any thing can endanger their monopoly,\nit is_ AN UNNECESSARY ADHERENCE TO POINTS NOT ESSENTIAL TO THEIR\nEXISTENCE.\"\nIt has been called _illiberal_, to question the motives of the\nDirectors, in refusing their consent to an import trade to the\nout-ports. But, with the facts of history, which have been here\nproduced, staring us and them in the face, it would be impossible not to\nquestion those motives. No man can entertain a higher respect for the\nEast India Company, as a body politic and corporate, or contemplate with\nhigher admiration the distinguished career which it has run, than\nGracchus; but, at the same time, no one is better persuaded of the\noperation of _policy_, in a body circumstanced as they are. And it is\nmore especially necessary to watch that policy, and to be free to\ninterpret _political motives_, at the present crisis, because, at the\neve of the expiration of the Company's _last_ Charter, in 1793, certain\nrights were anxiously alleged on their behalf, in a work entitled, \"_A\nShort History of the East India Company_, &c.\" rights absolutely\nunmaintainable, and utterly incompatible with the sovereignty of the\nEmpire, and the freedom of the Constitution; and the allegations then\nmade, appear now to assume the form of _a practical assertion_. To those\nalleged rights, therefore, it will be advisable early to call the\nattention of Parliament and of the nation.\nGRACCHUS.\nFOOTNOTE:\n[4] A Short History of the East India Company.\nLETTER VII.\n_Wednesday, Jan. 27, 1813._\nThere is an irritability manifested at the present moment, by those who\nare intimately united in interest with the East India Company, which\nappears strongly indicative of an unhealthy case. It is well known, that\nthe revenues of the Company, far from being able to contribute to the\nrevenues of the State that augmentation which was made the condition of\nthe Company's present Charter, have, from causes which the Directors\ncould not control, been so deficient, that they have been obliged, at\ndifferent times, to apply to Parliament for pecuniary aid; that they are\nburdened with a debt of not less than forty-two millions; and that they\nare _now_ unable to discharge their engagements, without again coming to\nParliament to obtain the means. Yet, \"AN OLD PROPRIETOR\" feels no\nuneasiness from this state of the Company's affairs; and this, we must\nsuppose, proceeds from an opinion, that the dividend he now receives is\n_secured to him for the time to come_.\nBut Parliament has never, directly nor indirectly, made itself a\n_collateral security_ to the Proprietors, for the payment of a dividend\nof 10\u00bd percent. The aids, at different times granted by Parliament,\nhave proceeded from a mixed principle, of _equity_ and of _liberal\nsupport_. Of _equity_, in so far as the embarrassments of the Company\nhave been occasioned by political events; of _liberal support_, in so\nfar as those embarrassments may have been caused by disappointment in\ntrade. If the Proprietors should not discriminate between these two\nprinciples which have actuated Parliament, but claim the whole of the\nsuccours afforded, upon a ground of _positive right_, they might impose\nupon Parliament the necessity of requiring the East India Company to\nbring their affairs to a final settlement; in order that it may be\naccurately determined, how far the Public are equitably pledged to the\nProprietors, and how far the Proprietors must be left to settle their\nown accounts with the Company alone. And it is possible, that the result\nmight not afford that confidence of a well-secured dividend of ten and a\nhalf per cent., which an OLD PROPRIETOR considers it an attack upon\nprivate property even to question.\nSuch an issue, however, does not appear to be very likely to occur,\nunless the Managers of the East India Company's concerns, from any\nill-advised determination in their counsels, should take some steps, by\nwhich their affairs should be abruptly brought to a settlement: in which\nevent, any disappointment or loss sustained by the Proprietors will be\nchargeable upon those Managers, who thus desert their duty to their\nConstituents; and not on the Public, or the Government. The Managers of\nthe East India Company, having so clear and responsible a duty binding\nupon them, ought to be most scrupulous of failing in that duty, through\nany capricious or speculative \"_adherence to points not essential to\ntheir existence_;\" for, if they should sacrifice the interest of the\nProprietors by now attempting to convert their _temporary grants_ into a\n_perpetual right_; although the disappointed Proprietors may arraign the\nPublic, yet the Public at large will, with justice, impeach the Managers\nof the East India Company.\nIn order to open the eyes of the Proprietors to the simple fact of their\nactual position, their attention was called by Gracchus, on the 13th\ninst. to the consideration, whether the Company, loaded with a debt of\n42,000,000l. and being unable to discharge the sum of four millions\nbecoming due, could reasonably expect, that if Parliament should now\ncome to their immediate relief, it would engage itself, _in all future\ntime_, for the payment of a dividend of ten and a half per cent.;\nespecially, if, upon any contingent winding up of the Company's affairs,\ncalled for by their own pertinacity, their remaining resources should be\nfound inadequate to secure that dividend to the Proprietors? And the\npossible case was suggested, of some guardian of the public purse\ndeeming it equitable, that in the event of Parliament being disposed to\ncome to the relief of the Proprietors, under such circumstances, the\nlatter should be called upon, on their part, to submit to some condition\nof accommodation.\n\"An OLD PROPRIETOR\" discovers in this argument of caution, only _a\ndirect menace_ from the Executive Government to the purses of the\nProprietors;--a plain and intelligible _threat_, that payment of their\njust claims shall be withheld; and he \"thanks God, that he lives in a\ncountry, where such language will be treated with merited scorn.\" This\nOLD PROPRIETOR should have known, that Government has never declined to\nsettle any accounts with the East India Company, which had been properly\nauthenticated: under present circumstances, it is not to be expected,\nthat Government should incur the responsibility of applying the public\nmoney to discharge claims which have not been sufficiently investigated.\nSo far, however, is Government from having evinced any disposition to\nthrow unnecessary difficulties in the way of the Company's pecuniary\narrangements, that, in the midst of the present contest with the\nDirectors, it has granted to the Company a suspension of the payment of\nbetween 8 and 900,000l. of tea duties, which the Company had actually\nreceived from the buyers of the tea. It is perhaps not generally known,\nthat the Company formerly paid the duties upon tea upon its being\nimported and landed; by which means the amount of duties was immediately\ndrawn into the Exchequer. To accommodate the Company, a change of\npractice was allowed by Government, and the Company have been permitted\nto sell their teas, in the first instance, without the interference of\nthe Officers of the Customs, upon condition of the Company afterwards\nremitting the gross amount of duties to the Board of Revenue. Thus they\nactually make their own profits upon the tea, and receive into their own\nhands the Government duties, before they are called upon to pay them.\nThe duties actually so received by the Company, amount to the sum above\nstated; and the _Old Proprietor_ will probably deem it no slight proof\nof a wish on the part of Government to render an accommodation to the\nCompany, that, during the pending discussion, it has made arrangements\nfor allowing the Company an extended period, for transferring the very\nconsiderable sum of which they have actually received the beneficial\nuse.\nIt should be always remembered, by the Company, and by the Public, as\nparties in a great compact, that the privilege of an exclusive trade to\nIndia and China has never been granted to the Company without reserve;\nor, as if their possession of that exclusive benefit was, _in itself_,\nthe most advantageous arrangement for the public interest. The grant has\nalways proceeded upon a principle, of bargain and covenant; and on the\nconsideration of a pecuniary, advance, to be made by the Company to the\nPublic, as the condition for the renewal of _the lease of the public\nrights in the India trade_. Upon this principle alone, has the exclusive\ntrade ever been conceded to the East India Company; either under its\npresent form, or under any of its former denominations.\nTo shorten the discussion, however, let the Proprietors and the Company\ntake the following compressed view, of the probable consequences which\nwould severally result, from a _compliance with_, or _rejection of_, the\nproposition made by Government, as the basis of a new Charter; and let\nthem consider, in _which of the two_ they foresee the greatest security\nfor their own future interests.\nIf, upon maturely weighing the case before them, the Company should\naccede to the proposition of Government; and if an arrangement, founded\nupon that proposition, should receive the sanction of Parliament;\n1. The Company will preserve _the entire China trade_; and this\nprincipal sphere of their commercial profit, will remain undisturbed.\n2. They will possess advantages for continuing to carry on the India\ntrade, so far superior to those of all private competitors, from _their\nterritorial and commercial revenues_, that, with a moderate exertion of\ntheir activity, they may preserve almost the whole of that trade.\n3. They will possess _the regulation and control of the India trade_, so\nfar as depends upon the Indian Governments; and as those Governments\nwill continue in the exercise of the executive power, all the private\nMerchants, who may repair to the ports and harbours within the extensive\nlimits of their jurisdiction, will of course _be subject to the\nauthority of their Government_.\n4. They will retain the whole patronage and expenditure of a revenue of\nupwards of _Fifteen Millions_ sterling per annum in India, together with\nvery extensive establishments at home, depending upon that revenue.\n5. The accounts between the Public and the Company, being brought to no\nsudden and violent crisis of settlement, may be amicably and leisurely\nadjusted, with a view to mutual convenience.\nOn the other hand, should the Company incautiously drop the _substance_\nto pursue the _shadow_, and refuse the proposition of Government; and\nshould Parliament, upon a full and deliberate consideration of the\nactual circumstances of the Company, deem it more advisable to bring\ntheir accounts with the Public to a thorough investigation and final\nsettlement, than to admit the Company's new pretensions to _a perpetual\nmonopoly_;\n1. The Company will lose as much of the China trade as may fall into the\nhands of the private merchants, who _think_ they shall be able to sell\ntea 85 per cent. cheaper than the Company.\n2. They will lose the control of the India commerce, _and will carry on\ntheir traffic in India as subjects_, in common with the private British\nmerchants.\n3. By that loss, voluntarily incurred, they may throw the greatest part\nof the trade into the hands of the private traders.\n4. They will _lose the patronage of India, and the establishments\ndepending upon it_; which they will thus compel Parliament, contrary to\nthe disposition of Government, to place under different arrangements.\n5. The accounts between the Public and the Company must be referred for\ninvestigation to Commissioners of Inquiry, to be finally settled and\nadjusted.\nIt is now for the Proprietors, after well considering these two\nalternatives, to determine, under _which of the two_ their dividend will\nbe _most secure_.\nWith regard to Constitutional objections against taking the Government\nof India out of the hands of the Company (upon which objection their\nconfidence in their present pretensions chiefly reposes), it is\ndifficult to conceive that the wisdom of Parliament, after the\nexperience of so many years, is unequal to the task of devising a system\nas good as that of the Company, without incurring the evil which those\nConstitutional objections suppose. The Company's Government, it must be\nrecollected, has been a production of chance, and has grown by the\nprogress of accidental events. It has, indeed, answered far better in\npractice than could have been expected, if we consider its origin; and\ntherefore, it is not desirable that it should be materially altered;\nneither is it likely that any such alteration of the system should be\ncontemplated, unless the indiscretion of the Company should impose upon\nParliament the necessity of resorting to that measure. But it certainly\ndoes not seem to be a measure insuperably difficult, to preserve\nwhatever is really good in the present system, and even to remedy some\nof its defects, without departing from the path of experience, and\nresorting to improvements of theory and experiment.\nThere is one point of view, however, in which such a system would\nacquire an evident advantage over that which has hitherto obtained: viz.\nthat it would, in every Session, be liable to the revision of\nParliament, and to the immediate correction of every error which might\nbe observed, and to such further continual improvements as experience\nmight direct; _not being embarrassed by the compact of a Charter_.\nGRACCHUS.\nLETTER VIII.\n_Wednesday, February 17, 1813._\nIt is very observable, that the objections which have been made by the\nEast India Company to the admission of ships, returning from India, to\nimport and dispose of their cargoes at any other place than the Port of\nLondon, are not founded so much upon any statement of the injury which\nthe trade of the Company would sustain by admitting them, as upon a\nprovident regard for the adventurers themselves, and a caution held out\nto them not to entertain an expectation of benefiting by any commercial\nspeculation in India; since the long experience of the Company has\nenabled them to show, that it must be ultimately ruinous to the\nspeculator. The sum of the experience, alleged by those who have come\nforward to defend this point, is, \"_That it is not practicable to extend\nthe consumption of European manufactures generally in India_;\" and the\nfacts which they have asserted in support of this experimental argument,\nand upon which they rest its strength, are these four following:\n1. That the natives of India entertain a strong characteristic aversion,\nto engage in commercial transactions with foreigners.\n2. That their religious prejudices, customs, habits, and tastes, render\nit impossible that they should ever become consumers of our\nmanufactures, to any extent.\n3. That their poverty opposes an insuperable bar to such consumption.\n4. That these facts and their consequences are demonstrated in the\nexamples of the Portuguese and the Dutch, who were not able to carry\ntheir export commerce with India to any considerable extent.\nLet us take these several propositions in their order; and examine, how\nfar they possess that force of truth, which the Company has supposed to\nbelong to them.\n1. In the infancy of the European intercourse with India, the sole\nobject of those who engaged in its commerce was, to procure the produce\nand commodities of the East. In this pursuit, so far were the natives\nfrom opposing any obstacles to their endeavours, that they were found\ndisposed to afford every facility to a traffic, which brought them\n_specie_ in exchange for their manufactures, and for the productions of\ntheir soil. This fact, which is established by every writer who treated\nupon the subject of the India commerce during that period, would of\nitself constitute a complete answer to those who advance the\nproposition, that the natives of India are averse, through an\nestablished prejudice, to engage in commercial transactions with\nforeigners.\nWhen the ingenuity of the French and German artists enabled the\nspeculators in this traffic to introduce _works of fancy_, we learn from\nTavernier, who made six several journeys, between the years 1645 and\n1670, from France to India, by various routes, that the Rajahs of\nHindostan and of the Deccan, as well as the Mahomedan princes of those\ncountries, admitted him into their states; that the articles of\nmanufacture which he introduced were received and purchased with an\navidity which encouraged him to continue, for so many years, the pursuit\nof that commerce; that he found the natives of India, spread over the\nwhole range of country from the Indus to the Caspian Sea, engaged in the\nactive prosecution of foreign traffic; and that the number of _Banyans_\n(the chief commercial cast of Hindoos) at that time established at\nIspahan, were not less than ten thousand. Forster, who, in a more recent\nperiod, followed Tavernier in one of the routes which he had traversed,\ninforms us, that, in the year 1783, he found Banyans established at\nAstrachan, within the Russian empire. And we further learn from Bruce,\nthat the principal agents of commerce at Mocha and Jedda, in the Red\nSea, were Banyans; and that they had even extended themselves into\nAbyssinia. No stronger evidence, therefore, can be required to make it\nmanifest, that foreign as well as internal trade has been in all ages,\nand still continues to be at the present day, a common practice, and a\nfavourite pursuit of the Hindoos.\n2. With regard to the restrictive operation of the religious prejudices\nand customs of the Hindoos, against the adoption of foreign articles of\nmanufacture; Mr. Colebrooke, lately a Member of the Supreme Council, and\nan eminent Oriental scholar, has furnished us with information upon this\nsubject, equally important and decisive. In an unpublished work, on the\nAgriculture and Commerce of Bengal, cited in _The Edinburgh Review_, for\nNovember 1812, that gentleman observes, that, according to the\nsentiments of the Hindoos, \"All things come _undefiled_ from _the\nshop_;\" or, in the words of Menu, \"The hands of an artist employed in\nhis art are always pure; and so is every vendible commodity when exposed\nto sale: that woollens are purified by a single exposure to air, while\nwater is necessary to purify other clothes.\" Proceeding with these\nprinciples, he further informs us, \"That the rainy season and winter of\nIndia afford real occasion for the use of woollens; that the fabrics of\nEurope are always preferred; and, if the articles were adapted in the\nmanufacture to the Indian use, and the price reduced, the consumption\nwould descend from the middle even to the more numerous classes. That\nthe natives of India do not want a taste for porcelaine, and other\nelegant wares; that they require vast quantities of metallic vessels,\nand of hardware; that, considering the greatness of the population, and\nthe disposition of the natives to use European manufactures, it cannot\nbe doubted, that a great vend might be found, and that the demand will\nincrease with the restoration of wealth.\"\nThe authority of Mr. Colebrooke on this subject would be conclusive,\neven if it stood alone: but it may be supported by a reference to the\nopinion of many persons, who have been resident in the great cities of\nIndia. Those persons would be found to testify, that at Delhi, at\nLucknow, at Hydrabad, Mysore, and Tanjore, in all the capitals, whether\nHindoo or Mahomedan, a taste prevails amongst the natives for a variety\nof articles of European manufacture. The late Nabob of Oude, was known\nto have affected the European dress; as may be seen by the costume of\nhis picture, in the possession of the Marquis Wellesley.\nA large assortment of cut glass lustres has been provided by order, for\nthe Soubahdar of the Deccan; and a person is now proceeding to India,\nwith the license of the Company, for the express purpose of arranging\nthem, when they shall have reached his palace of Hydrabad.\nThe Rajah of Mysore (and, in the same manner, many of the Serdars of\nthat state), is frequently clothed in scarlet cloth; his servants are\ngenerally dressed in woollen of that colour; and he often travels in an\nEnglish carriage, driven by postillions, who are habited in the English\ncostume. The Rajah of Tanjore exhibits in his palace a colossal marble\nstatue of himself, wrought by the hand of Flaxman; and the monument of\nhis revered Mentor, the late celebrated missionary Swartz, sculptured by\nthe same eminent artist, was executed and sent to Tanjore, at the\nexpress and urgent desire of that enlightened Prince.\nWe must further observe, that so far are the religious and civil habits\nof the Hindoos from obstructing the intercourse of trade, that their\npolicy has connected trade with religion; and the great festivals of\ntheir worship, are at the same time the appointed periods and scenes of\ntheir most active commerce. Jaggernaut, Ramisseram, Tripetty, are the\nmost celebrated places of Hindoo devotion within the British dominions;\nand every one who has resided in India must know, that _fairs_ are held\nat those places at the periods, when the greatest concourse of pilgrims\nis drawn to them by the celebration of their religious rites and\nceremonies. In further illustration of the disposition of the natives to\ntraffic, in every way by which profit can be derived, the following fact\nmay be stated; which can be attested by every officer who served with\nthe army under Sir Arthur Wellesley (now Marquis of Wellington), against\nthe Mahrattas, in 1803. The distant and severe service in which that\narmy had been engaged, had exhausted the store of European necessaries\nwith which it had advanced against the enemy; and the officers arrived\nat Poonah, almost destitute of those comforts and accommodations. But\nthey found the native merchants of that capital provided with the most\nessential of those several articles, and they were soon supplied,\nthrough the agency of those merchants, with every thing for which they\nhad occasion. Poonah is the capital of a Brahmin government; and,\ntherefore, this single fact would serve to furnish a complete answer to\nevery thing that has been asserted, against the practicability of\nintroducing and extending the manufactures of Europe into every part of\nHindostan.\n3. That the poverty of a large majority of the native subjects of our\nIndian Empire is such, as to disable them from acquiring our\nmanufactures, is certainly true; but it is no less true, that a very\nconsiderable portion of that population possess the means of indulging\nin every article of convenience and luxury, both native and European. It\nhas been very generally stated, that there are only _two_ classes of\npeople in India, the very rich and the very poor. But a minute\ninvestigation into the society of India, would discover the error of\nthis statement, and would show, that there exists a third and _middle_\nclass, far removed from the condition of either of the others; greatly\nexceeding in number the former of these, and falling far short of the\nlatter. This class, as they certainly possess the means, would, if\nproper steps were taken, materially contribute to the demand and\nconsumption of many of our home manufactures.\n4. With respect to the evidence, attempted to be drawn from the ill\nsuccess of the Portuguese and Dutch traders, we are to observe, that the\nsituation of the Portuguese and the Dutch, during the period when they\nwere in possession of the European trade with India, was so exceedingly\ndifferent from that of the British nation at the present moment, that it\nis scarcely possible to draw a sound comparison between them. The native\nGovernments were at that time powerful; and the establishments of the\nPortuguese, and afterwards of the Dutch, extended but a short distance\nfrom the sea-coast; the manufactures of Europe were, in a manner, in\ntheir infancy; and neither Portugal nor Holland were manufacturing\ncountries. Whereas, the British empire is now established over the\nrichest and most populous regions of India, and its influence is\nextended even further than its dominion; the manufactures of the United\nKingdom have attained a degree of perfection, which never has been\nequalled; they can be fashioned to the tastes, the wants, and the\ncaprices of every nation and climate; and certainly, the interests of\nthe country call for the cultivation of every channel, which can be\nopened for the enlargement of our commerce.\nWe cannot better conclude these observations, than by applying the\ncircumstantial evidence which they afford, to Mr. Dundas's letter of the\n2d April 1800; in which that Minister admitted the fact, of a\n_progressively increasing_ consumption; but, at the same time,\nconceived, that the _customs of the natives_ would prescribe _limits_ to\nits extension. \"I do not mean to say,\" says he, \"that the exports from\nthis country to India have not been _very considerably increased of late\nyears_; and I make no doubt that, from recent circumstances, _they may\nbe still considerably increased_. But the prospect, _from the causes I\nhave already referred to_, must always be a limited one.\" What these\ncauses are he thus explains:--\"The export trade to India can never be\nextended to any degree, proportionate to the wealth and population of\nthe Indian Empire; neither can the returns upon it be very profitable to\nindividuals. Those who attend to _the manners_, _the manufactures_,\n_the food_, _the raiment_, _the moral and religious prejudices of that\ncountry_, can be at no loss to trace _the causes_ why this proposition\nmust be _a true one_.\"\nThe evidence which has been produced demonstrates, that neither the\nmanners, raiments, nor prejudices of Hindostan, are of a nature to\nimpede the introduction of articles of European manufacture; and it thus\nproves, that _the causes_ assigned for the limitation of our export\ntrade, are not calculated to impose any such limitation. What, then, it\nmay be asked, are the causes, why the consumption of the manufactures of\nEurope in India has in no degree kept pace with the extension of our\nterritories, and of their population? The examination of this branch of\nour subject would carry us to too great a length on the present\noccasion, and will therefore best be reserved for a separate\ncommunication.\nGRACCHUS.\nLETTER IX.\n_Saturday, March 20, 1813._\nIn searching for the _causes_, which have prevented an extensive\nintroduction of the British manufactures into the countries subject to\nthe dominion or influence of the British Crown in India, it naturally\noccurs; that no measure appears ever to have been concerted, for the\ngeneral purpose of alluring the attention of the natives of India to the\narticles of European importation. This neglect, has evidently arisen\nfrom the opinions which have been so erroneously entertained, concerning\nthe civil and religious prejudices of the Hindoos.\nThe evidence of Mr. Colebrooke has been adduced, to prove that those\nopinions are wholly unfounded; the following extracts from the Travels\nof Forster, in the years 1782-3, will further evince, that the Hindoos,\nfar from entertaining any indisposition to engage in commercial dealings\nwith strangers, have widely extended themselves in different foreign\ncountries for that express purpose.\nHERAT.--\"At Herat, I found in two Karavanseras about one hundred Hindoo\nmerchants, who, by the maintenance of a brisk commerce, and by\nextending a long chain of credit, have become valuable subjects to the\nGovernment. When the Hindoos cross the Attock, they usually put on the\ndress of a northern Asiatic, being seldom seen without a long cloth\ncoat, and a high cap[5].\"\nTURSHISH.--\"About one hundred Hindoo families, from Moultan and\nJessilmere, are established in this town, which is the extreme limit of\ntheir emigration on this side of Persia. They occupy a quarter in which\nno Mahomedan is permitted to reside; and I was not a little surprised to\nsee those of the Bramin sect distinguished by the appellation of\n_Peerzadah_, a title which the Mahomedans usually bestow on the\ndescendants of their Prophet. Small companies of Hindoos are also\nsettled at Meschid, Yezd, Kachin, Casbin, and some parts of the Caspian\nshore; and more extensive societies are established in the different\nparts of the Persian Gulf, where they maintain a navigable commerce with\nthe western coast of India[6].\"\nBAKU.--\"A society of Moultan Hindoos, which has long been established at\nBaku, contributes largely to the circulation of its commerce; and, with\nthe Armenians, they may be accounted the principal merchants of\nShirwan. The Hindoos of this quarter usually embark at Tatta, a large\ninsular town in the lower tract of the Indus; whence they proceed to\nBassorah, and thence accompany the caravans, which are frequently\npassing into Persia: some also travel inland to the Caspian Sea, by the\nroad of Candahar and Herat. I must here mention, that we brought from\nBaku five Hindoos; two of them were merchants of Moultan, and three were\nmendicants, a father, his son, and a Sunyassee (the name of a religious\nsect of Hindoos, chiefly of the Brahmin tribe). The Hindoos had supplied\nthe little wants of the latter, and recommended him _to their agents in\nRussia_, whence, he said, he should like to proceed with me to England.\nThe Moultanee Hindoos were going to Astrachan, merely on a commercial\nadventure[7].\"\nASTRACHAN.--\"The Hindoos also enjoy at Astrachan every fair indulgence.\nThey are not stationary residents, nor do they keep any of their females\nin this city; but, after accumulating a certain property, they return to\nIndia, and are succeeded by other adventurers. Being a mercantile sect\nof their nation, and occupied in a desultory species of traffic, they\nhave neglected to preserve any record of their first settlement, and\nsubsequent progress, in this quarter of Russia; nor is the fact\nascertained, with any accuracy, by the natives of Astrachan[8].\"\nHaving thus seen, that the natives of India are in no respect averse to\nengage in commercial dealings with strangers, and that no prejudices\nexist among them of a nature to prevent them from using our\nmanufactures; we cannot but be forcibly struck with the reflection, that\nno systematic plan has ever been adopted by the East India Company, to\nattract the attention of the Hindoos to the various articles of our home\nmanufacture, or to stimulate their speculation in the traffic of them.\nWhereas, in Europe, the Company have always found it necessary, for the\ndisposal of their Indian Imports, to take active measures for drawing\nthe attention of the nations of the European Continent to their sales in\nLondon.\nThe Directors, in their letter to Lord Buckinghamshire, under date of\nthe 15th of April, 1812, (adverting to their sales in Europe,) observe,\n\"That the Foreign Buyers repose confidence in the regularity and\npublicity with which the Company's sales are conducted; that the\nparticulars of their cargoes are published immediately on the arrival\nof the ships, and distributed all over the Continent. That notices of\nthe quantities to be sold, and periods of sale, are also published for\ngeneral distribution; and that the sales of each description of goods\nare made at stated periods, twice in the year.\"\n_No measure of this nature has ever been projected for India_; and yet,\nthe predilection of the natives of India, both Hindoo and Mahomedan, for\npublic shows, scenes of general resort, and exhibitions of every kind,\nis so well known, that we may confidently affirm, that nothing could\nhave a surer tendency to draw them together, than a display, at\nperiodical fairs, of our various manufactures. Fairs of this kind, for\nthe sale of their home manufactures, have been held from time\nimmemorial, in every part of India. The Company, therefore, needed only\nto engraft, upon an established usage of the Hindoos, a regular plan of\nperiodical fairs; and, by thus adopting in India a course analogous to\nthat which they have found it necessary to employ in Europe, they might\ngenerally have arrived at giving to Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay,\nattractions of curiosity and mercantile interest, which would most\nprobably have drawn to those settlements the wealthy natives from every\npart of the East; and have rendered the capital cities of British India,\nwhat Amsterdam, Frankfort, and Leipsic have long been in Europe, the\nresorts of all descriptions of people, and the repositories of every\nEuropean article of use and luxury. From these different centres of\ncommerce, the markets of the interior of India, and especially those\nheld at the scenes of religious assembly, might be furnished with\nsupplies; and, under the fostering encouragement of a wise and provident\nGovernment, the intelligence and enterprise of the natives of India\nmight be called into action, and be stimulated, by a powerful motive, to\nexert in their own country those commercial talents that have obtained\nfor them the encouragements, which, upon the unimpeachable testimony of\nMr. Forster, they have long received in Persia, and in parts of Russia.\nThe advantage of collecting together, at stated periods and in\nestablished points, the productions of human industry and ingenuity, has\nbeen so universally felt by all nations; that there is scarcely a\ncountry, advanced to any degree of civilization, in which the practice\nhas not prevailed. To effect this object, with a view to the extension\nof our export trade in India, _active encouragement_ is alone requisite;\nbut, in order to give it stability, _native agency_ must be called forth\ninto action. The supplies which (as was mentioned on a former occasion)\nwere found at Poonah, were obtained from that source alone. The Parsee\nmerchants at Bombay, are the principal agents of the Commanders and\nOfficers of the Company's ships; such parts of their investments as are\nnot disposed of among the European population, are purchased, and\ncirculated in the interior, by the Parsees. The small supplies of\nEuropean manufactures which find their way into the principal cities of\nthe Deccan, proceed from this source: but there is reason to believe,\nthat the articles which arrive at those places are too frequently of an\ninferior sort, or such as have sustained damage in the transit from\nEurope.\nTo give perfection to the great object here sketched out, it will be\nindispensably necessary that the local authorities in India should\ndirect their most serious attention to this subject. As _our Indian\nempire is our only security for our Indian trade_, so our Indian trade\nmust be rendered an object of vigilant concern to those who administer\nthe Government of that empire. From the multiplicity and importance of\ntheir other avocations, that trade has not hitherto received all the\nconsideration to which its high value is entitled; but, whenever an\nadequate regard shall be paid to it, it will become a duty of the\nGovernments to take active and effectual steps, for _drawing the\nattention of the natives to our exported commodities_, and for\n_promoting the dispersion of those commodities_, within the sphere of\ntheir influence or power.\nWe now discern _one operative cause_ of the comparatively small demand\nfor, and consumption of, our European articles, in the Indian empire; a\ncause, however, which it is within our capacity to control, or to\nremove. And, after what has been summarily exposed, in this and in the\npreceding communication, it can be no difficult point to determine,\nwhether _this cause_, or the alleged _prejudices of the Hindoos_, have\nmost contributed to limit the extent of our Export Trade to India.\nGRACCHUS.\nFOOTNOTES:\n[5] Forster's Travels, p. 135-6.\n[7] Forster's Travels, p. 228.\n[8] Forster's Travels, p. 259.\nLETTER X.\nTHE RIGHTS AND PRETENSIONS OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY.\n_Monday, March 8, 1813._\nIt is now become a matter of the most solemn importance, that the public\nattention should be called to a clear and deliberate survey of THE\nRIGHTS and PRETENSIONS of the East India Company; and that the judgment\nof Parliament should be directed to, and its sense declared upon, the\nsubject of those pretensions, which have generated A NEW CONSTITUTIONAL\nQUESTION, and are now carried to an height to affect the supreme\nSovereignty of the State. To discuss those Rights and Pretensions at\nlarge, would demand a far more extended space than the present occasion\ncan supply; but it would be altogether unnecessary to enter into a more\nenlarged discussion; because, in order to obtain the end here proposed,\nof drawing and fixing the attention of Parliament and the Public upon\nthe subject, little more is required, than to bring those several Rights\nand Pretensions into one compressed and distinct point of view; and to\nleave it to the legislative wisdom to determine finally upon their\nvalidity.\nThe rights of the East India Company, are usually distinguished into\ntheir _temporary_ rights, and their _perpetual_ or _permanent_ rights.\nI. The temporary rights of the Company are:\n1. _A right to the exclusive trade with all the countries lying eastward\nfrom the Cape of Good Hope to the Straits of Magellan._ This right is _a\nlease_ of all the _public right_ to the trade of those parts of the\nworld; which lease has been renewed to the Company, from time to time,\nin consideration of a varying premium to be paid by them to the Public.\n2. _A right to administer the government and revenue of all the\nterritories in India acquired by them during their term in the\nexclusive trade._ This is a right delegated from the Crown, with the\nassent of Parliament; and which can be possessed by the Company no\nlonger, than the authority from which it emanates has, or shall\nprescribe.\nUpon the expiration of these temporary rights, which determine, as the\nlaw at present stands, in the ensuing year, 1814, the East India Company\nwill remain in possession of whatever _permanent_ rights shall be found\nto pertain to them.\nII. The _perpetual_, or more properly, the _permanent_ rights of the\nCompany, must be considered under two distinct heads, viz. _admitted_\nand _alleged_.\n\u00a7 1. The _admitted_ permanent rights are,\n1. _To be a Body Politic and Corporate, with perpetual\nsuccession._--This right has been confirmed by various succeeding\nCharters and Statutes. But there are some observations, which it is\nimportant to make upon this subject. The first Charter, granted by Queen\nElizabeth, in 1601, to the first or London East India Company, created\n_both its corporate capacity and its exclusive privilege, to continue\nfor a term of fifteen years_; but it provided, that, in case it should\nnot prove beneficial to the Public, the _whole of the grant_ might at\nany time be determined, upon two years notice given to the Company. The\nsucceeding Charters of James I. Charles II. James II. and William and\nMary, conferred, in the same manner, both the corporate capacity and the\nexclusive privilege; and though they did not, like the former, fix a\nterm for their duration, yet they rendered the _whole grant_\ndeterminable upon three years notice. No provision is introduced into\nany of these Charters, to make the corporate capacity outlast the\nexclusive trade. When the principle of \"_a more national, general and\nextensive trade to India_,\" declared in the Charter of the 5th of\nWilliam and Mary, had been followed by the measure of creating a General\nSociety of Merchants, and of erecting _a New Company_, the advocates for\nthat measure took particular care to show, \"That the Old Company, in\nreciting their Charters, had _forgot_ to mention the _provisos_ therein,\nviz. that the respective Kings of England, who granted them, reserved a\ndiscretionary power to _make them void_ on three years warning[9].\" This\nobservation did not apply to their exclusive privilege only, but\nextended equally to their corporate capacity; both being determinable by\nthe same warning, because both were derived from the same grant, the\nwhole of which grant was made liable to that determination,\nnotwithstanding their corporate capacity was to enjoy \"_perpetual\nsuccession_.\" Hence it is manifest, that the perpetuity conferred by the\nCharter was not perpetuity of exclusive trade, or political power, but\nof _corporate succession_. But perpetual succession in a body corporate,\ndoes not imply perpetuity of duration, but merely _uninterrupted_\nsuccession of the individuals who compose it; which every corporate body\nmust possess, whatever may be the term of its duration, in order that it\nmay become, and may be able to perform the acts of, _a legal person_.\nThe Statute of 9 and 10, and the Charter of 10 William III. which\ncreated _both the corporate capacity and the exclusive privilege_ of the\n_New_, or English Company, followed the example of the former Charter,\ngranted to the _Old_ Company, and rendered the _whole grant_\ndeterminable by the same process. But, in the 10th year of Queen Anne,\nafter the two Companies had become _United_, they represented the great\nhazard they should encounter, by engaging in any considerable expenses\nfor securing _the Pepper Trade_, under the limitation of that clause; in\nconsequence of which representation the clause was repealed, and the\nlimitation was _left open_. The Company from thence inferred, that they\nhad acquired a perpetuity of duration, both for their corporate capacity\nand their exclusive privilege; the continuance of _both_ of which had\never been subjected to the same rule of determination. They soon,\nhowever, became sensible that such could not be the true intention of\nthe Act, and they \"submitted themselves to Parliament[10]\" on the\nsubject; in consequence of which a limited term of exclusive trade was\nassigned them, without any limitation being imposed upon the _negative_\nperpetuity of duration, which they had acquired for their Corporation by\nthe repeal of the determining clause. But it was not till the year 1730,\nthe third year of the late King, that the Company obtained a true and\n_positive_ perpetuity of duration for their Body Corporate; at which\ntime an Act was passed, empowering them to continue to trade to the East\nIndies, as a Company of Merchants, although their exclusive right to the\ntrade, and their power of administering the government and revenues of\nIndia, should be determined by Parliament. From that time only, the\nIncorporation and the Exclusive Privilege become distinguished. The\ndistinctions here made will be found of material importance, in another\npart of this statement.\n2. _A right to acquire and possess lands, tenements, and property of\nevery kind; and to dispose of the same, under a Common Seal._--This\nright was conferred by the Charter of the 10th of King William; but by\nStat. 3 G. 2. c. 14. \u00a7 14. the Company's estates _in Great Britain_ were\nlimited to the value of 10,000l. per annum. In virtue of this right, the\nEast India Company were empowered to settle \"_factories and\nplantations_,\" within the limits of their exclusive trade. The Charter\nof William, indeed, adds also \"_forts_,\" with the power of \"_ruling,\nordering, and governing them_;\" but that this privilege cannot attach\nupon their corporate and _permanent_ capacity, will presently be made to\nappear. Fortresses and fortifications cannot, from their nature and use,\nbecome absolute private property; being part of the public defences of\nthe Empire, they are (to speak with Lord Hale) \"_affected with a public\ninterest_, and therefore _cease to be juris privati only_[11].\" The\nbuilding a fort is an act done, in its nature, by virtue of a sovereign\nauthority, and is therefore the dereliction of the private right of\nproperty for a public and general purpose. In asserting for the Company\na _private_ right to forts and fortifications, the Company's advocates\nhave therefore fallen into an extreme error, from not discriminating\nbetween the rights which necessarily belong to their _delegated\nsovereignty_, and those which can alone be annexed to their _commercial\ncorporation_. And this brings us to the consideration of\n\u00a7 2. The _alleged_ permanent rights of the Company, which require to be\nconsidered under _two_ descriptions, viz. rights _alleged for them_ at\nthe expiration of their last exclusive Charter, and rights _alleged by\nthem_ at the present moment, with a view to the renewal of their present\nCharter. _These_ are the rights, or more properly the pretensions, which\nhave been pronounced by GRACCHUS, \"absolutely unmaintainable, and\nincompatible with the freedom of British subjects;\" and not their true\nlegitimate rights, as the writer of a letter under the signature of\nPROBUS has chosen to assume.\nThe rights _alleged for them_ were these:--\n1. _A right to possess in perpetuity certain extensive territories and\nseaports in India, after their right to the exclusive trade with those\nplaces shall cease._ In consequence of different ancient Charters,\ngranting to the Company an exclusive trade, together with certain powers\nof Government, they have acquired, and actually possess, various\nislands, seaports, forts, factories, settlements, districts, and\nterritories in India, together with the island of St. Helena; either by\ngrants from the Crown, by conquest, purchase, or by grants from the\nnative powers in India. The nature and extent of their property in these\nseveral possessions, is an important public question. By grants from the\nCrown to the original or London Company, and by conveyance from that\nCompany, they possess St. Helena and Bombay. By purchase, conquest, or\nby Indian grants, they possess Calcutta and Fort William, Madras, and\nFort St. George, and various other important seats of trade; of all of\nwhich, for a long course of time; they have enjoyed the exclusive\nbenefit.\nWith respect to the first of these; it is evident, that the Old Company\ncould only convey the places which they held of the Crown as they\nthemselves held them, and subject to the same principles of policy and\nstate under which they themselves had received them. The Grants of\nCharles II., which conceded Bombay and St. Helena to the first Company,\nrefer to the Charter of the 13th of the same reign, which Charter refers\nto, and confirms the preceding Charters of Elizabeth and James I.,\nmaking them _the ground_ of the Grants. The Charter of Elizabeth\ndeclares its principle to be, \"the tendering the honour of the nation,\nthe wealth of the people, the increase of navigation, the advancement of\nlawful traffic, and the benefit of the Commonwealth.\" The principle\ndeclared in the Charter of James I. is, \"that it will be a very great\nhonour, and in many respects profitable, to THE CROWN and THE\nCOMMONWEALTH.\" By a reference to, and confirmation of, these several\nCharters, in the Charter of Charles II., and in the grants of St. Helena\nand Bombay, these principles are virtually adopted; the _end and\npurpose of the Grants_ is declared; and their ground is proclaimed to\nbe, the honour of the British Crown, and the welfare of the British\nNation. It was those great _public interests_, and not the _separate\ninterests_ of the Company, that the Crown had in view, in conceding the\nproperty of those distant dependencies.\nBy grants from the native powers, the Company are in actual possession\nof many extensive and valuable territories. The doctrine of the law of\nEngland, in regard to the operation of these Grants, was distinctly and\nofficially declared in the Report of the Attorney-General Mr. Pratt, and\nSolicitor-General Mr. Charles Yorke, in the year 1757, viz. That the\nmoment the _right of property_ vested in the Company by the Indian\nGrants, the _right of sovereignty_ vested necessarily in the Crown of\nEngland. \"The property of the soil (said those eminent lawyers) vested\nin the Company by the Indian Grants, _subject only_ to Your Majesty's\nright of sovereignty over the settlements, and over the inhabitants as\nBritish subjects; who carry with them Your Majesty's laws, wherever they\nform colonies, and receive Your Majesty's protection by virtue of your\nRoyal Charters[12].\" In considering this head of right, the case of\n_the five Northern Circars_, to which the Company lay claim in their\nPetition, demands a particular attention; because, the advocates of the\nCompany's pretensions are under a manifest error, with respect to their\ntenure of those territories. They maintain, that the Circars are held by\nthe Company in perpetuity, under _a military service_, as tributaries to\nthe Indian Power or Powers by which they were originally ceded; and that\nthe Crown of England has no title to interfere, between them and their\nsupposed Indian Chief. This pretension renders it absolutely necessary,\nto take a general view of the situation of the Company with respect to\nthe Circars.\nIn the year 1753, the French were in the confirmed possession of the\nfive Circars, together with the adjoining fort and dependencies of\nMasulipatam; of all of which they declared themselves to have obtained\n\"_the complete sovereignty for ever_,\" by a grant from the Subah of the\nDeccan, a Prince nominally dependent on the Imperial Crown of the Mogul.\n\"So that these territories (says Mr. Orme), rendered the French masters\nof the greatest dominion, both in extent and value, that had ever been\npossessed in Indostan by Europeans, not excepting the Portuguese when at\nthe height of their prosperity[13].\" The establishment of the French\npower in these important provinces, during the war between England and\nFrance, excited the most serious alarm in the Company, by threatening\ntheir settlements and possessions in Bengal; and called forth the\nvigorous and splendid exertions of Lord Clive, who, in the year 1759,\nsent a military force against Conflans, the French Commander, under the\ncommand of Colonel Forde. That gallant Officer succeeded in defeating\nthe enemy in a pitched battle at Peddipore; and, pursuing him from one\nextremity of the Circars to the other, terminated the campaign by the\ncapture of Masulipatam: and thus, by obliging the French to abandon the\nCircars, the right of conquest was made good against the French. For it\nis not necessary that every part of a conquered country should be\nacquired by a separate victory, if the enemy is compelled to evacuate\nhis territory in consequence of any decisive operation; and the\nretention of Masulipatam, was the evidence of the triumph of the British\narms over the French. That this was _the object_ of the campaign, is\ndistinctly shown in the declaration made by Lord Clive before the Select\nCommittee of the House of Commons, in the year 1772. Lord Clive stated\nto the House, \"That soon after his appointment of President of the\nCompany's affairs in Bengal, in 1758, he took into his most serious\nconsideration the situation of affairs upon the coast of Coromandel.\nMonsieur Lally was arrived with such a force, as threatened not only\nthe destruction of all the settlements there, but of all the East India\nCompany's possessions. That he thought it was his duty to contribute his\nmite towards the destruction of the French, and therefore projected _the\nscheme of depriving the French of the Northern Circars_, contrary to the\ninclination of his whole Council. That _this expedition succeeded\ncompletely, for the French were totally driven out by_ Col. Forde, _with\nthe Company's troops_, whose conduct and gallantry upon that occasion\nwas equal, if not superior, to any thing that had happened during the\nwhole course of the war[14].\" This evidence of Lord Clive proves, that\nthe scheme was _entirely military_, and that the success was _the\nsuccess of arms_. By the Treaty of Peace concluded at Paris in 1763,\n(Art. 11,) \"the Crown of France renounced all pretensions to those\nterritories,\" which thus devolved, by an indisputable right of conquest,\nto the Crown of England. The Company, indeed, in the same year obtained\na grant of Masulipatam from the Subah of the Deccan, which they now set\nforth in their Petition to Parliament: but yet, their most strenuous\nadvocates admit, that Masulipatam belongs to the Crown of England, _by\nright of conquest over the French_[15]. And the same argument, that\nproves a right of conquest to Masulipatam, proves also a similar right\nto the Northern Circars.\nIn 1765, however, the Company being desirous of acquiring _the form of\nan Indian title_ to the Circars, against the Subah, who might reclaim\nthem, negotiated for a grant of those provinces at Delhi, over the head\nof the Subah; which grant they obtained. But the pretensions of the\nSubah, who was close at hand, might disturb them in their attempts to\noccupy the provinces; they therefore thought it _expedient_, to\ntemporize with the Subah, and to enter into a separate negotiation with\nhim, to induce him to surrender them; and they agreed to hold the\nprovinces of him also, under an engagement to supply him with a\ncontingent aid of _military force_, when called upon; and moreover, to\npay him annually a tribute in money. By thus confusing their titles\n(which, instead of confirming, mutually defeated each other), they fully\ndemonstrated the inefficacy and impotency of the Mogul's grant, in the\npresent fallen state of that Empire. But the Company could only engage\nthemselves for _military service_, so far as they possessed the ability;\nand their ability, is limited by the extent of their _military power_;\nwhich, being a part of their _sovereign power_, must necessarily\ndetermine with their sovereign capacity: as will be shown in the next\narticle. Whenever that capacity ceases, they will be unable to furnish a\nsingle soldier, because they will be unable to raise a single soldier\nfor the defence of the provinces. In that event, the Crown must of\nnecessity interfere, to maintain and defend the territories; and then,\n_the original cause_ which led to the acquirement of the Circars,\nnamely, the expulsion of the French _by force of arms_, and their\nexclusion by _the influence of the same arms_ in the Treaty of 1763,\nwill be the true ground on which to rest _the question of right_: a\nright in _the Crown of England_, which had existence, prior to _the\nform_ of the Mogul's grant, and prior also to _the expedient_ of the\ngrant from the Subah. And here we must keep in mind, that all\nterritories possessed by the Company in India, by whatever means they\nhave been acquired, are necessarily incorporated into the British\nEmpire, and become subject to its Imperial Crown; conformably to the\nresolution of the House of Commons, in the year 1773: \"_That all\nacquisitions made under the influence of a military force, or by treaty\nwith foreign Princes, do of right belong to the State._\" And as the\nwhole fabric of BRITISH INDIA grew out of a principle of advancing _the\npublic welfare_, and was not an edifice raised merely for the separate\nwelfare of _the Company_, every private interest comprehended in that\nfabric is, by every acknowledged maxim of State, public right, and\nconsistency, subordinate; and must be determined by the security of the\npublic good.\n2. _A right to retain in perpetuity certain essential rights of\nsovereignty, after the present delegated sovereignty of the Company\nshall have reverted to the Crown._--Although this pretension is a\ncontradiction in terms, yet the assertors of it entertained no doubts of\nits reality. They claimed for the Company, in their permanent capacity\nof a trading body corporate, a right \"_to appoint governors, to build\nand maintain forts, to muster forces by sea and land, to coin money, and\nto erect Courts of Judicature_[16],\" even after they shall have lost\ntheir power of administering the Government of India; and this claim is\nrenewed for the Company at the present day[17]. There is in this\npretension so radical an ignorance of _the nature of sovereignty_, that\nit is inconceivable how it could have been entertained by any one, who\nhad ever given a thought to the subject of law or government. The powers\nhere enumerated, are essential prerogatives of sovereignty; which may\nindeed be delegated for a time by authority of Parliament, but can never\nbe granted in full property by the Crown. In order to appoint governors,\nit is first necessary to be invested with the power of government. The\nsame power is manifestly necessary, in order to be able _legally to\nraise or muster any force by sea or land_, either for defence, or for\nany other military service. And it is acknowledged, that _the power of\ngovernment_ has never been granted to the East India Company, _but with\nlimitation_. In the grants of Bombay and St. Helena, the Company is\ncertainly empowered to erect forts, and to raise and employ forces; but\nby the same grants they are invested with the powers of Captain General\nin order to that end; virtually in the first, and _expressly_ in the\nsecond. Will it be imagined, that they are to retain the authority of\n_Captain General_, after their powers of _government_ shall cease? And\nif not, it must be evident, that their authority over forts, and all\ntheir military power, must determine, whenever their delegated power of\nCaptain General shall determine. It would be an insult to any reader,\nwho has ever cast his eye even on the elementary Commentaries of Sir\nWilliam Blackstone, to insist upon a truth so obvious and simple. With\nregard to the _erecting of Courts_, no such power is given in any of the\nCharters produced in evidence. The Crown erects the Court, and the power\ngranted to the Company is, and necessarily must be, limited and\nsubordinate. The _true cause_ of that extraordinary error, is plainly\nthis: the Charters of King William and Queen Anne, upon which they rest\nthese pretensions, conferred at one and the same time (as has been\nalready observed), both their corporate capacity and their exclusive\nprivilege. The assertors of those _permanent sovereign rights_, not\ndiscriminating, by the principles of things, between the several powers\nconferred in those Charters, have confused the provisions; and have\nconstrued all the powers above enumerated, which by their nature could\nonly appertain to them as _delegated Sovereigns_, to belong to their\ncapacity of an _incorporated Company_. And, under this illusion, they\nhave imagined, that those powers are annexed to that perpetuity of their\ncorporate body which was first enacted in 1730, and confirmed in the 33d\nyear of the present reign; and that they do not constitute a part of\nthose powers of government, which have been conferred upon them, from\ntime to time, by their exclusive Charters. As this construction is\nentirely arbitrary on the part of the Company, and as it is unsupported\nby the principles either of law or sound reason, it will be best refuted\nby the authority of Parliament.\n3. _A right to exclude all British subjects from the Company's Indian\nports, after their own exclusive privilege shall be expired._--This\nright has been claimed in the following words:--\"Although their\nexclusive right to the trade, and their power of administering the\ngovernment and revenues of India, were to be determined, they would\nstill remain an incorporated Company _in perpetuity_, with the\n_exclusive_ property and _possession_ of Calcutta and Fort William,\nMadras and Fort St. George, Bombay, Bencoolen, and St. Helena, and\nvarious other estates and settlements in India. Whether, in the event of\nthe sole trade being determined, individuals would be able to carry on a\nsuccessful trade to India, _if the Company were to debar them the use of\ntheir ports and factories_, may require a serious consideration[18].\"\nThis is a claim, not only to a _practical_ exclusive trade, after the\nright to exclusive trade _expressly granted_ by Parliament shall cease\nand determine, but involves also claims of perpetual sovereignty. It is\nincomprehensible, how it could be alleged by a writer who, in the\npreceding page, had pointedly excepted from their powers, that of\nconverting the trade into \"a _mischievous_ monopoly[19];\" for, what more\n_mischievous_ form could monopoly, or an hostile sovereignty, assume,\nthan that of excluding all British individuals from the chief ports and\nseats of trade in India? By this alleged right, the grants of Charters\nand the provisions of Parliament would be reduced to an absurdity. But\nas this is a claim of _private right_ to cause a _public wrong_, it\ncannot fail particularly to engage the consideration of Parliament.\nThe rights _alleged by the Company_ at the present day, are these:--\n1. _A right to all the ports and territories in India, possessed by the\nCompany, of the same kind and extent as the right by which they hold\ntheir freeholds in London._--This right has been solemnly asserted for\nthe Company, by the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Court of\nDirectors, in these words:--\"The Company are AS MUCH owners of THE CHIEF\nSEATS of European trade in the Indian Empire, as they are of THEIR\nFREEHOLDS IN LONDON[20].\" This is an open and unreserved declaration of\nthe East India Company, renewing and asserting the preceding allegations\nmade on their behalf at the expiration of their last exclusive Charter;\nand the same allegation is now repeated in their Petition to Parliament,\nthough in terms somewhat more qualified than those which they addressed\nto the Government; viz. \"that _no person_ can have a right, except with\nthe consent of the proprietors of India stock, _to use the seats of\ntrade_ which the stockholders _have acquired_.\" But they must bring an\noblivion over all the reasons of state and policy by which _they exist\nat all_, before they can carry in the face of the nation the proud\nassertion, that they stand equally circumstanced, in regard of _private\nright_, with respect to \"_the chief seats of European commerce in the\nIndian Empire_,\" and with respect to \"_their freeholds in London_.\" They\nwill assuredly be told by Parliament, that they _may not_ exercise the\nsame arbitrary authority over the chief seats of Indian commerce, which\nthey may over their freeholds in London. With regard to their freeholds\nin London, they may exclude all persons from entering them, they may\ndesert them themselves, or they may let them fall to ruin. But it is NOT\nSO with regard to the chief seats of Indian commerce; they will find,\nthat they cannot arbitrarily exclude British subjects from those seats,\nbeyond a limited time; that they cannot _debar_ the nation the\nbeneficial use of them; and that they will not be suffered to render\nthem unavailable, or unprofitable. As soon as the India Trade shall be\nthrown open, the ports of India will necessarily become open; and, if\nthe Company should then search for _their private right to close them_,\nthey will find, that it is merged in _the public right to use them_; or,\nto use the words of Lord Hale, that \"their _jus privatum_ is clothed and\nsuperinduced with a _jus publicum_[21].\"\n2. The last right _alleged by the Company_ at the present crisis, which\nforms the CLIMAX of their pretensions, and is the _key_ to all their\nlate proceedings, is that of a _perpetual union and incorporation with\nthe Supreme Government of the Indian Empire_; so that the Indian trade\nand government must ever continue to be united _in them_, and cannot now\nbe separated, without endangering \"_the British Empire in India, and the\nBritish Constitution at home_.\" This pretension renders the question of\na _temporary_ exclusive trade entirely nugatory, because it is the\nunqualified assertion of a _perpetual_ one; not to be received any more\nas _a grant_ from Parliament, as hitherto it has been, but to be\nextorted from Parliament through fear of the subversion of Parliament.\nThis pretension is founded upon the Company's interpretation of an\nobservation, made by a late eminent Minister to the Managers of the\nCompany's affairs, in the year 1800; viz. that \"_the Government and the\ntrade of India are now so interwoven together_,\" as to establish an\nindissoluble \"_connexion of government and trade_.\" This _dictum_, is\nassumed by the Company for an incontestable maxim of State, _as\napplicable to their own Corporation_; and for an eternal principle,\nconnecting that Body Corporate with all future Indian Government. This\nthey denominate, \"THE SYSTEM, _by which the relations between Great\nBritain and the East Indies are now regulated_;\" and, in their sanguine\nhopes of gaining _perpetuity_ for their _system_, they already\ncongratulate themselves upon their Incorporation into the Sovereignty,\nas a NEW, and FOURTH ESTATE of the Empire.\nIt is that maxim, evidently embraced for this construction at the\npresent crisis, that has emboldened the conductors of the Company's\nconcerns to assume so lofty a demeanour towards the King's servants; and\nto venture to represent the cautious proceedings of Government in a\ngreat political question (in which it appears only as _a moderator_\nbetween two conflicting interests), to be an aggression against their\nindisputable rights. It has been asked in the Court of Proprietors,\n\"whether the Ministers of the present day are become so far exalted\nabove their predecessors, or the Company so newly fallen, that adequate\ncommunications should not be made to the latter, of the plans and\nintentions of the former?\" It is neither the one nor the other; but it\nis, that _the Company_ are become so elated and intoxicated by the\nambitious expectation of being incorporated as a perpetual Member of the\nSupreme Government, that they conceive they have no longer any measures\nto keep with the Ministers of the Crown.\nAnd can the British people _now_ fail to open their eyes, and to discern\nthe strait to which the ancient crown and realm of England would be\nreduced, by submitting to acknowledge this _new estate_ in the Empire?\nGreatly as it would be to be lamented that any thing should disturb the\npresent internal tranquillity of our political system, yet, if such\nshould be the necessary result of a resistance to the ambitious views of\nthe East India Company, it ought to be manfully and cheerfully\nencountered; rather than admit, by a temporizing concession, a claim\nwhich shall bend PARLIAMENT to the will of, and degrade THE CROWN to an\nalliance with, a Company of its own subjects; which owes its recent\nexistence to the charters of the Crown, and the enactments of\nParliament, and yet aspires to seat itself for ever, side by side, by\nits own supreme Government.\nThe Company have carried too far their confidence in the _constitutional\ndefence_ by which they hoped to ride in triumph over the Executive\nGovernment. Their exorbitant pretensions have bred a _new constitutional\nquestion_, to which the public mind is now turning. In their solicitude\nto fortify themselves with _constitutional jealousies_, they have\nconstructed a formidable fortress, which threatens to embarrass the\nCitadel of the State, and must therefore of necessity awaken its\njealousy. A change in the Administration of the Indian Government\n(should the Company finally provoke such a change), _need not\nnecessarily_ throw the patronage of India into the hands of the Crown;\nmeans are to be found, by which that political and constitutional evil\nmay be effectually guarded against. But if, through a precipitate\nassumption, that no such adequate substitute can be provided for the\npresent system, Parliament should, at this critical moment, unguardedly\nyield to the demands of the Company, and give its sanction to their\nclaims to a _perpetuity_ of those privileges which they have hitherto\nbeen contented to receive _with limitation_, what difficulties would it\nnot entail upon its own future proceedings? If the _corporate\nsovereignty_ of the Company is once absolutely _engrafted_ upon _the\nSovereignty of the State_, it cannot be extracted without lacerating the\nancient stock, and convulsing the general system.\nThe Company would have done wisely, if, instead of resting their case\nupon pretensions erroneous in fact, inadmissible in law, and derogatory\nof the authority addressed, they had rested it wholly upon their own\nendeavours to promote the original purpose of their incorporation:\nnamely, _the honour of the Crown_, and _the advantage of the\ncommonwealth_. Upon that ground the Company might have stood strong; and\nall that would then have remained for the consideration of Parliament,\nwould have been a question, how those great interests could, under\nexisting circumstances, be best advanced; either by continuing the\npresent arrangement without alteration, or by modifying it in such\nparticulars, as Parliament in its wisdom might judge to be necessary.\nBut instead of this, they have taken ground upon high pretensions of\nRIGHT, which must necessarily provoke investigation; and we have\ndiscovered, in the foregoing inquiry, how far those pretensions are\nsupported.\nThe determination of this great question, however, is now reserved for\nParliament; and, upon the wisdom of Parliament, the Country may with\nconfidence rely, for a full consideration of all the public rights,\ncommercial as well as political; and likewise, for the final adoption of\nsuch an arrangement for the government and trade of India, as shall\nappear to be the best calculated to advance the real interests, and to\npromote the general prosperity of the Empire, both in the East and West.\nGRACCHUS.\nTHE END.\nFOOTNOTES:\n[9] Anderson's Hist. of Commerce (1698), vol. ii. p. 221, fol.\n[10] A Short Hist. of the East India Company, p. 6.\n[11] De Portibus Maris, p. 2. c. 6. p. 77.\n[12] Short Hist. of East India Company, p. 11.\n[13] History of Indostan, vol. i. p. 335.\n[14] Journals of the House of Commons, vol. xxxiii. p. 811.\n[15] Short Hist. of the East India Company.\n[16] Short Hist. of the East India Company, p. 56.\n[17] Morning Post, Jan. 15, 1813, Letter, signed Probus.\n[18] Short History of the East India Company, p. 38.\n[20] Letter to Lord Buckinghamshire, Dec. 30, 1812.\n[21] De Portibus Maris, p. 2. c. 7. p. 84.\nS. Gosnell, Printer, Little Queen Street, London.", "source_dataset": "gutenberg", "source_dataset_detailed": "gutenberg -  The Letters of Gracchus on the East India Question\n"},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0246", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 1 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            \u201cO Blindness to the future kindly given\n            That each may fill the circle mark\u2019d by Heaven[\u201d]\n          The new year opens upon us with new Scenes of Life before us. what are to be the trials the troubles and vexations of it, are wisely with held from our view.\n            The universal cause\n            Acts not by partial, but by Gen\u2019ral laws\n            who sees and follows that great Scheme the best\n            Best knows the blessing, and will most be blest\n          To him who sits Supreem let us commit the hour the Day the Year, and fearless view the whole. there needs but thinking right, and meaning well, and may this ensure to you, the Souls calm sun shine, and the Heart felt Joy.\n          I seldom think twice of a Dreem but last Night I had one of so singular a nature that it has amused My mind to Day with various conjectures. I was riding in my Coach, where I know not, but all at once, I perceived flying in the Air a Number of large black Balls of the Size of a 24 pounder. they appeard to be all directed at me. all of them however burst and fell before they reach\u2019d me, tho I continued going immediatly towards them. I saw them crumble all to Attoms, but During this Scene, two Guns were dischargd at My left Ear the flash of which I saw and heard the report. I still remaind unhurt, but proceedeed undaunted upon My course\n          How would the Sooth sayers interpret this Dream?\n          whom do you think has undertaken to read the Defence! but Deacon Webb, and declares himself well pleasd with the first volm. as cousin Boylstone informs me.\n          I fear the Deleware is frozen up So that Brisler will not be able to send me any flower\u2014\n          Billings is just recovering from a visit to Stoughten which has lasted him a week, the Second he has made since you went away. from the first, as he went without the Root of all Evil, he returnd steady. the occasion of his going was the Sickness & Death of the Man who lived upon his place. I have been obliged at his request to purchase for him shirts & other Cloathing.\n          Your Mother desires to be rememberd affectionatly to you. one Day last week she walkt here, and spent the Day.\n          I am my Dearest Friend most / affectionatly 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0247", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 1 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dearest Friend\n            Philadelphia January 1. 1797\n          I wish the new Year may be the happiest of your Life. Last Night I had a Visit from Dr Rush, whose Tongue ran for an hour.\u2014 So many Compliments, so many old Anecdotes. To be Sure, My Election he Said, he had vast pleasure in assuring me Since it had been made certain had given vast Satisfaction in this City and State. Even those who had voted for another had a great Affection for me. Mr Smilie himself had told him this very day that he had an affection for me. He met Mr Madison in the Street and ask\u2019d him if he thought Mr Jefferson would accept the Vice Presidency. Mr Madison answered there was no doubt of that. Dr Rush replied that he had heard some of his Friends doubt it. Mr Madison took from his Pocket a Letter from Mr Jefferson himself and gave it to the Dr to read. In it he tells Mr Madison that he had been told there was a Possibility of a Tye between Mr Adams and himself. If this should happen says he, I beg of you, to Use all your Influence to procure for me the Second Place, for Mr Adams\u2019s Services have been longer more constant and more important than mine, and Something more in the complimentary strain about Qualifications &c\n          The Dr then ran on with his Compliments to me and Sarcasms upon W.\u2014 This Country would rise in the Estimation of the World and of all Europe, from the 4th. day of March next &c &c &c\n          It hurt me to hear this\u2014 But his old Griefs and Prejudices Still hang about him. He got disaffected to Washington during the War.\n          He has conversed with Dr Edwards and Edwards has told him that Washingtons Character is wholly prostrate in France\u2014that Mr Monroe has been very active and industrious in behalf of his Country. that when his Letters come to be published, they will do him great honour &c. I heard all this with perfect Composure\u2014 I only asked if Dr. Edwards had not been Speculating in french revolutionary funds? Oh no was his answer\u2014he believed not. He confessed he had never read the Treaty with England nor one thing in favour of it or against it. he knew not whether it was a good or a bad one. He only disliked the Secrecy with which it was formed negotiated, and ratified\u2014\n          All this Chaos, I heard in silence, lamenting to see that the Southern Politicians had got so fast hold of him, he knew not why.\n          With regard to my Election he had taken no Part. he had been\nneutral\u2014 But he had made it a Rule, whenever either Jefferson or myself had been traduced in his Company to vindicate Us both.\n          Jefferson and I should go on affectionately together and all would be well\u2014 I should Settle all disputes with the French well enough.\u2014 These are confidential Communications.\n          I have recd no Letter from you the Week past. What Say you to coming along to Eastchester in February and joining me in March.? I cant live without you very well till next July.\n          I am most tenderly", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0249", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dearest Friend\n            Philadelphia January 5. 1796 [1797]\n          Mrs Swan and her Daughters, conducted by Mrs Otis came into the Senate Chamber this morning to see the Room and Pictures. There I had Opportunities to see for the first time the fair young Ladies.\n          I send you Guillotina, the most wanton Muse of the whole ten.\u2014 \ndreadful Truths are told in jest\u2014 Dallas tho, innocent, Dallas is much injured.\n          I have now recd Votes from Kentucky the last state: but these could make no Alteration in the Destiny. All was settled before.\u2014 More than a Month must intervene before the Declaration can be made. That will be on the 8. Feb.\n          Half the Town is out on the Delaware every Day as the whole Town of Amsterdam Used to be on the Amstell, when it was frozen over, Skaeting. I have not seen any Women however in skaets tho many are walking.\n          Mr Greenleaf called to see me\u2014 He has commenced Suits against Morris & Nicholson for five hundred thousand Dollars. What will be the Fate of all these men I know not nor guess\u2014 I hear nothing from smith\u2014 I wrote him but get no Answer.\u2014 Poor Nabby!\n          Charles seems to be very busy\u2014 I hope he will get his Bread.\u2014\n          Ask Billings, after my Regards to him whether our noble Wall keeps off Captn. Baxters sheep or not.\n          My Duty to Mother & Love to all particularly to Louisa.\u2014 Ask her if she will come to Philadelphia next 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0250", "content": "Title: Elbridge Gerry to Abigail Adams, 7 January 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dear Madam\n            Cambridge 7th Janry 1797\n          I am honored by yours of the 31st of december, & perfectly agree with you, respecting the difficulties to be encountered by our friend in executing the honorable office to which he is appointed. but difficult as it is, when we consider the abilities, integrity, & firmness of the patriot, I think, we have little reason to doubt that his administration will terminate to his honor\u2014 if he was weak, versatile, or subject to influence, his enemies, who will always endeavour to be nearest his person, will be the most officious with their information & council, & the most assiduous with their flattery, would soon make him conspicuously ridiculous: but having an opinion of his own, he will establish his principles of conduct, & excepting immaterial deviations which circumstances will sometimes require, he will abide by them, & test thereby the measures of his real & pretended friends.\u2014 as much as I respect & esteem Mr Adams, if these were not my sentiments, I could never have wished for his promotion to the presidential chair: because it would prove an ignis fatuus, which would lead him to destruction. but with the qualities which he possesses, like a ship ballasted with iron, he may meet with repeated & violent tempests none of which will be able to upsett him; should however the convulsion of the elements be too great for the best constructed barque, he may, like the best of mariners be overwhelmed, & every good man will lament his fate. this is an hazard, inevitable from the nature of things.\n          True it is, that \u201can assemblage of fortunate circumstances\u201d to favor his administration, \u201chas been the singular lot\u201d of the predecessor in office, & he is in my opinion a very great & good character: but it is said nevertheless & if true to be lamented, that by the wiles of insidious & unprincipled men, he has nominated to offices foreign as well as domestic, some characters which would not bear the public test, & are a reproach to religion, morality, good government & even to decency. he is likewise charged with manifesting a disposition, of extending his power at the expence of the constitution; & notwithstanding the virulence of party has not confined itself merely to the attempt of depriving him of his wellearned laurels, but has attempted to transform his vertues into vices, yet perhaps candor will admit that in both these cases he has not used those\n            precautions which have marked his general administration. I must confess however, that wise & politic as it may be to mark the quicksands which have exposed to danger this skilful pilot, I have the highest respect for him; & think there are few if any characters who are his equals in history ancient or modern\u2014\n          I have been long acquainted with Mr Jefferson, & conceiving that he & Mr Adams have ever had a mutual respect for each other; conceiving also that he is a gentleman of abilities, integrity, & altho not entirely free from a disposition to intrigue, yet in general a person of candor, & moderation, I think it is a fortunate circumstance, that he is Vice President & that great good is to be expected from the joint elections.\n          The insidious plan to bring a third person into the presidential chair, arose from a corrupt design of influencing his administration, as is generally conceived; Whether his want of experience will justify the expectation I will not pretend to say, but sure I am from good information, that the supporters of Mr Jefferson give Mr Adams a decided preference as well for his abilities as his independent spirit\u2014\n          I am much obliged to you for your invitation to a friendly visit. Mrs Gerry\u2019s health has of late been so impaired as to confine her during the inclement season: & mine, since an injury which I received two or three years ago in my ancle, has been very indifferent. I shall however embrace the earliest oppertunity for calling on you in the friendly manner you propose. Mrs G desires her respectful comps to you & be / assured Dear Madam I remain / with great esteem & / respect your sincere friend / & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0252", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Joshua Johnson, 9 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\n          I received some time since your favour of Novr: 29. and this morning that of Decr: 16. You mentioned in the former your intention to take measures if possible which might secure my wishes, but that you could not fix upon them without first receiving Letters from your partners in America.\u2014 Not having it in my power to conjecture what you contemplated, I had hitherto postponed an answer until I should further hear from you as you had the goodness to promise.\n          Your Letter of the 16th: ulto: mentions that you were still in expectation of [your] Letters, and intimates a purpose of seeing me at the Hague before you embark for America.\u2014 If the object for which you propose to undertake this Journey is to provide an opportunity to terminate my matrimonial union, I regret sincerely the impossibility which will prevent me from concurring in a measure so conformable to my wishes.\u2014 My own situation is at present so unsettled and precarious, that the assumption of a family and its necessary appendages would be an act of folly; it is so far from being advantageous in an oeconomical point of view, that I could not add to its indispensable charges without subjecting myself to dependence; a state to which it is my settled Resolution never to submit.\u2014 My removal from hence, the only circumstance that could possibly justify my indulgence of my inclinations, has become questionable, and the aspect of Public affairs in America is now such as by no means to encourage in me a dependence even upon a continuance in the public service.\u2014 It is an aukward task to unfold the state of ones personal concerns to any Man; but as I thought it not improper to lay open mine to you before my departure from England, as my justification for a determination from which I could not vary, so at the present moment I repeat the same discovery for the same purpose: as you did not disapprove my sincerity on the former occasion, I trust it will be alike satisfactory on the present, as the motives of my determination are the same, and it is taken with equal decision.\n          Your opinion upon the subject of Peace appears to have been well founded, at least as far as regards France and Great Britain. The french however have a strong expectation still of making Peace very speedily with the Emperor\n          It gives me much concern to hear that the Commission for the settlement of American claims in London is like to terminate so unsuccessfully. I know not what the nature of the obstacles which have stopped their proceedings is.\u2014\n          You doubtless know that the French Directory have refused to receive Mr: Pinckney, as Minister of the United States, and you have seen the speech of Mr: Monroe upon delivering his letters of recall and the answer of the french President.\n          We have here no news from America later than October. What the issue of the Elections for President and Vice-President may be, it is probable we shall know before long. Those for the House of Representatives will in my opinion be of much greater importance.\n          With my affectionate respects and regards to Mrs: Johnson and the young Ladies, I remain, Dear Sir, most sincerely your\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0253", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 10 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n          How painful it is to me, my amiable friend to feel the assurance that my Letters for which you wait with so much anxious\nexpectation, when they arrive, can bring to you none but unacceptable news, and that they can relieve you from suspense only by the confirmation of disappointment.\n          My Letters of November 19. December 5. 13. 20. and 31. are most probably before this time all in your hands. They will shew that the impediments to our immediate union, are insuperable; that nothing remains for us but resignation and acquiescence to what cannot be remedied, and I hope will at the same time convince you that you may rely as implicitly upon my affection, as you may be assured of my resolution.\n          The observations in my letter of December 20. are those which I felt the most reluctance in making, because being sensible how unpleasant their effect must be to you, I could not be sure of giving pain however necessary without sharing it myself, and because I dreaded lest the resolution which really sprung from necessity should in your eyes assume the appearance of unkindness.\u2014 I feel the same Sentiment in repeating the same assurance, and it is heightened by the effect of the sensibility expressed in your last Letter.\u2014 Indeed my friend, I feel all your regret at our disappointment, with the additional pangs of knowing that relief is impracticable.\n          Besides the other uncontroulable objections which I have heretofore intimated to you, against an intention which you have rather given me to understand than avowed, you will be sensible what an appearance in the eyes of the world, your coming here would have; an appearance consistent neither with your dignity, nor my delicacy. You yourself consider it as an extreme expedient in your Letter, and I should therefore not mention my opinion of it in this point of view, if I did not consider the perfect propriety and reserve of your conduct as no less interesting to me than to yourself.\n          You will perhaps enquire why I return to a subject which I know must be disagreeable, when I have already sufficiently explained my sentiments concerning it. The reason is, that I find from your fathers last Letter that he had at the time of writing it, the intention of coming to the Hague before he embarks for America. I conclude therefore that you had made him the proposal, and that his anxiety to promote the object of our wishes, and his affection for you prevailed upon him to determine upon this step. I have written to him that the purpose for which I presume he intended the journey is impracticable, as I have written the same to you.\u2014 I have not indeed mentioned to him my ideas of the appearance which this measure would have in the opinion of the world. To him, I have no right to\nmake such observations, because he is the best judge of personal propriety for his own conduct and that of his family. To you, I think myself bound in duty to notice it as I do in the most implicit and exclusive confidence.\n          Let us my lovely friend rather submit with cheerfulness to the laws of necessity than resort to unbecoming remedies for relief. Let us acquiesce with resignation in a postponement of our happiness which the course of Events has rendered unavoidable, and which in all probablity will prove ultimately for our own advantage, rather than abandon ourselves to childish weakness or idle lamentations.\u2014 We should be indeed unfit for the course of life in prospect before us if we indulged ourselves in dreams of finding all our way strewed with flowers or its borders lined with down. Let us remember that as a certain degree of sensibility to the crosses which we meet is not to be avoided it is not unbecoming; but that the tenderness to feel unless guarded by the Spirit to resist the evils of our lot, can only incapacitate us for exertions necessary to all, and throw us in helpless imbecility at the mercy of every caprice of Fortune.\n          Adieu, my dearly beloved friend. Let me know in return to this Letter that you have roused your Spirit and determined to bear with fortitude, what it is vain to lament: assure me of the continuance of your affection, and believe invariably in that of your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0254", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 10 January 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          In my last I mentioned having recieved yours of the 13 December, which time our general regulator opposed my answering\u2014 Shall I my best friend acknowledge the confession you there make, affords me no small satisfaction. I know not if it is the result of vanity, but am pleased to find a mind energetic as yours, own the theory of fortitude to be easier than the practice\u2014\n          I have frequently condemned myself, and been inclined to think I possessed a mind weaker than the weakest of my sex, but to find our\nmutual disappointment causes mutual distress, is an alleviation to a heart tortured with self accusation not to be repulsed\u2014\n          Permit me to observe your general practice of giving nothing as positive while any uncertainty remains, is an example truely worthy of yourself. Let us in future as much as possible act upon that principle. I am sure it will save us many disappointments\u2014 Our doom it appears is fixed\u2014 Let us not then repine, but rather by strengthening our minds, be prepared to meet whatever fickle fortune may throw in our way\u2014 Secure in your affection I think I am almost equal to any thing\u2014 True, reason and affection will have frequent and severe conflicts, yet I flatter myself reason will ultimately return victorious\u2014 I think my beloved friend I shall in time become an able philosopher\u2014 You say you are more fit to recieve than to give lessons of consolation\u2014 Alas I fear the discovery of my unpardonable weakness, has encreased your affection\u2014 Let me intreat you to adhere to the resolution you have formed and which I hope to join you in maintaining through life, that of checking and controuling every weakness\u2014\n          Be assured my dearest friend, your firm and constant affection is reciprocal\u2014 I can experimentally declare, that seperation encreases rather than abates real affection, not but I would willingly have dispensed with its evidence\u2014 Your generous and much valued confidence is indeed safely placed, I feel too much interested in whatever relates to you independant of your warm recommendation, to act unworthy the sacred trust reposed in me\u2014\n          Our friend Mr: Hall is just returned from Paris I told him what you said and he intends writing on Friday\u2014\n          Mama desires to be affectionately remembered she now thinks herself authorized to offer her love. I perfectly agree with her\u2014\n          Ah my friend if I could write all I feel\u2014but that is impossible, yet I think if you were here, I could tell you how much how sincerely I love you\u2014 But I must conclude or I know not what will become of my boasted philosophy\u2014 Adieu love me as I do you, and believe me truely 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0255", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 10 January 1797\nFrom: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            Atkinson January 10th 1797\n          Day after day has slid off into the ocean of time, with the Yesterdays beyond the flood, replete with Intentions of writing to my dear, esteemed, much loved Sister. But Sickness, accumalation of family business, & the extreme coldness of the weather has prevented\u2014\n          The time alloted for visiting my Friends was much too short, for my feeble constitution. I had been very unwell for three weeks, but as it was the only convenient opportunity we could have this season, I hoped it would not injure me, but I unfortunately found it otherways, for I was obliged to keep my bed, & room for five weeks, & the uncommon severe season has confined me, that I have not been out of the yard since\u2014 I was really reduced so low, that I believe, I could not lived a day longer had not the voilence of my disorder abated. Providence has been pleased to spare my life, I hope as a blessing to my Children, & I can scarcely regret my sufferings since it gave Mr Peabody an opportunity of being introduced to my worthy Brother Adams, & my other kind, good relations. Yet pleasing as this Journey was, it had its alloy, & the sensations which it occasioned, were not (perhaps) peculiar to myself\u2014\n          The solicitude & anxiety perceptable in the minds of almost every individual member of the community, has subsided, having the pleasing assurance that a real Patriot, a friend to virtuous liberty is the man, whom \u201chis Country delighteth to honour\u201d\u2014 I am not sufficiently acquainted with the Characters of Mr Jefferson, & Pinkey to know which, I ought to wish should bear the Palm, only that the one who will act from a principle of duty, steady to his trust, & obstinately good\u2014 I sincerely hope that the new elected Majestrates will be as happy in a coincidence of sentiment, as their Predecessors, for it is union which gives power, strength & energy to every kind of Government\u2014 But if with great abilities they oppose each other, their situation must be extremely dissagreeable, perplexing, & uncomfortable\u2014\n          Whoever speaks of the new election, mentions the choice of Mr Adams with the highest satisfaction & I cannot but Join the general voice, as it evinces gratitude, & respect conffered on merit; & as it opens a wider Field, for greater usefullness, & beneficence for it is the regular, the temperate, & the virtuous who know how to enjoy\nprosperity, & not be too much elated by its honours. yet when I consider, that with the laurel, is bound a weight of Cares I cannot but \u201crejoice with trembling\u201d\u2014 with a joy rectified by a full conviction of the instability of human affairs\u2014 Should this new election make it necessary for you to remove to the Southward, & be the means of impairing your health, how soon might our Joy be turned into the deepest mourning\u2014\n          But I will not dwell a moment upon an[\u2026] so painful\u2014 Trusting that wherever duty may lead you, you will have a shield of inward peace accompanying you in the arduous Task, that will secure you from the slanders of an envious world\u2014 She who with a sweetness & complacency peculiar to herself, can enter the humble Cottage, & releive the wants of the sick & necessitous, \u201cprevent the asking Eye,\u201d & \u201ccause the widows heart to sing for joy,\u201d will not be immoderately elated with prosperity, but with gratitude, will look up to her almighty Benefactor & view the gracious hand, who in a progressive manner, has raised her up, & safely conducted her through the various steps of life, & crowned her with the most honourable distinctions\u2014 May this new year find my Sister happy, & may the great Phisician give her a more confirmed state of health, permiting her for many succeeding years, like the sweet Pliades to shed benign Influences up on every surrounding Object\u2014\n          I have been very anxious for my Son. I feared his feet would freeze, for he cannot wear Boots, & he thought there was no need of Legings, what he has done in the Snow for them I cannot think\u2014 His time was so short here that I could not fix him with things as I wished to\u2014 I think I could not slept any, if I had not considered he was near to the kindest of Sisters who I knew would not let him suffer\u2014 I told him to ask you about his geting Cloth for Breeaches, to be sure have something strong, for there is no part of his dress that wears so fast as those, & Shoes\u2014 It is almost constant employ, & is like to be so as long as they will have them so small\u2014 Upon some account I am glad he has a School, upon others I am sorry\u2014for I am very sure he could no where, be half so much improved & benefited, as in the Family of my Sisters\u2014but though at present he has not that advantage, yet I am not the less thankful to you, for your kind offer\u2014 I hope my dear Sister you will not be sparing of your advice to him, nor reproofs if necessary\u2014 He will revere every admonition you are pleased to give him\u2014 he loves, & considers you as a very kind parent to him\u2014& will (I hope) yield a ready obedience to all your commands\u2014\n          At present we have but three boarders\u2014 Miss Polly is at Exeter\u2014 Cousin Betsy is with us\u2014 I find she has not got well of the Stomack ake yet, but is better than when she first came\u2014 I believe she enjoys herself here better than she did last winter, got a little more weaned, from her beloved Haverhill\u2014\n          I am in great haste, but must beg you to let me hear soon from you, for I believe it never was so long before, since you wrote to your / affectionate Sister\n            Mr Peabody, Cousin, & my Daughters all desire their best regards may be accepted\u2014 in the true language of a MOTHER, I must tell you Abby is the best disposed Child, you ever saw\u2014 there is innate goodness notwithstanding old Adam, & mother Eve\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0256", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dearest Friend\n            Philadelphia January 11. 1797\n          on Tuesday when I waited as usual on Mrs W. after attending the Levee, She congratulated me very complaisantly and Affectionately on my Election and went farther and Said more than I expected. She Said it gave them great Pleasure to find that the Votes had turn\u2019d in my favour. &c I doubted whether their Prudence would have ventured so far. I believe it Sincere.\n          Ket however the Stewart was very active and busy for Jefferson. This was from Jealousy of Brisler, no doubt. He expected that Jefferson would have taken him, I suppose.\u2014 and his Principle was as good as McKeans.\n          Gerry is Steady, while so many prove as Slippery as Eels.\n          Dined Yesterday with Major Jackson in Company with General Lincoln who lodges there\u2014married to Miss Willing who is an agreable Woman and comfortably provided for by an office, he lives in a neat & elegant Taste: but I believe prudently.\n          Mr Ames and a few more, made a very Social set and We enjoyed Ourselves without Alloy\u2014\n          The most unpleasant Part of the Prospect before me, is that of remaining here till June or July\u2014 I cant see my grass & Barley grow nor my Wall rise\u2014 I have however almost forgotten my Farm. it Appears very differently to me.\u2014 it seems as if I ought not to think about it\u2014\n          The River is frozen so that nothing can get out\u2014 Besides flour is dearer here than at Boston by one third It has rained to day like a flood\u2014 But the Weather must be very warm and continue so many days before the River can open. There is no probability of it, for some time.\n          If it opens in Season I shall Send Some grass Seeds.\n          I will not Suffer the Bushes I have cut down to grow again: but I shall not Attend much to my Farm\u2014 My whole Time and Thoughts must be devoted to the Public. As long as Trask lives I shall have enough for him to do perhaps.\n          I hope Billings will come to himself and get your Wood.\n          I think of you & dream of you and long to be with you. But I Suppose this must not be yet.\n          My Duty & Love to all", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0257", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dearest Friend\n          Mr Beale called upon me, a few Days ago and left your Letter of Decr. 23d.\u2014 Last Evening I presented him to the P. and Mrs W. together with Mr Howard, a son of Dr Howard of Boston.\n          You Say Mr H. is very full of his Praises of Mr Monroe\u2014 So is Dr Edwards\u2014 He Says Mr Monroes Correspondence will do him infinite Honour when it comes to be published\u2014and all that\u2014\n          Monroes House has been a School for Scandal against his Country its Government and Governors\u2014Mr Jay and his Treaty &c\u2014 Edwards Says, as Dr Rush told me that Washingtons Character was in\ntotal Contempt in France\u2014 This I shall not believe till I have better Evidence than that of any or all these great Personages. nay, than all the Directory Ancients and five hundred.\n          Mr Madison is to retire\u2014 It Seems, the Mode of becoming great is to retire\u2014 Madison I Suppose after a Retirement of a few Years is to be President or V. P.\u2014 Mr Cabot I suppose, after Aggrandizing his Character in the shade, a few Years is to be some great Thing too\u2014 and Mr Ames\u2014&c &c &c It is marvellous how political Plants grow in the shade.\u2014 continual Day light & sun shine, Show our Faults and record them. Our Persons Voices, Cloaths, Gate, Air, Sentiments, &c all become familiar to every Eye and Ear & Understanding and they diminish in Proportion, upon the same Principle that no Man is an Hero to his Wife or Valet de Chamber.\n          These Gentlemen are certainly in the right to run away and hide\u2014 tell Mr Cabot so, if you see him\u2014 His Countrymen will soon believe him to be a Giant in a Cave and will go in a Body and dig him out.\u2014 I wish, but dont tell Cabot so, that they would dig up Gerry\u2014\n          I have bespoke a Chariot and am treating for Horses\u2014\n          We read of a Vessell from Rotterdam arrived at salem or its Neighbourhood, by which I hope there may be Letters from our Young friends\u2014as late as the middle of Novr\u2014 My Anxiety for Letters from them increases every day. They have more accurate Views, and Intelligence, than any others.\u2014 and what is of more importance Still, more Application & Industry.\n          The Weather has moderated a little. I am, / with anxious desires to see you, which I fear / cannot be gratified before July, yours forever", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0258", "content": "Title: Ruth Dalton to Abigail Adams, 14 January 1797\nFrom: Dalton, Ruth\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dear Madam\n            Washington January 14. 1797\n          Your kind letter should not have lain so long unanswered had I not impatiently waited for the event so much wished by me, an event which to myself and Family gives great pleasure, and I beg leave to congratulate you with the greatest Sincerity\n          I am happy to find the Country have not forgot to be grateful to so good a Man, and firm Friend. I have no doubts but the place of our Worthy and great President will be well filled by him. With confidence I can say that had He had the appointment it would have fallen as it has\n          I joyn with you that the task will be an arduous one. I however feel so much confidence in the Abilities, and am so sure of his good intentions to do what is right, that I am quite easy.\n          That there will not be wanting many who will try to plant thorns in the way I am sure, but I pray they may meet their proper rewards. That your Health may be Adequate to your task is my sincere wish, and if that should be the case, I think there will not be any thing wanting in that part of the Administration.\n          I wish the time had been nearer that Congress is to come to this City, as I am sure you would regain your health in this Montpelier of America. I flatter myself I shall be so happy as to see you here soon as, I can assure you it will be expected from the President. It has been one reason given in this quarter against his Election that he would not be a Friend to the City, and that he would not Visit it: both of which I Ventured to affirm was false, and I hope there will be no occasion for my Veracity to be called in question, and that I may not be disapionted the pleasure, and if I may now hope, the Honor, of seeing you at my House, where you can not doubt of a sincear welcome\n          It would give me great pleasure to be near to you. I wish it was like to be the case. I regret very much that your Health is not more firm, but hope by this time you find yourself relieved from the feverish complants that so have long affected you, and in the Spring quite recovered, and by haveing an healthy situation in Philadelphia you will be very happy, and meet the rewards of the many Sacrifices you have made for the good of your Country, which we are very sensible off.\n          Mr Dalton, and my dear Daughters, joyn me in sincear\nCongratulations and best wishes for your Health and happiness. Love to Miss Smith.\n          Polly Tailor is with me, but not more happy than usual, says she will go to House keeping in the Spring, but since the late event has taken place She talks in her way of paying you a Visit in Philadelphia. I fear She never will acquire a placid Temper, and I am sure her present disposition can never make her Friends\u2014 She is I think very much to be pitied I often tell her so to very little effect. She begs me to present her thanks to you for your good wishes. if you will please to Say to Mrs Brisler She is very Sorry for her loss\n          It always gave me pleasure to be with you, and I never wished the happiness more than I do at this time, as the Vice President used to say we should have a great deal to talk about. I hope that time will soon arive till when and ever, / and affectionately.\u2014 / I am very truly, / Dear Madam / Your Friend\n            Ruth Dalton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0259", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 15 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            my Dearest Friend\n          The Cold has been more severe than I can ever before recollect. it has frozen the ink in My pen, and chilld the Blood in my veins, but not the Warmth of My affection for Him for whom my Heart Beats with unabated ardor through all the Changes and visisitudes of Life, in the still Calm of Peace Feild, and the Turbelent Scenes in which he is about to engage, the prospect of which excite, neither vanity, or Pride, but a mixture of anxiety and solisitude, which soften, but do not Swell the Heart.\n          By the last Post I receivd Yours of December 27th & 30. Janry 1 & 3d The extract from mr Madisons Letter I believe to be the genuine sentiments of Mr Jeffersons Heart. tho wrong in Politicks, tho formerly an advocate for Tom Pains Rights of Man, and tho frequently mistaken in Men & Measures, I do not think him an insincere or a corruptable Man. My Friendship for him has ever been unshaken. I have not a Doubt but all the Discords may be tuned to harmony, by the Hand of a skillfull Artist. I See by the paper of to Day that the extract is publishd in the Centinel, not through Eve, I assure you, for I have not disclosd it. it has gaind as Most storys Do, that mr J.\ndeclares he would not have taken the Vice Pressidency under any other Man. the writer adds not unaptly, from shakspear,\n            \u201cthe Event we hope will\n            Unite the Roses Red and White together\n            That on one kind and Friendly Stalk, they both may flourish\u201d\n          My Authority for the Author of Aurelias, was William Shaw who going one Day into Nancreeds Book store saw a young Gentleman correctting the press. Nancreed introduced him to William as the Writer of Aurelias and gave him one of the Books; notwithstanding this, he may only, as he has on former occasions for our son be the Channel only, to convey & foster the ospring of an other.\n          You ask me what I think of comeing on in Feb\u2019ry? I answer that I had rather not if I may be excused. I have not for Many Years enjoyd so good Health as this Winter. I feel loth to put it to risk by passing a spring in Philadelphia. I know not what is to be Done. I think an inventory ought to be taken of what belongs to the United States a House ought to be provided and furnishd in such a Manner as they chuse, or a Committe appointed to Do it, if a sum Should be granted for the purpose. I desire to have nothing to Do with it. there are persons who know what is both necessary & proper. if this is Done I should not be against going to assist in the arrangement of the Household.\n          I will make the necessary inquiry respecting a Carriage and write you word as soon as I can obtain information. my old Chariot, I have purchased Runners and put it on. Dr Tufts Says it must never be hung again. it has long been too shaby for use. I was beholden to My Neighbours for a conveyance before I got them. it answers very well for that purpose. the Sleighing is remarkable fine and has been so for more than a Month. I have had one Succession of visiters & company, more than for any two years past. every Body who ever knew one comes to pay compliments & visit who would not have been so forward perhaps . . . . a little prematurely too, but it shews their good wishes.\n          I see no prospect of the fall of any article. Grain is as high as ever and all West India articles risen beyond bounds. Such Sugars as were purchased last Winter at 12 Dollors pr hundred are now 18. Loaf Sugar 2/6 pr pd. Tea Coffe Chocolat risen in proportion. at this rate we must be Starved if the House of Reps have not a sense of Justice before their Eyes.\n          What is to be Done with our places? I have not advertized, nor have I seen Vinton or French since you went away. Burrel I believe will stay on if we find him a yoke oxen & cart. he has not had a Drop of water since last july. Billings is getting steady. he had but a Small flight this last time, but he wants his Money as fast as he earns it\n          I have been so much hindred by company that I have not been able to write for these ten Days only one short Letter to you.\n          I took up the Note and Destroyd it.\n          I inclose You a Letter from an old Friend it contains some just sentiments. I need not say to you how necessary it is to lay ones finger upon their Lips\u2014and to be upon our gaurd with all foreign Characters, and most domestick ones\u2014 I want to acquire an habit of silence, or of saying unimportant things.\n          We have had a Wedding in our Family too in the last week which has occupied some part of my Time. Nancy Adams was married on thursday last, and to Day the New married pair dinned with me. Mr and Mrs Shaw are here upon a visit to keep Sabbeth with me, and desire their Respects to you\u2014 I am Sitting up after all are a bed to write you that tomorrows post may not go without a Letter. you will write me and inform me what I must Do, or what you wish\u2014 Cabot says I must go on or all the Wheels will Stand Still, but I know better.\u2014\n          Yours most affectly\n            Abigail Adams\n            return the Letter when 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0260", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 16 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dearest Friend\n            Philadelphia January 16. 1797\n          I went Yesterday to hear Dr Priestley, in the Philosophical Hall of the University and there I met unexpectedly with Dr Euwing and Dr\nAndross or Andrews. Euwing Seems paralytic and falling very fast. The Drift of the Discourse was to shew the Superiour moral Tendency of the Jewish and Christian Religions, to that of all the Pagan Rituals ancient and modern.\n          The Weather is moderated. I hope to find a Letter from you this Morning when I go to the senate.\n          Inclosed is a List of the best natured Toasts I ever read. They were Sent me in a Baltimore Paper. They are peculiarly indulgent to me, as they allow me, Salmon & Lobster in Addition to Hog, Homminy, Mush, Milk and Cider. There is no Malice in any of them. An Old Fielder is a tough hardy laborious little Horse, that Works very hard and lives upon very little. very Useful to his Master at small Expence.\n          Priestly has written something in answer to Volneys Ruins of Empires, which has been more universally read in England than any of his Writings.\n          I begin to long for Letters from the Hague. Our next must be important.\n          It is not probable, that Dr Wests Year 1796 has wholly Stripped the Pope of his Temporalities.\n          The French People in this Country, Seem to be disappointed and a little confounded, at the Strong Ground which has been taken by the People of this Country in Consequence of Mr Adets Note. There have been no Signs of dismay, except among the Quakers and a few weak merchants in Philadelphia, at the time of the Election.\n          I, am affectionately and perpetually / your faithful", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0261", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 17 January 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          I have recieved your very decisive letter of 20th December, which has astonished and mortified me so much, that I can scarcely believe you recollected to whom you were writing\u2014\n          You seem to complain of a want of confidence on my part, and tell me it is what you have repeatedly solicited and what you again think it necessary to recommend\u2014 Surely you cannot imagine the authoritative stile of your letter, at all calculated to inspire this confidence did I even know what you mean by it, I am very sorry to discover that we have not perfectly understood each other and to find it requisite to demand an explanation.\n          In regard to what I said respecting our visit to Holland, you appear to have indulged unnecessary apprehensions. I have cautiously avoided repeating the hint, though my kind and honored Parents, anxious for our mutual happiness, occasioned too by a letter to my father wherein you say, \u201cIn consequence of his departure for America you shall be compelled to relinquish the hopes so fondly raised, and which were so essential to your future happiness,[\u201d] generously told me that his affairs might oblige him to quit England, and if it would tend in any degree to alleviate my distress, offered to embark from thence that we might have the satisfaction of meeting once more, which satisfaction I fondly and foolishly imagined would have been mutual\u2014 had my hopes been such as your fears have magnified in my wish of seeing you in Holland, your rejection might have been softened by a declaration on your part, of the probable time of our continued seperation, the die is however cast, I go to America, you to your embassy, where I ardently pray the great disposer of events,\nto grant that peace to your bosom which mine has, and will be long a stranger to untill that period arrives which will prove, that \u201cI am as incapable of betraying affection or slighting engagements as of breaking a determination decidedly adopted\u201d\u2014 In this sentiment I am proud to acknowledge myself as firm as you\u2014\n          Do not suppose that this letter proceeds from any change in my affection\u2014 no my best friend rather esteem it a proof of the sincerity of my attachment. rest assured that the woman who is capable of calmly submiting to recieve such a letter without asserting sufficient spirit to answer it, is not cannot be worthy your esteem\u2014\n          I have been very much surprized at the frequent repetition of the words suspicion and distrust in your last and several of your former letters, I cannot concieve what you mean by them or to what you allude\u2014 I certainly have never given you cause to make use of these very kind and tender expressions, heaven knows I have never doubted your affection, and I cannot concieve why you should suspect mine, never could I for one moment suppose you capable of betraying affection or slighting engagements, and I know you too well to doubt, your ever varying from a purpose deliberately formed and decidedly adopted\u2014 But why write to me in this stile? did I ever give you reason to believe I feared your betraying my affection? is it my too great anxiety to see you that has created this suspicion and distrust? surely surely no, it cannot be. you have too high an oppinion of yourself, and I trust not so contemptible a one of me, as to suffer yourself to harbour an idea so derogatory to my feelings so unjust to your own merit\u2014\n          Never my friend may we meet while there is a doubt on either side, for it would too surely prove a source of endless misery to us both\u2014\n          Your letter has caused me such real uneasiness, that I think myself obliged to be very clear and explicit on a subject which you must be covinced is so very important to our future happiness\u2014\n          Perhaps I have too severely felt the pontive commanding stile of your letter, from being totally unacquainted with any thing of the sort. you mention the tender indulgence I have always experienced from my family at the moment you are writing so unkindly\u2014\n          I have endeavored to discover by retracing my conduct, what part of it can have given rise to a manner so very different from what I have always recieved I confess it has been vain, unless my affection has been too warmly expressed, my love too candidly avowed\u2014\n          You quote a part of my letter of July 25th in which I request you\nnot to see me unless I am permited to accompany you to Lisbon you then say you do not charge me with inconsistency when I express a wish to meet you once more before our embarkation surely the case is very different, I had not then encouraged the slightest hope of attending you, therefore should not have been disappointed. your answer led me to believe I should go with you, which belief most of your succeeding letters tended to confirm. I was prepared to recieve you with the fondest expectation, when instead of beholding you, my best and dearest friend, I encountered that cruel disappointment, and all my illusive dreams of happiness immediately vanished. I was ill. I could not bear this trial with the calmness and patience I ought to have exerted, and thought if I could see you but for a few days, I should acquire fortitude and resignation to endure our lengthened seperation. but even this was not enough. you my beloved friend to whom I looked for every indulgence, from whom I least expected unkindness, I must say have added to the poignancy of my distress, by the peremptory harshness so evidently displayed throughout your letter\u2014\n          I had flattered myself from a letter I recieved on a former occasion, I should have escaped the pain attending explanations of this nature. Yet while I think it a duty incumbent on myself to declare my opinion with the utmost candour my heart revolts at the necessity, and feels too sensibly how much it will wound you\u2014\n          The generosity of your sentiments charm and delight me, they are a proof of the goodness of your heart, and of that honor it is my glory to see you possess\u2014\n          I understand that your father is elected President, by a majority of five votes. I congratulate you with pleasure, as it is a mark of distinction which is highly flattering. though I own I think it dearly purchased at the present crisis of affairs\u2014\n          Adieu, that every happiness may await you, is the constant and heartfelt prayer of your truely and sincerely faithful,\n            Louisa C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0262", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dearest Friend\n            Philadelphia January 18. 1797\n          I recd, Yesterday by the Post, the inclosed Letter, which excites a hope of more by the Same Ship.\n          There is a curious Mass of matter in fermentation at this Time. The French and Spaniards are as injurious as ever the English have been. Washington retires and his Sucessor will have but a majority of three Votes at most. and as if, it were to irritate every feeling nerve a Land Tax must be discussed, at this moment and the Debtor States must be called on for their ballances. The People of America, must awake out of their golden dreams, consider where they are, and what they are about. The foolish Idolatry of France and Paine which Russells Paper, has encouraged as much as any other, has brought Us into Snares and dangers which We might have avoided. We must assume more Decorum than to run after foreign Ministers as if We were their Slaves or Subjects. The Ignorance in which our People will keep themselves of the true Character of the french Nation in general and of their present Government as well as all their former Governments Since the Revolution, is astonishing.\n          I must wade through all these Difficulties or be overpowered by them. And if the Case should happen that I should get Safely or even tryumphantly through, it will be forgotten in one month that I had any hand in it\u2014judging of the future by the past.\u2014\n          Oh no! it will not be forgotten. My Friends will remember it\u2014 Ay and my Ennemies too. They remember too well, for their comfort tho they deny.\n          Mr Jay, if I mistake not, will be a glorious Being in this Country before very long.\n          Mr Volney talks a bolder and freer Language about French affairs than I Should expect. He Says the Directory will be changed for one Director and be chosen for ten Years, which he considers, as for perpetuity. He Says all the Members of the Constituant Assembly in 1789 will be elected into the Legislature at the next Election. &c &c\u2014 This I have from Mr Burr, who wonders at it. What would I give to Spend / the Evening at your fireside", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0263", "content": "Title: John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Smith, William Stephens\n            Philadelphia January 18th: 1797\u2014\n          I Received yesterday your kind Letter of the 13th and Return you and yours the Compliments of the Season and Thanks of your Congratulations on the Probability of a Cartain Election the felicities or infelicities of what Events however are Hidden from our Vew by that impenetrable Veil which Covers Futurity the Prospect at Present is not very bright a Country Impotent at Sea tho Powerful at Land indignantly Sees itself Injured with Circumstances of Contempt and Insolence by more Then one foreign Nation and will hardly be Persuaded to bleive That it is not more or less the fault of thair Government Tho that Should be administered with all the zeal Diligence Fidelity and Skill that its administraters Profess if I am in, I Cannot retreat and indeed I would not if I Could for I May as will mount a breach as another and if it falls to my Lot it will not be my\nfault and I will rely on the Spirit and Resources of my Country\u2014and the Blesing of Providence I have alredey as Good a Coach as I wish and as I must have a Chareat I have ingaged a Good one here in Case I Should want it I want two Pair of Bay Horses and have written to Mr Abraham Hunt of Trinton and mr Drake of Brunswick Mr Hunt whose answer I have Received Cannot at Present Supply me from mr Drake I have no answer if you Hear of one or more Pairs I Should be Glad you would inform me of them and thair Prices\n          I am not able to Say that Little Suzen is the Greatest beauty I Ever See But I know I have two Charming Little Grand Daughters both of wich appear beautiful in my Eyes they are both \u201cfine Crosses\u201d your kind wishes for my Success and Prosperity are Very Obliging and are Returned by mine for yours the Socratic Philosophy, the Roman Empire the Christian Religion all great things Have begun by being Despised our Nation began in Contempt and altho it Punished that offence in one Nation it is not yet Sufficiently Respected\n          I hope we Shall not have to make another Nation Repent of her insolence at So great an Expence of Blood Treasure Labour\u2014 I am Sir affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0264", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 18 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dear Mother\n          A few days ago, I received a Letter from my father dated at Quincy the 28th: of October, and brought by a vessel directly from Boston. But there came with it, none from you either to my brother or to me, and my father does not mention the state of your health, so that we are much concerned about it, particularly as a Letter\nfrom Mr: Cranch at Washington, written in September mentions by information from my aunt that you were then unwell. We hope to be soon relieved from our anxiety by Letters directly from yourself.\n          I still remain here in expectation of orders to remove; which I do not at present suppose will reach me before mid-summer ensuing. If Portugal should not be swallowed up by the alliance of a french Democracy and a Spanish Monarchy, I may perhaps reach Lisbon in the latter part of the year now commencing.\n          My father does not approve my projects intimated in one of my former Letters to you, of quitting the Diplomatic career; and of making a settlement in one of the Southern States.\u2014 The former of these designs I had already suspended; it was formed upon the consideration of the particular situation in which I was placed, and the remoteness in my own mind of any prospect that it would be advantageously altered.\u2014 My station was comfortable for me singly, but would not allow me the charge of a family, and it would have been certainly more eligible for me, to try once more the fortune of my own industry in my private affairs, than to chill in the torpid and comfortless solitude of a celibacy without prospect of its termination.\u2014 With regard to the public, I knew the Government might with perfect ease find many young Men, able and willing to perform all the duties of this place, and had no reason to imagine that the affairs of my Country would suffer in the smallest degree by my retirement, and I had therefore concluded, at the expiration of my third year of residence here to return home as I wrote you. A probable chance of having advantageous inducements of a settlement such as I noticed to you, had led me to contemplate that as one of the resources of futurity, and I had then no right to expect under the President at this time any diplomatic promotion. Under the next there would be two contingencies in one of which I was certain and determined never to be the subject of an appointment, and in the other I was strongly suspicious that I should not hastily receive one\u2014 Such therefore were my views when a new destination, designated to me in a manner, which it would have been culpable to disregard bound me with new obligations to continuance in the public service, and my intention to return home being of course postponed for the purpose, my views of a private settlement are also no longer the same.\n          Whether I shall find it in my power to make my final domestic arrangements in Europe, is not yet altogether ascertained. It is my intention upon my removal from hence to go through London, and\ntake my companion there; but various accidents may take place to make this design impracticable, and if so, I shall submit to the gloomy prospect of a solitary life during my future mission, like that which I am leading in the present; or even much worse, unless I can prevail upon my brother to continue with me a year or two longer in case he should not be stationed here at the time of my departure.\n          My father further observes to me that I need not be anxious about the succession to the Presidency, or apprehensive that any of the Candidates who have been mentioned, would pass over any rational pretension of mine to promotion. I have never had any doubt of that, though I have not been and am not yet insensible to the possibility that the Spirit of Party may intrude itself into the chair of the Union; and if so, my father knows as well as I do what I should have to expect, if it were for no other reason than my relation to him.\u2014 But I never have been anxious for Promotion, nor I trust ever shall be. Ambition is far from being a pungent Passion in my Heart, and with a strong conviction of the Vanity of all human greatness, I have been taught a sense of Independence and delicacy which will always deter me from a very fervent wish for any thing that it is in the power of man to confer or deny.\u2014 I have besides had from the Executive of the Union, promotion, beyond my merits or expectations, and if I can reasonably indulge any desire for further notice or honour from my Country, there are other constitutional and regular judges of merit and talents, clear-sighted to discover and ready to employ them, to whose suffrages I can cheerfully leave the estimation of my titles to the means of public service.\n          My anxieties on account of the succession to the Presidency are of a different nature and arise from other sources. They are deep, but not personal. From some of them, at least from the suspense of expectation as to the issue of the Elections I hope soon to be relieved. The mode of choice provided by the Constitution is subject to errors, accidents and questions. I shall not be altogether exempt from uneasiness on this account, untill I shall know the choice to be ascertained.\n          At this Season of the year, the opportunities for conveyance of Letters to America happen so seldom, that I do not expect this Letter can reach you earlier than the Month of May. Such at least is the presumption which arises from the experience of former years, and therefore it will be perhaps useless for me to give you a detail of news, which will be known long before my letter can be received. The Death of the Empress of Russia, will perhaps produce some\nalteration in the political system of Europe. It was very sudden like that of almost all the crowned heads that have fallen, during the last seven years, and not one of them as it should seem so richly deserved a sudden end.\u2014 You will have heard of the negotiations for Peace commenced by the British Government, and broken off by the orders of the French Directory, as well as the endeavours of the same Directory to make a separate Peace with the Emperor. They have sent an Ambassador for the purpose to Vienna, but whether he has been received or refused is not certain as the reports at present are contradictory.\u2014 In the mean time they have been many months preparing a formidable maritime expedition from Brest, which although untill after it had sailed there was a mockery of secrecy as to its destination was long before announced in the public papers to be meant for an invasion of Ireland, to spread the holy flame of insurrection.\u2014 On the 16th: of December a fleet of about twenty ships of the line, with as many transports and twenty-five thousand men sailed from Brest.\u2014 In going out, they totally lost one Ship of 74 Guns, and the principal part of twelve hundred men embarked in it. The fleet was soon after scattered; part of them arrived on the coast of Ireland, and anchored several days in Bantry Bay at the Southern extremity of the island. At length they were driven off by the violence of a tempest; part of them have returned to Brest, and all the rest who have the good Fortune to escape the dangers of the Season, and the superior force of the British, have in all probability before this also returned: so that in every sense of the words it may properly be termed an Irish expedition.\n          The fort of Kehl after a siege of two or three months is at length taken by the Austrians. This will probably nearly terminate the hostilities upon the Rhine untill the next Season. The situation of the French armies is not apparently advantageous. The Generals are resigning one after another; the troops are badly paid, and such is the penury of the French finances that they find it extremely difficult even to pay for the feeding of their armies. Their real situation is as distressed as their conduct is insolent.\n          I regret that I have not at present the opportunities to send you the interesting new English Publications, as I could while I was in London.\u2014 Though so near to that Country it is with extreme difficulty and after long delays that I can ever get any thing from thence myself. For besides the State of War which constantly impedes the intercourse, I find from a long and often repeated experience, that scarcely any thing is so rare as an attentive\ncorrespondent. I intend soon to send several new french publications to my father, and among them a very curious work of Madame de Stael, the daughter of Mr: Necker. A Treatise upon the influence of the Passions on the happiness of individuals and of Nations.\n          I remain with the tenderest duty and affection, your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0265", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 20 January 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          Almost immediately after I had dispatched my last, I recieved yours of 31st December, and was delighted to see that you were again become the tender and affectionate friend I had always found you.\n          All the family but me recieve letters from Boston, and Tom excuses himself by saying, it is generally supposed I am married and have accompanied you to Lisbon. he desires Mama to send him my picture, which he says will be some recompence for my loss. and informs them that Mr: and Mrs: Adams approve our union, which tends greatly to promote my happiness. he tells Mama that they have been very kind to him, that he staid a day and night at their house where they treated him with great politeness and attention, for which my friend I suppose we are indebted to you. they were very well, and expressed their satisfaction at your appointment to Portugal, which they said was placing you in a situation much beyond their expectations\u2014\n          It is possible they might have wished you to resign your situation at the Hague but if they are so pleased with your new commission it is hardly probable they would desire you to relinquish that or any station so advantageous to a young man\u2014 I certainly feel myself very much interested, and most cordially wish your duty to the public, would enable you to return to your own Country\u2014 But however unacustomed to habits of reflection, I am well convinced it would be highly improper, and though it does retard my happiness and lengthen our seperation I prefer it to the painful idea of being by any thing I may have said, the cause of future uneasiness and regret\u2014 You have from being early placed in these flattering situations, insensibly acquired a taste for them, and however free you may fancy yourself from ambition, you would feel infinite mortification\nwhen you reflected, that by resigning these you gave up the many advantages resulting from them. I will not apologize for what I have said but should you think my sentiments on this subject erroneous be kind enough to write me yours and point out my error\u2014\n          You have ceased to mention the Harp\u2014 I much fear I shall never make any proficiency in this charming accomplishment as I confess I am not yet able to play one Song\u2014 I suppose this acknowledgement will make you angry, but it is the truth, and truth must not be concealed\u2014 if my friend you should be very angry reflect upon yourself, as I confess my harp has not like your Books, usurped the primary place in my heart\u2014\n          I concluded my last with a hasty congratulation on your fathers being elected President of the United States being always anxious to afford you pleasure I wished to be the first to convey such pleasing intelligence I think I mentioned his being elected by a majority of five votes I have taken the enclosed from this days chronicle which will enable you to judge for yourself\u2014\n          Your friend Mr. Hall has long been very sanguine respecting your father and is become a violent politician\u2014\n          Mama and Sisters desire to be affectionately remembered as does Miss Henning, though she is fearful she must write you herself to excuse her impertince, believe me my beloved friend with the most fervent attachment, the most tender most sincere of your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0266", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams Smith to John Adams, 20 January 1797\nFrom: Smith, Abigail Adams\nTo: Adams, John\n            My Dear Papa:\n            East Chester, January 20, 1797.\n          I had the pleasure a few days since to receive your favour of the 11th inst. and was happy to hear of your health: the season has with us, been extremely severe, and my faculties have been, I believe, congealed by the cold. I have scarcely had any intercourse with any of my friends; and this must be my apology, for having omitted to\noffer you my congratulations upon your election to the Presidency of the United States, a station in which no one can more sincerely wish you happiness, peace, and tranquility, than your daughter; but I fear that the party, who have hitherto embarrassed the President by their cabals, and who have exerted themselves to divide the election, will continue their utmost endeavours to render it as uncomfortable a situation as possible.\n          You will suffer much inconvenience from the absence of my mother, in the interior arrangement of your affairs.\n          Believe me, my dear Sir, at all times, and in all situations,\n          Affectionately your daughter,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0267", "content": "Title: Charles Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, Charles\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My dear Mother\n          Permit me to congratulate you on the return of This Season and to offer my most earnest prayers that you may live to see many revolving years in health and contentment. The event of the late Election will force you from your calm retreat to more confused and active scenes the toil incident to the situation I hope you will be able to bear and I am more sanguine in this expectation as I hear you enjoy much better health than usual. I know not what arrangement my father has made or thought of respecting his household but I suppose he will be obliged to reside the greater part of The year at The Seat of Government. I am highly gratified at the prospect of having a federal majority in the house of Representatives The next Session a house of the same complection as the present would exceedingly embarrass the operations of the Executive and surely we never stood more in need of unanimity in our Councils than at present. The Predatory Measures of The French exceed all that the British have committed and our situation with regard to that Nation is extremely critical. The President I see is pursuing again the system of Negotiation. Madison has talents adequate to the mission provided he will exercise them with proper honesty; but if he suffers himself to be allured into corruption by The French, as some of his venerable Predecessors have done, his talent instead of being a\nblessing will only prove a curse to his Country. Parties seem to be reconciled with regard to the Election; but I fear it is the calm of a smothered volcano which will burst forth with redoubled violence.\n          We have had the most severe weather this season that I have known since I lived in this City and the price we have been obliged to give for wood is enormous I have given twenty four dollars a cord but thank heaven it is falling or we should all become bankrupt.\n          The absence of my Sister from the City this winter makes our society something less pleasant I have not seen her these four months I hear she and her Children are well. Mrs Adams is so much taken up with her Susan that she give no part of her time to her friends. The little thing wanted much attention for owing to the unfortunate turn of the ague which Mrs A suffered before it was born she was rather puny but by the great care of the mother my de[ar] little girl is now one of the most healthy lively infa[nt]s I ever knew. Col Smith says it is without exception the most beautiful child he ever saw. I long to have you kiss it as does my dear Sally who joins me in the sentiments of affection with which I am / your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0268", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            my Dearest Friend\n          I have not received a Line from You of a later date than the 3d Instant the last week is the only one which has past since you left me, without Letters I hope it is not oweing to any other cause than the difficulty of passing the North River. we have had this Day Something very like a snow storm. it has Bankd some tho not very deep. it is two Months tomorrow since you went away, and we have had only one part of a Day in which any Rain has fallen, and intensely cold the greater part of the Time.\n          I have something to propose to you on the part of Your Mother. I think the remainder of her Days ought to be renderd comfortable & respectable, that she is not now in such a Situation as she ought to be placed, taking into consideration the station you will soon be call\u2019d to fill. there is but one Grandaughter left. she has necessarily the whole Family care upon her which will prevent that constant care and attention which the Age and infirmities of your Mother require. She ought to have a lower Room, and not be obliged to mount up stairs, at the risk of falling. Mears has in His House a Handsome Room which I would furnish for the Good Lady, and Mrs Mears has no children and could attend alltogether to the care and necessary attention of her. If I should be calld away and Mears should agree to come & take care of this place we could easily remove her here. I should have proposed taking her here, but we have so little House Room and company would be urksome to her. I think she would be more agreabley placed in a Room which she should consider as her own, and with Authority to call for every assistance she wants. She told Me since the Marriage of Nancy, that if I went away, she should have nobody to take any care of her. I assured her that she might make herself easy for she should certainly be provided for to her comfort and satisfaction, and that I would not leave her untill she was. I was sure it was your desire, and that I had in my Mind Such accommodations as would make her so. if you approve of this I will propose it to her, and engage Mrs Mears to undertake the Charge, and I will see every thing Done to Make her Comfortable.\n          There is much talk with the Merchants upon petitioning Congress to lay an Embargo. the piracys of the French are very provoking and insulting. we have very few arrivals Young Beals got home last week, but was near being lost in comeing upon our coast. we appear to be quiet here. the Election of Mr A. and mr J seems to have quieted for a Time the Spirit of Party. I have not had any further advises from our sons. are there any publick Letters from them? I have read Peters censor. he is a full Blooded English Man. I want to see him craking Pains Bones. that Wretch has however written a Book which even the Jacobines will blush to advocate. I think he has Done his buisness in this Country. there are More Persons who will detest him for his abuse of Washington than for his infidelity\u2014 adieu My Dear Friend. I will not ask when I may hope to see you, for if you cannot come to me, I will to you, in the Month of May. I am My Dearest Friend / ever, ever 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0269", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 23 January 1797\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, John\n            Weymouth January the 23d. 1797\n          Our Newspapers have announced to us the Choice of a President of the United States and that it has devolved on You. I congratulate You on this Occasion. as an American I feel highly gratified\u2014as a Friend I confess that I feel some Deduction from my pleasing Sensations, when I contemplate the Fatigue Anxiety & Vexation to which you must be expos\u2019d; this is indeed a Misfortune annexed to every exalted Station, I will not however admit this to be of Weight sufficient to deter or prevent a great & good Man, from undertaking the arduous Task when Providence points out the Way, and a Field for the most extensive Usefulness presents itself to his View\u2014\n          Your enlarged Acquaintance with the World, various & continued Employments, in the great & most important Concerns of the public, have taught You how to calculate the good and the evil incident to the highest Station, and I may add, qualified You for bearing its Burdens & discharging its Duties with the greatest Facility to yourself, and advantage to the Community\u2014\n          Should You undertake the Administration of Government, You will My Dear Sr. have my most fervent Wish, that it may be attended with the greatest possible Ease, & advantage to yourself, and the greatest possible Good, to the United States of America\u2014\n          Some Days since I applied at the Loan Office, for the Dividend on\nyour funded Stock, but could not obtain it, for want of a sufficient Power, the last which you gave me extended no farther, than to my receiving the Two Pr. Cent Principal then payable. By a Law of Congress, or order of the Secretary of the Treasury. Powers of Attorny must express an Authority to receive, \u201cthe Dividends which are or shall be payable according to Law\u201d\u2014 The necessary Powers you will forward if you think proper\u2014\n          We have had a fine Winter for Business the best of Sledding in Roads, Woods & Swamps for Five Weeks past and still continues Snow level, not exceeding 12 Inches in Depth till Yesterday & the Day before 3 Inches were added Cold in general steady, but some Days severe Viz the 24th December, My Thermometer in the open Air at 8 oClock in the Morning stood at 8. below 0 the 4th. of this Month at 2 below 0. the 8th. at 10 below. 0. the 9th. 8 below. 0.\u2014\n          With Sentiments of Respect & Esteem / am / yours\u2014\n            Cotton Tufts\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0270", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Joshua Johnson, 27 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\n          I am to thank you for your obliging favour of the 30th: of last month, which I received a few days ago.\u2014 I have given due attention to your observations contained in it.\u2014 If the approbation of my Countrymen were the only motive which I felt myself obliged to compare in the sacrifice of domestic happiness which I find myself obliged to make, I should not hesitate a moment in taking a different course. Dearly as I value that approbation, I am fully sensible of its uncertainty, and besides, I know it is more easily and more certainly attainable at home, in my own Country, than in any distant and foreign region. As long however as I serve the public in any official station, [the] duties of that Station, are inducements to my conduct, to which every other consideration [must] give way, and in collision with which, my domestic happiness cannot weigh the [dust] of the balance.\n          At the same time, if I were at Liberty to withdraw at this time from my Post, I should not find myself any more advanced at least for the present towards the object of my wishes in a domestic point\nof view. My absence from home has taken from me all the benefits of my profession, nor could I expect by an immediate return to it such a support as would make it possible for me to charge myself with a family.\u2014 Time would necessarily be requisite for me to find out and improve some view of settlement, and of security for an independent maintenance, without which marriage would be at once folly and cruelty.\n          Since I began this Letter, I have received your favour of the 13th: together with one from your amiable daughter. I learn with the highest satisfaction from the latter that she has recovered her Health.\n          I return you many thanks for the papers and other articles which you have had the goodness to forward to me.\u2014 The Box I have not yet received but suppose it will reach me in the course of a day or two.\n          The french Newspapers announce that Mr: Jefferson is chosen President of the United States. From the statement of the votes in the Papers which you sent me, the circumstance appears probable.\n          I am with affectionate esteem, & respect Dear Sir, your very humble & obedt: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0271", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 28 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            my Dearest Friend\n          I received by the post on thursday the whole Mail containing your Letters of the 5th 9th 11th 14 & 16th I began to be very impatient at rude Boreas for laying an Embargo upon that intercourse which alone mitigated the pain and anxiety of Seperation.\n          Genll Lincoln had call\u2019d upon me the beginning of the week and informd me that you was well. the steady cold weather has been\nmore favourable to my Health than any Winter we have had for Years past, and since I have been equiped with Runners I have not faild to take the Air almost every Day. in one of My late Letters I inclosed You Frothinghams estimate of a carriage but as you have orderd one it will not do to apply to him and you will want one sooner than he could make one I have been thinking that we shall want a light travelling Carriage for me to go to and from Philadelphia, as you can not be left without one, and would it not be best for to sit Frothingham to make one something upon the same plan with that which we formerly Had.? \u201cYou say your Farm appears very differently to you now from what it did, and that it seems to you as if you ought not to think of it.\u201d\n          The greater reason there is for me to turn my attention to it. I consider it as our Dernier resort, as our Ark of safety. I think it ought not to be sufferd to fall into Decay, and I shall not regreet any pains which I can bestow upon it to render it a retirement Eligible to us when we are four Years older if we should live to see the Day. we have been Doing, & undoing all our Days. I would aim at making such arrangements as would tend to make it better rather than worse even tho I expended twice its annuall income. Billings has returnd to his senses and conducts very well. he is going to sled stones next week, but it is impossible to dig them we have had a covering of snow and Ice impenetrable to every tool, the finest Sleighing I ever knew. the snow very level so that there has been no difficulty in turning out of the road, but for six weeks no rain & So cold as not to Thaw at all. The price of flower which is good superfine has been in Boston from 11/2 to 12 I have inquired divers times, and I gave 12 about a Month ago. it is to be had now for 11/2 which capt Beal has just told me he gave last week, but it is not of concequence whether any is Sent. I can purchase it here\n          in one of Your Letters you Mention having seen enough at East Chester. in an other you exclaim alass poor Nabby, and say you have written to the col. but get no answer; I received a Letter from Mrs Smith in December, in which She expresses a state of anxious suspence, and a willingness to Submit to her Lot with resignatin if she could but know that all just demands were satisfied. Speaks of a col Walker as a Man very Rigirous and disposed to take ungenerous advantages. Mrs Shaw came here on a visit & spent the last week with me. she told me of many things which I did not before know of, and which I must give credit to. Some of them you had\nheard before from Charles. the col is a Man wholy devoid of judgment & has deceived himself with visionary Schemes, and run risks which he ought not to have Done, and led his Family into a stile of living which I fear his means would not bear him out in.\n          You have I Suppose before this Time received a Letter from me which inclosed an other proof of your old stuanch Friends confidence and attachment\n            \u201cThe Friend thou hast, and their adoption tried\n            Grapple them to thy soul with hooks of Steel\u201d\n          Mr Black told me the other Day on his return from Boston, that col H\u2014\u2014 was loosing ground with his Friends in Boston. on what account I inquired. Why for the part he is Said to have acted in the late Election. aya what was that? Why they say that he tried to keep out both mr A\u2014\u2014s and J\u2014\u2014n, and that he behaved with great Duplicity. he wanted to bring in Pinckney that he himself might be the Dictator\u2014 So you See according to the old adage, Murder will out. I despise a Janus tho I do not feel a disposition to rail at or condemn the conduct of those who did not vote for you, because it is my firm belief that if the people had not been imposed upon by false reports and misrepresentations, the vote would have been nearly unanimous\u2014 H  n dared not risk his popularity to come out openly in opposition, but he went Secretly cunningly as he thought to work, and as his influence is very great in the N England States, he imposed upon them. Ames you know has been his firm Friend. I do not believe he suspected him, nor Cabot neither whom I believe he play\u2019d upon\u2014 Smith of S C was Duped by him I suspect.\n          Beware of that Spair Cassius, has always occured to me when I have seen that cock Sparrow. O I have read his Heart in his Wicked Eyes many a time the very Devil is in them. they are laciviousness it self, or I have no Skill in Phisiognomy.\n          Pray burn this Letter. Dead Men tell no tales. it is really too bad to Survive the Flames. I shall not dare to write so freely to you again unless you assure that you have complied with my request. I am as ever most affectionately / Your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0273", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 29 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          Yes My Dear Friend I had seen and read the Tenth Muse, and I think she abuses our poor old Govenour who tho quite in his Dotage, is not the Man there represented I do not think him a Hypocrit, but a real Lover and Friend of Religion from pure Principles. He has served his Country many Years with honour and with fidelity. I respect his Virtues, tho I pitty his weakness. it is said that he means to decline an other Election. if this should be the case, I will go & see him and Mrs Adams as soon as they are out of Office, and shew them that personally, I respect old Friends and Friendships.\u2014\n          Since I sit Down to write Neighbour Beal has sent in his paper of Saturday containing the Govenours attoneing Speach, and his retireing Speach. his Notice of the Presidents retireing from office cannot be chargeable with adulation. it is as cold as his Age, and as frozen as the Season what he says respecting the importence of preserving our Election pure, is wise and just Federal Commonwealth is an odd Epithet for our common Country. The old Gentleman could not refuse himself the pleasure of instructing his Kinsman and telling him he hoped he would [\u201c]stick close to the Letter of the constitution\u201d he should have advised him to look well to the Laws before he puts his Name to them, for erasing it after it becomes a Law, is an act of Despotism, a Veto. The old Gentleman discovers some mortification in his farewell address, tho I can assent to the whole as truths which all must readily allow.\n          Mrs Washingtons congratulation to you I believe perfectly sincere who would not wish for a successor that would not disgrace his predecessor. every person Sees that the President pointed out his Successor in his address, and in his late reply to the senates address. I heard it said in company that he could not have spoken plainer if he had call\u2019d the person by Name.\n          I shall think myself the most fortunate among women if I can glide on for four years with as spotless a Reputation, beloved and esteemed by all as that good and amiable Lady has Done. my endeavours shall not be wanting. at Meeting to Day a psalm was sung, a verse of which I could not but apply to Myself\n            \u201cStill has My Life new Wonders seen\n            Repeated every Year:\n            Behold my Days that yet remain\n            I trust them to thy care.\u201d\n          The news paper announces Mr Madison appointed Ambassador extraordinary to France. if true I rejoice in the appointment. I have confidence in the honour and integrity of Mr Madison, that he would not betray a trust thus reposed or Prostrate the Dignity & independance of his Country to any foreign Nation, even tho that Nation be France. beside his instructions I trust would be positive, not Discretionary\n          The little extracts inclosed in your Letters diverted me, particularly Pompys scratching his Head with one finger. be sure it was designd as a Friendly Hint. the writer Did not know that the Scratching was sometimes oweing to a cause which peter Pinder celebrates.\n          all peculiarities become conspicuous in proportion as the Character is exalted. [\u201c]Ammon one shoulder had too high\u201d the More luminous the Body, the more easily are the Spots discerned.\n            \u201cAh spare your idol! think him human still.\n            Charms he may have, but he has frailties too\n            Doat not too much, nor Spoil what ye admire\u201d\n          Adulation creats envy. Honours should be meekly Borne as shakspear expresses it. there are a Thousand Men in the United Stats fit for Presidents, said Modest Giles. happy Country! Who surely will dispute the palm of \u201cMost enlightned[\u201d] with us.?\n          My pen runs riot. I forget that it must grow cautious & prudent. I fear I shall make a Dull buisness when such restrictions are laid upon it, but you will soon be too full of buisness, to be amused with what may Create a Smile in Your present Solitary state. by the Dates of our Letters we are often writing to each other at the same Time. if that be the case now, may the same sentiments inspire / each Heart when we say we will / never be for any other. thus thinks / Your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0274", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            my Dearest Friend\n          Inclosed is a Letter for our Daughter which you will be so good as to cover and address. it is in reply to two which I have received from her pressing Me to come on & be with her untill March\n          I have replied to her, as to you that if it was necessary I would come, but that I had rather not untill I knew what was necessary & saw the means for executing, having no inclination to proceed in the Dark or be involved in difficulties. Congress will rise in March. there will not be any great occasion I presume for the President to see much Company. as to House I suppose some one will offer. as to Furniture, some I suppose will remain in the Presidents House as belonging to the United States. What May be Wanting, if a sum is granted to supply it, and I am consulted upon it I can soon determine. Mrs Otis may be consulted she is upon the Spot and is as good a judge as I could wish. Brisler is not unacquainted with Such Things. let the coat be cut to the Cloth. neverless when ever You say the Word that I am necessary to your releif of care, of Mind or Body, I come.\n          In reply to me respecting the Farms here, I would have you as\nexplicit as possible with regard to what you would have Done. Labour is not like to be lower. produce keeps up its price, particularly Grain, and West India articles are 25 pr cent higher than this time last year. My Mind is Much occupied in determing what to Do with this. I cannot think of a more eligible plan than that which we proposed of placeing Mears here as over seeer, he keeping his own House to retire to when I may wish to return here of summers. I cannot think of any person so trust worthy as both he and his wife. inclosed is a little plan which I have thought of. Mrs Brisler will go to Philadelphia when I do and make part of our Family. I have had several applications for the place of Ladys Maid, but My answer has been that I have not made any arrangments\u2014 amongst others Betsy Howard has applied whom I should like well if her Health will answer a trusty person I shall want in that capacity. Polly will be married, Becky may remain with mrs Mears and little Betsy I would take or procure a place for her. if this plan should be agreed upon in our new lease with French had I better not have Quincys Meddow inserted and Let mr Jonathan Baxter take that meddow which he wants to halves. that would lessen the buisness upon this place. as soon as the Season will allow Billings says he will go on to compleat the Wall & should like to have Hayden to assist him\u2014 We have got wood enough Home to last us the Year\u2014 I wish you would Draw & execute a power of Attorney for Mr Quincy. I expect to have to call upon him to bring an action or two, against the Nightingales. Your Brother came last week to tell me that they had cutt in upon you largely and that if I would not persue them now, he would never tell me again. Deacon Webb it seems sit the fellows to cut & cart him wood, and not finding a sufficient quantity in his; they have cut in, your Brother thinks four or 5 Rods upon You.\u2014 Vesey has cut this winter where your Brother has shewn him only. I immediatly wrote a Note to the Deacon informing him; I requesting him to send some person to meet mr Joseph Arnold, whom your Brother advised me to appoint; to run the line; and determine what quantity had been cut. the Deacon sent me word he would attend on Saturday last; Arnold agreed to go, but the Day proving a very thawing one; Arnold did not go; the Deacon went with Joseph Bass; but could Do nothing, as Arnold was not there. he has however Stopt the Men, but he knew no more about his Lot, than he does about Government. he wishes however to Do what is right. I have received information that wood has been cut by Samll Nightingale in the Lot call\u2019d Babel. I\nam endeavouring to get proof as soon as I have I will commence an action. It is not the first Time that fellow has cut wood knowingly in Your Lot. if I had punishd him then, he would not have Dared to have repeated his Theaft. in this way we shall have all the Lots cut up, and they who touch my wood, attack me upon My favorite Ground.\n          Charls writes me that he has had to give 24 Dollors pr cord this winter. wood has been low here this winter, in Boston only 5 Dollors\u2014\n          Have you thought of a private Secretary. Why not employ the one already in the Presidents Service\u2014for a time at least I am so little acquainted with the Young Gentlemen of the Day that I cannot think of any one who is personally known to me that would do. You will no Doubt have many applications. with the Letters which came to Quincy by last Mail was one of yours to an Inn Holder in the Jerseys, Drake I think. by some mistake it was sent here. I sent it to the post office. I mention it least You should be at a loss to know what became of it. it might be on buisness which required an answer. as this Letter is wholy on Family buisness I will close it and begin a new one upon politicks when I write again. You tell me You Dreem of me. I hope they are pleasent Dreems, for sleeping or waking I am / Wholy Yours\u2014\n            Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0276", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 31 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n          The day after I wrote you my last Letter, which was on the 28th: I received your Letter of the 17th:\u2014 It has given me as much pain as you expected, and more than I hope you intended.\n          It has never been my intention to speak in an \u201cauthoritative,\u201d a \u201ccommanding,\u201d an \u201cunkind\u201d a \u201charsh\u201d or a \u201cperemptory\u201d stile to you, and it distresses me to find that you think my letter of Decr: 20. deserving of all those epithets.\u2014 I did indeed mean to speak decisively, and I thought the occasion required it.\n          You call for an explanation what I mean by soliciting so often as I have done, your confidence, and by the intimations that I fear you have sometimes allowed a suspicion and distrust of me to enter your mind; I have written the explanation which you demand\u2014 I have recapitulated [the] circumstances upon which I have been unable to\nshun this conclusion, and I have burnt it, because [it] would only give you pain.\u2014 Do not, my ever dear friend, insist upon the detail.\u2014Simply recollect that you once professed to me a positive resolution, expressly founded upon the principle of guarding against perfidy.\u2014 A resolution founded solely upon Suspicion and Distrust.\u2014 Let me again entreat you to remove the principle and the sentiment from your heart; but do not require the proofs which I can produce that they are there.\u2014 The narration would be as unpleasant for me to make, as for you to read.\n          Even in this last Letter, my Louisa, you tell me that I appear to have indulged unnecessary apprehensions, with regard to your proposal to come here; you intimate that your hopes were not such as my fears had magnified, and that your only wish was to acquire by seeing me a few days fortitude and resignation to endure our lengthened separation.\u2014 Yet your father has written me that it was more than probable that he should see me here before he embarks for America, and as plainly hinted to me, that it was with the view, which I had inferred from your former Letter.\n          It is because I respect as much as I love you, that this expedient did not please me; it is because, I knew it would only accumulate disappointment, that I wished to dissuade you from it: and because you had mentioned it as a resolution of your own, that I thought it necessary to answer with unequivocal decision.\n          At the same time I was writing to you in the most intimate and exclusive confidence: it was between you and me and Heaven alone, that I thought I could freely utter feelings, which I could not without dissimulation conceal, and which I was equally unable to discard.\u2014 I believed Louisa, for I will not disguise my belief, that your idea of coming here was neither a new idea, nor one that had originally sprung up in your own mind.\u2014 I believed it connected with that principle of distrust which I have already noticed to you, and therefore I felt a necessity of discovering my sentiments upon it.\n          You observe that you have cautiously avoided repeating the hint; but my answer which has so much offended you was written at the first moment when I received it, and before a repetition could have been possible; and your father has repeated it, but evidently upon the idea which you still in a manner disclaim.\u2014 I have therefore most reluctantly been reduced to the necessity of an explanation to him as clear as that I had made to you.\u2014 I hope it will not be so displeasing.\n          Let not my lovely friend imagine that one sentiment of tenderness\nin my Heart, for her, was at any moment weakened even when I expressed myself in the most unwelcome manner.\u2014 Far be it from me, to pretend that every thing I said was measured upon the accurate rules of courtly politeness. Neither Nature, Education nor Art have formed me for it.\u2014 It was my desire only to express my own determination, so as that no doubt or scruple about it should remain. If any thing of all the other qualities which you think you found in my Letter, stole imperceptibly into it, I do most cordially apologize to you for it\n          But let me also add that the assurance of your own Letter that you meant it as an assertion of Spirit, and that your heart revolted at the necessity which you thought there was of wounding me, persuades me to suppress sensations which otherwise would most certainly break from my strongest resolution to constrain them.\u2014 Spirit in a proper degree I do not disapprove, even when it bids defiance to myself; but the tenderness of affection which feels the wounds itself has inflicted; this, My Louisa has a much more powerful command over my heart and temper than all the Spirit upon Earth.\n          I therefore readily forbear all further comment upon your Letter, and most devoutly wish that this may remove the uneasiness which you received from mine.\u2014 As I do most heartily and sincerely love you, and believe that my affection is as freely returned, I hope never to be an object of future distrust to your mind.\u2014 Why I have used the words you cannot after this be at a loss to know, and I hope you will not think, any more detailed explanation necessary.\n          How long the probable continuance of our separation may be, I would most cheerfully say, were it within my own knowledge or dependent upon my own power. That it shall be as short as my honour and my duty to my Country, to you and to myself will permit, I have already more than once declared: a more limited engagement it is not in my power to make, because it may be out of my power to perform.\n          I would fain my lovely friend now pass to the more pleasant subjects of correspondence which your previous letters would furnish me; would fain endeavour to write you something over which your eyes might pass with pleasure; something that might indicate at once an heart at ease, and a desire of contributing to give you delight.\u2014 But the materials will not mix.\u2014 My heart is not at ease, and its endeavours to gratify you would aukwardly fail of success.\u2014 I will hope that my next Letter may discover only the dictates of my constant inclinations. That it may contain nothing but what shall be\nsoothing and agreeable. That it may be the pure and unmingled effusion of an Heart devoted entirely to you, and the warmest wish of which is to be in perpetual unison with yours.\n          I thank you for your congratulations upon the supposed Event of the American Election, though it is probable the information upon which you offer them was inaccurate. The decision is still and must be for some time to come uncertain.\u2014 If the choice has fallen where you suppose, it will afford me little else than extreme anxiety. Your observation upon this point is very just, and discovers a reflecting mind.\u2014 I have long deprecated the occurrence, which the course of public affairs has at last made unavoidable, and at this moment, all the wishes of my filial affections would tend towards a result different from that which you have announced.\u2014 The honour of the place is a mere bubble; the Station is exposed in proportion to its elevation; the period is uncommonly critical.\u2014 There is nothing to counterbalance the cares, the perplexities, the dangers of that eminence but a calm and intrepid public Spirit, and an overruling sense of duty.\u2014 Join in prayers to Heaven with me, my charming friend, that the issue may be propitious to the welfare of my Country\n          Remember me with respect and affection to your Mamma and Sisters, and, may you receive with sentiments of unabated tenderness the invariable assurance of mine.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0277", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 31 January 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          Yes, my beloved friend, my spirit is roused, and I am determined to bear with fortitude what it is vain to lament\u2014 E\u2019re this, you will have recieved my letter in answer to yours of December the 20, in which I have explained my sentiments as clearly as possible, it probably has displeased you, but remember my situation admits not of hesitation, or affectation, and though while I wrote it I was conscious it would distress you, perhaps offend you, I felt it absolutely necessary to convince you that however weak my conduct may have appeared, it will bear the strictest investigation\u2014\n          I regret most sincerely ever having expressed a wish to meet you\nin Holland, since it appears to have given you so much uneasiness, but indeed my friend you are causelessly alarmed, I really never have mentioned it to my father which you will know by my letter of the 17, and be satisfied that should he again offer to take me, I would immediately refuse believe me I should be sorry to put it in your power, or in that of the world, to say I wished to force myself upon any man or into any family\u2014 You tell me that our visit would neither have been consistent with your delicacy or my dignity, I rather think you ought to have reversed it, and said, it would have been inconsistent with your dignity, and my delicacy, whatever appearance my conduct may have to you I know not, but I am perfectly satisfied with its appearance to the world\u2014 I really am fearful that there has been a great want of dignity on my part, or I should not have had the mortification of recieving two such letters as you have lately favored me with, which suffer me to say are as unaccountable as undeserved, you seem to me to have very little knowledge of my disposition, or you would easily have seen that such letters would not pass unnoticed\u2014\n          You appear to regret what has passed in respect to my attending you to Lisbon, if such is the case you have certainly taken an improper method of shewing this regret, if it is not I beg your pardon for having even thought it\u2014 You recommend Madame de Staels Book to me, I intend to read it though I can with pleasure inform you, that you have been a more able instructor in philosophy, than she possibly can be\u2014 I have acquired a great deal lately, and I think after the perusal of her book, I shall become adequate to every trial\u2014\n          Yet much as I avow myself offended and hurt at your late conduct, I would not relinquish the smallest particle of my affection if I could\u2014\n          I confess I am almost astonished myself at the weakness I have betrayed, it now strikes me in a most glaring light, and I can scarcely believe it possible that I could have acted in so ridiculous a manner\u2014 I own I feel myself humbled when I reflect, that I have myself put it in your power to write me in this stile, but alas it too often happens, that the best motives may be perverted and often made to appear the worst\u2014\n          My letter in answer to yours, will shew that I have ceased to repine, and that I am prepared for our departure for America, therefore you need be under no apprehension, of my abandoning myself to childish weakness, or idle lamentation\u2014\n          You mention the pain it gives you to write me in this stile, if thus\npainful to you judge what it must be to me, whose mind must be doubly wounded at the idea of having given rise to it\u2014\n          Ah my beloved friend, this boasted philosophy that I have heard so much of is indeed a dreadful thing, I have too much reason to dislike it, as I see too plainly that it dictates every action, and guides your pen I hope in contradiction to your feelings\u2014 When you were here you have often said that you could see no fault in your Louisa, but alas how are you changed, you now charge her with impropriety of conduct, and there is even an indication of want of delicacy\u2014\n          Let me entreat you to destroy, and if possible to erase from your memory that unfortunate letter, which has been productive of our mutual anxiety, and rest assured I will never again offend you with any thing of the sort\u2014 however long our seperation may be you will find that I am as capable of bearing it as yourself and I hope in time to convince you, that I possess both fortitude and dignity, sufficient at least to conceal any unbecoming emotions, if not entirely to conquer them\u2014\n          True \u201cwe should indeed be unfit for the course of life in prospect before us, if we indulged ourselves in dreams of finding our way strewed with flowers, or its borders lined with down,\u201d no, delusive as may have been my imagination, I have never dreamt of cloudless skies yet did I not expect that you would have been the person to have strewn my path with needless thorns\n          Adieu my beloved and most esteemed friend, may you enjoy every happiness, and may you never feel the anguish, your late severity has occasioned, your still tenderly attached and truely faithful,\n            Louisa C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0278", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Briesler, 1 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Briesler, John\n            Mr Brisler\n          I last Evening received a Letter from You in which You express an anxiety at the prospect of being seperated from Your Family. I know\ntoo well how painfull a situation that is, to have any desire, to inflict so great an hardship upon any one, unless through necessity.\n          The uncertainty how the Election would terminate, has prevented me, from saying any thing to You, or to your Wife upon the Subject, untill this week, when I said to her, I suppose you will have no objection to going where Your Husband does, to which She answerd, certainly She Should not.\n          I consider you as quite necessary to me, and Mrs Brisler, tho her Health will not allow her to take so active a part, as May be required of a person whose buisness it is to Superintend so large a Family. I doubt not she can be usefull to me, with her care, with her needle, and as an assistant to you, and in my absence, as having in Charge those things which I should place particularly under her care. Your Children are old enough to go constantly to school. if your Family should increase, we must leave those arrangments to futurity, but at present I shall consider Your Family as making a part of mine, except in the article of Cloathing and Schooling for the Children. I shall bring with me a Maid Servant, a respectable one, particularly to attend upon me, and if I could find an honest capable woman to take upon herself the Government arrangment, and direction of that class of Domesticks who require such attentions, I should be glad to engage such an one. Your long and Faithfull services in My Family, merrit the first place in it. in that light I shall consider You both Mrs Brisler and you are well acquainted with the assorting persons in a Family where a regular Set are employd so that I need make no explanations to you upon that Head. it would be my endeavour to have each department so arranged and so explicitly markd out that each one should be responsible for the trust committed to them that all may move on with order punctuality and Harmony\n          The difficulty of obtaining such a sett of Domesticks, You know as well as I do. We must however do the best we can.\n          As to your Wages, they will be such as we can afford to give consistant with other Demands, and I presume to Your satisfaction. upon this head I should chuse to consult mr Adams.\n          When I am informd with respect to the arrangments for Myself, I will communicate further with You upon the Subject. in the mean time make inquiry for a respectable woman as an Housekeeper who understands the nicer parts of Cookery &c such an one I know of here, a Mrs Leopard, but She is now in the service of Mr Jeffry\u2014\n          I inclose to you a Letter from your wife. it is I think the fourth which I have forwarded. She and the Children were well yesterday. Whilst honour and fidelity, integrity and uprightness mark Your Character, Such as I have ever found it, You can never want Friends. of one you may always be assured / in\n            Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0279", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 2 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My dearest Friend\n          I believe I have not directly & expressly Answered your Letter, inclosing the Memorandum from Mr Smith of the Price of a Chariot at Boston.\n          I had before bespoke a new Chariot here, and it is or will be ready: so that there is an End of all further Enquiries about Carriages.\u2014 I hope as soon as the Point is legally settled you will have your Coach new Painted and all the Arms totally obliterated. It would be a folly to excite popular feelings and vulgar Insolence for nothing.\n          Mrs Washington, Mrs Powell &c send their regards &c\n          I believe I must take Mr Malcom, Charles\u2019s Clerk & Pupil for a private secretary, at least for a time.\n          I wish you could get a compleat set of Domesticks from your Neighbourhood that We might avoid a little of the Brigandage.\n          Fine Weather to day. Candlemas. Half your corn and half your hay.\n          I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0280", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My dearest Friend\n          I hope you will not communicate to any body the hints I give you about our Prospects: but they appear every day worse and worse. House Rent at 2700 dollars a Year 1500 dollars for a Carriage 1000 for one Pair of Horses\u2014 All the Glasses ornaments kitchen furniture\u2014the best Chairs settees, Plateaus &c all to purchase\u2014All the China Delph or Wedgwood Glass & Crockery of every sort to purchase\u2014and not a farthing probably will the H. of R. allow tho the senate have voted a small Addition. All the Linnen besides.\n          I shall not pretend to keep more than one Pair of Horses for a Carriage and one for a saddle.\n          Secretaries, Servants, Wood, Charities which are demanded as Rights, and the Million Dittoes present such a Prospect as is enough to disgust any one\u2014 Yet not one Word must We say.\n          We cannot go back\u2014 We must stand our Ground as long as We can. Dispose of our Places with the help of our Friend Dr Tufts as well as you can\u2014 We are impatient for News\u2014 But that is always so at this season. I am tenderly your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0281", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Charles Adams, 5 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, Charles\n          I received Your kind congratulatory Letter upon the new year. accept My thank for the filial regard and affection with which they are expresst. it is the will of Providene to place me in a very conspicious station. it shall be my endeavour so to conduct in it, as to excite neither envy ill will or Jealousy. as shakspear expresses it, I would bear my Honours meekly fully sensible that\n            \u201cHigh Stations tumult, but not Bliss creat\n            None think the Great unhappy but the Great\u201d\n          I can say with the Royall Singer\n            \u201cStill has My Life New wonders Seen\n            Repeated every Year\n            Behold my Days that yet remain,\n            I trust them to thy care\u201d\n          However wise able and discreet the Government may be conducted, the present pilot must not expect to have all Hands and Hearts united in his Support, as his predecessor has had I hope however he will be ably supported, and if he does not receive so large a portion of praise, that he will escape its attendent Envy calumny and abuse, in an equal Ratio.\n          I consider the vice Pressidency as a concilitary union of the States, and on that account a fortunate event. I have always entertaind a Friendship for Mr Jefferson from a personal knowledge & long acquaintance with him. tho I cannot altogether accord with him in Politicks I believe him to be a Man of strickt honour, firm in his Friendships and of real integrity of Heart, in his judgment not so Mature as some Men, but incapable of Doing a real injury to his Country, knowing it to be so, and that is more than I can say nor will he sacrifice its interests from any pecuniary Motive. When placed at the Head of the Senate, I will venture to say he will verify the opinion I have always formd of him, for I have never sufferd calumny and abuse to hide those good qualities from my view. the most reprehensible part of his conduct, was countanancing that Freaneu when he was continually libelling the Government. there is a Character in your state who with all his pretentions to Friendship, took a very ungenerous part in the late Election. tho he thought to conceal himself under that Mask, the covering has been Seen through, and his real views and Motives discoverd. he may have superiour talents to Jefferson, but he has not half his disinterested Friendship\u2014 the Gentleman I mean was not a Canditate for either office. he is one however upon whom I placed my Eye very early, nor do I mean to withdraw it whilst I am an observer. \u201cbeware of that Spair Cassius\u201d this is between ourselves.\u2014\n          That we are in a very critical State with France every one must be sensible. their insults to our Government & their depredations upon our commerce ought not to be endured but upon the Principle that it is better to bear wrong than Do wrong. Their late victories in Italy will give a new Spur to insolence. by their own account it was so dear a purchase that I question whether ultimately it will contribute to their prosperity. every new desolation ought to excite our Vigilence & put us upon prepareing for defence, whilst we cautiously avoid every cause of offence\n          I have not yet made any arrangments for going to Philadelphia. I waited untill the Declaration is made and untill Something is Done by the House of Reps. the united states ought to have a House for their chief Majestrate furnished. I know not what will be Done.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0282", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            my Dearest Friend\n          The heavey rain & thaw to day will prevent my getting my Letters to Town to go by the post, to that cause you must attribute it. This Month is a short one, and March will soon be upon you with its new Duties, with its load of care, and perplexities. those of a Domestick kind I would relieve you from as much as possible, Yet wish to consult You upon them. in the first place, what is to be Done about an House furniture Household at Philadelphia? I do not know the Number which will be requisite. as few as can perform the necessary business will be most for our Comfort. in My Letter to Brisler I named a Woman here who if she could be had is well calculated for a Housekeeper both when I am absent and there. Men servants will be best procured at Philadelphia their buisness will be better understood. I feel most anxious for Your private Scecratary, who must be trust worthy close mouthd a Man of buisness, and application. the accomplishments of a Drawing Room are not so requisite, as those of the Cabinet, nor do I consider it as any peculiar recommendation that a Young Gentleman has been abroad, where he is much more like to accquire habits of dissipation than application.\n          Mr Pickerings Letter to mr Pinckny is just publishing in our papers. I have not been from home to hear the Sentiments of people upon the Subject, but I am confident it will have a Salutary effect upon the minds of those who read it, and open their Eyes with respect to their engagements and attachment to France. the late victories of their Army in Italy, tho Dearly purchased will give them an\nother incentive to conquest, and render them still more delirious. there has been much talk here of an Embargo as an necessary measure to preserve our remaining commerce. I askd a Gentleman in the Mercantile Line who was hopeing that Congress would lay an embargo, if the people were not the best keepers of their own Liberties and priveledges. O no he replid, the Merchants would risk, & ruin themselves if not restraind by authority\n          There is much good Sense in Swanwicks arguments for a direct Tax. a Land Tax will be submitted to in N England with much less reluctance than the very unpopular ones of Hearth Window and Stamps. I am astonishd that so sensible a Man as Mr Harper Should know so little of the temper and disposition of his Countrymen. if there are no extra officers appointed for the collection of a land tax, so as to render it burdensome in that way I believe it will be cheerfully paid, and we certainly ought to have Some resource of Revenue which is not subject to the piratical plunder of Foreign Nations.\n          Mr Volneys prediction respecting France will take place sooner or later I have not a Doubt, and that it must be Royal Blood to heal their Wounds, tho a successfull General may pave the way but their measure is not yet full. the vials of wrath are not yet all poured out upon the Nations against whom they are contending\n          I wait for your directions respecting our affairs at Home. the Grass Seed You will not fail to Send. this Thaw must extend to your Rivers, and open them. Billings has been employd for several Days in making a Dragg for stones. he has compleated one which he says would make you laugh if you could See it. he is making a New cart putting his Harrow and tools in order. his wanderings have not been very troublesome this Winter. take him at large I do not know a better Hand. he can contrive buisness & Sit himself about it. his cattle look well. Baxters Sheep have not attempted Your Wall, but they leap the other. adieu my Dear Friend and companion. I dreem too of you, but they are not so pleasing as My Waking Thoughts the former being fancifull wandering, the latter possessing the / constant & unalterable attachment / and affection of your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0285", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            \u201cThe Sun is drest in Brighest Beams\n            To Give thy Honours to the Day\u201d\n          And may it prove an auspicious prelude to each ensuing Season. You have this Day to declare Yourself Head of A Nation. And now O\nLord my God thou hast made thy servant Ruler over the people. give unto him an understanding Heart, that he may know how to go out, and come in before this great people, that he may descern between good and bad, for who is able to judge this, thy so great People? were the Words of a Royal Soverign, and not less applicable to him who is invested with the Chief Majestracy of a Nation, tho he wear not a Crown, or the Robes of Royalty.\n          My Thoughts, and My Meditations are with you, tho personally absent, and My petitions to Heaven are that the things which make for Peace, may not be hiden from your Eyes. My feelings are not those of Pride, or ostentation upon the occasion they are solemnized by a sense of the obligations, the important Trusts and Numerous Duties connected with it. that you may be enabled to Discharge them with Honour to yourself, with justice and impartiality to Your Country, and with satisfaction to this Great People Shall be / The Daily prayer of your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0286", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My Dear Mother.\n            The Hague February 8. 1797.\n          Though not many days have elapsed since I wrote you last, and I scarcely know what I can write for your amusement, I cannot omit the acknowledgment of having recently received your kind Letter,\ndated November. 11. which besides the pleasure which your Letters always afford, had the additional merit of relieving me from great anxiety on account of your health.\n          The address of the President declaring his intention to retire from the public service, has been republished, translated and admired all over Europe.\u2014 But in France the usual arts of french intrigue in all their impudence and all their falsehood have been used against it. The most barefaced forgeries have been palmed upon the public in France under the name of translations and extracts of this address, and I know not whether one faithful french translation of it has appeared in that Country.\u2014 The Leyden Gazette has given one here, together with such encomiums upon the piece itself and its author, as both deserve and obtain from every virtuous mind, and has noticed the infidelity of the pretended translations published in the Paris papers.\u2014 The french Directory, or their guide, have taken a dislike to the principles and Fame of Washington, and have among other of their little projects undertaken to run him down They have been at work two years upon it, and are now in a perfect frenzy at the thought that he has placed himself beyond the reach of their weapons.\u2014 Yet they have been unable to succeed generally, even in France, where at this moment the generality of the Nation revere his character, and where his name will be remembered with veneration when they will escape detestation only inasmuch as they shall sink in oblivion.\n          I have written to you in my former Letters the state of my matrimonial prospects and purposes. They remain still in the same uncertainty. When I shall be removed from hence, I intend to take my course through London, but when that will be is yet uncertain and precarious.\u2014 To live much longer in Europe, without a family, and especially if without my brother too, is what I cannot possibly think of.\u2014 My life is destined to be spent at home\u2014 I have weaned myself from the delights of large and numerous society, and can now enlarge or diminish at my own choice my mixture with it. But perpetual solitude at home, is almost as bad as imprisonment\n          Your apprehensions as to the tastes and sentiments of my friend; your fears that they may be Anti-American or liable to contract too strong an attachment to the tinsel of courts was perfectly natural, and all your observations on the subject were received by me with gratitude, as I knew them to proceed from serious concern and the purest parental affection.\u2014 I should be a bold man indeed to affirm that there is no ground for them; that the Lady is superior to such\nattractions and despises such splendor.\u2014 But she has goodness of heart and gentleness of disposition as well as spirit and discretion; with these qualities I shall venture upon the chances of success, and hope you will find her prove such a daughter as you would wish for your son.\n          As to the idea I had at one time contemplated of an Establishment at the Southward, it is my wish that it may not give you the least concern. It was indeed founded upon the prospect of my retirement from the public Service, and you may be sure I should not have effected it, without very sufficient inducements of interest.\u2014 I am not unacquainted, and I think there is no danger that I shall forget what are the appropriate duties and obligations of either party in marriage, but if I had returned altogether to private Life, I should of course have found it necessary to pursue the most advantageous honourable means of providing for myself, wherever they might have placed me: and indeed to commence anew the practice of Law in Massachusetts, would have been so very unpromising a Prospect, that I should have been driven by necessity to seek some other more favourable.\u2014 At present my design is altogether suspended and very possibly may never be renewed.\u2014 If a political convulsion or revolution should speedily throw me upon the world, with the necessity to look out for support, where I shall be most like to find it, I shall leave to the contingencies of such a time the provision which its occasion may require. It is a fruitless as well as a painful employment to look too far into futurity.\n          The Election of President and Vice-President which was preparing with so much bustle manoeuvre and intrigue when you wrote me is now concluded, and on this day I presume the choice will be ascertained and declared. From the success of French influence in settling the votes of Pennsylvania, which was the first part of the transaction transmitted to France, the revolutionizers of the world had already announced the success of their candidate, with a degree of exultation proportionate to the importance of the Event. At present the accounts received lead to the belief among the public of a different issue, and the french Directory are accordingly mortified and provoked. Their vexation at this proof that they were not able to make a President of the United States, enraged them to such a degree that they immediately ordered Mr: Pinckney, whom they had before refused to receive, to quit France, and I expect every day to see him here.\u2014 I am anxious to hear in what manner the feelings of my Countrymen will receive these accumulated indignities and\ninjuries, with which their too sincere and cordial friendship for France is returned.\u2014 How they will bear to be informed that the French Directory have resolved to force all the maritime and commercial Nations out of their neutrality.\u2014 They calculate upon such a party within the United States totally devoted to them as will at least disable the Government from any means of defence if not compel a submission to their most unjust dictates.\n          The Directory have just discovered or fabricated a royalist conspiracy against the present Constitution of France.\u2014 If all these conspiracies are true, it is easy to judge what sort of a Government it is against which continual conspiracies are forming.\u2014 They have lately gained another splendid victory in Italy to comfort them for their disastrous attempt against Ireland. It may be a consolation to us to see that they are as impotent in every thing relative to the Sea, as they are terrible to every Nation which they can approach by Land.\u2014 Thank Heaven they cannot materially injure us, but by dividing us among ourselves.\u2014 And God Grant they may be disappointed even in their expectations from that source.\n          Mr: Bourne, who has been our Vice-Consul at Amsterdam ever since my first arrival here purposes paying a visit to our Country the spring ensuing, and goes from hence to Embark from England, in the course of a few days. I have entrusted to his care, the watch which conformably to your request, I purchased for you last Winter in England, and which I have not hitherto had a good opportunity of sending.\u2014 I have been indebted to him for much kindness and many friendly attentions in this Country.\n          I know not whether this Letter will find you at Quincy, or at Philadelphia\u2014 If the election has been such as is here said, (for I consider it still as very uncertain) you will probably be at the seat of Government. You will not lead there, for the present at least a life of ease or quiet; but your disposition will find consolations and encouragements, and it is my fervent prayer that the progress of Events may produce more smiling prospects, and a milder sky.\n          Mr: Johnson\u2019s son has written to his Parents that he had spent a day and night at Quincy, by your invitation and where he was much gratified by the civilities which were shewn him. This attention to the brother of my friend has added a new claim to my gratitude for your kindness.\n          My friend Otis, I see succeeds Mr: Ames as representative in Congress for the district of Boston. While I lament that the public should be deprived of Mr: Ames\u2019s services, at this early period of his\nlife and from so melancholy an occasion, I rejoice in the hopes that the talents and energy of Otis will be substituted in their stead.\u2014 His eloquence, his activity and his firmness will be exerted I am very confident in a good cause, and while he rises to eminence and fame himself he will promote at the same time the honour the dignity and the true interests of his Country.\n          I am with steady sentiments of duty and affection, your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0287", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Gray Otis to Abigail Adams, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Otis, Mary Smith Gray\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My dear Mrs Adams\n            Philadelphia Feby: 8th 1797\n          It gives me peculiar pleasure to hear from the Vice President, that you have enjoyed your health, better, this Winter, than usual; the frost of this season, will I hope entirely eradicate your former complaints, & that you will long enjoy a confirmed state of health, not only for your own sake, but that of your friends.\u2014\n          Give me leave to congratulate you, on the choice made of a President, as a proof of the confidence & attachment of the (I will say)\nbest part of the community, it must give you pleasure. As you are both Veterans in politicks you are better able to repel the attacks of those, whose chief aim seems to be, to render those unhappy who are placed in the high Offices of Government, but that you may enjoy much satisfaction & pleasure, is my earnest wish.\n          Your friends here are anxious, to know whether they shall see you this Spring, for myself I anticipate much pleasure, in the prospect of having you for a Neighbour.\n          If there is any thing to be done, or any little arrangements to be made, previous to your coming, that I can do for you, I will do it with pleasure.\n          With love to Louisa, I remain, Yours 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0289", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Martha Washington, [9 February 1797]\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Washington, Martha\n            my Dear Madam\n          Your retirement from publick Life excite in my mind many Sensations, Some of them of a nature very different from those which I have ever before experienced.\n          The universal satisfaction Love esteem and Respect which you have ensured from all Ranks of persons, Since you have been in publick Life and more particularly for these 8 years past when your Situation has made you more universally know \u201cso that the Tongue of Slander the pen of Calumny,[\u201d] nor the bitteness of envy have never once to my knowledge assailed any part of your conduct a pattern so exemplary a Character so irreproachable whilst it cannot fail to excite an Emulation in the Bosom of your Successor, must at the Same time fill her mind with an anxious Solicitude least she should fall far short of her most amiable predecessor to have seen You Still Sustaining your part in publick would have given much more pleasure to me my Dear Madam, than I can possibly receive from succeeding you as it has fallen to Me. I will endeavour to follow Your steps and by that means hope I Shall not essentially fall Short of my most amiable exemplaer in the discharge of My Duties with this view I Shall be obliged to you Madam to communicate to Me those Rules which you prescribed & practised upon as it respected receiving & returning visits, both to strangers and citizens as it respected invitations of a publick or private nature\n          Your experience and knowledge of persons and Characters must render your advise particularly acceptable to me who inquires not from motives of an Idle curiosity but from a desire to do right, and to give occasion of offence to no one. if you have any Domesticks whose fidelity and attachment to you have merrited your particular confidence, I will thank you to Name them to me.\n          I cannot close this Letter without presenting my gratefull acknowledgments to the President for the Honorable notice he has taken of My Family and particularly for the appointments with which he has honourd my Son the Satisfaction which he has repeatedly exprest of his publick conduct. whilst it gives to the Maternal Heart the highest reward cannot fail as a stimulous in exciting him to the utmost dilligence and fidelity towards his Country, and Respect and attachment to the President who has thus honourd him with his Confidence.\n          I join in the General the Universal Voice in beseaching Heaven to bestow its choicest Blessings upon You in Your retirement, to private Life, and will hope for Your Friendship and affection Regard to your obliged 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0290", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My dearest Friend\n          The Die is cast, and you must prepare yourself for honourable Tryals.\n          I must wait to know whether Congress will do any Thing or not to furnish my House\u2014 if they do not I will have no House before next Fall. and then a very moderate one, with very moderate Furniture.\n          The Prisoners from Algiers arrived Yesterday in this City, in good health and looking very well. Captn. stevens is among them. one Women rushed into the Crowd & picked out her Husband, whom she had not Seen for 14 years. I am and ever shall / be yours and no others\n            Mr Sullivan and young Johnson are to breakfast with 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0292", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 12 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n            The Hague Sunday February 12. 1797.\n            \u201cThis day, which saw my Delia\u2019s beauty rise,\n            Shall more than all our sacred days be blest;\n            The world, enamour\u2019d of her lovely eyes,\n            Shall grow as good and gentle as her breast.\u201d\n          I was reflecting this morning, with what peculiar force and propriety, I could make the application of these tender and affectionate lines of Hammond, and how much more truly they were suited to the object of my constant love than to the person for whom they\nwere originally destined, when your Letter of the 31st: of last month was brought me. \u2026 It put an end at once to the delicious contemplation in which I was indulging my fancy, and to the resolution I had taken of writing you a letter full of the feelings which the recurrence of this day raised in my Heart, and which I hoped would contribute something at least to your present pleasure while it should bear the sincere testimonial of my ardent prayers for your happiness through a numerous succession of similar anniversaries.\u2014 \u201cI now must change those Notes for tragic\u201d\u2014 I must reply to a Letter, which but for the profound affection and indissoluble attachment I feel for its writer, I should think most kindly used by leaving it without any reply at all.\n          You have again in this Letter repeatedly intimated that you think yourself obliged to assert spirit, and to resent what I wrote you in my Letters of Decr: 20. and Jany: 10.\u2014and you tell me that I \u201cseem to have very little knowledge of your disposition, or I should easily have seen that such letters would not pass unnoticed.\u201d\u2014 Let us understand one another, Louisa.\u2014 I have always expected and intended that the communication of sentiments between you and me, should be free, candid, open and undisguised;\u2014if on either side they should occasionally give pain I have trusted that the certainty of mutual affection would at least secure the most favourable construction; that nothing sarcastic, nothing bitter, nothing indivious would ever pass between us; that expostulation itself would speak the language of love, and that Spirit, would never be needed, or called in aid for the settlement of our differences.\u2014 Let me now assure you that I never thought your disposition deficient in Spirit, and that I am fully convinced you have as much of it as can be consistent with an amiable temper, but let me earnestly entreat you never to employ it in discussion with me, and to remember that it is in its nature a repellent quality; that whenever it is used, and more especially when it is professedly used, it inevitably necessitates either a similar return of Spirit, or an acquiescence and obsequiousness, painful to him who makes and unworthy of her who receives the sacrifice.\u2014 I do most cordially wish my amiable friend that you may never have occasion to know whether I should possess a proper degree of Spirit or not, in opposition to you.\n          You say \u201cI should be sorry to put it in your power or in that of the world, to say I wished to force myself upon any man, or into any family.\u201d\u2014 I feel all that you meant I should feel by this suggestion; I see the suspicion of your heart in which it originated, and deeply as\nit probes my sensibility, my bosom is protected by the clear and unhesitating consciousness that the suspicion is without any foundation.\u2014 I can say the same of the other passage, where you observe that I \u201cappear to regret what had passed in respect to your attending me to Lisbon, and have taken an improper method of shewing this regret,\u201d but as you apologize yourself for this conjecture, I will assure you that my only regret was, of having at the moment of my own hopes and expectations of an early removal, by imparting them to you led you to make preparations of departure, of which you reminded me at the moment of my disappointment.\n          You have in some former letters spurned at the idea of thinking yourself honoured by your connection with me. And you now again mention I will not say with what temper of mind, my Dignity. Is it because you know Louisa how much I despise every sentiment of arrogance or pride resulting from such a source as these? is it because you know how much my feelings must be wounded by imputations of motives which I disdain, that you so often address them to me?\u2014 No, my friend, you tell me, that it is not for the pleasure of distressing me that you avow yourself offended, and I will not imagine, that you can ever consent to use weapons merely for the sake of the venom with which they are pointed.\n          My dignity, my Station or my family, have no sort of concern with any subject of debate between you and me\u2014 When I spoke of your dignity in a former Letter, I meant and could mean only the dignity of your sex and of your personal character. It would therefore have been as improper to reverse the expression, as it was erroneous in you to give it a construction so different from that in which it was used.\n          In one part of your letter you \u201cconfess yourself astonished at the weakness you have betrayed; that it now strikes you in a most glaring light, and that you can scarcely believe it possible that you could have acted in so ridiculous a manner.\u201d\u2014 You add that your mind \u201cis doubly wounded at the idea of having given rise to the stile in which my Letters were written\u201d which have so much offended you, and yet in another part you say they are equally \u201cunaccountable and undeserved.\u201d\u2014 These expressions suffer me to say, my dearest friend, are on both sides remote from the sober medium of reason. Your proposal to come here, was adopted by you, without a full consideration of its natural and inevitable consequences, but without the faintest shadow of indelicacy in your heart which I firmly believe to be purity itself.\u2014 There was one consideration, which it is natural\nenough should not have occurred to you, but which upon candid reflection I am perswaded will not now escape you: it is the appearance which it would have given to me and my conduct in the opinion of the world.\u2014 It was under that impression, and feeling it perhaps too forcibly (for indeed my Louisa I cannot bear the imputation of unnecessary harshness to you) that I wrote both the obnoxious Letters; and now that I apologize from the deepest of my heart for every word which may have contained one particle of superfluous asperity, I only request you to consider the whole subject deliberately in that point of view, and am perswaded that after such deliberation, if you still remain convinced that my two Letters were undeserved, you will at least perceive that they were not unaccountable.\n          That I ever pretended to say that I could see no fault in you, My Louisa, I do not recollect. If I ever did, it must be attributed to the blindness of an irrational Love, or to the natural exaggeration of expression, which ardent Sentiment often inspires, but which without any suspicion of insincerity, you must of course have concluded was exaggeration.\u2014 I have always believed and still believe you to possess a virtuous Heart, an intelligent mind, an accomplished person and a gentle disposition, all of which qualities contributed to inspire the strong affection which I have for you; but I never seriously believed or pretended that I believed you exempt from the common and universal imperfections of humanity; or from occasional errors of the mind, and varieties of temper.\u2014 As I knew that in the progress of Life, I should often need your indulgence for similar failings of my own, I have hoped that I should always be enabled to extend my indulgence to your\u2019s; that every trivial failing would be overlooked by the eye of tenderness, or swept away by the hand of reciprocal benevolence. I still cherish the same hope, and while I receive with thanks every frank and candid avowal of the particulars in which you think my conduct or my language offensive or censurable, I shall only repeat the request that you would never again try my temper by a formal and professed assertion of your Spirit\n          The last Post from Bremen had brought me your kind and affectionate Letter of Jany: 27. A Letter where all your natural loveliness of disposition appears; which brought me at once obliging congratulation, soothing consolation and auspicious augury.\u2014 Oh my Louisa! let us forever discard a subject of correspondence which tends mutually to excite sensations of a nature so different from these. Let our only exchange of sentiments, be that of tenderness and Love.\n          I hope the indisposition which you mention as having been\nprevalent in the family has totally disappeared, and beg to be remembered with respect and affection to all. I feel very much obliged to Miss Henning for her kind recollection, and hope you will assure her of my respectful esteem in return.\n          I am ever faithfully and tenderly your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0293", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            my Dearest Friend\n          It is now the Middle of Feb\u2019ry it will be the 20 by the Time this reaches you. the whole Months has been a Thaw So that to present appearences we shall have an early Spring. Billings has been Several Day at work upon the Wall. he tells me he shall want help to cart & Digg. Veseys time is just expiring, and as he is a bird of passage, he does not incline to tarry longer, So that I have to Seek a Hand, and to hire occasionally, for I think this wall which Billings computes at 30 Days, ought to be compleated as soon as possible. the Hill must however be ploughd, in a week or ten Days. unless the Weather changes, it may be Done. write if you are like to Send Seed. French was with me a Day or two Since, to know if I had received an answer from You respecting his remaining upon the place. I told him that there was no Doubt he might have it. he proposed breaking up 3 or 4 acres upon Belchers Side adjoining to Dr Phips. he Says that will be Sufficient, and that the manure will be required upon the Gound which is to be Sown So that much corn will not be profitable. I conversd with the Dr upon the Subject. he proposed letting French take the place for two years as an inducement to him to carry on Manure, but this is as you please.\n          I wish you to make provision in March for the payment of Haydens Note. his Brother call\u2019d a few Days Since and ask\u2019d me if I would take it up. I told him I was not prepaird then, but if he wanted the Money I would procure it for him in a few Days. he replied that he would not give me the trouble to Do that. if his Brother was really in want he would let me know. I then told him I\nwould take it up by the middle of March, but still I would get the Money immediatly if he would Send me word. I have not heard Since So presume he will wait till March. my Rates were sent the first of this Month. they amount to 178 Dollors and half the Farm tax upon which French & Vinton are to 24 Dollord, 16 Burrels. they have taken it upon them to Rate Your personal estate at 90 Dollors. I know of no one article of living which does not exceed in price this Year the last; during 8 weeks of as good travelling as ever was known in the Winter, there was a plenty, but no glut of the Market or fall of prices. I am disposed with you to curtail every expence which the Parsimony of our Rep\u2019s require, and I would calculate for a surpluss of Revenue too. it will be there Disgrace, not ours, but they will bring their Government into contempt by it. they cry out, the high prices are but temporary, but they will starve out their officers whilst that temporary continues, which has been annually proving worse for these Six Years.\n          I have been much diverted with a little occurence which took place a few Days since and which serve to Shew how little founded in nature, the so much boasted principle of Liberty and equality is. Master Heath has opend an Evening School to instruct a Number of Apprentices Lads cyphering, at a shilling a week, finding their own wood and candles.\n          James desired that he might go. I told him to go with my compliments to Master Heath and ask him if he would take him. he did & Master Heath returnd for answer that he would. accordingly James went after about a week, Neighbour Faxon came in one Evening and requested to Speak to me. his errant was to inform me that if James went to School, it would break up the School for the other Lads refused to go. pray mr Faxon has the Boy misbehaved? if he has let the Master turn him out of School. O no, there was no complaint of that kind, but they did not chuse to go to School with a Black Boy. and why not object to going to Meeting because he does mr Faxon? is there not room enough in the School for him to take his Seperate forme. Yes. did these Lads ever object to James playing for them when at a Dance. how can they bear to have a Black in the Room with them then? O it is not I that Object, or my Boys, it is some others. pray who are they? why did not they come themselves?. this mr Faxon is attacking the Principle of Liberty and equality upon the only Ground upon which it ought to be supported, an equality of Rights the Boy is a Freeman as much as any of the young Men, and merely because his Face is Black, is he to be denied instruction.\nhow is he to be qualified to procure a livelihood? is this the Christian Principle of doing to others, as we would have others do to us? O Mam, You are quite right. I hope You wont take any offence. none at all mr Faxon, only be so good as to send the Young Men to me. I think I can convince them that they are wrong. I have not thought it any disgrace to My self to take him into my parlour and teach him both to read & write\u2014 tell them mr Faxon that I hope we shall all go to Heaven together\u2014 upon which Faxon laugh\u2019d, and thus ended the conversation I have not heard any more upon the Subject\u2014. I have sent Prince Constantly to the Town School for some time, and have heard no objection\u2014\n          I think You will excuse My attendance at Philadelphia till October. I hope however You will be able to come on in june. I talkd with Dr Tufts on the subject of building a Barn. he says he should advise to Building only a coach House for the present and appropriate the whole of this Building for the Hay. he thinks Some alteration may take place in the course of an other year which perhaps may render it less expensive inclosed is a line which I received from mr Bracket a Day or two since. I fear your more serious occupations will put out of your mind all personal concerns. adieu my Dear Friend do not let any thing put out of Your Mind Your ever affectionate", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0294", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 17 February 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          I have recieved your letters of Janry. 28. and 31. which have afforded me more real satisfaction, than I have latterly been accustomed to experience\u2014\n          I think, I have at length discovered the meaning, of those very disagreeable expressions suspicion, and distrust, and can assure my best friend, if he alludes to what I said, respecting the circumstance that happened in our family, from the moment I engaged myself to him, I banished them for ever from my heart\u2014Indeed my most loved friend, I have always, and do place the most implicit, and unlimited, confidence in you, and should our seperation continue\nfor years, (which heaven avert) I can never for one moment, admit a doubt of your affection to enter my mind\u2014 should I be mistaken in this conjecture, I must request those proofs, however painful, that I may at least endeavor to vindicate myself, and convince you I hope, that they are without foundation\u2014\n          You must permit me once more to repeat what I said concerning our visit to Holland. I had no idea of remaining with you, nor did I know till lately, that my Father had written to you on the subject, you know his tenderness for his children, therefore I am sure cannot be surprized at any thing he may have written which was dictated by the utmost affection, and anxiety for our mutual happiness\u2014 Ah my dearest friend you cannot concieve how much I regret ever having hinted a wish to meet you as instead of giving you pleasure I have unwillingly caused you great uneasiness You think I have acted with impropriety\u2014 I am always anxious to act in such a manner as to merit your approbation, therefore am very unhappy you should see my conduct in such a light\u2014 I hope however you will pardon the involuntary error, from the knowledge of its proceeding from the sincerest, and most disinterested affection, and I trust, I shall soon by my unremitting attention, and solicitude, for your welfare, convince you that your Louisa\u2019s heart is entirely devoted to you, and that she does not nor ever can distrust you\u2014\n          Now my most esteemed friend let us mutually forget the past, and by a constant, and tender correspondence, endeavor to alleviate the pang of inevitable seperation\u2014 believe me I have long ceased to think writing a trouble, it is now my greatest pleasure, and when writing to you, I only regret that I cannot find Language sufficienly forcible, to express my affection, my love\u2014\n          How shall I express my grateful sense of the honor your Mother has confered on me\u2014 say every thing for me your imagination can suggest, and tell her if the most constant and invariable affection for her beloved Son will secure her esteem, I flatter myself I shall ever retain it, and with pleasure acknowledge myself her daughter\u2014\n          Our departure for America is fixed\u2014we are to bid adieu to England, in about three months, preparations are making, though slowly\u2014 I have so often been disappointed in this respect that I am become indifferent to going or remaining here\u2014 were you there my friend, I should indeed endeavor to hasten our departure, but I really am so ridiculous as to wish to stay here, because the distance between us will be so much encreased\u2014 dont laugh at me, you know this said love is allowed to make people very inconsistent, and there\nis some reason in this, as I certainly shall not be able to hear from you so frequently\u2014\n          I shall however indulge the pleasing idea of your soon being enabled to follow us, should this happen, I shall indeed be happy, and will with pleasure relinquish every thing to share the simple fortunes of my dearest friend. I look forward to our meeting with the most heartfelt delight, I shall see you divested of rank, and shall prove the sincerity of my attachment by convincing you, that it was not your situation, but yourself that I loved\u2014\n          It is here universally believed, that your Father is elected President\u2014 if I may venture to give my opinion, I think it will be fortunate for America, should he have gained his election\u2014 Mr. Jefferson, though a man of very great abilities, is not generally allowed, to possess that calm, intrepid firmness, which the present period demands\u2014 your father, has always been accustomed to a public Station, and I make no doubt, he would in this as in every other, acquit himself to the satisfaction of all parties\u2014 it is certainly an arduous and difficult task, and by no means to be wished, yet the more difficult it at present appears, the more satisfaction he will enjoy from the faithful discharge of it, for the welfare of his Country\u2014\n          You see my friend, I write you every thing I think, because I am sure you will correct my errors, and kindly undertake to teach your Louisa, how to avoid such errors in future\u2014\n          I have written so long a letter, that I am almost ashamed to send it, but I think my letters must at least have novelty to recommend them, they are always elegant and well written I sometimes think you will scarcely be able to read them, which is likely to be the case with this for it is perfectly unintelligible\u2014\n          Adieu\u2014Mama, and my Sisters, send their love to you still and ever believe in the sincere and unalterable affection of your tender and faithful friend,\n            Louisa C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0295", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 19 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            my Dearest Friend\n          It was not till last Evening that I received Your Letters of Febry 2d 4 & 7th. the post did not get in which was Due on twesday till\nSaturday. I do not know how to pass a week without hearing from You. I received newspapers to the Tenth. in those I have an account of the Declaration. it was a Solemn Scene to You, and an affecting one. You will find by my Letter of the 8th that I was with You.\n          I have not taken any steps as Yet preparitory to quitting home. I must tell you a little of Farrming if you cannot give me any directions. Billings has tried various kind of work Since the Weather became milder. he workd two Days on the Wall before the House. he then attempted to break up a peice of ground upon the Hill where you directed this he has accomplishd and carted on the manure. he has since been Sleding Stones, for we had an other Snow which lasted for a few Days and assisted us in that Buisness tho it obstructed other. Veseys time expires this week, and buisness will soon press hard, so that I must have a hand immediatly and two in April if Billings goes on with his Walls. French is inclined to Stay, but wants some further indulgences, such as a little wood, and the use of the cattle wholy to himself except when calld to work upon this place, by which means he could pay for labour, upon the place. thinks the hire of a Man and maid will eat him up, unless he may be thus indulged. he will in consideration of it pay all the Shoeing and will get up some Seaweed into the pens; I have thought we had better consent to this, as we know the Man; and the trouble of looking out a new Tennant who may want as much, have a larger Family and Do us more harm than the amount of these articles. I shall however consult Dr Tufts as you direct, and will Do the best we can. I shall let him have Quincy Meddow and in lieu, Burrel is to take the whole of the pasture.\n          I have not yet tried Mears as I thought it would be time enough; for I have no disposition to give the management up whilst I remain here. I will enter into a treaty with him to take it in the fall if I can.\n          I conversd with Your Mother upon having a Room to herself, without nameing any particular place. she said she should prefer being with her Children, that she would come and stay with me some part of the time whilst I remaind here, and that when I went away I might make provision for her then if she lived. I told her I should be very happy to have her, and would make her as comfortable as I could tho it was probable my Family would sometimes be an incumberd one. she has spent one week with me, and when I know how matters are to be arranged I shall have her here again.\n          I cannot say any thing with respect to Domestick arrangement at Philadelphia untill I know what is in the House. I hope Still, that\nCongress will consider the subject sufficiently to add what furniture may be necessary. I want not a stick of it at the close of the Term. You must not worry yourself upon that Head. I Suppose I can collect Domesticks from this way, the principles ones, but whether I could some in the lower departments I do not know I Mentiond in my Letter to mr Brisler a woman as an housekeeper whom I shall try for, but as She is with Jeffry and he is very good to her, and has made her and two grandchildren who are dependent upon her very comfortable I do not know that I shall succeed. the yellow fever has its terrors With many and I do not wonder at it.\n          My Dearest Friend as you have been calld in Providence into the chair of Government, You did not accept it without knowing that it had its torments, its trials its Dangers & perplexities. look steadfastly at them, arm yourself with patience and forbearence and be not Dismayed, and May God and the people support You. having put your Hand to the plough, You must not look back, nor ought you I think to wish you had not.\n          I presume yu will have a Splnded Birth Day. there are preparations making in Boston to celebrate it. I received a very polite Note inclosing a Card for me & an other for Louissa for the Washington Ball: the Note from the Managers requested me to honour them with my attendance, which they should esteem a particular favour, as it is the last publick honour they can Shew the President. thus circumstanced I have determined to attend\u2014\n          I hope your next Letters will be more explicit, and that you will be able to fix upon Some plan\u2014\n          I am My Dearest Friend allways willing to be a fellow Labourer with You in all those Relations and departments to which my abilities are competent, and I hope to acquire every requisite degree of Taciturnity which my station call for, tho Cabot says truly that it will be putting a force upon nature I expect many trials when it may be hard work, but as Porcupine Says, I Shall think.\u2014\n          communicate to Me what ever you learn of our Dear Sons. there we have pleasures which Washington never knew. one Man ought not to have every thing. adieu there is one plasure wanting to me, that of folding to My Bosom the Dear partner of all My joys and Sorrows and telling him that I am ever his", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0296", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My dearest Friend\n          just rcd yrs of 8. 9. 13th. return sister Peabodys lovely Letter. John\u2019s is gone to the P.\u2014 I could not withhold it.\n          All thoughts of building a Barn or Coach house I must lay aside for this Year\u2014 I cant bear the thought of it.\u2014 My head and hands are so full\u2014and Expences so great.\n          in March I will send Provision for Taxes, Haydens Note &c\n          French may break up the 4 Acres if he will. Brisler will ship the Clover seed this Week, in Captn Gardiner consigned to Mr Smith. French may have the Place for two Years, if he will.\n          Mr Malcom arrived here last night and Acts this Morning as my private Secretary.\n          inclosed is Mrs Washingtons Answer to yr Letter.\n          I believe it best you should Stay till October\u2014but if that is the final Plan I will be with you in June\u2014 But you must keep all these Things Secret. The foundation is not yet laid when it is I can set up my Plan.\u2014 It is not yet known what Congress will do about house & furniture\u2014 When it is, I shall settle my Arrangments.\n          Johns Letter, tho in familiar confidence to a Mother is the most beautiful Thing I ever read.\n          Oh Thomas I wish I had thy droll face at my fireside. I must have him home. Charles is doing Charmingly. Gets more than he Spends without my help.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0297", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n            The Hague February 20. 1797.\n          I hope we shall never get into a habit of writing to one another angry and kind Letters alternately, for it would be far from promoting the happiness of either. Your obliging favour of the 7th: instt: came to me yesterday. It gave me great pleasure which I will not mingle, with other sentiments by dwelling upon a topic necessarily disagreeable.\u2014 I wish it were in my power to write you always what would give you the most delight, or rather as you say, to have no occasion for writing you at all.\n          I feel again indebted to you for mentioning the statements that you hear of, concerning the American Election. They are all yet entirely uncertain and not the least dependence is to be placed upon them. Very probably the Event may differ essentially from all.\u2014 Soon after you shall receive this Letter that is in about three weeks from this, you will have the proper and accurate statement as the votes shall be found upon being opened in the Senate of the United States: untill then you may consider every thing that you hear or see upon the subject as mere conjecture more or less destitute of foundation.\n          That so near and dear a relation of my own is personally concerned in the result, is to me a source of some of the most oppressive cares and anxieties that ever weighed upon my heart. Upon this point Louisa, you can be more philosophical than I: that is if philosophy consists in a state of tranquility and unconcern, which you seem to believe, though it is not the last however it may be the other.\n          My friend Hall, you tell me has become a violent politician.\u2014 He always took a great interest in the public affairs of his Country, and will doubtless find his attention to them encrease in proportion as they grow more important.\u2014 And I too Louisa, am much of a politician.\u2014 I wish you could reconcile yourself to consider the public Events of America, as a subject not totally remote even from your attention. In my situation they have a necessary, and not a very indirect connection with and influence upon the most material occurrences of my private life. They have of course a similar influence\nupon your\u2019s, and therefore may deserve some part of your observing moments.\n          You have more than once intimated to me, that since we have been absent, my affection for you has undergone a change, and that I am not the tender and gentle friend that you found me in England.\u2014 I do assure you from my Heart that the sentiments of my Love retain all their force, and have not suffered the minutest abatement.\u2014 Nevertheless I will freely confess a material change which absence has produced, and of which I ought to give you notice that you may always be prepared for its effects when we shall meet again. It is the restoration of sober reason, and reflection, which alas! if they did not abandon me were without all the influence they should have, during the latter part of my residence in London. It was indeed a time of delight; but a time of too much indulgence.\u2014 The duties of life, my friend are rigorous, and I am afraid to ask myself the question how far I neglected them at that time.\u2014 I can however now reflect with the sentiment which ought to accompany the reflection, that I certainly did neglect many.\u2014 The fault indeed was not your\u2019s. It was my own irresolution my own indolence, and my own abandonment, to the fervour of my inclinations.\u2014 Upon all this I can now think the more justly, for the persevering and uninterrupted exertions of nine months have in some sort filled up the vacancies of the previous five\u2014 I am the Man I was when you first knew me, and with the most entire and unlimited disculpation of you, my lovely friend, that Man, is much more estimable, and much more respectable than the Man I was for two or three months before I left you.\u2014 I hope you will not like him the less.\u2014 His faults indeed are such as may be more immediately unpleasant to a Lady of taste and elegance, but they are not such as can render him despicable, or disqualify him for every species of usefulness to himself or others.\n          I have no very late Letters from America.\u2014 Nothing further upon the subject of my removal. I should not be surprized if the particular and critical position of our affairs, should fix me here, even longer than I have now reason to expect. This however is between us alone. It is not founded upon any special intelligence.\u2014 If I should receive any, you may be depend upon having the most immediate notice of it.\n          With my best remembrance to all the family, I remain ever faithfully 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0299", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 21 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n            Dear Thomas\n          I fear to look back to the Date of my last Letter to You, least it should accuse me of omission. There have been but very few opportunities this Severe Winter, of writing to You Rude Boreas laid an embargo, and our harbours have been frozen for six weeks, so that not a vessel could go out, or come in. for about a Week we have had a Thaw. I have received within a fortnight your Letters of October 5th which came by way of New York, and yours of Novbr 20th has just reachd me, after a passage of 99 Days\u2014 yet So great was My anxiety to hear from You, and from Your Brother, that I was gratified to receive So late Letters, and to learn from them, that You were both Well. I really Sympathize with your Brother, to whom I shall write. I dare say he commissirates the poor Prisoners at Algiers and from the Sincerity of his Heart, longs for the period when the buisness will be terminated. I presume this is the chief cause of his detention in Holland. tell him the Poet Says\u2014\n            \u201cTis expectation makes the blessing Sweet\u201d\n          Polly has received her Letter of licence & replied both to that, and a former one. I inclose it for her.\n          Soberly the Girl has a verry good offer, and she had some Scruples upon the Subject. two or three Times I had perceived a disposition to coquett with some, whom I either thought unworthy of her, or was doubtfull of their views. \u201cGrim Williams Ghost\u201d was always held up to her, So that I kept her Steady, tho Sometimes impatient, at an absence indeffinate.\n          when the Young Man who now visits her, first made his approaches\nShe delay\u2019d for some time giving him an answer. she wanted to consult me, but did not know how very well to accomplish it. She therefore made use of a Second, and desired to speak with me alone. accordingly the case was put, with all the circumstances, of \u201cno possitive engagement tho a kind of a liking, but the Letters did not look as if a return might be look\u2019d for soon, and perhaps a visit to foreign Countries might give him a Dislike to a Country Girl.\u201d I had made up My mind upon the Subject, for I thought from Tillys Letters, that he had no wish to be bound. I therefore advised her to write to him and deal candidly by him, and accept the Young Man who offerd himself. She has Done So, and they have both been very Steady ever since. She is to remain with me untill I go to Philadelphia, which I hope will not be untill next Fall. I do not Love that city so well as you do. I fear you will find it Changed for the worse when You return. it is more than any city the resort of Foreigners, who leave most of their virtues behind them, if they ever had any, and bring principles, and Manners into our Country by no means calculated to promote the order of our Government, or the purity of our Morals. I would however make some exceptions to this Rule.\n          The result of the Election of President will be known to you before this reaches You. all the Machinations, and intrigue of party, terminated in the Election of mr Jefferson to the vice Presidency. if the people had not been deceived, by the grosest and most palpable falshoods I have every reason to suppose, that their choice of Chief Majestrate would have been nearly unanimous. as the Union is now formed, I am far from thinking that it is an unfortunate circumstance. Mr Jefferson is a Gentleman of abilities, and integrity. if he has his failings, we know them. Hypocrisy is not of the number. I have no apprehension of his acting an unfriendly part towards the President, or any way plotting against him. we are like to have a firm Senate, and it is said, our House of Representives will be more Federal than the former; tho we lose from it, some good Men, we shall gain others.\n          The thickest cloud which portends a Storm, proceeds from the Galic hemisphere. the smiles, and frowns, the Enmity and the Friendship of that Terrible Nation, are like to prove equally banefull to us.\n          Adets Note, has brought into publick view, the Secretary of States Letter to mr Pinckny our Minister at Paris and fully proves the conduct of our Government, to have been, what it always professt,\nperfectly neutral, just, fair, and honorable, consistant with the faith of Treaties, and the Laws of Nations.\n          It has unmask\u2019d the conduct and designs of France so fully to the people, that they are throwing off that blind attachment towards a Nation, whom they now consider not less Selfish, usurping, and Domineering, than their old Step Dame Mother Britain. I hope we shall Still be able to preserve our nutrality Next to a war with France, I deprecate a closer alliance with any foreign power, and it must be the Madness of France, if we are driven to that necessity.\n          I inclose to you, the Tenth Muse of 98.\u2014 it will give You some Idea of what has been passing here. the Wit Whoever he is, bears too hard upon our poor old Govenour, who for the good he has done, ought to be more tenderly handled. the old Gentleman has taken his leave, and declines standing an other Election. His fondness for a Republican Government, and his Love of Liberty, led him to form an opinion of the transactions in France from their professions, rather than from their actions. he considerd them as an oppressed people, strugling for freedom, and not as a people forgeing chains tenfold heavier for other Nations, than those which they were bursting from off themselves. thus has his administration been marked with weakness, and the imbicility of Age\n          As to the table Linnen formerly sent, I would not have you say any thing further upon the subject nor would I be the occasion of the lowest being perjuring, himself for any loss I may sustain tho tenfold greater, but untill I can comprehend, how a space, in which it was not possible to pack more than 8 Table cloths, could be made to receive 12, I must be certain that it containd no more than 8. having stood by whilst Brisler opend the Box, otherways I should have supposed that they might have been taken out.\n          Do not Despair my Son, there are many fine Girls grown up since You left America. Your Fathers choice is not Yet engaged that I have heard. come and see if she can be Yours?\n          Your Father has not mentiond her to me this Winter. I suppose she is with her Grandmamma. I shall want you very much in Philadelphia. You must return with a stock of Patience, forbearence prudence and Humility. how are you for those Comodities. Holland is a country where those plants must flourish, or they could not endure their Task Masters.\n          I long my Dear son to fold you to my Bosom, and tell you how very Dear you are to me. as to your Brother I must leave his Louissa\nto Do that part, for me, and I hope She will not be deficient, either, in mine or her own. Your Friends all desire me to Send their regards to You. Your aged Grandmother in particular never forgets you, nor does your ever affectionate Mother\n            Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0300", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 21 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Smith, Abigail Adams\n            Philadelphia, Feb. 21st, 1797.\n          I believe I have not acknowledged your favour of the 20th January, which I received in its season.\n          I hope your apprehensions that \u201cthe party who have embarrassed the President, and exerted themselves to divide the election, will endeavour to render my situation as uncomfortable as possible,\u201d will be found to be without sufficient foundation; I have seen, on the contrary, a disposition to acquiesce, and hope it will increase. I am not at all alarmed; I know my countrymen very well.\n          If the way to do good to my country, were to render myself popular, I could easily do it. But extravagant popularity is not the road to public advantage.\n          By the 4th of March I shall know what to do. I cannot build my house till the foundation is laid; at present I know not what house I shall have, nor what means to furnish it. These things will be determined in ten days. At present I believe it will be best for your mother to remain where she is until October. I shall go to her as soon as I can.\n          Your brother John continues to give the highest satisfaction to government by his great industry, his deep discernment, his independent spirit, and his splendid talents. I hear such commendations of him as no other man abroad obtains.\n          In your solitary hours, my dear daughter, you will have a\ndelightful opportunity of attending to the education of your children, to give them a taste and attachment to study, and to books. A taste for science and literature, added to a turn for business, never can fail of success in life. Without learning, nothing very great can ever be accomplished in the way of business. But not only a thirst for knowledge should be excited, and a taste for letters be cultivated, but prudence, patience, justice, temperance, resolution, modesty, and self-cultivation, should be recommended to them as early as possible. The command of their passions, the restraint of their appetites, reverence for superiors, especially parents, a veneration for religion, morals, and good conduct.\n          You will find it more for your happiness to spend your time with them in this manner, than to be engaged in fashionable amusements, and social entertainments, even with the best company.\n          But I must restrain myself, and subscribe the name of your affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0301", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My dearest Friend\n          The Presbyterian Congregation have voted me the front Pew in their Church for my Family. It is an elegant new Building and the Pew is large\n          I have bought me a Pair of Young Horses for a Carriage and a saddle horse.\n          The Birthday was affecting and the Night Splendid but tedious to those who were too old to dance.\n          I have now Settled all My Accounts with the senate as you will see by the inclosed Papers.\n          I assure you it was a tender Scene at parting. How do you like our Adieus alias Farewells. Nothing yet determined about House or Furniture. Yours with a great desire to be with you, but it is impossible\n            John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0302", "content": "Title: Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Warren, Mercy Otis\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          It Can be of little Consequence to you my dear Madam wither Your late adventure with me amounts to 8000 dollars or only 8/\u2014 Yet it is my duty to let you know how it stands and to take your commands either to vest You again as an adventurer in the next Class\u2014or remit to your order the sum of 8/4\u2014\n          as I think it always best to rise in our subject instead of sinking from great to small things\u2014my Gratulations on mr Adams elevation to the presidential Chair are secondary to my Condolence: and may form a perfect Contrast to Your Ill success in H C lottery\u2014the one a small stake in the most precarious Game\u2014the other the best Card in the pack.\u2014 a second throw Could make no addition but a Crown\u2014and that you have too much understanding and knowledge of the World to suppose it Could enhance Your happiness.\u2014 I hope we shall meet again before You take up Your residence in a southern Clime\u2014\n          Was I a Courtier I Could say many prety things in the present occasion both to you and to mr Adams but his old friend will only observe in her usual stile of Correspondence that she sincerly wishes peace prosperity & Virtue may pervade the united states under his administration and may you my dear madam feel no interruption of health nor any of those Circumstances in human life ten fold more painful\u2014that might impede the tide of prosperity in which you have long sailed\u2014\n          The bearer of this will wait on You next Tuesday for an answer to this or any other Commands You may have for your / assurred Friend & Humble servt\n            Mercy 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-11-02-0303", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n            London February 28th 1797\n          Yes, my friend you have answered me as I deserve, and made me feel the striking difference between us, from the moment I had dispatched that letter, I regretted my folly, and felt sincerely ashamed of my ridiculous conduct\u2014 Dictated by anger, without time for reflection, I scarcely know what I wrote\u2014 you appeared to think I had not acted with delicacy, and my pride was wounded at the manner in which you mentioned my father, but I have since reflected, and am convinced, you could not mean to intimate the most distant reflection, on his conduct respecting his family, and I feel, how very low I must have sunk myself in your esteem\u2014 to be beloved by you is my greatest happiness, but I cannot support the idea of being merely loved, no my best friend I will deserve your esteem, and by doing this I am convinced I shall secure your affection, I entreat you to pardon me never again shall your temper be tried by a formal assertion of my spirit, and I trust you will never again have occasion to write, any thing, but what the tenderest love dictates, and what your Louisa may peruse, without feeling the painful sensations which this moment agitates her bosom\u2014 let us my beloved friend endeavor to forget what has caused us so much uneasiness and by a constant correspondence and mutual desire to please shorten the time of inevitable absence and alleviate by anticipation of the future our painful seperation\u2014\n          I scarcely know what to say in answer to your letter of the 7th Febry., I think as you do respecting your attachment to your Country, it is certainly a virtue, but like all other virtues may be carried to\ntoo great a height, I believe I ought not to write on this subject\u2014 I really am not equal to the task of judging how far this virtue may extend, besides which it is a subject in which I feel myself too much interested to decide impartially\u2014\n          As it regards myself, I can answer without hesitation\u2014 I had taught myself to expect I should soon be united to you, and the disappointment at first was very severe, but time has reconciled me to our lengthened seperation, and I now think it a fortunate circumstance, placed in a situation so much above that I have ever been accustomed to, I should most likely have been fascinated with the glare of ideal greatness, and it might in time have had charms, which I should have felt unwilling to relinquish\u2014 It appears to me from the observations I have been enabled to make, that a fondness for distinction is natural to us, it is a sort of ambition inherent in human nature, and though we may fancy ourselves free from it, no sooner is it acquired, than we learn to think it valuable, and regret the possibility of losing it\u2014 therefore my friend, I am happy to avoid what I consider an evil, and will patiently await your return to that retired life in America, so much more calculated for your Louisa, and so much happier for us both\u2014\n          You think my friend, I shall laugh at your continual contemplation of the dark side, far from it, the situation appeared unpleasant and the prospect was every way disagreeable but the accounts from America, have led me to hope your father will find the situation less difficult, and more pleasing, than we have apprehended\u2014\n          Mr. Jefferson is elected Vice President, and by these accounts we understand, that the people were well satisfied with the election, and that every thing wore the most pleasing aspect\u2014 you will perhaps laugh at my attempting to write you intelligence of this kind, but I know how much you are interested, and I believe papa does not write by this Mail, your own letters have been here some time, but there is no Vessel going, therefore I have ventured, to write you all the information I have been able to learn\u2014 I know you will excuse the manner, when you consider the motive\u2014\n          Thank you my kind friend, for the compliment you intended to make me, it never was deserved by me therefore I did not regret it. my only sorrow is having written that letter, and could I recall it, I should be happy, but it cannot be, and long shall I suffer for my folly, for I cannot pardon myself\u2014 Papa is in daily expectation of Mr. Bourne from Holland. I have understood your Brother might\npossibly come with him\u2014 Our family still continue very ill, Nancy is confined to her room\u2014 Adieu, believe me invariably your, tenderly affectionate, friend.\n            Louisa C 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0001", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 1 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          My Dearest Friend\n        This is the first Day of March, and I have no Letters from you of a later date than the 11th of Feb\u2019ry. and then only a few lines. Several things which I have written to upon, and which I wish for directions before I proceeded to execute, are I suppose lost and forgotten by upon, in the Multitude of Your Thoughts. I must proceed with the advise of Dr Tufts, for whom I have this day sent, in order to consult with him. Vintons time is near out. there is an apprizement of the stock which must be made & he allowd for a quarter part of their increased value. a mate is to be procured for the ox we lost. I tell French he ought to buy it, as he expects a further indulgence with the team. he pleads that he is not able. I like French so well, and he seems disposed to conduct honorably that I think it had best be done. I believe I wrote you that I had hired a Young Man, for a Month, a son of Samll Bracket who went from this Town Some Years ago; he is very capable of Business but holds himself very high, so that I do not expect to agree for more than the present Month. Billings has had an other Caper of a week long I fear he will not do to hire again after his period expires. he is now comeing out of it. I shall be a better judge of the Qualities of Bracket at the expiration of a Month. he is large and Stout used to a team, of a good Stock himself, brought up to labour hard, and is now sought after by several persons for the Season, but gold may be bought too dear\u2014 prices are not setled untill April & May.\n        I yesterday sent for Mears and gave him my proposals in writing. the chief objection he offerd was, that being in a setled way of Business by which he must get his future living, he should lose his old custom, which would make it difficult for him to obtain it again.\nto obviate that difficulty I promised to Build him a shop, he to furnish the tools himself coal & Iron to the halves, and to receive half the profits. in Winter he could be pretty constant in it. he has the proposals under consideration, which whether he accepts or not he has promised to keep secreet, but I am more & more convinced that he is the only Person to put here.\n        We had as I expected a very splendid Birth Day, an account of which you will see in the paper. His Honours politeness led him to stay untill he had conducted & seated me at the supper table. he however escaped as soon after as he could. I do the Managers but Justice when I say, I never saw an assembly conducted with so much order regularity & propriety. I had every reason to be pleased with the marked respect and attention Shewn me. Col Bradford, who is really the Beau Nash of ceremonies even Marshalld his company, and like the Garter King at Arms calld them over as they proceeded into the Grand saloon, hung with the prostrate Pride, of the Nobility of France. Swan had furnishd them with a compleat set of Gobelin Tapresty. as the Ladies only could be Seated at Table with about 20 or 30 of the principle Gentlemen the rest were requested to retire to the Boxes untill the Ladies had Supped. when they left the Table & took their seats in the Boxes whilst the Gentlemen sup\u2019d, all was order and decency. about half after one, the company returnd to the Ball Room, and I retired with those who accompanied me to the Ball. most of the rest of company remaind untill 4 oclock. neither the Govenour or Lady or Mrs Gill were present. the only person who shewd that they felt mortified & placed in the back ground, was Mrs Scott. how could she expect any thing else? the seat assignd to the Lady of the President Elect was Hung with Gobeline Tapestry, and in the center of the Room, conspicuous only for the hanging. on my Right the Manager placed the Lady of Judge Lowel, and on my Left the Lady of Judge Sumner. Judge Dana, but not his Lady was present. when I was conducted into the Ball Room, the Band were orderd to play the President March. the Toast were only 6 in Number. I presume you will see them in the paper. have the Philadelphians behaved as well? every toast save one, made the Saloon resound with an universal Clap, and a united huza. that was the Vice President Elect. I was sorry it was so cold and faint.\n        The scripture assures us, that it is better to go to the House of mourning than the House of Feasting previous to my attendance\nat the Ball Room, I performd the last office of respect to the remains of your Aunt Vesey, by following her to the Grave. I received notice of her death but the day before I considered this as a Duty which I owed to your Mother, and I found it a very acceptable notice to the Relatives. at six oclock I returnd to mr smiths, and prepaird for a different scene, not without reflections upon the visisitudes of Life.\n        I see by the paper your address of leave to the senate. I do not wonder that you was affected upon the occasion. The Chronical, I am told, assures all good Republicans that they ought to rejoice in your Election, first because you was opposed to the British Treaty, 2dly because you are not Enimical to France, 3d because you are no party man and will have an oppinion of your own, fourthly because Hamilton Secreetly opposed your Election, and 5ly because you and the Vice President will harmonize\u2014 Wonderfull Discoveries.! and much of a peice with all their late publications.\n        I see there has been an arrival at N york from Amsterdam. I hope Dispatches from our sons have arrived\n        present me kindly to the Vice President when he arrives, and if you think it will do, tell him I am glad that he is your successor. I shall now take my leave of the Vice President, and address my next Letters to the President, whom neither Rank or station can more permanantly fix in the Heart of His / ever affectionate\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0002", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          Two vessels are notified, one for England, the other for Hamburgh. I will write by both, but the pleasure and freedom of communication, is much damp\u2019d by the restraints of Station, and the apprehension of Capture.\n          It is now several Months since I took my pen to address you. I believe my last date was in December. I have since written largly to Thomas, but fear my Letter is still waiting a conveyance.\n          Tomorrow the 4th of march, the Government devolves upon the new President, and may he have firmness of Mind, and Health of Body, to enable him, to support himself under the weight, of perplexing cares, and arduous Duties which are anexed to it.\n          The President in reply to an address presented to him on his Birth Day by the officers and Militia of Pensilvana, says, \u201cthe Patriotism uprightness and abilities of him who is to succeed to the station I now have the honour to hold, will leave you no room to regreet my retirement\u201d\n          Your Charming and affectionate Letter of Novbr. 14th arrived safe after a passage of 99 days. as your Father had written me more than once, expressing an anxiety to hear from you, as soon as I had read it, I inclosed it to him, as the greater part of it was a private confidential Letter; when I sent it to him, I had not a thought of its being communicated. he returnd it to me by the last post, and says \u201cit is\nthe most beautifull thing he ever read. I could not withhold it from the P.\u201d nor can I my Dear son regreet it, for it was returnd with the following, which I must risk communicating. who shall say, that virtue is not its own reward? I will lay up the original as a precious Deposit for your posterity\u2014\n          I thank you for giving me the perusal of the inclosed\u2014 the sentiments do honour to the Head and Heart of the writer and if my wishes would be of any avail, they should go to you with a Strong hope that you will not withold merited promotion from mr J Q Adams, because he is your Son, for without intending to Compliment the Father or the Mother, or to censure any others, I give it as my decided opinion that mr Adams is the most valuable publick Character we have abroad, and there remains no doubt in my mind that he will prove himself to be the ablest of all our diplomatic Corps, if he was now to be brought into that line, or into any other publick walk. I could not upon the principle which has regulated my own conduct dissaprove of the Caution which is hinted at in the Letter. But he is already enterd\u2014 the publick more and more as he is known, are appreciating his talents and Worth, and his Country would sustain a loss if these were to be checked by over Delicacy on Your part.\n          With sincere esteem and affectionate Regard I am ever Yours\u2014\n          I see the gratefull, the tender emotion of Your Heart filling your Eyes upon the perusal of this testimony of approbation from the first of Characters. I know you too well to fear any Ebulitions of vanity on the occasion. how different would my Sensations have been, if in your publick Character, I had learnt, or heard, that you had departed from the example, or sullied the Character, of him whose Successor you are. persevere my son and be the ornament and Glory of your Country, and the Solace and comfort of the declining Years of Your Parents.\n          our publick affairs, as they respect the conduct of our Allies towards us, wear an unpleasent aspect. America is rousing from that delirium of enthusiasm, which has enveloped her ever since the revolution of France commenced. judgment and not justice, is dealt out to us. how much by our blind adulation we have merited the punishment, is not for me to say.\n          Tom Paynes Letter to the President has greatly Served the cause of Liberty and Religion. even the Jacobins are ashamed of him. he is considerd as an apostate an out cast. like Cain there is a Mark sit upon him. he is accursed on the Earth,\n            \u201cand his Name shall like his carcass Rot\n            alive abhord, and Dead forgot\u201d\n          I will send you the secretary of states answer to Adets Note. you will find it a full and explicit answer to all the complaints and charges exhibited by Adet, and his predecessors\u2014\n          Your Friends are all well and desire to be affectionatly rememberd to you. Boston shone on the late Birth Night an Elegant Ball, 200 50 Ladies present, and a Magnificent Supper. all was order, and Decorum. Col Bradford, our Beau Nash principally presided as master of Ceremonies. you know he is admirably calculated for such occasions. the Theatre was converted by a platform across the Pitt, into an Elegant Saloon, hung with the prostrate pride of the Nobility of France. mr Swan on the occasion furnished a compleat Set of Gobelin Tapestry hangings, which took all the upper Boxes in. Three Tables extended from one end of the House to the stage, at which 200 & 50 Ladies and about 30 Gentlemen were at one time accommodated. the rest of the Gentlemen took their seats in the Boxes whilst the Ladies Sup\u2019d 600 dishes fancifully displayd and decorated with ornamental Lights made a very pleasing view. The Ladies in their turn filld the Boxes and the Gentlemen took their seats at table. under the orchestra was placed a crimson Canopy in which was a portrait of the President. the opposite view, as a stage scene was an Equesterian Statue of the same illusturious personage all Hearts appeard to be gratified and every person to vie with his Neighbour in expression of Love Gratitude and veneration for this truly Great Man. The writer, and witness of this scene, was you may be sure no unfeeling spectator. every mark of respect and attention was shewn her, which propriety admitted, or Decency required.\n          adieu my Dear son. our good Friend mrs Welch is just come to Peace Field, (the Name Your Father has given to his Farm) to pass a week with me. she request me to give her Love to you. Charlot is grown a fine Girl, and Harriot is improved greatly. many of your old Friends and acquaintance inquired kindly after you on the Birth Night. Some were introduced to me whom I did not before know, With the claim of your acquaintance. Dr Clark is always particular. the old Club recollet you with affection\n          I make no appology for entertaining you with these domestic occurrences, to bring home to your remembrance scenes in which you once delighted, cannot fail in a mind like yours to excite pleasing sensations, for I judge of yours, by the feelings of your ever affectionate Mother", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0004", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 4 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Warren, Mercy Otis\n          my Dear Madam\n          Quincy March 4th 1797\n        I received yesterday your obliging favour of Feb\u2019ry 27th. I have been so little a favorite of fortune, that I never once examined my Numbers by the News papers, or otherways, concluding that those who were equally interested would take proper care for me. as I had formd no expectations, I meet with no dissapointment, and am quite pleased that my adventure should be appropriated to the promotion of Science and Literature.\n        The few shillings in your hands be so kind as to lay out, in the purchase of some little Books, and present them for me, to the Lovely Marcia as a token of approbation for the Sweet engageing simplicity of manners, which were so conspicuous in her.\n        For your Congratulations upon a late important event, accept my acknowledgments, considering it as the voluntary and unsolicited Gift, of a Free and enlightned people. it is a precious and valuable Deposit, and calls for every exertion of the Head, and every virtue of the Heart, to do justice to so sacred a Trust. Yet however pure the intentions, or upright the conduct, offences will come.\n          \u201cHigh stations, Tumult, but not bliss create\u201d\n        As to a Crown my Dear Madam I will not deny, that there is one which I asspire after, and in a Country where envy can never enter to plant Thorns beneath it. the fashion of this world passeth away, I would hope that I have not lived in vain, but have learned how to estimate, and what value to place upon the fleeting and transitory enjoyments of it.\n        I shall esteem myself peculiarly fortunate, if at the close of my publick Life, I can retire, esteemed beloved and equally respected with my predecessor.\n        Old Friends can never be forgotten by me. in that number I have long been accustomed to consider the Gen\u2019ll and Mrs Warren. it will always give me pleasure to see them at Peace Field, or where ever else, they may meet, their Friend and Humble Servant,\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0005", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 5 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dearest Friend,\n          Philadelphia March 5. 1797\n        your dearest Friend never had a more trying day than Yesterday. A Solenm Scene it was indeed and it was made more affecting to me, by the Presence of the General, whose Countenance was as serene and unclouded as the day. He Seem\u2019d to me to enjoy a Tryumph over me. Methought I heard him think Ay! I am fairly out and you fairly in! see which of Us will be happiest. When the Ceremony was over he came and made me a visit and cordially congratulated me\nand wished my Administration might be happy Successful and honourable.\n        It is now Settled that I am to go into his House. It is whispered that he intends to take french Lave tomorrow. I shall write you, as fast as We proceed.\n        My Chariot is finished and I made my first appearance in it Yesterday. It is Simple but elegant enough. My horses are young but clever.\n        In the Chamber of the House of Representatives, was a Multitude as great as the Space could contain, and I believe Scarcely a dry Eye but Washingtons. The Sight of the Sun Setting full orbut and another rising tho less Splendid, was a novelty.\n        C. J. Elsworth administered the oath and with great Energy. Judges Cushing, Wilson and Iredell were present. Many Ladies.\n        I had not Slept well the night before and did not sleep well the night after. I was unwell and I did not know whether I Should get through or not\u2014 I did however. How the Business was received I know not, only I have been told that Mason the Treaty publisher Said We should loose nothing by the Change for he never heard such a Speech in Publick in his Life.\n        All Agree that taken all together it was the sublimest Thing ever exhibited in America.\n        I am my dearest friend most / affectionately & kindly your\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0006", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 6 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n        Since writing my last Letter I have received yours of the 17th: of February. It is kind: it is amiable: it is worthy of yourself. I recognize again the temper that I love, the heart that I admire, and the mind that I esteem.\u2014 Yes\u2014this Letter I am sure was written by my own Louisa; and its strain is too congenial with her character, and too full of delight to me, for me to believe that she will ever quit it for one of a different description and contrary effects.\n        I cannot but be flattered by the motive which induces you to regret your approaching departure for America, and to wish you could stay in England. The encreased distance, and the impossibility of hearing so frequently from each other are indeed substantial reasons for your preference of inclination; but when you recollect that the indispensible interest of your Parent requires his return, and the numerous reasons which make it advisable, I am persuaded that you will easily reconcile yourself to it.\u2014 As Events will not accommodate themselves to our desires, it is one of the most necessary arts of human life, to accommodate our desires to Events.\u2014 But I am sliding inadvertently again into that terrible thing called Philosophy.\u2014 Alas! there is no moving a single step without finding the want of it.\n        The Winter has at length melted away, and the charming season of Spring is approaching. My uncertainty of departure from this place continues as it has been for many months past. I have no new Letters from America; but I have one from Lisbon; from the Gentleman whom I am to succeed there. He tells me that the period of his removal is as uncertain as mine.\u2014 This is exclusively for your information.\n        After what I said in one of my late Letters upon the subject of the Harp, it is perhaps hardly allowable for me to enquire whether your proficiency is more rapid than it has been. I know not indeed but I shall incur the suspicion of growing morose and gloomy, by my opinion so explicitly given upon the subject of music.\u2014 Angels! ever bright and fair!\u2014 what have become of the raptures, which the Harp and the Piano forte and the voice, were wont to inspire?\u2014 They are indeed not forgotten my lovely friend\u2014 Memory often repeats to my Fancy, every strain which was once performed by you; it gives an Echo still returning to my ear, to every sound uttered by your voice, or called forth by your fingers.\u2014 But after all in rousing from these reveries I am always sensible that they are merely the pleasures of idleness, and that they must never be suffered to usurp an improper degree of importance in our estimate.\n        When you tell me that your slow progress in improvement must be attributed to myself because I engross all your time, and that you have not given your Harp as I have my books the primary place in your mind, the compliment possibly flatters my vanity, but it does not satisfy my reason, nor indulge my pride. I should infinitely prefer to have you think less of me, and more of every thing that can add to your own worth.\u2014 Besides, My Louisa, I do not think it really necessary that the one should be sacrificed to the other.\u2014 I do not think I should be shewing you the highest degree of affection, if I lavished away hour after hour, day after day, week after week, in a dull and lazy insignificance; though you should never be absent from my thoughts.\u2014 No\u2014 I believe that in employing steadily my time, and dedicating myself even to a painful exertion of Industry to improve the qualities which alone can give me value, I should prove myself a more constant Lover.\u2014 Reflect therefore once more my amiable friend, and ask yourself, whether as a means either of acquiring or of shewing sincere affection, it is not better to have it in our power to say \u201cI have possessed myself of another accomplishment\u201d\u2014rather than \u201cI have wasted my time in thinking of you.\u201d\u2014 I\nmust therefore renounce and protest against all accountability, for the consequences of your idleness.\u2014 Think of me my charming friend, and employ every moment of your time too. I am sure the thing is not impractible.\n        But these observations, are only meant to answer, what I believe was rather intended by yourself as an ingenious compliment, than as substantially true. I always give you credit for merit more than you profess. You will not raise my expectations by acknowledging your improvements, but intend to surprize me agreeably by the proof of them at the time when we shall meet again.\u2014 But indeed you will gain nothing by this little innocent design of deception. For as I know you will not boast of your acquisitions, I am convinced of your attention to obtain them, and shall be prepared to find you at least as much improved, as you would be if you had not once thought of me during the whole period of our separation.\n        I know not why you should have imagined your last Letter was unintelligible; or that I should scarcely be able to read it. The fault would certainly in such case have been in my mind, or in my eyes, not in your expression or hand.\u2014 Since you have written so frequently to me I have been more than ever at a loss to account for your old aversion to writing\u2014more than ever disposed to impute it to the natural though unlaudable origin of mere indolence. Your stile of writing is more than good\u2014 It is excellent.\u2014 The art of varying your topics of correspondence, which is one of the most difficult parts of Letter-writing, can be acquired only by frequent practice, constant attention, and consultation of the most approved collections of printed Letters, a thing well worthy of some part of your time, if you can obtain a respite for it from your thoughts of me.\n        Farewell; remember me affectionately to all, and be assured that I am ever 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0007", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 7 March 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          London March 7th 1797\n        The package, containing your various beautiful presents, is arrived\u2014 I have distributed them according to your desire, and am requested to return the most grateful acknowledgements, and to tell you that being given by you, renders them peculiarly valuable\u2014 Accept my thanks my beloved friend, they are the return I can offer except the most tender and sincere affection\u2014 As a token of your esteem, the Bracelets will ever be inestimable to me, but indeed my dearest friend I have too firm a reliance in your affection, to require such proofs of it\u2014\n        Mr. Bourne came last night, to take leave of my father, he sails for America to day, I know not whether his having lately seen you was the reason, but I was determined to be pleased with him before I saw him, and I really feel a sort of affection for him because he says he esteems, and loves you\u2014\n        You tell me, in your letter of the 20 of February, that you are altered, and hope I shall not like you less, though you think it necessary to prepare me for its effects, when we meet\u2014no alteration can diminish my love for you, and I hope yours will be as permanent, as to your faults my friend, they may be unpleasant, to a lady of taste, and elegance, but as I have no pretensions to any thing of the kind, I have no fear of their becoming so to me\u2014\n        In regard to your Fathers election, it is impossible I should feel so unconcerned as you seem to imagine. my love for you my best friend, is such that for your sake, I love, and esteem, all your family, and am as anxious for their welfare, as for my own\u2014besides which, do you suppose it possible, I can hear of your anxiety, without partaking it? surely my Adams you can have very little idea of my affection, or you would know, that you cannot feel even a momentary pain without its being shared by your Louisa\u2014 Indeed my best friend you should not always contemplate the dark side of things, believe me it will be a constant source of uneasiness, and prevent your enjoying the happiness, already in your power\u2014 It is true we should always be prepared to meet disappointments, and misfortunes, with firmness, but we should not encourage evil by anticipation in this instance, I hope your fears will prove erroneous, and that your father will find the situation, easy and pleasant\u2014 I make no doubt that he will acquit himself with honor, and satisfaction to\nhimself, and for the benefit of his Country\u2014 let us then instead of indulging painful apprehensions, look forward to brighter prospects, and trust in providence for the future\u2014\n        To the latter part of your letter, I have little to reply\u2014 I endeavor to be contented, though I confess it is with difficulty, I check hopes, that will sometimes arise, that we may yet meet\u2014 I believe it would have been better, to have omitted this proof of my folly, but it is written, and it will only serve to shew the weakness of my best resolves\u2014\n        Nancy is recovering, and with the rest of the family, desires to be remembered\u2014 Adieu, offer my best respects to your brother, and believe me sincerely, and faithfully, yours,\n          Louisa C 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0008", "content": "Title: Belinda Smith Clarkson to John Adams, 8 March 1797\nFrom: Clarkson, Belinda Smith\nTo: Adams, John\n        I hope you will not deem it intrusion to address you upon a subject which is of great consequence to me, and must interest your feelings on the principles of Commiseration and Benevolence: a subject which necessity impells me to expatiate upon\u2014and maternal affection dictates. It is Sir, to solicit, (earnestly) an office for Mr: Clarkson to enable him to support a Family of young Chilldren\u2014 his long confinement the last winter with the rhuematism render\u2019d him incapable of attending to any kind of Business\u2014 in the spring the physicians proposed his going in the Country as the only probable resource for returning health\u2014 my Brother Col. Smith offer\u2019d us his House at East Chester\u2014where we remain\u2019d untill the Fall\u2014 Mr: C. was perfectly recover\u2019d\u2014but mercantile Business was so dull and precarious\u2014his friends advised him not to think of Engaging in it\u2014 Mr: Wilkes offer\u2019d him an office in the New York Bank\u2014where he has been constantly Employ\u2019d ever since: It was a temporary Releif\u2014but the salary is only 500. dollars pr. year\u2014which will not\nprovide common necessaries for the family. Mr: Clarksons diffidence for want of a personal acquaintance with you, must plead an apology for his not writing\u2014and has induced me to take the Liberty of making this application which I flatter myself you will not disapprove\u2014 If any recommendatory Letters are necessary, I have not a doubt they can be obtained from respectable Characters in this City. as there is no advancement in the Bank, occasion\u2019d by their being so many who have a prior right to Mr: C\u2014 I am Impell\u2019d (from the gloomy prospect before me) to make this (allmost) Unprecedented address! which I hope My dear Sir will claim your attention, and induce you to place Mr: C. in a more Eligible situation.\u2014which will always be remembered and acknowledged with gratitude.\n        Wishing you all the happiness, and Respect / your virtues, and dignified station merits\u2014 / I subscribe myself / with sentiments of Respectful Esteem & &\n          Belinda Clarkson\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0009", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 9 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dearest Friend\n          Philadelphia March 9. 1797\n        I have no Letter this Week and begin to fear that your Respect to our late P. has laid a foundation for a Sick Spring and Summer. Sometimes too I am jealous of unfair Play in the Post office to prevent me from hearing from you at the most critical Period of my Life.\n        The public Papers must give you an Account of Proceedings, which I am wholly unable to describe.\n        What Judgment is form\u2019d of my Part in the late Transactions, by my Friends or my Ennemies, I know not. There is a Reserve in both, beyond my comprehension.\n        The P. and Mrs W. go off this morning for M. Vernon. Yesterday afternoon he came to make me his farewell Visit and requested me in his own Name and Mrs Ws. to present \u201ctheir Respects\u201d to Mrs Adams. I believe, that I envyed him more than he did me: and with Reason.\n        The House is to be cleared and cleaned, and I am to go into it on Monday next, if possible. I shall make a Small Establishment for myself for the present and wait yur Advice for Ulteriour Arrangements.\n        It is now generally understood that I am to go home before Midsummer and bring my Family in October.\n        The Business of all kinds and Writing particularly out of the habit of which I have been so long, presses upon me very severely and would endanger my health if I did not make Conscience of riding every day.\n        Mrs Cushing will call upon you and give you an Account of what they call The Inauguration. It is the general Report that there was more Weeping than there has ever been at the Representation of any Tragedy. But whether it was from Grief or Joy, whether from the Loss of their beloved President, or from the Accession of an unbeloved one. or from the Pleasure of exchanging Presidents without Tumult or from the Novelty of the Thing, or from the sublimity of it, arising from the Multitude present, or whatever other cause I know not. one Thing I know I am a Being of too much Sensibility to Act any Part well in such an Exhibition. Perhaps there is little danger of my having Such another Scene to feel or behold.\n        The Stilness and Silence astonishes me. Every body talks of the Tears, the full Eyes, the streaming Eyes, the trickling Eyes &c but all is Enigma beyond.\u2014 no one descends to particulars to say Why or wherefore, I am therefore left to Suppose that it is all Grief for the Loss of their beloved.\n        Two or three Persons have ventured to whisper in my Ear that my Speech made an agreable Impression\n        I have ventured to Say Things both in that Speech and in my farewell address to the senate, So open to Scoffs and Sarcasms that I expected them in Abundance. I have not yet Seen any. The more may come. I have been So Strangely Used in this Country. so belied and so undefended\u2014that I was determined to say some Things, as an Appeal to Posterity. foreign nations and future times will understand them better than my Ennemies, or friends will own they do.\nThe Vanity and Egotism, which is so apparent or at least to seeming may be pardoned for what I know lest Satirical Reflections on it should provoke Some one to produce Proofs that if it is Egotism it is no Vanity.\n        My dear Wife your Society is invaluable to me and yet I cannot enjoy it, before July I fear. All will depend upon public Events. I shall come to you as soon as possible.\n        I am with an affection that can end only / with my Life and I hope not then, Your / faithful Friend & Husband\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0011", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 12 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          My Dearest Friend\n          Quincy March 12th 1797\n        After a week of anxious expectation, I received by last Thursdays post, a packet containing three News papers a pamphlet, two excellent Letters from our Dear sons, and fourteen lines from a hand, from which I was desirious of receiving, fourteen times as much. unreasonable do you exclaim! Publick Buisness, publick cares, allow\u2019d, but there is a kind of communication and intercourse which is a relieaf to the burdend mind, at least I conceive so.\n        I have read the address the answer, and the reply. upon reading the first period in the address, it Struck me as obscure oweing to the length of the period. I read it a second time, the sense was clear but some how, it did not seem what I wanted to have it; I attempted to throw the Ideas into an other form, but could not succeed, without weakning the force of expression, or greatly lengthing the address. I therefore concluded that you had labourd yourself under the same difficulty. I made no remark upon it, but in my own mind. Three persons have since mentiond to me, the same thing, and one of them told me that he had himself been trying to place the Ideas of the first period in shorter sentances, but met with the Very obstical which I had myself before experienced. the address brought into view a Number of home Truth\u2019s, Evident to Some, unseen by others. as the Sentiments of the writer are known to me, I trace their meaning, end and aim, and pronounce them all wise, just, and Good. the answer of the senate, is Manly, dignified, affectionate and cordial. the Reply will tend to strengthen the bond of union. the whole is calculated to remove the film from the Eyes of those who are disposed to see. I have heard but one remark, and that was from Jarvis. he was glad to see you come out so fully and declare that the senate were equal to the defence and preservation of the constitution, and that it needed not a more permanant counsel. with mischievious men, no honest man would hold communion: but with men who have been mislead, and who possess integrity of Heart, every good Man would be desirious of standing fair. to the latter the\nconduct of H\u2014\u2014n has been misterious, and they are ready to think that the President is a more impartial Man than they were taught to believe, and that the opposition and Secret machinations and intrigues of a certain Character arose altogether from knowing that the Man whom a majority of the people wishd to succeed the President was too independent in his Sentiments to receive controul. they conclude that they have been mistaken in him.\n        I see by the paper received last Evening that the senate are notified to convene, by which I judge there are subjects of concequence to be imparted. are there any official accounts of the reception of Pinckny by the Directory? Such reports are in circulation. I am pleasd to find mr Murray appointed as the Successor of our son. I do not know where a properer person could have been found. Russel the Printer is an abominable Blunderer, he is not fit to publish state papers. no less than three blunders has he made in publishing the address to the senate & in the reply to their answer as you will see by reading it. my mind has ever been interested in publick affairs. I now find, that my Heart and Soul are, for all that I hold Dearest on Earth is embarked on the Wide ocean, and in a hazardous Voyage. may the experience wisdom and prudence of the helmsman conduct the vessel in Safety.\n        I am as ever a fellow Passenger\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0012", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          my Dearest Friend\n          Quincy March 13th 1797\n        Dr Tufts has been consulted by me respecting the leaseing our places, and we have come to an agreement with the Tennants, who in proportion to the rise of Labour & produce, Annually expect more & more indulgences. a Farmer cannot be content with the profits he once made. he will tell you, the Day Labourer fares better, which is true. I meet with so many difficulties, that I wish Sometimes that we had not but one Farm. Dr Tufts thinks it would be better for your interest, under certain restrictions to lease out the places for a sum of Money. but this is for future consideration. Burrel I have agreed to find him a yoke oxen & cart, he to be at the expence of keeping them in order French I have agreed to find a mate for his steer. his Father has one of the same Age, for which he asks 35 Dollors. this being agreed to, the next thing was wood, to be found all their Wood. this I absolutely refused, and we came very near parting upon the Subject. after much conversation, Dr Tufts advised to stipullating a certain Sum, to be allowd for wood. I can only say I have Done the best I could. Trask wants employ. Dr Tufts\nsays that the Bushes behind Belchers House wants clearing up in the medow and Burrel says those in curtis Pasture which our people cut two years ago want again to be attended to. The spring is advancing but the Month of March has been one cold Bluster as yet and greatly impeeds our advance in buisness, which will occasion a press of Buisness Soon. I have several matters which I should wish to Do as Soon as it will answer among the number is painting the House & Fence, and finishing the Chamber in the out House. We shall want it much When you return for the additional Servants you will bring with you.\n        I have many more things to Say, but will not at present take up more of your Time.\n        as ever / 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0013", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 13 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dearest Friend\n        I am So constantly engaged in Business most of which is new to me, that it Seems as if it was impossible to find time to write even to you\u2014 Yet I believe I write every Post.\n        It proves to be a tedious Business to clear the Presidents house for me. I am now told it will not be ready this Week. You will See by the Gazette how the new Pensilvania House is disposed of.\n        The Weather is bad\u2014 I have a great Cold\u2014 The News is not pleasant\u2014 And I have no Society but Statesmen. Mr Jefferson has been here and is gone off to day for Virginia. He is as he was.\u2014\n        I cannot write to you, about any Thing at home\u2014 You must do as you judge best. I like all that you have proposed to me.\n        I must not write about public affairs. I must go to you or you must come to me. I cannot live without you till October. But all will depend upon Events and Intelligence to come.\n        My Regards to the Neighbours, Duty to my Mother Love to Relations, &c\n        Oh my poor Meadow and Wall &c &c &c\u2014 It would do me good like a Medicine to See Billings one hour at any sort of Work.\n        Mr Maund writes me that he has sent to Boston an extraordinary Barrell of seed Oats for me. if they come too late What then?\n        Mr Beale was here a day or two ago very well.\n        I have no Letter to day\u2014 But I shall have one on Wednesday or saturday. I find you dont forget your ever affectionate\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0015", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 14 March 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          London March 14th 1797\n        I have repeatedly perused your letter of the 27 of February, which afforded me infinite pleasure, as it perfectly coincides with my sentiments\u2014\n        Let me again assure you my best friend, that you shall never more be offended by an assertion of Spirit, that I in reality do not possess, and permit me to request, you will cease to mention a subject, which has already cost me so much pain, and for which I entreat your pardon\u2014 no sooner were those letters gone, than I repented my\nfolly and was convinced my conduct was weak, and ridiculous. I therefore trust in your accustomed indulgence, to overlook and forgive the past, as I have long since and believe me, I shall carefully avoid every thing of the sort in future\u2014\n        You tell me that you fear to mention your books, since the success of your recommendation, of Madame de Stael\u2019s new Work. I expected this, and felt inclined to ask you to recommend such books as you thought might improve me, but I was fearful after what I had written, you might suppose I had no meaning in the request, and therefore pay no attention to it\u2014but since you have mentioned it, I wish you would point out such as you think will be profitable, and I can assure you I shall feel myself much obliged\u2014 We hear nothing of the Election in America\u2014but by a Gentleman lately arrived from New York, we understand there is a report, of Mr. Madissons being appointed Minister extraordinary to France, to settle the difference between that Country, and America I wish it may be true, as I think a war with France, or any Country, must be very injurious at this period to America\u2014\n        All the family desire to be remembered\u2014 Mr: Bourne is not gone being detained by contrary winds\u2014\n        Adieu\u2014 present my respects to your Brother, and be assured of the constant, and invariable affection, of your\n          Louisa C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0016", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams Smith to John Adams, 14 March 1797\nFrom: Smith, Abigail Adams\nTo: Adams, John\n          my Dear Pappa\n          East Chester March 14th 1797\n        I received some time since your letter of the 21st of Febuary\u2014and am very happy to find that you suppose my apprehensions respecting any embarrassments which may be thrown in your way are premature\u2014 I have heard from all quarters that the Choice of President has been highly approved of and is perfectly Sattisfactory to all parties even the most violent Democrats in New York have\nexpressed their intire acquiessence in the Election and I am very happy to find Mr Jefferson has come forward with such fair and Candid sentiments as his address to the senate discovers\u2014 I beleive many persons will be agreeably disappointed with respect to his pursuits\n        you must not my Dear Sir judge unfavourably of me\u2014from my silence at this period\u2014when all Connected with you are I presume offering to you their Congratulatory addresses\u2014upon your assention to a Station so highly important\u2014and which you are undoubtedly better prepared to fill with advantage to our Country than any other Man\u2014or suppose that it is the result of indifferance towards you or any want of fillial affection\u2014for I seek with avidity for every thing that is made public to us respecting yourself at this time, and have read with much pleasure your speach at the inauguration\u2014and I Lamented that you should not have had one single Brance of your own family present at the interesting Scene\u2014 if I had been in a situation that could have rendered it proper, or Possible, I would most certainly have been present\n        that I am retired from all society and have no intercourse with any one out of my family would be no mortification to me\u2014if it afforded me an opportunity of Educating my Children; there is no Personall gratification nor individual advantage that I should not readily relinquish if it could afford me an opportunity of Seeing them improve or advancing in their Studies\u2014 but the Place we are in neither affords a school or a Clergyman\u2014and I am much at a loss to know, what to do with them\u2014\n        William is now at an age when it becomes necessary for him to have constant and regular attention\u2014and I think every day he passes is a day lost to him\u2014\n        what is to be their or our future destination is hid from our view by \u201cthat impenetrable veil which you observe covers futurity\u201d\u2014 I see nothing in prospect for them but the most undistinguished stations in Life\u2014 and I expect that they will have to acquire as much self command and experience as many humiliations and mortifications of spirit as can be necessary for them; or as any one can wish them to encounter\u2014 but thease things are directed by an Higher Power and all Human Exertions are inadequate to Counteract them\n        whatever fate m[ay be] in reserve for me I hope I shall be supported under [it] without repineing\u2014and that my Heart may be steeled against the misfortunes which seem to await us\u2014 but I must\nbeg your forgiveness for obtruding upon your time, and important avocations\n        with every wish for your Happiness I am affectionately your Daughter", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0017", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 15 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          my Dear Son\n        The vessel which was up for Hamburgh by which I promised to write has changed her Voyage, and the vessel for London is just upon the point of sailing, so that I have only time to inform you that your old Friend William Vans Murray is appointed your successer. This will give you pleasure, because he is a sensible Worthy Man, and a firm Friend to his Country. You will now be released, and enabled to fulfill the most pleasing of all your engagements Heaven bless and prosper you.\n        Since I wrote you on this Month by the last post from Philadelphia, your Father sent me the Letters he had received from you, and your Brother. December 17 No 26. No 25 has not reachd here. Thomas was dated Novbr 25 & Decbr 12. both Letters gave us great pleasure. I have Written to Thomas and to you since your of Novbr to me. I do not however recollect whether I mentiond that both mrs Welch and I had received our table Linnen, which proved more satisfactory than the former.\n        I Inclose to you the address of the Vice President upon his taking leave of the senate, their answer & his reply. all at present seems Harmony and internal Peace.\u2014 the Antis many of them say they are gratified by the Elections. We shall soon see how measures opperate. by the papers I see that the President issued notifications to the senate to convene, the day after he was sworn into office. the Vice President arrived and was Sworn at the same time. May peace and Harmony prevail. French influence declines, America is made to feel, and that has cleard the films from her Eyes.\n        It is impossible for any Man to carry with him into retirement, more fervent, more sincere and gratefull testimony of the Love, respect esteem and veneration; of a whole people; than is the happy portion of the Retireing Patriot.\n          O \u2019tis a joy too exquisite, a thought\n          Which flatters Nature more than flatt\u2019ry ought!\n          The best reward which here to Man is given\n          \u2019Tis more than Earth, and little short of Heav\u2019n;\n        I do not know when I shall go on to Philadelphia. I wish to defer it untill the Fall, but that will depend upon circumstances. I have not time to write again to Thomas. His Father says he must have him, here. I shall want him very much at Philadelphia. I hope he will not delay his return. I have a Number of cupons to send, but do not know of any Passengers and am fearfull of committing them to the post I shall embrace the first opportunity. I Should be glad to have Thomas bring me 20 yds of what is calld faun coulourd Sattin I will send him a Bill for the purpose by an early conveyance perhaps Mrs Johnson will undertake the commission for me\n        adieu my Dear son. When you arrive in England I hope to hear oftner from you, tho I presume Your stay will not be long there. the consul in Portugal you know when the Dangerous vice was written, the Author little thought of Such circumstances taking place as are now in being. it would ill become a King of France said Henry the 4th to avenge the Injuries of the Duke of Navare. I always admired the Dignity of that sentiment, but this does not prevent a watchfulness and a Distance.\n        I know not when to lay asside my pen. it must however be done least I lose the conveyance.\n        I am with every sentiment / of Love and tender regard / Your affectionate Mother\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0018", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Joshua Johnson, 15 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\n        I inclose to you a pamphlet, The correspondence between the Secretary of state, and the French Minister, for my son J Q Adams. if upon receiving it, you have reason to think he has allready had it; from any other hand, you will retain it, untill his arrival in England. William Vans Murray, of the state of Maryland, is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to the Batavian Republick.\n        This Gentleman I presume, is well known to you, having resided Some years in England and studied in the temple. he is esteemed a Gentleman of abilities, and has acquired much reputation since he became a Member of Congress. he is considerd as a firm Friend to his Country, and a very able Man. Mr Adams will be gratified by this appo[int]ment of an old acquaintance and Friend, as his successor. he will be particularly gratified, in being permitted to return to England, to unite himself to the amiable Young Lady, whom he is desirious of presenting to me as a Daughter. in return Sir, I present You a son, whose value, requires not Maternal affection to estimate. they both receive my blessing and my fervent prayers for their future happiness.\n        your son was well a few days Since when I heard from him, and I believe, I may assure you, that he conducts himself with prudence and discretion.\n        Present my compliments to Mrs Johnson. tell her that I hope it will not be many years, before she will feel an additional inducement to consider America as the permanant Seat of her future residence drawn heither by the double attraction of a son and\nDaughter. The Letters addrest to your care for my sons be so kind as to forward\n        For Your Friend and Humble servant\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0019", "content": "Title: Richard Cranch to John Adams, 15 March 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Richard\nTo: Adams, John\n          My Hond: and dear Brother\n        To wish you Joy on your advancement to the high Station you now hold will perhaps, at present, be premature; I shall therefore rather wish you Patience. The comprehensive and clear Views that you have acquired from an accurate Examination of all the ancient Forms of Government and their consequences in actual operation, and your great Experience in the modern Systems that have been exhibited, will often put your Patience to the tryal on hearing the many wrong-headed Projects and half-digested Schemes that will be advanced by Men who really wish the Good of their Country. But the Prejudices that have been infused into the honest Minds of many, who have been duped by foreign Influence at bottom, tho\u2019 they do not know it, will require the exercise of much Patience and a continued course of Alteratives to set them right. Perhaps the most pernicious effects on the last mentioned Class have originated in an artfull address to one of the most amiable affections of the human Heart, I mean Gratitude. No arts have been left untried to make the People believe that they are indebted to France for their Liberty, Independence, and all the political Blessings that they enjoy as a Nation; and that therefore they must be subservient to Her in all their national conduct. As this sentiment is by no means founded in truth, I cannot help thinking that a systematical course of addressing the People on this Subject from time to time in the publick Papers, shewing them that their Liberty and Independence are not owing to the exertions of that or any other Nation in our favour, will have a happy tendency to make them feel their own Importance, and by degrees to free them from that supposed Dependence which is so humiliating to our national Character. Perhaps also the\nexhibiting to our People at large, at proper times, the true Picture of that Infidelity and Atheism which have been substituted in France in lieu of the Christian Morals, may have a good effect on many good People whose zeal for french Politicks will almost tempt them to think that Christ may have \u201cconcord with Beliel.\u201d\n        I sincerely congratulate the People of the United States of America on their having you to take the Helm on the Resignation of the illustrious Washington; wishing you all that Success in promoting the general Good which your Experience, Wisdom, Virtue and Patriotism are so fitted to produce.\n        I am, with Sentiments of the highest Esteem, your affectionate Brother\n          Richard Cranch.\n          P: S. I wish you to let me know as soon as possible your Determination about purchasing my Farm, as I shall not offer it to any other Person until I have your Answer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0020", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dearest Friend\n          Philadelphia March 17. 1797\n        I have yours of the 6th. by the Post of this day. I have proposed to Brisler to give him 300 dollars and pay the Expences of his Wife and Children to this Place and back again to Quincy, when they return\u2014 And He and his Wife and Children are to live in the Family. This is pretty well\u2014 I must and will have him. I am peremptorily for excluding all blacks and Molattoes.\n        I hope to get into the House on Monday next. But shall purchase no nice furniture, till you come. I shall make a little Establishment for myself, and keep Bachelors Hall for some time.\n        We have no Authentic News from Europe. These long East Winds may bring Us some thing.\n        I have procured Some Horses and a Carriage.\u2014 and ride on Horseback as often as the Weather will permit.\n        I sent you the last Letters from our sons dated about the middle of Decr.\n        Mr Murray is to go to Holland and Mr Dandridge as his secretary so that Thomas will come home, directly I hope\u2014 I would not even Advise him to go France. I hope to have one of my Children near me\u2014 It would have given me great Pleasure to have had some of my Family present, at my Inauguration which was the most affecting and overpowering Scene I ever acted in\u2014 I was very unwell had no sleep the night before, and really did not know but I should have fainted in Presence of all the World.\u2014 I was in great doubt whether to Say any Thing or not besides repeating the Oath\u2014 And now, the World is as silent as the Grave\u2014 All the Federalists Seem to be afraid to approve any Body but Washington The Jacobin Papers, damn with faint praise, and undermine with Misrepresentation and Insinuation.\n        If the F\u00e6deralists go to playing Pranks I will resign the office and let Jefferson lead them to Peace, Wealth and Power if he will.\n        From the Situation, where I now am, I see a Scene of Ambition, beyond all my former suspicions or Imaginations.\u2014 An Emulation which will turn our Government topsy turvy. Jealousies & Rivalries have been my Theme and Checks and Ballances as their Antidotes till I am ashamed to repeat the Words: but they never Stared me in the face in such horrid forms as at present. I see how the Thing is going. at the next Election England will sett up Jay or Hamilton and France Jefferson and all the Corruption of Poland will be introduced. Unless the American Spirit should rise and say we will have neither John Bull nor Nicholas Louis Boborn\u2014 Silence.\u2014\n        Yours 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0021", "content": "Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Adams, 17 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nTo: Adams, John\n          My dear Sir.\n          The Hague March 17th: 1797.\n        Your kind favors of October 28. & November 11. of the past year, have been some weeks in my possession. I am not, nor can I\nconveniently be, so good a correspondent as my brother, whose frequent and copious communications exhaust most of the subjects upon which I should feel disposed to write you myself, I think it is my duty nevertheless not to suffer any considerable period to pass, without giving you some testimony of my attachment & respect, though I am sensible that my letters can otherwise have but little merit.\n        Public report and general belief, have long since conferred upon you Sir, the chief Executive Magistracy of the American Union, and if I have hitherto maintained a rigorous silence upon this subject, I feel no concern lest the motives of it should have been misinterpreted by you. The occasion was too important, and affected too nearly the cause of my dearest relatives and of our common Country, not to call forth a lively interest in my mind with a view to its ultimate decision. If the result be in reality as it has been reported, I shall freely own, that I do not consider it a subject of personal congratulation to yourself. The post of danger however, was neither sought or shunned by you in times of greater difficulty than the present; but you have often been placed in it by the public, when its only honor was its very danger. I feel a confidence therefore that this fresh example will witness an ability a zeal and an activity, proportioned to all its exigencies, and I shall never cease to pray that the issue may prove as honorable to yourself and beneficial to the public, as the exercise of the same qualities has been on all preceding occasions.\n        The advice, which your letters contain with respect to my conduct, upon the arrival of certain contingencies, will be my guide, untill I receive those further indications from you which I am led to expect. It is proper that I should observe however, that my present state of uncertainty as to my future destination, considerably interferes with the plan, which I had purposed to pursue respecting my return home. The probability that my brother will remain here some months longer, is nearly as strong as when I last wrote you; the negotiations, of our Minister in Portugal being still in train, as we have lately been informed by him, without a possibility of fixing a precise term for their close. Unless therefore a new arrangement, of which we have yet no notice, should have taken place upon this head, my brother may be continued here through the Spring & perhaps the ensuing summer. The place of Minister here, by this calculation, will not be vacant untill the period, which I had contemplated for my departure, and unless new obstacles should make a further\npostponement necessary, choice & preference would then determine me upon it. But I hope that the next letters we receive from you, will put an end to all surmises of the above nature, and unless a successor to the Minister here should already be appointed, under the nomination of the late President, I shall govern myself by your recommendation to return home, when, or perhaps before, my brother leaves this place. Though I should be sorry to \u201cleave the public service unhandsomly,\u201d I shall freely own that neither my wishes or expectations would induce me to seek a more responsible station than that which I now hold; and I rejoyce in the assurance, which was given us some time past from an authentic source, that upon the arrival of a certain contingency, the road of preferment, under the immediate superintendence of the Executive of the Union, would no longer be open to us.\n        I am not only desirous but anxious to revisit my native land, for the longer my absence from it is, the more difficult & tedious will be the establishment I should wish to make upon my return. The recultivation of my own language, and that of my profession, and the formation of connections for future benefit in the exercise of them, must be a business of time and labor, and the age of 25. seems to me quite late enough to commence the undertaking.\u2014 I owe an apology for engrossing so much of this letter with an exposition of so selfish a nature, though I am well assured of its being received with the same indulgence, that has been accorded to all preceding ones of a similar strain.\n        Our latest intelligence from home reaches no further than the middle of December; the most important particulars of it relate to the proceedings of the french Minister which had then just transpired, and which naturally occasioned some concern. The correspondent measures which the Directory have since pursued towards our Government are of a nature still more violent and hostile, and though I am fully confident that our Countrymen are not unprepared to meet the crisis which is thus hurried upon them, I cannot but regret that the present administration in France discover so little remorse in the employment of so dangerous an experiment. It is said by some of our Countrymen recently from Paris, that the Directory are bent upon war with us, and are only waiting a confirmation of the result of our Elections to put in force further acts of rigour towards our navigation. It is notorious that several of our vessels have already been taken by french privateers, commanded & owned by Americans; that they have been carried in & condemned in\nfrench ports, and as many of our London traders as shall fall in the way of these pirates, may be expected to share a similar fate.\n        This open encouragement of piratical depredation, cannot I think be regarded with indifference in America; it must rouse resentment against both its authors and patrons; but in what manner these feelings will be manifested, I am at some loss to conjecture. Our intercourse with the french Government is suspended; our wrongs are hourly multiplying, and the only alternative left to us seems to be silent uncomplaining submission, or manful resistance. Painful as this situation is in contemplation, there is to me a sensible satisfaction in the reflection, that we have neither provoked or merited it, for in my mind those calamities which are inevitable are always less irksome to endure, than such as prudence & discretion might have averted. If Sir, it should be your lot, and that of the American people to be forced into a war at the commencement of your administration, I hope and I believe there exists public spirit enough among our Countrymen to second your endeavors to procure a favorable & happy issue. The struggle may be arduous, but the object is such as merits every sacrifice.\n        France notwithstanding her \u201cretinue of victories,\u201d may possibly learn too late, that the friendship of a feeble power is preferable to its enmity. The strength of the United States does not consist in the possitive force of fleets and armies, but there is a sort of negative power in her commerce, the efficacy of which can only be appreciated by its deprivation. France may drive it by violence from her ports, but if I mistake not, she will be the first to feel its loss, more especially as her rival enemy, Britain, will benefit in the same degree as she suffers. But plunder seems to be the great object with the french Government, and the question, to whom the property belongs, never enters into their calculation, except, that if any preference is discoverable, it appears to be given to that of their friends.\n        A great naval battle has lately been fought between a British and a Spanish squadron, in which the former is said to have lost six ships, either sunk or taken, and the latter four of their first rate line of battle ships. The affair is yet so recent that the particulars of the engagement have not yet fully transpired, but the vast superiority of the Spaniards over the English both in number and rate of vessels, makes it a matter of surprise that the issue was not more disastrous to the latter than it seems to have been. I send herewith the Leyden Gazette which contains the principal details that have yet appeared upon this subject.\n        In compliance with your desire, I wrote soon after the receipt of your last letters, to Mr: Tegelaar of Amsterdam, to ascertain whether he had received the papers which were transmitted by you for him. His answer acknowledges their receipt in good condition, and at the same time requests me to convey to you his grateful thanks for the trouble you had taken in his affair.\n        I am, my dear Sir, with much duty & attachment / Your Son\n          Thomas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0022", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 18 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          my Dearest Friend\n          Quincy March 18th 1797\n        I received by the post yours of March 3d & 5th I had previously received the speach which I think well calculated to do great Good. I am much out of the way of hearing the observations which will be made upon it. as it is a publication to the people, of your real sentiments & opinions I hope it will be considerd and believed as such, and have a tendency to remove prejudices. I do not wonder at your sleepless Night. the bare reading the speach interested my feelings so much as to have a similar effect upon me. the Idea of So sacred and solemn a transaction could not fail to impress Your mind with anxious solisitude. I think Gen\u2019ll Washington judged right in giving weight to the solemnity by his presence it will not fail to add Luster to the transaction in the Eyes of all Foreign Nations and be honorable to his successor\u2014 the vice Presidents speach will have a favourable Effect, and confirm the opinion which I have ever had of him, in spight of the virulence of party, which is at present Dorment. all parties Said mrs Black who had been sometime in Boston, appear to be pleasd and happy with the Election. not a single person have I heard express a sentiment to the contrary. I was pleasd with a Toast drunk by Some Scholars at Cambridge. Adams & Jefferson or Checks and balances.\n        I do not recollect that I expresst my satisfaction before at the appointment of mr Murray. I was pleasd with it. Will the present Minister be allowd to leave the Hague before his successor arrives?\n        as to Domestick arrangments I am not fearfull to trust them to Brisler\u2014he must do as well as he can with respect to Female help. When the Time approaches for my going I will advertize for such as I want I should chuse not to send any from hence, untill I go; unless it may be thought best that mrs Brisler should go on soon as we cannot entertain Company half so often as the late President. I should hope not to want so numerous a Household, and be relieved in some measure from a weight of care and torment I will however\nneveer relinquish my Right of direction & controul over the Household, to no steward or Housekeeper. I believe half the torment experienced, was oweing to that cause\u2014 in Brisler we know we have the Man of Honour and integrity. there was due to Brisler on the 15 of Febry 30 pound which you will pay him, as I presume his Family will want it, and I wish you to give him a decent suit of Cloaths as a token of his Faithfull services\u2014\n        Brisler had better make out a List of the furniture in the House, such as he thinks will do to remain. I suppose Family Linnen must be purchased immediatly. I would advise not to procure more than for immediate necessity, you know by your former experience, how handy those articles are for transportation. Mrs otis was kind enough to offer her assistance. she is a good judge & Brisler had better consult her: I can give better advise as soon as I have knowledge of what is left. I hope you will not remain in Philadelphia any longer than absolute necessity requires I Shall fear much for your Health. Your Farm will suffer in your absence, but that you expect. I find I want more help. Billings persues his Wall, but there is an immensity of Stones to cast off of this Hill. they have been at it, for a week. I made James assist, but he met with an accident & scald both his feet, and poor Becky had her share by the fall of a boiling teakettle of water, so that they are both useless now, and will be for a long time. I shall persue buisness with spirit and courage as soon as I have the means\u2014 at present I live upon credit. Thayer has purchased of Fogg and is building a wall with fence of two rails in order to keep sheep. Burrel says we shall be devourd if we do not do the same. this will be another peice of Buisness for Billings\u2014and we have not posts. shall red ceadars be cut for the purpose?\n        I shall be anxious to hear again from you, and let me know how you are. march has been a trying month to me. I have combatted hard not to be laid up. Poor Mary Smith Louissa Sister is far gone in a consumption. we have very little hopes of her recovery. Mrs Brisler and Family are well So constant and frequent are the Captures, that there is little hope of the safe conveyance of Letters abroad. plunder seems the only rule of conduct, which our Allies practise.\n        I shall be happy not to be obliged to come on untill you find it necessary to return to Philadelphia. it would be an expence; and I would avoid every unnecessary expence, for I could not use the horses which I have, nor travel without four if I used the Coach Mr smith was advising me the other Day to get the bright marks\ncoulour &c of your Horses and Wood of Charlstown who buys many horses would be like to procure a pr at a much more reasonable rate than can be bought at the Southard. I should wish in that case to part with three of ours but this must be as you think best\u2014\n        I am my dearest Friend / most affectionatly and / tenderly 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0023", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 20 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n        I have successively received your Letters of the 28th: and 24th: of last month, which I mention thus in inverted order because they so came to me, and the latest of date was the first here.\u2014 It must indeed be an implacable breast which such a Letter as this would not disarm of all resentment.\u2014 I have hailed and welcomed it as the pledge of uninterrupted future harmony between us.\n        You have rightly concluded that in speaking of your father to you, I could never mean any thing but what was respectful. His own character as well as his relation to you secures from me all the regard and deference to which he is so fully entitled. I regretted even the necessity of having any observations to make respecting him in a discussion which I should have wished might have been limited only to yourself and me.\u2014 But I could not leave his Letters un-answered; nor could I use with you any disguise, upon a subject in which you were concerned.\u2014 No my lovely friend; far from\npermitting myself the most distant reflection which could wound your veneration and affection for your Parents, I would if it were possible give a brighter hue and a warmer glow to Sentiments which do so much honour to your Heart. There is an inseparable connection between the most precious Virtues of domestic life, and a nice and delicate sensibility to the ties and duties of one relation, is the most unequivocal proof of a character devoted to those of every other, and a temper attached to them. I love you therefore the more for the keenness of your feelings on every occasion in which your father is concerned. Never shall his name pass from my lips or flow from my pen, but with honour, and I hope that in future all the measures particularly regarding you and me, will so exclusively pass between ourselves, as to render every reference to him, which could possibly displease you unnecessary.\n        I cannot express the pleasure which every new proof of the goodness of your heart and accuracy of your Sentiments gives me. When you tell me that you are not satisfied to possess merely my Love, but will also deserve my esteem, this is a kind of Spirit that I admire; a resolution that I most cordially approve, and which I am sure you will carry into effect.\u2014 The Spirit which gives us a command of ourselves which enables us to combat our own failings and subdue our own propensities, is the most exalted heroism; a heroism adapted alike to the characters of both sexes, and the laurels of which are as graceful upon the female brow as the myrtle of Love.\n        It is this reverence for yourself, this regard to the dignity of your own character, that is one of your fairest attractions in my eyes. Ever cherish it my best friend; never suffer it to depart from your mind, and make it always your care to distinguish and separate it from pride, which in some respects resembles it, but is in substance directly opposite to it.\u2014 Always remember this plain distinction between them. The rigours of self-reverence all refer to ourselves; those of pride bear only upon others. The former are perfectly consistent with humility, a virtue that pride never knows. Pride vainly clamours for respect and esteem, self-reverence irresistibly draws without ever claiming them.\n        There are some expressions in both your last Letters, concerning yourself so harsh and undeserved that I cannot without pain observe them used even by yourself.\u2014 In the first you speak of \u201ctiring me with your stupidity,\u201d of \u201csending me nonsense,\u201d in the latter of your \u201cridiculous conduct\u201d and your \u201cfolly.\u201d There is not one of these\nterms that can with any sort of propriety be applied to any thing that I ever observed of you. I do not think I should either love or esteem a person to whom such terms would apply. I would have you never for a moment imagine that they could by any possibility be with justice applied to you.\u2014 Always think too well of your own mind to suppose it capable of stupidity, and of your own discretion to imagine it can turn to folly.\n        I am much obliged to you for your information concerning the American Elections. I suppose that by this time there is in England some authentic intelligence, concerning them. Hitherto the accounts are perhaps all inaccurate.\u2014 You mention that there were Letters for me, waiting for the opportunity of a vessel directly from London. I should be glad to have all that are not large packets forwarded by the mail, to Bremen as you send your Letters. This mode of conveyance appears to be safe, and I so seldom have the pleasure of receiving Letters from my friends in America, that I always wish for them with some impatience\n        Your last Letters observes that your Papa was expecting the arrival of Mr: Bourne.\u2014 I suppose that he must have reached London within a day or two after, as he sailed from Amsterdam two or three days before then. My brother had at one time some idea of going with him, but has concluded not to leave me, while I am chained here.\n        Will you be so good as to request our friend Mr: Hall to send me by the first convenient opportunity,\u2014Burke\u2019s Letters on a Regicide Peace:\u2014 His Letter to the Duke of Portland lately published,\u2014and Mr: Erskine\u2019s Pamphlet, the title of which I do not know; but he will.\u2014 I give you this trouble, to save him that of receiving another Letter from me, merely stating my wants.\n        I am very sorry to hear that your Sisters have been so unwell.\u2014 The Season here has been generally unhealthy though uncommonly fine. Colds especially have been very prevalent. Perhaps it has been the same in England.\n        This I hope will find you, with all the family in perfect health. I beg to be remembered kindly to them all, and remain, ever 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0024", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 20 March 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          London March 20th 1797\n        I have recieved your letter of the 6 which gave me infinite satisfaction your approbation love and esteem being my greatest ambition and delight\u2014\n        My father talks of embarking early in July and preparations are making for our removal\u2014 I almost wish the time was arrived\u2014 though I know the advantages resulting from it, to the whole family, I cannot help regreting the necessity, of our renewed seperation however I know it must be, my friend, and though a kind of forced philosophy, I endeavor to be contented\u2014\n        I presume Mr. Humphrys does not regret his detension at Lisbon, as it certainly must be more agreeable to him, to remain some time with his Lady\u2019s family, after his marriage, than to quit the Country immediately\u2014\n        I have lately been reading Lord Chesterfields letters to his Son, and think them very good, though he does mention the Ladies with so much severity\u2014I cannot say I admire his sentiments altogether, they were written by a courtier, and addressed to one whom he intended should be the same. therefore I am not able to judge how proper such sentiments may be in such a situation\u2014 I dare say you have read them, and I should like to hear your opinion\u2014\n        All the family desire to be remembered, and my father wishes to know, if you would have any letters, he may recieve for you, forwarded by the Mails, as he says they sometimes remain with him a considerable time, for want of private opportunities\u2014\n        Present my respects to your brother, and be assured, I shall invariably remain, your tenderly attached,\n          Louisa. C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0027", "content": "Title: Thankful White Adams Hobart to Abigail Adams, 24 March 1797\nFrom: Hobart, Thankful White Adams\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          Dear madam\n          abington March the 24 1797\n        I take my pen to make a Recuest to you in Behalf of Elisha adams as you are in high Surcomestances I was affraid to Right Butt have Ben [Prevld?] with to Dear madam the Case is this Elisha adams has Bought a Plase which he agred to give 1600 hundrede Dollers and has Paid 800 Dollers Try Be So kind as to Lend him 4 or 5 hundrede Dollers tis Not in my Power to Let him have the money I Shuld be exciding Glad if he Can get the money I wish it was in my Powre to help him\n        I will Promice to Pay the Intrest I fear he will Not Be aeble to Pay for his Place un-les Some Person will Send him the Cash he Can Not Pay it in 1 year But may in 3 or 4 yers Dear madam Pray Be So kind as to faver him if it is in your Power for how Can I Endure to See him turndout of Dors I Beleve in a fue years he Can Pay for it the man he Bought it of is in Destres for the money\n        Pray madam Parden me if I have Intrud Excuse my Poor Speling and Riting I must in form you that he is under oblations to Pay the money By the first of aprel\n        I fel very anckches abot the affar\n        Pray Reade with Cander if I am Denide I Remaine your Sincer friend till Death\n          thankfull Hobart\n          N B the Barer will in form you of his Charicter\n          Pray Rite By the Barer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0028", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            my Dearest Friend\n          I have neither Seen or heard of any unpleasent remarks or strictures upon your late addresses. what may be reserved for hereafter I know not. the Chronical has been quite favourable, drawing however wrong inferences that your administration would be very different from your predecessors. the impression made upon the minds of the publick as far as I can learn them, have been highly favourable, but the publick have exhausted themselves upon your predecessor. they must take breath, and recollect themselves, before they can bestwo even merrited praise. our good Brother Cranch, Said he was enraptured with the speach, that he had read it repeatedly, and every time with new delight & pleasure. Mr Flint who lately attended the ordination of mr Peirce at Brookline, reported that it was held in high estimation. I saw a proposal in Websters paper, of having it printed & Framed with the late Presidents. The solemnity of the scene in which you was the Principle actor, the dignified Speach deliverd previous to the oath of office, the Presence of the Great Friend and Father of his Country, who presented himself to the publick, as a pledge for his successor, could not fail to inspire into the minds and Hearts of all present, the strongest emotions of tenderness, nor do I wonder that it found its way to their Eyes. there are many other reflection which would have penetrated my Heart upon the occasion\u2014\n          I cannot consider the event in the light which a Lady of our acquaintance describes it, \u201ca Game of chance, the highest Card in the pack, a second throw could make no addition but a Crown.\u201d promotion cometh neither from the East nor from the West nor from the south, but God is the judge, Saith the scripture\u2014\n          I inclose you the Letter and my reply. when I was at Plimouth a number of them were purchasing tickets, and invited me to join them. I bought one with them. this will explain the first part of the Letter, the feelings, and spirit are endeavourd to be conceald under the appearence of Friendship. I hope the professions are sincere, tho there is a manifest design to lead me to consider the event as Chance, rather than choice. The Idea of great Wealth held up, so that the Chance of 5 thousand dollors or Eight shillings could be no object with me, is a reflection not justified, and this she knew\u2014\n          You observe that the News is unpleasent. I presume you mean as it respects mr Pinkny but this does not appear to be well founded, or do you mean, as it respects Peace? I do not think it improbable that Pinckny may be refused, considering what are the designs of the Directory. but as you once observed in a Letter to a Friend in the year 1782 That your whole Life from Infancy, had been passed through an uninterrupted series of delicate Situations, so when you found yourself suddenly translated into a New one, the View of it, neither confounded or dismayed you.\n          I hope you will continue to possess the same fortitude, and resourses, for where there is neither fixed Principles nor any Laws Humane or divine, which are considerd binding, it puzzels all calculation to know what part to act.\n          I read the Letter of Mifflin & your reply. I should not have wisht you to have accepted the House on any terms. I have not got my last papers so do not know what they have done with the House.\n          there is one observation in your Letter which Struck me as meaning more than is exprest. J. \u2003 n is as he was! can he still be a devotee to a cause, and to a people, run Mad, without, any wish for Peace, without any desire after a rational system of Government, and whose thirst for power and absolute dominion is become Gluttonous? can it be? I regreet that dr Preistly has been left to the commission of Such an error of Judgment as to be present at the Feast of \u2014\u2014\u2014 as Porcupine call them. he has laid himself open to the scourge, & peter lays it on with exultation he has given him a handle, and the Friends of the Doctor, must censure he ought not to have had, any Hand or part in the buisness. poor Mckean, he has made him a Henpeck indeed. how the truth cuts. I wonder peter does not get broken bones. poor Pennsilvania keeps no gallows, but she keeps Rogues and Villans who deserve one, and she will find to her cost that she has not reachd the Millenium.\n          I know when you get to Housekeeping you will pine for society, for your Farm, For your Wall, and wish as Boylestone Adams, says that it was the end of the fourth, instead of the beginning Year.\n          please to tell Brisler that his wife looks quite sober & sad that she has not had a Letter from him for a month. The man imitates his Master, and has written so frequently to his wife of late, that she, like her mistress feels mortified when ever a dissapointment prevents her from receiving assurences of unabating Love and affection, which tho a thousand times told, will never diminish of their Value in the estimation of your\n          Your Mother\u2014who is here, desires me to give her Love to you she has past through this cold Winter better than I expected\u2014 Mrs Temple just passing by reminds me of a sausy old poet who says, Frailty, thy name is woman\u2014 could mr Russel look from his happy abode, what would he say to see his property flying into the hands of a young British officer, whose commission of Leiut is all the wealth he owns. his wife, aya she ought never to have been his, and I know not but mr Russel was as indiscreat at 55 as she has been at 29. all the contrivance of that old Sinner his Father\u2014 Let every Man enjoy his property as he passes through Life, do with it all the good he can\u2014and not leave it to be disposed of at his discease, by he knows not whom\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0029", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 27 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dearest Friend\n          Philadelphia March 27. 1797\n        You will See by the Proclamation in the Public Papers that I have been obliged to convene Congress on the 15th of May, and as it is probable they will Sitt till the Middle of July, this measure must make an entire change in all our Arrangements\n        There are so many Things to do in furnishing the House in which I want your Advice, and on so many other Accounts it is improper We should live in a state of seperation that I must intreat you to come on, in your Coach with Louisa, Mrs Brisler and her Children. You must hire four Horses in Boston and a Coachman to bring you here, upon as good terms as you can. James may ride my little Horse and Anthony you must give away.\n        I am very unwell\u2014a violent cold and cough, fatigues me, while I have every Thing else to hurry me: so that I must entreat you to come on as soon as you can\u2014 I shall send you some Post Note in a day or two.\n        Prince\u2019s Time is out and he will be discharged\u2014 James may come on with you, and return immediately to New York. I will not keep him a day\u2014 You may leave him at New York and hire Some one to ride on the Horse to this Town\u2014 I will not have my Family here ruined by them turbulent blacks.\u2014 give them their Cloaths handsomly and dismiss them.\n        My Expences are so enormous, that my first Quarters salary will not discharge much more than half of them. You must come and see for yourself.\n        The French Executive Directory, will take Care to make our public Path thorny enough and our Country men will make our private\none uneasy enough. so We need not expect Beds of Roses nor Walks of Flowers.\n        I have been obliged to decline Brother Cranches farm. it will involve me\u2014and I cannot increase my Cares\u2014 I have and shall have quite enough. You will be Surprized to see hurry of Business in which I am daily and hourly involved.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0030", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 27 March 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          London March 27th 1797\n        The official account is arrived and your Father and Mr. Jefferson are Elected President and Vice President\n        In a letter from Mr J. to your father, he says \u201cnotwithstanding the efforts of his enemies to make the people believe otherwise, he aspires to no higher post than that of Vice President. that he will serve with pleasure under Mr. Adams, and he flatters himself they shall act together, with as much harmony, as they have done heretofore[\u201d]\n        Mr. Washingtons address on announcing the choice, is likewise come, but my father has not-yet seen it\u2014 The Merchants of Philadelphia, were to give a superb entertainment, on the day he resigned his situation, and became a private man\u2014\n        Mr. Hall means to write you shortly. he will inform you more correctly than I can of these Events\u2014\n        I suppose you have seen Mr. Pinckney\u2014 we understand by a Gentleman lately from Paris, that the French are determined never to recieve him as Minister\u2014\n        Thank you my friend for your very kind letter of the 14th I am happy to hear that the society at the Hague is so pleasant were you to partake of the amusements it affords more frequently you perhaps might find it less insipid\u2014 you are I think too young a man to devote all your time to your books, and solitude, if you now indulge this distaste to society, what will you do some years hence, even your Louisa\u2019s may then become irksome, and unpleasant. indeed my\nbeloved friend it is a dangerous indulgence, you know I think it prejudicial to your health, excuse me when I say hurtful to your temper\u2014 I should not have given my sentiments so freely my Adams, had I not observed the same expression, in two or three of your letters\u2014 I think it a pity that you so calculated to adorn society, should encourage a disposition improper, for the station in which you are placed, and in which you are likely to remain\u2014 the extreme dislike I have to what is called society, enables me to judge of its inconvenience, it is this my best friend which induces me to urge you to guard against this indulgence, knowing your excessive fondness for books, perhaps renders me too apprehensive\u2014 excuse, and do not think this impertinent, believe me it is dictated by the most sincere affection, and the tenderest anxiety\u2014\n        My father yesterday recieved a letter from Mr: Humphries in which he mentioned his detention\u2014 he is not yet married\u2014\n        Mr. & Mrs. Church embark for America in the course of next week\u2014\n        Adieu may you be as happy as I wish you\n          Louisa C 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0031", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          my Dearest Friend\n        With my borrowed Money I have just paid the collector my tax Bill. I have the satisfaction to know that I did not borrow it to pay any expences of my own creating, but having been twice before\ncall\u2019d upon, I could not submit to a third, without discharging it. I have not any Letter from you of a later date than the 17th nor do I expect to get an other untill the 4th of April. the weather is exceeding cold and sour. our dreadfull east winds prevail and Peirce one through and through. I have not been confined, but fear every day least I should. we are all in affliction. Polly smith is just gone. I do not expect she will continue an other week. her decline has been rapid, about two months since she was first confined. my spirits are low. I want something to Cheer them up. I think you are fastned to a spot which you cannot leave at Will, and I believe you want your Family more than when you was occupied by a daily attendance in congress Your Mind is however so fully employd that you cannot think much of it. we are suffering under the same apprehensions which have afflicted other places. the attempts to destroy Boston by fire are daily, or rather Nightly repeated. Patroles are constantly kept. they have detected but few. the vile wretches have got into the Country. at Milton they keep a Nightly Watch. it is really a Distressing calamity, but we shall be infested with more vagabonds, if the states go on to abolish capital punishments\n        you write me that you shall not procure any furniture untill I come, but if it is to be made, it will require time. I have written to mrs otis to request her to go through the House with Brisler after you get into it, and to tell me what she thinks will be necessary. When an inventary is taken of what is in the House, I can judge better. I have not heard of the oats. I have got mr smith to inquire. Billings is at work upon the wall it takes an immence number of stones. our people have been several days carting them. it is so very wet, that they have only been able to plow a part of the ground, before the House the medow below the House is flow\u2019d and the Brooks are very high. we have floods of Rain every day or two. the manure has all been pitch\u2019d over some of it carted out. our people say there are two hundred load of it. the season is backward. when a fair day comes I am obliged to hire three or four hands to get any thing forward, and after all Your Eye is wanted, and your direction too.\n        I cannot mount on Horse back. I can only direct. I mourn the loss of a Man who had zeal in his nature, and activity in his bones, as well as Strength of Body, and was not a rum drinker. he however tells me that he will let himself to me an other year if I should want him Money will be of more value I trust. there is complaint of a\nscarcity of it, Yet every thing is high, but Grain which is much lower. corn may be had at a dollors Rye & 6.8, flower 10 dollors and half\u2014 Provision is yet very high. west India produce also.\n        Yours as ever\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0033", "content": "Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 31 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n            My dear Son Thomas\n            Philadelphia March 31. 1797\u2014\n          I am very much concerned, least you as well as your Brother, should think hard of me, for neglecting so long to write to you, but the multiplied Cares and engagements of Life added to indifferent health must plead my Excuse\n          Mr: Murray is to take the place of your Brother, and Mr. Dandridge is to be his private Secretary, your brother will go to Lisbon, and you I hope will return to Philadelphia as soon as possible My desire is that you would take an office, attend the Courts, do business, and get the Character of a Man of business, All depends upon this in our Country\u2014 If a man is once suspected to be a man of Pleasure or an idle man, or an inattentive man he is Lost\u2014 I shall desire you to live, that is board & lodge with me, your Mother I Expect here by the latter End of April, and Congress are to meet by the middle of May, You may act as my Secretary, Sometimes, or Not as you please\n          What is meant by the French Directory, I Know Not, But will discover if I Can, I shall miss your Letters and your Brothers which Contained more Satisfactory information than all the Other Letters from Europe\u2014\n          I will Keep the Peace with their High Mightinesses at Paris, if possible, but they Seem to be disposed to assume too much\u2014\n          I am my dear Son your affectionate / Father\n          You Say you want Exercise on Horesback, Come & live with me and we will ride out together", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0036", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 5 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          my Dearest Friend\n          Quincy April 5th 1797\n        The proclamation of the 25 of March, which is published in the Centinal of April 1st has excited many anxious thoughts in my Mind. What would I give for an hours conversation it would tend to alleviate my apprehensions. I feel as if I could fly in all our many seperations. I have experienced a variety of anxieties. I thought there could be nothing New to feel, but there is now such a responsibility annexed to your station, that New and various thoughts arise hourly in my mind, when I contemplate what may be the concequence of such, and Such, measures. How the senate, how the House will conduct, how the people will act, How Foreign Nations will be affected, in this dark abyss my imagination wanders, without any one to converse with, who can at all enlighten me.\n        I agree with you that there has been an uncommon silence respecting the late address the Breath of praise was exhausted, the address was acceptable to every one as I have been told, and has had a very salutary effect upon many who had been misled, tho well meaning. as Genll Lincoln assured me, no one has assaild it, but the time is fast approaching when the measures of the Government cannot be looked upon with an Eye of indifference. we shall either be a united people, more strongly bound by common danger, or we shall become a prey to foreign influence. the people will judge right, if they are left to act for themselves it is well to observe, to watch and to attend to concequences. in the present state of things, it is almost difficult to conjecture what a Day may bring forth, much less can we see to the end of a year.\n          \u201cFor what is fame? the meanest have their Day\n          The Greatest can but blaze, and pass away\u201d\n        The ambition of individuals, and their Envy will no doubt opperate in proportion to the good or ill success, of the Administration.\n        That you may be supported through the Arduous and important trials, is the constant and fervent prayer of your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0037", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 6 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n            My Dearest Friend\n          I received an hour ago your Letters of the 22d and 27th. I have been anxious enough for you since I saw the proclamation. I advised you to take for your cough Rhubarb & calomil. do not omit it, but take it immediatly. it will serve You for the complaint which usually afflicts you in the spring as well as for your cough. I will obey the summons as soon as possible but there are many arrangements to make, or deliver all up to destruction, at once. I Shall endeavour to send mrs Brisler on first by the Stage with her Children. I will See her tomorrow, and consult with her about it. I must find a Family which I can place here.\n          I expected you would find every thing in disorder in the House, tho not so bad as you represent\u2014 I have as I wrote you, had three\nhundred Dollors, of Gen\u2019ll Lincoln for the purposes mentiond, and one Hundred more I was obliged to take, to enable me to pay my Labourers as I went on; O I had got a going so cleverly. Billings will compleat his circle of Wall in two days more, and it is a Beauty, Stutson in the Garden, and Tirril and Bracket have been carting manure & plowing. I had employd Pratt to compleat and finish a cart begun by Billings. it is Done and painted. I had got new ploughs and tools, and a Man to come next week, for the season. I expected to have got all things in order for your reception when you should be able to return to the Domestick joys of Peace Feild.\n          All these pleasing Ideas must yeald to new arrangements. I will do the best I can and come as soon as I can. I write this now only to assure you that I shall tomorrow take some measures for executing the system proposed\n          Yours most affectionatly\n          I hope to get this Letter in early enough for the post. I have been in Bed it is true but the multitude of my Thoughts have allowd me but a small portion of sleep. I am determined to feel as little Despondency as possible. the situation of poor mary Smith dejects all our spirits. I do not know by your Letter whether to send on all my Domesticks or whether I may hope to return in the summer this is a very incoherent jumble.\n          I will write again when my thoughts are more collected two Days past have been very oppressive with heat. I am told that most minds are prepared for any measure consistant with the honour and Dignity of the Country, that they have not a mind like Israel Asses to crunch beneath two burdens\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0038", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dearest Friend\n          Philadelphia April 7. 1797\n        I recd. to day your favour of March 29th. I write you every Post day and send my Letter to the office. If they do not come regularly to you it must be owing to the office.\n        It would hurt me to refuse the request of my Nephew Elisha Adams: but you gave him and his Mother all the Answer in your Power. If Dr Tufts has any Money of mine in his hands, I should be glad if he would Supply my Nephew and take his Security. I never was in greater Straits for money in my Life, than at this time. I know not how to get along and expect to be obliged to borrow at the bank. But it is in vain to talk to the People about these Things\n        I want Physick and I want Exercise: but I want your assistance more than either. You must come and leave the Place to the mercy of Winds.\n        I will let them, the Places all out next Year for what they will fetch in money. reserving the house and Garden.\n        You must come here and see, before you will have an Idea of the, continual Application to Business, to which I am called. I should not have believed it possible for my Eyes to have read the Papers which are brought me every day and every hour of the day. I wonder not that my Predecessor was weary.\n        Adets Visit was not in a public Capacity. He solicited a private Interview and I consented. The Purport was to clear up his Character. But it was of no Consequence.\u2014 I shall not write about it. He is now soliciting Permission to call on me to take Leave before his Departure. It is hardly consistent to grant it\u2014 But I wont make difficulties & give them handles about such Trifles\u2014dont mention this.\n        You must come, at all Events and leave the Place as you can\u2014nay if you leave it common and bring Mrs Brisler & her Children. You must hire Horses as I wrote you. tell Louisa We shall have a pretty Chamber for her. she will have the honour of sleeping & dressing and reading & writing in no less an Apartment than that in which the celebrated Washington transacted all the Business of the Govt. But this must not be whispered. it will be tho\u2019t too irreverent.\n        On the 4th. I inclosed a Post note for 600\u2014 make the best bargain you can for Horses.\u2014 You must go for the Hot months to East Chester, and keep your Horses at the Tavern & pay for your board\u2014and I must go to the Feoderal City\u2014that must be my farm in future: and I shall have as much more plague as less Pleasure, in it, than I had in the Quincy farm. You must get my Brother to board Billlngs\u2014 But I believe you must get Mears at least for this summer. I am determined not to be perplexed with Farms. Dr Tufts may Let all but the House for a Rent or upon shares or any Way.\n        Come away and leave it to Chance. My Duty to my Mother & love to my Brother and Neighbours and friends. it would give me\ngreat Pleasure to see them\u2014 But I fear it will not be possible this Year.\n        Cousin Boylston was in the right.\u2014 My farm would give me more Pleasure in a Week than my office in four Years\u2014 Except that all the Pleasure of Life that is solid consists in doing ones duty. You invite me to write and you must take such Trash and I can write without thinking.\n        Yet I think a great deal about you\u2014 I wish I could come to escort you but that is impossible.\n        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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0040", "content": "Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Mother.\n          The Hague 7th: April 1797.\n        I have already acknowledged the receipt of your kind favors of Septr: 25th: & Novr: 8th: which were the last I have from you, and that notorious thief of time, procrastination, has devoured a long interval since I made the promise to write you in a few days. I delight in receiving letters from you, but I have an almost inconquerable aversion to writing in my turn, nor can I account for a reluctance, which is at the same time so unreasonable & inconsistent, for I well know that epistolary favors are of all others the least gratuitous\u2014one good turn deserves another, and this is the acknowledged basis of all friendly correspondence; but we often yield a ready assent to truth at the very moment when we refuse to obey its dictates.\n        My letter, I presume, will find you at Philadelphia, for we have already learnt that the new President has entered upon the functions of his office. I can well appreciate your reluctance at quitting the peaceful dignified abode of Quincy, to plunge at once into the wide sea of care, which must inevitably surround that elevated station. For you I am particularly apprehensive, lest the fatigues & toils of your particular department should prove too weighty, for I am well aware, that though the laborious part of it may be transferred to subordinate agents, the care & thought about it, will be all your own. The die is cast, however, as you observe, and though the sorrows of our Countrymen should have been powerfully excited at the retirement of our first parents, I would fain flatter myself that their successors will have the good fortune to replace them in their affections. \u201cIt is a consummation devoutly to be wished,\u201d nor will I easily suffer myself to doubt its realization. The same voice which called a good and faithful servant to employ his talent in hard & difficult times, for the public good, will I believe be ready when an account shall be rendered of it, to cry, \u201cwell done\u201d!\n        The present period in the affairs of our Country is so interesting that we are particularly anxious to obtain direct & recent intelligence of passing events; the news we have is in general but just enough to make us wish for more, and to me it is somewhat unaccountable, that while we are daily shipping off whole cargoes of letters and papers, while not a vessel scarcely sails for any part of our Continent without bearing more or less of them, we should see so many arrive in this Country unfurnished with commodities of the same nature in return. The merit of production does not belong to me, but that of exportation does, and when I observe the apparent negligence of others in this respect, I may be pardoned for vaunting a little of having transmitted with scrupulous punctuality for more than two years together, two or three periodical papers, to as many different persons. This I know to be my proper business, for which I am employed and paid by my Country; but are there not also at home persons employed & paid for making returns of a similar kind?\u2014 The language of complaint can never be agreeable, and therefore not employed from choice, and I am not unaware that a self constituted Censor has but slender means to accomplish reformation; but I cannot suppress the wish nor stifle the hope that we shall shortly see amendment, where we know it to be so much wanted. For myself, I do not expect to be personally benefited should such a change take place, but for my brother, who is to continue in the public service, I believe it to be important that the earliest notice should be given him of the current affairs at home. Should I return myself in the course of the coming fall, as I expect to do, it seems to me, at present, that I may render him some service in the line of a correspondent, and unless the same lethargy should fasten upon me, which seems to seize all our Countrymen the moment they reach home, I shall hope to enforce a resolution with the consequence of which I am now so fully impressed.\u2014 But why do I address to you, such reflections as the above? In fact I know not, unless it be from conviction that I am not authorised by right to impart them where they best apply.\n        We have seen American papers to the last of February and collect from them that the expectation of an approaching war with France was generally prevalent. The news which must have soon after been received of several steps of the french Government with regard to us, surpassing in violence any that preceded them, and barring the door to reconciliation, which was before only partially shut, has doubtless e\u2019re now confirmed this anticipation in the minds of our\nCountrymen. Open hostilities have long been exercised against the American Commerce by the armed vessels of France, and the property of our fellow citizens is falling fast into that gulf which devours every thing, and renders nothing back. An organized system of plunder, authorized only by the existence of extreme enmity, and the violation of all amicable compacts, is the offering now made by the French Government to the affections and partialities of their American adherents. Would you give credit to any one who should undertake to affirm that they expect to succeed in this extraordinary Courtship, which seems to be conducted upon principles, similar to those with which Shakspere\u2019s Richard 3d: wood & won Lady Anne? The rack of credulity would not be more violent perhaps, than is required by the fact, that American Natives are the chief instruments employed in promoting this suit.\u2014 But it cannot be\u2014for though frenchmen have found specimens of double refined depravity among us, which in some degree justify their belief that baseness & treachery is mingled in our national character in a greater portion than falls to the lot of other people, I cherish the belief that a purer clay has formed my Countrymen in general. With this ray of consolation, I can look forward with some composure to the most desperate issue, that can attend our present difficulties with France.\n        The public prints are continually announcing approaches to a continental peace, and the uninterrupted success of the french armies against those of the Emperor, seem to warrant a belief that the present will be the last campaign by land. The embarassments which are like to result from the late shock experienced by the failure of the English Bank, will probably hasten an event which all nations do, or pretend ardently to desire.\n        The victories and conquests of the English navy, buoy up for the moment, the paralized confidence of that Nation, but they produce not the same effect upon foreigners; the possessors of English funds therefore are waiting with fear and trembling to hear of fresh disasters to the finances of that Country. Here, the people are in a manner accustomed to misfortunes of this nature, but they are never the more prepared for them, and in the present instance they are doomed to see & gaze at their approaching ruin, should an English bankruptcy happen, without the power to extricate themselves. If the house fall therefore, it must tumble about their ears.\n        Present me kindly to all my Philadelphia & other friends, who may fall under your eye, and accept the assurance of warmest love & duty from / Your Son\n          Thomas B Adams.\n          PS. My brother is well, and will write you soon\u2014 We have not heard these six months from our friends at Newyork. I recd: a few days ago, my Father\u2019s letter of Decr: 5th: which is the latest I have from any body. Mr: Ross who brought it to England has not yet visited this Country. My last letter to my father went by the Grace Cap. Wills.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0041", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 9 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          my Dearest Friend\n          Quincy April 9th 1797\n        I sent last Evening to the post office in hopes that I might get a Letter of a late Date. I received my News papers to the 30th March, but no Letter. if there is any delay on my part in executing your directions, attribute it solely to the post offices, which will not permit me to receive Letters but once a week from you. I should Suppose that if a Mail containd only one Letter, it ought to be sent on; but I have known a Quincy mail arrive on a Saturday with Letters for\nothers, whilst those for me tho of various dates, are detaind to be sent all together, and so Careless are they, that in the Mail before last, a Letter to Charles from you, was put in the Quincy Mail, and returnd by mr. Hastings to N york as he informd me.\n        That I have my perplexities in the arrangment of my affairs here, You will not doubt. I shall not however trouble you with them. I will Surmount those which are to be conquerd, and submit to those which are not. amongst the latter is mrs Brislers declining to go either before me, or with me without her Husbands comeing for her. now as I do not expect to be so honourd, or indulged, by mine, I shall exert myself to get to him, as soon as possible. she is a poor feeble thing, and never was calld upon for any exertion of any kind, without having him to lean upon. I told her he would not be able to come for her untill the Fall of the Year, and she seemd rather inclind to remain here untill then. I shall take with me Betsy Howard, Becky and Betsy. I must leave to come by water when they can be accommodated, for one of my inevitables is, that Becky has not walkd or scarcly put her foot upon the ground for a week, oweing to an absess Which appears to be forming upon the joint of her knee.\n        thanks to Heaven, my Health is such as enables me to exert myself, tho I have my sick Days, they have not been lasting, and I have not been confind to my Chamber\u2014\n        I am in treaty with Porter whom I expect to place here with his wife and a Girl of ten years of Age whom she has taken, no Children no incumberance, and I believe an honest Man. I shall hire a man with him. much must be left to his honour and integrity as I have agreed to find him and his Family in every article except west India, to keep three Cows, 2 yoke oxen one Horse. Mrs Farmer I have let French take; She will soon increase. Anthony I shall leave here; Ceasar will come on, and Cleopatra I must dispose of if I can, as she is not like to increase.\n        I shall engage Horses and driver to carry me as far as N york. I do not see why your Horses & coach man may not come on for me there. I will give you information in season, and you may convey word to Charles if it should not be in Time for me here. you may write me however for I fear I cannot get all things so as leave them, in less than a fortnight. Porter has a little place which he has bought, to let out before I can receive his answer and you will note this is only the 3 day since I received your Letter of call. I have no Brisler to assist me, nor any person to think or arrange for me further than hand Labour will go\u2014and there is much of that to be done\nwhich requires my oversight and direction. I sent for dr Tufts, and made my objects known to him, and to him I have told French Burrel and Porter, they must apply\u2014and Porter that he will receive from you or me directions for his future conduct. There is Something to be done for my Mother. a maid is engaged, which I have promised to pay, and in some other things I should be glad to leave her comfortable & respectable\u2014\n        I have thoughts to get your Brother to Board Billings untill his Time is out and let him keep at the Walls, unless in Hay time.\n        I am very anxious for your Cough and pray you to take advise about it. I read two Letter in Fennos paper of Dec\u2019br 23 & 30th I cannot mistake the writer.\n        Mr Smith informs me that he saw a Captain of a vessel from Roterdam, who saw our children in Febry, they were well. he brought no Letters. I have a Letter from England of the 10 Febry from mrs Copley, in which she requests me to accept the united congratulations of their Family, upon the wisdom of our Country Men (considering herself still as an American) in the choice of their first Majestrate, that it not only afforded pleasure to all your particular Friends, but also to very many people of that Country by this you see the choice was considerd as certain in that Country as early as Febry. I have a Letter from plimouth, containing sentiments of Truth, and from no inaccurate observer.\n        \u201cMr Adams has enterd on his dignified station at a period when the greatest ability and perspicuity the clearest understanding, and the most uncorruptable Virtue is necessary to guide the helm, and conduct the political Bark in Safety between Scilly & Charibdes.\n        [\u201c]God Grant he may be an instrument in the Hands of Providence to preserve the united States from War, or from slavery. I wish I could add with a rational hope, from venality and vice.\n        [\u201c]expectation is awake among all Parties\u2014 among the Rivals of his Fame Emulation is on tip-toe. participation and affection accompany the wishes of his Friends, and his Enemies lie in wait, for reasons to justify disapprobation. this is the World.\n        [\u201c]This your Friend knew without my description. he knows also, or ought to know that he has Friends at Plimouth, who wish his administration may be productive of Glory Safety, and happiness, both to himself and Country.\u201d\n        The Whole Letter is written much more in the Stile of an old Friend than the former one, and without that Spice of levity which Seasond the other. the manner of it is, \u201cI Stand corrected\u2014\u201d\n        this is sunday. it will be thursday before I shall again hear from you. Heaven preserve support and sustain you.\n        most affectionatly Your\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0042", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dearest Friend\n          Philadelphia April 11. 1797\n        Your Letter of the 31. of March made me unhappy because it convinced me that you were so. I Attribute the Cause of it all however, to the dangerous illness of Cousin Polly Smith which I am very sorry to her. The Deaths and dangerous sicknesses of your near Relations and intimate friends always affect your tender and benevolent heart with very deep and affectionate Impressions. I hope she may still live, but if otherwise, Resignation is all our Resource.\n        You had not received any of my Letters, which urge your immediate departure for Philadelphia. I must now repeat them with Zeal and Earnestness. I can do nothing without you. We must resign every Thing but our public Duties, and they will be more than We can discharge, with Satisfaction to Ourselves or others I fear.\n        Public affairs are so critical and dangerous that all our Thoughts must be taken up with them.\n        A Letter recd from Albany a few days ago says \u201cPerhaps no Person from the Days of Noah, down to the present time, had ever a more important Trust committed to his Charge, in a more trying Crisis, than the one now devolved on you. The Eyes of the World are turned to you, with Anxiety to see, what Expedients can be devised, to extricate us from the Precipice now before Us. to avoid the final and dreadful Appeal to Arms, especially without an Object, or a\nhope on ourside of Avenging Ourselves or gaining any Thing by the sickening Contest\u2014but broken bones.\u201d\n        I must intreat you, to loose not a moments time in preparing to come on that you may take off from me every Care of Life but that of my public Duty, assist me with your Councils, and console me with your Conversation. Every Thing relating to the Farms must be left to our friends.\n        You will find your Drawing Room furnished and the rest of the house, and servants and stables in tolerable order. My Love to all Neighbours & friends especially my Mother. Comfort her as well as you can\u2014 We shall take a Journey together, in August or as soon as Congress rises I hope\u2014\n        I am unalterably your affectionate", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0044", "content": "Title: John Adams to Charles Adams, 13 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Charles\n          Philadelphia apl: 13th 1797\u2014\n        I have this day been obliged to take a serious and painful measure in the removal of the Collector of Newyork, and I wish you to give me your opinion concerning a successor\u2014 The office is important and lucrative, Walker has been named to me. What think you of him?\n        I must and will have a good Federalist, one who will not prostitute his office, to a Foreign faction, or a domestic one,\u2014\n          John Adams\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0045", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 13 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n        The day after I sent off my last Letter, I received that of my good friend, dated the 27th: of last month; and at the same time, a Packet from America, containing my orders to quit my station here, and proceed upon that to which I am now destined. Since then I have been occupied in taking measures preparatory to my departure, which I shall however probably not effect before the latter part of the next month.\n        My principal embarassment is how to make arrangements so as to render it possible for me to visit London on my way, that I may have the pleasure of meeting you there, and putting an end at length to a separation so painful to us both.\u2014 I have in some of my former\nLetters mentioned several circumstances which seem to render inexpedient your going to Lisbon: yet the moment when the possibility that you may, presented itself to me, all those objections lost much of their force in my mind, and my inclination to have your company, almost silenced every objection that Reason and Prudence had raised.\n        But insuperable obstacles, render it impossible to take passage from England for Lisbon on board an English vessel; and by the present system and conduct of the french, they treat even neutral vessels going from any English Port, no better, than if they were English.\u2014 In either case we should be exposed to capture by french privateers, which have become this Season more numerous than ever.\n        The only mode in which I may find it possible to meet you in England, will be if I can meet here with an American vessel having accommodations for Passengers, going to Lisbon, and can engage the Captain, to stop two or three days in some English Port, until we can come from London to the vessel. In that case, there will be no danger of capture; and if I can procure such an opportunity, I shall come over to you as soon as I can get away from here.\u2014 But the chance of such an occasion appears precarious, and if I find my endeavours for the purpose ineffectual, we must still reconcile ourselves to the necessity of waiting for our union until we shall both be in America.\u2014 I shall continue to write you regularly every week until I go from this place. If I find it possible to come to England, I shall give you the earliest notice of it, and of the time when I may be expected.\u2014 If not, I shall be equally careful to inform you how I go to Lisbon, and at what time I depart.\n        I should not think it necessary to renew the discussion between us with regard to my books; but you tell me that my attachment to them is hurtful to my temper. I receive the intimation with thanks, because it is not flattering, but it does not meet with the assent of my own mind.\u2014 I believe that my temper never was and never will be hurt by my devotion to study or to solitude\u2014 There is another thing which never fails to hurt it, as you have often witnessed while I was in England, and as you may have more than once perceived in my correspondence; and that is, any attempt by those whom I love, to cross the current of my character, or controul my sentiments or manners; The effect becomes the more considerable, when to the force of habit is added the sense of duty in forming my attachment to my own practice.\u2014 In these things therefore, I believe all my\nfriends will find it, saving trouble to themselves, and they will certainly consult my happiness, by considering them as articles upon which I am incorrigible, and upon which it is vain for them to impart however liberally their superior judgment or instructions.\n        But you intimate a suspicion, that this attachment, unless I should check it, may even interfere with that which I bear to you, and may render even your society irksome to me. No\u2014 I can never believe that possible. Instead of weakening, the ardent love of literature tends to confirm, to increase to exalt every virtuous and laudable affection.\u2014 I shall love you the more, in proportion to my degree of application.\n        I have it is true repeated the same idea to you, in two or three different Letters. The reason may perhaps have been, because I observed you not satisfied with this propensity of mine, and inclined to use your influence over me to divert me from it.\u2014 I saw this disposition with concern. It was painful to me to reflect, that so essential a wideness of sentiment existed between us.\u2014 Still more painful, to see you consider the Time which I dedicate to improvement, as a Time, lost to you.\u2014 I considered the union for life between two persons of sense and honour, as something more than a mere living together; and that one of its greatest objects, and of its fairest charms, was a mutual exhortation and encouragement of each other to every honourable pursuit and every laudable employment. \u2026 I had conceived the hope that by a repetition of the same sentiments, I might give you the means of concluding my bent to be taken, and that you would reconcile yourself to it.\u2014 The subject appeared to me important with regard to your happiness as well as to my own in our future connection, and I wished you to adopt at once the conviction that I consider such arguments as would take Time from myself, in order to give it to the world, as little better than frivolous.\n        My lovely friend, reprove me for every day of my time that I lose in indolence: persuade yourself, that no man in my condition of life, ever hurt his health, by too much application to his duties, but that thousands have ruined themselves by neglecting them. Cheer my Industry, instead of dissuading me from it. Encourage me to persevere, instead of endeavouring to divert me from such purposes, and be assured that every exhortation of that kind will be more worthy of yourself, and more useful to me, than any intimation that either my health or my temper suffer by my application to books or my solitude.\n        Remember me affectionately to all the family, and believe me ever faithfully 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0046", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 14 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dearest Friend\n          Philadelphia April 14. 1797\n        I have this day recd, in your favours of the 5. 6. and 7th. of the month the first Acknowledgment of the Receipt of my Invitations to you to come to Philadelphia and share in the Burthens of your friend. I hope you may have commenced your Journey before this day: but knowing how many dispositions you have to make, and how difficult it will be to make them I cannot promise myself the happiness of seeing you so soon.\n        Your Solicitudes would be less if you were here. The Variety here would amuse you\u2014and the Spirits of the gay enliven you\u2014the Reasoning of the Wise assure you.\n        Your narration of your Agricultural Management delights me and the picture of Billings\u2019s circular Wall, or oval Wall as he calls it charms me\u2014 We shall see it again I hope in August. But this will depend upon Congress and Intelligence from Europe. Oh what an enchanting Summer I should have had, if W. had been P. and I, V. P.!\u2014 But never mind that\u2014 We will do our Duty as We are, and he could do no more.\n        On the 4th. I enclosed you a Post Note.\n        I have recd a Chronicle to day, by which I perceive that French those who profess so much Attachment to France, So much devotion to the french Revolution and so much Enthusiasm for the french Republic are very much afraid that the Voice of the People will be for War. They need not fear that War will be sought. If it comes of itself and We cannot avert it, We must make the best of it, unpleasant as it is.\n        Poor Ed. Savil would be glad to revenge himself at the hazard and for ought I know at the Sacrifice of his Life. Jarvis and Austin should see his back.\n        To day I have recd the Lt. Governors Cheese\u2014like a charriot forewheel boxed up in Wood & Iron. it will last till you come.\n        I am grieved for Mary smith: but think you ought not to tarry on her Account. You can do her no good that others cannot do.\n        My Duty to Mother Love to Brothers and friendship to Neighbours.\n        Yours as always", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0048", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 17 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          My Dearest Friend\n          Quincy April 17th 1797\n        Tho I have not heard from you since I wrote you last, and have nothing new to say, unless it be a resital of my own perplexities, out of which I must get by myself. Yet a few lines will assure you that I am getting forward as fast as possible with my affairs, and prepairing to sit out on my journey. the weather has been as uncommonly cold and stormy for the week past, as it was Hot for two days the week before. we have a snowstorm, of some inches Depth, which has lain for three days. it has retarded our Buisness on the farm and chilld our exertions. the sudden changes have confind Your Mother and brought on one of her old Lung complaints the good old Lady is sure she shall dye now her Physician & Nurse is about to leave her, but She judges with me, that all ought to be forsaken for the Husband. it is an additional care and anxiety for me. I shall provide for her comfort every thing necessary before I leave her. Mary Smith is yet living. of how uncertain a duration are all our worldly possessions, and Earthly comforts? if we could not look for brighter scenes and fairer prospects, who could wish to remain the victims of pain and sorrow? mr otis has lost his son George with a dropsy in his Head.\n        I have just been reading chief Justice Elsworths Charge to the Grand jury at New York! did the good gentleman never write\nbefore? can it be genuine? the language is stiffer than his person. I find it difficult to pick out his meaning in many sentences. I am sorry it was ever publishd\u2014 how I run on. the Federilist say there is but one blot in Your Character. the Chronical has undertaken to praise and the Jacobins to speak well. the snare will not hold action will soon break it\u2014 critical are the Times. may you get valiently through them.\n        yours 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0049", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 19 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dearest Friend\n        as soon as your Letter informed Us that Mrs Brisler could not come without her husband I sent him off, in two hours, the day before Yesterday, i.e Monday. There has been Such a snow storm ever since that he must have had a bad Journey to N. York\u2014 Whether he will wait there for a Wind for Rhode Island or take the stage I know not but hope he will get home before you come away.\n        This days Post brought me Yours of the 12th. Your fatigues and perplexities must be great as well as mine\u2014 I am here at Mercy without Brisler. But We seem to go on well\u2014\n        I am very willing you should let the Place and sell every Thing perishable as you thought of doing. Every Thing works against Us in\nthe Article of Expences and We shall find ourselves more Straitened than ever We were in our whole Lives.\n        Mr Murray Sailed last sunday was Sennight\u2014so that the Papers you inclosed must remain here some time. Bring on the Portfeuill or Leave it with Dr Tufts. Bring my Seals too.\n        I like the Plan of letting the Place, better than any other. We cannot be there this Year above a month or six Weeks if at all.\u2014 I shall be content however with Any disposition you may make.\n        I dont know but I shall send my Coachman and Horses to Paulus Hook for you, with a Man to ride on my little Horse.\u2014 James you will discharge I suppose; but as you please. James would ruin this family, I fear. Let me know when you shall be at N. York. I will Let you know whether you may wait for my Horses, or whether you must hire at N. York. Let me know whether you have Harness for four Horses. or whether I must send on Harness for two or more. Charles is here on a Visit to me. I am, most tenderly", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0050", "content": "Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          Brussels 30e Germinal an 5e: [19 April 1797]\n          My dear Brother.\n        I arrived here last night after a pleasant journey from Antwerp, where I lodged on Monday. Upon enquiry here I found no Diligence going to day, so that it has given me an opportunity of seeing a great part of the City, which I find surpasses much in point of situation the idea I had of it. The quarter of the park is delightful, and the prospect from the Ramparts is such as brings to mind some parts of our own Country. The cultivation & the soil are perhaps\nsuperior to any we have. The season here is at least a fortnight earlier than in Holland. It does me good to see a little uneven ground, as well as to breathe a better air.\n        I have two pleasant companions who came with me from this side of the Meuse; and who go with me as far as Valenciennes\u2014 One is a french Merchant of Amsterdam, the other a manufacturer of Remscheid and a neighbor of our Correspondents Halbach & Sons. The frenchman answers well to his character as such\u2014Gay, pleasant, civil, but he conceives much better than he combines\u2014for example\u2014 He conceived the morning we were to leave Antwerp that we could walk & have our baggage transported from our lodgings to the Diligence office, a distance of three quarters of a mile\u2014in five minutes. I assured him it would take at least a quarter of an hour\u2014 He was occupied with some of his people, and when I pressed him, he replyed \u201cMon ami nous avons encore du tems\u2014\u201d It turned out therefore that when we came to the Office, the Diligence was gone. Que faut il faire \u00e0 cette heure. Said I\u2014 \u201cIl faut prendre un voiture particulier.\u201d said he\u2014 This was not to be had but for two persons with half the baggage. He and the German took that, and I was obliged, or rather I chose to take one myself which cost me just eight times as much as if I had gone in the Diligence; for it costs but two Brabant Schellings with this and for the other it cost me near two Crowns to go as far as Bonn, only three leagues\u2014 You perceive I was imposed upon\u2014 I learnt a lesson by it however, which I think was not dearly paid for, if I can observe in future the moral of it.\u2014 In the afternoon the frenchman missed his Cane\u2014where was it? He believed he had left it in the other Schuit or au Commodit\u00e9 of the Auberge\u2014 He would not have lost it for a Louis\u2014 He would therefore be set on shore from the Schuit and walk back two or three leagues to get his stick\u2014 But it was between 2 & 3 o\u2019Clock and we were four leagues from Brussels so that he could hardly arrive before the Gates would be shut; n\u2019importe\u2014j\u2019arriverois toujours avant que les portes soient ferm\u00e9es, said he\u2014 of course he stripped off his pentalons\u2014his belt of Louis\u2014his purse & other articles to march the lighter, left them with the German\u2014jumped out of the Schuit and after his stick\u2014 We reached here at 5 o\u2019Clock and he got in before nine, having found his stick, and tr\u00e9s heureusement an extraordinary Schuit, which he overtook about half way on his return\u2014 Dont il etoit tr\u00e9s content. So much for him.\n        His friend the German is a good natured easy man, to whom Monsieur entrusts the care of half his effects, to preserve on the\nroad\u2014 The German calls him his spoilt child, but they jump very well together\u2014\n        I am told the Directory have taken a recent resolve that the passports of American Ministers shall be no more respected in France\u2014 This I suspect is only the old arr\u00eate, made public\u2014 There is news of a new victory of the army in Italy\u2014\n        I start tomorrow at 4 oClock in the morning, and with good fortune shall be in Paris on Saturday evening\u2014\n        Make my Comps to every body, and to young De Kock in particular\u2014he probably told you that he saw me start from this side of the Meuse on Monday morning.\n        I am always yours\n          Thomas B Adams\n          P.S. I met at Rotterdam on Sunday evening a young man by the name of Cutting who brought me an introduction from our Brother Charles\u2014 I expect to see him at Paris\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0051", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 21 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, William\n        The Death of my Mother which took place this afternoon very suddenly, will prevent my Sitting out on my journey as I had\nintended on twesday. we propose to burry her on Monday. I do not think I can get away untill thursday. I shall therefore omit sending Beckey untill fryday. I would wish two places engaged in the Stage as I have an other Girl to go with her, and should like to have them under the care of some person who would take charge of them. I should be glad of the portmantua if you should not want it. You will be here on Wedensday Evening if you please; unless I should be again detaind by the Death of Mary Smith which is more than probable as she has not been able to be raised from her Bed for three days\u2014\n        Inclosed is the pattern which I should have sent to cousin Betsy. I am Dear sir your affectionate\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0052", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 21 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          The Hague April 21. 1797. 2 Flor\u00e9al an 5.\n          My dear Brother.\n        For I suppose you must have an explanation to keep you current with the vieux stile, now-a-days.\u2014 I have received your pleasant account from Brussels of your travels thus far. Continue to write me as often as you can, and sur tout return as speedily as possible.\n        I have read something in Adam Smith about the wonders performed by division of labour. I know very well the effects of its multiplication, for the moment you went away, it took me as usual au depourvu, and I am so overloaded with it, that I finish by doing little or nothing.\n        The Decree or arr\u00eate against our passports was a new one, as you will find. Mr: Cutting and his friends are prevented by it from going to Paris, very much to their disappointment.\n        General Pinckney and his family are here. Mr: Rutgers was here too this morning and is gone on to Amsterdam. Capt Mackay gave me no opportunity to reject the offer you mentioned; he expected to find you here, and will write you.\n        I have since your departure, received letters from Mr: Short and\nMr: Waldo, at Paris, both of whom I suppose you will see. I enclose a letter for Waldo.\n        Your friends here enquire after you avec inter\u00eat. We visited the Hansetowns on Tuesday and Sweden according to custom on Wednesday. This evening, we expect to see Madam Schimmelpenninck.\n        You know my aversion to long Letters (to writing them I mean) and I suppose will be glad to find mine short ones. None from America since you went away.\n        Your\u2019s with the truest 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0054", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          My Dearest Friend:\n        I think through all the most trying conflicts of my life, I have been called to pass through them separated from the personal condolence and support of my bosom friend, I have been taught to look for support and aid from superior power than man: there is a state of mind, when affliction dries up the source of tears, and almost bids the swollen heart burst. I have left one of those distressing scenes, and come from the house of sorrow, and bitterness, and wo, to the house of silent mourning. The venerable remains of our parent, yet lie uninterred, and the distressing pangs of dissolution of an agonizing nature, are separating the soul from the body of my dear niece, whilst her senses are perfect, and alive to every attention, willing to go, praying to be released, yet requesting her friends and sisters not to leave her dying bed; but to remain by her until she breathes her last. O it is too much to bear! my heart is too big for my bosom; it rends my frame, and you will find me, when I reach you, more emaciated than with a fit of sickness. To-morrow I have\nthe last duties to pay to our venerable parent. I have taken upon me the care and charge of the funeral; and to-morrow she will, for the last time, enter our doors. I have requested Mr. Whitney to attend. It is not for me to say when I will leave here; the will of heaven has detained me; I must not complain.\n        By the mistake or misarrangement of the mails, you will not receive my letters as I wish, but the detention will only spare you pain. I am, my dearest friend.\n        Your very afflicted,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0055", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dearest Friend\n        This day you promis\u2019d me to begin your Journey: but if the Weather is as disagreable with you as it is here, I could not exact the fullfillment of the Engagement. I fear you will have bad roads and unpleasant Weather.\n        You talk of your Perplexities and say you must get out of them yourself. Do you think mine less severe, public or private?\n        My dear and venerable Mother\u2014 Alass\u2014 I feel for her.\u2014 She can complement her daughter yet\u2014that is a good Sign.\u2014 As to the Husband it Seems to me that the Mother and the Daughter ought to think a little of the President as well as the Husband. His Cares! His Anxieties! his Health! dont laugh\u2014 his Comfort\u2014that his head may be clear and his heart firm, ought to be thought on more than the Husband. Provide every Thing for my aged and worthy Mother I hope to see her yet again before October.\n        You and Such petit Maitres and Maitresses as you, are forever criticising the Periods and Diction of Such great Men as Presidents and Chief Justices.\u2014 Do you think their Minds are taken up with such Trifles. there is solid keen, deep sense in that Morsel of Elsworths\u2014 You ought to be punished for wishing it not published.\n        I warrant you, I shall soon be acquitted of the Crime of Chronicle, Argus and Aurora praise\u2014 Let it run its rig however\u2014and say nothing at present.\n        Your moral reflections on worldly Possessions and earthly Comforts\u2014Your look into futurity for brighter Scenes and fairer Prospects are wise.\n        You cant imagine what a Man of Business I am\u2014how many Papers I read and how much I write, every day. I fear you will effeminate me when you come.\n        I have determined to Send my Coachman and Horses to Paulus Hook for you. as soon as I know the day you will be ready to get Your Coach over to the Hook I will endeavour to contrive that the Horses shall be ready. to be harnessed at you command. You will find the Coachman very Attentive sober, skillful and obliging.\n        I am forever your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0056", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 24 April 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          London April 24th 1797\n        I have recieved your letter of the 13th, my beloved friend, it is impossible to express the delight I experienced, when I read the welcome tidings it conveyed\n        yes my Dearest friend, should you find it practicable, I will with pleasure attend\u2014you\u2014my whole life shall be devoted to render you happy, and I trust in time, it will be in my power to convince you, that I am far from wishing to interrupt your studies, Too great an anxiety for your health induced me to write what has so much offended you, I have so often committed these faults lately, that whenever I write you, I feel a sort of fear, lest I should inadvertently repeat them\n        I will say no more on this subject my Adams, your letter conveyed such pleasing intelligence, I cannot dwell on the latter part of it\u2014 I only fear that something will happen to prevent our meeting, and I scarcely dare encourage the flattering hope, lest I should again be disappointed\u2014 I shewed my father that part of your letter, wherein you mention the probability of your return he told me he would write you by this opportunity\n        Ah my friend, it was in my last letter I said, that I was more reconciled to our lengthened seperation but the pleasure I now feel, fully convinces me how much I shall suffer, should we at last be doomed to seperate\u2014 my last disappointment has taught me to fear, and I find it almost impossible to check my apprehensions\u2014\n        All the family desire to be remembered\u2014\n        Farewell my best friend, believe me sincerely yours,\n          Louisa C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0058", "content": "Title: Joshua Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 25 April 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          My Dear Sir\n        I thank you for your obliging Letter of the 31st Ultimo I do not know that I should have replied to it before the 5th. of next Month had not my Daughter receved a late Letter from you & in which you inform her that the Letters you had recived from America had\ndetermined you to proceed to Lisbon as soon as possible but that you was diserous of takeing London in your way, I need not tell you that I should be glad to see you on many Accounts, one amongst the rest is to shew you that I have arrainged all my old concerns & am now nearly ready to return to the Country that gave me Birth, with a hope of Settling my Family comfortably & then ending the remainder of my Days, prudence will in this, direct that I arrange my Worldy matters by Will & if I should be deprived of seeing you before I quit this Country I shall take the liberty to nominate you; my Son; & Nephew my Executors, being confident that you will exert your self to protect, the Fortunes & Morals of all my Children & under your advice & Instruction my Nephew will be enabled to Collect & arrange all my Merchantile affairs & which must produce a large Sum, to be divided amongst my Family, but I will refrain from saying any thing more to you at present on this gloomy Subject\n        You mention your intentions of ingageing a Vessell to take you to Lisbon, that you intended to arrange with the Captain to touch in some Port & then wait for you until you could come to London & Join my Daughter whom you intend to take with you, as her Father I am anxious to see her happy & united to the Man, I am shure will make her so; & one whom I esteem, I would therefore do anything in my power to promote your intentions & was not the Schooner Mary rather two small to take you to Lisbon, I would send her immedeatly to Rotterdam & their wait your conveniency in comeing over, this Vessell is about 50 Tons Built in Virginia is fitted up for Passengers & remarkably handsome I wish that I could have known your intentions sooner, I certainly would have indeavored to accomodate you, I expect the Holland by the Fifteenth of next Month, she may be order\u2019d to Rotterdam or Amsterdam if so she will afford you a good conveyance to London where I want her to take me & my Family out to Amica & from this I think you may always meet with Vessells bound to Lisbon, I however wish by the return of Post to hear from you & know your determenatin.\n        Your Successor I find is expected every Day, it is more than probable that he may come home in the Holland\u2014 It is said here that the Emperor has made his Peace, is it so, & if it is, what effect will it have on this & our Country, I am afraid & very much afraid that it will make the Directory very imperious & Insolent to us\u2014 I have the pleasure to inform you that Mrs. Johnson & the Ladies are all well, they unite in their most Affectionate good wishes to you & I am\u2014 / Dear Sir / Your truly Affecte. Friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0059", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 26 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          My Dearest Friend,\n        This, I hope, is the last letter which you will receive from me at Quincy. The funeral rites performed, I prepare to set out on the morrow. I long to leave a place, where every scene and object wears a gloom, or looks so to me. My agitated mind wants repose. I have twice the present week met my friends and relatives, and taken leave of them in houses of mourning. I have asked, \u201cWas all this necessary to wean me from the world? Was there danger of my fixing a too strong attachment upon it? Has it any allurements, which could make me forget, that here I have no abiding-place?\u201d All, all is undoubtedly just and right. Our aged parent is gone to rest. My mind is relieved from any anxiety on her account. I have no fears lest she should be left alone, and receive an injury. I have no apprehensions, that she should feel any want of aid or assistance, or fear of becoming burdensome. She fell asleep, and is happy.\n        Mary, in the prime of life, when, if ever, it is desirable, became calm, resigned, and willing to leave the world. She made no objection to her sister\u2019s going, or to mine, but always said she should go first.\n        I have received your letters of April 16th and 19th. I want no courting to come. I am ready and willing to follow my husband wherever he chooses; but the hand of Heaven has arrested me.\nAdieu, my dear friend. Excuse the melancholy strain of my letter. From the abundance of the heart the stream flows.\n        Affectionately 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0061", "content": "Title: Eunice Paine to Abigail Adams, 26 April 1797\nFrom: Paine, Eunice\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          my Dear mrs Adams\n        From an old friend the companion of your youthfull days you will allow the familliarity I use\u2014\n        I was so Struck with the intelligence mr Belcher left this morning that I am hardly capable of writing but the Spirit constraineth me the dispensations of providence are so visibly kind they have a voice of their own and need not be repeated\u2014 Peace to the Spirits of the\ndeparted they had their Dear freinds around them\u2014and all the Love & all the honour that they coud receive was granted go now to thine Dearer half & be to him a supporter under all his great affairs Go ride in the whirlwind & derect the Storm & may This benign Spirit Guide you, Gaurd you, Strengthen you & perfect all the work which you have taken in hand And in the mids of a crooked Generation you may Shine together as lights in the world.\u2014\n        I understand that you Set forward to morrow may Every Element be favourable to you and I ask that you woud tender my Love to your Daughter it is as good as Ever and I woud also ask the favour that you woud put the annexed Testimony of Cais tome to my friend into your Trunk and convey it as derectd at yr Leizure my love to Louisa may heaven preserve you all from the p[\u2026] of the City you will Excu[se] the penman-Ship this Employ agitates my Nerve but I am better than I have been & may live to rejoyce in your adminstrations you must think of me as of a good nature\u2019d Spirit who hovers round you & woud if possible convey to you the pleasurables which yr circumstances have allowd you to Shed upon me for all favours may that Being reward you who Supplyd my want from yours in the Bonds of Love\n          Eunice Paine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0062", "content": "Title: Obituary of Susanna Boylston Adams Hall, 29 April 1797\nFrom: \nTo: \n        On Friday the 21st. instt. departed this life, in the 89th. year of her age, Mrs. Susannah Hall, the venerable Mother of John Adams, President of the United States of America. And on Monday following her funeral was attended from the President\u2019s house to the Meeting-House in this place, by a large & respectable assembly of the inhabitants of this and the neighbouring Towns, who came to pay their last respects to her memory. Her remains were carried into\nthat house of Prayer, in which, when living, she took so much comfort & delight. Previous to her interment a most excellent Prayer, adapted to the solemn occasion was made by Mr Peter Whitney a young Candidate for the sacred Ministry, now officiating here.\n        The deceased, in early life, was married to Mr John Adams, then a most worthy and respectable gentleman of this place. With him she passed the prime of life fulfilling the duties & partaking in all the sympathies of domestic care and tenderness, till death dissolved the union. She was then left a widow with three sons, whose dutiful & filial affection for their remaining parent, softened the affliction that left them fatherless, and did honour to the principles of virtue and piety in which they had been educated.\n        Her eldest Son received a liberal education at the University of Cambridge, and now sustains the Office of President of the United States of America.\u2014 After continuing in widowhood until her Children were agreeably settled in life she consented to alter her state, by accepting the addresses of a worthy gentleman by the name of Hall as the companion and friend of her declining age, with whom she lived happily a few years when he also was taken from her by death. Mrs Hall was descended from the family of the Boylstons, one of the most respectable families in New England. Her uncle Doctor Zabdiel Boylston, a most celebrated Physician, was the gentleman who first discovered and practiced the method of inoculation for the small-pox, which has since proved of such inestimable benefit to Mankind. Other branches of the same family have been eminent for Learning, & one of them in particular, of late for his generous Donation to the University of Cambridge for the purpose of promoting polite literature and the belles lettres.\n        A life, like Mrs Hall\u2019s protracted so much beyond the common period, afforded the present generation a living example of that singularity simplicity of manners & godly sincerity for which the venerable settlers of this country were so justly esteemed, & her peaceful death brightened by the full prospect of immortal felicity through a reedemer afforded an example of the unspeakable value of that Religion by which \u201cLife & immortality are brought to light.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0063", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Adams, 30 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John\n          springfield sunday Evening April 30 1797\n          my dearest Friend\n        Thus far am I on my journey. I hope to reach East Chester on thursday Evening, and one day I must pass there, and one in N york. on Monday I shall sit forward for Philadelphia, and could wish you to meet me at muckleroys to dinner on twesday, if agreable to you, of which you can inform me by post addrest to me at N york to be left at our Sons.\n        Brisler will be home by Saturday Night or sunday at furtherst with his Family and my two Girls\u2014 we have got on very well, only mrs Brisler the first night was sick all night with one of her old turns which a little fatigue always produces. I was thankfull he was with her to take charge of her\u2014\n        I endeavour to feel cheerfull, and try to make Louissa so who is much affected by the Death of her sister, and has been quite sick. we have both had severe trials upon us the week we left home\u2014 I come to place my head upon your Bosom and to receive and give that consolation which sympathetick hearts alone know how 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0064", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 30 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          my Dear sister\n          springfield April 30 1797\n        I know you will rejoice to hear that we are so far on our journey without meeting any accident my Quincy Friends and Neighbours who accompanied us as far as Westown could tell you that they parted with us in as good Spirits, as the peculiar circumstances which preceeded our leaving home would admit. we reachd Williams\u2019s and lodgd there. it was fortunate that mr Brisler was with his wife, for in the Night she was taken with one of her sick turns, and was ill all night and part of the next day. Worry and fatigue had brought on, what would have taken place without it as Soon as the Hot weather commenced. having effectually cleard her stomack, I hope she will proceed without any further inconvenience. the next day we reachd Worcester to dine, and Brookfield to lodge. how we got to springfield to night, is not worth Your while to inquire. the Attorney Generall will not present us I presume, as we caught him on the Road, returning from Northhampton Court. but with a Family of thirteen persons it behoves us to get on as fast as we can, particularly when I consider my detention, and how necessary to the Wheels of the Presidents Family Brisler is. my Thoughts are continually like Noahs Dove, returning to the Ark I have left.\n        Whether like that I shall return no more, must be left with that Being, in whose hands my Breath is. I consider myself following where Duty leads and trust the Event.\n          \u201cis Heaven tremendous in its frowns? most sure;\n          And in its favours formidable too;\n          Its favours here are trials, not rewards;\n          A call to Duty, not discharge from care\n          And Should alarm Us, full as much as woes;\n          Awake us to their cause, and concequence;\n          O\u2019er our Scann\u2019d conduct give a jealous Eye\n          And make us tremble.[\u201d]\n        Such appears, to me the situation in which I am placed, enviable no doubt, in the Eyes of Some, but never envy\u2019d or coveted by me. that I may discharge my part with honour, and give satisfaction is my most earnest wish.\n        My kindest regards await my Friends, particularly to Brother Cranch. Love to my Dear Eliza. I hope she will not let her spirits\nfaint or sink under her bereavement. how consolutary the reflection, that whom the Lord loveth, he chastneth\n        You have the consolation of knowing that no part of your duty was omitted. all that the tenderest Love and kindest affection could do or perform was done by You, for the Dear Girl whose loss we mourn this with her dying Breath she bore witness too.\n        Let mrs Howard know that Betsy stands her journey pretty well the other Girls are very well. I forgot to mention to mr Porter to attend to the first catipillar webb and take them of as soon as they appear. pray send him word. I see they are beginning upon the Road\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0065", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          My dear Brother.\n        I am very much gratified to find by your favour of the 26th: that your Journey from Brussels was so pleasant, and that you are so well satisfied with what you had seen.\u2014 I shall request Messrs: Moliere to extend your credit with their correspondents at Paris.\n        There is a Danish vessel going to Lisbon from Amsterdam in the course of three weeks or a month. I shall go to Amsterdam in a few days to ascertain whether it will be expedient to take passage in her.\n        Your friend Parker is here for a few days. The Citizen Plenipotentiaire & our Tilly are sitting to him for their pictures.\n        Your numerous friends here, always obligingly demand of your news. I go on in the usual stile, more and more dissatisfied with my solitude. No letters from America.\n        Remember me particularly to my friends at Paris, and to Messrs:\nd\u2019Aranjo and Brito. Tell the latter that I shall be happy to take any commands for his Country. He mentioned before he went from here that he might have some.\n        After the letter, which you will find I have written this morning to Mr: Pitcairn, you will not be sorry to see me come to a short conclusion with you, in the assurance of being your ever affectionate brother.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0067", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 4 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dearest Friend\n          Philadelphia May 4, 1797\n        Your Letters of the 21. 22. 23. and 26 of April are all before me\u2014 They have inspired me with all the Melancholly in which they were written.\n        Our Mother and our Niece are gone to rest. The first a fruit fully ripe the last but a blossom or a bud.\u2014 I have Suffered for you as much as you have Suffered\u2014 But I could give you no Aid or Amusement or Comfort.\u2014 I pray God that these dispensations may be for ever good. My Mothers Countenance and Conversation was a Source of Enjoyment to me, that is now dried up forever, at Quincy. Our Ancestors are now all gone, and We are to follow them very Soon, to a country where there will be no War or rumour of War, no Envy, Jealousy Rivalry nor Party.\n        You and I are now entering on a new Scene, which will be the most difficult, and least agreable of any in our Lives.\u2014 I hope the burthen will be lighter to both of Us, when We come together.\n        I am, as long as Life lasts your / ever affectionate\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0068", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 4 May 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            Dear Sister\n          I this day receiv\u2019d your kind Letter from Springfield. I Set you down in Brookfield in my mind that day however I think you did right to go on as fast as you could the President must want both you & mr Brisler & could I think you would have any rest after you arriv\u2019d I should feel better about you. but I do hope you will not think\nof Staying thro the hot months your Life is of too much importance to be thus risk\u2019d\u2014 I did feel\u2014I cannot Say how the day you left me\u2014 I could not bear to stay at Quincy I Should have done like poor Prince wept all day it was necessary also for Cousin Betsy to get out She Set the greatest part of her time at the kitchen chamber window looking into the Burying Ground. I have not let her know I notic\u2019d it but I lead her away as much as I can. Sister Smith has had a terrible [crazy] turn quite raving last Saturday & a monday She made mrs Brackit believe She was going to dye we were there the most of the day She made mrs Brackit lug & lift her about like a baby till I went over. She was very cross wanted a Doctor & a nurse. had nobody to take any care of her. wishd She could be among people who had some feeling I told mrs B it would not last long I had Seen her so many times we put her to Bed & I desired them not to let her get up till She could do it herself I knew she put all them airs on to fright them She hinted about her [Peuking] to fright Cousin Betsy. She was Strong enough the next morning. tis a Strange disorder which can make a person act so\u2014 She is now much better\u2014but it has worried Cousin\u2014\n          mr Whitney is gone a journey So we have no meeting to day. capn. Lindsey has had a drumb & a Fife playing all day at his house & all the worst drunkards in town with him & he has been fireing guns himself & this evening they have been before mr Apthorps house making a wretch\u2019d noise\u2014 you will be Surpriz\u2019d I believe when I tell you that mr whitney had a large majority of the votes on monday & more Still that upon a motion made to know if those who had voted for mr Flint would consent to join the others, that but eight Should Stand back & not one of them have any objection to mr Whiteny & that finally they consented to Suffer the Clerke to record it a unanimous vote\n          they chose a Committe to desire him to preach till the last of May & the Same Committe to draw up what they might think a proper offer to make him & lay it before the Town at a meeting they are then to have I hope it will be what he can accept. but mr Flint will be mortified I have a great value for him but I must say I had rather hear mr Whitney. this harmony is so unexpected that I hope we shall have him\n          I hope you found your children well at new york & the President in good health I must send my Love to him if he was five times as big as he is\u2014 & now my Sister how is it possible for you to take your Pen & not write Politicks I see tis right that you Should not\u2014 I do\nnot want Secrets but I Shall want to See my Cousin Letters from abroad I Shall know what is taking or too take place just as I do when I read a Prophesy only I do not think him supernaturally inspir\u2019d\u2014 will you be So kind as to send us all the inteligence from them that we may Safely know\u2014 I shall feel myself Shut out of the world if I cannot have your oppinion how it is going on\u2014\n          my dear Louissa will keep up her spirits & write us often. Cousin Betsy will not leave me I hope or think of any other home untill She gets one of her own\n          I Shall tell mr Porter about your Trees & take every other care you wish me to\u2014 pray let me hear from you or Cousin every week it Will comfort the heart of your affectionate Sister\n          mr Cranch & madam welsh Send their affectionate regards", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0069", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 5 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          my Dear sister\n          East Chester May 5 1797\n        we reachd here yesterday being thursday the 7th day from leaving home. we had very bad Roads, the Rains having washd all the stones bare, and the ruts were very deep I was much fatigued; Brisler and Family went on to N york mrs Brisler much mended in her Health by her journey. I hope when we get over our fatigue we shall all be able to say so. Betsy does not seem the worse for it, tho I think I have run a risk in taking so feeble a Being, but I hope it may be a means of restoreing a Good Girl to Health\u2014 I found mrs Smith and her Children in good Health. mrs smith grows very fleshy as much so I think as before she first went abroad, tho being older and more moulded into the form of woman, she does not look so burdend. the col has been gone, a journey for a fortnight up to his New Lands\u2014 tomorrow I go into New york and on Monday proceed for Philadelphia. I think it a very fortunate circumstance that mr smith\naccompanied us. it has renderd the journey much pleasenter, and he has taken a good deal of care and anxiety from my mind, which I should have felt if he had not been with me.\n        I want to hear how you all are, and how my Farming buisness goes on. I would wish you to go & look at them sometimes. my Love to all Friends and Neighbours Mrs smith joins me in a kind remembrance.\n        your affectionate Sister", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0070", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 6 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n        Upon receiving this morning your Letter of the 21st: of last month, I recurred to mine of the 7th: in answer to which it was written. I was not conscious of being displeased at your reading Chesterfield\u2019s Letters, or at your having mentioned it to me.\u2014 But in reading over my own letter again, I am not surprized at your having taken it in that light.\u2014 No, my ever dear, and valued friend, I am not displeased that you should have read the book, because it contains many good [observ]ations, and many useful precepts: and your purity of heart and discernment of [mind will] easily distinguish\nthem from the base and corrupted lessons with which they [are] mingled. It was the author and the work with which I was displeased, not with you for reading them.\u2014 Chesterfield by his own story was a great scoundrel; a principled villain, and he gives as precepts, many rules which strike at the very foundation of human society.\u2014 Perhaps besides all this, I have a prejudice against him, even beyond what he deserves\u2014 Perhaps that in reading even his just and reasonable instructions, I feel as if he was personally satyrising myself.\u2014 Perhaps the interest I have that his doctrine about the extreme importance of the Graces should be false, may have some share in forming my conviction that it is so.\u2014 If however you wish to know the more immediate reason, which might render my letter so apparently acrimonious, consult the book itself and read his Letter 300.\u2014 You will find in it a certain anecdote about Lord Shaftesbury, which Chesterfield highly approves and recommends as an example for imitation.\u2014 It so happened that just before I wrote my letter to you that passage of the book fell in my way.\u2014 Now the conduct of Shaftesbury as thus related appeared to me to form such a combination of meanness, of servility, of falsehood and of profligacy, that I could not repress a sentiment of contempt and indignation for a Man, who could mention it with applause, and hold it out as a lesson, to his own son.\u2014 I am not indeed altogether singular in my opinion of Chesterfields book, as you will perceive by an epigram which I somewhere read several years ago,\n          \u201cVile Stanhope (Demons blush to tell)\n          In twice three hundred places,\n          Taught his own Son, the road to Hell\n          Escorted by the Graces:\n          But little the ungracious Lad\n          Concern\u2019d himself about \u2019em:\n          But base, degenerate, meanly bad,\n          He sneak\u2019d to Hell without \u2019em.\u201d\n        If there was as much foundation for the second of these couplets as there certainly was for the first, it may serve as the best possible comment upon the Chesterfieldian system of education. The lessons of vice were successful; those of elegance were ineffectual. The serpent was able to instill his venom, but could not impart his power of fascination.\n        My brother is still at Paris and I am alone. I have not yet finally fixed upon the mode of my voyage, but believe I shall go by a\nDanish vessel, directly from Amsterdam to Lisbon. I cannot express how much anxiety I suffer at the necessity of thus protracting the period of our union. I am engaged in a situation from which in the present state of things I cannot retreat. I can only hope for a Time of more tranquility, when I shall be at liberty to indulge my inclination for retirement, and the happiness which you only can bestow. My disappointment is aggravated by the sentiment of your\u2019s, and the persuasion that our separation is no less distressing to you than to myself gives the keenest edge to my affliction.\n        The negotiation for Peace between France and Portugal, is broken off, and the Minister who conducted it has left France. What the next summer may produce cannot easily be conjectured. You have told me that you would not hesitate in any Event to accompany me to Lisbon, and in this determination I recognize with pleasure and gratitude the Spirit, that dictated it. I do not apprehend there would be any personal danger to you in that residence, but there may be circumstances which would subject you to inconveniences, and might render a removal at once difficult and necessary.\n        We have accounts from America to the 24th: of March. The news of the refusal to receive Mr: Pinckney, and the prospect of a rupture with France, had occasioned considerable alarm. I suppose however that there will be in England intelligence of a yet later date before you receive this Letter.\n        Farewell, my best friend. Remember [me affection]ately to your Parents and Sisters. Present my respects to Miss Holling, and believe me ever tenderly your\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0071", "content": "Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 8 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          Dear Brother.\n        I have written you three letters since my arrival here; this is the fourth, which I mention only for the sake of knowing whether you received them in order. It is very well known that I am here and some people might think it worth while to discover what I write to others\n        I have hitherto only one letter from you, and had not expected to have another until the last post, supposing you to have written as soon as you received my first letter from hence. The next I hope will bring one as I wish to learn what progress you have made in the accumulation of business and the state of preparation you are in for departure. My time is already half expired, and I have yet obtained no formal permission to remain here. I have however obtained a passport this day from the Minister of Police to return, and as it is valid for two decades only, you may calculate pretty nearly the time I shall set out.\n        The weather has been so unfavorable for several days past that I have in a great measure kept house, and therefore have seen little\u2014 Yesterday however I visited the pantheon, ascended its majestic dome and from its summit beheld a spectacle of grandeur & magnificence, surpassing all description. In point of Architecture the building itself must be the first model of the universe. I descended also into the cave of honor and paid my homage at the tombs of Voltaire & Rousseau\u2014of the other worthies who once were thought to merit such interment, there rests only the Coffins which contained their Corps Mirabeau Le Peltier & Marat were not made for immortality. The miracle of justice, which condemned them to a pre mature resurrection, consigned them in the opinions of many to endless infamy. There is a place assigned for the General Dampiere,\nbut his pretentions have not yet stood the ten years probation. It seems to me to be in some respects a wise, in others an erroneous provision, which requires such a length of time to pronounce upon the merits of those distinguished personages to whom the Country would testify its gratitude. The inscription on the fa\u00e7ade of the Panth\u00e9on is \u201cAux grands hommes, La patrie reconnoissante.\u201d Real merit demands in my mind a speedier recompense than after a ten years ordeal. On the other hand, the provision is calculated to prevent improper intrusions, such as were perhaps those of the three persons above named. Posterity will perhaps doubtless acknowledge other great men than Voltaire & Rousseau. The History of France might perhaps furnish such at this day\u2014 You remember that a deputy of the National Convention once moved that honorable mention should be made of King John. Upon the present plan the scale is much too partial.\n        From the pantheon I visited the \u201cJardin des plantes,\u201d the same which Buffon improved & which improved Buffon. I am charmed with its arrangement, its order neatness and regularity. I could not get a sight of the Museum which is in it, but hope to some other day.\n        I must not neglect to mention the National Museum at the Louvre. It is some time since I saw it, but in my former letters I omitted speaking of it, in hopes of seeing it again and being better able to describe it. The paintings are at present in the utmost confusion; being placed from one end of the Gallery to the other upon the floor & without frames, except a few\u2014 There is neither Catalogue or description of them, which for a novice like myself in the art of a Connoisseur is particularly unfortunate. The collection is magnificent already, though the gleanings of Italy have not yet arrived; they are seen however at this moment under every disadvantage\u2014 The style of Claude Laurens is in my eye the most pleasing of any I saw. It was with Mr: Rogers that I saw the gallery, who unfortunately was as great a stranger as myself, and our Conductor not being very expert at his trade we were unable to make up in any degree the want of a Catalogue.\n        These are the principal objects that have as yet fallen under my observation, except the Theatres, which I frequent regularly. I relish them much. The Feydeau-Cidevant Th\u00e9atre de Monsr: is my favorite rendezvous. Mol\u00e9 & Fleury are I think superior to vestris; by this I mean only, that I am more gratified by their performance than by his.\n        Yesterday I discovered the dwelling of your old friend M. Arnoux. It is the same as when you used to see him\u2014 He seemed much gratified at your remembrance of him and expressed great attachment to our family\u2014 He introduced me to his kitchen because there was no fire in his apartment. There I saw a female who was dressed in costume Cuisiniere, and to whom the old Gentleman mentioned my name\u2014 She entered at once into conversation with me; asked me whe[re] you were, and distinguished you by the name of M. le Gros. I told her you were no longer the gros that you had been when she knew you. She asked me a number of questions which seemed to me to partake much of na\u00efvet\u00e9; I did not discover her relationship to the old man or in what capacity she is with him\u2014 You will probably recollect her. M. A\u2014 offered me very politely his services and begged me to mention any way in which he could be useful to me here. I told him that I knew of none except it were to procure me the honor of his acquaintance. \u201cHe invited me to dine with him,\u201d as Yorrick says, and promised at the same time to prepare a letter for you. During the reign of terror he past one year in prison as he informed me.\n        I have purchased some books and made a provisional bargain for Barboue\u2019s edition of the classics\u2014 The price is 15 Louis; my finances will not admit of so great an expence at present, so that I shall leave this for a future negotiation.\n        The Councils of the Nation, which would naturally attract the curiosity of a traveller I have not yet seen, for two reasons: first because to gain admittance to one of them you must pay money; secondly, for the other you must have a card. I hope however to see the Directory tomorrow, being Decad\u00e9, whereon they are to receive some military trophies.\n        I am as ever / your affectionate Brother\n          Thomas B Adams\n          P. S. I dined with our friend P\u2014 to day who delivered me your\u2019s of the 2d & 5th: currt: I hope to comply with your wishes for my return by the 25th: at least it will not be later than the 28th: according to my present calculation.\n          I shall procure the books & laws you desire, if possible. P\u2014 tells me they can be had.\n          I observe in your letter to him that you notice the annunciation of Mr: [M]\u2014\u2014s arrival here as special envoy\u2014 I have mentioned the circumstance in one of my letters. The report was published in the\nGazettes the day previous to my arrival so that I did not give rise to it, as was surmised by some of our friends. I have been positively assured that Mr M\u2014\u2014s appointment is announced in a private letter from Philada: but I could not learn to whom this letter came. You will see how the Nouvelles Politiques speaks of the report and how it accounts for it. My opinion on this subject I try to keep to myself. The thing is generally wished, or pretended to be so.\n          Present me kindly to our friends, whom I thank for their civil enquiries. Tell Parker that he has an occasion to make an interesting groupe of the subjects under his hands.\n          I have been clearing off for ten days, my mass of Dutch bile\u2014 Imprimis purgare you know is the foundation of Medecine en France. I hope to return quite enlightened.\n          As before I am ever 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0072", "content": "Title: Charles Adams to Joseph Dennie Jr., 9 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, Charles\nTo: Dennie, Joseph Jr.\n        Your kind letter of the month of March last deserved an earlier answer. but my absence from this City must be my excuse. The Lay Preacher has not escaped the notice of any one who has a taste for fine writing and you may be assured it has afforded me great pleasure to hear my friend Dennie mentioned as one of the most charming writers of The age. Unfortunately I have mislaid The proposals you sent me, or I should have procured some more subscribers I\nwish you had sent me the Museum without consulting me for whatever litterary production you may be concerned in will always be eagerly read and as far as in my power assisted by me: Nor have your writings passed unobserved by those who are much better judges than myself My father has requested me to subscribe for two setts of The Museum for him and mentioned you in a manner that were I to relate you would perhaps think flattering\n        I wish you to send another subscription paper that I may give you what aid is in my power.\n        With sentements of sincere esteem I am / Your friend and huml Sert\n          Charles 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0073", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 9 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          My dear Brother.\n        Messrs: Moliere, will this day extend your credit with their correspondent at Paris, to the amount of 4000 livres more. This I presume will amply suffice for your occasions.\n        I requested you by my last letter, to be here not later than the 25th: of this month. There is to be a Ball on that day at the Hotel de Su\u00e9de. The Count desires me to tell you, that you will be very much wanted as a danser; that he cannot excuse you, and what is more, that if you do not come to attend it, Mlle N\u2014 will never forgive you.\n        General Pinckney and his family are gone to Rotterdam. The Fair is not remarkably brilliant. I do not hear as yet of any f\u00eate for the peace. I have this day your letter of 15. Flor\u00e9al.\n        Mr: K\u00f6nig went from this, three or four days after you. If you see him, remember me kindly to him, and to all my other friends at Paris.\n        Your affectionate brother.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0075", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 16 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n            My Dear sister\n            Philadelphia May 16 1797\n          most cordially welcome to me was your kind Letter of May the 4th, yet I have not found time since my arrival to thank you for it, or even to write a Line to any Friend. my Journey was as pleasent as my thoughts upon what was past, and my anticipations of what was to come would permit it to be. we reachd East Chester on thursday\nnoon and found mrs smith and Children well. my reflections upon prospects there, took from me all appetite to food, and depresst my Spirits, before too low. the col gone a journey, I know not where I could not converse with her, I saw her Heart too full. such is the folly and Madness of speculation and extravagance. to her no blame is due. Educated in different Habits, she never enjoyd a life of dissipation. the Boys are fine Lads, I wish they were at Hingham under your care. I tarried one day & a half, and then went into Nyork. Charles lives prettily but frugally. he has a Lovely Babe and a discreet woman I think for his wife, quite different from many of the Family. a Number of Ladies and Gentlemen visited me there. on Monday the 8 of May we left Nyork to persue our journey. on Wednesday morning about 25 Miles from Town, I was met by my Friend who clameing his own, I quitted my own carriage, and took my seat by his side. we rode on to Bristol where I had previously engaged a dinner, and there upon the Banks of the Deleware, we Spent the Day, getting into the city at sunset. I found my Family of Domesticks had arrived on Saturday without meeting any accident, which was very fortunate for 40 miles through the Jersies was the worst Roads I ever travelld the soil is all clay. the heavey rains & the constant run of Six stages daily, had so cut them up, that the whole was like a ploughd feild, in furroughs of 2 feet in deepth, and was very dangerous. to me you may well suppose such roads were more peculiarly distressing. they were so much so, as to confine me to my Room & Bed the greater part of Two days\u2014by some applications I have in a great measure recoverd, tho I am still a sufferer.\n          Yesterday being Monday, from 12 to half past two I received visits, 32 Ladies and near as many Gentlemen I shall have the same ceremony to pass through to Day, and the rest part of the week. as I am not prepaird with furniture [for] a Regular drawing Room, I shall not commence one I believe as the Summer is to near at hand, and my Health very precarious. at the Winter Sessions I shall begin\u2014 Mrs Tufts once stiled my situation, splendid misery, She was not far from Truth. To Day the President meets both Housess at 12 to deliver His speech. I will inclose it to you. I Should like to learn the comments upon it, with a veiw to discover the Temper and sentiments of the publick mind. we are indeed as Milton expresses it, \u201cThrown on perilous Times\u201d\n          We have Letters from the Minister at the Hague as late as 23 Feb\u2019ry. I will send you in my next some extracts from them. they are\nin the Same strain of information and intelligence with the former. the decission as it respected the Election here, was well assertaind in France & England & Holland, and it had its influence upon all those powers.\n          I pray you to Remember me affectionatly to all my Friends & Neighbours. I rejoice in your unanimity as it respect mr Whitney, who you know is the Man of my choice without any prejudice or dissafection to mr Flint the union was however unexpected, but not the less agreable. the hour approaches to dress for the morning. My Love to cousin Betsy. I wish she could run in as formerly. I do not however dispair of seeing her Here, Some future Day.\n          I can say nothing to you of future prospects of returning to my own Dear Home. that must be governd by circumstances. my pens are so bad I know not whether you can read. I am most affe\u2019ly / Your sister\n            Evening 8 oclock.\n          The day is past, and a fatiguing one it has been. the Ladies of Foreign Ministers and the Ministers, with our own Secretaries & Ladies have visited me to day. and add to them, the whole Levee to day of senate & house strangers &c making near one Hundred askd permission to visit me, so that from half past 12 till near 4 I was rising up & sitting down\u2014 mr A will never be too big to have his 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0076", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 17 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          My dear Brother.\n        I have just got your agreeable favours of 8\u20139\u2014 & 11\u2014 May, and as this is the last day upon which I can write to reach you at Paris, and I have but little time for the post, I shall be short.\n        Mr: Arnoux\u2019s letter has given me great pleasure, and I wish you if you have time, to give him my grateful thanks for it; for his kind remembrance of the family, as well as his attentions to you. Madame de Ville if she is the same lady, whom I have seen at the farmer General M. de Chalut\u2019s (his daughter, though not then recognized as such), I very well remember. If you see her again, you must tell her, qu\u2019elle n\u2019\u00eatait pas faite pour \u00eatre oubli\u00e9e. I have a perfect and very lively recollection, not only of herself, but of her charming performances upon the Forte-piano. Perhaps her fine children have taken some of her attention off, from that instrument.\n        M. le Gros, is much obliged to the Cuisini\u00e8re for her remembrance. She used to be very kind to him, when he was a boy, and he has always been grateful for it. I am very glad to hear she is well, and wish you to assure her of it, should you have an opportunity.\n        I hope you will not leave Paris, without visiting the two Councils. A card, I suppose may be procured, and a little money is what you will not begrudge for such a sight.\n        The Fair is tapering off, and has not been very splendid. We have had a Ball at M. de Schubarts. The Count has changed his day to the 23d: so that I suppose you will not be able to be here.\n        There is in the Nouvelles Politiques of 21 Flor\u00e9al an infamous aspersion upon your father, as false as if it had come in a straight line from Hell. I am surprised to see it in that paper, because it is generally moderate & impartial.\n        M. No\u00ebl was married on Sunday.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0077", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 19 May 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n        Although it is probable you will have quitted the Hague, e\u2019re this can reach you, I cannot help answering your very kind letters, and flattering myself, that they will not arrive too late\u2014 I yesterday recieved yours, of the 6th, which I cannot say gave me satisfaction, as it confirmed my fears of your not returning\u2014\n        I am sorry my best, and dearest friend, you should ever feel a moments uneasiness, on my account, and would most willingly suffer any thing, to relieve your mind from anxiety\u2014but indeed my Adams, I think we meet with difficulties, and disappointments, enough without anticipating them\u2014 Excuse me if I say, it appears to me very unreasonable, to embitter the few moments of happiness within our reach, by permiting ourselves to indulge unpleasant, and disagreeable conjectures\u2014 Life is short, and admits not of much real felicity, therefore we ought not to reject the good that offers, by watching for evil, but thankfully accept it, with gratitude to the giver of all good\u2014\n        You have accustomed me to write my sentiments without reserve, and to you who possess my whole confidence, I would not wish to conceal a thought, it would be an affectation of delicacy in me, to deny how much I wished to accompany you, yes my beloved friend, I most sincerely wish it was possible, believe me, no trifling obstacle should prevent me, yet if it is attended with any inconvenience to you, I am the last person on earth to desire it, your letters all tend to convince me, that this is the case, and I have relinquished the pleasing hope of our meeting, I acknowledge it has cost me some pain, but I have conquered my feelings, and trust I have\nsucceeded so far, as to enable me to hear of your departure, without much regret\u2014\n        One year my best friend, is almost elapsed since we parted\u2014 may the next be more propitious to us than this has been, but alas, I much fear, that many must pass ere I shall experience the delight of beholding you\u2014when I think on this subject my friend, my fortitude almost forsakes me\u2014\n        Adieu, all here desire their love\u2014 that you may enjoy health, and happiness, is the constant, and earnest prayer / of your tenderly attached,\n          Louisa C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0078", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 21 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Mother.\n        The last Letter I have received from you is dated the 11th: of last November. I know not whether since that time the multiplicity of your own avocations or the uncertainty where your Letters would find me have prevented you from writing to me. However it be I cannot suffer a long period to pass without writing, on my part, and I feel already culpable in some degree, when I reflect, that I have not written you since the 8th: of February.\u2014 I have indeed kept my correspondence with my father very active and frequent. So that for whatever information I can give of news and politics you will find no vacancy; but a mother; and especially the best of mothers, loves to hear from her children something about themselves.\u2014 I am so sensible of this, and feel so much the common disposition of tattling about myself, that I can scarce ever read over a letter written to you without blushing a little at the strain of uninterrupted egotism into which it constantly slides.\u2014 I hope you will receive this as partly apologizing for the long intervals which sometimes elapse between the dates of my Letters to you.\n        About the 10th: of last month, I received my commission for Lisbon, and my recall from this mission. But as it has appeared to me rather expedient for the public service to delay than to hasten my departure I am still here.\u2014 In about three weeks from this. I expect to sail either directly from Amsterdam, or else to send my baggage\nfrom thence, and go myself first to London. This last plan would suit me best, but I know not whether it will be possible.\n        By my baggage, I mean principally my books for I have scarcely any other. I have never kept house here, as indeed I could not, and am therefore not encumbered with furniture. But I have collected a small parcel of books, valuable for their contents though not by their splendor, and I cannot reconcile myself to part with them. They have been gathered with a real intention of use, and not for shew, though even in this, comparatively speaking, solitude, I am able only to snatch here and there a moment for the entertainment and instruction they afford.\u2014 The practice however of purchasing books at all the sales (which are frequent) and a certain reserve, which has kept me much out of what is called la Societ\u00e9, or la bonne compagnie, or has accompanied me into it, have given me a formidable reputation as of a student, which I but ill deserve.\u2014 I am not completely idle, but my father would think me inexcusably indolent.\n        In speaking of la bonne compagnie, I must tell you what it is.\u2014 The National Assembly and the various offices created under it, have collected here a considerable number of wealthy families, from various parts of the Country.\u2014 The influence and example of the french Minister has been constantly used, to unbend the reserve which characterizes the manners of this People, and to introduce among them the sort of sociality which prevails in France. He has formed a sort of Court about him, more numerously attended, and more assiduously cultivated than that of the Stadholder under the old Government. The example has spread with more or less extent among the members of the present Government, and their numerous and crowded parties have assumed an appearance of gaiety and splendor, which forms a counterpart to the dulness and dissatisfaction very discernible among the People in general.\u2014 As the french of the present day affect to have taken for their model the conquering policy of the Romans, I often think that in this instance they have adopted the system pursued by Agricola, among the Britons, in a situation not very different. The writer of his life, though his son in Law and a Roman, makes a reflection upon the occasion, concerning the effects of that policy upon the Britons, which the Batavians of the present day, much less warlike and much more civilized might however forcibly apply to themselves.\n        My brother has consented to go with me to Lisbon; but he was so desirous before his return home, to get at least a transient view of\nFrance, that he has taken the present opportunity for a short trip to Paris. He has been gone about five weeks; and I expect him back now in the course of a few days. My last Letter from him is of the 11th:\u2014 I gave him a letter to M. Arnoux, who treated him with much kindness and attention, and in his answer to my introduction, requests me to present his respects to you.\u2014 You remember the pretty young Lady, we used to see at Messrs: de Chal\u00fbt, and who was afterwards recognized as the farmer General\u2019s daughter.\u2014 She is married and has five children.\n        My friends in Boston, have left off writing to me altogether. I have scarcely received a letter from thence these twelve months. I find that the want of punctuality from American correspondents is proverbial.\u2014 I find by the newspapers that Mr: S: Adams has declined being re-elected as Governor of Massachusetts.\u2014 His age and infirmities are entitled to repose, and his retirement from the public service, will prove his best security to preserve unimpaired the grateful sense of his former exertions in the cause of his Country.\n        I am unwilling to enter with you upon the subject of politics. Europe is still the theatre of stupendous Events, which crowd upon one another with a rapidity and a violence that baffle all anticipation, and leave not a moment for the wonder of common minds to subside. The Emperor has made his Peace with France, having the Republican armies almost at the gates of Vienna.\u2014 The Government of Venice, the most antient in Europe, expires almost without a groan, in the hands of a Corsican stripling, whose name two years ago might have been hidden under a dogs ear on the rolls of Fame, but which at this moment disdains comparison with less than those of Caesar or Alexander. The British power is crumbling to pieces from every corner of its foundations. A new order of ages is advancing with gigantic strides, and would to Heaven there were better grounds to promise ourselves that with it Saturnian times are about to roll round again.\u2014 \u201cVain wisdom all, and false philosophy.\u201d There will be vice, while there is Man. So said two thousand years ago, one of the most penetrating judges of human Nature that ever surveyed the species, and so with whatever reluctance, must repeat every cool observer of the present times. Corruption is an Antaeus that rises with fresh vigour from every point of contact with his mother Earth, and never, never will a son of Jove appear, to wrest him from his hold and strangle the monster in the air.\n        My prose is running mad. Let me rather return to the plain and\nsimple assurance that I am, as I shall ever remain with the tenderest sentiments of gratitude and affection, your Son.\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0079", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 24 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          my dear sister\n          Philadelphia May 24 1797\n        I keep up My old Habit of rising at an early hour. if I did not I should have little command of my Time at 5 I rise from that time till 8 I have a few leisure hours. at 8 I breakfast, after which untill Eleven I attend to my Family arrangements. at that hour I dress for the Day. from 12 untill two I receive company, sometimes untill 3. we dine at that hour unless on company days, which are tuesdays & thursdays after dinner I usually ride out untill seven. I begin to feel a little more at Home, and less anxiety about the ceremonious part of my Duty, tho by not having a Drawing Room for the Summer I am obliged every day, to devote two Hours for the purpose of seeing\ncompany. tomorrow we are to dine the secretaries of state &c with the whole senate. the Male Domesticks I leave wholy to Brisler to hire and to dismiss; the Female I have none, but those I brought with me, except a Negro woman who is wholy with the Cook in the kitchin, and I am happy in not having any occasion for any others for a very sad set of creatures they are. I believe this city is become as vile and debauched as the city of London\u2014nay more so, for in the lower classes, much more respect is had to Character there Speculation in Property in politicks and in Religion have gone very far in depraving the morals of the higher, classes of the people of our Country.\n        You will see by the Chronical I presume that the Tone of the Jacobins is turnd, and that the president has committed with them the unpardonable sin \u201cby saying; that he was convinced that the conduct of the Government had been just and impartial to foreign Nations\u201d Bache opend his batterys of abuse and scurility the very next day, and has in every paper continued them, extracts of which I dout not the Faithfull Chronical will detail. the answer of the Senate You will find equally firm and decided as the speech. I call it a supporting answer. the House cannot yet get theres through. the Antis, want to qualify. they dare not openly countanance the conduct of France, but they want to court and coax, her. with Barra\u2019s insolent speech before their Eyes and Pincknys dispatches, which fully prove the unbecomeing and indignant conduct of France toward the united states, these degraded Beings would still have their Country men \u201click the Hand just raisd to shed their Blood\u201d amongst that number is Freeman of our state, who yesterday appeard a full blood Jacobin in his speech in the House. Langdon in the senate is more bitter than, even Mason or any Virginian. Mr otis I am told appeard to great advantage; and was much admired in a speech of considerable Length.\n        I want to hear from you again You must write to me once a week. how does mr & mrs Porter succeed. I will thank you to get from the table Draw in the parlour some Annetto and give it to mrs Burrel, and tell her to make her cheese a little salter this Year. I sent some of her cheese to N York to Mrs smith and to mr Adams which was greatly admired and I design to have her Cheese brought here. when she has used up that other pray dr Tufts to supply her with some more, and I wish mrs French to do the Same to part of her Cheese, as I had Some very good cheese of hers last Year. in my best chamber closset I left a white Bonnet. be so kind as to take it and\ngive it for me to mrs Norten. in a small wooden Box is a new crape cap which I designd to have sent here, but omitted it untill my other things were gone. will you get it & fasten it down to the Box by making a Small hole or two and then putting a thread through the cap & Box. in my Bathing machine you will find a peice of canvass which will cover the Box. You will have it addrest & give it into mr smiths care who will send it to me\u2014 I have Bacon in Boston which I should be glad to have sent. mr Belcher knows about it. dr Tufts will pay the expence when requested\u2014\n        my Respects to Brother Cranch & to Mrs Welch Love to cousin Betsy from your / ever affectionate sister", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0080", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 25 May 1797\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, John\n        I hope before this Time Mrs. Adams has arriv\u2019d at Philadelphia and recovered from the Fatigues of her Journey; of her Health & yours I am solicitous to hear\u2014 Since Mrs. Adams\u2019s Departure I have been busily employed in adjusting your Farming Concerns, Mr. Porter, who has the Care of your Homestead, appears to me from what little Experience I have had of Him, to be well disposed, diligent & trusty. Billings remains on the Farm, has his Frolicks and now & then will require a private Lecture\u2014 Soale who was hired for a Month, is engaged for another, his monthly Wages are high, but not being able to procure a Man of whose Fidelity & Service I can rely upon at a lower Rate, I think it Will be best to engage him for the Summer & Fall. There is much to be done on the Farm & less Help will not execute it\u2014 The Forty Acres bought of Jackson Field & Neddy Curtis is let to Jackson & Eben. Field for the Season, Salt Marsh at Milton to Mr. Elisha Turner, The House in which Brisler liv\u2019d is leas\u2019d to Revd. Willm. Clark\u2014 The Bay Mare have sold to E. Turner the Bay Horse having the Heaves & being old, think it will be best to sell Him & place Hobart\u2019s Mare & Colt on the Homestead\u2014 Porter has finishd his Plowing sewing & planting, except the planting on the Meadow in some part of which the Water still remains and will not, for sometime to come, be in a Condition to plant\u2014\n        Should You think it would be best to contract for a Quantity of\nBoards & Shingles this Summer, You will inform me\u2014or any other Matter that may occur to you\u2014 The great & momentous Affairs that engross Your Attention, will probably leave You but little Time to reflect upon your domestic Affairs, this short detail of them may, however, serve for your Amusement and I hope that our National Affairs will assume as promising an Appearance as Your Domestic and can long be placed upon such a Footing as will secure to us Peace and Tranquillity. Wishing You every Support and an happy Issue to our Troubles\u2014 / I am with Love to Mrs. Adams / Your Affectionate Friend & H Servt.\n          Cotton 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0081", "content": "Title: Joshua Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 26 May 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          Yesterdays Mail brought me your very Affectionate Letter of the 12 Instant which I have repeatedly read with great attention and deliberately wieghed the contents & therefore Speak in reply without any reserve, I find that you & my Daughter have the strongest Affection for each other & that Life must be a burthen to each so long as you are seperated, it is hard for Parents to part with Children whom they Dearly Love, but it is the first duty a Parent owes his Child to do all in his power to insure their happiness, this consideration wieghs down all others with me & Louisa\u2019s Mother & we acquiesce in her Joining you & Embarking in the Mary, I have ingaged Capt. Saml. Crozier a very sober usefull Man & who has been in the habit of carrying Passengers to conduct you to Lisbon & he will tomorrow commence on putting the Schooner in compleat order for your reception & which will be perfected against the time you can reach this & in order to secure you from any interruption, she shall not take in any thing but your Baggage & Ballast, you do not say whether your Brother accompanys you or not, I however shall have a birth prepared for him, also accomodations for your Servant & Louisas\u2014 From what I learn from some very intelegent Persons Just from Paris, I find that the Directory begin to moderate & think that\nthey have gone two far with us indeed it is expected that they will recall their orders to their Cruzers and forbid them to molest any more of our Vessells, but I confess I am not so sanguine, yet I am convinced their will be no War between us\u2014\n          Precautions is always necessary, and I cannot do better than confide in a Man I esteem & whose Integrity & Principals I have a high an opinion of, you will never decieve me, I shall use the permission you grant me\u2014 I transmit you at foot an extract of a Letter I have Just recieved from the Clerk to the House of Delegages in Congress, it has given me real pleasure & I am sure it will you, as I think it speaks the general Sentiments of our Country, besides it proves the Harmony which subsists between the two Heads of the Executive and contradicts what many designing Men has asserted, that they differd not only in opinions but disliked each other\u2014\n          I will write you again tomorrow by way of Rotterdam in the meantime I am with sincerty / Dear Sir / Your truly Affectionate Friend\n            Joshua Johnson\n          Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia 4 April 1797.\n          \u201cThe affairs of our Country has undergone a change since my last, Mr. Adams as I anticipated to you, was Elected President by a Majority of 3 Votes to suceed Mr Washington, Mr. Jefferson vice President to succeed Mr. Adams, Both Gentlemen have entered upon their Offices with great Cordiality and Friendship, Union, Harmony and an anxious desire for Peace universally prevail. The Crisis of our affairs with France is generally deprecated, but as Mr. Adams has prudently convened by Proclamation the New Congress to meet on the 15th next Month, their is every confidence that the Wisdom & Policy of that body will secure us from an impending eruption. We greatly lament the failure of Malmsburys Negociation & hope the repose of the World will not long continue to be disturbed by contending Nations\u2014[\u201d]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0082", "content": "Title: Louisa Catherine Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 26 May 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n        Your letter of the 12th is arrived, and I flatter myself that our difficulties are ended\u2014\n        Why my beloved friend did you tell me to choose, what I have always declared, requires not a moments hesitation to determine, no my Adams, I have long ardently wished you might be enabled to return, and I have repeatedly assured you, that no personal inconvenience, would prevent my accompanying you, if possible\u2014need I then say more to convince you, that your return would make me happy, and that I anticipate it with the utmost pleasure\u2014 I only fear my friend, that you will find me a troublesome companion\u2014\n        In regard to your temper &c:, I can only say, that the more I know you, the more I admire, esteem, and love you, and the greater is my inclination, to do every thing in my power, to promote your happiness, and welfare\u2014\n        Mama, and my sisters, desire their love, and say they hope to see you shortly\u2014 for myself, my best friend, I would say a great deal if I knew how to express it. but it is impossible, and I must simply stile myself, yours unalterably,\n          Louisa C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0084", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 31 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n        I have received my kind friend\u2019s letters of 3d, 16th: and 19th: of May, and am impatiently waiting to hear from you and your father again. I am going this day on a tour to Amsterdam, where I shall make the arrangements for my immediate departure; so that I shall probably not remain here long enough to receive your reply to this Letter. There are many difficulties in the way of any arrangement that I can take.\u2014 The situation of the Country to which I am going is not the least of them.\u2014 It is extremely precarious, as Portugal [ha]s every prospect of becoming the seat of War.\n        My brother has returned from Paris after passing a month there, very agreeably. I have been in the mean time very much engaged, and am so still. It is a poor apology to you for writing you so shortly but it is the best, and the only one I have.\u2014 You make frequent use of the appellation \u201cmy Adams\u201d.\u2014 I do not like it.\u2014 It is a stile of address that looks too much like that of novels. A bare proper Name does not sound or look well for a Man, in real life.\u2014 I have endeavoured to habituate myself to it, because you appear fond of using it; but it looks to me more and more uncouth and aukward.\n        Remember me kindly to all the family, and believe me ever affectionately / 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0086", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          My dear Brother.\n        I arrived here last Evening and this morning received your cover, enclosing the Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury.\u2014 There are Letters here from America, as late as the 29th: of April. Mr: Murray had then sailed so that he may be looked for every day.\n        I have not yet seen Mr: Damen, and of course have made no arrangements. I shall make none immediately for my own departure. I feel a little anxious on account of your Health.\u2014 Let me know by return of Post how you are.\u2014 Do not by any means undertake to go with me, untill you can do it with perfect safety. I can and will\nprotract my departure if it should be expedient.\u2014 Above all, be of good cheer. Keep up your Spirits, and take care not to expose yourself to a cold.\n        I will thank you to send me half a dozen, blank Passports;\u2014you will see Captain Mackay again tomorrow or the next day at the Hague.\n        Your\u2019s affectionately\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0087", "content": "Title: Thomas Welsh to Abigail Adams, 2 June 1797\nFrom: Welsh, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          Dear Madam\n        I had the Pleasure of receiving your Letter of 23 Ulto: with the Pamphlet last Saturday 27th: for which please to accept my Thanks.\n        According to your Directions I requested Russell to send the Centinel to you which he has since informed me he has done; you will see the Statement made relative to the Nomination and by this Scrap from the Chronicle the pitifull Venom of Envy in the party really too insignificant to be noticed Go. Blake I suppose is the Author. this is sub Rosa\u2014\n        With Respect to the Enquiry how the President\u2019s Speech was received? I can say that for the first 48 Hours it was spoken of with universal Satisfaction by all Classes \u2019till some of the Leaders had Time to conjure up Objections this they found difficult and still more difficult to [procure?] Aversion as many well meaning Men had suspended their Prejudices and had already expressed their full approbation of the Speech. so that I fully believe that it still is very generally & highly approved.\n        Governor Sumner is to be introduced into office at 12 O\u2019Clock this Day.\n        The Senate is composed of a very f\u0153deral Body. but the House has more antis than usual but not enough to carry any Points how this has hapened I know not without some Secret Schemes have been in operation\n        Please to present my Respects to the President let him know that the F\u0153deralists are begining to deify him and the Jacobins preparing to send him to Tartarus; but his Friends wish him to occupy the midle Region of Space. and that he and his Country men may be permitted to inhabit our own peacefull Plains uninterupted by foreign Arts, or foreign Arms.\n        I am with respect your, Friend and St\n          Thomas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0090", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Ellery Dana, 6 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Dana, Elizabeth Ellery\n          Philadelphia June 6t[h 1797]\n        Blessed are the Peace makers, says [a Good] Book, for which you and I, entertain the highest respect and reverence. I quote this benidiction to reconcile you to the appointment of your Best Ffriend, as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republick.\n        An appointment which all true Friends to their Country, and real Americans will rejoice in out of 28 Senators, there were 22 approving voices, as the Yeas and Nays were taken. I commit no transgression in Communicating this to you. Two Senators were absent, & two have not been here this Session. amongst the Six, Massachusetts has the Misfortune to have one. my Situation forbids my expressions of indignation! The French Faction are not less insolent or less sparing of their abuse upon the President, than they were upon his Predcessor; but I can read Bache every morning with Cool contempt. I think this a Proof of Phylosphy. you too my dear Madam,\nmust arm yourself with the same shield for you will find occation for the full exercise of it. But the Curse Causeless, shall not hurt us\u2014\n        You know well, that I can sympathize with you in all those trials which have call\u2019d our dearest Friends, to the Post of Danger and difficulties; they have heretofore been fellow Laboures together in the arduous, and Perilious Conflict for Freedom and danger independance, having thrown of the Shackles, and shivered the fetters as of one dominering power, we must not now permit them to be forced upon us, by a more insolent and assuming Hands with pretentions less founded, aiming not only to wrest from us our Freedom and Independance, But our Religion also\u2014\n        The Prospect is truly allarming, and threatens but our Country [with] nothing less than the Subversion of all, which our [Friends] have Mutually aided each other in obtaining, and [whic]h we had good reason to Expect would be transmitted [a] fair inheritance to our Children.\n        As your Friend is again Calld upon by his Country to take an active part, in a Mission of a highly interesting and very important Nature, on the isssue of which is involved the Peace of our Country, I cannot permit a doubt to arrise respecting his acceptance of it. Mr Marshall who is joind with him supports a very fair and Honorable Character, and is sayd to be truly American, and to this Opinion, the Six Votes against both the Gentlemen, will be a standing Record.\n        Having been Whitness to your fortitude and Patriotism upon a more trying occation than the Present, as the Circumstances of our Country were then more distressing I flatter myself you will persevere in the sane line of Conduct, which led you then to Sacrifice, every personal Consideration to the Welfare of our Country\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0091", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Welsh, 6 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Welsh, Thomas\n          my dear sir\n          Philadelphia June 6th 1797\n        We yesterday received the Centinal. I thank you for the vindication which I found in it. I well knew how watchfull the Faction would be to lie in wait & catch at every Straw, misrepresenting and abusing every measure which was intended to secure us from foreign influence. the President waited a reasonable time for the answer of the House to his Speech, before he made his nominations to the senate of envoys extraordianary to the French republick. the\nJacobins Seazd this interval to propogate a report that he was not Sincere in his professions to treat. when he sent in his Nominations to the senate, they were obliged to Change their ground. the next attack was upon the persons Nominated judge dana was declared to be an open & avowed Enemy to France. this opinion was propagated by Varnum & confirmd by Freeman. I tell you Names, you will however keep your informant out of sight. they however advanced this at Francis\u2019s Hotel at the publick table at which they Dine; there are others who will transmit the same account I doubt not. the senate however confirmed the Nominations Yesterday 28 senators being present 22 voted in favour Virginna senators, Langdon Cokce of Tenassee, & two others against them. You will also see that the Nomination of JQA 19 to 9. No one ventured to utter a syllable against the person, but undertook to judge of the propriety of having a mission there.\n        We yesterday had Letters from both our sons dated in March 18 I will transcribe a passage from JQAs.\n        \u201cThe french Government at present evidently design to go to War with the united states, unless the Americans will submit to sacrifice their interest their honour and their independance. to Effect this design their great expectation is founded upon the hope of our internal disunion, a hope which is very much encouraged by the Americans who are conversent with the ruling Men in France\n        [\u201c]The determination for the present is to take and perhaps to condemn all American vessels and merchandize bound to or from any Ports under the dominion of Great Britain. this system has long been discernable but is now openly avowd. upon this Principle they have already taken and condemnd several vessels going from England. the Privateers which took them have generally been fitted out by Americans, and it is from Such Specimins that the Directory judge of the dispositions and Character of the American people.\u201d [\u201c]one of the objects to which this system is destined in plunder they consider the american commerce as a benificial prey, and they are desirious of a pretext to refuse the payment of about 40 millions of livers which I understand they owe to the citizens of the united stats. that they are seeking pretexts for a quarrel is plain from every circumstance that has happened Since the note of mr Adet, in october of the last year. but they gradually proceed from one step to an other because the Directory have not by the constitution the right of declaring War and they do not think the Nation or the Legislative\nassembly Yet sufficiently exasperated to make a proposal to declare war for the present pass. in order to produce such an animosity they are daily useing every means of misrepresentation and falshood against the American Government. at the same time they are offering every provocation of insult indignity and injury in there power, depending either that no power exists on our part to resent them, or if they are resented that our measures will furnish them pretext for further insolence, and perhaps for proposing to the Legislature a Declaration of War.\u201d\n        You are at Liberty to communicate this to such Friends as may be relied on.\n        I inclose You Bache impudenc of this day. I say with the Member from Conneticut, I hope if the Chronical retails it, there will be found American Blood enough in Boston and American ink enough to punish him. we now have a Govenour who will give a different Tone to the sentiments of many and will aid the Federal Government. we wait for his Speech with raised expectations. I must close or the post will leave me\n        a kind remembrance to all Friends / from your affectionate Friend / &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0092", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 6 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Louisa Catherine\n        \u201cOur difficulties ended\u201d!\u2014 Be it so.\u2014 But Faith is not one of the articles of which I possess a remarkable store.\u2014 I wish you may never have reason to consider as the commencement of difficulties, what you now regard as their termination.\n        We shall have the means of conveyance to Lisbon.\u2014 Such as will perfectly well suit me; and such as you are willing to take up with.\u2014 But I do not like [to have] the vessel sent for us alone.\u2014 I submit to the expedient, but cannot [approve it.]\n        [You] tell me that you like me the better, the more you know me.\u2014 Be but as easily pleased my friend, after marriage, as you are before, and we shall live together as well as can be expected.\u2014 But you have put too much gilding upon your prospects: you have promised yourself too much, and I regret already your disappointment.\n        I know this so well, that I have always meant to leave you to your choice, until the last moment.\u2014 You have made no hesitation\u2014 I hope you will have no regret.\n        I shall probably soon be released from this Country; and hope shortly to see you. In the mean time I remain ever affectionately 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0094", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 8 June 1797\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          As you are now in a Sphere of Life that requires the Enjoyment of Health, the Exercise of Wisdom, Patience and every other Virtue, I wish you the Possession of these equal to its Exigences and that as is the Day so may be your Strength. I feel anxious for my Friends, but peculiarly so for the State of my Country, at the same Time can\nchearfully leave it to the Care of Providence and those on whom our Constitution has devolved it\u2014 The Presidents Speech has met with the Approbation of the most sensible People and wherever Federalism prevails is applauded.\n          Since you left Quincy, I have found much to do, something turns up every Day or two, that calls for Advice, Direction &C\u2014 In Consequence of your Letter to Mrs. Hobart, Her Son Mr. Adams applied for the 200 Dollars, has received it & gave his & his Father Nortons joint Note\n          In examing the State of your Farms, I have found much unprofitable Stock\u2014 The Bay Mare lame, the Bay Horse old & with the Heaves. the former I sold to Elisha Turner for 50 Dollrs. A Number of Persons have applied for the Horse but none as yet will give 50 Dolls for him\u2014for less I should be loth to sell him\u2014 The Mare bought of Hobart, has a Colt. I have been told within a few Days that she has also the Heaves and exceeding breachy\u2014 if the Horse should be sold, it will be best to put her at Porter\u2019s, She is Still with French. Porter is full stock\u2019d\u2014 The Stock at French\u2019s is unprofitable, one yoke of oxen too old to keep longer, Propose to sell the first oppy. & replace them with a younger pair\u2014 There are also 4 old Cows, two of which propose to fat, the other Two to sell or keep till they Calve, being too far advanc\u2019d for fatting\u2014 One Two (or 3 yrs. old Heifer) which calvd last Winter and proves but of little Value for a Dayry (small also) have disposd off\u2014 These, 5, if sold or fatted will leave for the Dayry 14 Cows most of them young and will be sufficient for the Purpose\u2014\n          on Thayers Farm, there is also a yoke of oxen too old to keep any Longer, shall sell them as soon as I can, not finding a Place on any of the Farms for fatting; there is, besides the 4 year old Steers, a pair of two year old which I propose Burrell shall work and that these two yoke shall suffice for him, there is also one old Cow and an unruly Heifer which must be disposed of, the Cow must be fatted & the Heifer also, or sold\u2014 Very little Sale for Cattle\u2014 Price fallen\u2014 I think it will be best to steer clear of a heavy bill at the End of the year for keeping Stock which the Tenant will demand by his Lease, (at least as far as may be) The Bill for keeping the Young Stock at Frenchs & Burrells was estimated at \u00a345.16.0 one half of which I have to account for with them\u2014 Benj. Field, who applied to you for the Pasture bought of Jackson Field & Neddy Curtis is dead, have since let it to Jackson & Ebenr Field for the Season at\n15 Dollrs. Salt Meadow at Milton to Elisha Turner @ 9 Drs. shall also let the Sedge Banks bought of Penniman Borlands Meadow offered to Jon. Baxter I found to have been contained in Frenchs Lease and claimd by him\u2014 In my Letter to the President I mentiond my letting the House Brisler removed from to Parson Clark, this let at 28 Dollrs. pr. Anm.\u2014 The Wall between Richardson & the Cedar Pasture I engaged Lt. Veazie to make @ 6/ pr Rod\u2014 there will be a necessity of making a small Piece of Wall at Burrells on the Road against his Pasture, and also in several other Places besides those you mentiond, before you left Quincy, but these must be attended to when the People are at Leisure And as there will be frequent occasion for this Business it will be best to retain Billings if we can keep him sober\u2014 As Soale will not continue under 15 Dolls. pr. Month for 6 Months, I have concluded to discharge Him\u2014and engage one at a lower Rate if possible\u2014 Our Season has been very wet the meadow behind your dwelling House could not be planted till the latter End of May by which Time all the sewing & planting was compleated\u2014 the Lane to the great Pasture on the Hill fencd out with Rails & stone Wall\u2014 Tax on the high Way worked out\u2014 Wall on Quincys Meadow now making. Our Prospects of Hay are promising\u2014\n          Porter appears to be prudent industrious & trusty, rather too fearful of undertaking any Thing out of the common Track, without Advice\u2014but a more general Acquaintance with the Business assigned him will remove his Diffidence\u2014 he keeps a particular Account of all Labour hird, of Articles deliverd of monies paid & received &C his wife fills her place well, that upon the whole I do not know where you could have been better suited\u2014 As there has been full employ for Porter Billings & Soale without attending to the Garden, Turrell has taken the Care of it principally\u2014 Porter has not as yet calld upon me for any Supplies of West India Articles &C\u2014 the Surplus of Butter & other Articles he sends to market, that I hope the Bill for these will not be so high as we expected, with the Oeconomy at present maintaind by them\u2014 I wish to hear from you as soon as may be relative to any Expences or other Matters\u2014as I shall want to regulate Money Matters so as to answer every Exigency\u2014\n          If the Value of my Letter is to be measured by the Length of it I shall have some Merit to claim, for be assured it is the Longest I have wrote this seven years and my Eyes tell me that the next must be shorter\u2014\n          Mrs. Tufts joins me in Love to You & your Dear Husband and believe me to be with sincere Regard Yr. Very H Servt\n            Cotton Tufts\u2014\n          not forgetting Miss Louisa\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0095", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 10 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, William\n          Philadelphia June 10th 1797\n        Will you be kind as to see mr Frothingham and tell him that I wish him to have the Coachee cased, and put on Board the first vessel which sails for this place agreeing for the freight of it, before he puts it on Board I have a Leeding Brass Harniss at Quincy which I will write to have sent to mr Frothingham that the whole may come together. Dr Welch has in his Hands three hundred Dollors which he was to repay to mr Frothingham when he had done the Carriage. mr Frothingham will credit me that and send on his Bill for the remainder.\n        We hope that Congress will be Warm\u2019d out of the city by the middle of July. I believe they will rise before, not by accomplishing the buisness, but by not doing it. this Dead weight of Pennsilvanna consisting of Quakers, who are always opposed to every arming proposition, of more Jacobins than any other city, who all wish to see our Government Prostrate, and a proportionable part of timid Men who fear offending the terrible Nation. all these causes have their influence upon a proportion of those members who wish for an excuse to rise without doing any thing more than negotiate these people however are very ready to advocate Convoys which may it is said be a protection to the trade of this state, and further southard, but will by no means be a sufficient shield to the trade of the Eastern states. these Members are willing that vessels should Arm for the East\nIndias and for the Meditarranean but not for the west Indias. we want more Men of Deeds, and fewer of Words. a speech which shall take up ten Collums of a News paper and part of an additional supplement must contain very weighty and important matter indeed to induce people to hear it patiently, or read it afterward. there is no Man from our state, whose abilities talants and integrity are more highly spoken of than mr sewalls, and none who has more weight in the House. if his talants are not so striking as mr Dexters, he has qualities which are an adequate compensation mr otis too is highly spoken of, but it requires some time to be Way wise, and from reading his speeches, I think him too personal and too great a share of satire and Wit. he is a thorn to the antis, accordingly they abuse him\u2014\n        I hope you had a pleasent journey home and found mrs smith and Family well. I do not despair of seeing you this summer if congress rise in any season the President says he must take a journey, and it seems quite necssary for him. the buisness accumulates, instead of lessning. the Dons are cutting out work for us, stimulated no doubt by our Dear Friends the French.\n        I hope as mr Frothingham is a Man of his Word, that the Carriage will not fail of being ready to come\u2014 My Love to cousin Betsy. mr otis and Family are well\u2014\n        Yours affectionatly", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0096", "content": "Title: William Smith to Abigail Adams, 10 June 1797\nFrom: Smith, William\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          I was not more fortunate in the weather on my return, than I was in going to Philaa. 3 days out 5 on the road it constantly rain\u2019d.\u2014 before this you have seen the Speech of our New. Gov. & the answers of the Senate & House. this Election is as popular as any for some Years. the Answer from the House passd. as reported by the Comtee. without any debate or the least alteration. the Printers of the Chronicle expected to have made interest sufficient to be appointed printer\u2019s. in this they have been disappointed the Senate appointed the same as the last Year & sent to the House their appointment one Member mov\u2019d, as usual, to assign a Day for the choice, another Member, Dr Eustis mov\u2019d to concur with the Senate, which was immediately passd. without debate. this business for several Years past, has taken up the House several Days. at present it appears to be the disposition of the Court, not to enter into any trifling controversy but join & promote the best interest of the Country\u2014 the Answer of the House to the President, we have just recd. as the Members have not deliver\u2019d their long Speeches (many of which I presume were wrote before they left home.) I hope they will now proceed upon business. people differ very much in their opinion, in this place respecting the arming of Merchantemen I believe from what I have heard, it is generally against it. it is fear\u2019d that the imprudent conduct of many, wou\u2019d have a tendency to involve us in, rather than extricate us, from, a contest with F[rance.]\nfrom our last accounts I think the [\u2026] greatest probability that a general peace will soon take place. in Europe & that the Embassy from this Country will be well recd.\n          Mrs. S. & our Children are well she joins me with Betsey in our best regards to you & the President.\n          I am Affecly.\n          This will be handed you by Mr. Cutts. brother to our Mr Cutts. Portso.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0098", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 14 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n          Philadelphia June 14th 1797\n        I have felt every day as if I was conscience smit for neglecting to write to you. I have been some encumberd with cares and ceremonies which tho not very pleasent, the custom of the World, and the state of society have made them necessary in publick Life. the sitting of congress has added to my cares, at a season of the Year when I should very gladly have dispenced with so much company as we are now obliged to entertain. I however bear the heat better than I apprehended I could, and my Health was mended by my journey after I had recruited from the fatigue of it, which was so great from the bad Roads through the Jersies, that I thought I should feel no temptation to make a second journey this season. But the close application to buisness for Nine Months together which has fallen upon the President, requires Some relaxation, and his Health Suffers for want of it. I see it in a languor, and in a lassitude which every day succeeds the hours of Buisness. I do not tell him how much of it is visible, but I shall make no objection to accompany him on a journey as soon as congress rise, which I hope will be by the beginning of july, and his Farm at Quincy is you his Hobby Horse. I think we shall come on there & spend a Month or two from July untill october if circumstances will permit. I could wish you sir if possible to accomplish it, to have the Chamber over the\noffice finishd as I know not what I shall do for lodging room for Men servants. I must leave it to you to judge whether the wood house could be done as we proposed, so that mr Porter and Family might be accomodated, but as our stay at furthest will be of short duration this season, I shall be willing to do what I can by way of accommodation, tho I fear some inconvenience from the mixture of Domesticks. we shall have four men servants with us\u2014 the President has proposed Boarding them at Marshs, but I think the expence of that would exceed the cost attending finishing that Room if it could be done in so short a time, and there would arise perhaps some other difficulties from a measure of that kind but I must leave that to your judgment, and the proposal to remain between ourselves without notice to any one but the Chamber I know will be the work of only ten Day or a fortnight. Stables we must have an other year and if the Frame could be got at the same time that the Boards are procured it would be best. capt Beals stables I think would answer for a model. he talkd of having the post longer a greater convenienc, but you can judge of that. we have a Brass Harness at Quincy a leading harness, which I should be glad to get conveyd to mr Frothingham to pack with the Carriage which he is going to send by water to us immediatly.\n        I believe I must not scarcly touch upon politicks in this Letter, but the late news from all quarters is sufficient to put us on our Gaurd, and to lead us to be in a state of preparation for defence. The Seperate peace of the Emperor, the Mutiny on Board the British Fleet are events which in their concequences may essentially affect us. the Devouring Rapacity of the Galick Nation increases with their power and ability of gratification.\n        our senate are firm and strong. our House too equally divided. our state is wanting to itself to send such a Tony Lumkin, such a dead weight, such a narrow soul, sordid minded creature as V\u2014\u2014m to represent so wise so patriotick, and in general so judicious a state as Massachusetts\u2014\n        But I quit the subject, and present my kind regards to mrs Tufts & to miss Warner from Dear / Sir your truly affectionate / Neice\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0100", "content": "Title: Thomas Welsh to Abigail Adams, 16 June 1797\nFrom: Welsh, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          Dear Madam\n        Your\u2019s of the 6th Instant I received yesterday together with the Extracts from Bache\u2019s Paper they have not yet found their way in to\nthe Chronicle \u2019tho it may be expected. with respect to the Charge against the President of Insinserity in the Interval between his Address to Congress and his Nomination I can say that I took notice of the same here two Days only before the Nomination was known in this Town. when it was known the Men were objected against Mr Pinkny say they is a very improper Person because he had been so lately rejected by the Directory Mr Dana is known to be an Enemy to the French Republic and so is Mr Marshall now how can it be expected that a Negociation conducted by the Agency of such Men can be successfull however the Instruction they receive say they will demonstrate this Point.\n        I was up at Dracut on the 13 & 14th Inst which by the Way was the Reason I did not receive your\u2019s so soon as I should otherwise. This was a Visit to the Middlesex Canal of the Directors. Sullivan is the President we had a Meeting of the Directors in March at Page\u2019s Tavern in Charlestown soon after the President\u2019s Proclamation convening Congress was published. Sullivan at this Meeting took occasion to vindicate the Conduct of the Directory in not receiving Mr Pinkny upon a Principle as he said of Ettiquette known and acknowledged among Nations that whenever a Minister was withdrawn by any Nation that a Renewal of Intercourse must commence by the Mission of a Minister Extra, that in the Dispute with Great Britain a Minister Extra had been sent and that France would expect the same. Some Warmth took Place between him and some of the Directors upon the Occasion altho\u2019 I remember I said Nothing. After Dinner in our Return from the Canal the Conversation turned upon the same Subject and it was observed that as Matters grew serious people would be obliged to take a more serious Position and that the Measures of the Executive were so fair and honorable there could be no just Room left to the French to refuse an amicable adjustment. I said no and that the objection that the Minister\u2019s were not exactly of a Turn suited to the Views of the French Government could be not justify them in a Perseverance. and that if they wanted an Envoy Extra they must be Satisfied for instead of one they now had three. Sullivan said yes they could not be otherwise than satisfied and he had no Doubt the Difficulties would be settled and that it did concern them who the Men were if We were willing to trust them it is the Character in which they go which will be regarded \u201cthough you turning to me was so high when I mentioned it last Spring.\u201d I denied that it was I and here ended the Conversation.\n        Please to present our respectfull Compliments to the President and remember us all to Miss Luicy and believe me to be with Respect / your Humble: St.\n          Thomas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0101", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 20 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          my Dear Thomas\n          Philadelphia June 20th 1797\n        Your Friend Quincy is married, truly married and to a Nyork Lady, by the Name of Morten, without Beauty and without Money, but amply compensated by the accomplishments of her mind and the Virtues of her Heart, as I am informd, for I have not the pleasure of knowing her. Having told you this peice of News, I shall proceed and would acknowledge the date of your last Letter to me, but I undesigndly left it, with some others at Quincy. that it was a good one I know, because no other comes from your pen. your Last letter to your Father is dated the 17th of March; I have an opportunity of communicating them to some of our Friends here in Congress; the information which both your Brothers and your Letters contain, is So accurate that great dependance is placed upon them; We are not a little anxious to receive Letters of a more recent date, especially when our situation becomes daily more critical, by the Hostile conduct of France. Much conquest has made them Mad, as Festus said to Paul with respect to learning. if Peace depend upon our Government, it will be preserved. there is but one wish, it is, to avoid War\u2014if it can be done without Prostrating our National honour, or sacrificing our independance.\n        Congress are in session. the speech of the President and the answers of the two Houses I would inclose to you, but presume you will have them before this reaches you, as well as two Bills which have passt both Houses, one for the prevention of Arms and Amminition being exported, and an other to prevent citizens of the united states Privateering against any of the powers\n        The People at large are thinking right, and I hope will act so. there is said to exist in Congress a much greater diversity of opinion, than is to be found without the Walls of that House\n        I inclose to you Govenour sumners speech that you may learn the Temper of Massachusetts.\n        This state you know is always a Dead Weight. the interest of the union is swallowd up in local interests. such a mass, but I forbear.\n          [\u201c]Ye powers divine\n          Who mark the movements of this nether world\n          And bring them to account! Crush Crush those vipers.\n          Who singled out by the community\n          To Guard their Rights, shall for a Grasp of ore\n          or Paltry office sell them to the foe\u201d\n        I hope we shall be more fortunate in our future embassys to France than we have been in some of the former appointments; the three Gentlemen who are now united, will do every thing proper to accommodate the difference which subsist between us\u2014 there will not be wanting however persons on this side the water, to represent the Envoys as Enemical to France. nothing can be more false, but of that party. no Man would have pleased them but a voilent Democrat.\n        Mr Murray will be arrived I trust before this will reach you. you will proceed to England on your way Home. your Brothers new destination will I hope be as agreable to him, as Lisbon, but his own pleasure will never be his object if incompatable with the service of his Country; I hope he will Marry that he may have a companion, or I fancy he will be more unwilling to part with you, and we want you here very much.\n        Your Friend mr Bourn brought me the Watch safe. it is a very good one\u2014\n        I shall write you again soon as there are several opportunities from this place.\n        I am my Dear son / Your ever affectionate / Mother\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0103", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 23 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n            my dear sister\n            Philadelphia June 23 1797\n          I received your Letter of June 13th. and thank you for it. the account you give me respecting my House and the Farm are very pleasing. I like your proposal of going to it and taking tea with my good Neighbours very much\u2014 I am very sorry to hear that mrs Beal is so unwell. I have feard that she would fall into a decline, for she has appeard to me, to look very unwell for many Months. she was a good Neighbour, and would be a very heavy loss to her Family.\n          I do flatter myself with the prospect of comeing to Quincy to pass the Months of August and sepbr I know it will be a tedious Journey, but I fear it will be more tedious here, and the President really suffers for want of a journey, or rather for want of some Relaxation. to day will be the 5th great dinner I have had, about 36 Gentlemen to day, as many more next week, and I shall have got through the whole of Congress, with their apendages\u2014 then comes the 4 July which is a still more tedious day, as we must then have not only all Congress, but all the Gentlemen of the city, the Govenour and officers and companies, all of whom the late President used to treat with cake punch and wine. what the House would not hold used to be placed at long tables in the Yard. as we are here, we cannot avoid the trouble nor the expence. I have been informd the day used to cost the late President 500 dollors. more than 200wt of cake used to be expended, and 2 quarter casks of wine besides Spirit. you will not wonder that I dread it, or think President Washington to blame for introducing the custom, if he could have avoided it. Congress never were present here before on the day, so that I shall have a Hundred & 50 of them in addition to the other company. long tables are sit in the House with Similar entertainment. I hope the day will not be Hot. I am like to be favour\u2019d with a cool one to day at which I rejoice for it is no small task to be sit at table with 30 Gentlemen.\n          Judge Dana declines his appointment. I feard he would as the state of his Health has been infirm the President has now nominated mr Gerry. this I know will be cavill\u2019d at by some, and he will be blamed for it, but the responsibility rest with him, and he must bear it. he would not have nominated him if he had not thought him, an honest Man and a Friend to his Country, who will neither be deceived nor Warped\u2014 I hope he will not refuse.\n          The task of the President is very arduous, very perplexing and very hazardous. I do not wonder Washington wishd to retire from it, or rejoiced at seeing and old oak in his place\u2014 he has manifested his intire approbation of the measures persued by the Executive.\n          I thank you for your care of my things. let mrs Hunt know that Nabby is well and I believe contented and that I shall want Betsy if I come as I expect, and I shall stand in need of some more female help\u2014particuliarly a cook\u2014 I might here of some black woman in Boston perhaps who would undertake for two Months. I wish you would inquire\n          I want to have the House White Washd. I will thank you to see a little about it. it will be well to have the Garden attended to.\n          I inclose you a Ribbon, I met With the other day, and I sent cousin Betsy a short Gown to show her the fashion, by mrs douse who was to send it to Boston to mr smiths. I hope it will fit her\u2014\n          adieu my dear sister. / I am, most affectionatly / yours\n          I have not seen a speech more to the point than Genll shepards but old Men do not take so much pains to circulate their Fame as young ones. I inclose it for mr Cranch. let me know if you get Fennos papers now if you do not I will send them to you Love to all Friends. tell Polly Baxter, that I shall miss her very much when I come to Quincy, particuliarly in cooking Betsy Howard I think is better, tho not able to go through but little\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0104", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 26 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Mother\n        I have not written to you, since receiving your very kind Letter of 3d: March. though I received it almost a month ago. I have determined finally to go by the way of England; you will readily conceive that this circumstance together with the necessary attention to the preparations for my departure from this Country, and since the arrival of Mr: Murray, the arrangements for introducing him to the course of our affairs here, have so thoroughly engrossed my time as to leave me little even for the pleasing employment of writing to you.\n        I shall quit this Country with some regret. The mission here is not indeed a station of splendor either in the line of profit or of reputation. Yet upon the whole it has been rendered very agreeable to me, both by the good dispositions of the Government here, and by the indulgence, and approbation of my own Government, particularly of the late President.\u2014 I know with what delight your truly maternal heart has received every testimonial of his favourable voice, and it is among the most precious gratifications of my life to reflect upon the pleasure which my conduct has given to my Parents.\u2014 The terms indeed, in which such a character as Washington has repeatedly expressed himself concerning me, could have left me nothing to wish, if they did not alarm me, by their very strength. How much my Dear mother, is required of me, to support and justify such a judgment as that which you have copied into your Letter.\n        With respect to the strong hope which he intimates, I have thought it required an explicit Declaration to my father from me. I wish not to discuss or even to dispute the propriety of the distinction suggested, to exempt me from the exclusion which the writer gave to all his own relations.\u2014 However the matter may stand as it respects my father, I know and feel how my duty operates, and you\nmay rest assured that I never shall hold a public office under the nomination of my father.\n        But where is my Independence?\u2014 for this question has been made me; and I am sensible that when upon the point of assuming the weighty charge of a family, it is a most serious question to me. Still however I can answer\u2014 It is in the moderation of my wishes; and in my industry.\u2014 Far as I am from bearing an affection to the practice of the Law, I will most certainly return to it in all the humility of its first outset rather than forfeit my independence; but it must have changed essentially its character upon the score of liberality in Massachusetts, if I cannot upon my return find any mode of private employment as honest and much more productive.\n        We have just received the speech of the President upon the 16th: of May, at the opening of the Session of Congress. It has given us great satisfaction, and we hope that the line of policy marked out by it, will succeed in terminating our differences with France.\u2014 The Legislative Councils and even the Directory have assumed quite a different complexion since the introduction of the new third into the Legislature, and of your old acquaintance Barthelemi into the Directory. It is probable however that there will be a great struggle by the party who have hitherto governed with so much injustice and oppression, both at home and abroad. New conspiracies or new Revolutions are apparently forming, and whatever party prevails will hold its power by no other tenure than that of violence.\n        The negotiations for Peace between France and Britain are resuming. They are to be conducted it is said at Lille in Flanders. I still doubt very much whether they will terminate successfully. There is yet too much Ambition and too much of the disorganizing Spirit in the french Government to allow them a disposition sincerely pacific.\u2014 Their treatment of Venice and Genoa, both neutral states, which had never been engaged in the Coalition, has been in open defiance, not only of all Justice and Honour, but of all shame. They have not been satisfied with dissolving the Governments of those Republics, but are dismembering them, and taking parts of their Territories to give them for indemnity to the Emperor and the king of Sardinia, instead of the dominions they have sacrificed to the conquering Genius of France. Buonaparte, not only wages but formally declares War, makes Peace, dissolves Governments, orders the adoption of others, sets up or pulls down the Sovereign People just as suits his own caprice, or that of his employers, and in the midst of the deep Tragedy of massacre, pillage, Assassination, and\ncrimes of every dye, that attends these Revolutions, the farce, of Liberty, of Equality, of Fraternity, of the Rights of Man, with its whole Babylonish Dialect of imposture and hypocrisy is assiduously kept up, and I verily believe still finds its dupes.\n        You will excuse the shortness of my letter. I expect to sail from Rotterdam for London by the last of the month, having already engaged my passage, and taken leave of the Government here.\n        I remain with the tenderest affection and duty, your son\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0106", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Ellery Dana, 27 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Dana, Elizabeth Ellery\n          My Dear Madam\n        Your favour of June 19th I duly received indisposition has prevented my replying to you before. the President regreets the feeble and infirm state of Health which prevents his old and tried Friend from the acceptance of an Embassy he was personally so well qualified for. it was with great apprehensions from that circumstance only, that he made the nomination and the critical state of the Country required an immediate appointment, which prevented his consulting any Gentleman previous to his Nomination. he has made a second, but not without a similar apprehension\u2014 The reasons which have prevaild upon the Judge to decline the appointment are satisfactory to his Friend the abuse and calumny which is thrown out by a party upon every Character, on this side the Potomack, who is appointed to any office of concequence, is a calamity under which the best Friends of the Country are obliged to suffer, and it requires no common share of integrity, and consiousness of pure motives to support a Man under the ordeal. this abuse too originates and is issued forth from the pens of foreigners, who having forfeited the Priviledges of their own Country, abused insulted & conspired against its Government, have fled or been driven to seek an assylum in this, which they are full as Sedulous to embroil and destroy I have been credibly informd that most of the insolent communications in Bache paper are the productions of a Man of this cast. a\npublication in Greenleafs paper reprinted in the Aurora has roused all my indignation. It is as you will see a base attack upon the Character of the Judge in his official Character. I had my doubts for some time whether I ought not to have forwarded it immediatly. I wrote to Charles to see if he could discover the Author. he returnd me for answer that he could not, but thought some Friend ought to send it the Judge, as he conceived it actionable\n        I inclose the paper. it contains an other speculation which will not escape the Judges notice. by some persons it is asscribed to Vollney\u2014\n        My dear Madam the situation of our Country becomes daily more and more Dangerous, and I fear we shall find ourselves involved in a War wholy unprepaird for it, a War which we have not provoked, but by patient suffering and forbearence shewn a sincere desire to cultivate Harmony & Peace. I hope the negoation may be successfull.\n        I am grieved to hear that your Health declines. I cannot press you to a journey this way at this season. it is my intention to flee from hence as soon as possible, I hope to my Native state. I shall then promise myself the pleasure of seeing both the Judge & you at Quincy. the President unites with me in wishing both of you a more confirmd state of Health and in assuring you of our attachment and persevering Friendship", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0107", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 27 June 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Sister\n        I never visit or pass your house but I think of that beautiful & simple Song in the Spectator\n          \u201cMy time oh ye Muses\u2019 was happyly spent\n          when Phebe went with me wherever I went,[\u201d] &c\u2014\n        The Rose Bush under your window is as full of bloom & fragrance I suppose as formerly. your Garden florishes & your Clover Field is delightful\u2014but Should I tell you how the view of them affected me before I recieved your last Letter you might call me romantick\u2014 I pass\u2019d them yesterday\u2014went into your Garden\u2014tasted of the Strawberrys\u2014they will be Sweet said I to Cousin Betsy by the time my Sisters returns, & this rose bush\u2014how beautiful it is to day. the melancholy shade which was cast upon every thing around your House & Fields was Vanish\u2019d\u2014 I anticipated the pleasure the President and you & my gentle Cousin will feel if you should be permit\u2019d to behold those rational Sources of pleasure the rewards of cultivation & industory. this I will retreat where the formalities attendant upon your Station may be dispenced with in some measure, & the dear delights of facing & conversing with your old Friends & Neighbours will I hope restore & preserve the health of you all\u2014 we are all rejoicing at the prospc of your return\u2014\n        I thank you my dear Sister for your Letter I thank you for all your kind designs. we are doom\u2019d to always be the oblig\u2019d. I was unwilling mr Cranch Should make the application to you he did\u2014 we know not what is in the womb of Providence\u2014 While our children deserve well & maintain there integrety I feel as if they would have always Bread to eat & Raiment to put on\u2014 their prospect are clouded for the present but in this changable world, the next appearence may be brighter\u2014 it affects mr Cranchs health & Spirits very Sensibly. he Says but little about it: but he cannot Sleep without groaning you too my Sister have your troubles & indeed we have our difficulties but what if known are felt in common by both of us. yours are mine, & mine yours\u2014 will you give my Love to mrs Smith & her dear Boys & tell her I feel as interest\u2019d for her welfair as for my own Daughter\u2019s & wish it was in my Power to sooth an anxious hour Cousin Charles & Family will accept my good wishes also\n        what we are going to do about a minister I do not know many are very desirous of having mr Flint. above a hundred have manefsed their desire in writing. Capt Adams & Capt Hall & Deacon Bess are the only People of any consequence who are oppos\u2019d I beleive. I wish We may not get into Strong parties. there is Something disagreable to me in mr Flint\u2019s voice but we may not get a better man upon the whole. we wish we knew the Presidents mind. the young mr Hillard would have pleas\u2019d you both. if he lives he will make a figure\n        Mrs Beal is return\u2019d & is better mr & mrs Black are well. we are quite Sociable. She Sends her Love to you & is in Spirits, at the thought of your visit tho we Suppose it must be short\u2014 mr Apthorp has had a dreadful turn of Fits & is confin\u2019d & very weak\u2014\n        I hear there is a large Packet from mr Adams gone on to Philadelphia. I hope it will reach you before you Set out\n        I had a Letter from Sister Peabody last week. her little Girl has been very bad with the canker rash but is recoverd. the rest of the Family are well mr Cranch joins in every sentiment of Love & respect to the President & you\u2014express\u2019d by / your affectionate Sister\n          Mary 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0108", "content": "Title: Ruth Hooper Dalton to Abigail Adams, 28 June 1797\nFrom: Dalton, Ruth Hooper\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            My dear Madam\n            Washington June th28 1797\n          It gives me great pleasure to know you are so near me and I should have told you so and condoled with you and our good Friend the President before this time on the loss of his good Mother had I not been much ingaged in moveing into the City. by what I have heard your loss must be much her gain I think She had lived till She could sing the song of good old Simeon\n          I was flattered by the kind assurances of Freindship expressed to me and my Family in your much esteemed favour of Feb. 20 give\nme leave to say you think too highly of the attention I paid you when sick in Philadelphia I hope the like occasion will never happen again if it should and in my power I shall be ready to shew how much you may depend upon my Friendship.\n          when I left Philadelphia it was with regret I feel it now in full force as your being there would be a source of pleasure to me I do look forward to the time that it may please God we may have a happy meeting in this City at the time appointed for Congress. before that we hope to see our good President here and wish you may be able to accompany him. a Visit from him is at this time looked on as of very great importance to this City. I do assure you and much wished for. I have been at Mount Vernon Mrs Washington made me promise I would pay her a Visit this Summer I did not think the old Lady was in good health when she passed through this City in her way home She really had been much fatigued in her Journey the great attentions that were paid them however pleasing were tiresome to her.\n          I rejoice with you that our Country has done enough to convince the Enemies of it that we have but one heart and one mind in the Veneration we feel for our Illustrious Benefactor. my dear Friend let me say to you that it also gives me the greatest pleasure to find all classes of people unite in approbation of the late Choice of the President it is really much more than at so short a period I dared hope I have great reason to think we shall be as much United as ever we were in his Whorthy Predecessor.\n          It gave me and my good Girls great pleasure to hear their Papa read the proceedings of the fourth of March it was Solemn and affecting and we felt all the Friendly sensations for you. it gave us great Sattisfaction to find the proceedings so much approved of by every body this way which I hope will continue through a long administration.\n          my Daughters beg me to present their respects to you and love to Louisa and to say your being at Philadelphia would indeed be an additional motive to them in Visiting it I felt so much in their absence that I cannot think of parting with them very soon again it would give me pleasure to spend a few Mounths with them there at present I see no prospect of it\n          the account you give of your health pleases me very much I think the cold Winter must have been of service to you and I wish you would try the cold bath this Summer I am sure you would find\ngreat Benefit from it I use it every day through the year in this fine Climate\n          Mrs Deblois lives at the other end of the City four miles from me injoys great health Unites with me in respects to the President and yourself begs when you write to Mrs Smith you will not forget our love to her.\n          Polly Tailor has received her things safe She left me in May I was very glad to get rid of her. her temper I think is worse than ever and in some other things no better than She Should be nothing can tempt me to take her into my Family again\n          I fear I am takeing too much of your time beg leave to subscribe myself / with respect your / Very affectionate and Sincear / Friend\n            Ruth Dalton\n          I have just heard of Mrs Cranch being well abed with another 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0109", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          Health to my Sister, under a more fervid Sun, than that to which she has hitherto been accustomed. Yes! I most ardently wish you this most needfull blessing, without which all others must be tasteless, even Friends a burden, & grandeur painful.\u2014\n          I hope Queen Mab has told me a falsehood. She came last thursday night in her airy Chariot, drove directly upon my heart, presenting you to me, laying upon a sick Bed, very ill\u2014 I awoke, chid the impertinent Hag, & prayed she might bring me more welcome news.\n          The distressing, & solemn Scenes to which you were called, just as you were leaving Quincy, the variety of duties devolved upon you, & the many necessary preparations for your Journey all centering in\nyou, made me extremely anxious that even your magninimity would scarcely be \u201csufficent for these things\u201d; but I am happy to hear you got safe to your best Friend, your earthly treasure.\u2014\n          I felt a Satisfaction that if death must enter the dwellings of my Sisters, the melancholly bereavements were before you left home\u2014 It must be a great comfort to both Families; particularly to the President whose filial affection has been an honourable, & distinguished trait in his Character.\u2014 How must it serve to meliorate his grief, that in his absence, you could prevent the asking Eye, smooth the pillow of age, soften the bed of Sickness by the most solicitous attentions, & pay the last respect to his worthy much valued Mother\u2014 I believe in truth it may be said, that your filial affection \u201cfor a while, has kept a Parent from the Sky.\u201d Yet we find that no attentions, no arm can avert the fatal stroke, the undistinguishing hand of Death, reaps not only the head that is white with the blossoms of age, & the Shock of corn that is fully ripe in its season, but cuts down also, the early flower, e\u2019er it reaches the meridian of Life\u2014 a recent instance in the death of our dear Mary\u2014 She had not those strong attachments which bind so many of us to earth, yet life was sweet to her; though not so alluring as if she had been in more prosperous, & agreeable circumstances\u2014 Her date was short, yet she had experienced many disappointments. Her extreme sensibility rendered her an easy prey to misfortune, & she felt its wounds with peculiar poignancy. Her amiable deportment, & the virtues of her heart will be held in pleasing remembrance, & her death will (I hope) be improved by the near relatives, as shall terminate in their future felicity\u2014\n          The other day I received a letter from my good Sister Cranch which furnished my mind with an abundance of materials for pensive contemplation\u2014 It informed me that her Sons Situation at Washinton was not so flattering as he expected, I have for sometime been fearful of it\u2014 I hope his prospects will brighten\u2014 I have often wished he had never left Haverhill, but he thought he was secure, quitting an uncertainty, for a certainty, so short sighted are we. He thought it the \u201ctide of his affairs,\u201d & considered it as an absolute duty to leave us, & this ought ever to solace his mind, & preclude remorse, or reproach\u2014 He has good abilities, & an excellent education, & is capable of rising, & making an handsome figure in his profession\u2014 his Wife, & friends have that to encourage, & comfort them\u2014 I believe Mr James Greenleaf has drawn into his Vortex the whole of the Family, not a connection I fear has escaped\u2014 I pity\nMr John Appleton of Salem, from affluence, reduced in the decline of life to almost penury.\u2014 The unfortunate, amiable John Greenleaf, & our Lucy\u2019s fair prospects all blasted\u2014 When I look around, & see the inevitables of life, that one event happeneth to the wise, & the unlearned, the virtuous & the vicious, which no exertions, or knowledge of ours could prevent, my heart often sighs responsive to the sage adage, that all is vanity, & vexation of Spirit, that man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards, & that all beneath the Sky is marked with this humilating Ensignia\u2014fleeting, & unstable\u2014\n          Mr Payson, & Johnstone of Haverhill are confined to their houses for debt\u2014 I am grieved for mrs Seargent as Mrs Payson is the only child she has left\u2014 But those persons whose mode of living exceed their anual income, subject themselves to mortifications, & canot be just, or honest\u2014 General Peabody has been gone to the southward for many months\u2014 It is an unfavorable circumstance for our family, for he has more generosity than all the rest of the parish\u2014 Mr Peabody was appointed to preach the Election Sermon at Concord, he & his Daughter went\u2014 I believe I should have accompanied him, if my dear Abby had not been sick with the scarlet fever, & she had not recovered so that I dared to leave her\u2014 It is a terrible disorder\u2014 It took off her skin as if a fire had passed over her\u2014 She was very good to take what was proper, through the goodness of a kind providence she is now injoying fine health\u2014& the rest of our family\u2014 William has written to me that he has still been troubled with the head ake but otherways well\u2014 how he must miss his dear, more than kind uncle, & Aunt\u2014 Sister Cranch says they are solitary without you\u2014 I fully believe it\u2014& poor Betsy feels the want of your, & Her Sisters society\u2014 Mr Peabody has been sent for by concord Church to consult, about their affairs\u2014 Mr Evans has said he would not stay\u2014& they have not desired him to tarry the alternative is now, that he must go\u2014& for nothing but whims\u2014 I believe he will repent it all his days\u2014 He say the court house is not high enough, they will not get a Bell, & there is not literary characters sufficent for him to dwell among &cc, now if he could quit all trouble by leaving the ministry it would be a charming thing\u2014but we poor mortals have no exemption\u2014the interdict is irrevocable\n          Could I write politicks with as good a grace as my Sister, I would tell her that this state is quite fedral, that is to say friends to Order, government, & the liberties of a People\u2014that they speak higly of the Presidents speech, firmness, integrity, &cc\u2014 But if I may tell you without giving Offence, I would mention a remark I have heard\nmade upon his Composition, that his periods were too long, that his mind could contain a concatenation of Ideas much better than those inferior Persons who perused them, & that his Sentiments were so excellent that they should be obvious to every one, that even those \u201cwho run, might read\u201d\u2014\n          When I can get resolution enough to set pen to paper I never know when to leave it\u2014 If my letter was not so long, I would not trouble you with such bad writing, but now I have not courage to copy it, & if I do not send it to Haverhill immediately I shall lose the chance of sending it by Mr Livermore who has had a Son here at School, more than a year, & told me he should be happy to do me the favour of conveying a letter to you\u2014\n          Betsy Quincy is reaping the benefit of your good counsels, & maternal tenderness, as well as myself, I have a comfort in her good temper, I think it improves every day\u2014 She begs you & her Uncle to accept of her best, & most dutiful regard\u2014\n          Let your candor excuse every error / you may see in your affectionate / Sister\u2014\n            Elizabeth Peabody\n          Mr Peabody & daughter presents his respects to the President, & yourself\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0110", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 5 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, William\n          my Dear sir\n          Philadelphia July 5th 1797\n        I received your favour of June 26th, and rejoice with you in the Birth of an other son, and in the safety and Health of Mrs Cranch, to whom be so kind as to present my Regards.\n        I have shewn your Letter to the President, and he desires me to tell you, that he would not have you on any account, be the least detered from persueing any line of buisness which shall appear eligible to you, or to your Friends, out of delicacy to his station, and that if you will risk the \u201cGoads and stings which patient merit from the unworthy take\u201d He is too old a veteran to be driven from his post by squibs; Faction is determind to follow the Station with calumny and slander, but he has too good an opinion of the Virtue firmness and Patriotism of his Countrymen to believe that they will ever forfeit those qualities, or easily relinquish their independance, upon that Ground he stands. if the Arts and Machinations of our foes, sap and undermine that, he would not wish to continue a conspicuous Actor upon so disgracefull a Theatre.\n        Whether becomeing the Editor of a paper, may in the end, prove as advantageous to you, as returning to the practise of the Law, is a question which I am unable to determine. my own opinion is that a daily paper would not succeed in Boston, as it must depend chiefly upon the Town for its support. it was tried this spring and fail\u2019d perhaps oweing to the Character of the Editer, who was a banished Irishman of Revolutionary principles, Burk by Name.\n        Russels paper has been degenerating some time. Edds has laid down his, and the Chronical would not long survive, if it did not live upon Faction, and some aid which it receives from the real Friends of Government who take it, to read what is calld, both sides. there is one paper more, publishd in Boston calld the Mercury which is Federal, and well conducted, but I do not know any paper publishd in the united states, in so high repute as mr Websters of N York. a well conducted paper, publishd twice a week might succeed in Boston. it is of real importance at this Eventfull period and crisis of our publick affairs, that the people should not be deceived, and led blind fold to their own destruction.\n        They all know what cannon Ball, and Hostile Armies mean, but the Arts of deception and seduction may be practised a thousand ways, and through an infinate variety of channels, unseen and unknown, except to those who are more immediatly connected with the Government, as a late, and recent transaction will convince you as soon as it is publishd; and will end in an expulsion it is thought of a Senator, by the senate, and of impeachment by the House. I hope it will have this salutary effect, to convince the Well meaning but misinformd; that the President is no respecter of Nations, when their views run counter to the independance and prosperity of America. those Who represent him otherways believe not a word of their own assertions. they are chiefly hireling writers from Foreign Nations with which this city abounds. I inclose to you in confidence the latest Letter of an absent Friend of ours. mr Webster has publishd it in his paper, but with several inaccuracies. you are at liberty to publish it, in the Washington paper with the corrections, as however from the Minerva of July 3d\n        one of the commissioners of the Federal city, mr Scott dinned with us, this week. he appears a solid, sensible, well informd, & well disposed Man. I made some inquiries of him respecting you; which he answerd much to my satisfaction; amongst others, I asked his opinion, whether he thought you would succeed in the practise of the Law there? he replied that he never knew a Gentleman of mr Cranchs industery, and abilities fail, with a steady perseverence, that speaking was very necessary towards obtaining a reputation at the Bar.\n        If my dear sir upon mature consideration of the subject, you should think it best to go into the practise of the Law: where you are now known, and as I am assured much esteemed and respected,\nyour uncle desires me to tell you that he will Lend you two Hundred dollors to purchase you such Books as you may be in immediate want of, that you shall take your own time to repay him. if you wish to have Books purchased here, upon making out a List, mr Malcomb who is secretary here to the President, & Studied Law with mr Adams at N york, will do the best he can in the purchase of them for you. I should with the rest of your Friends rejoice to have you in Boston, but I fear to have you quit what may be considerd a certainty, for an uncertainty, where a considerable stock is also required to commence buisness\u2014\n        I yesterday received a Letter from your Mother who with the rest of the Family were well. I have inclosed to you the original Letter which I mentiond. you will return it to me by the next post.\n        I am my Dear sir / Your affectionate Aunt\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0112", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Mother.\n        I am once more in the same pleasant situation as that which I described to you twenty months ago from Helvoetsluys. Nine days since, we left the Hague, and I believe you will think I have at least as much occasion for Patience and Philosophy as I had upon the former occasion.\n        I am going to London, where I shall stay no longer than will be absolutely necessary, and from whence I intend to proceed directly to Lisbon. I am afraid it will be long before I shall have any further Letters from America. Even when I am fixed for any time to one spot my American correspondents are not very assiduous, and my frequent removes furnish an excuse, readily adopted for avoiding to write where it is unknown how to address.\u2014 Yet I am very sollicitous to hear from you; especially, as you are doubtless now at Philadelphia, and as I am anxious to hear how your health bears the residence of that City, and the mode of life to which you will be obliged to submit in it.\n        I waited about two months in this Country for the arrival of Mr: Murray. After he came I thought it necessary to hasten my departure as soon as possible, and allowed myself only time to accompany him through the forms of his reception, and to introduce him as far as I was able to the current of affairs. I shall again be deprived of the same advantage at Lisbon. It will be the third time of my finding myself launched upon an unknown Ocean, without Pilot or compass. Coll: Humphreys will be gone before I can possibly arrive.\n        If you should as I presume you will constantly reside at Philadelphia, I must address to you as to the most punctual of my correspondents, a request, which I despair of having executed by any other person. It is to send me some weekly newspapers, regularly by every vessel coming to Lisbon; a series of such kind of dispatches requires indeed a constant attention, which I know from experience, not to be very easy.\u2014 My brother Charles undertook to send us Webster\u2019s Herald when we came from America; for which we were to send him the Leyden Gazette. We have faithfully done our part, and scarce a vessel has sailed for New York since we have been in this Country without bearing some Papers, and always the latest possible. We have received in return once in every four or five months a few of the Heralds, and generally six months old.\u2014 But Charles is in business, (I hope in great business) he is married, and has a child, and has so many other things to call off his attention that I have been perfectly ready to excuse and to account for his neglect of us. Indeed it is exactly the same thing with my friends at Boston.\u2014 I was to receive regularly the Centinel; and I think it has reached me to so late a date as March or April 1796.\u2014 In comparison with this, Charles really shines, for I think we have received his Heralds as late as September.\n        I have for the last six months sent to my father one of the best Paris, daily newspapers. I have indeed constantly since my residence in Europe endeavoured to furnish him from time to time with newspapers and valuable or interesting publications; but I have not been able to accomplish this so much to my satisfaction as I should if I had been more settled, for although it is almost three years since I sailed from Boston, I have scarcely been a year at a time in the same place.\u2014 I now send the latest Paris Papers that I have received.\n        Our situation with that Country is still equivocal, and dangerous. General Pinckney acts with great Prudence and Wisdom, and I am persuaded will do every thing possible in the disadvantageous situation in which he still remains. But there are many very wicked agents and many very bad Passions at work against the interest and the friendship of the two Nations.\u2014 With regard to the West India depredations, the Directory have published a Letter from Southonax and his brother robbers their Agents in which they freely declare that they had employed cruizers against American vessels, without authority, but because they wanted provisions, because the\nAmericans were ill-disposed, and because after the election of John Adams as President of the U.S. they concluded there would be a War between the two Countries.\u2014 The Directory have recalled those Commissioners, and their infamous piracies have not been unnoticed even in Paris. An investigation and scrutiny has been called for into the other hostile measures of the Directory: there is no doubt a strong party in France who disapprove of them, but they are afraid of nothing so much as of being too much in the right.\n        Among those who call and think themselves our friends, and who are indeed sensible how unjustly the Directory has treated us, is Barb\u00e9-Marbois, a man well known in America, and now a very distinguished member of the Council of Antients. He has lately made a report relative to the expences in the department of foreign affairs.\u2014 It appears they are four or five times as great as they were in the most extravagant periods of the old Government.\u2014 And for all this augmentation of charges they have according to Marbois, got but a very contemptible set of negotiators abroad; among whom he has with equal Justice and Severity included their late Minister to the United States: \u201cone of them (says Marbois) sent to a friendly nation will imagine he serves his Country by sowing distrust and suspicion between the government and the People. In order to acquire the reputation of being active and influential, he will expose two Nations united by their reciprocal interests, by benefits and by gratitude, to a fatal rupture: he will exert himself to sully the splendor of the fairest life, the eminent qualities of the greatest man, that our Century can offer to History and present to posterity; and even though he should not attain the end proposed, the minds of men, will nevertheless be alienated, and a double portion of wisdom will be necessary to bring them again together.\u201d\u2014 So you see that even in the Capital of France, even in the sanctuary of their Legislation, a public and an eloquent voice is yet found ready to pay the tribute of justice to the character of Washington, and to reward with richly deserved contempt the reptile that would have shed its filth and venom upon such brightness.\n        I will not promise you my dear mother to be a very good correspondent from this time untill I get settled at Lisbon. Perhaps the present contrary winds under which I labour are to be considered as advantages, as they give me time to make up for some future deficiencies.\u2014 Not that I intend them; but I have a sort of foresight that\nI shall not devote enough of my time to my American correspondents, while in London.\n        We have had an agreeable acquaintance with General Pinckney and his family, who for the last three months have generally resided at the Hague. He is himself a very pleasant and agreeable, as well as an able and well informed man. Mrs: Pinckney both in person and manners has considerable resemblance with you, and you can easily judge how much we have been pleased with her. They are great botanists, and the General has undertaken to make one of me; I have a better opinion of the master\u2019s abilities, than of the scholar\u2019s docility.\n        I beg to be remembered affectionately to all our friends in America, and remain your ever affectionate and dutiful Son\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0113", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 11 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, William\n            Philadelphia July 11th 1797\n          Mr otis will tell you all the News in this quarter of the Earth, where Wickedness abounds of all kinds. I hope however there may be found Rightous sufficient to save the city. we have a senator\u2014you see by his Letter what he is capable of. the Government is not found sufficently strong to punish him according to his Demerrits, or he would not have been permitted to have escaped, nor do I think he would, if too great lenity had not lessned his Bonds\u2014\n          Congress are up\u2014 before they come again together, I think they will repent of not having left some powers in the hands of the executive of laying on an Embargo if it, was thought necessary. it certainly would not have been wantonly used. it may before, the meeting of congress, be found necessary to have past the Law Regulating the Armanent of private Merchantmen. many will Arm now contrary to Law, and without regulation. an Indiaman captured two Days since belonging to this place, and within the capes is a proof of our Embicility, and I hope of our Love of Peace, for some good ought to flow from so much evil as a counter balance.\u2014\n          We have had some very Hot weather which makes me anxious to get away. I was calld sudenly out of my bed this morning to John Brisler, who was taken in the night with the Cholori Morbus. he was fainted intirely away, and every appearence of death for half an hour\u2014 the child went well to Bed. he is come too, but I think him very dangerous\n          We must get away from this Hot city\u2014\n          I inclose to you a post Note of three Hundred Dollors, with which I will thank you to take up a Note of Hand of mine to Genll Lincoln. mr Wells may give it to you if the Genll is not there. you will destroy the Note and write me only these Words\u2014\u201cI have tranacted the buisness you desired in the Way you directed,\u201d as we may be absent When the Letter arrives. I do not desire any more should be said than that.\n          My best Regards to mrs smith and Children Love to cousin Betsy\u2014from your sincere Friend / and affectionate\n          I wrote you last saturday concerning the carriage You will let me hear Soon. I put dr Tufts Letter in your care there is a post note in 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0115", "content": "Title: William Cranch to Abigail Adams, 12 July 1797\nFrom: Cranch, William\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            Washington July 12th. 1797\n          I thank you, my dear Madam, for your obliging favr. of 5th. instant, and for the interest you take in my happiness. Upon further deliberation, I had, before the receipt of your Letter, renounced all ideas of returning to Boston, and had determined immediately to apply for admission to the Bar in this state. I shall for this purpose go to Annapolis on Monday, and as soon after my return from thence as possible I shall go to Philada. to transact some Business with Mr: Morris, and to procure such books as may enable me to begin without commiting any egregious blunders. Mr. Morris is about purchasing a library for his son William and has promised to procure one for me at the same time. If he should fail of doing it, I shall perhaps be glad to accept the kind offer of the President, for which, please to present him my grateful acknowledgements.\n          I return you the letter and thank you for the Communication;\u2014it is printed correctly in this days paper. The subject deserves the most serious consideration of every real American, and I hope will tend to open the eyes of those, who are themselves too simple and honest, to believe in the views of that restless nation.\n          In every sentiment of respectful affection Nancy joins with your obliged & grateful Nephew\n          We are all well.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0116", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 13 July 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n        I write my dear Sister with a hope that this letter will not find you in Philadelphia but as we have not heard that congress have risen I\nwould not have you without a line of information that we are all well & that your chambers are ready the mason has promis\u2019d to white wash the house & mrs Porter is waiting for orders to clean for your reception I have been fearful for your health & that of the Presidents but I know that Being who has plac\u2019d him in the exalted Station he Sustains can & will if he sees it best prolong his life & usefulness. he is a good as well as a great man & I have no fears for Such an one as a Scourge for the wickedness of the people he may be taken from us but no real evil can befall him\u2014\n        I fear there has been foul play at the Post offices cousen Louissa Says you have receiv\u2019d Letters not cover\u2019d to the President no Such ever went from our office no not one there came two Letters the other day & Several before for mrs Hunt & mr Tyrrel not frank\u2019d & with Such a Postage that they have refus\u2019d to take them out\n        I thank you my dear Sister for the Ribbon tis very pretty if cousen Should me with a pair of half mourning gloves leather or silk which are good & will take them for me I Shall be oblig\u2019d I cannot find any here good\n        I hope Something may bring my son this way there are So many gone from the Bar that I do not see why he may not do in Boston as well as any where else & certainly can live as cheap it will be dreadful to me to have him Settle there I do not love a roling Stone I know the Proverbe but in this changable World things may turn up which may make a change eligable without verifying the proverbe\u2014 I am full of anxiety\n        mr webster is wishing to establish a paper in Boston Similar to his own & wishes my son to engage with him he says tis very profitable to him & thinks it will in a little time become So to him at Boston\u2014 What do you think I am So affraid of new Scheems & yet Something must be done I can only Say heaven direct them I know So little myself\n        please to give my most respectful Love to the President to cousin & all enqueing Friend good wishes\u2014to yourself / all that is affectionate from your forever oblig\u2019d / & grateful Sister", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0117", "content": "Title: William Smith to Abigail Adams, 13 July 1797\nFrom: Smith, William\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          Dear Madam.\n        Your several favors of the 1st & 9th Ins. I have recd. & am much oblig\u2019d to you for the inclosures. the situation of the United States is indeed very critical, but in my opinion, every day strengthens the Union of the people in favor of the government. the Treason of Blount will confirm the sentiments of many, that all nations are equally friends to us so long as their interest is benefited by it. it is generally suppos\u2019d that Mr Blount\u2019s plan was projected by a very different Interest. from British.\u2014 if we can keep clear from a rupture on the Mississippi I have no dobt the dispute will be of service to the Government. & unite us more generally in putting the country in a state of defence.\u2014 I hope the warm air of Philaa. will not injure the Healths of the President & yourself. we shou\u2019d be happy of seeing you this way, but hope you will take frequent excursions from the noxious air of the City.\u2014 your Couchee will be soon compleated & I will send it by the first good oppertunity.\u2014 Cap. Carter arriv\u2019d here this week from Jamaica he was taken by a French Privateer on his passage home. they took out his Mate & part of his people. left Cap. C. on board with 2 Hands. put on board 8 frenchmen. after they had been in possession 10 Days\u2014the prize Master fell overboard by accident. Cap. C. immediately drove the Frenchmen below & retook his Brig & after 12 Days bro\u2019t her in here. he has suffer\u2019d great fatague but is in good health.\u2014\n        Mrs. S & my Sister join me in affectionate regards to yourself &, the President.\u2014\n        Yrs. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0118", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          my dear son\n          Philadelphia July 14 1797\n        Gen\u2019ll Marshal expects to sail tomorrow Several Days sooner than I expected, and the weather has been so very Hot, that I have not had resolution to touch my pen for several days past. you recollect what the Month of July is in this place, and how severely I feel, and suffer from the Heat.\n        I wrote to you about a fortnight since by the British Packet, Captain Cathcart, but I am so hamperd that I cannot write you with the freedom I wish. I shall therefore send you some publick papers and some Pamphlets and leave you to make your own comments. you will see that an whole Host are rising up in formal array against your Country and that too surely your Prophesys become History.\n        Mr W smith of south Carolina is appointed to Portugal, in your Room and will sail in the next week. your & my old Friend mr Gerry accepts his appointment, and will sail in a few days. amongst the papers inclosed you will find Some of your Friend and old school mate Bene Baches virtuous Auroras in one of which you will find remarks upon your mission to Berlin. a French production, all the writers in that paper are said to be foreigners, many of them fugitives from the Halter in their own Country, incendaries who kindle Flames where ever they go, and who for the peace of Mankind, might be very readily consignd to the Element they delight in, with their kindred Spirits you will find in Gen\u2019ll Marshal a sensible upright honest Man you may be of great service both to mr Gerry and him by a free communication with them. by a pamphlet in which you will find a plot disclosed, you will see what Americans are capable of, but to your mortification, I am sure, too many instances occur within your daily observation.\n        you will be pleased to learn that amidst this War of parties and Nations the chief Majestrate preserves his spirits and his fortitude unshaken, and that he sustains the burden of his office with patience and magninimity, that the people are alive to the injuries they sustain, but patiently wait the issue of the Mission Extraordinary\u2014 but from which, viewing the state of publick affairs, in all their various connections and concequences, I can form but faint hopes\u2014\n        I heard from your sister last week. she is at East Chester, and has been ever since last winter the col has been gone up with his Brothers to their new Lands for some time. I can say, She is a truly deserving woman whose lot is cast, not with the most fortunate of her sex\u2014\n        Your Brother is doing well in N york\u2014 Louissa who is by desires me to present her Love to you. I hope mr Murry is arrived long e\u2019er this\u2014 my Letters have been lost. I have written you 4 different times of which Letters we have no acknowledgment\u2014\n        I am my dear son / with every sentiment of Maternal affection your Mother", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0120", "content": "Title: Charles Storer to Abigail Adams, 15 July 1797\nFrom: Storer, Charles\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n        Pardon my thus abruptly addressing you. I plead the occasion as my apology\u2014\n        I am just informed that Mr: Leonard Jarvis expects soon to quit his Office. The Office is considered as a decent livelihood. Were I seeking emolument for myself I might be diffident; but when soliciting for the Interest & happiness of a Parent, I am emboldened, & venture to presume upon your friendship & goodness on the occasion.\u2014 For the discretion, prudence, integrity & honor of the Candidate you will not require a voucher from so near a friend as myself\u2014& to the President I hope it will be unnecessary; but allow me to say that for exactness & correctness in accounts none exceed him\u2014 May I request you to mention my father to the President\u2014at\nthe same time presenting him my best respects\u2014 Tis said some application has already been made: I would hope how ever mine may not arrive too late\u2014\n        With sentiments of esteem & respect, I am, Madm: / Yr: much obliged friend / & humle: servt:\n          Chas: Storer:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0121", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 16 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          My dear son Thomas,\n          Philadelphia July 16 1797\n        Tis expectation that make a Blessing sweet, says the poet. how sincerely sweet would it be to me to fold my dear Thomas to my Maternal Bosom in his own Native Land. I hope and wish, wish & hope that the Day may not be far distant.\u2014\n        This Day, the 14 of July I received by way of N york your kind Letter of April 7th, more than 3 months Since it was written, from your Brother no one of a later date than the 3 of April has arrived. I should suppose that your Brother was kept regularly informd of the various transactions of our Government. I regreet that there is reason of complaint, particuliarly as he is allowd on all hands to be one of the most industerous, able, and accurate ministers abroad.\n        I have sent him some News papers and pamphlets. I could fill a volm if I thought my self at Liberty to enter into the details of politicks, that our Country is in danger, and perils, as saint Paul was, in Perils by sea in Perils by Land and in Perils from false Breathern is a melancholy truth. However Foreign Nations may deceive themselves by supposeing that the people are opposed to the Government, if affairs are brought to a crisis, they will find the spirit of America will not easily bend to a foreign yoke, and that the Faction who so loudly clamour, are a combination of Foreigners, joined\nwith some unprincipled Americans, but by no means, the Body of America.\n        I shall not make any strictures upon the conduct of the Members of the last session of Congress. you will see by the various papers which I have cull\u2019d, that these are the same parties, equally voilent, in existance now, as were under the former Administration. I hope however that the Government will stand the various shocks to which it is daily subject. we cannot expect to escape wholy when So many great and powerfull Nations are rending to peices\n        Mr Munroe visited here, so did Mrs Munroe. I returnd her visit. she told me she saw you that you was very well & very lively\u2014 you will see that an entertainment was made for him, about 40 persons only attended. Congress were sitting. some of the voilents were there, and the vice President. the Man of the people was toasted.!\n        Your Friends desire to be rememberd to you amongst the Number was the pretty miss wescot, who visited me\n        I have sustaind the weather tolerably untill this week\u2014 I find I must quit the city.\n        adieu my dear son / God send you a safe passage to your Native land prays your affectionate / Mother", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0122", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 19 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          my dear sisters\n          Philadelphia July 19 1797\u2014\n        If the Compass by which my course is directed does not vary again through unavoidable necessity I shall sit out for Quincy next\nweek. we shall probably be 12 days in comeing. I shall want some preparation at Home. I will write to you from N york. Betsy wrote to her Mother to know if her sister Nancy was at home & that I should want her during my stay at Quincy\n        The Hot weather of july has weakend us all. complaints of the Bowels are very frequent and troublesome. I received your Letter of 13 yesterday I have suspected unfair dealings in the post office for some time, tho I cannot say where the fault is. as to the Girls Letters I believe they were foolish enough to send them without any Frank. I received a Letter yesterday from your Son who was well, and expected, to come to Philadelphia soon on buisness. I fear I shall be away, but I shall write him to come & put up at the House the same as if we were here\n        Let mrs Porter know that I should be glad she would have mrs Bass to clean up the House I hope it will be white washd first\u2014 the post will be gone if I do not close\u2014\n        yours affectionatly", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0123", "content": "Title: Joshua Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 19 July 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n        In consequence of what Mrs. Johnson tells me, had passed between you & her on Sunday, I am induced to believe that a matter of Delicacy on your part retards your Union with my Child. the uncertainty how long you may remain here, together with the shortness of my stay makes me ardently wish to see it compleated, do not then lose sight of personal happiness, by the supposition that the request made by her Mother (to make my House your Home) can possibly be attended with the slightest inconveniency, on the contrary, believe me that your acceptance (en Familli) of the small comforts we have to bestow, will diffuse general Joy & Delight through our little Circle. Any Embarassments you may [\u2026] attendant on your private business, will be easily obviated by\ndevoteing (should you prefer it) your Mornings or any part of the Day at your present aboade\u2014\n        I have been thus particular, in order to prevent your haveing an Idea that you will not be perfectly free from restraint, from the pleasure you will recive in takeing her, will be but Judged, my feeling, at parting with her, the goodness of your Heart, will lead you to believe, that being a Witness to her happiness during her stay here will in some degree tend to allevete the pangs of seperation. That those sentiments may be riciprocal is the sincerest wish of my. / Dear Sir / Your truly Affectionate\n          Joshua Johnson\n          P.S. If you have no Engagement I shall be happy to see you an hour before Dinner Tomorrow as I want to consult you on some affairs of my own", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0127", "content": "Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 24 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Mother.\n        The journey which I made to Paris, towards the last of April was performed so hastily, that it was out of my power to give you any satisfactory account of it from thence, and since my return, preparation for departure from Holland has engrossed most of my leisure hours, so that I have only found time to give an imperfect sketch to my Father of the most material occurrences of that tour.\n        The detail which I intended for you, is by no means so fresh in my memory as it was two months ago; indeed the greater portion of it would at this time be unseasonable, and I shall therefore content myself with a simple enumeration of the objects, which attracted my notice, during the short period of my residence in the Capital of the french Republic.\n        The first visit of curiosity, that I made was to Sceaux a seat which formerly belonged to the Duke de Penthi\u00e9vre. You doubtless saw it in all its glory, and will be sorry to learn that it has materially suffered since the Revolution. Every thing about it bears the marks of former splendor, strongly contrasted by its present deplorable appearance. Nothing remains of its beauty, but that for which it is indebted to nature. I will not distress you by a description of the barbarous ravages which were committed upon it, while the rage of destruction continued, but of all the Country seats in the neighborhood of Paris, this perhaps is the most damaged. Reincy, a Chateau of the Duke of Orleans, which I saw likewise, had the good fortune to escape. The interior of the house is pillaged like all the rest, but the grounds &ca: are still in good order. The place itself has lately been sold, and will probably recover its former appearance.\n        I passed two days at the palace of Versailles, and was greatly delighted with every thing I saw. I never before had a perfect idea of magnificence. My time would not admit of going to Marli, but I went to St: Cloud and at the same time visited the porcelaine manufactory at Sevres. In most of these tours, I was accompanied by my friends Pitcairn & Rogers, both of whom were then at Paris.\n        In the City, I endeavored to gain a sight of every thing worth a travellers curiosity, but many things unavoidably escaped me, though I was as diligent as possible.\n        The National Museum, & Library, the Garden of Plants, the Louvre, the pantheon, the Luxembourg, the Thuilleries, Elysian\nFields, Wood of Bulogne, Bagatelle, Military School, field of Mars, Hospital of Invalids, & the Gobbelins, together with a considerable number of the public theaters were all visited and admired in their turns. The two Councils & the Directory were the last, though not the least objects of my notice. In my letter to my Father, I have particularly described the interview, which was procured me by Mr: Arnoux, with a distinguished character in the Government. The conversation which he addressed to me may appear strange, but I am persuaded he has a great respect for the character of the person to whom it referred, and I shall be disapointed if his voice, at least, is not in favor of an amicable settlement of our national differences. I presume not however to possess any infallible testimony of such a disposition on his part. He is a frenchman, and has high notions of the invincible & terrible Republic of which he is one of the heads. I wonder that it should escape their shrewd understandings, that an object of terror, can never be an object of love.\n        Your old friend Arnoux treated me with great kindness & civility, and seemed to regret sincerely the misunderstanding which has arisen between our two Countries. He used frequently to say, that the french nation were lovers of justice, and disposed to shew it to others; but added he, you have heard the annecdote of a conversation which once took place between a french Ambassador & the English Minister of State, wherein the latter assured the former, that \u201cif England had always done justice to other nations, she herself would long since have ceased to exist.\u201d I was not displeased to find him reduced to such strange reasoning as this, in order to palliate the conduct of the french Government towards ours, but I could not help asking him, if the french Ambassador was satisfied with the reply of the Minister of State.\n        As my journey was one of observation, I travelled in the public diligence, and think it much preferable to a private carriage, not for convenience, but for dispatch, and for the opportunity it affords of remarking the manners of the people, whom you occasionally meet in these public vehicles. I was fortunate in my companions, both going & returning, and was much amused by several little incidents which occurred on the road. The sentimental Journey was continually present to my mind, and I think I have now learnt to appreciate its accuracy. It is a very exact copy of a very laughable original.\n        I took very few letters of introduction for Paris, and consequently saw but little private Society. I witnessed enough however to\ndiscover the fascinating charm which operates upon strangers who visit Paris, of which I had previously heard so much, and knew so little. But I was not there myself long enough to form an attachment to their mode of living, and I left it with no regret, but that which arose from the apprehension of having seen too little of the people & their Country, to form an accurate opinion of them.\n        The Theatres to which I devoted many of my evenings, were the greatest source of delight & entertainment. Nothing in my opinion can surpass the excellence of their Comic Actors, nor the grace & elegance of their Opera attitudes. Old Mr: Arnoux said to me, \u201cMy young friend, a young person sees too much there.\u201d I forgot to mention that the day I dined with him, I met Madam de Ville, the daughter of the late M. de Challoux, who recollected my Father & brothers, and desired to be remembered to them. I am not certain that you knew her. She is now a widow with five children, her husband having been one of the victims of the Revolution. Mr: Arnoux himself was a year in prison during the reign of terror. The death of the Tyrant alone saved his life.\n        I returned to the Hague towards the last of May; the beauty of the Country as it appears on the road, can hardly be described; even that part of Brabant and the frontiers of old France, which has been ravaged by the war, scarcely exhibits a vestige of damage or destruction, except within the walls of some towns. These indeed have suffered, & no length of time will probably ever repair them. The Country is fertile throughout, and the cultivation very high, scarcely an inch of land appearing to be neglected. Their approaching harvest bid fair to be abundant.\n        Soon after my return to Holland, Mr: Murray arrived, and we began to prepare for departure. The family of General Pinckney being then at the Hague, made quite a Congress of American Ministers, and their similarity of views & opinions rendered our Society very pleasant during the remainder of our stay. Mr: & Mrs: Murray were introduced to several of our acquaintance, and will I think pass their time agreeably. I parted with regret from my friends in Holland, particularly those at the Hague, with whom for nearly three years I had lived upon terms of harmony. I shall always retain great regard for the Dutch people, and reflect with pleasure upon the time I passed in their Country.\n        As I intend soon to write you again, in answer to your kind letters of Feby 21 & June 20, I shall now merely thank you for them, this\nletter being only in payment of an old debt. You are the best and most punctual of our correspondents, & indeed almost the only one that has not ceased writing to me, altogether.\n        Remember me affectionately to my father, and to all my Philadelphia friends, and believe me in constant love and duty / your Son\n          Thomas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0128", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 26 July 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          Dear Sister\n        we have made every thing as ready for your reception as we can. but alass I fear we Shall not see you. I think it will not be possible under the present State of affairs for the President to leave with prudence the Seat of Goverment for So long a journey but I hope you will leave the city If you do not come you will be Sav\u2019d the melancholy prospect of your ruin\u2019d Barley field & distroy\u2019d Garden. we had a fortnight Since Such a Storm of hail as your eyes never beheld it lasted about an hour it was attended with thunder lightning & a torrent of Rain with a violent wind. the hail Stones were between three & four inches round it thresh\u2019d all the Barley broke the\ncorn, kill\u2019d the vines & tore the cabbages & ever vegetable out of the ground all to peceis where ever it extended there is a hollow in our Farm from which was carried pailfulls of hail a week after to make punch with. it kill\u2019d all my chickens & the bird lay thick in many places kill by it the windows on the west Sides of houses were broke all to peceis the Doctor will write you what he has had to do to repair yours\n        I thank you my Sister for your kindness to my Son. he inform\u2019d us of mr websters proposal. we knew not what to advise him I hope he will act prudently. I have advis\u2019d him to open an office where he is immediately for he cannot come away Suddenly if his prospects here were ever So inviting he may be able then to judge what he can do if he Should think it best to stay washington is now at its lowest Stage I immagene at present his character I believe is establish\u2019d there for honour & probity I know the President thought he did right to go there & I would wish him now not to do any thing which he Should think unadvisable I Should rely much upon his opinion\n        what a Family of Blounts are there any more of them\u2014\n        Providence has Still an eye over us for good. more Blounts will be found out or I am mistaken\u2014 the V. P had no curiosity I think or he would not have taken himself of just as he did & tho tis customary to ask leave of absence before the rising of congress yet his doing it just as Bs trial was coming on did not look like the late V Ps doings\u2014thats all\u2014 far be it from me to speak evil of dignitys\u2014where there is really any\u2014\n        mr Cranch thanks you for the Pamplight\u2014 it exceeded in weight what a Postmaster has a right to receeve Post free, & he was charg\u2019d three dollars & an half for it\u2014 I do not know if a President may not write Free upon any weight but a Postmaster cannot receeve any thing above a certain weight unless he can\u2014 mr Cranch is writing to the Postmaster Generall about it\n        Jo Beal was buried yesterday he was in a dreadful Situation a mortification in both his Feet all the Toes on one Foot had been taken off & before he dy\u2019d his whole Foot drop\u2019d off\n        he has been in terrible distress\u2014& has left a numerous helpless Family unprovided for I beleive. [\u2026] Beals Black Tom was buried the day before he was drown\u2019d a Sunday Washing himself in the water just below mr Careys\u2014\n        I had a Letter last week from sister Peabody She & her Family were well but Charles she Says is in a poor State of health\n        I am concern\u2019d about him\u2014 Cousen Betsy is at Weymouth the Post is come Love to the P. & Cousen from Your / truly affectionate Sister", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0129", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams and Louisa Catherine Adams to Abigail Adams and John Adams, 28 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy,Adams, Louisa Catherine\nTo: Adams, Abigail,Adams, John\n            My dear and Honoured Parents.\n          I have now the happiness of presenting to you another daughter, worthy as I fully believe of adding one to the number of those who already endear that relation to you.\u2014 The day before yesterday united us for life. My recommendation of her to your kindness and affection I know will be unnecessary. My sentiment of her merit, will not at this moment especially boast its impartiality, but if there be as I believe an inseparable chain of connection which binds together all the domestic virtues, I have the strongest pledge that she, who has in an amiable and respectable family, adorned the characters of a daughter and Sister, will prove an equal ornament to that of a wife.\n          In renewing to you, the assurances of my unalterable duty and affection, I would now join hers to them, but believe they will be\nmore acceptable to you from her own hand, remaining your ever faithful Son\n          The day before yesterday by uniting me to your beloved Son, has given me a claim to solicit your parental affection, a claim I already feel will inspire me with veneration to pursue the path of rectitude, and render me worthy as deserving of your esteem and tenderness, as those who stand in the same relation, my pride would be severely wounded to yield the palm in the fulfillment of my duties either as wife or daughter, to be respected in these characters, and to meet the approbation of my Husband, and family, is the greatest wish of my heart\u2014 Stimulated by these motives (your affection the reward) will prove a sufficient incitement, never to sully the title of subscribing myself your, / Dutiful Daughter\n            Louisa C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0130", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 29 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          Saturday Morg. East Chester 29 July 1797.\n          My Dear sister\n        We leave this place this morning & hope to reach Home on fryday of the next week. I have written to mr smith to procure sundry articles for me in Boston which will require a Team to bring them to Quincy, & bags for oats will you be so good as to consult with mr Porter, and if mr Belcher can go to Town for them So as to get them up before we arrive I should be very glad. will you be so kind as to have some coffe burnt and ground, some Bread and cake made for me, and to be at our House on fryday when we hope to reach Quincy and if you should hear of any intention of company meeting us on the road, to accompany us to Quincy, I must beg of you to make Such arrangments of punch & wine as may be necessary. I have written to mr smith on the subject and he will inform you.\nwine you can draw from the casks in the cellar Punch must be made by Gallons. you will procure spirit for the purpose, and in a Box in the North cellar which is naild up is some Jamaca Spirit, that with some Brandy will answer\n        I believe it would be best to get Mrs Baxter to go to the House and assist in making Beds as she knows where my things are, better than any one else. the Matresses should be put on the Feather Beds, & two Beds put up in the new out Chamber for the Men servants. I have my two Grandson with me, but they can be provided for by some of my Friends if we cannot lodge them at first. we met at N york with so many unexpected things which we were not provided for, that I wish to have Some arrangments made now previous to our getting home particuliarly if we should meet company. you will find glasses &c enough. you will be so good as to have a table set in the dinning parlour, and every thing ready, to receive / Your truly affectionate / sister & Friends\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0133", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 29 July 1797\nFrom: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dear Sister\n          Atkinson July 29th. 1797\n        Your kind Letter which assured me of your welfare was a cordial to my heart. It came safe to hand, with its contents by Judge Livermore. The affectionate regard it evinced for me, & mine, might have overwhelmed an heart less accustomed to favours; accustomed, not callous I assure you, for esteem, love, & gratitude so often put in motion, fans the finer feelings, & makes them glow with unremitted ardor, & I am frequently so oppressed with such a sense of the unmerited beneficence of my Friends as to leave me drowned in tears, espicially when I consider how inadequate a return I can ever make.\n        I feel myself under peculiar obligations to the President, & to you my Sister for thinking upon my Son for good. I wish he may be qualified in every respect for the office proposed. As to his capability of retention I think I can assure you, that he is not \u201cloose of Soul,\u201d but from a Child considered a Secret, as a sacred deposit & I believe at this more mature age would keep inviolate anything entrusted to him. The Utility of method, & regularity in small affairs, & the absolute necessity of it, in the more important concerns of Life, I have frequently inculcated in the most pressing manner, & shall repeat them upon this occasion, with a request to pursue the method you proposed, of purchasing Copper plates, & writing every opportunity he can be released from his Clasickcal Studies\u2014 I feel affraid that his mind may be too much absorbed, & that he will not attend sufficently to the various duties of life, but when he realizes that his bread must be earned by assiduity to whatever may be his employment, I hope he will not be wanting in propriety of conduct\u2014\n        I suppose I have had greater anxiety upon my mind respecting William\u2019s profession, & getting into business, than if both Parents were living. I have had thoughts of requesting Mr Abbot to bear him upon his mind for an assistant at Exeter Accademy, but your letter has releived my mind from that care, & my wish is, that he may treasure up such seeds of useful knowledge, as shall be servicable in future life, yeilding a rich harvest; & hope that the suggestions relative to my Son in your letter, may prove an incentive to everything that is lovely, & of a good report.\u2014 I know he feels too young to determine what profession to follow, indeed the decission must depend upon Contingences. He wishes to pursue his studies after he leaves Colledge. I find that History both ancient, & modern is his\nfavourite pursuit, & he seems gratified that you say, there will be some time for the purpose of reading. When he first entered Colledge, I did not know but he might prefer the study of divinity, but I cannot say I wish it\u2014 Law, I presume would be his favourite pursuit, were there not so many obstacles to impede his Course. I wish him to lay a good foundation a store of knowledge that may qualify him for any business, & then it will not be difficult to find some whereby he may get a living\u2014 I scarcely know what to say, with regard to his taking a School in the winter vacation, as his board & other expences in this senior year must necessarily be much accumalated. Perhaps it may be best, should a good place be offered\u2014\n        Judge Livermore called upon us Commencement Week. Mr Peabody & Daughter attended it\u2014& I could not give an answer respecting the Children till his return\u2014 He now wishes me to assure you, that if Mrs Smith should like to send her Sons, & place them under our care, he will attend to their morals, & manners, & as far as it is in his power, make them excellent Scholars\u2014& on my part I shall be happy to render either you, or my dear Niece any service, & as much as possible supply the place of their amiable Mother, to her dear Children\u2014 We have a most worthy Preceptor, who understands human passions, & well knows how to regulate, not exterpate them\u2014 The intense heat, & dryness of the weather for this month has been as much as we could bear\u2014 I think of you often, & hope you find cool breezes to refresh, & invigorate both body & mind after the fatigues of the Day\u2014\n        I was at Mr Allens the other day, She enquired very affectionately after you\u2014 She has not been well this summer\u2014she has the Jandice I believe\u2014 Our Haverhill friends are well as usual\u2014 Mr White called upon me the other morning, & said his Wife, & Son, & daughter were well\u2014\n        Our worthy friend Mr Sam. Tufts drinks deep of the bitter Cup\u2014 He will soon be called to part with all his Children I fear\u2014 His Son, & daughter now lie at the point of death\u2014 They are upon the brink of the eternal world\u2014 He is almost bowed to Earth with grief\u2014but the Christian religion is his support\u2014 Faith in the being, & attributes of a righteous Governor, is as an anchor to his wounded Soul\u2014\n        General Wadsworth said he saw you the night before he left the City, & you had some hope of returning & making a short visit, I wish it might be in your power, & then you could take your\nGrandsons with you, if it was agreeable to Mrs Smith\u2014 I long to see her, she was always a favourite Neice\u2014 I cannot but think of what Juba, said of Marcia\u2014\u201cThe virtuous Marcia towers above her Sex, true\u2014 she is fair\u201d &cc\u2014\n        I do not know how to convey this Letter to you, I suppose the mail will be the most regular\u2014 I commend it to the care of Mr Smith\u2014wishing it a speedy passage, I / subscribe with much love, & affection, your Sister\n          Elizabeth Peabody\n          P.S\u2014 Everything that respect & gratitude can inspire, is presented by your Nephew, & Neices\u2014\n          Perry\u2019s Dictionary Websters third part, & what latin Books are in schools, are used here\u2014 Terms of board in Town is from eight to nine shillings pr week, nine shillings entrance for three months\u2014& nine d. pence week\u2014afterwards as long as they chuse\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0134", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 31 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Thomas Baker\n          My Dear Sir.\n        Though I have not hitherto enjoyed the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you, I have long since learnt to participate in the warm affection which a most amiable and worthy family, to which you belong, bear towards you, and at this time after having formed and solemnized, the tenderest and dearest of all human connections with your beloved sister, Louisa, I am happy in deriving from it some claim to your regard, and the right of giving you the sincerest and most cordial assurances of my friendship and attachment.\u2014 On Wednesday last the 26th: instt: we were married, and it is my wish and hope, that henceforward you will consider me in the light of a zealous and affectionate brother.\n        The University at which you now reside, was also the instructress of my early youth, and is remembered by me with affection and gratitude. I hope that your career there will be as pleasing and as useful to you, as it was to me, and that in future life you will find the fruits of Literature and Science, as abundant and valuable, as their blossoms are fair and fragrant.\n        I have to request your acceptance of the case of mathematical instruments which will accompany this Letter, and I hope they may prove of some utility to you in the pursuit of a branch of your studies, which if not the most attractive of those in which you are engaged, is among the most important.\n        I am, Dear Sir, very sincerely and faithfully your friend & humble Servt:\n          John Quincy 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0135", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Charles Adams, 1 August 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Charles\n          My dear Brother.\n        Upon my arrival at this place, about three weeks since, I received your kind letter of June 8th: which was the first line, I have had from you these many months, and it needed not that circumstance to render it highly valuable. You do not however mention in it the receipt of several letters, which I have written you, and which I hope have not miscarried in the conveyance. Among the rest, that of 29 December of the last year was of a nature to require some notice of its contents, as it related particularly to my affairs in your hands. It gave you an authority to draw on me for 2000 Dollars provided you could place such a sum to good advantage, in a proper and legal manner. I have never received any answer to it whatever, and know not whether you have drawn for the money or not.\u2014 I requested you to direct the payee of the bills, in case they should come after my departure from Holland, to make application to Messrs: W & J Willink at Amsterdam, who would discharge them on my account. I have accordingly left such directions with them, when I came away.\u2014 But if you should not yet have drawn, when you receive this letter, it will be best to draw the bills themselves on Messrs: Willink to be paid on my account, which they will duly honour. And I wish to suggest to you once more, the expediency of your mentioning business rather more frequently than you have hitherto done.\n        I should even at this time be glad to know how a small further sum might be disposed of beneficially, but cannot expressly authorise you to draw for any thing more, for want of proper, minute and precise information.\n        I had not heard of the death of our Grandmother and of our Cousin Mary Smith, until the receipt of your letter. The former had lived to such a great age, and had seen her Son raised by his merit to such an eminence, that she must have quitted this life, without reluctance. For Mary Smith, her friends might hope a longer date & a more fortunate lot.\n        The appointment to Berlin, which your letter speaks of, is not an agreeable one to me, nor should it ever have taken place with my\nconsent. I shall go however as it is required of me, and am only waiting for my orders.\n        The Jacobins you tell me, are not pleased with my official communications that have been published, and Mr: Livingston can compare them to nothing but the speech of the Director Barras to Mr: Monroe.\n        My old Schoolfellow Bache has become too thorough-bred a democrat to suffer any regard for antient friendship, or any sense of generosity for an absent enemy, to suspend his patriotic scurrility. These people have improved upon the doctrine of Mandeville. He only contended that private vices were public benefits, but their theories and still more their practice, makes public virtue essentially consist of the most detestable private vices.\u2014 As for Mr: Livingston\u2019s comparison, from whom it would have given me severe mortification to have heard it made; but those men would not have made it, however they might have disapproved the tenor of my communications. Had they meant a violent attack upon a man, who never gave them, nor intended them any provocation, they would have waited until he could be present to defend himself. Sentiments of this description however, Mr: Livingston does not admit, perhaps does not understand, and therefore he cannot mortify me, by comparing my letters to any speeches whatsoever, unless it be to his own.\u2014 I never intended nor expected that those letters of mine would have been published. It is not my wish unnecessarily to give offence to any one, much less to offer an insult to persons for whom I have a real regard, but it was my duty to give the true state of facts to my Government, as well as to reply firmly to the inadmissible proposals of the Dutch Committee. Had I imagined the documents would have been brought before the public eye, perhaps I should have altered in some few passages the phraseology; but the substantial truth of facts, and the reasoning upon them would have been exactly the same, in defiance of all the teeth of Livingston and all the slaver of Bache.\n        I have at length followed the example, which I should regularly have given to you, and was married last Wednesday the 26th: ulto: to Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, I can pass no higher eulogium upon her, than to say, she is worthy of being the third Sister, where there were already two so deserving. Our Sister Smith knows her well, and I ardently hope for the time, when she will be equally well-known and beloved by my Sister Adams. She intends writing to\nher, as I ought to have done long ago. I hope however you will convince her that the omission has not proceeded from churlishness.\n        I once more entreat you to write me as frequently as you can, and for the future you may direct your letters either under cover to Mr: King here or to Mr: S Williams the American Consul at Hamburg, or to Mr: Frederick Delius at Bremen. The two latter places will be those, to which the communications from America will be the most frequent.\n        I am with invariable affection your Brother.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0136", "content": "Title: William Cranch to Abigail Adams, 5 August 1797\nFrom: Cranch, William\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Madam\n          Philadelphia Augt. 5th. 1797\n        Mrs. Cranch informs me that a kind letter arrived from you at Washington since my arrival here, requesting me to reside at your house while I remained in Philada.\u2014 I need not repeat how much I am obliged by all your goodness & attention. The second day after my arrival here I met Mr. Briesler, who mentioned to me your kind request & the orders he had received; & inforced the invitation with such appearance of real sincerity, that I promised, I would reside at the house on my return from N. York. I return\u2019d last Monday, & have since occupied your house\u2014but it is solitary in the extreme. I do not recollect that I ever felt the want of society before. The weather indeed, has its share of operation.\u2014 My journey to N. York was to carry Miss Eliot, who expects there to meet her parents. I had the pleasure to dine with Mr. C. Adams on saturday.\u2014\n        I find Messrs. M & N strongly fortified on the banks of the Schuylkill, with scarce the means of obtaining even their dayly bread. But I feel myself pretty secure, & have no fear of being\neventually a great loser by their misfortunes. But I feel most severely for the confinement of my poor friend Greenleaf.\u2014 Disappointed Speculation & exulting Envy have tried to blast his Character, but if ever a heart possess\u2019d that Charity which ought to cover a multitude of faults, I believe it to be his.\u2014 His fault has been too sanguine a disposition, in himself and too much Confidence in that of others.\u2014\n        I find Mr. Morris in such a situation that I can not urge a compliance with his promise to purchase me a library. I shall therefore accept my Uncle\u2019s kind offer of the Loan of $200 for which I shall leave with Mr. Briesler my note of hand on demand with Interest. Colo. Deakins of Georgetown, voluntarily offer\u2019d to accept my drafts for any sums of money I might want before my return, either for the purchase of books or any other call I might have\u2014 But at present I had rather be under obligations to my uncle. Colo Deakins is one of the best men in the world\u2014 It would make a convert of the greatest misanthropist to know that even one such man was to be found among ten thousand.\u2014 I am happy in believing him one of my best & most influential friends. This is not simply my own opinion of the man, but it is a character establish\u2019d through the whole state.\u2014\n        I shall probably be obliged to remain here a few days longer, much against my inclination.\u2014\n        Present my most grateful & affectionate Respects to the President, & believe me with every sentiment of respectful affection, your dutiful Nephew", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0137", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 12 August 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\n          Dear sister\n          Saturday\u2014 Quincy August 12 1797\n        I arrived here this day week, but have been so constantly occupied in seeing company that I have not had time to write a single Line. I received your Letter which I suppose had been on to\nPhiladelphia, on fryday last, in the full Faith that mr Peabody & you would comply with our request. I took the Children, and brought them with me. John is somewhat indisposed with a return of his Ague\u2014 I gave him an Emetic yesterday which I hope will remove the disorder. the Parade of next week, and some engagements which I have, will prevent my getting the Children to you untill the week after, when it is my intention to bring them to you. the President would be very happy to accompany me but the Buisness which every post brings him from Philadelphia, and not having a Clerk secretary with him, will keep him from more than a days absence at a time during our Stay here. I shall take with me our Good sister Cranch & come as early in the week as my other engagements will permit. I am going this day to Boston. I inclose a Letter which mrs smith gave me to you, and have only time to add my kind Regards to mr Peabody, to my dear cousins / from their and your affectionate", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0138", "content": "Title: Stephen Peabody to John Adams, 12 August 1797\nFrom: Peabody, Stephen\nTo: Adams, John\n          Atkinson August 12th. 1797.\n        With pleasure we are informed in the public prints of your safe return from the seat of government. The present critical state of the affairs of our country, has undoubtedly produced pressing anxieties in your mind, of which we have all in some measure been partakers. But the public mind appears to be relieved and satisfied,\nwith the cool, deliberate, and spirited measures recommended in your excellency\u2019s spech, and adopted by Congress, which we think, cannot fail of arresting the attention, and approbation of every enlightened citizen possessed of a prenciple of integrity.\u2014 May Heaven direct our public measures, establish a government upon the prenciples of equal liberty, and make our country an asylum for the virtuous, from all parts of the world.\n        The enclosed sermon you will please to accept; excuse want of sentiment, and inaccuracies in the composition, and unjustifiable liberties taken by the printer.\n        Here you will permit me to observe; that for a clergyman, in an obscure country village to propose a visit from the president of the United States with his lady, might seem assuming; to omit making the request, taking into view family relations, would be an exhibition of neglect; which involves me in a dilemma. I may say however, that one of the best Sisters in the world is worthy of attention, and with her connections, would feel themselves honored, and gratified to wait on her friends when ever an opportunity presents.\n        Master William Shaw the bearer, will inform you of our health and domestic circumstances.\n        That the smiles of Heaven may accompany your exertions in directing our national affairs, in discovering the dark complicated machinations of our enemies foreign and domestic, is the cordial pray[er] of / Hond. Sir / Your most obedient, / humble servant\u2014\n          Stephen Peabody", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0139", "content": "Title: Ruth Hooper Dalton to Abigail Adams, 15 August 1797\nFrom: Dalton, Ruth Hooper\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          my Dear Madam\n          Washington August. 15. 1797\n        After your having been three months in the City of Philadelphia at this season of the year I think our good Friend the President and you must want some relaxation, and the sea air for a few weeks will be gratefull to you. as we are agreeably situated near the river I dont feel the want of it. where ever you are I wish health and happyness to attend, and hope you will return perfectly recovered and injoy\nan agreeble Winter, and that another season we shall have the Pheasure to see you here.\n        I have often thought of the alteration there was in the former set of our acquaintance, almost every one then belonging to Congress are gone. I know but few of those who supply their places.\n        the times we live in my dear Madam are Critical indeed, and God only knows what will be the end. that the Vessell of State with its present Conductors may be kept in Safety, and brave all the storms and tempests that they may have to pass through, is my Sincere prayer. He took the Command at a difficult season but His known abilities and good conduct I think I can Venture to say the Majority of the people have great confidence in. I hope His endeavours will be crowned with peace and tranquility and Honor to the Country\n        The publick affairs have very much affected this place in its growth and Commerce. I hope soon both will revive. This has been a great disappointment to Mr Dalton and made him a Man of much more leisure than he expected or likes to be which makes me sometimes wish we were in Philadelphia, as under the present administration I should have hoped some thing to Mr Daltons advantage, and still flatter myself his good Friend will not forget him\n        Please to present my kind love to Louissa and tell her I can sympathize with her from feeling the loss of a sister, dear indeed, for She was more than that, I took her as a Child from the dying hands of a tender Mother, and brought her up, Married her, and she had four de[ar] Children; and in my absence died very suddenly It was for a long time I lost my health and indeed have never injoyed it so well since, the lenient hand of time has in a degree eased the smart not cured the wound these are tryalls we must submit to\n        Mr Dalton and all my Family joyn in very affectionate regards to the President and yourself. my young Ladys thank you and Louissa for your kind wishes to see them. At present it will not be in their power they would like it much. Wishing you a most pleasant Jurney and happy return / I am Dear Madam / your very affectionate Friend\n          Ruth Dalton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0142", "content": "Title: Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, Thomas Boylston\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Mother.\n          London September 10th: 1797.\n        Mr: Fitch Hall being about to embark for New York I have entrusted to his care a trifling present, which I beg you to accept from\nme. I intended to have sent you a profile of myself by Mrs: Johnson, but was prevented by the suddenness of her departure, which took place a week sooner than it had been previously fixed. The whole family left this place yesterday morning with the intention of joining their vessel at Gravesend and embarking immediately for Georgetown. The separation, you will easily conceive to have been painful to fond & affectionate parents, & tender sisters, who were taking leave for the first time of a much loved daughter and Sister, though they are well assured that she is left to the care of an husband & a brother who will shew her every tenderness and attention that her situation can claim. She is indeed a most lovely woman, & in my opinion worthy in every respect of the man for whom she has with so much apparent cheerfulness, renounced father & mother, kindred & Country to unite her destinies with his.\n        It would have been less unpleasant for us to have parted from this family, had we been ready & free to depart hence ourselves; but no orders have yet arrived, and we are apprehensive of their being so long deferred as to occasion us a disagreeable & uncomfortable journey & voyage in the severest season of the year, which is fast approaching. It is hoped however, that Mr: Smith, or our Commissioners to France, will be the bearers of instructions by which our movements may be regulated. Our actual position is disagreeable.\n        The latest news from America is of the 23d or 4th: of July. As there is nothing comfortable in it, I forbear making any remarks upon it, further than that I am heartily ashamed & mortified at the depravity & wickedness of some of our native fellow-citizens. I feel angry rather than humiliated at the injurious language of which the diplomatic body in America, are the organs to our Government; but I hope their communications will be carefully preserved, for ere long they will make a novel & curious collection, worthy to be baptised by the name of impudent tracts, being a specimen of modern negociation, with a neutral nation.\n        You will see the newspapers, which I send by this occasion to my father. Those of the day contain important statements of french affairs, but the intelligence is so recent that I know not how far it can be credited. I shall therefore hazard no remarks upon it.\n        Present me kindly to my father & to our friends in general & accept the / love & duty of your Son\n          Thomas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0143", "content": "Title: Joshua Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 12 September 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Joshua\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          My Dear Sir\n          Margate Rhoads 12 Septr. 1797.\n        We reached Graves end about 11 OClock on Monday & proceeded immediatly on Shipboard. the Wind being fair we Saild in about Two Hours afterwards & rundown to the Hope, we remained their that Night & got under weigh the next Day & reached Bugsbeys Hole, where we remained until to Day 1 O Clock during which time we experined very heavy Gales of Wind, which created both alarm & much Sickness. we got to this place to Day about 3 OClock & if the Wind comes fair have hopes of reaching the Downs tomorrow, where I purpose to remain the shortest time possible, indeed I am the more anxious to get away as the Season grows late & we may expect a very rough Passage\u2014\n        I need not attempt describing to you my sufferings on this occasion of leaving England you have seen & witnessed them, my determination was formed from disappointments & I am perswaided that it is the most proper to enable me to do speedy Justice to every one, however I doubt not but many will censure me, for the moment & who will by & by approve the stop\u2014 I deposited a Paper with you, before parting with you, should any accident happen to me, I recommend that to your serious attention\u2014\n        To the part of the World you are going to I do not expect to hear from you often, but when ever an opportunity offers I hope you will not omit droping me a Line\u2014\n        I beg that you will deliver the Inclosed to my Dear Child & your Wife, with the attendance of the most sincere affections of a Tender & Loving Father whose Prayers are ever held up to the supream being for your Healths & happiness & who is my, / Dear Sir / Your truly Affecte. Frn\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0144", "content": "Title: Catherine Nuth Johnson to John Quincy Adams, 18 September 1797\nFrom: Johnson, Catherine Nuth\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          Stromness the orkney Islands Sept 18th 97\n          My Dear Son\n        altho an unsolicited Corespondent my heart assure\u2019s, me these few Lines, will find A Generous Asylum, in your Breast, you will doubtless be surpris\u2019d at the date of this, but driven by adverse Winds, & what is still Worse, Adverse Fortune, we are Obliged to take refuge in one of the Islands, of the Orkney\u2019s, the sport of Boreos for these last ten days, we Blest the Providence, which Secure\u2019d us a safe Retreat, in this harbour. the town the only one on these Island\u2019s, that I Can discover, is A miserable poor place, but to me at this moment, Magnificently Grand, so do we measure happiness, from the transition, of Pain to Pleasure, not a face that I see, but appears to bring me some Comfort, Alass short Live\u2019d will it be, as we are now, not, any nearer to our destination than when we Left Margate, the same tract of Ocean to Measure & the season far advancing, I will not however give way, to unpleasant anticipations, but return my gratefull acknowledgements, to the great [disposer?] of the Universe, that has Conducted me to this port of Safety, well knowing your time Can be better Spent then in perusing my Dull Epistle, I must Conclude with this Great truth, that no Event of my Life, has given me more heartfelt Satisfaction, than that which enables me, to Subscribe myself your / Affectionate Mother\n          C 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0145", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 25 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\n            my Dear sister\n          I last Evening received your Letter of the 19 & 20th Instant. I am most sincerely grieved for the melancholy situation of our Nephew, and the more so as it is not in my power to render him any personal assistance. Since my return from Haverhill I have thought it necessary to return the civilities received, which has obliged me to entertain weekly several sets of company and that with a Family of 20, & frequently more, is sufficient care, if I was well accommodated with help which from ill health, I am not. Cousin Betsy and your son were sitting out, or had every thing in readiness to do so, when she was Seizd with a turn of the inflamitory Rhumatism, and detaind she made yesterday an experiment to see how she could ride and came there, but was unable to sit up more than half the day. I cannot think but what she would herself need the aid of others, instead of being of service as she is most desirious to be. Louissa fell away during Marys sickness and has never recoverd her flesh since. they all have a Sharp Humour in their Blood which some times falls upon the Lungs & sometimes into their faces. they have none of them firm constitutions. I have only one fortnight more to remain here when we must sit out on our Journey, like the doves of Noah not knowing where to place our feet, for the Pestilence still rages in Philadelphia, and that with accumulated voilence. I received a Letter from mrs Smith in which she says that she anxiously waits to hear from you. I shall write her and inclose Williams Letter. she says when she received the first Letter from them she was ready to cry for Joy. poor Women, her Lot in Life is not what I could wish it. she has not had any late Letters from the col and I believe does not know where he is. it is my determination, that she and her daughter shall go with me this winter if I can find a Home for myself\u2014unless she hears from the col or he returns. I will let her know the calls you have upon your benevelence; I fear it will affect your Health. to mr and Mrs Atwood I shall ever feel a strong attachment and regard for their Parental goodness. may their Children never want the like aid; amidst the many evils and the great cruelties which are daily presenting themselves to our view from Foreign Wars and devastation, it is a relieaf to the pained mind, to find that Benevolence, Love and Friendship still have an existance, and that proofs are not\nwanting of many, yet being the deciples of him, who made it a criterion, that we should Love one an other.\n          as soon as it is practicable cousin Betsy will come, should her Brother need her. my Love to him and tell him I pray that he may have all needed support\n          your son is still here, and looks in much better Health than he was; he grows quite fat & has a good coulour, to what he had. he has had but one of those Headacks to which he is subject. his uncle does not know how to spair him whilst he stays here, and as he has time to study I hope it will not be any injury to him\u2014\n          I was glad to hear that my Children were well. I am more anxious for them knowing that they are under my care, than when they were with their Mother. I could not have placed them any where else to have been so well satisfied as I feel myself now. I would have you get a Trunk or chest made, but perhaps with adding one dollor more a chest with two draws might be made to Serve both of them. I inclose ten dollors out of which I will thank you to get some fine yarn spun for Socks for them and to pay for a trunk or chest. if cousin B. gets time to knit them, I will pay her. Present me kindly to mr Peabody. my son you see, as I do by the papers is married we have Letters to June 29th from Thomas & from J Q A to the 20th he was just then going to England. he was married on the 27 July as the Newspapers inform us. We have not yet any Letters from England. my Love to the Children their next Letter must be to me. adieu my dear sister. I scarcly know what I have written, I have not been calld away less than 20 Times since I began. most affectionatly your sister\n            Abigail Adams\n          compliments to mr Vose I should be glad to have his opinion of the Boys without any scruples.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0146", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 1 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Warren, Mercy Otis\n          my dear Madam\n          Quincy october 1st 1797\n        I acknowledg myself indebted to you for two kind Letters, both of which found me in circumstances of distress; the first which came to me before I went to Philadelphia, I fully intended to have replied to at the Time, but the many cares and avocations which at that time occupied my mind, preparitory to my going, and the peculiar melancholy circumstance of the Death of my Mother and Neice within a day or two of each other, not only arrested me in my journey, but added to the cares with which I had before felt myself opprest. to you therefore, who have so frequently been summoned on like Solemn occasions, I need make no further appology.\n        your Last kind Letter, which I had no right to expect, and was therefore received as a pledge of a Friendship which bears the stamp of Time, and which I hope will endure with our Lives, however we may discent upon some Subjects, upon that of Mutual good will esteem, and real affection I trust we shall be ever united, and your Letter expressive of it should have met a ready reply, but I was dissabled both with my Eyes and Hands, having met an accident in a carriage which like to have cost me my Life\u2014 I have however recoverd so as to leave only a small scar behind.\n        Your kind invitation to visit you in the, only stile which can ever be agreable to me, that of Hospitality and freedom, would have given both mr Adams & myself great pleasure. a promise which he made to the secretaries, of not being absent from Quincy more than one day at a Time, that their communications might always find him, has confined him to this place ever since his return. one only visit have I made, and that to my sister in New Hampshire. I fulfilld two duties, that of visiting a very dear sister, which I had not done before, since her residence & Marriage in that state, and placing my two Grandsons at an accademy there, and in her Family and under her inspection, that they may receive a Genuine New England Education which I am Yanky enough to prefer to any other I have yet seen.\n        We leave this place in a few days, without knowing where we are to Stop. the distrest state of a city which seems devoted to Calamity, and the Pestilence which still rag[es] there, renders it Dangerous to enter it at this Time, and the certain clamour which will be raised if Congress are convened at any other place, renders it\ndifficult for the President to know what is best and most for the Good of the Country, & the safety of its Members; without being much nearer, where a more accurate statement of Facts can be assertaind.\u2014 The Philadelphians will complain & say there is no danger, tho at Present their city is deserted of two thirds of its inhabitants\n        I received a Letter from Mrs otis a few days since. she with her Family are at Bristol about 18 miles from the city, and were all well.\n        When I was at Providence I took Tea at the late Govenour Bowens. they inquired kindly and particularly after you & your Family, and desired a particular remembrance to you.\n        The President joins me in an affectionate remembrance to his old Friend the Genll and to Mrs Warren both of whom it would have given him pleasure to have Seen at Quincy.\n        I am dear Madam with sentiments of / Regard and esteem / Your affectionate Friend\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0148", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 6 October 1797\nFrom: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dear Sister\u2014\n          Atkinson Oct. 6th 1797\n        Since my last my time has been cheifly occupied, in attending to those services, which were due to our late worthy Nephew\u2014 Though we had been in daily expectation of his dissolution, & every breath he drew seemed as if I heard a voice, saying \u201cSister Spirit come away\u201d yet it was a sudden stroke at the close\u2014 As he called the watcher who set by him, Aunt, I suppose he took her for me; & I was perswaded to go & lie down; sleep, I did not expect\u2014 I presumed that was mounted upon its airy pinions\u2014 I had no sooner thrown my head upon my pillow, than I was roused by his distressing exertions to raise, I heard him speak \u201ccall the Dr. give me a puke I shall die\u201d\u2014& then an awful silence ensued\u2014 it was not dificult to guess the cause\u2014 the watchers met me, he is gone\u2014he is gone was their exclamation\u2014 I suppose an ulcer broke, & suffocated him\u2014 thus ended the short life of the sober minded, patient, once healthy blooming Charles\u2014& may his budding virtues, blossom in an happier, less tempestous Clime\u2014\n        I feared his Mother, & Sisters would think his Funeral was appointed at so early a period, as to preclude the Opportunity of their attending even if they had earnestly desired it\u2014 I thought they would not come, & as I found it would interrupt Mr Atwoods buisness to have it deffered, as he shut up his Shop I thought it best to let him suit his convenience, & have the funeral when he pleased\u2014 I returned home thursday P M, & sent back Betsey Quincy, & her Sister that night\u2014 William hired an horse for himself, & we took Cousin John in the Chaise the next day with us\u2014 I think\nthere were twelve of us went down to his Funeral\u2014 The near neighbours, & connections were desired to walk as mourners, & it being a pleasant day, there was a large concourse who payed the last tribute of respect to a youth, deservedly dear to all his acquaintance\u2014\n        It is a great satisfaction to me that I have been able to attend my Nephew during his painful Sickness\u2014 nothing but having him in my own house could have given me more\u2014 Mr Atwood is one of the most benevolent of men\u2014 The great beneficent Parent must behold him with pleasure, for \u201cGod loveth a chearful Giver\u201d\u2014& there has been nothing spared, that could tend to make Charles easy, & comfortable\u2014 It is really a charming Family, & I am convinced that those virtues of the heart which dignify human nature, are not confined to time, or place, but are found where we have least reason to expect them, & often flourish most in an humble station\u2014\n        I have desired Mr Atwood to collect all the bills The Drs, Nurses, Porters\u2014&cccc ready for me to lay before you, & Dr Tufts\u2014 I presume Charles had Cash nearly enough to answer the chief of those\u2014 I told Mr Atwood he must think what his own bill will be, & let me know soon as he could what his expences had been\u2014 He frequently told me while Charles was sick, that he should charge nothing for his own trouble, but I know the expence occasioned by watchers, two in a night frequently, which were generously treated must be great\u2014& the handsome provision made at the funeral of Coffee, tea, wine &cc must be more than he ought to do\u2014 At first I felt loth to stay at his house\u2014 Charles was easier, & I went home a day, or two, but he sent his Chaise for me a Sabbath day, & said I must stay, with Charles, & his wife, that he loved to have me with them, & should not feel easy if I, were not\u2014 Betsy went & watched with Charles twice, but the poor Girl beged so for me to come again if I were not sick, that I told her I would not leave him\u2014 I hope her Cousins sick Chamber may prove salutary to her immortal Spirit, & though painful to the body, yet happy for her Soul\u2014 Mr Abbot prayed, that the near friend of equal age who with affectionate concern had watched his pillow, might have such a sense of divine things, such important realities impressed upon her mind as should not be erased by time, or the vicissitudes of Life\u2014 He knew the circumstances of the Family, & most fervently prayed for the absent Mother, Brethren, & Sisters, that they might be supplyd with every needful Blessing, & those consolations which their particular circumstances required\u2014 It was a most excellent prayer, presented upon the alter of my heart, I hope an acceptable Sacrifice\u2014\n        I told Mr Atwood that his Sister had been a most attentive, neat, kind nurse, that I would have her paid the usual price, & something handsome given her\u2014 He kindly told me, I must not think of giving her less than eight or ten Dollars, for she was high spirited, & he had rather give a part back to me, than not have her gratified\u2014& pleased\u2014 I thanked him for his frankness, & said, she had payed Charles those attentions which no money could purchase\u2014& ought to be rewarded\u2014 I wish for your counsel, & advice\u2014\n        The exertions which I had made to keep well, that I might behave with true magninimity of Soul, through the gloomy Scenes, & various duties I was necessarily engaged in, shattered my feeble Bark\u2014 It was the twenty-ninth day of September, that I was called to attend my dear Charles to his dark mansions; a day, to me ever memorable\u2014for thoughts which are improper for me to utter\u2014 In awful Silence, I adore & tremble\u2014\n        Thy divine attributes are conspicuous in all thy works, & in all thy dealings, O thou great arbiter of Events!\u2014 Thy righteousness is as a mountain, which no human Eye can pervade, & thy Judgments a great deep, which no mortal man can fathom.\u2014 Impressed with a sense of thy all surrounding power, I join the Psalmist in that grateful apostrophe, How excellent is thy loving kindness, how great is thy goodness O my God! therefore in humble reliance upon thy mercy, will I ever put my trust, under the shadow of thy wings, & confide to thy arms my fatherless Children\u2014 These were the reflections which occured, while with solemn steps, & slow, I passed from Grave, to Grave till I came to the house appointed\u2014till I reached that, which, though no stone told where he laid, I could easily perceive One, over which the turf was scarcely closed & whose green had not yet received its wonted hue\u2014 I turned from this melting scene, with this petition,\u2014though our Sins have been as scarlet, may we be white as Snow, washed in the blood of the Lamb, & though these vile bodies of ours, may moulder in the dust, may we all rise in Glory, & be permitted to join the celestial Choir in ceaseless Hallelujahs\u2014\n        I have had a charming visit from Mr. & Mrs Smith.\n        I had been quite sick all day, but I would not suffer the gloom I felt at my heart, to interrupt the pleasure of their visit\u2014 By them the kind present you sent to Betsy Quincy came safe to hand, for which she most cordially thanks you\u2014 Mrs Smith told me how good you had been to my Son, & that he looked finely\u2014how thankful shall I be, if he does but do credit, & honour to his benefactors\u2014 I feel a\npeculiar pleasure in endeavouring to serve your Grand-children, in every respect\u2014either body, or mind, we wish to pour the \u201cfresh instruction\u201d into their tender minds, & lead them to habits of virtue, that they may reach the temple of honour, & like their ancestor, be crowned with unfading laurels\u2014\n        Mr Vose says William does well with learning english Grammer, but 2 years makes some difference, & as John is not so good a reader, he had better be kept to that, & to writing at present\u2014 They are neither of them bad tempered\u2014 William is orderly, & attends to reasoning, John hears, & is faulty the next moment\u2014 Mr Peabody is very kind to them, but is resolute in exacting proper obedience\u2014 Limited monarchy is the best Government\u2014 It is as necessary in large families to have the power vested in one, & to be obeyed, as in states, & kingdoms\u2014\n        We are doing your Childrens stocks with some mixed blue yarn, I had left of my sons\u2014 they will do in the snow better than wosted\u2014 I have put away all their best shirts, & keep the old ones in wear\u2014 If you will send cotton, for three a peice, Betsy Q shall make them\u2014 The little fellows are charming well, & hearty & I believe happy, I intended writing to their dear Mamma, but I have had something the Dr says of a slow fever all the week, I have taken two large portions of Cinnce, & feel a little better\u2014 If I were well, I would not send this ill written letter\u2014 May heaven direct your steps, & preserve you, & yours in health prays your Sister\n        Give my love to Louisa\n        John & William have written letters, & sealed them, before they brought them to me, I would have corrected them if they had not, you will please to excuse their errors\u2014 pray do not forget Scate[s]\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0149", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dear Mother.\n        It is but a few days since I received your kind letter of 14. July, brought to Holland by Genl: Marshall, and forwarded to me here. The pamphlets also which you have been kind enough to send me have come to hand. I value them much not only for the advantage of perusing them, but because I am endeavouring to preserve a collection of such publications. My state of continual motion is indeed very unfavourable to this purpose, for it often prevents packets destined to me, from arriving. For instance I have not to this day received the pamphlet containing the correspondence upon the subject of the refusal by the Directory of France to receive Genl: Pinckney last Winter, and as this makes a very material chasm in the series of my State Papers, I shall request you to forward me one of them\u2014 It was printed towards the last of May, and is the more material to me, as it contains (so I am informed) extracts of one or two of my own Letters to the Secretary of State.\n        Mr: Harper\u2019s Observations upon the dispute between the United States and France are very valuable, and must I think prove very useful. The facts I think are very correctly stated, and the Spirit with which they are commented is truly American. I rejoyce to see that Spirit thus coming forth, and hope to see more of it than any of our Enemies expect.\u2014 It becomes every person of information and character to detect and expose that base and hypocritical villainy of faction, which endeavours to load with the odium of being under British Influence, every Man who is not the servile or the venal tool of France.\u2014 Mr: Harpers example will I hope be followed, and the sooner we can ascertain who are the true, unmingled Americans, the better.\u2014 I have seen enough, and more than enough of those characters who would slide along between the two parties, with the hope of sharing in the triumph of either, under the pretence at present of belonging to none. Randolph\u2019s catastrophe, made me sick of such personages.\u2014 Solon was right in subjecting to severe penalties every Citizen who refused to take his side, in great public controversies.\n        The elaborate pamphlet against the late President, is apparently of french origin. The french idiom is manifest in every page, and the translation is poorly done, for they have been obliged to help it with an explanatory glossary by way of notes.\u2014 Yet I think Randolph must have some hand in it: for what other man upon earth could quote Randolph\u2019s pamphlet and Fauchet\u2019s certificate as authorities\n        As to Washington\u2019s character, it is one of the fortunate things of his fortunate life, to be attacked by such beings as Randolph and Payne, and this pamphleteer; that is by men of some talents, and more popularity, full to the brim of the foulest and most malignant venom that the human heart can engender. Against such a life and such virtues, secured and sanctioned as they are by retirement, no talents, no malice can avail, and publications like those which have been levelled at him, only expose the authors to disgrace, and will serve in future to be quoted as the tests by which his virtue was proved, as the fires from which it issued only brightened in its lustre.\n        But in the pamphlet which you sent me, the attack upon Washington, is a mere feint to cover an attack upon the Constitution. You know that the plan for this attack has long been laid, and the substantial object of it fully understood.\u2014 I confess that I was not a little diverted at reading the laboured and pompous panegyric upon the wisdom of the french Constitution in establishing a Directory of five persons, at a moment, when three of the five had just expelled and proscribed the other two, by mere military force, and in the most undisguised and unblushing violation of that wonderful Constitution; nor did I avoid remarking, that Carnot so emphatically eulogised in the pamphlet as the great author and organizer of the stupendous Republican french victories, was at the time when I read this encomium, one of those very two directors, thus expelled and proscribed by his three Colleagues, without, the forms of a trial or even the ceremony of an accusation. The convulsion of the 18th: fructidor (4th: of September) displays in such a striking manner the merits and operation of this boasted Constitution, that I have drawn up very hastily at such leisure as I could snatch while preparing for my departure from this place, some observations upon that Event; which you will see, and read if you have the Patience to go through them.\u2014 They are founded upon the facts as stated by the prevailing party; the party so loud in crying up the Constitution which they have sacrificed: they rest principally too upon official documents.\n        Mr: Smith arrived at Lisbon about the 25th: of August. I have a letter from him of that date. Mr: Gerry arrived at Rotterdam the 19th: of last month. I have a letter from him dated there on the 24th:\u2014 Genl: Marshall had arrived before him and with Genl: Pinckney had proceeded to Paris where they arrived on the 28th:\u2014 The commission in my opinion is excellently composed, but for any reconciliation worth having there must be a favourable and an honest temper on both sides.\u2014 My hopes are but small.\u2014 In general the American diplomacy in Europe,\u2014myself excepted, is now as well chosen as can be wished\u2014 The men are all honest, and able.\u2014 In excepting myself I do not mean a silly disqualifying salvo. I cannot be contented with my last appointment.\n        My old school mate Bache has indeed been so industrious in making his praise slander and his slander praise, that abuse from his press, is at least what as a lawyer I should call prima facie evidence of merit. I feel therefore some satisfaction in being the object of it.\u2014 But the appointment to Berlin was objectionable on two grounds.\u2014 It had a bad face: for it looked like a nomination by the President of his own Son to high office; it was not well-timed for it was I think the very first nomination, after the opposite example of the Predecessor\u2014 It was not in fact a promotion of me, but it looked like it.\u2014 A train of reasoning, a recurrence to other facts was necessary to answer cavillers against it. The first appearance of things, is a point which deserves some attention.\n        When from the appearance you turn to the reality: I had been destined as Minister Plenipotentiary to Lisbon; but for the expences of the voyage and journey there; or what is called the outfit, I had been allowed only half the usual sum.\u2014 I had been at all this expence, had taken my own passage and that for all my baggage, and had even engaged an house there, when I am at once ordered back to the other extremity of Europe, with a new voyage and journey necessarily and inevitably very expensive, without the addition of a farthing to my previous half-allowance.\u2014 I received therefore an office at once invidious in appearance, and oppressive in reality.\u2014 But I have done with this subject, which I have not willingly renewed. My Country has every claim upon me; if her service were merely a bed of roses, it would not be a worthy incitement to ambition.\u2014 As for Bache,\u2014he was once my school mate; one of the companions of those infant years when the heart should be open to strong and deep impressions of attachment, and never should admit any durable sentiment of hatred or malice. There is a degree of\nregard and tenderness that mingles itself in my recollection of every individual with whom I ever stood in that relation\u2014 The school and the College are the sources of the dearest friendships; they ought never to be those of malevolence or Envy.\u2014 Bache has none of these feelings, or he would not have been the vehicle of abuse upon me, at least during my absence from the Country.\u2014 But he cannot hurt me.\n        That the President retains his Spirits and fortitude unshaken is what I expected, and it gives me much pleasure. Great worth and virtue has no vouchers so complete as strong trials. I have a firm and undoubting confidence not only in the Justice but in the final success of the cause for which we may soon be called to contend with all our energies.\u2014 But our strength has slept too long; it must be called forth.\n        Your hints concerning my Sister\u2019s situation, give me pain more than surprize\u2014 I am too familiarly conversant with such things.\u2014 Perhaps it may give you and my father some satisfaction to learn, that I remain still as independent as your own hearts can wish: and that notwithstanding my increased expences without any increase of fortune, and notwithstanding the additional voyage and Journey above-noticed, I am and will continue fully within my means.\n        your ever affectionate Son\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0150", "content": "Title: John Adams to Charles Adams, 11 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Charles\n        I arrived here this Evening with your Mother and Cozen all in good health, and was Sorry to hear that you went from hence on Monday unwell. I hope you are better.\n        If I go into Town in Ceremony I Should be glad of your Company with me in my Carriage.\n        My Letters will, Some of them be directed to your Care, I Shall be glad to receive them as soon as possible. Can you Send them out by the Stage to Guions, or by private hands. Any News or Newspapers will be acceptable.\n        I hope Mrs Adams and the little Miss are well.\n        I must depend upon you and Mr Malcom to make all necessary Preparations for me. I feel the honour that is done me by the City of New York and pray you to Signify my respectful Attention to it, upon all proper Occasions.\n        It seems to me the Arrangements had better be conditional\u2014on such a day and hour if the Weather is fair\u2014otherwise the next fair day. However this is only Suggestion. I shall conform in all Things to whatever is determined on. The Thought was Suggested to me, by a drenching in a Soaking Rain of Governer Sumner, General\nHull and seven thousand Militia in compleat Uniform the other day at Concord in Massachusetts.\n        I am your affectionate Father\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0151", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Joshua Johnson, 11 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Johnson, Joshua\n        I received your obliging letter dated in Margate Roads just before your departure. I had indeed long observed your distress and that of your family. I was not particularly acquainted with its causes, nor was it a subject upon which I thought it proper or necessary to enquire\n        You expected that the step upon which you determined would expose you to censure; but as you observe you thought it the best you could take to do equal Justice to all.\u2014 The turn of affairs here has not been such as your friends could have wished\u2014 Appearances and allegations are advanced which bring in question something more than merely your credit, and unfortunately your friends have not the means of refuting them in their power.\n        I enclose to you a copy of a letter I have received from Mr: Delius at Bremen: I can see no honourable motive upon which he could address it to me; but it is such as calls for animadversion from you.\n        Your affairs in America, as you represented them to me, are amply sufficient to satisfy every claim upon you in Europe, and to leave you still a decent property. Let me urge you then Sir by every consideration of regard for yourself and your family, to consider Justice to your creditors as the most imperious of your obligations.\u2014 To render it speedily, and amply, however unkind you may think their\ntreatment of you has been.\u2014 I urge it, because I cannot suspect you of an unnecessary misrepresentation of your affairs to me, and because if your statement was correct it will be perfectly and largely within your power.\n        With respect to the Execution of your Will, I hope there will be, these many years no occasion for it\u2014 But as far as my situation may leave me the possibility to co-operate in it, I shall always cheerfully contribute to it, or to any other service that I can render to yourself or your family.\n        With my affectionate regards to Mrs: Johnson, and all the children, I remain, Dear Sir, / [your friend &] very hble: Serv1:\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0153", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 15 October 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            Dear Sister\n            Quincy october 15th 1797\n          I thank you for your Letter from worcester since that I have heard by the papers you have arriv\u2019d in new-york. I hope Safe. you must have had bad weather some part of the way if Such as we had reach\u2019d you. last Sunday evening we had a terrible Tempest of thunder Lightning & wind & rain the Lightning struck the house of capn. Jo. Baxter & every person in it reciev\u2019d a Shock there were many young People collected there Boilstone Adams & I believe Sukey mr Adams was very much affected for several hours & many were obliged to be rub\u2019d with vinagar for a long time it came down\nby the side of the chimney & went thro the house into the cellar. that no one should be kill\u2019d was a great preservation. it Struck a house in milton also. I never Say Such Lightning. it was like columns of Fire & fell to the Ground. the wind was violent mr & mrs Norton were on the top of Pens hill when it took them. they were oblig\u2019d to run into a house for shelter they look out their house & the chaise was blown half way down the hill. they were on their way to Atkinson. they return\u2019d yesterday found & left all well. the little Boys were finely & contented. cousen Betsy Stay\u2019d with mrs Nortons children in her absence\n          I Saw mrs Porter to day they are both well I spoke to her about the clothes lines. She will take care of them. mr Foster & Eliza Bond were here last Sunday\u2014 She has got her health & looks finely but neither She nor I can make Cousen Betsy own that there is any connection design\u2019d to be form\u2019d between mr F & her notwithstanding all the appearences She does fib. I know She does. they were Several hours alone together in our east Parlour she has recover\u2019d her spirits much better than I fear\u2019d She would. had She been with her Brother She would have felt very differently from what She now does I believe it would have kill\u2019d her in her feeble State. Sister Peabody did not forget that the day he was buried was the 29th of September it render\u2019d the Scene doublely Solemn\n          your Neice mrs Hubbart & Salomy came the last week to make you a visit they did not know you were gone. they spent an affternoon with me Doctor Tufts came to do business with you about half an hour after you left us. he wishes for many directions which he expected to receive\u2014\n          mr Cranchs coat I supposed you must have taken by mistake. we have not receiv\u2019d it yet nor heard of it only by your Letter. but think it will come along Tis one he wants much this time of the year his Devonshire is too thick & heavey\n          I am impatient to hear from you again & to know how you found mrs Smith & your other children my Love to them all\u2014 I want to know also where congress will be call\u2019d. do not go to an unhealthy Spot\u2014 Stay with your children untill you can go into your own house I Shall be distress\u2019d about you if you do\u2014 I have been from home but once since you left me your house looks So gloomy I cant bear it\u2014 I wish it was occupy\u2019d in your absence by some Sensible neighbour\u2014 George Apthorp is come with his wife & her mother mrs Perkins, a Sister of mrs Aptho[rp] mrs A is a pretty innocent Sensible coun[try] Girl just 19 years old\u2014 they are come to Settle\nhere.\u2014 our neighbour mrs Apthorp has been very ill for above three weeks in violent pain in her back & one side it has at last Show\u2019d itself to be the Shingles to a dreadfull degree. She continues very ill\n          mrs Norton Sends a thousand thanks for your kind present. had it made. & it looks very handsome\u2014\n          pray give my Love to the President & Louissa / & believe me at all times your truly / affectionate Sister\n          mrs Porter Says she has found [\u2026] Buckets\n          Doctor Tufts wishes to know what is to be done with the cheese butter &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0154", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 17 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n            East Chester october 17th 1797\n          I was in hopes to have seen you, and had some more conversation with you upon the subject of finishing the Room in the out House. I experienced so many inconveniencies from a mixture of Families Whilst I was at Home, that I should not wish to try it again, for if\nmr & mrs Porter had not been of a very accommodating disposition we should have met with more trouble than I did. I told mr Porter that I would have him digg a cellar under it, and I should be glad to have a small building behind for a dairy room suppose it only 12 foot Square so as to communicate with the Room. the Chimny I would build without the House so as to make as much Room as possible. I would have an oven built in it. from the wash House a communication can be made through the closet under the stairs, so that two windows in front may be made, if (as I hope we shall), some alteration should be made in the House, so as to take the Books into the House there will then be a good Bed room for a Family, and my own people when at home may occupy the Chambers and the wash House without much interference I wish you would consult deacon Perce of Dochester, whether an addition might not be made to the House in front of 8 or 10 feet, and by that means enable us to raise the Roof on that part so as to make us some good upper Chambers, or in what way a comfortable addition might be made. as to taking down chimnies, I could not think of it to such a House as that is. I know by adding to the front it will bring the Chimnies wrong, but that I should not regard since it would tend to accommodate us, and I believe in the least expensive mode.\n          we are yet here, that is I am here, for you will learn by the publick papers, that the President went yesterday into N york, and that on Wedensday a splendid dinner is to be given to which there are 300 subscribers\u2014 N york is determined to vie with Boston on this occasion\u2014 the people will have it so, it must be submitted to\u2014 a light Horseman had been sent out to this place 20 miles from the city 5 days before we came with orders to stay untill we arrived, that the military might not be again dissapointed.\n          I know not when we shall be able to go into the city of Philadelphia it is however said that it will be safe by Nov\u2019br the fever is chiefly confined to Southark. it will be deplorable to that city to convene Congress any where else. so many are dependant upon them for their Daily Bread, and I doubt very much whether any congress will be made untill December. the Members must be very reluctant to trust themselves in Boarding Houses\u2014and I do not yet learn that the inhabitants have returnd. the weekly Bills of Mortality are near the same for these 3 or four weeks past.\n          before I came from Home I had taken from mrs French & Burrel part of my Cheese. some I had left with mrs Porter, some I sent to\nmy Children I should like to have a Barrel of mrs Burrels sent me to Philadelphia, as soon as I can give you notice that any person is there to receive it. when we past through Conneticut we found in most parts great quantities of cider\u2014no doubt much of it, will be sent to Boston. I could wish sir that as much as half a dozen Barrels of the best of cider under your particuliar care might be Secured for us against an other summer. if we should live, I presume we shall wish to return as early in the spring as publick Buisness will permitt, and Congress I fancy will not risk sitting in that city late.\n          My best regards to all Friends\u2014 / Your affectionate / Neice\n          Mrs smith desires to be kindly rememberd", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0155", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 23 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, William\n          East Chester october 23. 1797\n        As you was absent when I left home I was unable to pay you for some articles which you had purchased for me, as well as some which mrs smith had procured for me. if you will be so good as to forward me the amount, I will transmit it to you\u2014\n        When I pay\u2019d mr Fothingham for the Carriage, there were the quarter Lights and some other matters which made the carriage amount to more than our first agreement. I gave him a Note for the remainder for either 83 or 85 dollors. I have not the account here and cannot exactly determine. I inclose to you 90. you will be so good as to pay him, & the overpluss credit me for upon your account.\n        I have been in this Solitude ever since I came; compared with\nQuincy, it is indeed a solitude but lonely as it, is I should consider it preferable to the city if on looking round, any agreable prospects arose in my mind but all is dark and Gloomy. We have no intelligence of the col since June, nor has mrs smith received a line since\u2014 here we found her quite alone. she had been so for near a Month, and at times Melancholy enough, tho she says nothing unless drawn from her. we are however determined not to leave her here, if we go ourselves to Philadelphia. she seems loth to go with us\u2014 she cannot go from painfull scenes recollections and mortifications. I hope however she will be able to conquer them so as to go with us\u2014 I have assured her that she shall not be obliged to see any more company than she chuses\u2014but to leave here here alone a prey to Grief and misfortune I cannot.\n        N york you will see by the publick papers, have manifested their attachment to the Goverment & their Satisfaction with the administration of the Executive by a splendid and magnificent Dinner to the President, and every other mark of Personal respect and Satisfaction which could have been hoped for or desired\u2014\n        We see but a little way into futurity, and we know not what is before us\u2014 So we will hope for the Blessings of Peace & Plenty, and thankfull Hearts to enjoy them\u2014\n        My kind regards to Mrs smith and Family to Dr and Mrs Welch, from your Friend,\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0156", "content": "Title: John Adams to Abigail Adams, 25 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dearest Friend\n        I send you the Letters\u2014 I could not keep my hands off of Nabby\u2019s. I beg her Pardon. They write me flattering Accounts from Phila. Mr Anthony writes most confidently. No danger. No fever\u2014alls well.\u2014\n        When Brisler goes he should throw Lime into the Cellar Vault &c.\n        I think We ought to have been together to day. But tomorrow will do.\n        I am glad Malcom came out. We must prepare to go to Phila. the first Week in Novr. if no bad news.\n        Caroline & all are well", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0157", "content": "Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          East Chester, 20 miles from N. York October 25. 1797\n          My Dear son\n        The Newspapers had informed Us of your Marriage, but the first Evidence of it from yourself, was in your Letter to your Mother of the 29. July.\u2014 I congratulate you and your Lady on this Event, which I hope will be for your mutual Happiness and the Comfort of all the Friends of both Parties, for a long Course of years, dedicated to the Public\u2014 And may the Blessing of God Almighty be bestowed on this Marriage and all its Connections and Effects.\n        By Some Intimations in your Letter I understand that your Appointment to Berlin is not perfectly pleasing to you. I am a little Surprized at this. 1. Because your amiable Companion will I presume accompany you, and to her as well as to you I should Suppose Berlin would be preferable to Lisbon. 2. Berlin is Said to be the Athens of Germany, both in Learning and Taste abounding in Men of Science and Letters. 3. I should Suppose you will be more in the Way of Information and Intelligence, there than you would have been at Lisbon. 4. I think your health will be less exposed to danger, in Prussia than in Portugal. There are other reasons which I must leave to your Sagacity, to discover. There is one however, that I may mention. The great Characters and political Systems in the North of Europe, are not so well understood in your own Country as they ought to be.\n        Your Delicacy about holding a Commission from your Father, Seems to me, too refined. you are under no greater Obligation to me,\nthan if you had gone to Lisbon. You are as independent now as ever, and will continue independent in your Sentiments I hope as long as you live, even though your father should remove you hereafter to another Court, or call you home and make you one thing or another.\n        I have not laid it down to myself as a Law never to appoint any of my Relations to office, as my Predecessor did, and I never will impose upon myself any Such Shackle. I shall be cautious and delicate, in Such Cases: but merit in my Family deserves as well of its Country as in another.\n        My greatest fear is, that you will find it difficult to maintain the Punctuality of your Correspondence with me and the secretary of State. But as the Inconvenience is well known, Allowance will be made for it.\n        I have concluded from your Letter that your Brother will go with you. However mortifying it is to me to be deprived of the Society of all my Children, I can neither blame you nor him. I think however it will not be for his Interest to remain long in Europe. It would give great offence here, if I should advance him in Europe while you are there and a Young Man Should be employed in laying his foundations at home, among his own Countrymen, if he cannot have adequate Employments abroad.\n        That the most high may bless you and yours / shall be the concluding Prayer of your affectionate / Father\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0158", "content": "Title: John Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 25 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          My Dear Thomas\n          East Chester Octr. 25. 1797\n        I have recd your charming narration of your Tour to Paris, both to me and your mother, and am happy to find you were so civilly treated and so well pleased. I shall never forget the kindness of my Friend Arnoux to myself or to you.\n        I congratulate you, on your new Acquisition of a Sister. I Suppose this match grew out of a Spark that was kindled at Nantes in 1779\nwhen your Brother was with me frequently in the Family of Mr Johnson. But through whatever course it came down from Heaven, I pray for its Blessings on it. If you go to Berlin as I Suppose you will, from your Brothers Letter to his mother, this kind and accomplished Sister will contribute much to your, Amusement, Improvement and Comfort.\n        A session of Congress approaches, and the Epidemic or Endemic is not yet perfectly quelled in Philadelphia, tho they Say it is almost gone.\n        I am very glad Mr Murray arrived before your Departure from the Hague. This Interview must have been, of Service to him, and to the Public. He earnestly wished for it, before he Sailed. I hope, your Brother and you will maintain a constant Correspondence with him, and the Envoys at Paris, particularly my ancient and never failing Friend Mr Gerry.\n        I am much pleased with the affection expressed both by your Brother and yourself for the Dutch. I felt the same Attachment and feel it at this hour. We must preserve the Friendship of that Nation: and of all others if We can. Such however is the combustible State of Europe, that We must look out for our own security and Stand upon our defence. We know not what Power may Attack Us: but We have great Reason to fear, that some one or other will before many Years, and We ought to be better prepared for Defence. A Navigation and Commerce as extensive as ours is a temptation to Ambition and Avarice as well as hunger. and Experience has shewn that Justice & Law & Compact are not impregnable Bulwarks.\n        With your Knowledge of the German Language, the Tour to Berlin will be agreable and instructive. I am under great Obligations to your Brother and you for the Books Pamphlets and Newspapers you have sent me. I fear this Resource will fail in some degree, but I hope not altogether.\n        I have heard of a misterious Phenomenon in Germany by the Name of Kant. Pray give me a little Idea of his History and Philosophy: as also of the Misticism which is Said to prevail in the North.\n        If Belgium is ceded to France, will Antwerp revive and Amsterdam decline? Will it drain off the Waters of Opulence from London?\n        Is the Prince of orange to be provided for in Germany?\n        Is Poland null? Are the Jealousies of the Nobility, and the Principles of Democracy Spread in Germany?\n        What turn will these Commotions take? Democracy has been so bloody in France, that it Seems to have run its Career there, and the nation Seems to be sensible of the necessity of something more wise steady consistent just & humane?\n        I have asked too many questions for one I pray God to bless and direct you in all / Things. / Your Affectionate Father\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0159", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 31 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          my dear sister\n          East Chester october 31 1797\n        I have received but one Letter from you Since I left Quincy now near a Month; I have been here three weeks, except 3 days which I past at my sons in N york\u2014 next Monday I leave here for Philadelphia where it is thought we may now go with safety\u2014\n        I was in hopes to have taken Mrs smith with me, but her situation is difficult not having received any advise what to do, and She is\nloth to go for the present. I cannot say so much as is in my mind the subject being a very delicate one, and wishing to have her do no one thing but what may prove benificial to the whole\u2014\n        Sister Peabody has not yet written to Mrs smith, which she regreets. I know how much she has been engaged, and fear the concequences upon her Health. she feels most keenly, and you know by experience what it is to pass through such a Heart rending trial. I wish these repeated Summonses to the surviving Brothers might have a serious influence. the sisters are not unmindfull, but William has to, me, the air of a too free thinker.\n        Since I wrote you last I have Letters from my sons abroad. Thomas\u2019s late as 17 August. he has consented to go to Berlin with his Brother, Who writes that he cannot by any means part with him, especially upon being sent into the center of Germany where [\u201c]I shall scarcly meet a Countryman twice a year,\u201d he says. \u201cand Thomas writes me, I intreet you to negotiate a successor to me for I plainly see untill some such arrangement is made I shall not be released. He says since I wrote you last, my Brother has been married and given me an amiable and accomplishd sister. he is very happy and I doubt not will remain so, for the Young Lady has much Sweetness of Temper and seems to Love as she ought.[\u201d] Thomas speaks highly of the Family and of their kindness and attention to him\u2014says they are about to embark for America & settle in the city of Washington, where mr Johnson has property\u2014 they will be an agreable acquisition to the city at which I rejoice for the sake of my Nephew and Neice\u2014\n        I have nothing of concequence to communicate. this place is as retired as you can imagine we however keep up a communication with N york and Philadelphia. I had a Letter from Brisler, who was well with the rest of the Family Yesterday\n        I write merely to keep up our communication, and to tell you that we are all well. I will thank you to go to our House and see that particuliar attention is paid to the Carpets\u2014I fear they will suffer\n        adieu yours / affectionatly", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0160", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 2 November 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            Dear Sister\n            Quincy November 2d 1797.\n          I last monday receiv\u2019d your Letter of the 22d of october it was a long time coming. I wrote to you as soon as I thought you had arriv\u2019d at your Daughters you have receiv\u2019d a Letter from me & sister Peabody too I hope. I shall write, always about mrs Smiths little Boys when I can get any news from them. Willm Shaw did not go home this vacation but stay\u2019d at cambridge to study I have not heard a word since Sisters Letter to you I had one at the Same time. I Should have heard if they had not been well. they could not have better care taken of them if they were with their mother & for her I really feel distress\u2019d. tis dreadful to be left in such a state of suspence but it may be necessuty that obliges the Colln. to do it & it may be as distressing to him as to her I am glad you are with her she never felt the want of you So much. would She not suffer less to come here & go into your House than to go on with you to Philadelphia. tis true she needs the Soothings of her good mama, but the reterment she would find here would be more agreable to her feelings than the publick appearence She will be oblig\u2019d to make with you. I would be every thing to her that a kind aunt coud be & She would have charming neighbours & be among those Friends who know that She had no hand in producing the difficulties She suffers\u2014but you can judge better than I\n          I have had a Letter from washington which has given me great trouble mrs Cranch & her willm. have both been very sick She has not been well since miss Elliot left her. a slow fever with great relaxation of Body. She has griev\u2019d herself almost to death. the troubles of her Family & the confinement of her Brother has sunk her spirits & injur\u2019d her health to a great degree their own perplexities the return of her neice & the absence of her Husband joind to her fears that her Parents would Suffer real want had So taken hold of her mind that when my Son return\u2019d from Philadelphia he found her very ill. I am very much alarm\u2019d about her. She has lost her appetite her flesh & her Spirits & is very weak & has a great fat baby to nurse & tend\u2014 will is cutting his teeth & is cross & sick too\u2014 tis dreadful to have our children so far from us when they are sick that we cannot afford them any assistance. I write to her every week & comfort her all I can. I hope I have remov\u2019d Some of her fears & aprehensions her Parents have broke up housekeeping & are gone\nto spend the winter with Coll. Pope at Bedford he is going to put mr Greenleaf into some business which will make him easy & mrs Bell has taken a house at charlestown & is going to open a Schoole & keep Boarders. what will be the event of all these things I know not\u2014 but tis a Sober reverse of fortune\u2014 they bear it with great chearfulness & pious resignation\u2014 I was at Boston on Saturday mrs Greenleaf & her baby were well it grows finely & is very quiet mrs welsh had a bad sore throat & was very Sick I thought\n          yesterday there was a Splendid ordination at Milton mr & mrs Smith & Cousen Betsy were there & half Boston besides. We were invited but did not go. I do not love Such a croud\u2014 mr & mrs Norton were there\u2014 I wish we may ever be as united here\u2014 we have given mr whitman a Call & made him a very handsome offer one which he would willingly accept\u2014if there were not so many oppos\u2019d to his Settling. I will not say who dislikes him for I do not believe they do: mr Black & wife really do\u2014& Stand at the head of the opposition\u2014but at the Same time Say they will always be Friendly to him\u2014but that is not enough for mr whitman. he is fully sensible of mr Blacks worth & very highly esteems him & has been treatdd so handsomly by him that he should feel mesirable unless he can render himself acceptable to him as a preacher mrs whitman has been with us almost a week. She is a charming woman She is every thing we could wish for a minister. She is a Spritily Sensible affable industerous little woman. you would love her very much. She has been with him part of her time at Boston, since Saturday with mrs Beal & me. we all drank Tea & spent the evening of monday with mr & mrs Black mr Cranch too for a wonder we were there till half after ten & a very pleasent evening we had Capn. Beal\u2019s Family & your Brother Adams were of the Party\u2014 Cousen Betsy is goi[ng] to spend a week with mrs whitman a week or two hence when we voted to give mr w a call he had the votes of all present 52 but mr Black & mr Seth Spear. but we hear many grumble. those who were warm for mr Flint have not got over their disappointment & feel cross would not attend the meeting they had no objection to mr w. but would have nothing to do with the business. they do not consider what a disagreable Situation it places a candidate. his Happiness & his usefulness depends upon his being their choice, so far at least as to be willing to treat him in a Friendly manner I veryly think if m w accepts we Shall be very peacable with him & that he will be more like\u2019d as he is more known\u2014 he improves upon acquaintance & then his wife!\u2014 every Body will love her\u2014\n          my paper is full before I have had half my chat out but the hour as well as paper reminds me that tis time to assure you of the unalterable affection of your Sister\n          Love where due. the coat is come", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0161", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 3 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          East Chester 20 miles from N york Novbr 3d 1797\n          my Dear son\n        Since my residence at this place, now a Month, occasiond by the prevalence of the yellow fever in Philadelphia, I have had the pleasure to receive two Letters from you; one from the Hague june 26th, the other from London july 29th. the joint Letter you mention as having written, is not yet come to Hand.\n        The Newspapers before I left Quincy, which was on the 2d of the last Month, had informd us of the Marriage of Mr J Q Adams to\nMiss Louissa Johnson, upon which the Chronical made as usual, an ill Natured reflection. this induced some friendly Correspondent to place the subject in its true Light in the Centinal; from whence it made its way into the Albany Gazette, and from that into Porcupines paper, from which, as it become a subject of so much importance, I culld it and inclose it to you. For myself I sincerely congratulate you upon the Event, and I hope I may add, my dear Louissa too. I want not the Authority of Milton to pronounce the state, a perpetual fountain of Domestic Bliss \u201cto those who like yourself, seek for happiness and pleasure in the Bosom of virtuous Friendship, endeard by those engageing ties, of delicate sensibility, and sweetness of disposition, beauty will forever remain attractive, and knowledge delightfull.[\u201d]\n        It has given me real pain to find that the Change in your Embassy does not meet your ready assent; or that it should be personally so inconvenient to you, as you represent.\n        I cannot but flatter myself you will find it more agreable than you anticipate; your Father has written you so fully upon the Subject, and in my mind, obviated every objection, that I think you will feel more satisfied, that you would not have been sent to Berlin at this Time; if mr Washington had continued in office, I fully believe, but I can tell you where you would have been employ\u2019d, as one of the Envoys to France. this was the desire and opinion of all the Ministers, and nothing but your near connextion with the Chief Majestrate, prevented your being nominated. he had a delicacy upon the Subject, and declined it. I have one criterion to judge of the utility of the present mission it is the allarm the Jacobins took at it, but this did not lessen the confidence of the people who value and esteem you for what they know you are, and here I may mention an honour paid you by our Academy of Arts, who at their last meeting unanimously voted you a member. you was nominated at a previous meeting by the Rev\u2019d Dr Belknap as I was inform\u2019d.\n        The spirit of union and Federalism pervades every part of New England, with very few exceptions. I have been assured from all quarters, that there is but one mind and that mind, is in support of our constitution and Government. they know no distinction between the People and the Government, on every occasion and opportunity they have shewn their attachment to the Government, by personal respect to the Chief Majestrate, both by civil and military exhibitions, which however contrary to the taste and inclination, of one, who through Life, has avoided every kind of show and parade;\nis now obliged to submit to the Will of the people Some specimins are inclosed. N york has endeavourd to Rival Boston. in my journey from Philadelphia in the summer I was a feeling witness to some of these scenes\u2014where the sincerity of the Actors renderd it peculiarly interesting, and proved to me that the people will Love & respect their Chief Majestrate, if his administration is that of Wisdom and justice.\n        The unjust and piratical plunder upon our unarmed Commerce, has wrought conviction upon the minds of many of the former Idolaters of our Gallic Allies, even in the southern states. that Nation will find itself grosely deceived if they consider the nearly equal divission of votes at the Election of Chief Majestrate, as a criterion of the Voice of the people the people wish for Peace. they wish the happiness of all Nations and if no undue Methods had been practised, they would have generally given their suffrages to that person whom they supposed best qualified to promote and ensure the honour and dignity of the Government, without any respect to English or French partizens. The Letter writer is now more generally known, and the hollowness of his Principles better understood. there is an other tale of a more recent date, yet to be unfolded. you can Witness for me, how loth I have been to give him up. it is with much reluctance that I am obliged to look upon him as a Man whose Mind is so warped by prejudice, and so Blinded by Ignorance as to be unfit for the office he holds, however wise and scientific as a Phylosopher as a politician, he is a Child, and the dupe of party.\n        on the 13 of this Month Congress are to meet, but I have not any expectation that they will make a Congress untill December. The yellow fever has been again Raviging that poor Devoted City. the mortality has not been so great as in the year 1793, but the city has been deserted 30 thousand inhabitants fled from it, very soon after it appeard. 5 Physicians have fallen sacrifices to it. it has so far abated as to be thought safe to return to it. I hope it is, as next week we go on\u2014\n        You will see I date from hence, a Farm purchased by col S\u2014\u2014h. prudence requires me to be silent. you will however understand me, when I tell you that I took William and John when I went on to Quincy in july, that I have placed them at an Academy in Atkinson and in the Family of your Worthy Aunt Peabody, whose kindness and benevolence are well known to you\u2014 Your sister is going with her little Daughter to pass the Winter with us.\u2014\n        In one of my Letters I acknowledgd the receipt of the Watch, but unaccompanied by any Bill of the cost. I requested some sattin, and mentiond sending Bills, but I found you had given orders to your Brother to draw for some money to be laid out for your use. I therefore thought it might be more Eligible to pay the sum to him as your Agent, or to any other person so employ\u2019d I now request you to send me the amount, as your Brother writes me you have orderd the silk. I accepted formerly a cloak as a testimony of your filial regard, but I have no design to tax you with my commissions, nor can I send any more untill you comply with my request. without any disparagement to your Brother Whom I doubt not, will do the best he can with your property I would advise you to employ our old tried and Faithfull Friend Dr Tufts whose experience and judgment, will not permit him to run any risks. as I know what money you have must be saved by a rigid oeconomy, I wish you might have it placed in safe and productive funds. I have only room left to say to you & yours accept my Maternal / Blessing.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0163", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 3 November 1797\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, John\n        I received Yours of Octobr. 14h. and have attended to the several Matters mentiond therein. The Wall at the Foot of Pens Hill is nearly compleated, one or two Days Work will finish it as far as you directed the Workmen to proceed\u2014 there will then be Stones sufficient to rebuild the Wall between you & Hardwick and a large Number besides for any other Purpose it therefore appears to me,\nthat it would be best to rebuild that Wall with those Stones when the Hands have leisure, as Hardwick agrees to dispence with your offer of blowing stones in his Land for that purpose\u2014 There has been no Rain with us for some Time past. we have therefore seized upon this Opportunity to plough the Meadow on the back of the House, which will probably be finishd to Day or to Morrow, this being done, as the Harvesting is finishd and the Corn in the Crib\u2014 We shall next plough the Hill & brake up the Ground proposed, that which is design\u2019d for Barley the coming Year, it is proposed to carry the Manure upon it and plough it in\u2014as it will be much easier to get the Manure upon it before Winter than in the Spring when the Ground will probably be very spungy.\u2014 As you concluded to let the Farms on which Burrell & French lives as heretofore, I think it would be best to agree with them as soon as may be, that they may have an Opportunity to enter upon the preparatory Work for another year (Guarding against some of the inconveniences of the former mode of leasing it) I have hinted it to them and shall proceed upon the Business if you do not disapprove of it\u2014 Your Directions upon the Subject I wish to have by the first Oppy\u2014\n        I am happy to hear that the Sickness at Philadelphia is much abaited & hope you will meet Congress without any Danger of receiving the Infection and find that Body discharged of all its morbid Humors and purged from all its Corruptions\u2014 With mine & Mrs. Tufts\u2019s affectionate Regards to Mrs. Adams / I am Your Affectionate friend & H Servt\n          Cotton Tufts\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0165", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 7 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, Thomas Boylston\n          my Dear Thomas\n          East Chester Novbr 7th 1797\n        Your Letters have become Such a model of elegant composition, that I cannot but think you must discover So many dificencies in my untoutord stile, that I feel a little anxious in Exposing it to your Eye. your desire however to obtain intelligence from your Native Land, and from the Friends, and Relatives you have Left there, will induce\nyou to pass over with a less scrutinizing Eye the affectionate sentiments of the Heart, tho unadorned by the elegance of Language.\n        Since I have been at this place, a Village 20 miles from N york, I have had the pleasure of receiving two Letters from you dated in London, one of July 24th and the other August 17th. Your Letters are the reviveing cordials of my spirits. they administer consolation for your absence, which I fondly hoped, would not have been protracted an other year. yet I cannot but approve your resolution to accompany your Brother to Berlin, especially as he appears so Chagrined at the alteration in his Mission. His scruples are too nice. the Appointment being of the same grade as his former, I see no objection at his holding it from his Father. the successor in Lisbon is a very honorable Man. Mr smith having Served his Country 8 Years in the Legislature, was entitled to an advancement, and he wished it abroad. I do not know where his place can be supplied take him in all respects. His state have chosen mr Pinckney late Minister in London, whose qualifications are better known to Your Brother than to me, never having had the pleasure of seeing him.\n        I am glad your Brother married before he went to Berlin as I have not a doubt it will contribute to his happiness, and domestic comfort. \u201ccelibacy is existance thrown away, and every unmarried day is a blank in Life\u201d said a great advocate for Matrimony. these expressions must be received with allowence, not implicitly follow\u2019d. yet the Man who voluntarily lives a Bachelor deprives himself of one great end of his Being, social happiness. I do not however recommend very early Marriages. I am not displeased to find you disposed to return single to America\u2014\n        The account given by you, to your Father, and to me, of your Parissian tour entertaind and pleased us, as well as your reception by our old Friend and acquaintance the benevolent Abbe Arnoux, whom I remember with affection\u2014 Your introduction to a distinguishd Member of the directory, the notice you received from him, and the distinction paid you, by no means agrees with, the obliging information communicated by a mr Putman to his Friends in Boston, \u201cthat you had been orderd to quit Paris.\u201d this I never believed, but the Jacobin Printers Seazd it with the eagerness of sharks, and circulated it, with the greediness of vultars.\n        Mr Twist arrived last week, and deliverd your Letter at our House to mr Brisler who transmitted it to me. he had just returnd to Philadelphia with his Family; having been obliged to leave the House\nalone, and escape for his Life to Trenton during the Fever. when I go to Philadelphia, as I expect to in a few Days, I shall seek out this Gentleman and pay him all the attention a recommendation from my dear son intitles him to.\n        I fear I have not acknowledgd Some Letters which I received from your Brother and you whilst at Quincy. my time which I intended to have past in retirement there, was so constantly occupied by company, that I found less leisure than at Philadelphia. it is only Since I have been here at this Village that I can say, I have been retired.\n        your sister is well, and I believe will pass the Winter with us. she has a fine little Girl near three years old\u2014\n        Agreable to your Brothers & your request I am endeavouring to find a successor to you. The young Gentleman your Brother named to me, is living with a Merchant in Boston, a Buisness he prefered to the study of the Law, which Would have been his Fathers choice.\u2014 I presume as his mind is bent upon that, he would not wish a different occupation. I have with your Fathers Consent, proposed to mr Malcom to take the place. Mr Malcom, is the Son of the late Gen\u2019ll Malcom of N york. he studied Law with your Brother Charles, and by him was recommended to your Father as a private Secretary, as such he has served. he has a pretty property of his own left him by an uncle. he is a Discreet young Gentleman of amiable Manners and obliging disposition\u2014 he cannot however be Spaired untill next fall, when William shaw will be at liberty to take his place\u2014 I shall be able when I write you again to be more decicive, as he has requested time for consideration.\n        we have again been call\u2019d to mourn the Death of a young Relative, Charles smith, tho in the Bloom of Health and Vigor 5 months ago. survived his sister only three Months. he dyed of a consumption at Haverhill where he lived beloved, and dyed lamented.\n          \u201cLifes little stage, is a small eminence\n          Inch high above the Grave, the home of Man\n          Where dwell the Multitude\u201d\n        four or five years absence will make many Chasms amongst your acquaintance. it will give vigor to youth, but wrinkles to Age, and you will find Time has shed his hoary Honours upon the Heads of your Parents. if he spairs their Lives to you, perhaps he will have so changed them, as to make the alteration painfull to you, but tho\nhe may waist and decay these earthly Fabricks, whilst the Heart Beats, it will Beat for the Welfare and happiness of those who are deservedly Dear to their ever affectionate / Mother\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0166", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 15 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          my dear sister\n          Philadelphia Novbr 15 1797\n        I yesterday about 11 oclock went into the Presidents Room to see if John had returnd from the post office. my good Gentleman was soberly Standing at the fire with your Letter open and very gravely reading it. I scolded and very soon carried it of. I thank you for all your communications. the P. says one of sister Cranchs Letters is worth half a dozen others. she allways tells us so much about home, and if he does not get them clandestinely he does not often see\nthem. I wrote you a few lines the day before I left East Chester. on that day mrs smith got Letters from her Brother Justice by a private hand, informing her that both he & the col had written frequently by the post, and were astonishd that she had not received any Letters, that by a private hand he had written and sent her some money, in october. the col was not then at shenang the Name of the place which Justice owns, but was expected in a few days\u2014 these Letters communicated some comfort. she came to N york with me in search of the Man by whom the money and Letter was sent since I have been here, I have had a Letter from her informing\u2014that he had been sought where he formerly lived, but had removed from thence. I have contemplated the plan you mention. it may be put into effect if future circumstances require it. at present, it would be expensive and lonely, and not less subject to unpleasent feelings than being here on a visit, which is all that at present is expected, nor will she be obliged to appear on my publick Evenings, unless it is her choice\n        I found mr and Mrs Brisler and the Children very well and much the better for their country excursion. the Girls Becky and Nabby were very well, and both mr and mrs Brisler say, behaved with great prudence and discretion, quite to their satisfaction. I found every thing in the House in perfect good order, and all my old Hands escaped through the Pestilence. one only, of them had the fever. the others returnd as soon as Brisler got home, those whom he had dismisst when he went out, and those he retaind in pay\u2014 so that at present I could not wish to be better off than I am with respect to domesticks, which greatly enhances the comfort of Life.\n        I regreet that there should be an opposition to mr Whitman, and that it should principly arise from mr & Mrs Black whom I very sincerely regard, tho I cannot say I respect their judgment in this case. I have not a doubt but mr and Mrs Black will be reconciled in time. reasoning and not railing will have the effect. mr Flint was opposed by the latter\u2014 present my compliment to mr Whitman, & tell him if our state constitution had been equally liberal with that of New jersey and admitted the females to a Vote, I should certainly have exercised it in his behalf. as it is, he may be sure both of the Presidents and my good wishes for him, with a sincere desire for his settlement.\n        I have received one Letter from sister Peabody written just after the Death of Charles\u2014 but mrs smith has not had a line from her since her Children have been with her. sister Peabody has so many\ncares that she has not much time to write, but I wish she would to mrs smith. in her lonely hours she thinks much of her Children, and wishes to have from her Aunts hand some account of them. I have written her twice since I came from home, beside, one or two Letters just before I left home. I know not if she has received them. I am sorry to learn that mrs Cranch is unwell. I have just been writing to him, and I have recommended to her to keep good spirits, and that it is a long lane which has no turn ask Cousin Betsy when I am to speak for the weding cap? no congress yet. a House but no senate. Ben Bache is as usual abusing the President for forceing the respect from the people, degradeing this city by representing the Military parade here as all forced. that it is a corrupt mass of Jacobinism Quakerism and abominationism, I will most readily admit, but at the same time there are many worthy and respectable people here. inclosd is a speimin of Bache Gall, but all will not do. I can see where the respect and attention is sincere, many affecting proofs I have witnessd in this tour. one in particular of a private nature, at Brunswick\u2014 a White headed venerable Man desired to be admitted to the President. when he came in, he bowd respectfully and said he was happy to see him inquired if that was his Lady? I came said he many miles this morning on purpose. I told my wife this morning that I would come, and she said why aint you affraid. no said I, why do you think I should be affraid to go and see my Father? this was said with so much hearty sincerity, that to me it was of more value, than the whole Military calvalcade of Pensilvannia\n        write me often, and / remember me affectionatly to all Friends\u2014 / Yours as ever\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0167", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Cranch, 15 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, William\n          my Dear sir\n          November 15th 1797 Philadelphia\n        After an absence of near four Months I returned, to this City the last week. I am disposed to renew my correspondence with you, if you can find leisure to attend it.\n        The fraternal regard and affection which for many years subsisted between you and my sons is not lessned by time, or diminished by absence, but I trust has grown ripened, and matured by age, and like the Affection of your parents for each other, will burn with undiminished brightness untill the Lamp of Life is extinguishd; for never were sisters more tenderly united or more strongly attached to each other than your Dear Mother, and your affectionate Aunt, and the strong union between our Children has ever been a source of pleasure to me.\n        upon this principle I communicate to you the inclosed Letters, with a confidence that I trust them to safe and honorable Hands\u2014 there are some parts of them, you are at Liberty to publish; and I am confident you will not permit them to appear before the publick in so incorrect a manner, as mr Webster has some times done, by those which have been Committed to him. yet he has been frequently indebted to those very Letters for the Summary he has often given of French affairs to the publick. Those parts which I have\nthought might be communicated are Ist a Letter from JQA, dated Hague June 26th, beginning Top of the last page, \u201cThe negotiations for Peace\u201d one from JQA, to me dated Maasluys, July 6th, 1797 beginning with \u201cour Situation with that Country\u201d say France, in lieu of that country say Gen\u2019ll P\u2014\u2014y, one from JQA, to me, dated London july 29th, beginning \u201cmy Means of communication, are very much reduced since I left blank[\u201d] one from TBA to me dated London August 17th beginning with, \u201cThe Debates in Congress.\u201d\n        From those Letters inclosed which are written to the President, you may make such a selection by way of communication as you conceive may tend to Englighten our Countrymen in the views and intrigues of France as they respect America. I have thought the Character of Pastoret as drawn in the Letter dated July 2d might be usefull, and the whole of the last page of the Letter dated sepbr 11th mentioning the publication of Burks and the reflections which follow.\n        I have sent you the Letters intire that you might have the whole before you at once, as they contain an accurate view of the gathering storm, which has since the dates of all, but the last, burst forth with a voilence which has rent assunder the Constitution of France, thrown down the pillars, and prostrated the whole fabrick, so that the pained imagination looks forward to a renewall of a Reign of Terror, and Scenes of horrour and Blood, which will cover that Devoted Nation, with \u201ca Darkness visible\u201d\n        I have not seen a Washington paper untill my return here for several Months. I find a writer under the Signature of Aristidas, but by no means answering to the Character of the just, endeavouring to sow the seeds of Jealousy and distrust against the measures of Government and excite an oblique against the stamp Act. such disorganizing spirits ought to be consignd to the Regions of Darkness from whence they spring\u2014 Mr Burk in describing the progress of the French spirit, \u201cobserves, that the seeds are sown almost every where, chiefly by News paper circulations infinately more efficacious and extensive than ever they were, and they are a more important instrument than generally is imagined. They are a part of the reading of all, they are the whole of the reading of the far greater Number the writers of them, (speaking of French papers) for the greater part, are either unknown, or in contempt, but they are like a battery, in which the stroke of any one Ball, produces no great effect, but the amount of continual repetition is decisive. Let\nus suffer any person to tell us his Story, morning and Evening but for one twelvemonth, and he will become our Master.\u201d I think with few variations these observations will apply to our Jacobin papers, every good Man should as far as his influence extends, aid, in counteracting these incendaries\n        I am daily in hopes of hearing of the arrival of mr Johnson & Family in Maryland. I begin to feel anxious for them, knowing that they saild early in sep\u2019br. will you be so kind as to give me early information. they mean to setle in washingtown, and will be a valuable acquisition to it. I hope you will visit them and Mrs Cranch. they are a very domestic Family, as such you will be pleased with them. I was sorry to learn as I did to day by a Letter from your Mother, that Mrs Cranch had been unwell. tell her she must keep up her spirits. it is a long lane which has no turn. who of us is exempt from trouble, and sorrow of some kind? my daughter in Law has like her, forsaken Father & Mother and sisters, and gone into a foreign Land without one natural connection. it is a hard trial, I know by experience what it is, to be seperated from all those Dear Relatives. few persons have so often been exercised as I have, but we live not for ourselves\u2014\n        When you have perused the inclosed Letters you will be So good as to return them to Your affectionate / Aunt\n          Abigail Adams\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0168", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 16 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, William\n            Philadelphia Novbr 16 1797\n          I wrote you from East Chester and inclosed you 90 dollors to pay a Note in mr Frothinghams hands. I have not received a line in acknowledgment of the letter, which makes me a little anxious for its fate. you was so good as to Say you would send me Some salt fish. I should like a couple of kental to treat our good Massachusetts Friends. I will thank you to send it by one of the first vessels, and 6 Gallons of neats foot oil from Hughs\u2014Brislr says he used to buy it there at half a dollor pr Gallon\u2014\n          we reachd here on the tenth, and found our Family all well. from the Mobility who appeard in the Streets on the Day of our arrival, no one could have imagined that there had been either sickness or deaths in this place. in short it is like the wave of the sea, when it is past no vestage remains, I am affraid not even in their Hearts. You cannot affront a Philadelphian more than by intimating that the fever originated with them.\n          No congress yet a House was made yesterday but no senate, nor are they like to make one this week the Vice President is detaind by a Law suit, which is still on trial, and will not be here this fortnight. mr Tazewell is sick. no loss neither\u2014 no certain accounts of the arrival of our Envoys, and poor souls what can they do when they get there. what but voilence is to be seen in that devoted Nation, honour & justice, Religion & virtue are fled from the land, or so abashed that their voice is not heard. I have not the smallest hope remaining that any thing durable can be effected with a people or Government, which to day is and tomorrow is not.\n          I hope Mrs smith and your little flock are well. give my Love to them. Mrs Cranch wrote me that mrs Welch was unwell. I hope she is better pray let me know, and acquaint me if mrs Gill is like to recover\u2014\n          I am dear sir affectionatly / Your\n          your sister otis and Family are well Love to cousin Betsy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0170", "content": "Title: John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 18 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n          Philadelphia Nov. 18. 1797\n        I have received your favour of the 3d and am much obliged to you for it and equally pleased with its Contents.\n        I agree with you in opinion that it will be well to rebuild the Wall against Hardwick: to renew the Leases as soon as possible with French and Burrill, if they choose to do so, and to plough and cart manure as you propose.\n        I am very glad the Meadow is ploughed. This is a great Point gained.\n        I shall Send a quantity of Clover seed for all the Places and some extraordinary Yellow Corn for Seed next Year\u2014 Barley for Seed must be purchased. This is not the Place for that kind of small Grain.\n        We dont hear half so much Said here about the Yellow fever as you do in Weymouth\u2014 It is wholly gone as all Men agree. Yesterday We had a snow and to day a clear cold Northwester a State of the Air which would have killed the Miasmata, if there were as many of them as ever.\n        The senate have not formed a quorum however, not so much from fear of the disease as from the real sickness at home of several\nof the members, and the Obligations several others are under of Attending as Judges or Council upon their Judicial Courts\u2014at home. a Circumstance which with many others shews the Impropriety of adjourning to so early a day.\n        Another Paroxism at Paris and a renewal of the War.! Have a Care!\n        What are We to expect from our Negotiation? Europe seems to be one burning mountain, whose Bowells are full of Materials for Combustion. though they lie inactive for a time you can never know when you are safe, for the next hour or Moment may produce an Explosion.\n        My Respects to Mrs Tufts and all / the Family\u2014 I am your sincere and / affectionate friend\n          John 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0171", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 19 November 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n            Dear Sister\n            Quincy November 19th 1797\n          That you have reciev\u2019d but one Letter from me my dear Sister is not because I have not written I cannot think where they are detain\u2019d\u2014 they were address\u2019d to the President & to the care of charles Adams Counsellor at Law\u2014as the President directed. I have sent three. I have not written So often as I would have done if I had not been much taken up with Company & Family cares.\u2014 I have been oblg\u2019d to write much to Washington\u2014 mrs Cranch & the children have been very ill dangerously So\u2014 She has been So distress\u2019d about her Parents & Friends that She made herself quite Sick. she had been a Bed but three weeks when miss Elliot left her\u2014that almost broke her heart. She was weak\u2014 my Son went to Philadelphia with Eliz So that she was quite alone\u2014 She had just heard of her Brother Jame\u2019s confinement also, & mr webster wrote them that her Parents had not a dollar to procure them a loaf of bread. he had been in Boston & left them in this state\u2014 he was not pleas\u2019d that my Son did not comply with his proposal I suppose but how evvil! to distress nancy in this manner if they were So destitute why did he not releave them he kept at their house while in town & might have done something for them or his sister Bell?.\u2014 When my Son return\u2019d he\nfound his wife a prey to melancholy She had lost her appetete, her Bowels had got into a relax\u2019d state, & attended with a Slow fever. willm. was very sick also, & with the Same complaint\u2014 She at last utter\u2019d all her troubles to me. her dissorder remain\u2019d four months & my Son wrote me She & willm. both were reduc\u2019d to Skin & bones\u2014that her milk was almost gone & her Baby Suffering for want of its food.\u2014 I have been Seriously alarm\u2019d for her.\u2014 I set myself to endeavour to heal both Body & mind. they thought willm. was occation\u2019d by breeding Teeth & did not attempt to check his till the child was almost gone\u2014 I have written her a Letter a week every Since you left me & I hope I have done her some good. She writes me\u2014she & the children are much better. I set her mind at rest about her Parents they have never wanted the comforts of Life to be Sure the Family have been distress\u2019d by the misfortunes of mr J Greenleaf\u2014but confin\u2019d as he is, he has not let his Parents want. they are gone to spend the winter with Colln. Pope at Bedford. the Colln. Says he will put mr G in a way to support himself\u2014 mrs Bell has taken a House at charlestown & will open a School or take Boarders If her Father succeeds he will send for her unless She should be doing better they mean to take a Small house at Bedford in the spring.\u2014\n          The Humour Lucy had in her mouth when you went away has fallen into her Breast\u2014 I went to Boston & found her so unwell that I brought her here the week before last She has been confin\u2019d ever since her Breast broke last week & she is better but her mouth is now sore again She will return as soon as she is able\u2014but I think her Blood must be mended She & mrs Norton (who is very well) send their Duty to the President & you\u2014\n          I Shall be glad if mr Johnson Should Settle in washington Such Families will make the city respectable I do not wonder that mr Adams wishes to retain his Brother\u2014 I suppose you in Philadelphia I hope the Sickness has left it. but I think it must be a melancholy place\n          What work again in France\u2014 will they ever be a Settled people can any thing be more tyranical than their late conduct mr Tudor is return\u2019d a flaming Jackn. I hear\u2014\n          I have not been unmindful of your carpets & have had them taken care of. your Butter cheese & pork would you not have part sent to you? the Doctor has talk\u2019d with me about it. do write us. your Legs Shoulders &c I Shall take & Bacon for you & send you as much as you wish for if you will give direction Some I hope you will want\nhere. If there is any thing I can do for you pray write me\u2014 did you take mrs Smith with you. has She not heard from the Colln yet? I am full of concern for her my Love to her wherever she is. her children were well a week or two Since\u2014 I have not had a line from sister Since one which accompany\u2019d yours which I sent on to you.\u2014 I think you had not receiv\u2019d it when you wrote to me & yet Where can it be tis three weeks or a month since we sent it\n          I can tell you a great peice of news\u2014 Thomson Baxter is Publish\u2019d to a miss Ann Whitman of Bridgwater!!! I very believe the forlorn Situation of mr Wibird has frighten\u2019d him\u2014& that he had rather be married than be \u2014\u2014\u2014 I think to congratulate mr wibird\u2014but what a dreadful alternative for poor Baxter\u2014\n          remember me most affectionately to the President & pray tell Louissa I love her dearly\u2014 I have had a Letter from her Brother William in a more \u201cSmart full thinking\u201d way than what he wrote his sister it troubles us all I hope Isaac will send a proper [one?] Cousen Betsy has written to him\u2014 She is greiv\u2019d that her sister has not receiv\u2019d her letters\u2014 She has written frequently.\u2014 I did so little work last winter that I have never got it before hand since & Polly chandlers absence has thrown a great deal of care & labour upon me which I have not had for many years\u2014not since my daughters were grown up. I find less time to write for that\n          most affectionately adieu\n          this is long [mater?]. Short was receiv\u2019d 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0172", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith, 21 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, William\n            Philadelphia Novbr 21. 1797\n          I received your obliging favour of Novbr 8th the day after I last wrote you. I inclose the amount of your account with many thanks for your kindness\u2014\n          The Betsy is arrived with the fish, and if my cook can be taught to dress it, some of our Nothern Friends shall Toast your Health.\n          The state of N Jersey as you observe, most certainly manifested a very marked respect and approbation of the Government by the unfeigned, and affectionate reception which they gave to the President, some personal instances could not fail of impressing the Heart.\n          It was oweing to a mistake in the post office, that the invitation to dine at Trentown on the 9th was not received, and accepted. I was sorry for the dissapointment, as the Legislature were sitting, and the Dinner prepared. The Govenour of the state with a numerous concourse of Persons, and a Troop of Light Horse met us 6 miles from Trentown, to accompany us into Town\u2014 The President stoped and deliverd his answer to the address\u2014 I past on and crossd the Ferry, in about half an hour. the whole procession came to the Ferry, and waited on the opposite side untill the President reachd the Pensilvanna side accompanied by the Govenour the Marshal and several officers, where they took an affectionate Leave of us\u2014 if the publick were to judge of our reception here by Ben Baches account of it, they might suppose that we were deliverd over to satan to be buffetted by his imps so far as it respects that contemptable Hireling. it is true, but Pensilvanna at no time, can bear a comparison with N England in their Militia, clogd as they are by the spirit of Quakerism and cursd as they are by the spirit of Jacobinism. they are a House divided against itself. the greater Number of their officers, I have the Authority of their Marshal for it, are taken from the lowest grade of Society. few of them can read or write, and are Popular demagogues who can procure votes for a Govenour, by mixing with the Herd. to do them all the justice they deserve, on this occasion, they made as good an appearence as they could. they were well clad and mounted. there is a Triumvirate of Printers in Boston N york and Philadelphia who richly deserve that French Freedom and Liberty which has been excercised against 18 or 20 Printers in France\u2014\n          since I wrote you last we have reason to think that both mr Marshal & Gerry are arrived. no offical account of mr Gerry, yet report thus states it\u2014 no senate yet formed. our Weather is very cold for November. if there should be any quantity of good oats to be sold this fall as low as 2 shillings or two and 4 pence, will you be so good as to take a Hundred Bushels and send our people word to come for them. in the spring they are scarce\u2014\n          my best Regards to all Friends / affectionatly yours,\n          inclosed is 60 dollors please to pay the overpluss to mrs smith for sundries she has against 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0174", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          my Dear Son\n          Philadelphia Novbr 23d 1797\n        I am under obligations to you my dear son, for keeping up so regularly, and so constantly your correspondence with me; notwithstanding your various publick employments and private engagements, and I consider myself as very fortunate in receiving your Letters, tho frequently of an old date, owing to the circuitous route they have to make.\n        By mr Fisher of this city I received a few Days Since the joint Letter written by you and your amiable partner; accompanied by the Sattin, which is very excellent. I did not receive with it any Bill of it, nor have I received any account of the cost of my watch. I cannot by any means assent to this. I had no intention to lay a Tax upon you. I therefore request you to send me an order to pay the amount to Dr Welch, or your Brother Charles who I know have your pecuniary affairs in their hands. I have written to you already upon this Subject.\n        I had hoped I should have been able by this Time, to have congratulated you and my Dear Daughter upon the arrival of her Parents in America. I shall not fail of giving the earliest intelligence to you. Your Friend mr otis has spent the Evening here, and says young mr Johnson is very well. he will come on as soon as his Parents arrive.\n        I will send you by this opportunity Some Newspapers. the reason why I have not been more attentive on this subject, is that I knew\nthe secretary of state was to send you regularly the papers from hence. I supposed the postage must be a heavy Charge. at present the papers contain little besides the affairs of Europe Which you have much nearer to you, than we have, or desire to have\n        your Father and I left Philadelphia as soon after the rising of Congress in july last, as we could, and we have been absent near four Months. we were detaind a Month longer than we intended by the breaking out of that deadly disease, the yellow fever in this city, which but for the fleeing of the inhabitants to the number of thirty Thousand, would have made as great ravage as in the year 1793 the Frost only puts a stop to it. we returnd here on the 11th, Congress were adjournd to the 13th, but oweing to the dread of that Disease they have not been able to make a Congress untill this day.\n        Mr Hall arrived in N York on the 7th. I saw him a few moments only. he brought your Letters of August 10 & 31, and sep\u2019br 11th which is the latest date received from you. the papers and Books he also deliverd, but fears he has lost a Ring which he says he had for me. I fancy it was a lock of my New Daughters Hair I the more regreet it, as I suppose it came from her.\n        I have received a Letter from you july 6th dated Maasluys one of july 28 and one of july 29th. tho I have before acknowledgd the receipt of all these Letters, yet I repeat it, as this may possibly reach you before those; I have inclosed to you a duplicate of a Letter from your Father, in hopes that the reasons alledged in it for a change of your mission, will satisfy Your scruples. I am also desired to forward to you a Letter from the President of Harvered Colledge. in a former Letter I informd you that you were unanimously Elected a Member of the Academy of Arts and Sciencies, at their last meeting.\n        The affairs of Europe are so Surrounded with clouds, and enveloped in darkness, that the wisest Politicien with the most Scientific Eye cannot penetrate their mazes, nor trace the regular Confusion. The raging of the Sea, and the Tumult of the people have been aptly compared; who can say to either, thus far shalt thou go, and no further, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed; or peace be Still. None but He who rides in the Whirlwind, and directs the storm, can calm the contending Nations. unto him I commit \u201cthe hour the Day, the Year,\u201d and view with Awe this astonishing Revolution. happy indeed if we may be permitted to escape the calamities of War, tho cruelly Buffeted and Maltreated. the opening Session of\nCongress will soon develope the sentiments of the people, who have heitherto been disposed to bless them, who have cursed them, and do good to those who have despightfully used them; you will find the sentiments of the President unchanged, as his Speech will shew you. he therefore in few words rcommends to the two Houses the former system. I can write to you only in general terms without that freedom of communication which is desirable, but which might expose more than myself.\n        Your old school mate Bache goes on in his old way loosing altogether the Character of Gentleman, by a low malicious kind of abuse and scurility. if he ever had any of the milk of Humane kindness, it is all turnd to vinigar, and I believe he is a very misirable Being, for he cannot but feel, that all good Men despise him, and who is hardy enough to brave contempt?\n        I fear your Father will not get time to write at all by this opportunity, as he is overwhelmd with Buisness at this Time\u2014\n        This Day we have the first official account of the arrival of Gen\u2019ll Marshall and mr Gerry and of their proceeding to France, but from whence are we to look for justice?\n        I will write to mrs Adams and to Thomas if I can by this opportunity. our Friends are all well. my own Health has been much mended by my frequent journeys and your Father supports the fatigues of his office much better than I expected; The vice President has not yet arrived. he is detained by a suit at Law in which he is much interested. Mr Read of Carolina is President pro Tem. I am my Dear Son with the sincerest wishes for your Health and prosperity your ever affectionate / Mother", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0175", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Louisa Catherine Adams, 24 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, Louisa Catherine\n          my Dear Daughter\n          Philadelphia November 24 1797\n        Thus has my son given me a legal right to address you. I feel also, that I have an affectionate right devolved to me from him, to stile you thus. it would have given me great pleasure to have embraced you as Such in America, but as it has been otherways ordered, I must submit to that destiny which has through the greater part of my Life seperated me from my dearest connections.\n        I feel a tender sympathy for you that at this early period of your days, you are Seperated from all your Natural connections, and introduced into a new and untried scene of Life. I should feel still more solisitude, if I had not been assured of your attachment to Domestic Life, and of your possessing those mental accomplishments, which need not seek abroad for entertainment, and those qualities of the Heart which assimulate you by the strongest bonds of affection, to the well Chosen partner of your Heart. long may you live, mutual blessings to each other ameliorating the Rugged path of Life\n          with \u201cEvery Matron grace combin\u2019d\n          Chast deportment, artless Mien\n          Converse sweet, and Heart serene\u201d\n        Strengthen the bond of union between us my Dear Louissa by a frequent communication by Letters your observations and remarks upon the new scenes before you and the Manners and customs of Foreign Nations, will both amuse and entertain me, always however keeping in mind, your own public Character, and the Critical Times in which we Live. I recommend to your sisterly kindness my Dear Thomas. I have received from under his Hand a gratefull acknowledgment of the Hospitality of your whole Family towards him\u2014 I hope e\u2019er long to welcome them all to America.\n        your Father directs me to Say for him, that he is already prepared to Love you, from the amiable Character he has received of you from all who know you\u2014\n        accept my dear Daughter, the sincere / Regard of your / affectionate Mother\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0176", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 24 November 1797\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          Dear Madm.\n        I received Your Favour of Octobr. 17. last, and have agreably to your Request consulted Deacn Pierce, respecting an Addition to your Dwelling House, He is of opinion that if an Addition be made in Front, (which He supposes to be practicable) it will be necessary to take the east Chimney down; the Floors below & in the Chambers must be taken up as well as some other Parts of the Rooms\u2014 upon the whole he does not advise to that Addition, but think thinks that adding 25 or 30 Feet on to that Part of the West End of the House which makes the Kitchen or otherwise extending it into the Garden, beginning at the End of the Brickwork as it joins on to your large Closet and running Northward to the End of that side of the House, would be most likely to compass Your Wants\u2014 I desird the Deacon to give me a Plan of it, it has been made some Days, but have not had an Opportunity to send for it\u2014 The Stones for the Woodhouse Cellar are collecting, To accomplish your Wishes with\nrespect to this Building, It appears to me to be necessary to add 12 Feet on the Back of the woodhouse or if you thought best you might carry it the whole length of the Library office\u2014 perhaps it may be best to placce the Chimney on the Side of the Room adjoyning the office rather than at the End, I doubt whether it will answer to build the Chimney on the outside as you proposed\u2014 A Fire Place & oven will be wanting, this must rest on Stone or Brick at least 6 by 9 Feet\u2014 However I propose to consult Mr. Newcomb and will write you further upon this as well as upon the Addition above mentiond with the Plan\u2014 As you left no Directions what You would have done with the Legs & Shoulders of Pork, I mentiond it to Mrs. Cranch and she consented to take them & prepare them for smoking, and have told Porter to deliver them to her for that Purpose\n        as soon as I have an opportunity shall put up a Barrell of Burrells Cheese and forward to you\u2014 The St. Germain Pears I found to be so knotted & few in Quantity, that I thought You would not wish to have them sent, nor will they answer for the Market, and shall take the Liberty to distribute them among your Friends\u2014 I have wrote in great Haste & with a Head confused, have not Time to copy\u2014\n        Your Affectionate Friend & Kinsman\n          Cotton 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0177", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 27 November 1797\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, John\n        Since my last to you, Porter has finishd ploughing the Meadow on the back of your House, the lucky Moment was embraced for the purpose, no Time before or since would have answer\u2019d. the Land by Bass is also broke up\u2014 The Manure in the Dung yard has been ploughd several Times and a considerable part of it carried upon the Clover Field on the Hill and on the Land designd for Barley, the latter would have been ploughd before this, had not the severe cold Weather prevented The Manure that would be wanted on the Hill, it was thought best to get there before the Spring, as the Hill at that Time of the Year is very spongy\u2014 There has been a great Scarcity of Sea Weed this fall, but little could be collected\u2014 The cold Weather sits in with Violence, that I fear they will not be able to get\nmuch, although some late Storms have thrown considerable on the Shores\u2014\n        As there will be some Fire Wood to be collected this Winter, Would it not be best to take a Piece and cut it smooth, rather than to ramble about the Lots for it\u2014 Mr. Porter observed, that He thought the Growth of Wood in your Lots had been injurd by consulting the Ease & Convenience of cutting & getting it, rather the Benefit of the Woodlot\u2014\n        For a fortnight past, the Weather has been cold, the Thermomr. for several Days stood from 20 to 25\u2014 this Morning it stands at 19\u00b0.\n        With fervent Wishes for your Peace Comfort & Happiness / I am Your Affectionate Friend & H Servt.\n          Cotton Tufts\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0178", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 28 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n            my dear sister\n            Philadelphia Novbr. 28th 1797\n          I received your kind Letter of Nov\u2019br. 19th by this days post. I had previously received two others both of which I had replied to, but I do not know how to pass a week without hearing from you. at the same time I received your Letter, I also had one from mrs smith informing me that She had received Letters from the col of 2d of Nov\u2019br and that he had written her word that he Should be home soon. she accordingly gave up the thoughts of comeing to Philadelphia, which is a very great dissapointment to me. I fear she will be waiting & expecting, expecting & waiting, the rest of the Winter, but I cannot advise her not to stay a reasonable time. she writes me in anxiety at not hearing a word from her Aunt. sister Peabody did not use to be inattentive to her Friends\u2014 She knows the Boys are well and happy, but She should know that there Mother is not so, and for that reason is the more anxious for her Children, and wishes to have it to say that she hears often from them; for she may be blamed for placing them at such a distance from her, without considering the utility it is of to the Children\u2014 I have written repeatedly so has mrs smith, both to sister and the Children\u2014 before I left home I wrote & inclosed in one Letter a ten Dollor Bill. I never received any acknowledgment of it. Betsy should write if her Mamma cannot. pray do You represent the matter to her. I have\nrequested that all Letters may be sent on under cover to the President at Philadelphia, and I will see them forwarded.\n          The city of Philadelphia is very Healthy at this time. I have had my Health much better than for several years past. I have not had a single days confinement since I left Quincy. the President took a bad cold by riding with the carriage windows down a very raw day in complasance to the Military, and was confined ten days after we came here, but good Nursing got the better of it. The senate and House have dispatchd their answers already to the speech. I believe they were asshamd of their delay the last session. What said the Duke de Liancourt to the President, soon after the late constitution was adopted in France, do you think of our Constitution? I think replied the President, who was then vice President I think that the directory are Daniel in the Lions Den. the Directory however, saw their Fate, and having an Army at their beck, banishd the Lions, before they devoured them but still the Den ya \u2003 for them and will sooner or later have them.\n          the measure of their iniquity is not yet full, they are instruments in the hands of Providence to scourge the nations of the Earth.\n          Mr Bartlet from Haverhill attended the Levee. I requested the President to ask him to take a Family dinner with us, which he did, and I was happy to learn by him that he brought Letters to Mrs smith, so that I hope her mind is more at ease. I did now however get any, but that as I hear they are well I do not So much care for\u2014 I will thank you to make my Bacon for me, and when it is fit to smoak let mr Belcher carry it to the same place he got the other smoakd at but I do not want it here. God Willing I will eat it at Home, & stay not an hour here longer than Duty requires\u2014 I should like to have a Barrel of cheese sent if can come immediatly otherways I fear we shall be frozen up\u2014 as to Butter I do not know as I am not there to work it myself I fear it will not be put up so as to keep. I hope mrs Pope will not forget me. pork I should like to have a plenty of that.\n          I inclose you a 5 dollor Bill I forgot amongst my Pensioners old Mrs Hayden. pray send her two, and get some salt peter & Molasses with the other to do my Bacon. Will you be so good as to see that Pheby does not suffer for wood or any necessary.\u2014\n          I this moment have received a Letter from your son of 21 Nov\u2019br a\nvery excellent Letter. he writes me that Mrs Cranch was better, that Richard had been sick with the Quincy but was better William had a bad cold. he is doing well I hope. he writes in pretty good spirits. no News of mr Johnsons Family tho they saild the 10 of sepbr. I am under great fears for them\n          I think Baxters resolution a good one. the next News I expect the parson will be courting\u2014 I am sorry to hear Mrs Greenleaf has been so unwell. my Love to her and mrs Norten a kind remembrance to all Friends / affectionatly your / sister", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0180", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 2 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n          my Dear son\n          Philadelphia December 2 1797\n        I have the pleasure of informing you and Mrs Adams of the safe arrival of mr Johnson and Family in George Town on the 25 of November, after a passage of 60 Days. I heard from mr Cranch that the Family were all well. I had written to him previous to their arrival to give me immediate notice of it, and I yesterday had the Satisfaction of writing to mrs Johnson to congratulate her upon her arrival in America, as I now do both you and my dear Daughter, for when I wrote last to you both; I was under very serious concern for their safety tho I dared not to express it to you.\n        I wrote to you last week by way of Hamburgh, and inclosed to you the speech at the opening of the Present Session of Congress. I now send you the answer of the senate and House. heitherto there has appeard a disposition to moderation Cander and uninimity. I sincerely hope they will have but one object before them, the ultimate Good of the Country. I sent you last week by way of Hamburgh a mess medly of News papers, from different parts of the union, that you might see the politicks of them collectively there were two or three Virgina papers which containd a Series of Numbers under the signature of Aristidas. these have been published in the Washington Gazzet. I have learnt from a correspondent there, that the supposed Author, is a Doctor Brown, Brother of the senator of that name from Kentucky. he has lately returnd from Edinburgh where he received a medical Education. he establishd himself in the city of Washington, and became the founder of a Jacobinical club, at the Head of which was placed, a dr Cuningham by Birth an Irishman and a Roman Catholic, but excommunicated for infidelity, and now openly atheestical but a Justice of Peace, and a Distiller of Whisky\u2014a man possesst of some talents with a smattering of learning. the rest of the club were composed Chiefly of Foreigeners of no Education. in this hopefull Society, publick measures were discusst and from this fountain, and Similar ones, have issued most of the foul streams which have polluted our Country, from Men of no Principles, no Religion, and no Country. Brown finding his sentiments not Congenial to the taste of the inhabitants of Washington, removed to Kentucky as a Soil more congenial to them. the design of these publications is to decry the Government of the united states, and to recommend one similar to the French constitution, with a directory. fortunately for America, the French are not Stationary enough in their Political career, for to recommend their Government to Americans. The Age of frenzy I hope is passed, and giving place to the Age of Reason, and cool reflection. I have been thus minute in this History that you might know who are made use of, to spread the Principles of anarchy and confusion amongst us. this city abounds in such Characters. here is the focus, yet with all their exertions, there cause grows into disrepute, and is daily weakning. should we be forced into a war, which God forbid, parties would again assume a face of voilence\n        My Love to Thomas. I do not forget him tho I have not written to him by these two last conveyences\u2014 I am most sincerely and / affectionatly yours &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0184", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 12 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          my dear sister\n          Philadelphia december 12th 1797\n        I receied yesterday your kind favour of 29 Nov\u2019br and 8th December. I had a few lines from you on monday I got my Letter to day to myself. I believe I shall not venture to communicate it. the President will be very angry with Some of his Neighbours, if through their means we lose so good a Man, as is now in our power to settle. the judgement of those in opposition is weak. I would sooner take the opinion of Gaius, with regard to the merrit of a Preacher than either of them. I do not know what their objections are. spear ought to know that the scriptures combine the Gosple with the Law. I fancy mr Bs objection are not much more forcible. I think mr Whitman ought not to decline merely on account of those\npersons who all of them, I have not a doubt will be conciliated by a prudent conduct. to mr Flint there was an obstinate intemperate opposition from a certain quarter which I always condemned, and tho I did not like mr Flint so well as mr Whitman as a preacher, yet both the President and I determined to Sit down quietly with him if he had accepted the call of the people. I have a regard for and Love my Neighbours but I cannot but condemn their conduct on this occasion and look upon it as mere obstinancy to make themselves of concequence. poor Mrs Hall & her Husband are both Dead. they left a Child, but for some reason, I cannot devine what, her Brother will not let me, or any of the Family find it or see it, tho on mr Blacks account and from the regard I had for Mrs Hall I have taken some pains to find it, and know how it was Situated. I have written to Mrs Black respecting it\u2014\n        Mrs smith is gone back to East Chester determined to wait there the arrival of the col. we had a Letter from him this week. he was then at fort stanwick on his way to East Chester he Says it was dated 29th november\u2014 it was directed to Thomas supposing him, private secretary to the President\n        we have not any late Letters from London. I presume mr Adams is gone to Berlin I had a Letter from Thomas dated the 10 of sep\u2019br Thomas speaking of his new sister says, \u201cshe is indeed a most lovely Woman, and in my opinion Worthy in every respect of the Man for whom she has with so much apparent Cheerfulness renounced father and Mother kindred and Country to unite her destinies with his\u201d this is a great deal for Thomas to say.\n        I inclose to you some remarks from Fennos paper upon some of Baches lies and abuse and a strip of paper containing Baches round assertion that the observations Printed in the Boston Centinel upon the sermon of the Bishop of Norwich were \u201cPositively known\u201d to proceed from the pen of the Duke of Braintree as he stiles the President. if this has not been printed in any of our papers, let it be sent to the Mercury to insert, that the world may see what bold and daring lies these wretches are capable of. yet when calld upon for proof, they have not a word to offer. the wretch who is supposed to have written this for the Aurora is a Hireling scotchman Campbel by name, who fled from England for publishing libels against the Government, and has been employd by the Jacobins here to excite a spirit of opposition to the Government. who the writer of those remarks upon the Bishops sermon was, is as Well known to the Pope of Rome, as to the President scarcly a day passes but some such\nscurility appears in Baches paper; very often unnoticed, and of no concequence in the minds of many people, but it has like vice of every kind, a tendency to corrupt the Morrals of the common people. lawless principls naturally produce lawless actions.\u2014 I have not heard from your son since I wrote you last. I am glad to learn that Mrs Greenleaf is like to get rid of her complaint by a collection of the cause of it to one point. I dare say she will find herself better\u2014 Miss Alleyne is gone to Levingstone Manor to pass the winter with her sister. mr G \u2003 f is yet confined, tho I believe he hopes soon to be liberated. The vice President is come and dines here to day with 30 other Gentleman\u2014\n        Remember me kindly to mr Cranch and respectfully to Mrs Welch. tell cousin Betsy I will send her an old Maids cap, that will never be out of fashion\u2014\n        Love to Mrs Norten and family. how much charigned shall I feel if you write me that mr Whitman has given his answer in the Negative. I hate Negatives when I have sit my Heart upon any thing\u2014 half the year I must sit under as strong Calvinism\u2014as I can possibly swallow and the other half\u2014I do not know what is to come\n        my paper reminds me to close; and my company that I must dress for dinner. yours most / affectionatly", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0185", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 17 December 1797\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          Dear Sister\n        I design\u2019d to have written you last week but was prevented by company I have receiv\u2019d your Letter of November 28th & thank you for it I always wish to receive one a week at least but I have no right to expect it constantly as I know your time must be taken up with more important matters. I cannot myself write so often as I wish but be assur\u2019d you shall hear from me often\u2014\n        I rejoice in your health & I pray for its continuance the President has I hope recover\u2019d from the ill effects of his complasance how did you escape taking cold at the same time? I believe you deriv\u2019d more pleasure from the respect Shown than he did\u2014he says you love parade better than himself\u2014but I who know you both am well Satisfied that Darby & Joan are never So happy as when at home attending to their rural occupations & Surrounded by their chosen Friends & neighbours Bach Greenleaf & Cronicles Lies notwithstanding their Gall there venom cannot hurt you\u2014\n        I receiv\u2019d a Letter a few days Since from sister Peabody She & the little Boys were well, but little Nabby had the misfortune to have one of her Eyes very much hurt by Sam. Livermores accidently runing a pair of Scizers into it\u2014 Sister was affraid for some time she would have lost the Sight of it\u2014but it was better but very weak\u2014 I shall write to her & desire her to write often to mrs Smith & Shall give her the particular reasons you mention\n        Your Bacon is pickling I hope it will be good I shall send mrs Hayden the money you sent her\u2014 I have been uneasy about your carpets\u2014 I went & examin\u2019d the Boxs they were in I found the mice had made very free with them & found them very convenient to deposit their young in mr Porter took them out Shook them & put them in again & Stop\u2019d all the holes\u2014but I found the cornhouse So over run with mice I could not feel easy about them I went again about ten days ago & upon examining found they had knaw\u2019d holes & were again in eating the carpets we brought two into the house & spread them on the floor one of the largest we Slung up in the cornhouse three I brought home & spread them on our Chambers two of them in chambers we do not use but Seldom & one in my chamber over\nwhich I shall keep an old one to save it from any hurt by wear or any accident I could think of no other way to keep them from being ruin\u2019d till you return\u2019d. there is one more large one I do not know what to do with mr Porter promis\u2019d to look at it daily but I Shall go again & see that it takes no harm\u2014 I hope you will not think I have done wrong in spreading them here if I had rol\u2019d them up I was affraid the moths or mice & indeed both would have hurt them. as they are they will take no harm. If I Should use the chambers I shall take care to cover them. a little Brooming will do them no harm. nothing could be more dirty than they were. they appear to have been drag\u2019d along the cow yard & all its contents rol\u2019d up in them I begin to discover what colours they were originally compos\u2019d off. if you inlarg your house you will find Rooms for Some of them tis a pity to have them distroy\u2019d by vermin\n        Doctor Tufts Says he will send you pork & cheese. Pears you had none worth Sending mr Porter gave me a Small Basket of them for which I thank you\u2014\n        this is Sunday we have no preaching to day the Town met last Monday to receive mr Whitmans answer which was in the negative it was a very full meeting & a vote was taken to see what or how great the oppisition was, & it appear\u2019d there were present Seventy nine for & nine against Sitting mr Whitman mr Black mr Seth spear & two of Willm spears Sons Deacon webb Capn. James & Peter Brackett Jonathen Baxter & Jo Field were against him\u2014 mr Black said he Should be easey if mr whitman Settled come to meeting pay his Taxes & treat mr w. in a Friendly manner but he could not in conscience vote for him\u2014 he gave his reasons to mr cranch\u2014 they are not all difference in Religious Sentiments. he is not grave enough & a little too volatile for mr B\u2014& a number of other things which mr B did not chuse to say in publick he Said to mr Cranch. mr w must make a great many Sacrifices to settle here. he is much in debt. if he comes here he shall be oblig\u2019d to sell at a Loss he cannot bear. here he could not purchase to an advantage to ballance it. his Brethren of the association Say if he Settles again in the ministry it must be where he can purchase a Farm cheap he has not the faculty to Labour upon it as some ministers have he is good natur\u2019d. will hire men & let them work or play as they please he was not regularly dismiss\u2019d. he ask\u2019d a dismission & they gave him thier consent to leave them & a recommendation I think the study of the Law will be more for his advantage & more to his tast than the\ngravity of the Pulpit\u2014 I love to hear him Preach & I beleive he would make a good speaker at the Bar\u2014 we have invited him to supply the Pulpit for three months longer but not as a candidate whether he will or not I cant yet say\u2014 I never think it best to force things some who were violent against mr Flint are now as violent for mr w.\u2014 mr Flint is to be ordaind at Cohusett the first wednesday in January. they will have a prudent descret minister\u2014 I wish we may have as good a one\u2014 mrs Norton & her two Sons Richard & willm were here a Friday She is well\u2014 I never saw her look better she sends her duty to you & her uncle & her Love to cousen Louissa mr & Mrs Greenleaf are well She is not quite Strong yet her baby is very good & very pretty. If colln Smith returns I hope it will be to make her very happy I feel very Sorry when I think She is not plac\u2019d more to your & her mind had she been left to have follow\u2019d her own plan of education her children would have done her more honour\u2014 Sister Says she finds it difficult to make mr Peabody believe that their Mother is a woman of Breeding & politeness. Parents must be united in their mode of education or their children will suffer\n        I desir\u2019d mr Porter to carry Pheby a Load of wood she is oblig\u2019d to be continually washing for her Husband he keeps his bed wholly & I think cannot live out the winter she has a dreadful hand with him mr Cranch talk\u2019d to the Select men about her & told them they ought to allow her Something for nursing him. Deacon webb appears to be willing. mr Porter gave her meat when he kill\u2019d the creatures\u2014 I have told her to apply to me if She is in necessaty for any thing\u2014\n        I thank you my dear Sister for your attention to my Son & Family. I hope he will do well\u2014 he has had a very Sick Family but they are now better I have a Letter from her every week & write to as often She Says She almost thinks me with her Cousen Betsy is well. mr Foster was here last thursday night has not been here before Since he brought her from Boston five weeks ago I did not know whether he was ever expected again for we change not a word on the subject. She has deny\u2019d any connection So often that I never design to begin a conversation upon the matter any more. if She leads to it I will follow her not else. they were up long after the Family were in Bed. this is not her custom with any one else. If he has not offer\u2019d hims[elf] She has given him oppertunitys enough to do it\u2014& I would not Say he had not\u2014\n        I have a bad cold & cough which has confind me pretty much to\nthe house for a fortnight I thought it almost gone till the late warm days. I beleive I added to it then my Stomack is very Sore\u2014 will you my Sister lend me your arm\u2019d Straw bottom chair that you us\u2019d to set in when you liv\u2019d at your old House I will get one made Soon tis for mrs welsh she wants one this winter to lean her head against in the evening\u2014\n        Sister Smith is a little unwell but not bad I think She has been better this fall than usual not so many fits\n        Uncle Thaxter fails fast his Son was here last week Says he thinks he will live but a very little time aunt is well as usual\u2014 Uncle Quincy is well mrs Pope has your Pot for Butter\u2014 mr Cranch is well & joins in Love to the President\n        your\u2014 / ever affectionate Sister\n          Mary 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0186", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody, 18 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\n          my Dear sister\n          Philadelphia Decbr 18th 1797\n        I wrote to you from East Chester, but I believe I have not written to you from hence. I was dissapointed in not receiving a Letter by mr Bartlet from you, tho I was much pleased in learning that he brought Letters from you to mrs smith. Seperated as she is from all her connections except her little Girl, and living in a village where she has not any Society, communications by Letters are the only means she has of intercourse with her Friends, and she feel more sensibly the want of them, from her retirement\n        I had depended very much upon her comeing to pass the Winter with me, but late advises from the Col. have alterd her determination as she now daily expects his return to east Chester. there can be no difficulty of communication, if your Letters are put under cover addrest to the President of the united states, and Sent to the Haverhill post office.\n        I have been here 5 weeks the city has apparently recoverd from the depression occasiond by the late Calamity. indeed a stranger, to\ncome into it, would not see a Symptom but the Burying Ground to manifest to him that such a Destroying Angle as the late Pestilence had visited the City. Publick amusements are commencing as usual the Same eagerness and persuit of pleasure is visible. the disease assailed the poorer class of people who were crouded together in small apartments and those very dirty. The Irish scotch and foreigners of that desscription were chiefly the victims. every person who could find an assylum, fled the city to the number of 30 thousand. The inhabitants of this city shut their Ears and their understandings against the Idea of the diseases originating here, and they are ready to anathimize every person who even suggests Such an Idea.\n        I am fully in the opinion that it is imported, and that it originates here also the same cause will produce the same effect in the West India climate as here, a putrid state of Air, occasiond by a collection of filth, heat and moisture. a proof that the disease is caused by such a state of Air, is that a frost immediatly destroys it.\n        I hope my Dear Boys are good Children, that they pay a proper attention to their Books and are respectfull to their Preceptor dutifull to you kind and affectionate to their cousins and schoolmates\u2014 I want to see them for my Heart is much engaged in their welfare\u2014 I have inclosed to mr Peabody 50 dollors to pay the Board and tuition of the Children whatever overpluss there may be he will credit it on my account. I inclose to you ten dollors to pay their quarter washing and any other expences you may have been out for them. Mr Peabody when he sends me a receit will be so good as to send me quarterly the shoe makers Bill or whatever else he may have against me. give the Boys out of the money half a dollor a peice if you think proper for a new years present.\n        I regreet that you do not write to me oftner. how is cousin Betsy this Winter. my Love to her. how is William? does he have his Headakes as he had last Winter? he will be at home I suppose in the vacancy. tell him to write to me.\n        I have many Letters to write to my Children, and other correspondents, and the Duties and ceremonies of my station occupy much of my Time\n        The President desires to be rememberd to you, and so does", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0187", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Adams, 19 December 1797\nFrom: Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My Dear Sister\u2014\n        Least I should forget it, I acknowledge the receipt of ten Dollars you sent while I was at Haverhill, but in the multiplicity of my thoughts I for-got to mention it\u2014 you will please to excuse me\u2014 I have conversed with Mr Attwood about receiving pay for his expences he absolutely refuses taking anything for his trouble\u2014 The extra, charges I have seen payed, by mony Mr Attwood, & I found in his trunk, some of which you gave him, & between thirty & forty dollars, which he had obtained by the sale of lemmons &ccc\u2014 He had likewise a new watch which cost him twenty Dollars\u2014 Mr William Smith made me a visit, & gave the nurse, more than any other woman, but Mr Atwoods Sister ought to have\u2014 As Mr Atwood would not take anything, I supposed no one could have any objection against his making what use he pleased of Cousin Charles\u2019s Cloathing, taking them for his other prentics, or what he chose\u2014 Mr Atwood has likewise spoken for decent gravestones, which are now doing, & will be set in the Spring\u2014 If Louisa has any lines, comprehensive, short & perspicuous that she would like to have engraved, I wish she would send them on, as soon as possible\u2014\n        Your Grand Children are well, & are in a very good way\u2014 Cousin William loves to be quiet, but John beats all for noise\u2014 I ask him what you did with him, & how his mamma could bear it\u2014 We have talked coaxed, flattered, & assumed a sterner manner, & all does not avail, but for a moment\u2014 I cry soft\u2014soft my Child\u2014instead of \u201csteady steady,\u201d which was of so much service to the Prince\u2014but it is not from ill will, but a shocking habit of speaking as sharp, & as loud, as a boatswain\u2014or a coachman driving over pavements\u2014 He is a dear boy notwithstanding\u2014& we all love him\u2014 I was very glad you checked the Children about going to Boston\u2014 I feared I should have tears, but I did not see any\u2014 What you, & their mamma writ was of service & it strengthened our authority, & gave sancttion to our advice\u2014 Their Aunt Shaw was so good as to send for them, to keep thansgiving with her\u2014sent them a nice ginerbread, & an excellent letter\u2014 This was a new trial for their manliness\u2014but I easily perswaded them to tarry here till the Spring\u2014 Cousin John said he would not go, if William did\u2014& they appear quite easy\u2014 Indeed they should\u2014for I am sure they are better off than thousands\u2014they have necessaries & comforts\u2014 The Cotton you sent made them three\nShirts a peice, exactly. & I have made each of them a pair of trowsers out of a riding coat, which was tight, & I never had worn but 5 or 6 times\u2014& I thought it would be better than any I could purchase for them\u2014 I have knit Cousin Williams Stocks, Johns I have not knit, because his mother sent word she had some she should convey to us\u2014& I supposed he had better wear those out, as there was none younger to take them\u2014 Cousin John improves in writing you will see, & William too\u2014 William\u2019s manners are muh softer, & they are both much more respectful than they were\u2014but still my Sister it is necessary to add precept, to precept, & line upon line\u2014 if I did not find my own Children always deviating from rectitude, I should think other peoples Children had not been taught propriety of behaviour\u2014 I conclude therefore, that it is best never to put Children under the care of those who have not been Parents\u2014nor of those, who cannot remember how they conducted in their youth\u2014\n        I have not heard from Quincy for several weeks, I fear Eliza Smith will triffle away a worthy friend\u2014but it is a delicate point for me to say, or to urge a connection, I presume the difference of age being, upon what is called the wrong side, is an insurmountable objection\u2014sad\u2014sad I think\u2014 I had a letter from my William\u2014he has got the Influency, it is prevalent here\u2014 I hope he will come home soon to your Sister\n          E Peabody", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0188", "content": "Title: Ann Thompson Gerry to Abigail Adams, 21 December 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Ann Thompson\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n          My dear Madam\n          Cambridge Decr 21st 1797.\n        I acknowledge the receipt of your very obliging favour of th\u2019 23d of Novbr and should have done myself that pleasure before but was prevented by a severe indisposition (from which I am now pretty well recover\u2019d) and the afflicting loss of my Father which has called my Sister from me\n        I am extremely anxious to hear from Mr. Gerry at Paris I find by my letters from him previous to his quitting the Hague that the other Gentlemen where misinformed with respect to the place he sailed for having heard that it was Havre instead of Rotterdam which occasioned their proceeding without him I hope that as soon as any probable cojecture can be formed of the time of his return you will be so obliging as to inform me of it. with my best respects to the President and wishes for many returns of the season I remain / Dear Madam with sentiments of the highest / respect and esteem your obliged friend\n          Ann Gerry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0190", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 26 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n          my dear sister\n          Philadelphia December 26 1797\n        I received Your Letter by this days mail of 17th I am mortified at the loss of mr Whitman, tho from what you wrote me I apprehended it would be so. every one has a right to their own opinion, and my conscience suffers as much when I hear mr. & mr & mr deliver sentiments which I cannot assent to & preach doctrines Which I cannot believe, as my Neighbours because a Man does not wear Calvinism in his face, and substitute round Os for Ideas\u2014but we must be doomed to a\u2014a droomadery\u2014 I am out of patience\u2014and yet I am brought down, for last week I was obliged to lose Blood, and, confine myself for a week in concequence of one of my old attacks. I had some Rhumatism with it, but am getting better, and should have ventured to ride out to day if the weather would have permitted.\u2014\n        I could not see company on fryday Evening, nor the gentlemen to day who attend the Levee. Mrs Cushing came last Evening and took tea with me. I promise myself some society with her. most of the rest is parade & ceremony. Next Monday is Newyears Day and we shall have a tedious time of it I thank you for the care of my Bacon & carpets. I had much rather they should be down on your floor than not. as to the Chair, I pray you take it. I had Letters from Mrs smith this week. she thought it best to part with mr & Mrs King as her family were small, so that she now has only one Man to look after the stock, and a Boy & Girl. in that manner she lives without a Human being to call upon her from one week to an other, buoyd up with an expectation of the col\u2019s return which however I have very little faith in. the old Lady is going out to stay with her now, which will render her situation more tolerable. I know she relucts at the thought of comeing here. if I was in private Life she would feel differently.\n        I was fully sensible that the Boys must be taken from all their connections to break them of habits which they had imbibed. there were a train of uncles and Aunts and servants to spoil them and very few examples such as I wisht to have them innured to, and I dread their Fathers return least he should take it into his Head to take them away.\n        I rejoice to hear that mrs Norten and Family are well. I hope mrs Greenleaf will recover her Health. Slip the inclosed into her Hand when you see her, and say nothing about it.\n        where is mr Wibird & is he this winter? multiplying and increasing as he was? 5 dollors are inclosed that you may apply them to the use of Pheby as her necessities may be. I have not heard from Washington Since I wrote you last.\n        I have been the communicator of very Melancholy News to mr & mrs Black. I was much Shockd when John returnd from mr Halls House and brought me word that they were both dead, and when the Baby at my request, was sent to me to see, I felt for the poor little orphan an inexpressible tenderness. it is a fine Baby and the Image of its poor Broken Hearted Mother, who the Physicians agree, dyed with fatigue and dejection of spirits without any symptoms of the fever. I hope mr & Mrs Black will take the child as soon as it is weaned.\n        The President has agreed that he will not open any more Letters to me, and will be satisfied with such parts as I am willing to communicate. accordingly he has not opend any since I scolded So hard about it. pray if you have got the song of Darby and Joan do send it me. I do not recollect but one line in it, and that is, [\u201c]when Derbys pipes out Joan wont smoke a whiff more\u201d and I know they were represented as a fond loving conjugal pair. Baches object was to bring such a Character into Ridicule. true French manners in Religion and politicks is what he aims to introduce but corrupt as our manners are, there is yet too much virtue to have such doctrines universally prevail\n        Remember me to all our Friends whom I hope to see again in the spring / and be assured I am my dear / Sister your ever affectionate\n          Abigail 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-12-02-0191", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Smith Shaw, 26 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Shaw, William Smith\n          my Dear Nephew\n        I received by the last post your kind Letter and the Poem of Mrs Mortens which the President had received a few days before from the Author \u201cFor the beloved President of a Free and enlightned People, the following Poem is gratefully and Respectfully offerd, by the Author\u201d I would fain flatter myself that the fair Authoriss did not take a poetic lisence in this sentance; I send you in return Erskine speeches on the trial of Thomas Williams for Publishing the Age of reason and Giffords Letter to Erskine. I like mr Erskines Religious sentiments much better than his Politicks in the former he is a very good Christian, in the latter a very great Heritic. Gifford has proved himself a much more enlightned Politician, and places Erskine intirely in the back ground. I have lately been reading Letters of a Lady written in France during a residence there in the years 92 93 94 95 prepared for the press by this same mr Gifford they are admirably well written and corrobarate the facts which we received from other pens of most of the Horrours which stain this unparaleld Revolution in France intersperced with sentiments and reflections which do honour to the Head and heart of the writer. What is to be the fate of that devoted Nation no Humane foresight can determine. a more despotic act was never perpretrated by the most absolute of Tyrants, than banishing untried Such a number of citizens Legislators. I can not describe my sentiments on this subject better than quoting the words of this Lady in her Letter of June 3 1794 before the Death of Robespierre. The individual sufferings of the French may perhaps yet admit of increase: but their Humiliation as a people can go no further; and if it were not certain that the acts of the government are congenial to its principles one might suppose this tyranny a moral experiment on the extent of human endurance than a political system. the late tyrannical mandates of the directory, shew the weakness and instability of a form of government which is incapable of resisting opposition, and which knows no medium between yealding to its adversaries, or destroying them. force alone is Law.\n        I would send you Porcupine papers, sometimes if you do not see them. he is frantick with joy and exultation just now for the Victory\nobtaind by Admiral Duncan over the Dutch. he crows and claps his wings and says the English ought to have blown them all up. a good Haunch of a fat Dutchman would be worth more than the whole Body of a san cullot. he is a sad dog, but his Wit is without malice, tho he frequently decends to Blackguardism\n        When you go to Atkinson do You write a Letter to mrs smith & tell her how her Sons are. she will receive it very friendly of you. cover it to me and I will forward it. Johnson kept sabbeth with me & went off on twesday last for George Town. write me again, and I will not omit replying to you. you mend in your Hand. your uncle says you will do very well in time. adieu your affectionate / Aunt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-1365", "content": "Title: Moses Gill to John Adams, 27 Mar. 1797\nFrom: Gill, Moses\nTo: Adams, John\n          By Capn. Constant Norton of the\n            Schooner Jay you will receive a large Princeton Cheese, as by the inclosd. receipt, which you will Please to Accept from me, as a\n            Small token of my affection and esteem; it is Packd in a Box\n            and Divided, for the President of the United States, it will be in eating the first\n            weake in may, And it woud be well to unpack it, and Keep it\n            from the Sun in a Cold dry Cituation.\n          I am made happy in your having been Advanced at the head of our\n            general Goverment; and wish you the Protection and blessing of that Providence you have\n            always Acknowledged\u2014and am Sure that Knowledge, integrity, and uprightness, will mark\n            every Part of your administration, and render it easey to yourself and happy for the\n          I have the Honor to be with every / Sentiment of esteem and regard\n            / your Excellency, Sincre friend / and 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-1380", "content": "Title: John Adams to Moses Gill, 4 Apr. 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gill, Moses\n              Philadelphia\n          I have received your favor of the 27th of March and very Kindly\n            thank you, for both the Letter and the generous Present of a Cheese from Princeton, I\n            know very well the Value that is to be attached to Princeton and its inhabitants and\n            Productions, Its Cheese in particular I know to be Excellent, and I shall prize it the\n            higher for the place of its growth, I shall share it, and boast of it, and\n            praise it and admire it as long as it lives, I dare Say before I See it, that our\n            America produces no thing Superior to it in its Kind your directions concerning it shall\n            be observed\u2014Your kind compliments on my advancement affect me Very tenderly, altho. the\n            Amusements and Employments of Princeton & Quincy would be more for my health and\n            better adapted to my taste, and the Labours and Cares of the Situation are almost too\n            much for my age, yet if the Sacrifice of my Comfort and repose can preserve us in our\n            Safe and quiet Course, and give tolerable Satisfaction to the Public I shall think my\n            self Very well disposed off.\u2014\n          Present my Kind regards to Mrs / Gill\n            and believe me to be with Very great Esteem / and affection your Obliged /friend and\n            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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1818", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Griffin, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Griffin, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\nRichmond 12th January 1797\u2014\nPermit me much respected Sir, to congratulate Your Excellency, as well as the good Citizens of America, on Your late election to the Presidency of the United States, and to assure You Sir, that from every information that can be collected, it was the general wish of most of the good people of Virginia, who are attached to order & good Government, that this happy & fortunate event should take place, and I trust (notwithstanding the Newspaper columny) You will in the course of Your administration experience as full and ample Support from I this as from any other State in the Union\u2014\nShould You Sir, be in want of a Young Man to live in Your family as a Secretary or for any other purpose, I take the liberty at the request of some friends, to recommend to Your notice, Mr John Griffin a Son of Judge Griffins, he is twenty five Years old, of fair Character & has had a liberal education, has spent two Years in England & nearly the same time in France, and I am told by good Judges understands the french Language tolerably well, his acity to be honord with a place in Your excellencys family has been my principal motive for hazarding this Solicitation\u2014with a fervent prayer for the health happiness and prosperity of Yourself and family I am / with due respect & esteem / Sir / Your Obdt friend & Servt\nSaml Griffin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1819", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 14 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, John\nMy Dear Sir.\nThe Hague January 14. 1797.\nI received yesterday your favour of October 23 and it is by several weeks the latest Letter that I have from America.\u2014It tells me that the Elections were going on with as little bitterness as could be expected, and this in the present circumstances is grateful intelligence. But all my American correspondents public and private as they appear to care nothing about the affairs of Europe, seem alike to think us indifferent to those of America. This inattention will eventually produce consequences very serious to our Country and its Government.\nThere are others who feel the importance of European intercourse and an incessant vigilance towards it, more forcibly, and cultivate it more assiduously. They have at least succeeded to make hard work for the Government of the United States.\u2014In my Letters to you last Summer, will be found as clear an anticipation as my observations could discover and my reflections combine of the Events which are now taking place.\u2014I have not been silent on the subject to the Secretary of State. Of nearly thirty Letters which I have written him since my return from England, I have an acknowledgment that four have been received.\u2014In one of your late Letters it is intimated to me that the correspondence has not been on my part sufficiently frequent with the Treasury department.\u2014I shall endeavour to avoid that complaint in future, but I hope it will be considered just that some suggestion should be made to me of the objects upon which information is desired; some instructions upon which a correspondence can be founded, and some sort of returns to the earnest solicitations which my Letters have contained of measures to direct my conduct and to provide for the punctuality of the United States in this Country.\u2014To an urgent letter from me to the Secretary of the Treasury, written on the 13th. of last June, I am still panting for an answer. The provision which I so long since entreated to be made in Season has been now nearly two months defective; I am assaulted by dunning creditors on one side, by impatient bankers on the other, and month after month elapses in profound silence of advices or remittances from America, while the payments are failing, rumours of troubles and dissensions in the United States spread abroad, the funds depreciate. I am called upon from every quarter to know what the real accounts from thence are, and have only to confess that my accounts are two or three months in arrear of the current course.\nIt is not for the pleasure of complaining that I mention these circumstances; but on the one hand I regret that a want of these reciprocal communications disenables me from so useful a discharge of my duty, and as my own wishes would dictate, and on the other that I sometimes take great pains to compare and combine symptoms that occur in Europe to announce what an attentive correspondence from America would inform me to be an old Story there, thoroughly understood, and about which all my toils would be perfectly useless. An instance of the last kind, considerably important is that of the suspicions intimated in my letter to you, N. 24\u2014When I wrote it, I had not heard a syllable of the french project upon our western territory. But the concurrence of several circumstances which I then noticed to you, convinced me that something very pernicious to the United States was in agitation; but though I could not precisely divine what it was.\u2014Afterwards from the American Newspapers, when I receive them, and especially from the President\u2019s address to the People, I found that I might spare myself the trouble of endeavouring to detect what was already abundantly discovered, and that it would be needless to lose my self in a chace of probabilities to throw a new mite of conjecture into the settled balance of demonstration.\nI have already written you an account of the refusal by the french Directory to receive Mr. Pinckney; and of the apparent alliance between them and the internal Enimies of the American Government. But since my last Letter Mr. Monroe has delivered his letters of recall, and upon that occasion made a speech which was answered by the President of the Directory Barras.\u2014Mr: Monroe\u2019s address indicates what his language and conduct will be upon his return. The same unqualified devotion to the french will, which made him so confidential with Fauchet, upon the parties within the United States, before he set out upon his mission, has influenced him in this last transaction, and at the moment when a national indignity outrageous as it was unprovoked was offered to his Country, he still condescends to flatter them by an eulogy upon the generous services which they themselves have long since publicly and officially declared to have been merely the fruit of a vile speculation; by a declaration as false as it is dishonourable to America, that the principles of their Revolution and of ours were the same; by an exulting reference to his military services in our War, and by an ostentatious avowal of his partiality for the present cause of France: and all this without even hinting the mission of Mr: Pinckney, whose personal and patriotic merits are surely not inferior to his own.\u2014The answer of Barras is such that I scarcely know whether which it inspires most of indignation at the design which it developes, or of contempt for the mode of its execution\u2014In comparison with it, the language of Genet was decency and modesty.\u2014The public opinion concerning it in Europe appears unanimous. I have not heard it mentioned by an individual but with disgust at its thrasonical bombast and ridicule at its bullying menaces.\u2014This tone has been instigated by their American partizans who have suggested to them that the American Government and People must be frightened into a violation of their Treaty with Britain, and of their neutrality. The affectation of parade which was made on this occasion, the display of Ambassadors from Sardinia, from a Duke of Parma, and a Bey of Tunis, the trophies from the battle of Arcole, and the commandant of the national guards, all you may be sure were designed to look and sound very tremendous.\u2014They really think the American People not only as ignorant of Europe as they themselves are of America, but moreover ideots and cowards upon whom tinsel can with the utmost facility be palmed for bullion and with whom a Bey of Tunis or an Infant duke of Parma would furnish as potent a proof of the invincible prevalence of the french power, as the Empires of Austria, Russia or Great-Britain.\u2014In reality their selection of Ambassadors to witness their triumph over Mr. Monroe, has in it something of burlesque.\u2014Tremble O ye People of America! for at the moment when a french Director announces the fury of France against your Government, his Republic rich by her Liberty, surrounded by a retinue of victories, and strong by the esteem of her allies, displays before your eyes her dubious Italian trophies and her expiatory Embassies from the Duke of Parma and the Bey of Tunis!\u2014All this, is in substance is perfectly ridiculous, but coupled with the insolence of Barras\u2019s speech, with his professed distinction between the Government, and the People of the United States, with his compliments to Mr: Monroe, and his recommendation to him to go home and represent the American People there it fully proves that the design of attack upon the Governmen,t by a renewal of Genet\u2019s appeal to the People is prepared and concerted; so as to open upon the commencement of a new Administration.\u2014They very evidently expect great effects from this manoeuvre; their american partizans in Europe already exult as if our rupture with Great Britain was completely effected, and even the friends of our Government are alarmed, and fearful that they will be intimidated into submission, or abandoned by the People, their only support, that this patronage of France will give such weight to the efforts of Faction that they will be no longer resistible, and the system of neutrality will necessarily be overturned.\u2014To say that I myself am without profound anxiety in this respect would be idle and false. The character, temper, and conduct of the two last Houses of Representatives in Congress, have made it impossible to discard apprehensions for the Future and the measures which the popular leaders of the antifederal party have adopted, sanctioned and justified remove every hope that any scruple of independence, patriotism or Justice will interfere between the views of France and their exertions to support them.\nI presume however that there is in the American Government a Spirit which will not tamely submit to be bullied out of its system even by the combined insolence of a french Directory with the utmost malignity of internal faction. I presume also that a great majority of the American People will see through the object of this transaction and despise the insidious attempt to separate and discriminate them from their Government. I hope that to the future President of the United States whoever he may be, the Peace of his Country, its honour and its Justice will be as dear as they are to the present, and while every honest voice is uttering admiration and every humane heart ejaculating blessings to the name of Washington, that his successor by exhibiting a continuance of the same wisdom, firmness and moderation, will prove to the sceptics in political speculation that the American soil is fruitful of those Virtues, and the American People determined to support them.\nA rupture of our Treaty with Great Britain is in a manner the professed demand upon which the french Directory have made these recent, terrific demonstrations; a suspension of our trade with Britain, will perhaps be required as a condition for a restoration of their good will: that this is their clear design I have long since written you. How far they will go to obtain their end it is impossible to say: it will depend in a great measure upon the support they meet from their party in America. If our Government discover a single symptom of a disposition to yield, or if the House of Representatives for the ensuing Congress, should from its complexion encourage the hopes of obtaining a majority adverse to the system of the Executive, the Directory will not scruple at any measure of hostility which they may imagine or be persuaded, will encrease their influence by the arguments of fear. It is painful to say it, but I am afraid it is true, that they will be instigated from America, to repeat and accumulate hostilities to promote this purpose\u2014But if the Executive should maintain that dignified firmness and moderation which has hitherto distinguished it, and the Representatives more decidedly concur in the established system of neutrality than they have done, the French Government will inevitably retreat, abandon their design of driving us into the War, and be willing to resume their amicable intercourse with that of the United States.\nIn forming this opinion which is perfectly decided in my mind, I draw the conclusion both from their present mode of proceeding and from their conduct hitherto with all the other neutral Nations. My Letters of last Summer have given you a detail of their proceedings to defeat all the neutrality in Europe, and of their various success according as the neutral State was or was not totally in their power.\u2014In Florence, Venice, Genoa and Lucca, they succeeded; but in Sweden, in Denmark, in Turkey, and even in Prussia, they totally failed.\u2014Their experiment upon Sweden has probably thrown that power permanently into the Russian scale, and had they not desisted from their intrigues and menaces against Denmark they would have met with the same disappointment there.Notwithstanding their refusal to receive Mr: Pinckney, they have authorized a public denial of the report that they had suspended all intercourse with the Government of the United States; At the same time their affectation of courtship to the People of the United States shows that their real object is only to intimidate  and indeed in their present situation however they may bluster they have no inclination to encrease the number of their Enemies.\nIn order to defeat the views of further hostility which may be urged by the domestic Enemies of the Government, and to deter the Directory from proceding any further it appears to me a very important and very effectual measure would be for the American Government by the means of some official paper to expose in a clear and explicit manner the total want of provocation by them that could palliate the injustice and insolence of the Directory; to shew beyond the power of refutation, as might be done with perfect ease, that France has not the smallest pretext for a rupture: to state the unquestionable right of the United States to contract the engagements of the British Treaty, and to disclaim in the most explicit manner every idea of violating any of the previous engagements with France\u2014To prove that the British Treaty itself protects every previous former stipulation with other powers; and at the same time decisively to repel every pretence that the United States were ever dependent upon France, for any thing more than obligations of reciprocal and equal alliance.\u2014An official paper of this kind, written with coolness and temper like the Letter demanding the call recall of Genet, would have a very favourable effect upon the public opinion of all Europe, and of France in particular where the people are already heartily sick of War, and where upon the appearance of such a Statement, the Directory would not dare take any further violent measures.\u2014For even now, Every body enquires, what the United States have done, or what the occasion is of this conduct of the Directory: nothing is stated to the public but a vague pretence of a more favourable stipulation for military provisionings to the British than to them, and an intimation of studied obscurity that the American Government had condescended to the suggestions of their antient Tyrants.\u2014In the paper mentioned in my last Letter this word suggestions is likewise used when they say that the \u201cfatal\u201d Treaty passed (in the House of Representatives) only by a majority of two notwithstanding wretched suggestions.\u2014Perhaps you may not be aware that they mean by this word to intimate bribery. This is undoubtedly its meaning, and the obliquity of the expression is for the sake of eluding the repulse of a just indignation, which a direct assertion of the same thing would naturally rouse.\u2014But in another paper from the same source, and published alike in the R\u00e9dacteur they have produced the lye in all its naked malignity and deformity. For they charge Great Britain for with endeavouring to overthrow the balance of Europe, by abandoning Poland to its Fate, and by enriching herself with the spoils of the French commerce, by a Treaty perfidiously purchased\u2014par un Trait\u00e9 perfidement achet\u00e9.\u201d\nIndeed, cruel and false as this intimation is, it cannot be surprizing, not only that they should advance, but even that they should believe it.\u2014During several months, if the concurring reports of many different persons may be believed Mr: Monroe made no scruple or hesitation to say in public and mixed companies, that he had not the smallest doubt but Mr: Jay was bribed to sign the Treaty, and to one person he added that to his certain knowledge, when Mr: Jay was employed to negotiate for our Navigation of the Mississipi, he did in fact negotiate against it\u2014The french alas! have but too clearly discovered that at least one Man high in the American Government was not only susceptible of bribery, but capable of begging it, and where they had such satisfactory proof of a readiness for prostitution to them, it cannot be wondered that they should believe the imprudent and iniquitous prejudices of Mr: Monroe\u2019s opinions, of a like propensity in others though towards a different direction.\nYou will however perceive in the present conduct of the Directory what sort of a disposition they bear towards an Administration at the head of which you may be placed. They know perfectly well how inflexibly you maintained the honour and Interest of America in former times against the insidious policy of Vergennes, and they know equally the consistency & firmness of character which will alike maintain the same cause against their more pernicious designs.\u2014Whatever therefore their artifices working upon popular Passions, and concerted with antifederal partizans can affect, you will take it for granted they will endeavour.\u2014Should the suffrages of the American People impose upon you the burthen of the chief magistracy, it will be necessary to consider this as a settled point; as a source of embarassments and obstacles against which every possible counteracting provision must be made.\u2014If the helm of our public affairs should be committed to other hands, they will certainly be more favoured by the French Directory so long as it shall be under the Government of Siey\u00e9s; but I hope they will not be found more ready to sacrifice the welfare of America to the humble pupil of Favier and Franklin, than yours.\nThe Directory is composed of discordant materials, but they have divided their functions into several departments, and the transaction of all business relative to each particular department is left to one member. The Department of the foreign affairs is thus held by Rewbell a man of strong nerves and weak brain, altogether under the direction of Sieyes, whose cool head, unfeeling heart, and cowardly disposition has been noticed to you in former Letters. He dared not take himself a Seat which was offered him in the Directory, but he knew that the opinions of his old colleague would be at his disposal, and has accordingly always governed him.\u2014This circumstance is well known; for Sieyes having among his other qualities some Vanity, takes care to have it understood that he is the manager of Rewbell. It seems to be a sort of association in which each supplies the qualities denied to the other. One is the Soul and the other the body. One enjoys the profit and parade, with the personal dangers of Office, and the other has its management and conduct, but without its responsibility.\u2014Sieyes bears a personall ill-will to you, a political ill-will to the Prosperity and Union of the United States, and a speculative ill will to yourself the principles of our Constitution, and with all those dispositions concurring together, no proof of malevolence that may hereafter be given will be unexpected to you.\u2014I have formerly suggested that no scruple of morality will interfere to prevent the use of any means by which the french Government may think a desirable end attainable; and my opinion is founded not only upon their uniform conduct through all their Revolutions, but upon the professed principles avowed by the publications of those who have been employed in the direction of their public affairs. The Memoirs of Dumourier, of Madame Roland and of Garat are full of proofs that this idea is not without foundation.\nA resolution not to be moved, a candour and moderation not to be angered, a sincere regard for the welfare and wish for the friendship of France, with a temper not to be intimidated by menaces or forced by hostilities, unfolded clearly to the sense and understanding of all the world, I am convinced would go far to disarm them of all the weapons upon the efficacy of which they now place their dependence.\u2014Something must be done, and I beg leave again to repeat the solicitation that a more steady and systematic attention to the affairs of Europe in General may be paid, by the Government. The President indeed has told us, and I am profoundly convinced of the Justice and Importance of the advice, that we ought not to involve ourselves at all in the political system of Europe, but to keep ourselves always distinct and separate from it.\u2014But even to effect this, constant and early information of the current Events, and of the political projects in emb contemplation is no less necessary than if we were directly concerned in them. It is necessary, for the discovery of the efforts made to draw us into the vortex, in Season to make preparations against them. From one of the quotations in this Letter, it is observable that France very formally considers the United States as forming a weight in the balance of Europe. France therefore must necessarily conduct itself towards us upon this supposition. Britain will with equal certainty do the same. It behoves us to be the more cautious and vigilant to counteract all their intrigues and exertions on either side to make us the instruments or the victims of their conquering or plundering Ambition.\u2014The late King of Prussia, always answered with his own hand, every dispatch from every one of his Ministers abroad.\u2014If he had no instructions to give, yet he never failed to acknowledge the receipt of the dispatch and recommend to the Minister a continuance of his zeal and industry.\u2014The mere effect of such an example spreads in more than a geometrical ratio. Negligence on one side creates it on the other, and I know from personal experience how readily indolence and carelessness will creep in upon the steadiest resolutions of Industry, with an apology derived from a reciprocal inattention. Until Mr: Pickering was appointed to the State Department, my Letters were scarcely ever answered; and of more than fifty Letters that I wrote, the receipt not of five was ever acknowledged.\u2014With regard to me and my mission, it might perhaps not be of material consequence; but the case was the same with all the other Ministers of the Government in Europe; all were neglected, and it would have been but natural if many had been tempted thereby to inattention in return.\nIf this Letter should find you restored to the character only of a private Citizen, its contents will not perhaps be very interesting. If otherwise I do not presume that it will be of any other service than as it may give some little information. The Question is already or must be very soon decided. I hope that the moment of it\u2019s decision and its subsequent results will find you still possessed of the same personal indifference, and public concern which has marked every former part of your political career: and I delight myself with the reflection that the chair of the Union or the farm at Quincy will furnish no other difference than that between the Elevation and the retirement of Wisdom and Virtue.\nThere is not much authentic news current at this time.\u2014It appears that the new Emperor of Russia, has formally acknowledged the French Republic.\u2014The rupture of the negotiations between France and Britain I have for mentioned in a former Letter\u2014The great naval expedition from Brest was really destined against Ireland. It appears probable that it will not succeed, and one division of the fleet with four or five thousand Men has already returned to Brest.\u2014No certain material intelligence from Italy, except symptoms of discontent, and indiscipline in that as well as in all the other French armies. Here the Assembly are debating their plan of Constitution, one and indivisible\nI am with invariable duty and affection, your Son\nJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1820", "content": "Title: From Thomas Wright Bacot to John Adams, 16 January 1797\nFrom: Bacot, Thomas Wright\nTo: Adams, John,United States Senate\nTo the honorable John Adams President & the honorable Members of the Senate of the United StatesThe Petition of Thomas Wright Bacot Post Master at Charleston in the State of South Carolina\nRespectfully Sheweth\nCharleston November 1796\nThat your Petitioner was appointed Post Master in this City in January 1792, and trusts that he has performed the duties required of him, as such, with fidelity.\nThat from the small profits of the Office, particularly for the first three years, your Petitioner has several times determined to resign his appointment, but was induced to continue the same, partly from an expectation that the business would so encrease as to render the commissions allowed an object to him, and partly from the wishes of the late Post Master General, Mr. Pickering, that your Petitioner should not resign, assuring him that he would use his endeavors to obtain an adequate compensation for his services, which, however, he was not able, notwithstanding his just intentions, to effect. he then proposed to your Petitioner a further allowance for extra services rendered the General Post Office, out of the direct line of his duty as Post Master, but he having left the department no additional compensation has ever been made.\nThe present Post Master General has also interposed his kind Offices, but the new Post Office bill, in which your Petitioner understands that further compensation was provided for the Post Masters, generally, was postponed in the Senate until the ensuing session.\nYour Petitioner begs leave to lay before your honorable house a statement of the Amount of his Commissions & the expences of his office, for the last four years, which will clearly shew that he has reced. but the trifling sum of 117 63/100 dollars for his trouble, and his responsibility during that time.\nYour Petitioner begs to observe, that Charleston being a considerable Commercial city, where an extensive trade is carried on and regular attendance obliged to be given at the Office: and that two persons are absolutely Necessary to conduct the business with the occasional assistance of a third. And that your Petitioner is obliged to keep his Office in the mercantile part of the City, where rents are extravagantly dear, and are Constantly encreasing.\nYour Petitioner, therefore, without urging the justice of a retrospective allowance, prays that you will take his case into consideration, and either grant him, in future, provision for an Assistant and for office rent, or a further compensation in any other manner that in your wisdom you may see fit. And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.\nThos. W. Bacot.\n Enclosure18 April 1794\u201cThe bill for the Post office has taken its form, and will not undergo any material alteration.  No Provision is made for special allowances to touch your case.  none could be devised without opening a door for such numerous claims as would absorb too much of the revenue\u2014I shall be extremely sorry to leave you under the necessity of resigning for want of an adequate compensation.\u201d\u201cYou have rendered some services to the General Post Office, & your future Agency in the same line will be useful. I shall think myself authorised to make you a special allowance for such services, and the only reason I have not mentioned it before, has been that the services must be particularly stated with the compensations annexed, which might therefore appear too small to become an object of attention. will you consider this matter and favor me with such a statement?\u201d Enclosure15 May 1794\u201cI shall need your assistance again in forming some of the new contracts. Your compensation is inadequate to the services performed in the direct line of the Post Office at Charleston\u2014I should with pleasure make you an allowance for the collection and payment of monies, and form\u2019g of contracts in behalf of the General Post Office, if I could state those services in a manner that would justify the payment of a sum worthy of your notice\u2014will you favor me with the items for such an allowance for the time past, and do the like, annually, in time to come? I wish to retain in the department a gentleman to whom the management of any extra business may with such entire confidence be committed.\u201d Enclosure\n\u201cCongress adjourned without making any attention in the Post Office law, though a bill passed the House of Representatives for that Purpose, in which further Compensation was provided for the Deputies in the Department\u2014This bill however, was postponed in the Senate until another Session, and of course the Commissions remain the same.\u201d\n\u201cI am very confident that the Compensation to the officers are inadequate to their Services\u2014especially where their residence is in expensive Cities and I shall not fail to renew my endeavors at the next Session to obtain more ample Compensations than are now allowed them, in which I hope I shall be successful, especially if they should be backed by Petitions from the Post Masters themselves, with statements of their receipts and expenditures. this I shall recommend to them generally, as a necessary step in aid of my application in their behalf.\u201d\n Enclosure\nPost Office Charleston 18th November\nper his quarterly Accounts rendered2449.55Out of which he paid his Assistant, Joseph R. M.Cay one third816.504 years office rent @ 128 57/100 per ann.514.28O. Giles for his Services in 179320.Jos. R M.Cay\u2019s board \u201992, \u201993 & \u201994 at 104 D. per ann.312.F. L. Macereau another Assistant, for his}257.14services in 1794 & 1795. @ 128 57/100 per ann.his board in 1794104.his do. in 1795130J. R. McCay\u2019s do. in 1795130their washing (for which I paid) 2 years48.2331.92Dollars117.63\nBy the above statement it is evident that the Post Master receives only 117.63 cents for four Years Services. The rent that he has charged is low, being only 128 57/100 dolls. per ann.  but his Office is a small one\u2014it is indeed so small, that he will be compelled to procure soon a more spacious apartment for the purpose, and will consequently be obliged to pay a higher rent. and rents in this place encrease continually\u2014This charge of Office rent appeared so reasonable to Colo. Pickering, that he admitted the charge for 2 years. but he was afterwards compelled to deduct the whole amount from the Account of the Post Master.\nThat the attendance of two persons is absolutely required, must be obvious to any one who would look over the amount of Letters received at and sent from this Office\u2014and the occasional assistance of a third person is acceptable particularly on the delivery of Ship letters.  five mails are received at and dispatched from this office every week\u2014attendance is obliged to be given almost every Sunday, indeed at all times on the arrival of a Vessel.\nThe board of the two assistants is rated at only what it is supposed their actual expence is, for the Post Master would not have had them in his family were it not to save a much greater expence by boarding them abroad.\nBy the old post office law Ship letters were a perquisite to the Post Master, but they now receive only a Commission on them, and upon those alone that are taken up, as with the post letters\u2014they get nothing for their trouble with dead Letters.\nIt was observed on a former occasion, when application was made for a further allowance thro\u2019 Mr. Pickering, that a Provision for rent and an Assistant to this Office, altho justly due, would open a door for too many applications, which would absorb too much of the Revenue.\u2014but surely, a line may be drawn\u2014is it reasonable that large Sea port Towns and Commercial Cities, where living is very expensive, should be placed upon the same footing as small Villages, where in many places, an office may be kept in the corner of a store, and the Clerk of that store may also do the duties of the Office? might not an exception be made with regard to Charleston, Boston, Baltimore & a few other large Cities, as well as Philadelphia and New York? If an allowance of about 500 Dollars per annum can be made for an Assistant and Office rent, this, with perhaps an encrease of business, may make it an Object.\nIt may not be amiss to observe that by the Present law, the Commissions can never exceed 1800 Dollars per annum, and should they ever amount to that sum, the trouble and expences will be Proportionate thereto.\nThe Post master has received an extra allowance for forming Contracts and receiving & paying other monies then those collected for postage, but it was so trifling a sum that he did not notice it in his petition.\nThe Post Master will not trouble Mr. Read with any further Observations as he supposes the foregoing are sufficient to evince the propriety of his claim for a further allowance in future.\nTW Bacot Post Master", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1823", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 17 January 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nWar Department 17 January 1797.\nI have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid Pension-Applicants, who have been re-examined by Physicians, agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th day of April 1796.\nI am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1824", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dalton, Tristram\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia January 19. 1797\nI received this morning with great Pleasure your friendly Letter of the 16, and thank you for your kind congratulations on an Event which seems determined in the public Opinion, tho not yet legally ascertained\nI have lost by the course of years so many of my Friends and so many others in their old Age, have become weathercocks that the Sight of correspondence of a few who have proved invariable, is delightfull to me beyond all Expression\nI have seen very little of the trash that was circulated in hand Bills in the late Election, although I am told large quantities of them were sent in every direction, at a great Expence, of Some party or Some Power\nThe Use made of my Defence gave me no pain.  The more they write and the more they lie, about those Volumes, the more good they do. They have caused them to be read in the last six months, by more Persons than would have than would have read them in an hundred years. It is very difficult to Stimulate People to read such Writings: but Faction has accomplished what Curiosity would never have effected I have been three times tried for those Books by the People of America and as often acquitted, and hope if I should ever see another Election to be tried again. if the French Gentlemen of the best Intelligence, in this place are not much deceived, those Principles will be adopted in France more exactly than ever, very Soon.  They say the Directory will be reduced to one. Those Books have already got the better of Franklins dreams and have raised France out of the vilest Anarchy and dirtiest Sansculottery, to some degree of order and safety of Life and Property. I wish they could excite in the Government a better sense of Justice and Decency towards this Country.  Our Antifeds have had, Emissaries of their own kidney at Paris, who have made the French believe that this Country was so devoted to France as to force its Government to do as she would have them, as soon as she should shew her Resentment. We shall see of what stuff American Souls are made.\nIf any share in the direction of our Executive should fall to me, I shall stand in need of all the aid my friends can give me.  My Dependence will be upon the Sense, Spirit and Resources of the People under an humble hope of the divine Blessing.\nI shall always be happy to hear of your Welfare, and always gratefull for any assistance you may afford me.  I am, with sincere / Affection your Friend\nJohn Adams\nP.S. Mr Jeffersons Letters and Declarations are no Surprise to me. We laboured together in high friendship in Congress 1776 and have lived and acted together very frequently since that time. His Talent and Information I know very well, and have and have ever believed in his honour, Integrity, his Love of his Country and his friends. I may say to you that his Patronage of Paine and Freneau, and his Entanglements with Characters and Politicks which have been pernicious, are and have long been a Source of Inquietude and Anxiety to me, as they must have been to you.  But I hope and believe that his Advancement and his situation in the Senate an excellent school, will correct him.  He will have too many French Friends about him to flatter him: but I hope, We can keep him Steady. This is entre nous.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1825", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel Griffin, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Griffin, Samuel\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia January 19th 1797\nI Received this morning your kind Letter of the 12th and thank you for your obliging Congratulations on an Event which although it is not as yet Legally ascertained Seems to be Settled in the Public Opinion when you assure me it was the general wish of The Friends of Order and good Government In Virginia and that I may Rely upon the Support of that State you not only make me a high Compliment But afford me Solid Confutation as far as my Conduct Shall be Conformable To the Constitution of the United States and faithfuly and industriously Directed To the Public good I shall Confidently Rely on the Support of the Sound Part of That State and all others in the Union and upon no other Conditions Do I wish for The Support of any\u2014\nI am much obliged to you for Proposing To me mr John Griffin to live in my family as a Private Secretary I take this young Gentleman\u2019s offer as a Compliment but I have already Engaged all the assistance of that kind that I Shall want if I should have occasion for any give me Leave to Reciprocate all your Good wishes For the helth and happiness of my Family\nwe have this Day an Important message from the President upon French Affairs with the United States which threaten To Give Employment to all our Patience Prudence and firmness it is Greatly to be Lamented that our Citizens have been So Little informed of the true temper and Character of French Policy towards this Country for twenty years many important Facts have been Concealed from them\u2014Least they Should Conceive Prejudices or Entertain Doubts of their Disinterested friendship and the whole Character of their Government Since their Revolution has been tinged with false Colours in the Eyes of our People By french Emissaries and Disaffected americans\u2014The truth may now be forced upon us to our Sorrow. I have too much Confidence However in the Sense Spirit and Resources of this Country to be appalled at the Prospect of an approaching Storm we must make fair weather if we Can if we Cannot we must Ride it out like good Seamen\nI am Sir with Great Esteem / your very Humble Servant\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1826", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Trumbull, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Trumbull, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia January 19. 1797\nCol. Wadsworth, upon my inquiring after your health gave me the most agreable and favourable account of it, I have heard for a long time. It rejoiced me very much: and the Information he gave me of your present occupation, in preparing for the Press a new Edition of your Writings, gave me more pleasure than any thing I could have heard of you next to the perfect restoration of your health and your return to your Business and the World.\nI should be glad to do any Thing in my Power to procure you a generous subscription and I hope you will avail yourself of the Laws of your Country to make your literary Property productive to you.\nI have of late years arrived at Hartford in the night, after you were, probably, abed and departed in the morning before you was up, So that I have been deprived of the Pleasure of Seeing you. But I hope it will not be very long before I shall See you once more.\nWhat think you of the Politicks of France and Spain? Is the system of Brigandage, towards our American Commerce to become universal? And what should be our Conduct under it, or to avert it or to avenge it? It is Mortification and Humiliation to Submit to it.  But sometimes, before honour is humility. Pray what is the meaning to this Proverb? Is it that Humility is more valuable and excellent than honour? or is it that Humility commonly preceeds honour? or in other Words that honour always or commonly follows humility?\nI wish you the compliments of the season and am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1828", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Welsh, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Welsh, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia January 19. 1797\nAfter wishing you many happy and prosperous returns of the Season, and a Speedy mitigation of the Severity of the Winter, I wish to know whether you have any Letters from my Sons. I have Seen a Short one, from Thomas to his Mother of the 5th Oct. which came I Suppose by the Vessell from Rotterdam and gave me hopes that more, might come by the Same Opportunity.\nI Should be obliged to you, if any News Should arrive at the Eastward, concerning the Conduct of the French or Spaniards, towards our Commerce in the West Indies, that you would give me as early notice of it as possible. The Conduct of Spain, in adopting the System of Brigandage hitherto confined to the English and French is the most cool, and unprovoked Injustice that ever was heard of; if it is true. If France should declare War against Us, or force a defensive War upon Us, are the Printers of the Chronicle prepared to emigrate, like Madam Draper. Have the French Tories Stipulated, or obtained Republican Assurances of Compensation, like the old Loyalists in Case of their being obliged to Seek an Assylum in Paris? How many in Boston do you think would join the Sansculotte and Jacobin Standard in Case forty or fifty thousand Mounsieur Citizens should come in forty Ships of the Line and a thousand Transports to Boston or New York, or Charlston or Philadelphia? Do you think Governor Adams would carry his Republican Zeal So far as to put on the tricouloured Cockade? Would James Winthrop in his Zeal for fulfilling Prophecies vote an Act with the Atheists and Deists who are to pull down Antichrist?\nRemember how confidential these Sallies must be, as they come from one in the critical Situation of your Friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1829", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Habersham, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Habersham, Joseph\nTo: Adams, John\nGeneral Post Office Philada. 19th. Jany 1797.\nThe Post Master General presents his respectful compliments to the Vice President, and sends him a Map of the United States exhibiting the Post Offices and Roads, with a correct Table of all the Offices now established, and the distance of each Office from the present Seat of 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1831", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Wales, 23 January 1797\nFrom: Wales, Joseph\nTo: Adams, John\nMost respected Sir,\nLancaster Jany. 23. 1797\nWhilst engaged in more Important concerns,\u2014and contemplating the additional burthen that will soon be on your mind;\u2014I presume your goodness, will readily excuse my soliciting the relaxation of a few moments.\u2014\nBy a line just received from my worthy friend Mr. Cranch, I am informed of your kindness in so far attending to my situation, as that you have taken with you, a letter I wrote him on the subject, the 7th. of Novr. last\u2014& by which you are made acquainted with my late misfortunes\u2014and that the Author of every good hath seen fit to reduce me to the necessity of asking favor\u2019s of my friends:\u2014This\u2014to an Independant mind, cannot be the most desirable business\u2014but as Mr. Cranch has advised me to address the Vice-President on the subject\u2014permit me most worthy Sir, to give you the trouble of recurring to said letter\u2014and all I can add is\u2014Altho\u2019 my appearance is robust, my constitution is not now, equal to geting a comfortable living by labour on the Farm\u2014and feeling myself capable of serving my Country in almost any Office, where attention and accuracy in keeping Accounts are essential\u2014I respectfully solicit some such appointment as will enable me to gain a support\u2014Should there be a Vacancy\u2014and you think proper to let me fill it\u2014so far as my honest exertions shall be necessary, I trust you will not have to regret a misplaced confidence.\nI am Dear sir, with gratful esteem, / and sincere respect, your most / Obedient, and most / humble Servant\nJoseph Wales.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1832", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 25 January 1797\nFrom: Adams, John,Commissioners of the Sinking Fund\nTo: United States Congress\nJanuary 25th: 1797\u2014\nThe Commissioners of the Sinking Fund respectfully Report to Congress as follow.\nThat in pursuance of the powers committed to them by the Act entitled \u201cAn Act making provision for the payment of Certain debts of the United States\u201d passed in the last session of Congress, they have authorized Sales of a part of the Capital Stock of the Bank of the United States, belonging to the United States, the proceeds of which have been applied to discharge certain debts according to law.\u2014\nThe particulars and Amount of the said sales and the measures authorized by the Board, for the execution of their trust, so far as the Same have been completed, are represented in the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury dated the 24th: instant and in the proceedings of the accounting Officers therein refered to, which are herewith transmitted and prayed to be received as part of this report\nJohn AdamsOn behalf of 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1833", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 27 January 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nWar department January 27.1797\nI have the honor to submit to the Senate reports on the petitions of Mary Hibborn and Michael Van Hleeck.\nWith the greatest Respect I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obedt servant\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1834", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 30 January 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nCambridge 30th Jany 1797\nNothing could give me greater pleasure than the opportunity I had of annexing my signature to the number of those which have destined you to the \u201cforlorn hope\u201d of the presidential chair, a post the most honorable in the gift of your country, & rendered particularly so at this time by the difficulties attending it. if my conduct in this instance has been erroneous, you must impute it to the want of error in your own conduct, that part of it at least, which in your important political career has fallen under my observation.\nYour predecessor in office, when we consider his civil, military, religious, moral, & social qualities, excites in us sentiments of veneration & respect; for his enemies must admit, that there are few such characters in the records of antient or modern times: his best friends nevertheless & he himself are undoubtedly sensible, that in reacting his part, he would be able to correct errors which experience has pointed out to him. in filling his place then, you will naturally take a full & an impartial veiw of his conduct, & derive advantages from observations which could not be seasonably made by the original actor\u2014he has certainly been fortunate in a second, who has uniformly acted in unison with him; for his administration must have been greatly embarrassed, had you joined the party that at different times has been opposed to him. I flatter myself that you will not be less fortunate in mr Jefferson; for, independent of considerations of the private friendship which has long subsisted between you, & of his good sense moderation & candor, should he adopt a similar line of conduct towards you, it will ensure to him the chair when you shall relinquish it; whereas a contrary conduct would be construed into & perhaps really proceed from ambitious veiws of supplanting you in office, & would produce the resentment of those who would be otherwise disposed to support him.\nIf I have contributed to bring you into a scrape, I will not conduct, as Rogers the indian-warrior did with his parties, leave you to get out of it as you can, for my inclination & sense of duty will lead me to give you all the support in the power of an obscure country farmer.\nYou enquire Sir my opinion of peace this Spring. I really have not the means of judging, other than the newspapers permit, & these are superficial: but veiwing the embarrassments of all the belligerent powers, & the necessity they are under of rest for recovering breath after such a violent conflict, I flatter myself peace will take place in the course of the Spring or summer, & if it should, it will be a joyful event to the United States of America\u2014\nOne word more respecting your administration; the success of which, I must confess, I have deeply at heart. early & correct information, respecting the veiws & measures of our own governments & people, & of the governments of foreign nations in my veiw of the subject, is indispensible to the attainment of this important object, & is of itself almost the only aid requisite, with your experience & judgment, for ensuring success in all cases not governed by fortuitous & uncontroulable events.\u2014domestic information, when parties exist, must in the nature of things be very imperfect, if derived altogether from either, & if from both, the truth will generally not be found in but betwixt their statements. when both parties are friendly to the administration, it may not be difficult to obtain the information required, but to attain it when either is unfriendly, hic labor hoc opus est.  the measure is nevertheless necessary & in foreign countries recourse is I presume often had to direct means.  how often have even crowned heads, convinced of this necessity, mixed in disguise with their subjects to obtain perfect information?  they probably found as you sir undoubtedly will, that their best friends sometimes qualified their information with additions & variations to promote their personal veiws, & that at other times they were the dupes of their own prejudices or of the artifices of masqued enemies. but however it may be necessary to guard against the former, the great danger evidently lies with latter. these, if of a courtly turn & frequently in the train of the chief magistrate, are deep in their disguise, plausible in their representations, & destructive in their measures. to hold up to them, when justly suspected, the mirrour of their deformity, may sometimes be impolitic, but to guard against them is indispensible. the hint respecting crown heads I did not mean to apply to yourself, since good information even from unfriendly parties may often be obtained thro a neutral medium\u2014foreign information, for the most part derived from our foreign ministers, will I presume be generally relied on. but if additional sources of information can be opened, they may afford additional light on the most important occasions; & in any event cannot increase the embarrassments of the executive.  after thus suggesting my ideas of part of the difficulties attending the honorable office which you are soon to fill, you will be convinced that I consider it not as a sinecure; but difficult as it is, I have the fullest confidence that your administration will be productive of your own honor & your countrys welfare.\nMr & Miss Gerry present their best respects to you, & be assured my dear Sir that I remain / with the highest sentimts / of esteem & respect your / sincere friend & / very huml sert\nE Gerry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1835", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Lathrop, 30 January 1797\nFrom: Lathrop, John\nTo: Adams, John\nDear & Hond Sir,\nBoston 30 Jany 1797\nYours by the post, accompanying Dr. Bancroft\u2019s learned work on permanent colors has been duely recieved. Agreeably to your request, at the meeting on the last Wednesday, the Volume was presented to the Academy, and is considered a valuable addition to the Library.\u2014\nOn your recommendation I nominated Dr Bancroft for a member, and he was unanimously approved by the Council: at the next meeting, the choice will no doubt be completed, and the certificate of his election will be forwarded by the first opportunity.\nAs that great and good  Man, who has been at the head of our National Government from the first, has determined to retire, You will permit me Sir, to express the happiness we feel in the choice, which we are informed has been made of a President. The unanimity of all the States at the northward of Philadelphia, is a circumstance which gives great pleasure to the friends of good order and Government.\u2014I wish the aspect of publick affairs, more particularly as it respects foreign relations, was more peaceful.\u2014We must do our duty and rely on a wise and righteous providence.\nShould you be pleased to make any communications to me, respecting the publick, they will be gratefully recieved: and according to the apostalick direction, what I may thus freely recieve, shall be freely communicated to my Brethren of the Clergy, of the College, and of the Academy, who are, almost without an exception, your real friends, and the friends of the present Executive\nWith great respect & esteem / I am / Sir /Your most obedt Servt\nJohn Lathrop", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1836", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Welsh, 30 January 1797\nFrom: Welsh, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nBoston Jany 30. 1797.\nReciprocating the Wishes expressed in your\u2019s of the 19th Instant permit me to add mine that not only your private Concerns may be prosperous, but that your public Administration about to be commenced may be glorious to yourself and produce encreasing prosperity to your Country.\nLast Saturday I saw a Letter in the Post Office in the Hand writing of Thomas which I desired Mr Beals to take to his Mama as it was directed to her it came by the Way of New York; I dont know the Date of it but unless that is later than the one mentioned by you I believe there is none later.\nIf any News should arrive here that appears authentic relative to the Conduct of France, Spain or England towards our Commerce I will convey the earliest Intelligence unless I should think you have it from some other Way. I would not undertake to predict what Course either the Writers in the Chronicle would persue in Case we were forced into a defensive War with France. Some of their Party however have said that if the French should resent the Conduct of the Government by making War that they thot is the F\u00e6deralists might fight it out themselves. However some of them hope that the Junction of the Rose and the Lily will compose the difference.\nThe highest Partizans on both Sides hope for different Reasons that Mr. Jefferson will not accept of his Election to the second office of the United States.\nYou will see by the Papers that Governor Adams is about to pull out his Cockade, not meaning to stand another Election his political Days as well as his natural are almost numbered and finished\npoor Jarvis has had new attacks of his Fits he also has run his Race.\nI am Sir with great Respect / Your Friend & Humble St\nThomas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1837", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Cyrus Griffin, 2 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Griffin, Cyrus\nSir\nPhiladelphia, February 2th 1797\nI have Received the Polite and friendly Letter you did me the honour to write me on the Sixteenth of Last month and I Pray you to accept of my Thanks for your kind Congratulations on a Late Event\u2014nothing Can be more agreable to me Then the assurances you give me that a Respectable Part\u2014of Virginia\u2014will be Satisfied with the issue of the late Election my Character was once better known then it is at Present in that great and Respectable State but the Persons who there knew me are most of them Removed To another world where, I hope they find neither Sophistry Party Spirit or Malevolence\u2014\nI Receive very kindly Sir your Proposal to Take your Son mr John Griffin into my family but have Previously Engaged all the assistance of that kind which I intend to have it is not now in my Power I wish the young Gentleman Every felicity and Every Success in his honourable Pursuits which his Character and Conduct Shall merit I have the honor to be with great / Esteem Sir your most obedient:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1838", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Josiah, III Quincy, 2 February 1797\nFrom: Quincy, Josiah, III\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir.\nBoston. 2d Feby.1797.\nI hasten to acknowledge my sense of your politeness in transmitting the very valuable official paper contained in your letter, and of your condescension, in intimating, that any information within my capacity to collect could be of any worth to you.  If this attention, as unexpected as it was unmerited, should fail of drawing from me any valuable fact, I hope, Sir, you will not regret your pains as wholly fruitless. One source of satisfaction you will still possess, in the reflection, that by this notice, you have multiplied my motives to duty, and stimulated the principle of exertion by the flattering idea, that a remark of mine could be, possibly, of some little consequence.\nI am not yet fully apprised of the \u201csensation\u201d and \u201creflections\u201d occasioned by Mr. Pickerings letter. Not many copies have reached us.  And our daily prints have presented the public with only a partial view of it.  To the few, who have considered it, with whom, I have had opportunity to converse its facts appear satisfactory and its reasoning conclusive. They also seem gratified by the manner, in which the Secretary has vindicated the character of our government and the feelings of our nation. Any considerable impression on the public mind, from this communication cannot, however, I think, be expected.  The subject has been long under its contemplation. Most of the ideas of Mr. Pickering have been suggested to it in some view or other. Scope was left but for little novelty in fact, and, perhaps none, in argument.  And the sole effect, I presume, reasonably to be looked for, is, in the minds of judicious, reflecting men, to establish, by official documents, facts, which they had credited before, on less respectable authority, and, by a compact view of reasonings to confirm opinions, they had already embraced on such, as were more loose and desultory.\nRespecting \u201cthe effect this whole business has had or shall have on our Insurance offices and the price of stocks\u201d I have made such general inquiries as might at once secure accurate information, without inducing suspicion of particular destination of it. As it is a subject, in which I am not professionally versed you will pardon any want of selection or pertinency in my remarks.  The business of Insuring being here carried on, by private bodies of men, is necessarily subject much more to caprice and passion & much less to principle, than it is in those places, (such as, I am informed, is Philadelphia) where single corporations regulate, & monopolize the right of Insurance.  We have here, no less than four Insurance offices. Each of them subject not only to the varying humour of individual underwriters, but, in some, & I suspect, in no small degree, influenced by political zeal and motives. In conversation with One or two principal Underwriters of an office alledged to be in the opposition Interest they asserted \u201cthat risques to British West India Isles could not be insured against for any pr\u00e6mium, at least not under 70 perCent advance perhaps an 100\u201d. This however was the language of men, well disposed, at least, to encourage the idea of a French war, and not an opinion resulting from any investigation of danger or calculation of Chances.  The truth after an inquiry, as accurate, as the nature of the subject and the particular situation of it, in this place, admits, appears to me, to be this. On all European risques, the rates of pr\u00e6mium are not much augmented by the present hostile relation of France to this country.  Yet a pr\u00e6mium of One perCent upon an out & home voyage may be stated as an Average advance, resulting, not from any definite fears of the mercantile Interest, but that alarms of this kind however trivial, will always naturally produce, in the assured, readiness to pay, and afford to the underwriter reasons to require, an increased compensation. But as to West India risques the case is very different. Pr\u00e6miums are considerably augmented.  And this increase is fairly attributable to the letters of Mr. Adet, to late depredations of French Cruisers and to the general aspect of affairs between France and the United States.  Instating this advance it is almost impossible to name any particular sum as its standard. Since the fluctuation is in various degrees, not only from the causes before mentioned but also from the particular nature & destination of the voyage.\u2014As whether, out or home, or both; or to the Leeward or Windward Islands\u2014All which considerations materially alter the pr\u00e6miums according as they increase or diminish the risque of Capture by French Privateers. The only method I can conceive to ascertain satisfactorily what advance may be charged justly to the account of the French business is to compare the relation of Pr\u00e6miums to British & French West India Islands as it existed, antecedent to this interference, with their present relation to one another.  Before the publication of Adets letters the rate of Pr\u00e6miums to British and French West India Islands, (not blockaded) all other risques being equal, was the same.  It is agreed by all the Underwriters that at present the difference is as 10. to 14. or 15\u2014or as 7 1/2 to 12.  That is, Pr\u00e6miums to French Isles remain the same, while an increased pre\u00e6mium is now demanded to the British, never less than 3. and, as yet never more than 5 perCent.\nAs I before intimated, this rise of Insurance, appears to me, not attributable to any general sentiment pervading the mercantile Interest or any other description of Citizens that a war between France and America is a thing probable.  On the Contrary very little fear seems to exist on this subject.  The true reason may be found in the encouragement the communications of Adet have given to the piratical temper of the French Islanders, the readiness, which they have already exhibited to profit by the hint of the minister, as well as the certainty that all retribution is hopeless for any property their Cruisers may share.  To confirm this idea, \u201cstocks\u201d which, an anticipation of any permanent national embarassment, would inevitably indicate the public sentiment have experienced no alteration.  Men conversant in the funds of assure me, they have for these three months, undergone no other variation in value than such as may be accounted for fairly, on the score of private necessities.\nI hope your goodness will pardon this tresspass on your patience; And will not attribute my prolixity, to the vanity, that, in my opinion, a remark of mine could be of value to you, but solely to its true motive.\u2014That by strict obedience to the wishes, you had the condescension to express I might have an opportunity more fully to evidence the very great sincerity and respect with which I am, Sir,\nYour most Obedt & humble Servt.\nJosiah Quincy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1839", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 3 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, John\nN. 30My Dear Sir.\nThe Hague February 3. 1797.\nA few days ago, I received at once your Letters of Novr: 11. from Quincy and of Decr: 5. from Philadelphia. In the course of three or four days indeed, I had a flood of American Letters pouring upon me, and can no longer complain of that inattention and neglect which an interval of three or four months had occasioned me to mention in my last Letter.\nVery soon after you wrote, the Elections of President and Vice-President were completed. They have excited in England, in France and in this Country a degree of interest and attention which proves the rising importance of the United States. The Event has been expected with a degree of feeling, of trepidation, of ardent wishes in favour of one or the other candidate, which has afforded one more melancholy proof of the profoundly rooted principle of animosity which at this moment arms one half of the human race against the other.\u2014All the friends and partizans of antient establishments good or bad, throughout Europe, all the adherents of Great Britain, all the People who have property yet left in their hands, all the peaceable, moderate, and humane, and all the enemies to the present French administration, a motley mixture, whose sentiments one would imagine never to concur in any one point agree in their wishes for the success of one of the persons considered as candidates; while all the adherents to the present french Government, all those who pant for Revolutions, all who are by anticipation feasting upon the plunder of the present proprietors, all who are fattening upon War, and raising Fortunes upon the misery of Nations, all the remaining enthusiasts of democracy, and all who desire to see the United States at War with Britain, are equally zealous in favour of another\u2014They seem on both sides to fancy that the destiny not only of America, but of Europe is in a manner suspended upon the decision, and both have already indulged in the exultation of announcing that the choice has fallen upon him whom they respectively favour.\nFrom the returns of the most recent date, the accuracy of which must however be considered as very questionable it would seem that a bare majority of the suffrages has called you to the Post of the highest eminence and danger, while that which you now hold will in the terms of the Constitution be assigned to Mr: Jefferson, and the difference of numbers amounts to not more than two or three votes. Whether Mr: Jefferson will chuse to serve the public in the second Station, and or if he should refuse, what measures will be taken in a case for which no special provision seems to have been hitherto made, either by the Constitution or the Laws, it is useless for me to anticipate. What other questions or difficulties may arise, or be started it were equally needless to conjecture\u2014As I presume you will not reject this call of your Country, the Time for observations upon the evils of the situation is past, and my duty henceforth will only be to transmit the most accurate information that I can collect of the State of our affairs in this Country particularly and in Europe generally, as well as of the general complection of European affairs from Time to Time.\nThe first object of our attention at this time is the predicament in which we stand towards France. I have written to you largely and repeatedly upon this subject. Nothing new has turned up since my last, except rumours and reports propagated by the usual french mechanism to operate upon the public opinion. Our American Letters generally say that the late conduct of the French Government has not occasioned any alarm in the United States. I cannot say the same of the Americans in Europe; many of the friends of our Government are frightened, and the impression produced upon our stocks here is considerable. Every artifice of France is at work, and there is scarcely any thing operating to counteract it. As far as my means extend I am not idle, but they are feeble and solitary, and my American intelligence is always old. In general the alarm is heightened by Americans themselves:\u2014I have in a former Letter given you a statement of the interests and motives which concur to bias the minds of our Countrymen now in Europe, and informed you that Paris has long been the resort of many individuals to whom the destruction of our Government and a civil War in the United States are objects of desire and pursuit.\nIt cannot be too strenuously repeated, because the final Event depends altogether upon this single point of fact. The french Government have been led to believe that the People of the United States have but a feeble attachment to their Government, and will not support them in a contest with that of France. It is upon the idea of this internal weakness and division alone, that the French have hitherto ventured upon their late measures, and as they are still flattered with the same hope, it is impossible to ascertain how far it will lead them. The Event of the Presidential Election as now announced has exceedingly mortified them. Upon a train which they had so long been concerting and laying they had founded and been encouraged in the most sanguine expectation of settling the choice. The effect which they certainly did produce, that of throwing thirteen or fourteen votes into one scale, which but for them would have been in the other, and their approximation to success, has rather stimulated further exertions rather than deterred them from repeating their experiment. Their ill success has provoked without discouraging them, and they are assured that by persevering and bearing harder upon us they shall compel the American Government to submit, or succeed in overturning it.\u2014I speak not from simple conjecture, but from inferences confirmed by personal observation, and by intelligence tolerably direct.\nThey know perfectly well that if the matter should be brought to an hostile issue, and the American People support the measures of their Government, France must give up the contest. They know that France by doing her worst cannot essentially hurt us, externally; as to her sending an army against us they have not the most distant idea of it; and you may judge from the issue of their Expedition against Ireland in what a condition their naval power is.\u2014Ships it is indeed possible for them to build and  but sailors and marine officers they cannot make, and they have them not. This famous Irish Expedition, besides all its preparatory expences has cost them three ships of the line, three flutes, two frigates, two cutters, several transports, four or five thousand men, and a great deal of damage to all their vessels returned. From the first moment of their sailing untill the return of the last transport, every circumstance that has been related of them, or that they relate themselves shews their total destitution of naval skill or experience. One would imagine from the accounts that they had not on board the whole fleet a Man capable of managing a sail-boat.\u2014The french papers still announce very pompously that great preparations are making for a second expedition, but the General Hoche is appointed to another command, and if they venture out with their fleet again it will only be to meet with a more disastrous fate.\u2014As to their allies Spain and Holland, nothing is to be expected from any concert of operations between them.\u2014The History of the late Dutch expedition against the Cape of Good Hope, affords two important incidents from which the conclusions are inevitable. That expedition was planned in concert with the French, and at three several Stations on the passage they had engaged to furnish a reinforcement of troops. At every one of them they totally failed\u2014On the very first appearance of the English Squadron, the Dutch Sailors almost unanimously stripped off their three-coloured cockades substituded the Orange Badges in their stead, rose upon their Officers, would not suffer the admiral to employ the sad resource of burning or injuring his ships, but compelled him to surrender them up at discretion and seven eighths of them immediately entered into the British Service.\u2014The same temper prevails among the Seamen here in the Texel, and it is but a few days since I heard a marine Officer say in answer to General Rewbell a brother of the French Director, who was enquiring why their maritime exertions here were so feeble, \u201cyou know that almost all our Sailors are against us.\u201d\nWhat sort of harmony of operations at Sea between France and Spain is to be anticipated, may be judged from the well known circumstance that many of the Spanish ships are commanded by French emigrants, and when a Spanish squadron lately put into the Harbour of Toulon, some of these Officers were arrested, imprisoned, and with difficulty rescued by the Spanish admiral from the municipal administration of the place.\nIn this Country, the conviction as far as I can judge is universal that they have much to lose and nothing to gain by a difference with the United States. Our commerce and our payments are almost the only resources the enjoyment of which is yet left them. In my conversations with their merchants, and, even with members of their Government, they freely acknowledge this, though they as freely say they fear that they should be forced, to follow whatever France should dictate to them, and this is unquestionably true. An intelligent and considerable merchant of Rotterdam told me a few days ago, that he was glad the french Government had determined to intercept our trade with England, because it would essentially injure Great Britain, and must be excused by reasons of State:\u2014I asked him what he thought would be the consequence of an Embargo of six months laid by the American Government. \u201cIt would bring us all\u201d said he, \u201cEnglish, French, and ourselves, to your terms, but the American Government cannot carry it through.\u201d\nI shall for the future send you constantly a Paris newspaper of considerable reputation, as well as the Leyden Gazette. I hope they may sometimes give you valuable information.\nI am with the utmost duty, respect and affection, your Son\nJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1841", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 3 February 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nNo 2\nMy dear Sir\nCambridge 3d Feby 1797\nThe newspaper, which you did me the honor to inclose, containing Mr Pickering\u2019s letter to Mr Pinkney on the subject of Mr Adets letter to the former, I have carefully perused; but, a further examination of it, with the documents & Mr Adet\u2019s letter, is necessary to obtain a clear idea of the subject.  That part of it which discusses the claim of gratitude made by France, I consider in a certain degree as expedient & dignified; but am apprehensive, that she will veiw the discussion in its full extent, as having trespassed the line of defence, & as tending rather to crimination than accomodation.  should this unfortunately be the case, it will only serve to increase our difficulties.\u2014But what struck me with surprize in this part of the performance, at least in what of it relates to the negotiation for peace, was a profound silence with respect to your conduct; after it was known in Europe & acknowledged thro\u2019out the U States, to have been highly beneficial to your country, & honorable to yourself.  This I presume must be considered by intelligent & candid men, as manifesting an intention to place you in the back ground; & to leave the publick, whose confidence & esteem you possess in an eminent degree, at a loss for the reason of such an extraordinary measure.  perhaps I am mistaken in this matter; but if not, permit me to enquire, retired as I am from the political world, who are the actors & What is the object of this political drama? soon after I began Mr Pickering\u2019s letter, I had doubts whether it was written by himself, it appearing to me in point of style & system, dissimilar to his general performances. it then occurred to me that one of two quondam secretaries must have been the author:\u2014when I had perused it further, & came to the part first alluded to, I conceived that the southern secretary would not have carried his strictures so far against the french; that the northern secretary on this occasion would have been less scrupulous; & that the circumstantial account respecting Mr Jay must have been obtained of him & published by a person in his entire confidence, neither of which circumstances will probably apply to the southern; whilst they both may to the northern secretary. my opinion was also strengthned by information respecting the letters of Phocion, for I have not seen them, that whilst the author endeavoured to invalidate the pretensions of Mr Jefferson, he made no advances to the support of yours, but meditated the plan to bring by surprize Mr Pinkney into the chair\u2014It will be a great gratification to me to ascertain, whether my information & conjectures, in this instance, are in any degree well founded: & be this as it may, I must consider Mr Jay as a person of too much honor, to have given the information in the letter for so partial a purpose.  this matter, as it relates to yourself, appears to me of a delicate nature.  Some of your friends may conceive, that at present, silent contempt will be more dignified than any measure that can be adopted; whilst others may suppose, that an advantage will be taken of silence, to establish in the public mind doubts of your eminent services in the negotiation referred to, & will propose a statement of facts to accompany in all the Gazettes, the publication of Mr Pickering\u2019s letter.  I confess for my own part, I am not sufficiently instructed to form an opinion on the subject, but am nevertheless earnest in my wishes to see such intrigues frustrated, & the meritorious officers of the publick triumphant over their ungenerous enemies.\nI remain my dear Sir, with every sentiment / of esteem & respect / your sincere friend / & huml Sert\nE Gerry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1842", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Henry James Pye, 3 February 1797\nFrom: Pye, Henry James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nJames Street Terrace Feb 3 1797\nEncouraged by the honor you have done me by quoting a poem of mine in your valuable work I have taken the liberty to send you by my cousin Mr Rich two of my publications.  I am now employed on a poetical work on the progress of navigation of which I send you six lines from that part which relates to the discovery of America & its consequences.\n\u2014proud Ambition with exalting voice\nAvows one Chief who justifies her choice.\nWho mild in Council as in Combat brave\nProtects in Peace the rights his valor gave\nThen cries triumphant. Lo! my patriot son\nTrue freedom\u2019s godlike champion. Washington\nI do most sincerely congratulate the friends of true freedom that America has given the illustrious Washington such a successor & lament my avocation here that will not permit me to witness in person for a time the prosperity of your government\nWith all the respect due to your exalted situation but with still greater for the virtue & ability which have so deservedly placed you there I remain /  Sir your faithful /  and obedient humble Servt\nHenry James Pye", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1845", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Philip Wilson, 7 February 1797\nFrom: Wilson, Philip\nTo: Adams, John\nTo the Honourable the President and Senate of the United States of America.\nThe Petition of Philip Wilson, their Citizen; late a Merchant of the City of Philadelphia: Most humbly\u2014Sheweth\nThat your Petitioner has long prayed, and forwarded papers, that your honourable Senate will take under your consideration the Case of one of your Citizens, now above thirteen Years depending;\u2014A Merchant of good Credit made insolvent, and every way plunged into deplorable distress and ruin: From the making and immediately breaking the Treaty of Peace, by the British Ministry in Lord Shelburn\u2019s Administration who has treated the Petitioners application thereon: as if he had, had a right to destroy at will: Returning the petitioners letter with the message, by his servant, that \u201cthere is no answer for you\u201d.  And by the Right Honbl: Mr. Pitt\u2019s persevering Silence, and affected delay (Vattl\u2019s Law of Nations, book 4; Capter 4; section 50; page 410;) for such a number of Years; And there from is Extorting a Receipt for 2,000...\u00a3: as in full of not only the expences encurred finding the Claim, but also of not the one sixth part of even the real Cost of the Destroyed Ship Mentor, & insurance; exclusive of the heavy Damages.\nAnd also by the High Court of Admiralty, & the Doctors Commons, of England, deceiving & delaying; directing & forceing the petitioner astray; and after many years evasion, by sending up word to the Lords of Appeals: that \u201cthere was no Cause of Action\u201d: after making him take out necessary papers for a Regular Appeal (recommended to the Petitioner by the Lord President); giving Judgement in Court that the Captors were in Ignorance of the Peace,\u2014but declining to bring forward Admiral Digbey who timely knew of the Peace.  And further, declining the Judgement of Court: \u201cWhether Prize or no Prize\u201d (dictated by the good Earl Camden now deceased): plading Congress to be a Body without power and the U States to be without a Government. But now they see the Circumstances of the United States of America to be altered whois Congress may the Almighty support to dictate sublime Laws to the World making you loved for your Justice, and feared for your submitting to no Wrong which pray extend, without longer cruel Delay, to your much oppressed Citizen & Petitioner: now being the time that by being Jus to All, you must become Great.\nThat it is expressed as an excuse for your Petitioner\u2019s oppressions; \u201cthat Government often sacrifises Individuals & Familys on such occasions as his Loss\u201d; a president so cruel, & pestilential, that he prays that you never will save a common Mile, to the Ruin of an Individual Claimant; Nor submit your Citizens abroad, nor Aliens in the U: States, to such tyrannical Wrong.\nThat the 6th: Article; and the last sections of the 7th. of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, & Navigation; with Mr: Jefferson\u2019s letter of the 5th: of September 1793: Institutes, that British Subjects of every description are to have their Claims Compensated by the United States. The petitioner therefore humbly implores your Justice, that you will put him upon an equal footing with British Subjects: As he wishes for the Decisions of his Claim agreeable to \u201cEquity, Justice and the Law of Nations\u201d by the Commissioners appointed on the Treaty of Amity, C:: and Navigation between the United States, and Great Britain: whether in Philadelphia or in London, as to you may seem proper. He at the sametime praying your assistance to convey him and his decaying Family in comfort to his former Residence: his Childrens Native Country; And not again suffer him the Cruel alternative of Receiving a partial payment expended in the time of the pursuit, & to great Loss ere the mony comes to his hands.\nHe therefore most earnestly reiterates the Prayer of his Petition; that your honour will interpose to Obtain full power and authority to the Commissioners appointed on the American Treaty, to procure him Justice from the British Government.\nAnd your Petitioner as in Duty bound will every pray\u2014\nPhilip WilsonN: 2: Cowley Street,Westminster London,The 14th of November 1796.The Petitioner with due deference, begs reference to be had: to A Case dated the 2d: of November 1796, his Letter to Mr: Long. S: to the T: dated the 7th: of August 1793 And his Petition to the Lords of Appeals, of the 7th: November 1796 Enclosed by Mr. Wilson to his Excellency General 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1846", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 7 February 1797\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nThe Senate of the United States would be unjust to their own feelings, & deficient in the performance of a duty their relation to the government of their Country imposes, should they fail to express their attachment to your person, & their respect for your Character, in answer to the excellent address you presented to them, on your leaving a station which you have so long & so honorably filled as their President.\nThe motives you have been pleased to disclose, which induced you not to withdraw from the public service, at a time when your experience, talents and virtues were peculiarly desirable, was honorable for yourself, as from our confidence in you, Sir, we trust the result will be beneficial to our beloved Country.\nWhen you retired from you dignified seat in this House & took your leave of the members of the Senate, we felt all those emotions of gratitude and affection, which our knowlege & experience of your goodness, abilities and undiviating impartiality ought to inspire; and we should with painful reluctance endure the separation, but for the consoling reflection, that the same qualities which have rendered you useful, as the President of this branch of the Legislature, will enable you to be still more so, in the exalted station to which you have been called.\nFrom you, Sir, in whom your country have for a long period placed a steady confidence, which has never been betrayed or forfeited and to whom they have on so many occasions entrusted the care of their dearest interests, which have never been abused. From you who holding the second situation under the Constitution of the United States, have lived in uninterrupted harmony with, and without envy towards him who has held the first. From you we receive with much satisfaction the declaration which you are pleased to make of the opinion you entertain of the Character of the present Senators, & of that of those Citizens who have been heretofore Senators. This declaration, were motives wanting, would afford them, to a virtuous perseverance, in that line of conduct which has been honored with your approbation.\nIn your future course, we entertain not the smallest doubt, that your official conduct will be measured exactly by the Constitution, and directed to the public good, you have, therefore, a right to entertain a confident reliance, that you will be supported, as well by the people at large, as by their constituted authorities.\nWe cordially reciprocate to you, Sir, the wishes which you express for our honor, health and happiness, & we join with yours, our fervent prayers for the continuation of the virtues and liberties of our fellow Citizens, and for the public prosperity & peace; and for you we implore the best reward of virtuous deeds, the grateful approbation of your constituents, and the Smiles of heaven.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1847", "content": "Title: Declaration of Votes in Elections for P and VP, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nIn obedience to the Constitution and Law of the United States, and to the commands of both Houses of Congress, expressed in their Resolution pass\u2019d in their present session, I now declare that\nJohn Adams is elected President of the United States for four years to commence with the fourth of March next\nand that\nThomas Jefferson is elected Vice President of the United States for four years to commence with the fourth of March next.\nAnd may the Sovereign of the World Universe, the ordainer of civil Government on Earth for the preservation of Liberty, Justice and Peace, among Men, enable both to discharge the Duties of those offices, conformably to the Constitution of the United States, with conscientious Dilligence, Punctuality and Perseverance.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1850", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 9 February 1797\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\non motion ordered Resolved that the Secretary of the Senate, be directed and he is hereby directed, I lay before the president of the United States a copy of the Journal of yesterday the 8. Instant relative to the opening and counting the votes for president and Vice president of the United States, and the declaration of the president of the Senate consequent thereon: and also to present to the president, a copy of the notification given by the president elect of the time place and manner of qualifying to execute the duties of his office.\nA", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1851", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 9 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nThe Vice President laid before the Senate, the following communication.Gentlemen of the Senate,Thursday, February 9th. 1797.\nIn consequence of the declaration made yesterday in the Chamber of the House of Representatives, of the election of a President and Vice President of the United States, the record of which has just now been read from your Journal, by your Secretary, I have judged it proper to give notice, that on the fourth of March next, at twelve O clock, I propose to attend again in the Chamber of the House of Representatives, in order to take the Oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States to be taken by the President, to be administered by the Chief Justice, or such other Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, as can most conveniently attend, and in case none of those Judges can attend, by the Judge of the District of Pennsylvania, before such Senators and Representatives of the United States as may find it convenient to honour the transaction with their presence.\nExtract from the Journals of Senate.\nAttest,\nSam. A Otis 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1852", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 9 February 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tTreasury Department, February 9, 1797.\n\t\t\t\tI have the honor to transmit herewith a statement of goods, wares, and merchandise, exported from the United States, during one year prior to the 30th day of September, 1796, which has been prepared in conformity with the resolution of the Senate, passed on the 10th day of February, 1796.Of the sum of 67,064,097 dollars, being the whole value of exports during the years above mentioned, it is estimated that about the sum of twenty-six millions three hundred thousand dollars has arisen from the exportation of foreign goods and merchandise.I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,\n\t\t\t\t\tOliver Wolcott, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1853", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 10 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\nIn Consequence of the Declaration made yesterday in the Chamber of the H of Representatives of the Election of a President & V. P. of U.S. the Record of which has just now been read from your Journal by your Secretary I think have judged it proper to give Notice, that on the fourth of March next at twelve O Clock, I propose to attend again in the Chamber of the H. of R. in order to take the Oath prescribed by the Constitution of the U.S to be taken by the P.  to be administered by the Chief J. of the U. S. or Such other Judge of the Supreme Court of U.S. as can most conveniently attend, and in Case none of those Judges can Attend by the Judge of the District of Pensilvania in Presence of before Such Senators and Representatives of the U.S. as may find it convenient to honour the Solemn Ceremony Transaction with their Presence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1855", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 13 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\nMy dear Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 13. 1797\nI recd by this days Post your favr of the 3d No. 2. I had before received Number 1.\u2014I shall confine myself in this to No. 2.\nYou are Apprehensive \u201cthat France will view the discussion of Gratitude in its full Extent, as trespassing the Line of defence\u201d But Adet had laid his demands of Gratitude so high and all his Partisans were in the habit of deafening our People with such rude and extravagant and arrogant Pretensions to it, that it Seems to have become necessary to be explicit upon the Subject. I may Say to a Friend of your disention, what I believe you will agree in that there is quite as modest a demand of Gratitude due from them to Us, as from Us to them.  I think, I can demonstrate that the French Nation derived more Advantage from the Connection than We did. That She owes her Independence as much to Us, as We do ours to her.  Whether She has thrown away her Advantages by her Revolution or not, is for her to consider. We had nothing to do with that by Treaty or in Practice. We have imprudently gone too far in our approbation it, and adopted by Sympathy too much of her Enthusiasm in it. for We were and are incapable of judging whether it was wise or not, useful or not, destructive or not. Our Treaty obliged Us to no approbation of it, or concern in it. And our weak Ideas and Sensations of Gratitude, have led Us into the fundamental Error of takeing too larg a sShare of Interest and Sympathy in it.\nThe People of this Country must not loose their conscious Integrity, their Sense of honour nor their Sentiment of their own Power and Force, So far as to be upbraided, in the most opprobrious and contumelious Language, and be wholly Silent and passive Under it, and that in the face of all Mankind.\nThe profound Silence, with respect to my Conduct (which Surprizes you) was all right. It was good Judgment and Sound Policy, to leave me wholly out of the Question: because the Consequences of that Letter of Mr Pickerings were to be expected altogether, good or bad, under my Administration\u2014As it is, no Irritation against me, can arise from this Letter. Mr Pickering took his Documents from Records or Files in his own office, the Dispatches of Mr Jay: and he comes not down So late as my Arrival in Paris. I was detained at the Hague by the negotiation of the Treaty with Holland. It is true I had asserted all Mr Jays Principles two years before in a Correspondence with the C. de Vergennes, upon the Occasion of the Interposition of the two Imperial Courts with an offer of Mediation and Proposal of a Congress at Vienna\u2014I had also written to Mr Jay in my private Letters, declaring that I never would treat untill a Commission arrived in Paris expressly to treat with the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America and urged, exhorted & animated him to Stand firm in the Same Resolution. Whether my Letters to him first Suggested to him this System, or whether his Reasonings and mine concured exactly in the same Point, is immaterial to me\u2014I believe it probable We thought alike.  But the miserable Gloriole of Settling this Point is no Object with me, comparable to the Importance of keeping me wholly out of Sight in my present Situation.  This was not done without consulting me, nor without my Advice. I hope the Controversy will never be pushed so far as to necessitate the Publication of my Dispatches upon that occasion.  Pickering and all his Colleagues are as much attached to me as I desire I have no Jealousies from that Quarter.\nYou are mistaken in your Conjectures about a northern & southern Ex secretary\u2014neither had any Thing to do in this Business. Pickering himself was the Engineer, and Wolcott, McHenry & Lee, with Washington superintending all, corrected soften\u2019d and amended: indeed any one that I have mentioned is equal to the Task.\nPhoison the Ex. Secretary and their Connections did not I believe meditate by Surprize to bring in Pinckney.  I believe they honestly meant to bring in me\u2014But they were frightened into a belief that I should fail, and they in their Agony thought it better to bring in Pinckney than Jefferson\u2014and some I believe preferred bringing in Pinckney President, rather than Jefferson Should be even Vice President.\nI believe there were no very dishonest Intrigues in this Business. The Zeal of some was not very ardent for me but I believe none opposed to me. They found the People more Attached to me than they were, or than they expected to find. In Pensilvania, partly folly and partly Wickedness effected a Purpose, not confirmable to the real Wishes of the State, as I am assured, and unless my Self Love & Vanity deceive me have good reason to believe. I need not hint to you the Necessity of keeping me out of Sight.\nWho is to be Governor? I should be at no Loss, if I were at Quincy & could vote but perhaps could do nothing.  I love to see 1765 & 1779 Men in Honour. I regret infinitely that so many of them, are fickle variable and weak, if not too feebly principled.\nWith Strong affection\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1857", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 16 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, John\nN. 32.My Dear Sir\nThe Hague February 16. 1797.\nSince I wrote you last I have been in constant expectation of seeing General Pinckney here, and in hopes that from conversation with him, I might have some new circumstances of interesting information to communicate to you. My letters from Paris mention that he was to leave that place on the 2d: of this month.\u2014Some accident must have delayed him as he has not yet reached this place. As soon as I see him, I shall write you further.\nI have formerly noticed that when a report had spread in Paris, that the Directory had resolved to suspend all intercourse with the Government of the United States, untill their causes of complaint should be removed, the fact was denied from authority in their official Newspaper.\u2014This new order to General Pinckney has not been announced in any of the Paris daily prints, and the french Minister here has declared in answer to enquiries upon the subject, that it cannot have taken place, for that he has had no notice of it, as he certainly should have were the account true.\u2014Of the fact I have not the least doubt, but I mention the secrecy and mystery which is observed on this occasion as a remarkable circumstance which ought to be known to you.\nIt seems to be understood that the french Government have determined to arrest and intercept all our Commerce to and from the Ports under the dominion of G. Britain. I have conversed with several intelligent Men here engaged in the public affairs at this time, upon the subject.\u2014They do not hesitate in conversation with me to avow that they approve this policy; they say that the loss of the American Commerce will compel G. Britain to make Peace. As to the injustice of the thing towards us, they tell me with the utmost coolness imaginable that rigorous Justice is not always practicable among Nations, and that when Policy prescribes a certain system, it cannot be expected that great regard will be paid to the rights and interests of a neutral Nation which has no force to resist an attack upon them. Upon the point of Justice I have not yet met a single Man, who after discussion has not abandoned entirely the argument.\u2014But I have scarcely met one who scrupled at avowing his opinion that the plan contemplated by the french Government is expedient.\nI send by the present opportunity a small Packet of Books, which may possibly give you some entertainment: most of them contain indications from whence the state of french affairs may be collected.\u2014The History of the conspiracy of Orleans is a party work. The Newspapers have mentioned that two of the Sons of Orleans have arrived in America. I presume that their purpose is to live there in retirement\u2014But I hope they will have no acquaintance or intercourse with any person concerned in the Government of the United States. The Orleans faction is still very powerful in France. Like all the other factions it is perpetually intriguing.\u2014Any communication of common civility with those young Men, would be noticed, reported, exaggerated, misrepresented, and very possibly construed into a formal grievance, particularly at the present juncture, when every pretext of offence good or bad is hunted up to serve as a justification for real and essential injuries intended against us.\nThe publication of Madame de Stael is curious. It contains many very sensible and smart remarks; a profusion of sparkling sentences, and a perpetual proof of that half-reflected system, that absurd mixture of ignorance and experience of nonsense and wisdom, of depravity and virtue, which characterizes the school of french politicians ever since the opening of their Revolution. One great object of this publication was doubtless, to offer a sort of expiatory sacrifice to the present rulers in France, and to recommend the authoress to the restoration of their Good graces.\u2014They had sent her away from Paris some time before her Husband\u2019s recall, but I understand she is now returned there again.\nThe french translation of the Constitution proposed for the Batavian People will shew what was intended by the first Constitutional Committee. It will be essentially different from that which shall be finally adopted. My late Letters have given you a regular account how this affair progresses.\u2014The Assembly are still employed upon the discussion.\u2014They have determined by a very large majority for two branches, in the Legislature but formed exactly upon the french model. The great chamber is to propose, and the chamber of elders only to approve the Laws. Both to be elected upon the ratio of population, and upon the rates of one member to 30,000, and to 60,000 inhabitants. So that the chamber of elders will be just half as numerous as the other.\u2014The Executive Power to consist of a Council of State of five members; under whom are to be five ministers for the Departments of War, The Interior, Finances, Foreign affairs, and Marine\nMantua has at length surrendered to the French, who will probably before long be at Rome. On the Rhine the campaign has probably terminated by the capture of Kehl, and the head of the Bridge at Huningeu by the Austrians. The Theatre of the War it is said is to be transferred altogether from Germany, and all the future efforts of both parties are to be directed towards the Italian quarters.\u2014The papers announce that great preparations are continued to be made in the Ports of France for repeating the experiment of a naval Expedition.\u2014Seamen and Commanders they cannot however make, and without them they can do nothing.\nYou will find in the newspapers enclosed, accounts of a royalist conspiracy newly discovered at Paris.\u2014The observations of Lacretelle in the paper of Feby 6. give you the probable secret of this transaction. An Electioneering manoeuvre.\nThe Elections are to take place at the latter end of March. The Directory are excessively fearful of their result.\u2014All the parties opposed to the Government are founding their expectations upon them; but I do not apprehend they will produce any material change either of their external or internal affairs.\nI have ever since my residence in Europe had applications of various kinds from the friends of M. de la Fayette.\u2014They have been extremely desirous that the American Government should make a formal and public application for his liberation, either directly to the Imperial Government, or through that of Great Britain.\u2014As it was a subject upon which I never had any instructions from the President, or the department of State, and as I have always been fully convinced that the measures solicited would not be expedient and could not be of any service, I have always avoided an interference in the matter; unfortunately many of M: de la Fayette\u2019s friends have proceeded with much more zeal and vehemence, than discretion, judgment or delicacy, in the endeavours to procure his liberty.\u2014The conduct in particular of Lally, towards Mr: Pinckney, was such as certainly could not serve the cause of his friend.\u2014For my own part I have been disposed to make every allowance for indiscretion in consideration of the purpose which has always had my most cordial wishes in its favour.\u2014I have very recently received from Hamburg a letter wherein I am again requested to suggest and urge the propriety of an ostensible measure, that is a public application from the Government of G.B. The United States, to that of G. Britain, to solicit the liberation, from the Emperor. The reason now alledged is that if the United States do not claim the prisoner now, France very soon will; for that a surprizing alteration has taken place in the public opinion of France with regard to M. de la Fayette, and that it is now highly in his favour.\u2014And that the Emperor by giving him up now to the application of the American Government will only be spared the mortification of being compelled to yield him to the claims of France. I have engaged to transmit this idea and its reasons to America\u2014But have expressed my unequivocal conviction, that what is desired cannot and ought not to be done.\nI am with the highest respect and affection, your Son\nJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1859", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Welsh, 18 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Welsh, Thomas\nDr Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb. 18. 1797\nI have recd your favour of 30. Ult.\u2014Thank you for your good Wishes.\nI know not the reason why the Chroniclers should wish that Mr Jefferson would not accept the office of V.P. The Reason is obvious why the \u201chighest Partisans\u201d on the other Side shd. wish so.\u2014But neither the Jacobins nor Antijacobins, knew the Temper and Character of Mr Jefferson So well as I do. I have known these Seven Years that his object was the Place of V.P. and that he had no hopes of any other.\u2014He procured more Votes at least by 14 in Pensilvania than he ever expected and those he would not have had but for Adets impudent Maneuvre. He had more Votes in both Carolinas and even in Virginia than he expected, and than he would have had if the most abominable Art of Falshood & Chicane had not been practised.\nI ventured to Say a few Words on declaring the Election and a few more on taking Leave of the Senate, which have passed here without any Severe Animadversion: I know not how they will be treated in the Chronicle. I am unfortunate and ill treated in being obliged to come in, merely from the Rancour of the South and of Pensilvania against New England, and from French Impudence, with that of a few Scotch & Irish firebrands with so Small a Majority and I was determined to transmit to Posterity, a few Facts that will be better understood by Posterity than by the present Folks, and by foreign Nations than our own Countrymen. You must never quote me nor Shew my Letter, unless to the faithful. For the Spirit of Sophistry and Party will pervert every Word.\nMy Regards to the family\nJohn AdamsMr Cocke of Tennessee, in a violent opposition to the Motion for repairing and replacing the furniture of the Ps. house\u2014said \u201cI blush not to Say that I like the P. elect as well as the actual P. but I dont love to see any P. So bedizzen\u2019d up,\u201d a most miraculous Compt from Tennessee.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1860", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Lathrop, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lathrop, John\nDr Sir\nPhiladelphia Feby. 20th 1797\nI have received your kind Letter of the 30 Jan and thank you, for your obliging Complaisance in nominating Dr. Bancroft to be a Member of our Academy and for your Compliments on the issue of the late Election.\nWhen you assure me, that your Brethren of the Clergy, of the Colledge and of the Accademy are \u201calmost without an Exception my real Friends\u201d you assure me of an approbation very much to my taste 1st because I beleive it to be sincere, 2d because there is a composition of honesty, Learning, and Sense, in those bodies not to be found in any every other Country, if in any. I hope and pray that these bodies will be steady, for more of the Safety of their Country, and the welfare of mankind depend upon them at this time than they can be aware of; a system of Profligacy beyond all example threatens to deluge the Globe in blood and lay prostrate every public Institution and every Moral Sentiment which renders human Life in Civilized Society agreeable or even tolerable, too many individuals in our beloved Town of Boston have been infected with this infernal Spirit of fanaticism and the bodies you mention have prevented the contagion from Spreading to more. These Sentiments may be too free to be communicated by me, to any but in confidence.\nI send you for the accademy Dr: Priestly\u2019s observations just published in which he has Exposed Voltaire, Volney &ca:\nI am / with Great Esteem your Friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1861", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 20 February 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nWar-Office 20th February 1797.\nI have the honour to transmit you herewith, a list of Invalid-Pension-Applicants\u2014who have been re-examined by Physicians, agreably to a Resolve of Congress of the 18th of April 1796.\nI am with great respect / Sir / your obedient servant.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1862", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Washington, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir,\nMonday 20th. Feby. 1797\nI thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed.\u2014The sentiments do honor to the head & heart of the writer;\u2014and if my wishes would be of any avail, they shd. go to you in a strong hope that you will not withhold merited promotion from Mr. Jno. Adams because he is your son.\u2014For with out intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others: I give it as my decided opinion, that Mr. Adams is the most valuable public character we have abroad;\u2014and that there remains no doubt in my mind that he will prove himself to be the ablest, of all our diplomatic Corps.\nIf he was now to be brought into that line, or into any other public walk, I could not upon the principle which has regulated my own conduct, disapprove of the caution which is hinted at in the letter.\u2014But he is already entered;\u2014the public, more and more as he is known, are appreciating his talents and worth;\u2014and his country would sustain a loss if these were to be checked by over delicasy on your part.\u2014\nWith sincere esteem and affectionate regard / I am ever Yours,\nGo: WashingtonMy dearest FriendThis is too prescious a morsell to go out of your hands.J. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1863", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 21 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Quincy, Josiah, III\nDr Sir\nPhiladelphia Feb: 21 1797\u2014\nI received in its time your favor of the 2d and thank you for your clear and satisfactory answer to my Questions.\nPray tell me, entre nous, whether you were one of the Citizens who fraternized with Citizen Adet at Concert Halls, Whether Citizen Lincoln & Citizen Higginson are not a little in the Compunctions for the illegitimate Embraces they gave and received on that day, They seemd to me to be stolen amours at the time.\nWe may smile a little Sub rosa at these runnings astray of the stolen waters, of our good friends and meritorious character, But it is a serious thing, It is very dangerous for private persons to exhibit these ostentatious feasts to foreign Ambassadors which lead to political Consequences of the first magnitude and embarras the best intention\u2019d government in the world. The enthusiasm of the American People for the French Revolution a thing beyond their knowledge to judge of, and of no importance to their interests or Engagements, has been countenanced in Boston by the best friends of our American Government, and Even by the best newspaper in that Town to the detriment of our public affairs upon many occasions.\nThis must be in Confidence, you must conceal with great Care my correspondence with you, otherwise it may be turned to the disadvantage of both. I inclosed to Mrs. Adams a power of Attorney to you, if she should have occasion to prosecute some hardy Trespassor she will employ you, So that we shall have business to write about\u2014\nI am Sir your most Obt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1865", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 22 February 1797\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nThe Senate of the United States would be unjust to their own feelings, and deficient in the performance of a duty  their relation to the government of their Country, imposes, should they fail  to express their Respect for attachment to your person, and their respect for your character, in answer to the excellent address you presented to them, on your leaving a station which you have so long and so honorably filled as their President.\nThe motives you have been pleased to disclose, which induced you not to  withdrawing from the public service, at a time when your experience, talents, and virtues were peculiarly desireable, are as honorable for yourself, as from our confidence in you, Sir, we trust the result will be beneficial to our beloved country.\nWhen you retired from your dignified seat in this House, and took your leave of the members of the Senate, we felt all those emotions of gratitude and affection, which our knowledge and experience of your goodness, abilities and undiviating impartiality ought to inspire; and we should with painful reluctance endure the separation, but for the consoling reflection, that the same qualities which have rendered you useful, as the President of this branch of the Legislature, will enable you to be still more so, in the exalted station to which you have been called.\nFrom you, Sir, in whom your country have for a long period placed a steady confidence, which has never been betrayed or forfeited, and to whom they have on so many occasions entrusted the care of their dearest interests, which have never been abused\u2014From you who holding the second situation under the Constitution of the United States, have lived in uninterrupted harmony with and without envy towards him who has held the first\u2014From you we receive with much satisfaction the declaration which you are pleased to make of the opinion you entertain of the character of the present Senators, and of that of those Citizens who have been heretofore Senators\u2014This declaration, were other motives wanting, would afford them an incentive to a virtuous perseverance, in that line of conduct which has been honored with your approbation.\nIn your future course, we entertain not the smallest no doubt, that your official conduct, will be measured exactly by the Constitution, and directed to the public good, you have, therefore, a right to entertain a confidant reliance, that you will be supported, as well by the people at large, as by their constituted authorities.\nWe cordially reciprocate to you, Sir,the wishes which you express for our honor, health and happiness, and we join with yours, our fervent prayers for the continuation of the virtues and liberties of our fellow citizens, and for the public prosperity and peace; and for you we implore the best reward of virtuous deeds\u2014the grateful approbation of your constituents, and the smiles of Heaven.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1867", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 23 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nThe Hague February 23d: 1797\nGeneral Pinckney and his family have arrived at Amsterdam; but as I have not seen him I presume he did not pass through this place. On the other hand Mr: Monroe has arrived in Paris, upon his return from his tour through this Country.\u2014What was the cause of Mr. Pinckney\u2019s being ordered to leave France is yet unknown.\u2014But the conduct of the french Government and its dependents, at the same time towards Mr: Monroe, and his conduct towards them give me serious uneasiness. The views and designs which these circumstances seem to indicate are of a nature so important to the Constitution and even to the Union of our Country that I cannot but feel anxious to discover how far they really extend, and cannot but observe with concern the apparent concert of an internal American party with the present Government of France, to overthrow that of the United States.\nYou will doubtless before this reaches you be informed of official communications made to me from this Government in the course of the last autumn, and which I then transmitted to the Secretary of State, wherein they formally, without disguise or hesitation call upon the United States to violate their Treaty with Great Britain, go to War with her, and make a Common Cause with the French and Batavian Republics.\u2014Such probably is still the intention of the french Directory.\u2014But as at present they totally despair of effecting their purpose by negotiating with our Executive Government, they will probably turn all their efforts towards the House of Representatives.\u2014The act of June 5. 1794, against which Adet complains so indecently, expires with the present Session of Congress. This is the Law, of which Fauchet, in his dispatch N. 3. says, that Randolph told him \u201cA bill had passed the house of Representatives which wounded liberty.\u201d An indisputable proof of it is the next clause of the dispatch which represents Randolph as adding \u201cThey have at least taken away the article which prevents the sale of the French prizes in our Ports.\u201d\u2014Fauchet in his plastering certificate pretends that this passage of his N. 3. refers to a conversation which he had with Randolph in April 1794. and that it related to the political divisions in different parts of the United States, and to a bill which gave the Executive, powers that might be abused, and wound liberty.\u2014The impudence with which this story is told, when the clause about the taking away the article relative to the sale of prizes comes so immediately after, in the dispatch, is not one of the least curious particulars in the strange publication of Randolph.\u2014The clause about the sale of prizes was struck out, on the 2d: of June 1794. And Fauchet certifies that the conversation was the April before. In fact from the internal evidence of Fauchet\u2019s dispatch, compared with Adet\u2019s last Note, it is clearly the 7th: Section of the Act of June 5. 1794. which was so extremely obnoxious to Mr: Randolph, and at the same time is so to the French Government.\u2014Under these circumstances, the attempt to pass an imposition upon the public as to the object of their conversation, is itself deserving of attention.\u2014Why was there any desire of disguise in this particular?\u2014Why but because Mr: Randolph\u2019s confidences with Mr. Fauchet, upon subjects to which the same 7th: Section naturally leads the contemplation, were such as it was judged unfit to disclose.\u2014This 7th: Section is indeed an important thing, and I am not a little curious to see how it will be treated in the House of Representatives, when the Law is to be continued; that is, in the course of the present Session.\nWhat expedition or enterprize there may be views of carrying on from the territories of the United States against the dominions of another Sovereign, I am not qualified to say. France is at this time not only at Peace, but in close alliance with Spain. But neither Peace nor Alliance are complete or effectual guards against projects of invasion or revolution. There is no doubt but that the french in their Negotiation for Peace with Spain, endeavoured long to obtain a cession of Louisiana; and have since the Peace been equally solicitous to receive it in exchange for the part of St: Domingo, which was ceded to them.\u2014You will observe both in one of the Paris papers which I have lately sent and in the Leyden Gazette an Article of news, published at Paris as coming from Madrid, that an inevitable Revolution is upon the point of taking place in Mexico. And that the People there will soon shake off the yoke of Spain. The pretence that this disposition is fomented by the English may be true or false, the material object of observation is the paragraph itself and the quarter from whence it comes\u2014You best will know, whether I am merely fanciful in combining it with Genet\u2019s arrival at Charleston, and his intended expedition at that period; together with the various other symptoms that have appeared down to a certain Letter to Coll: Thomas Fulham a North Carolinian, which I find in the American News-papers of the last Summer; and to the return of the same Coll: Fulham to France, immediately after the Ratification of the Treaty with G. Britain.\u2014He called to see me as he went through this place, and told me that he was the bearer of many letters for Mr. Monroe, from Mr. Madison, and his other friends.\u2014The part of the President\u2019s address to the People, applying particularly to the inhabitants of our Western States and Territory indicates the evidence of a plan advanced to considerable maturity.\u2014An obscure outline of a vast plan, calculated exactly for the french meridian, suitable at once to their ambition and their Jealousy, discovers itself in these various incidents. If this plan really exists in the extent which may be rationally suspected, the 7th: Section of the act of June 5. 1794, is a very important obstacle, to views for conducting expeditions against the territories of a foreign power with which we are at Peace.\nBut however that may be, it is certain there is another plan, with the success of which the other part of this section is totally incompatible; and that is the plan for suspending totally the commerce between the United States and Great Britain.\u2014This design which ever since the middle of the last Summer there has been strong and increasing reason for suspecting is now in a manner openly avowed, notwithstanding the ambiguity which pervades all their official papers on the subject and which indicates nothing more than the view of retreating from the system in case they should find it impracticable, with a pretence that they never adopted it.\nTo carry it into effect they have two different modes of proceeding: the one, by producing a War between us and Britain: the other by making a sort of War upon us themselves and forcibly intercepting, all our navigation to and from British Ports; at least as far as they can. But this 7th. Section is an impediment equally to both their processes. It prevents them from carrying on a privateering trade by means of our own Citizens, which would be altogether inconsistent with neutrality; and which if not suppressed would at once harass the commerce and provoke a state of hostilities: and at the same time it takes from them the means of intercepting forcibly the navigation to and from British Ports, by depriving them of the means of keeping a line of privateers along the whole extent of our own coast which should be ready to meet every vessel which they should choose to stop, upon its entering into or issuing from the several Ports. To them this is an essential object, for our Navigation with British Ports could not be forcibly interrupted to a very material degree, but by arresting the vessels at the moment of departure or of arrival.\u2014This they cannot do in the European Seas, because the British naval superiority keeps them generally clear, and a privateer or frigate seldom has a chance of picking up more than a single vessel or two before it is itself taken.\u2014Neither can they do it upon the American Coast, while they are prevented from fitting out their privateers in our own Ports, and while our Citizens find their property protected by the jurisdiction of our own tribunals.\u2014The consequences therefore of an unrenewed expiration of this Law are in every point of view so momentous, that I consider it as one of the principal purposes for which they are now undertaking to negotiate with the House of Representatives, against the Executive of the United States.\nAt present, I am told here, that it is not desired that we should go to War with England; that it would even not be for the interest of France that we should...I have conversed repeatedly with the persons upon whom the principal executive functions for the foreign affairs rest, and have urged to them the obvious and inevitable consequences to this Country of a War between the United States and either France, or G. Britain.\u2014Some of them I have reason to believe are alarmed.\u2014The merchants, the Renters, have already perceived the effects of the mere prospect which is threatened; and I know that they are alarmed\u2014The disposition therefore here is right.\u2014I am even told that the French Directory will not pursue their system to an absolute rupture, and a hint has been given me, that Adet\u2019s powers will be renewed to discuss the differences which have arisen, or rather that the suspension of his functions will be removed. But all this may be intended merely as a cloak to conceal designs of hostility, and prevent a state of preparation to guard against them. The measure of ordering Mr: Pinckney away is so violent in its Nature, that it is absolutely necessary to consider the Directory as determined upon proceeding to every extremity for the purpose of carrying their points in America.\u2014As it is unquestionable that the ruin of our Commerce and a War with Britain are involved in these points, I cannot suppose that the Government of the United States will submit, and I must therefore recur to an idea, which I have heretofore suggested; that is the importance of a cool moderate and candid statement to the world of the real situation of our differences with France.\u2014The Notes of Adet, and most especially the speech of Barras to Mr. Monroe, when he delivered his Letters of recall, start pretensions of superiority on the part of France, and of dependence on that of the United States, which must be resisted and refuted. Instead of which, it is painful to say it, Mr: Monroe himself in his speech gives them countenance and encouragement, by talking of generous assistance which never was given, and which their own official documents have long since disproved.\nThe Papers published by the British Government concerning the negotiation of Lord Malmesbury serve in a great measure to shew the immediate system of France. The dissolution of the German Empire is avowed as one of the objects. This plan which was checked by the disasters of their armies on the Rhine the last autumn, appears by the capture of Mantua to be resumed with new vigour.\u2014Italy seems to be secured to them beyond the reach of accident; the fate of the neutral states in that quarter is as miserable as that of those which are parties in the War. Florence, Venice and Genoa by turns are required to supply money and provisions, no less than if they were in a state of complete hostility, and no sort of acquiescence or submission can remove the danger that is continually threatened of revolutionizing the Governments and turning them into new, one and indivisible Republics allied and tributary to France.\nA very large detachment from the Austrian army on the Rhine has marched into Italy; as have likewise considerable parts of the French armies. Another struggle is to take place in that quarter, which in all probability will terminate like the former. The Austrian forces like those of all the allied powers through this war, are apparently a formidable body; but a body rotten at the Heart. Treachery pervades all their camps, or a languid indifference palsies every exertion.\u2014Yet it does not appear probable that the Emperor will yet make Peace; because upon every success that the French troops obtain, their Government swells its political system, and by the time when Austria will be ready to sacrifice the Netherlands, he will be required to consent also to the establishment of a Republic formed upon his Italian dominions.\nThe troops which had been embarked for the expedition against Ireland, are coming to join the armies upon the Rhine, where it is now said that the French are to take again their offensive position.\u2014I hear no more at present of the intention to send them again to Sea. The Directory some days ago requested the Legislative assembly to place thirty three millions of livres at the disposal of the Minister of Marine. I see they did allow him only twelve millions and a half; a sum large enough to squander or throw away, but not competent for much else.\nMy Letters from France intimate great expectations of an improvement in the legislative Assembly, and a more favourable prospect for Peace after the new Elections which are to be completed about the 20th. of next month.\u2014I have not for my own part the least idea that they will produce any material alteration\nThey are still debating the plan of Constitution here. It will take them probably about a month or six weeks longer\u2014A riot or insurrection in Friesland has been suppressed by killing and wounding about a dozen of the rioters.\nI remain with every Sentiment of duty and affection, your Son.\nJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1868", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Stephen Sayre, 23 February 1797\nFrom: Sayre, Stephen\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhilaa 23. Feb: 1797. No 158. Market Street.\npresuming, that a general peace is not very distant: a question arises, to the mind of every citizen, who knows the interest of his country. How will the United States of America be affected by it?\nOur Envoy now at Paris, may for ought I know, have talents, address, and every necessary qualification, for high & important negotiations\u2014he may, hereafter be more than a usefull Servant\u2014but, he ought to have been sent to our allies, as Ambassador extraordinary\u2014his Intructions should have been, but a declaration, that we never can\u2014that we never will, be deem\u2019d the Enemies of France.\nA Minister thus appointed, and acting with sincerity, must not only preserve peace & restore us to the good will of our allies, but he might, by address, make himself a party in all those points of negotiations, which may affect this Country.\nConceiving, that the United States do not mean to abandon their pursuits in navigation, or the Revenue, depending on their Commerce, I appeal to your understanding, & ask the question: Is it not, clearly, our Interest, to improve this critical moment, to get some influence, among the Nations, with whom we are & must be hereafter connected?\nIt is highly important to us, that some system should be settled, on fix\u2019d principles, by which, the inoffending Merchant may find safety. Your Minister will be supported in this point, by every power in Europe, except Great Britain; and her situation does not warrant her opposition, to their united wishes. But there is another object which, if accomplish\u2019d, that will be highly profitable to the United States; & which, will be also advantagious to other Nations.  This is, to get the Island of Proto Rico, declared a Free Port, on the broad Basis, of a general confederacy, to be sacred & inviolable against any.  I need not inform the President of the United States, that under such a Title, & such circumstances, this single Island would give us a better market than all the rest of the Antilles. Men of wealth would purchase the Lands\u2014the planters of every description would settle in it.\nI mean to do myself the honor of waiting on you, and if you request my Ideas, as to the means of obtaining it, you shall have them without reserve. It is my wish that no other person, should, at this time; be made acquainted with the thought.\nI am very respectfully yours\nStephen Sayre", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1870", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Law, 26 February 1797\nFrom: Law, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nPhiladelphia Feby. 26 1797.\nAfter one short week your mind will be absorbed in the routine of current business, & the pressure of daily occurrences may not allow you leisure for the consideration of abstract Propositions\u2014\nOur worthy President has transmitted in his legacy of advice, an urgent admonition to avoid Treaties from an experience of the embarasments that have already arisen from them; an idea on this subject having suggested itself to me, I submit it to you Sir because as a man I should deem myself culpable in suppressing what appears simple, practicable & exempt from possible evil, & because I know you have a  disposition to embrace whatever has public good for its object & a judgement to determine its propriety and expediency\u2014\nTreaties include the private Interests of contracting States & the general rights of every Nation on the globe\u2014boundaries fisheries &ca: are comprehended under the first head & the limitation of contraband Articles the principles of neutrality &ca: under the second\u2014\nIn America was happily set the example of a Federal Government; of freedom of religions & of other beneficial novelties & it is perhaps reserved for America under your administration to introduce a Code of Laws for nations.\u2014\nVattels compilation of discordant precedents from antient usages has already been productive of dissentions, yet the frequent references of the diplomatic corps to that author evince what a desideratum such a Code would be that might be as concise & full as the Ten Commandments\u2014\nA Convention of delegates from the various Empires would I fear prove futile as intrigue, jealousy, corruption & evasion would prevent a concurrence, but I should think that if you Sir were to send to your several Embassadors one self evident proposition for their assent or rejection of the Governments where they reside, you would ascertain how far success was likely to ensue\u2014A naked Truism could not be productive of mischief, and I am led to hope that no one would refuse to subscribe to something like the following\u2014\n\u201cThe Sea being a common high way designed by providence to promote the general intercourse of distant Nations, It is unlawful for any Ship to stop or detain another in any manner under any pretence bearing a foreign flag, unless in view of a besieged blockaded or invested place. Should a dispute arise upon this law, the parties shall refer the same to the arbitration of the Court of the neutral Nation nearest the place where the molestation occurred\u2014\u201d\nThe titles heretofore granted by Popes for the exclusive navigation of certain Seas are now invalidated, the imaginary Balance of power in Europe is over turned, mercantile monopolies are suppressed, family Compacts &ca. are annulled & the present situation of the belligerent powers is peculiarly favorable for the admission of a few simple principles for uniform observance.  The commercial world would ardently promote them, the minds of mankind are prepared to advocate them, & Potentates would admit general rules for all nations, which they would reject separately as partial concessions\u2014\nHeretofore each Village had its Leader who inculcated the detestable doctrine that neighboring villages were natural enemies, and these Leaders made bargains & Alliances productive of desolating broils, till the Villages combined for their mutual benefit and formed Laws for all\u2014Why cannot nations now imitate their example? It is devoutly to be wished & the attempt is worth the trouble; it may too at this Crisis conciliate one Nation & cannot offend any other\u2014\nThat Providence may crown the undertaking with success, to the honor of your administration, to the glory of America & to the benefit of Humanity is the sincere prayer of / Yrs. with much / esteem & respect / yrs most  Ob S\nThomas Law", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1871", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Law, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Law, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Feby 27th 1797\nIn my letter of this morning I Introduced the most difficult article of the proposed National code, that I might at once meet the most powerfull objections\u2014And as you approve of the plan at the first glance I will proceed\u2014I am convinced that the irresistible force of truth must ultimately cause an adoption of every general principle\u2014first, by the subscription of those States who will benefit by it\u2014& secondly of those who will rejoice at a mode of attaining concurrence on disputed points which caused war and taxation and ultimately the subversion of empires\u2014and thirdly by those who have deferred reply till the voice of reason, the wishes of their subjects, the approbation of the majority of Potentates, and the shame of silence or evasion compel to a reluctant acquiescence\u2014\nPolicy requires that America should begin with the most unalarming Article merely to introduce the precedent, \u201cparva metu primo mox sese attollit in auras\u201d\u2014As a commercial Nation merely she might require each embassador to submit the following to the different Governments\u2014\n\u201cWhereas Merchants are liable to suffer great derangement and loss by the sudden alterations of Imports\u2014It is hereby agreed that altho duties are a matter of internal arrangement\u2014yet as they affect their distant  Countries that Previous notice shall be given to all the world of any additional duty to be levied on foreign goods\u2014\u201d Such a proposition will please the merchants every where and must gratify the Sovereigns, nor do I believe that any will discover the Hercules from this fact\u2014or if they do will they attempt to suppress a self evident equitable principle from the apprehension of subsequent innovations\u2014\nThis apparently insignificant Article will produce a coalition of Governments\u2014and emancipate them from the disputes of plenipotentiaries\u2014from irritating misinformations\u2014from frivolous ceremonies\u2014from imaginary difficulties, fabricated manoeuvres and all the artificial obstacles to justice and unanimity\u2014\nA simple article respecting duties will be received without suspicion in Europe as the Atlantic is a sufficient separation, and it will appear most natural for America to deviate a little from the old mode as she is now experiencing unpleasant effects from a late treaty\u2014and as the President so much respected there has in his last words conveyed an awfull admonition applicable as well to other nations as to his own country\u2014\nI remain with much / esteem and respect\u2014\nThomas Law", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1872", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Welsh, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Welsh, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nBoston Feby 28. 1797.\nYour Favor of 18th Instant was received last Night.\nI have sent a part of the Chronicle of yesterday that you may see for yourself the wonderfull Conversion which has been brought about within a few weeks this appears to be very general but how sincere or how lasting or what object is in View is a Subject of much Speculation. but they are all apparently perfectly satisfied with the Result of the Election. Jarvis speaks hansomely of the Address to the Senate, and Swan since his Return from Philadelphia has entirely changed his Tone. whether they dispair of the Success of a direct Attack upon the new Chief Magistrate and hope to effect their purposes in another Way you are able to decide. I need not suggest that Flatery and Censure are Machines equally within their System to be used as occasion may require, and some of them have been weak enough to think and say that you have a weak Side. You will pardon me for the Suggestion but as their Conversion is so miraculous it excites various Conjectures. I believe this came from Swan but I am not certain. Perhaps they wish to excite a jealousy and distrust among the F\u00e6deralists.\nDo the Papers in general reach the President? If they do not I will if you desire it occasionally send the Chronicle when I see any thing that may be worth your perusal either pro. or con. I fear that if they have any particular object which they expect to obtain through the President and they find him attainable they will turn their Artillery against him as they have done against his Predecessor, but to leave these People to persue their own Measures if they have any. object it It is a truth that People in general almost universally are highly pleased with the Address to the Senate, and have expressed much Satisfaction and approbation upon the Occasion. Mr Wm: Cooper professes much Cordiality to me upon the Election and says it is now high Time that hard Names and severe attacks in the public papers were done with and that a Spirit of accomodation ought to take Place; I told him that lay very much within the Power of the Parties themselves and that if they were disposed they had could put a stop to such Abuses, they The Jacobins seem to have a Certainty that Mr Hamilton is not pleased with the result of this Election, and seem determined to proffit by it. Jarvis said further when eulogizing your Address and hearing this Observation made, that it was a great Task for any Man to follow successfully in the same Office and maintain the same Respect & Confidence which the late President has enjoyed. replied that no Man ever had a better Opportunity to do well than Mr Adams whose Abilities and Integrity were universally acknowledged who would act for him self and not be led by any one & that he had it in his power to do more for this Country than any Man ever had done and that it was impossible he could do worse than Washington. By all this it seems they mean to place the future Misfortunes of this Country to your Country Account but whether they will allow you a proper Share of acknowledgement for your future Services Time must shew. I perceive there may be a liability to Mistakes just at this Time in directing Letters to the Vice President I shall therefore for the Present direct in the manner I have done to Day.\nWishing you every public and private Blessing I am Sr with great Respect your Friend\nThomas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1873", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nFebruary 1797\nIf, in the general Apprehension of an intention to retire in that most eminent Citizen, to whom all Eyes had been directed and all hearts attended, as the Center of our Union for So long a period; the public opinion had exhibited any clear Indications, of another, in whom our fellow Citizens could have generally united; as Soon as I read that excellent Address which announced the Necessity of deliberation, in the Choice of a President, I should have imitated the Example of a Character, with which I had cooperated, tho in less conspicuous and important Stations, and maintained an uninterrupted Friendship for two and twenty years. But as a number of Characters, appear\u2019d to Stand in the general Estimation, So nearly on a level, as to render it difficult to conjecture, on which the majority would fall; considering the Relation in which I stood to the People of America, I thought it most respectful to them, and most conducive to the Tranquility of the public Mind to resign myself with others, a Silent Spectator of the general deliberation and a passive Subject of public discussions\nDeeply penetrated with Gratitude to my Countrymen in general, for their long continued Kindness to me, and for that Steady and affecting Confidence, with which, those who have most intimately known me from early Life, have on so many great occasions, entrusted to me, the care, of their dearest Interests; Since a majority of their Electors, tho a very Small one, have declared in my favour, and Since, in a Republican Government, the majority tho ever so small must of necessity decide, I have determin\u2019d, at ever hazard of a high but just responsibility tho with much Anxiety and diffidence, once more to engage in their Service. Their Confidence, which has been the Chief Consolation of my Life, is too prescious and Sacred a deposit ever to be considered lightly. As it has been founded only on the Qualities of the heart, it never has been, it never can be, deceived betrayed or forfeited by me.\nIt is with reluctance, and with all those Emotions of Gratitude and Affection, which a long experience of your goodness ought to inspire that I now retire from my Seat in this house and take my leave of the members of the Senate.\nI ought not to declare for the last time, your Adjournment, before I have presented to every Senator present, and to very Citizen who has ever been a Senator of the United States, my Thanks, for the candour and favour invariably receivd from them all. It is a recollection of which nothing can ever deprive me and it will be a Source of comfort to me, through the remainder of my Life, that, as on the one hand, in a Government constituted like ours, I have for Eight Years held the Second Situation under the Constitution of the United States, in perfect and uninterrupted harmony with the first, without envy in one, or Jealousy in the other: So on the other hand I have never had the smallest misunderstanding with any member of the Senate.\u2014In all the abstruse questions, difficult Conjunctures, dangerous Emergencies, and animated debates upon the great Interests of our Country, which have So often and So deeply impress\u2019d all our minds, and interested the Strongest feelings of the heart, I have experienced a uniform Politeness and respect from every quarter of the house. When Questions of no less importance than difficulty, have produced a difference of Sentiment (and differences of opinion will always be found in free Assemblies of Men, and probably the greatest diversities upon the greatest questions) When the Senators have been equally divided, and my opinion has been demanded according to the Constitution, I have constantly found, in that Moiety of the Senators, from whose Judgment of have been obliged to dissent a disposition to allow me, the same Freedom of deliberation, and Independence of Judgment which they asserted for themselves.\nWithin these Walls for a course of Years, I have been an admiring Witness of a Succession of Information, Eloquence, Patriotism and Independence, which, as they would have done honour to any senate in any Age, afford a consolatory hope (if the Legislatures of the States are equally carefull in their future Selections, which there is no reason to distrust) that no Council more permanent than this as a Branch of the Legislature will be necessary, to defend the Rights, Liberties and Properties of the People, and to protect the Constitution of the United States as well as the Constitutions and Rights of the individual States, against Errors of Judgment irregularities of the Passions, or other encroachments of human Infirmity or more reprehensible Enterprize, in the Executive on one hand or the more immediate Representatives of the People on the other.\nThese Considerations will all conspire to animate me in my future Course, with a confident Relyance, that as far as my Conduct Shall be uniformly measured by the Constitution of the United States and faithfully directed to the Public Good, I Shall be Supported by the Senate as well as by the House of Representatives and the People at large; and on no other Conditions ought any Support at all to be expected or desired\nWith cordial Wishes for your Honour, Health and Happiness, and fervent Prayers for a Continuation of the Virtues, Liberties, Prosperity and Peace of our beloved Country, I avail myself of your Leave of Absence for the Remainder of the session and request that these Sentiments may be honoured with a Place upon your Journal.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1874", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Bloodworth, February 1797\nFrom: Bloodworth, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nTimothy Bloodworth Presents his Compliments to the Vice President of the United States, & begs leave to acquaint him, that if it should be Necessary to send express to the Vice President Elect, his son Samuel Bloodworth will Chearfully perform the service, provided the respectibility of the personage, shall be considered competant to the service, if otherways, permit the freedom of the offer to recieve the Indulgence of a pardon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1875", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Mifflin, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\nPhiladelphia March 3 1797\nHaving been out this Forenoon upon public Business it was not untill my Return after three O Clock, that I received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me on this day.\nThe Respect to the United States intended by the Legislature of Pensivania, in building a House for the President will no doubt be acknowledged by the Union, as it ought to be\nFor your kind offer of it to me in Consequence of their Authority I pray to accept of my respectful Thanks and to present them to the Legislature.\nBut as I entertain great doubts whether by a candid Construction of the Constitution of the United States, I am at Liberty, to Accept it without the Intervention and Authority of Congress and there is not time for any Application to them, I must pray you to apologise for me to the Legislature for declining the offer.\nFor your obliging Congratulations on my Election to the office of President of the United States, and for your kind Assurances of Cooperation as far as your constitutional Powers and Duties extend to advance the Honour and ensure the success of my Administration, I pray you to accept of my best Thanks and fullest Assurances of a reciprocal Disposition on my Part towards the Governor and State of Pensilvania.\nWith great Respect and Esteem / I have the Honour to be, Sir / your Excellencys 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1878", "content": "Title: Inaugural Address, 4 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n4 March 1797\nWhen, in early times it was first perceived; in early times that no middle course remained for America remained; between unlimited submission to a foreign Legislature, and a total Independence of its claims: men of reflection, were less apprehensive of danger, from the formidable Power of fleets and Armies they must determine to resist; than from those Contests and dissentions, which would certainly arise, concerning the forms of Government to be instituted, over the whole and over the parts of this extensive Country. Relying however, on the purity of their intentions, the Justice of their cause, and the Integrity and Intelligence of the People under an overruling Providence, which had so Signally protected this Country from the first, The Representatives of this Nation,  not only broke little more than half its present Number to pieces the chains which were forging, and the Rod of Iron that was lifted up, but frankly cutt asunder the Ties which had bound them and launched into an ocean of Uncertainty.\nThe Zeal and ardour of the People, during the revolutionary War, supplying the Place of Government, commanded a degree of order, sufficient at least for the temporary preservation of Society. The Confederation, which was early felt to be necessary, was prepared, from the models of the Batavian and Helvetic Confederacies, the only Examples which remain with any detail and precision, in History, and certainly the only ones, which the People at large, had ever considered. But reflecting on the Striking difference in so many particulars, between this country and those, where a Courier may go from the seat of Government to the frontier in a single day, it was then certainly foreseen by Some who assisted in Congress at the formulation of it, that it could not continue for ten Years be durable.\nNegligence of its regulations, inattention to its recommendations, if not disobedience to its authority, not only in individuals but in States, soon appeared with their melancholly consequences; Universal Languor;\u2014jealousies and Rivalries of States; decline of navigation and Commerce; discouragement of necessary manufacturers; universall fall in the value of Lands and their produce; contempt of public and private faith; loss of consideration and credit with foreign nations; and at length, in discontents, Animosities, combinations, partial conventions, and insurrection, threatning some great national Calamity.\nIn this dangerous emeregen Crisis, the People of America, were not abandoned, by their usual good Sense, presence of Mind, resolution or integrity.\u2014Measures were pursued to concert a Plan, to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and Secure the blessings of Liberty. The public disquisitions, discussions and deliberations issued in the present happy Constitutions of Government.\nEmployed in the Service of my Country abroad, during the whole course of these transactions, I first saw the Constitution of the United States in a foreign Country.  Irritated by no litterary Alliteration, animated by no public debate, heated by no party animosity, I read it with great Satisfaction, as a result of good heads, prompted by good hearts; as an Experiment, better adapted to the Genius, Character, Situation and relations of this nation and Country, than any which had ever been proposed or suggested. In its general Principles and great outlines, it was conformable to such a system of Government, as I had ever most esteemed and in some States, my own native state particularly in particular, had contributed to establish.  Claiming a right of Suffrage, in common with my fellow Citizens, in the Adoption or rejection of a Constitution which was to rule me and my Posterity, as well as them and theirs, I did not hesitate to express my Approbation of it, on all Occasions, in public and in private.  It was not then, nor has been since, any Objection to it, in my mind that the Executive and Senate were not more permanent. If there is any Party in this Country formed for the purpose of introducing an hereditary or even a more permanent Executive or Senate, which however I have no reason to believe or suspect, I am not entirely of that number possessed of their Confidence, nor Admitted to their Secret. Nor have I ever entertain\u2019d a thought of promoting any Alteration in it, but Such as the People themselves, in the course of their experience Should see and feel to be necessary or expedient and by their Representations in Congress and the state Legislatures, according to the Constitution itself adopt and ordain.\nReturning to the bosom of my Country, after a painful Seperation from it; for ten Years, I had the honour to be elected to a station under the new order of Things,  of which have been attended with as much constancy as my health and strength would admit, and I have repeatedly laid myself under the most Serious Obligations to Support the Constitution. The operation of it has equalled the most sanguine Expectations of its Friends: and from an habitual Attention to it; satisfaction on its administration and delight in its effects, upon the Peace, order, Prosperity and Happiness of the nation, I have acquired an habitual Attachment to it, and Veneration for it.\nWhat other form of Government indeed can so well deserve our Esteem and love?\nThere may be little Solidity in an ancient idea; that congregations of Men into Cities and nations, are the most pleasing Objects in the sight of Superiour Intelligencies: but this is very certain, that to a benevolent human Mind, there can be no Spectacle presented by any nation, more pleasing, more noble, majestic, or august, than an Assembly like that which has so often been seen in this and the other chamber of Congress, of a Government, in which the Executive Authority, as well as that of all the Branches of the Legislature; are exercised by Citizens selected, at regular periods, by their neighbours to make and execute Laws for the general good. Can any Thing essential? any Thing more than mere ornament and decoration be added to this by Robes or Diamonds? Can Authority be more amiable or respectable; when it descends from Accidents, or , or institutions established in remote Antiquity, than when  fresh from the Hearts and Judgments  and enlightened People? For it is  represented? it is their  and only for their  under whatever form, it may appear.  The Existence of Such a Government as ours, for any length of time, is a full proof of a general dissemination of Knowledge and Virtue, throughout the whole body of the People. And what Object;  or Consideration more pleasing than this can be presented to the human mind? If national pride is ever justifiable or excusable it is when it Springs, not from Power or Riches, Grandeur or Glory, but from conviction of national Innocence Information and Benevolence.\nIn the midst of these pleasing Ideas, We Should be unfaithfull to ourselves, if We Should ever loose sight of the danger to our Liberties, if any thing partial or extraneous Should infect the Purity of our free, fair, virtuous and independent Elections. If an Election is to be determined by a majority of a single Vote, and that, can be procured by a Party, through Artifice or corruption, the Government may be the Choice of a Party, for its own Ends, not of the nation for the national good. If that Solitary Suffrage can be obtained by foreign nations by Flattery or Menaces, by fraud or Violence, by terror Intrigue or Venality, the Government may not be the choice of the American People, but of foreign nations.  It may be foreign nations who govern Us, and not We the People who govern ourselves. And candid Men will acknowledge, that in Such Cases, Choice would have little Advantage to boast of our Lot or Chance.\nSuch is the amiable and interesting System of Government (and such are some of the Abuses to which it may be exposed) which the People of America have exhibited to the Admiration and Anxiety of the Wise and virtuous of all nations for Eight Years under the Administration of a Citizen, who by a long Course of great Actions, regulated by Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude; conducting a People, inspired with the same Virtues and animated with the same ardent Patriotism and love of Liberty, to independence and Peace, to increasing Wealth and unexampled Prosperity; has merited the Gratitude of his Fellow Citizens, commanded the highest Praises of foreign nations, and Secured immortal glory with Posterity.\nIn that retirement which is his voluntary choice, may he long live to enjoy, the delicious recollection of his Services, the Gratitude of his Country Mankind; the happy fruits of them to himself and the World, which are daily increasing, and that Splendid Prospect of the future Fortunes of his Country, which is opening from Year to Year. His Name will may be still a rampart, and the Knowledge that he lives a Bulwark, against all open or Secret Ennemies of his Countries Peace. This great Example has been recommended to the imitation of his Successors, by both Houses of Congress, and by the Voice of the Legislatures and the People, throughout the nation.\nOn this Subject it might become me better to be Silent, or to Speak with diffidence: But as Something may be expected, the occasion, I hope will be admitted as an Apology, if I venture to SayThat\nIf, a Preference, upon principle, of a free Republican government, formed upon long and Serious Reflection, after a diligent and impartial Inquiry after truth; if, an Attachment to the constitution of the United States, and a conscientious determination to support it, untill it Shall be altered by the Judgments and Wishes of the People, expressed in the mode prescribed in it;\u2014if, a respectfull Attention to the constitutions of the individual States, and a constant caution and delicacy towards the State government; if an equal and impartial regard to the Rights Interests, honour and Happiness of all the States in the Union, without preference or regard to a northern or Southern an Eastern or Western position, their various political opinions on unessential Points Sentiments or their personal Attachments; If, a Love of virtuous men of all Parties and denominations; if a love of Science and letters, and a wish to patronize every rational Effort to encourage Schools Colledges, Universities Academies and every Institution for propagating Knowledge, Virtue and Religion among all Classes of the People: not only for their benign Influence on the happiness of life in all its stages and Classes and of Society in all its forms; but as the only means of preserving our Constitution from its natural Enemies the Spirit of Sophistry, the Spirit of Party, the Spirit of Intrigue, the profligacy of Corruption and the Pestilence of foreign Influence, which is the Angel of destruction to elective Governments; If, a love of equal Laws, of Justice and humanity in the interiour Administration; if an inclination to improve Agriculture, Commerce, and Manufactures for Necessity Convenience and defence; if, a Spirit of Equity and humanity towards the aboriginal nations of America and a disposition to meliorate their condition, by inclining them to be more friendly to Us, and our Citizens to be more friendly to them; If, an inflexible determination to maintain Peace and inviolable Faith, with all Nations, and that System of Neutrality and Impartiality, among the belligerent Powers of Europe; which has been adopted bymy predecessor this Government, and So Solemnly Sanctioned by both houses of Congress, and applauded by the Legislatures of the states and the publick opinion untill it shall be otherwise ordained by Congress; if, a personal Esteem for the French nation, formed in a residence of Seven years, chiefly among them, and a sincere desire to preserve the friendship which has been so much for the honour and Interest of both nations; if, while the conscious honour and Integrity of the People of America, and the internal Sentiment of their own Power and Ennergies must be preserved, an earnest Endeavour to investigate every just cause and remove every colourable Pretence of complaint; if an Intention to pursue by amiable negotiation a Reparation for the Injuries that have been committed on the Commerce of our Fellow Citizens, by Whatever Nation; and if Success cannot be obtained, to lay the Facts before the Legislature that they may consider, what further measures the honour and Interest of the Government and its Constituents demand. if, a resolution to do Justice, as far as may depend upon me at all times and to all nations, and maintain Peace, Friendship and Benevolence with all the World; if an unshaken Confidence in the honour, Spirit, and Resources of my country the American People on which I have So often hazarded my all and never been deceived; if, elevated Ideas of the high Destinies of this Country, and of my own duties towards it founded on a Knowledge of the moral Principles and intellectual improvements of the People, deeply engraven on my mind in early Life, and not obscured but exalted by Experience and Age;\u2014And, with humble Reverence I feel it to be my Duty to add, if, a veneration for the Religion of a People, who profess and call themselves Christians, and a fixed resolution to consider a decent respect for Christianity, among the best Recommendations for the public service: can enable me, in any degree to comply with your Wishes, it shall be my strenuous Endeavour, that this Sagacious Injunction of the two houses shall not be without Effect.\nWith such and this great Example before me; with the Sense and Spirit, the Faith and Honour, the duty and Interest of the Same American People, pledged to Support the Constitution of the United States I entertain no doubt of its continuance, in all its Ennergy and my mind is prepared, without hesitation, to lay myself under the most Solemn Obligations to support it, to the Utmost of my Power.\nAnd may that Being, who is supream over all, the Patron of order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector, in all Ages, of the World, of virtuous Liberty, continue his Blessing, upon this Nation and its Government and give it all possible Success and duration, consistent with the Ends of his 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1879", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Fran\u00e7ois Adriaan Van der Kemp, 4 March 1797\nFrom: Van der Kemp, Fran\u00e7ois Adriaan\nTo: Adams, John\nSir!\nKemp-wik Oneida Lake 4 March. 1797\nPermit me to address You with few words upon your election to the Presidenc\u00ff of the United States: M\u00ff wishes in this part are entirely accomplished\u2014May America remain happ\u00ff in peace, and prosper under your administration\u2014So that the names of Washington and Adams may be combined at every new election\u2014as those of August and Trajan; ma\u00ff its Thankfulness compensate in part the Sacrifices, which You will be obliged to continue\u2014Sensible of my obligations towards you\u2014in so many respects, and of my duty, with regard to you exalted Station, in not abusing your precious time / I am with Sentiments of the highest esteem / and regard / Sir! / Your most obed\u2014and obliged Sert\nFr. Adr. vanderkemp.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1881", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Davis, 6 March 1797\nFrom: Davis, William\nTo: Adams, John\nRespectful Sir.Boston 6th March 1797\nPermit me, most respectfully to congratulate yr. Excellency on yr. advancemt. to this, your exalted Station; permit me, also, (in confidence) earnestly to request an appointment here, on the first vacancy, whereby I may be enabled to support my Family, in this my advanced age, & whereby I may render my Country some little service. nothing, but imperious necessity, can apologize, for thus addressing your Excy. & making this most earnest request... & as in duty bound shall every pray.\nWilliam 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1882", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 March 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nTreasury Department March 6th. 1797\nThe Secretary of the Treasury has the honor most respectfully to transmit to the President of the United States, a letter from James Read Collector of Wilmington, dated the 7th of January 1797\u2014recommending Joseph Burch to be first Mate, Robert Dorsey to be second Mate, and William Snell to be third Mate of the Revenue Cutter on the North Carolina Station.\u2014\nIt is the opinion of the Secretary, that it will be adviseable to grant Commissions to the persons abovementioned agreeably to the recommendation & in the manner proposed by the said Collector.\u2014\nAll which is most respectfully / Submitted\nOliv WolcottSecy. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1883", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Edward Davies, 7 March 1797\nFrom: Davies, Edward\nTo: Adams, John\nHond Sir\nPhilada: March 7: 1797\nNecessity compells me to make the within request, that is if you will be pleased to grant me Forty Dolls which shall be Imediately repaid on my return from Boston, I should not have deignd to make the request, But relying on your Generosity\u2014I had every expectation of receiving of receiving Money from Congress, but was dissapointed, owing to my not laying the Papers before the House sooner in the last Session, therefore it was put off untill next, which I hope to meet with Success then, I have served my Country faithfully through her long and arduous struglle for Liberty which I had the misfortune to loose my leg, but the loss did not deter me; for I was true to the cause untill I saw our Independance was thourouhly established, and shall still continue so while I exist, I am a stranger in this Place, and wishing to go on to Boston to see my Famely as I have been absent from them some time, having no other source of getting money at present to pay off my expences here but of applying to your Honour for assistance, which I flatter myself your Honour will consider my conditions and render me such assistance as your Honour thinks fitt, your complyance with the above shall be acknowledged by your Solicitor\u2014\nEdward 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1885", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 8 March 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nTreasury Department March 8h. 1797\nThe Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmits to the President of the United States, a communication from the Commissioner of the Revenue, covering two Letters to him & from the Collector of Providence on the subject of a proposal made to the said Collector for fixing & maintaining the stakes and Buoys in Providence River.\nIt is the opinion of the Secretary, that it is adviseable to authorize a Contract on the terms proposed. being one hundred and forty Dollars.\nAll which is respectfully / Submitted\nOliv WolcottSecy 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1887", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Cosens Ogden, 9 March 1797\nFrom: Ogden, John Cosens\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNew-Haven March 9th 1797\nThe health of David Austin Esqr. the present Collector of the customs in New Haven, is declining so fast, that it is generally supposed that death, will put a period to his valuable life within a short period time.\nAs that office will then be vacant, I thought it to be my duty, in as early a season, and in as respectful a manner as possible, to ask it of Your Excellency for myself.\nPerhaps an application of this kind would come with more propriety, and with greater certainty of success from others in my behalf, than from myself.\u2014Most men will urge reasons for a preference before other candidates. In my case I appeal to your Excellency from publicly known facts, not for my own sake alone, but for the sake of those who are connected with me.\nI am not so totally a stranger to Your Excellency as not to be known as the son in law of that meritorious officer General Wooster, who so valiantly sacrificed his life and fortune together in the late war,\u2014An event which deprived his widow and family of a very valuable property. This has been made doubly poignant to them as the Genl. entered the service, possessed of his military and other lands in Vermont, which have been lost by the independence of that State\u2014of the incomes of the naval office & British half-pay as a captain.\u2014The commutation of his widow was paid at a time, when it was greatly depreciated, and the  distresses of her affairs from taxation depreciation of public credit\u2014fall of lands in value, and a long deprivation of any former incomes forced her to part with them, when other sources failed, from public events.  She is now totally destitute of any income, and made happy with her daughter at an advanced age. Her daughter\u2019s once handsome expectations have been lost in the wreck of her family having never come into her possession or mine.\nAs is and I trust ever will be our duty and wish, we have sought to make her mother happy.\u2014The office I now ask will enable us to do this better, to educate our children for useful citizenship, and to provide for the wants of advancing age.\nUpon General Woosters first entering the army, I superintended the then Naval Office a long time, so that the business is not  novel. When your Excellency joins your ideas of national gratitude and tenderness to suffering citizens, to  these which I have suggested. I trust that your nomination will not be wanting to secure me the office I now solicit. The family with which I am connected will receive that as a favor done to them, They will no longer have reason to fear that rulers have arisen, who have forgot their husband and fathers valor, patriotism, service, & sacrifices.\nI have the honor to be / Your Excellencys / devoted Servant\nJohn C. Ogden", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1888", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tanguy de Laboiniere, 9 March 1797\nFrom: Laboiniere, Tanguy de\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tPhiladelphie le 9 mars 1797.\n\t\t\t\tLe plus sincere homage que je croye pouvoir Rendre \u00e0 L\u2019opinion qu\u2019a L\u2019Am\u00e9rique entiere de vos vertus, & La Libert\u00e9 que je prends de vous adresser Les observations que je publie Sur la Discussion qui Existe malheureusement aujourdhui entre les Etats-unis & La R\u00e9publique de france. quelque soit le jugement que vous porterez sur mes opinions \u00e0 cet Egard, je me flatte que vous Reconnaitrez dans cet \u00e8crit Les sentimens Loyaux d\u2019un fran\u00e7ais attach\u00e9 \u00e0 sa Patrie, mais qui d\u00e9sire ardemment de voir Renaitre entre elle &  Les Etats-unis Les sentimens D\u2019affection &  D\u2019union qui ont pris naissance \u00e0 une Epoque chere aux Deux Nations &  qui sont d\u2019un si grand interet pour L\u2019une & pour L\u2019autre.j\u2019ose nourrir L\u2019Esp\u00e9rance que les nuages qui Les obscurcissent aujourdhui Disparaiteront sous votre administration, & j\u2019en vois L\u2019augure Dans votre Discours D\u2019installation.je Suis avec Le plus Profond Respect, / Votre tr\u00e8s humble &  tr\u00e8s / ob\u00e9issant serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\tTanguy De Laboiniere", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1889", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Pierre Auguste Adet, 13 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adet, Pierre Auguste\nSir\u2014\nPhiladelphia March 13th 1797\u2014\nI have received the Letter you did me, the honour to write me this morning informing me, that you have important Things to communicate to me, and requesting an hour for an interview;\u2014Tomorrow morning at ten OClock I shall be glad to receive you; meantime I have the honour to be with great consideration / 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1890", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Jonathan James Maund, 13 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Maund, Jonathan James\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 13. 1797.\nA few days ago I received your obliging Letter of the 13th of February\u2014\nIt would be a greater pleasure to me, than any that I shall enjoy, unless the times should be better, than my apprehensions to Cultivate the Oats, you have been So polite to send me, But the four Acres of Cincinnatus must be this year unplouged, if some other person will not attend to them.\nIf I am not mistaken you promised to write me the beginning of December upon Politicks, although you are entitled to my best thanks for the Oats. I dont consider them as a Compensation for the failure of the Politicks.\nYour kind remembrance of my family Obliges me very much\u2014I should be Very glad to know how the Elections of Representatives have gone in Virginia, and how your people digest the News we have of the Conduct of the French. I am Sir with / Much Esteem your Very humble servt\nJohn Adams\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1891", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Pierre Auguste Adet, 13 March 1797\nFrom: Adet, Pierre Auguste\nTo: Adams, John\n                            Philadelphie Le 23 ventose An 5eme de La Republique fran\u00e7aise 13 mars 1797. (v.s.)\n                        J\u2019aurois desir\u00e9 pouvoir vous pr\u00e9senter mes hommages Comme ministre de L\u2019a Republique fran\u00e7aise, j\u2019ose esperer  que vous me permettr\u00e9s de vous Les offrir comme particulier.  j\u2019aurois deja sollicit\u00e9 cette Faveur si ma sant\u00e9 ne m\u2019en Eut empech\u00e8.  je ne puis plus differer de vous la demander, quoique je sois Loin de me bien porter.  j\u2019ai des Choses extr\u00eamement importantes \u00e0 Vous Communiquer.  je vous prie en cons\u00e9quence de vouloir bien m\u2019accorder un moment d\u2019entretien.  \u00e0 L\u2019heure que vous aur\u00e9s La bont\u00e9 de m\u2019indiquer. je m\u2019empresserai de me Rendre aupr\u00e8s de vous, pour vous  m\u2019av\u00e9s inspir\u00e9s, et dont je vous prie d\u2019agr\u00e9er L\u2019expression.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1892", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 14 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: McHenry, James\nPhiladelphia 14 March 1797.\nThe President of the United States, requests the Secretary at War to take into his consideration the following Questions and make report of his opinion in Writing.\n1. Whether the Refusal to receive Mr. Pinckney and the rude orders to quit Paris, and the Territory of the Republick, with such Circumstances of Indignity, Insult and Hostility as We have been inform\u2019d of, are bar\u2019s to all further measures of Negotiation? Or in other Words a fresh mission to Paris be too great an humiliation of the American People, in their own Sense and that of the World.\nIf another mission be admissible, can any part, and what parts or Articles of the Treaty of Amity and commerce with Great Britain be offered to France or ultimately conceeded to that Power, in case of necessity, if demanded by her.\n3. What Articles of the Treaty of Alliance, and of the Treaty of Commerce with France, Should be proposed to be abolished?\n4. Whether it will be prudent to say any Thing, concerning the consular convention with that Power, and if it will what Alternations in it Should be proposed.?\n5. Whether any new Articles Such as are not contained in either of our Treaties with France or England Shall be proposed, or can be agreed to if proposed by the French Government?\n6. What Documents shall be prepared to send to France as evidence of Insults and Injuries, committed against the Commerce of the United States by French Ships of War or Privateers, or by French Commissioners Agents, Officers, or Citizens?\n7. In what terms shall Remonstrances against spoliations of Property, capture of Vessells, Imprisonment of Masters and Mariners, Cruelties, Insults and Abuses of every kind, to our Citizens be made.?\n8. In what terms shall restitution, Reparation, Compensation and Satisfaction be demanded for Such Insults and Injuries?\n9  Shall demand be made of Payment to our Citizens, for Property purchased by the French Government in Europe, or in the East and West Indies.\n10  Shall demand be made of the French Government of Payment for Vessells and Cargoes, captured and Seized, whether by ships of War or private Ships?\n11  Shall any Commission of Inquiry and Examination like that with England be agreed to?\n12  What Articles in the British Treaty can be offered to France, without Compensation, and with Compensation and what Compensation shall be demanded?\n13. Shall a Project of a new Treaty abolishing the old Treaties and Consular Convention be proposed to France?\n14. Shall Such a Project with a Project of Instructions to the Minister, be prepared and laid before the Senate for their Advice and consent, before they be sent to Europe?\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1893", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nPhiladelphia 14. March 1797\nThe President of the United States requests the Secretary of State to take into his Consideration, the following Questions, and make report of his Opinion in writing.\n1. Whether the refusal to receive Mr. Pinckney, and the rude orders to quit Paris, and the Territory of the Republic, with Such circumstances of Indignity, Insult and Hostility, as we have been informed of are Bars to all further Measures of Negotiation? Or in other words will a fresh Mission to Paris be too great an humiliation of the American People in their own Sense and that of the world?\n2 If another mission be admissible, Can any part and what parts or articles of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Great Britain be offered to France or ultimately conceded to that Power in Case of Necessity if demanded by her.\n3 What articles of the Treaty of Alliance and of the Treaty of Commerce with France Should be proposed to be abolished?\n4 Whether it will be prudent to say any thing Concerning the Consular Convention with that Power and if it will what Alterations in it should be proposed?\n5 Whether any new articles, such as are not Contained in either of our Treaties, with France or England shall be proposed, or Can be agreed to if proposed by the French Government.\n6 What Documents shall be prepared to send to France as evidence of Insult and Injuries committed against the Commerce of the United States by French Ships of War, or Privateers, or by French Commissioners, Agents, Officers, or Citizens be made.\n7 In what Terms shall remonstrances against Spoliations of Property, Capture of Vessels, Imprisonment of Masters, and Mariners, Cruelties, Insults and abuses of Every Kind to our Citizens to be made.\n8. In what terms shall restitution, Reparation, Compensation and Satisfaction be demanded for such Insults and Injuries.\n9. Shall demand be Made of payment to our Citizens for property purchased by the French Government in Europe or in the East & West Indies.\n10. Shall demand be made of the French Government of payment for Vessels and Cargoes Captured and Siezed whether by Ships of war or private Ships.\n11. Shall any Commission of Inquiry and Examination like that with England be agreed to.\n12. What Articles in the British Treaty Can be offered to France, without Compensation and with Compensation and what Compensation shall be demanded?\n13 Shall a project of a new Treaty abolishing the Old Treaties and Consular Convention be proposed to France?\n14 Shall such a Project with a Project of instructions, to the Minister, be prepared & laid before the Senate for their Advice and Consent before they be sent to Europe.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1894", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elkanah Watson, 17 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Watson, Elkanah\nSir\nPhiladelphia March 17.1797\nI have received with Pleasure your polite Letter of the 5th. and thank you for your kind Compliments.\nI am very much disposed to believe, that you have been misinformed concerning \u201cSome very leading Characters in the State of N. york.\u201d If they have been \u201cdisappointed\u201d it has been in the Election of the V.P. not in mine: and that by no means on the Ground of \u201cthe known Independence of my mind\u201d. I assure you I think very differently of these Gentlemen, if I guess who they are that you mean.\nInclosed is a Poem, full of Flattery to me, but of exquisite Poetry. I have heard it was written by a Mr Bacon of Albany or its Neighbourhood formerly of Brooklyne in Massachusetts. I send you the Poem, to desire you to let me know if there is any such Person in your Neighbourhood and what is his Character.\nI am Sir/ your very humble servant\nJohn AdamsI think it more likely that you wrote it, tell me.  See my note of observation on the back of this 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1895", "content": "Title: Notes on Pinckney Case, 19 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nThere are 3 Cases which may now be supposed.\n1. Mr Pinckney may be recd and in a fair and honourable Train of Negotiation.\n2. Mr Pinckney may be neither recd nor rejected, but kept in suspence.\n3. Mr Pinckney may be rejected, with Circumstances of Indignity Insult and Hostility\n+ Which will render it at least questionable whether any other diplomatic Measures can be adopted.\n4. Mr Pinckney may be rejected for Causes real or pretended which will admit of a further Essay at Negotiation.\nIn the 2d. of these Suppositions Shall the Senate be conviened alone, or Congress.\nIn the 3d Congress must be called\u2014and in that Case, shall any diplomatic Mission be nominated to the Senate? and what defensive Preparations shall be recommended to Congress. In Case any further diplomatic Mission is nominated to the Senate what shall be its Instructions? will not a thorough revision of the Treaties and Conventions with France be necessary and what new System shall be proposed directly, eventually or conditionally.\nWill each Minister make up his mind upon this subject and draw up a sketch of a Plan.\nIn Case Congress is convened, what shall be the Speech? Will each Minister turn his Thoughts to this subject and minute his Ideas as they occur.\u2014 Shall an Embargo, general or partial be recommended? Can a partial Embargo be practicable?\nShall it be recommended to Congress to authorise by Law, any Armament or Equipment of Vessells for Defence?\nShall Letters of Mark and Reprizals be recommended to be granted?\nShall any vigorous Efforts to compleat, arm man and employ the Frigates be recommended?\nShall any further Exertions towards a naval Power be recommended?\nShall any Augmentation of the Army be recommended?\nShall any Additional fortifications be recommended?\nShall any Additions to our Artillery Armed Ammunition &c be proposed?\nShall Privateers be proposed to be let loose?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1896", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Henry Knox, 19 March 1797\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n(private)My dear Sir\nBoston March 19 1797\nI experience a reluctance in addressing you lest I should absorb a certain portion of your time which ought to be used for more important purposes.\nI doubt whether I ought to congratulate you on being elevated to the Cheif Magistracy of the United States; for it is questionable wheth very questionable, whether there are not more thorns than roses in the situation.  But I religiously felicitate my Country on having you at the helm of Government. And in doing this, I feel the operation of a certain selfishness that Our maker interwove in our construction.  I feel a confidence in the safety of our political bark. The elevation was justly your due; and had any other person been chosen, the majority of Electors in my poor opinion would either have been ignorant of your character, or unworthy of the trust reposed in them\nYour speech on the day of your inauguration appears, to have given general satisfaction.  The part relatively to France is peculiarly pleasing, as thereon hopes are entertained that you may devise some decisive, and prompt expedient to prevent that rash people from pushing us to extremities.  A little further, and every principle of attachment in this Country will be uprooted forever, and the public mind prepared to embrace the first opportunity, of being avenged for the unprovoked outrages we are suffering.\nWhether this crisis can be avoided is with the little information I possess, entirely uncertain.  But it appears highly proper, that every experiment which would afford the least hope, should be tried. If after every effort, nothing should be found to be effective, the American people would meet with fortitude, an event which could not by their cheif Magistrate be controuled or averted\u2014\nAmong the expedients which have presented themselves to my mind, the one I am about to mention, only, seems to promise much; and I confess I should entertain considerable hopes from it. I submit it with respectful diffidence as a suggestion, which may not before perhaps have been entertained by you.\nLet Mr Jefferson be sent to France As soon as possible, as Envoy Extraordinary, to make those explanations of our situation and disposition towards France, and of their mistakes and errors towards us, which can be done with perfect truth, and which being told in the language of friendship by him, would most probably be acceptable. Their pride would be gratified by the mission of the Vice President of the United States\u2014This circumstance of rank, and the high estimation he is held in as the friend of the french revolution would effect all the reconciliation that could possibly be effected by any measure whatever.  If the mission should be unsuccessful, his report upon his return, would unite and brace the public mind to those exertions the case might require. In either event the glory and Wisdom of the measure would redound to the President of the United States, who would be considered as having done all that was possible to serve the interests of his Country.\nThe measure would be highly acceptable to the great majority of Federalists who wish peace with all the world\u2014The party in this Country whose Zeal for France has been greater than their love for the United States would be delighted with the event. For excepting some renegade foreigners, it cannot be supposed that many native Americans would wish to plunge their Country in a war\nIt may be suggested that General Pinckneys pride would be hurt by this step. I should believe the contrary. On so momentous a crisis in the affairs of his country, it would be natural for him to be pleased, with the countenance of so dignified a person as the Vice President, and one so much known and respected in France.\nIt may perhaps be further suggested, that the dignity of the United States would be wounded by sending so important a character in the Government, on such a mission\u2014But this objection could not be a sound one, when the magnitude of the measure should be considered, and that the cheif Justice was employed in a similar case.\u2014But the dignity of character is an important requisite in the mission.  I entertain so good an opinion of Mr Jeffersons patriotism, as to beleive he would not hesitate at, much less refuse the offer.\nThe motive which has induced this suggestion, is as pure, as it is respectful to you. I know not the reasons which might be urged against its adoption. But there may exist just and insuperable objections, with which I am unacquainted. Every political measure is susceptible of various views, and it is the duty of good Citizens to repose themselves with confidence under the protection of their government\u2014No person possesses this confidence in a greater degree than I do on the present instance, and there is no one who wishes more sincerely that your administration may be prosperous to your Country, and glorious to yourself.\nI am by dear sir / with perfect respect and / attachment / 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1897", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Law, 19 March 1797\nFrom: Law, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nPhiladelphia March 19th 1797\nAs the current of population was Westerly & towards the Lakes, perhaps it would be adviseable to anticipate disputes about boundaries &ca. with the Spanish & British Settlers, and consequently to devise some easy mode of adjustment witht previous reference to Europe\nIt occurs to me that Pitsburgh or some central spot might be agreed upon for Commissioners from Quebec, New Orleans and the Federal City to meet at; the number of Commissioner might be two from each place & should the Commissioners of two nations disagree then the Commissioners from the third Nation should decide & his Award have force till the Foreign Power & the United States confirmed it; such a system of arbitration would prevent local broils from becoming National Wars, by delay and aggravation, as also the politicks of Europe would not contaminate the minds of the disputants, the interest of all would operate in favor of Harmony & Commerce\u2014\nIf this seminal idea is a good one, it must take deep root in your fertile mind & be matured by your benign disposition.\nI will not venture to suggest the advantages to accrue to Government by the Federal City being ready in 1800, nor to expatiate on the benefits to result from your visiting it soon, for I am aware of the imputation of selfishness\u2014\nWith much esteem / & respect / I remain / Your most Obt / Hl St\nThomas Law", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1898", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Prince Abbondio Rezzonico, 19 March 1797\nFrom: Rezzonico, Prince Abbondio\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nRome, the 19th March, 1797\nIt was certainly a great satisfaction to me, as it has been to all those, that Know your Parts and your heart, to hear your Election in President of these United States. Agree therefore I beg you, my rejoicings; which are no Less effect of my duty, than of that Friendshiph, that I had been so happy as to make with you at London.\nI take, at the mean time, the Liberty of raccomanding to you, Sir, Mr. John Sartori, that has been here an other time. He is of a very good and honest family of this City; and may surely deserve your Consideration. Since I have a great interest as for him, as for his Family; I will take as a particular favour if he will experience its gracious effects.\nI have the honor to be with very much Respect and Friendship\nSir\nPermit me to make occasion therefore to congratulate you, assuring you, that it is difficult for me to express how rejoiced I am at your advancement, as impossible to declare how far I have the honour to be / your most humble, and Obedient Servent\nPrince Abondio RezzonicoI take the liberty to present to you the Monument of my Uncle", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1899", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, Jr., 20 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy, Jr.,Lee, Charles\nThe President of the United States requests The Secretary of State and the Attorney General to take into their Consideration the 3.ss of the 2d Article of the Constitution of the United States. \u201cHe (the President) shall from time to time give for Congress, information of the State of the Union and recommend to their consideration, such measures as he shall judge necessary and Expedient. He may on Extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses or Either of them\u201d &ca.\nAs no extraordinary occasion has as yet occurred since the Establishment of this Government, there can be no precedents to Guide us, and as it is not impossible or improbable, that such an extraordinary occasion as is intended in the Constitution may soon occur, the President wishes that a Precedent may be formed, which will hereafter require no Alterations.\nThe President therefore requests the Gentlemen to Consider, 1st. whether the Members of Congress can be convened by Proclamation only without Writ. 2d. Whether by writ only without proclamation, 3 Whether by Proclamation & writ both 4. The Form of the Writ and Proclamation.\nThe President wishes the practice of our Ancestors to be Examined, both in England and in the American Colonies before the Revolution, and all the good adopted and all the bad if any Expunged", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1900", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 20 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Washington City, Commissioners of\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia March 20th 1797\nI have received the Letter, you did me the honour to write me, on the 22d of this month.\nYour congratulations \u201con the preference given\u201d by my fellow Citizens, in the Choice of the first Magistrate of the Union, and the Expressions of your Confidence are Very obliging.\nI am not apprized of any reasonable objection to the Measure Suggested, of offering Scites for houses to the Ministers of foreign Nations, but I think the proposition to them, would be made with most propriety by you, Gentlemen, the Commissioners, and to Enable you to do it Consistently, I will desire the Secretary of State to Make out a List of the foreign Ministers with their Titles\nThe subject is new to me, and there may be difficulties in it which have not occurred to me. The opinion of President Washington Expressed in his Letter to you of the 18th of September 1796 has great weight with me. He mentions how ever some  which had occurred to you as hinted to him by the Spanish Minister or Mr Barry but these are not Explained. If you are aware of any I should be glad to have them stated to me with / Great Esteem I am Gentlemen your / 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1901", "content": "Title: To John Adams from David Humphreys, 20 March 1797\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nLisbon March 20th: 1797.\nIt was only by the arrival of a vessel yesterday from America that we received the certain intelligence of your Election as President of the United States. On which auspicious occasion permit me to offer my sincere congratulations & assurances of support (in whatever situation I may be) to an Administration, which, in my anticipation, will not be less glorious to yourself than beneficial to your Country.\nIn the latter part of the time of the Administration of your Predecessor, I addressed a few thoughts to him on the subject of establishing a kind of naval militia, for the purpose of manning our vessels of War. But apprehending that letter might not have reached him previous to his retirement from Office, I take the liberty of just repeating my idea of the practicability & advantage of such a measure.  In the adoption of it, I have been led to believe that many serious & great evils might be avoided, which have occurred & still do occur in procuring men for the naval Service in most, if not all, other nations.  I presume not to trespass upon your time by going into any detail of the Project. But if it shall appear that Seafaring Men owe their exertions to the support of Government (from which they are perhaps more peculiarly in need of protection than their fellow-Citizens who remain always on shore) not less than the rest of the Community, I should, hope that some effectual mode of providing a sufficient number of them for the public Service,  for a limited and convenient term of time, might be devised, without bearing unequally hard on that useful class of Citizens. Without the adoption of some measure of a similar nature, great difficulty in manning our frigates and consequent prejudice to the public Service may occur, especially so long as the state of our merchant Service, shall occasion the wages of Seamen to be so much higher in America than in Europe, as is the case at present. Indeed I should doubt whether any Government could with facility face the expences resulting from such wages, for a length of time & on a considerable scale. Under a free Government such as ours, where all enjoy its protection, may it not then be fairly enquired whether all ought not to be obliged to be in readiness to render their personal Services to the exigencies of the State in the way most suitable to their profession, whether for this object the Seamen ought not to be unregistered in the several States, and whether each State might not with propriety be required to furnish its quota when necessary.\u2014I am happy to learn that some of our frigates are likely to be fit for Sea soon, as no one has been more in condition to appreciate the necessity of their being employed (at least some of them) in the European or Mediterranean Seas, than myself; and I suppose few have had more early or frequent occasions of expressing their sentiments in writing on the subject. Hoping therefore the importance of the subject will be deemed an excuse for my troubling the Chief Magistrate of the United States with a few reflections upon it, and submitting them to your superior consideration, I hasten to conclude with assurances of the perfect respect & esteem, with which, / I have the honour to be, Sir, / Your mo. ob: & mo. hble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1903", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Taylor, Jr., 20 March 1797\nFrom: Taylor, George, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nDepartment of State 20th. March 1797\nG. Taylor Jr. with respectful compliments to the President of the United States, has the honor to send hereto annexed a memorandum of the papers signed by the President for this office from the 4th instant to this day\nMemorandum of papers signed by the President of the United States for the Department of State from the 4th instant, to this day\nCommissions Joseph Bench,of No. Caro\u20141st. Mate of a CutterRobert Dorseyofdo.2.do.William Snellofdo.3do.\nPatents for lands to the virginia line\u20144Sea letters1657Mediterranean passports300do. do100", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1906", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 22 March 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nMr. Coxe has the honor respectfully to enclose to the President the principal letter from his brother. There were several others of nearly the same date, but they were of no consequence in a public view, but as they went to confirm parts of the letter of the 26th November.\nIt appears to have been the opinion of Mr. D. W. Coxe that very advantageous operations against the Spanish Dominions were so seriously in view as to render a peace utterly improbable.  It is not doubted he meant the Colonies of Spain. Of these Louisiana was always desireable to Britain on account of West India supplies. The loss of this country has rendered it more important to them. Recession of it by Spain to France would quicken their anxieties for Louisiana. Genl. Simcoe has been transfer\u2019d from upper Canada to the Vicinity of the Gulf of Mexico. He is said to have a very extensive knowledge of the N. A. Indians & of their Territory. No British Commandant, so well informed for an expedition against Spanish North America, occurs. This remark extends to any possible views upon Santa Fe.  The idea of a movement from Canada, which would involve an infringement of the Neutral Territory of the U.S. appears to be utterly improbable, tho well calculated to draw off the Troops from the vicinity of New Orleans, as a feint.  An Indian Movement headed by  British people seems all that is possible to be originated thro the Governors of the Canadas.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1907", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 March 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nTreasury Department March 24th. 1797\nThe Secretary of the Treasury respectfully transmits to the President of the United States, a Letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue dated the 20th. instant covering a proposal made by a Theodore Lincoln for building a Light House upon Cape Cod in the State of Massachusetts.\nIt is the opinion of the Secretary, that all circumstances considered, it will be for the Interest of the United States to close with the said proposal.\nAll which is most respectfully / Submitted\nOliv WolcottSecy 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1909", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States Congress, 25 March 1797\nFrom: United States Congress\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tProclamation\nfor an Extraordinary Session of Congress.\nWhereas the Constitution of the United States of America\nprovides that the President may, on extraordinary occasions,\nconvene both houses of Congress; and whereas an extraordinary occasion exists for convening Congress, and divers great\nand weighty matters claim their consideration, I have therefore\nthought it necessary to convene, and I do by these presents\nconvene the Congress of the United States of America, at the\ncity of Philadelphia, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on\nMonday, the fifteenth day of May next, hereby requiring the\nsenators and representatives in the Congress of the United\nStates of America, and every of them, that, laying aside all\nother matters and cares, they then and there meet and assemble\nin Congress, in order to consult and determine on such measures as in their wisdom shall be deemed meet for the safety and\nwelfare of the said United States.\nIn testimony whereof, &c.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1910", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 26 March 1797\nFrom: Dalton, Tristram\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nGeorge Town. Maryland 26th March 1797\nIn offering to You my Congratulations upon your being placed at the Head of the Government of the United States, by the suffrages of a free and enlightened People, it would be in common with those who have, or who take, Occasion to address you\u2014\nIn doing this I should but reiterate the sincere Sentiments which I did myself the pleasure of expressing in my last of the 16th January\u2014when the Issue of the Election was pretty well ascertained\u2014\nSince that date I have received, if possible, an additional satisfaction, which is the almost universal Approbation, and Confidence, of the People, discovered on this Event\u2014\nYou have entered on the Administration\u2014in a critical Period\u2014\nYour \u201cdependance upon the Sense, Spirit, and Resources of the People, under a humble hope of the divine Blessing\u201d will prove a Solid Support\u2014The \u201cAid of your Friends\u201d, where they can be of any service, you can rely upon\u2014and I take this opportunity to tender you mine in any Way that you may be pleased to command me\u2014\nI pray most fervently, that the Efforts of our external and internal Enemies to divide our Counsels & People, may be baffled, and that a more clear political Horizon may, ere long, present itself to the Friends of our Country\u2014and its Constitution of Government.\nThe French Nation will find themselves deceived and duped by the Traitors, who have misled them in their opinions of the Inhabitants of these States\u2014Is it not surprizing that their Government should not have recollected, that the Errors of the British Government, in our revolution, arising from their hastily embracing false representations of the Spirit & Disposition of the People, tended to our Good, and to the ruin of their Cause? The Conduct of the French will probably be of real Service to us\u2014It ought to rectify our Opinions and false Partialities, to learn us political Wisdom, to fix a National Character, independent of any, and every, foreign influence.\nIf our losses at Sa and Affronts on Land, should teach us these useful Lessons, the Sacrifice of Property will prove a cheap Purchase\u2014\u201cWe shall see of what Stuff American Souls are made\u201d\u2014I have no doubt of their proving themselves worthy Independance\u2014\nIn course of Mail, I was honored with your much esteemed Favor of the 19th Jany, and pray you to accept my hearty Thanks for this friendly and confidential Communication\u2014It has added to the number of those that I have received from Yourself, for many years, and in various situations of Life\u2014Among the irreparables, that I lost in a Ship, which was burned on her Passage from Massachusetts to this Place, and in which were my furniture\u2014Books, &c. were all the Letters that I had received from you, from our Juvenile Years, to the period of that unfortunate Event\u2014The loss of these, and some other valuable Papers, with my family Portraits by Copely, I exceedingly lament\u2014My own Memorandum, farming and other Observations, were purified by this fatal accident\u2014All these I had most carefully laid by, as a source of Comfort, if it should please Heaven to continue me on this Stage, after I should be obliged to quit an active Life\u2014which I think no Man ought to do, while he has health, and the Use of his faculties, continued to him\u2014\nThanks to a Gracious God\u2014my constitution is good\u2014my health is uninterrupted\u2014The slender abilities I had\u2014have not been permitted to rust\u2014And these, such as they are at the Service of my Country, so far as is consistent with my Years\u2014and Rank in Society\u2014\nWhen I came to this District, it was with a View to see the commercial House, that I had engaged in, properly under way\u2014expecting then to have returned to, and lived at Boston. Mr. James Greenleaf was a Partner, possessed at that time of a handsome property\u2014& was to have gone to Europe\u2014there to negociate the business of he Company\u2014Mr. Lear having made most excellent arrangements for their Accounts both in England\u2014and Holland\u2014\nMr. G\u2014soon after diving into unwarrantable speculations, and not going to Europe. Mr. Lear and I proposed a dissolution of the Copartnership, to which he readily consented\u2014and it took place more than twelve months since.\nMr. Lear and I never had to do, in the least degree, with Mr. Gs speculations, but his continuing in this Country\u2014running wild in Plans\u2014tended to paralyze the business of the late Company\u2014The War & Troubles in Europe are very unfavorable to the Trade of this Quarter. Peace alone will discover the superior advantages of this situation\u2014owing to the waters of the Potomac.\nFrom the aforementioned Causes, I find myself a Man of greater liesure than I wish to be\u2014\nThis subject leads me to take another liberty. To name the City of Washington. I shall not be so particular about the Affairs of it, because my friend Mr. Lear tells me that he has been so\u2014No Person could give a better Account of the Proceedings respecting it than he is capable of and no one would do it more impartially.  Few, very few, are to be found, concerned in this business, whose Tales\u2014and Representations\u2014are to be relied upon\u2014This is a Country of Speculators\u2014Whoever treads this Ground, must do it with the utmost caution\u2014if he expects to escape impositions and censures\u2014Parties are so wide from each other\u2014that their endeavors to serve each their own Interests would strange the Child, if it were possible.\nThey have viewed the Movements of the late President, relative to the City. & to the East and West Ends of it, with a jealous\u2014attentive Eyes.  They could not suspect him of indifference towards any part of the Territory\u2014because it was well known to be the favorite Object of his Heart\u2014\nIt is supposed by some that a Person from N. England would not participate in their fond feelings\u2014I have assured such\u2014when opportunity offered, that You would not lose Sight of so important an Establishment\u2014sanctioned by several Laws of Congress\u2014if not, by fair construction, become a part of the constitution of the United States\u2014\nI have added that they might rely upon your fostering Care and due attention\u2014This I did, knowing your Love for the Tranquility of our Country\u2014\nWill you permit me to add that a Visit to the City, as early as your important Avocations would permit, could be a source of great Satisfaction to many People in the Southern States\u2014& tend to give a spring to the publick Works, and to private Exertion\u2014\nOur friend Mr. Cranch tells me, that he has taken occasion to mention to You the wishes of the Friends to the City that it should receive the favor & honor of Your Personal Benediction\u2014\nOn this desirable Event, Suffer me to add, that my House, in the City, to which my Family will remove in all this month, will be at your Service; and that it would make Mrs. Dalton and myself perfectly happy to have You use it as your own\u2014How happy, I will not undertake to express, would Mrs. D. be to see with Yourself your best & her highly esteemed Friend Mrs. Adams\u2014whose necessary Absence from You untill the fall she greatly laments\u2014\nMrs. Dalton & our Children\u2014unite with me in offering to you our most respectful regards\u2014and best Wishes\u2014I scarcely know what apology to make for extending this Epistle to three Sheets\u2014sensible how little time you can have to listen to private tales\u2014If a promise not to intrude again so far\u2014If an uninterrupted correspondence for near half a century\u2014and if an unalterable Attachment\u2014can plead an excuse\u2014I beg They may be accepted.\nI am\u2014with the most perfect Regard / Dear Sir / Your Friend / And most Obt. hble. Servt\nTristram Dalton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1911", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John M. Pintard, 26 March 1797\nFrom: Pintard, John M.\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nMadeira 26th March 1797\nAltho not officialy Announced Nevertheless from the last advices from America I think I can with Confidence address you as the Successor of our Late Beloved President and Congratulate my Countrymen on the choice they have made. The purport of this Letter is to Request that you will be pleased to grant me a favour that your Predecessor in office was Kind enough to oblige me in and I Beg that you will excuse the trouble it may occasion; It is to do me the favour to Sett for your Portrait which I have Requested my Uncle Elias Boudinot Esqr. to Send me. he will deliver you this Letter and add his Request to mine and from my Personal Knoledge of you I feel Satisfied that I shall not Be disappointed. I had the Honor to Escort you into New york at the Head of the Westchester Light Horse when you was first elected vice President of the United States in the Year 1789. and Since that Period have held the appointment of Consul for the United States at this Island where it will give me great Pleasure to Render you acceptable Services. I have been favoured by the late President with his orders for the Madeira wine he drank at his table and have Allways been very Particular in the choice of it Mr Boudinot will Shew you a Specimen of the wines I can Ship and if you approvve of them and Honor me with your Commands you may allways be assured of having the pure and genuine Juice of the Grape Mrs Pintard joins me in Most Respectfull Compliments to you and Mrs Adams and allow me to Subscribe myselfe with great Respect / Sir / Your Most obedient / and very Humble Servant\nJohn M. Pintard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1912", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 27 March 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nNo 4\nMy dear Sir\nCambridge 27th March 1797\nA social friend, but not one whose politicks have been much in unison with mine, has suggested to me the policy of your sending Mr Jefferson, at the present crisis, as a minister to France. at first blush, the measure struck me forcibly: Mr Jefferson being much in the confidence of France, & of her officers & adherents in the United States; the antipode of her enemies amongst us; possessed of qualities & accomplishments, which suit the French nation; & the head of that party, who, in case of a war with France, would now oppose it, even if inevitable.  seeing the first effect of this proposition on my mind, the gentleman alluded to proposed that I should bring it to you, & I manifested no dislike to the proposal; but I shall seldom, if ever again, yeild to such a request: as the object of my correspondence will be information, & not council; & as your friends will probably be investigated & assailed thro\u2019out the United States & Europe, to communicate the suggestions of others; which, will often make them the unguarded instruments of intriguing men, & will impose on yourself, the arduous task of distinguishing between the adulterated & unadulterated parts of their correspondence.  the proposition alluded to appears to me, on reflection, to involve consequences which in the first instance do not present themselves to veiw; & as it will undoubtedly be made to you, I feel an obligation from the circumstance mentioned, of making a few remarks on it; which, notwithstanding my first intention, I should otherwise have avoided\u2014the appointment, abstractedly considered as it respects France, still appears to me a desirable object; but as it relates to the constitution, the President, Vice-President, & the publick, it is I conceive of a delicate nature.  in case of the removal, resignation, death, or inability of the President, his powers devolve on the Vice President; & altho there is no possibility of the first, or probability, I hope, of the two next events, yet, an inability may arise from indisposition: in which case, the public, particularly those opposed to the V President, in his absence, would be clamorous for supplying his place; as the constitution expressly requires his services, when the presidents power to act, ceases.  the constitutionality of the measure may therefore on this ground, as well as on that of being always prepared to supply a vacancy, be questioned; and, if the executive can vacate the office of V.P. for a month, it may for twelve months or four years; & thus render the provission by the constitution, of a Vice President, a meer nullity.  As it respects the President, it is generally considered better policy for him to be always, clearly, within the line of the constitution, if possible, than to be suspected of trenching upon it.  he may, & probably will, be officially called on to approve of bills, which will involve constitutional questions; & be thus, unavoidably, exposed to the clamor of his enemies: but can it be good policy, to arm them voluntarily with pretexts, that he has originated in his executive capacity unconstitutional measures; when there exists no necessity for the case? the disadvantages resulting to his predecessor, under such circumstances, will perhaps determine this question.\u2014as it relates to the VP, there is now a prospect of a good understanding between the President & himself; but may not such a proposition produce in his mind apprehensions, that the President is opposed to him, & that he contemplates a plan to remove him from office; or, if not, that such an appointment would prostitute the dignity of his present office, & degrade him in the eyes of foreigners, as well as of his fellow citizens. in either case, he would be disgusted with the proposal\u2014in respect to the public, it being divided into two political parties, whose exertions have been great as they respected the choice of President & V President, & it having fortunately happened that each has obtained its object in part, would not such an appointment, even if accepted, & agreable to the VP\u2019s party, as it respects an accomodation with France, deprive them of the pleasing prospect of his republican influence in the Senate; & thus renew those party animosities, which at present appear to have subsided in a considerable degree? this, Sir, you can best determine: & I shall omit other remarks, pro & con, what will undoubtedly occur to your capacious mind.\nI have read with inexpressible pleasure, your speech on the day of your inauguration. the just & comprehensive veiw which you have taken, of our critical situation at the commencement of the revolution, of the subsequent danger attending the establishment of government, of the origin progress & final issue of the confederation, of the necessity of a more energetic system, of the advantages resulting from the administration of the present constitution, of the preference due to elective republican governments, when compared with those, \u201cdescending from accidents or institutions established in remote antiquity\u201d, & of the danger resulting from foreign influence; and the declaration of the principles by which your administration will be governed, have had a very happy effect in couching the dim-sighted politicians in this quarter, & cannot fail, as I conceive, of securing to yourself the general confidence & attachment of the people of the UStates.\nI hope, e\u2019er this that your happiness is compleat, by the arrival of Mrs Adams. I should have paid my respects to her, before she left Quincy, had my health permitted; but Mrs Gerry & myself have been confined the whole winter, by a species of slow fever & influenza; which still continues on her, but has abated on my part. pray give our best respects to her, & accept them yourself; & be assured my dear Sir, I remain with every sentiment of / esteem, & respect, yours sincely\nE GerryP.S  I have this day renewed my correspondence with the Vice President, which I think will not diminish your mutual friendship.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1913", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 27 March 1797\nFrom: Ward, Joseph\nTo: Adams, John\nRespected Sir\nNewton March 27th. 1797\nOut of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh; Your exaltation, has so perfectly fulfilled my wishes, and gratified the strong feelings of my heart, I cannot suppress the sentiments which it inspires: Having long indulged a belief of \u201cthe high destinies of our country,\u201d this event seems an additional omen, and brightens the glorious hope.\u2014The ruling characters of the world have generally had narrow views; limited to a kingdom, or district, they calculated for a day, and lived by the hour. Your Address, opens a vast field for contemplation, contains a chain of ideas which encircles the nations, embraces the world and all its ages.\u2014\u201cYour country first, and next all human race:\u201d it rises far above the walk and contains ideas too big for birth in royal minds: It embraces being, reposes on Providence, measures time, and meets eternity.\nContemplating such objects, \u201cassimilates the mind and makes it great.\u201d It seems to have been little known, and less regarded, by the rulers of nations, \u201cthat those who honor God, shall be honored, and by acknowledging Him in all their ways, they shall be directed by His wisdom,\u201d and hence it is (as I believe) they generally live and die like the worthless vulgar; and their names soon mingle with the forgotten millions.\nImmortal fame, as well as \u201cthe souls calm sunshine and the heartfelt joy, is virtues prize.\u201d It is so rare a sight to see a great and cultivated mind devoted to the highest good of a nation, setting a pure example copied from the divine principles of Christianity, that when such a character appears he is regarded as a new star in the planetary system, and mankind view him as a superior Intelligence with mingled emotions of love, and admiration.\nMay Your Administration, be a point of time, as it were cut out of eternity, by Infinite Wisdom, and destined to be a light to the nations, to ages living and unborn, a star to the western world to guide posterity in the paths of wisdom from era to era until time consumes all things else.\nI bend an humble knee to Him who liveth forever, and implore His benediction, That your life may be precious in His sight,\u2014your every step guided by wisdom, crowned with success, and accomplish the highest possible good;\u2014that as time rolls on your sun may brighten even while it descends, and its evening rays continue to surpass its meridian glory,\u2014until satisfied with life, and all the ways of Providence to man, your mind \u201cshall clap the glad wing and tower away\u201d to that world \u201cwhere God shines forth in one eternal Day.\u201d\nFarewell.\nJoseph Ward\nP.S.\nGreat men often have quackery served up to them, in lieu of sentiment. The following may be a specimen.\nAs the mad politicians of Europe, with some of our own, will I fear (so long as they are out of Bedlam, where they ought to be) give your mind additional anxieties and labour, which with the growing mountain of cares attached to your high station, will so much exhaust nature that your whole system mental and material will want many cordials to support its energies.  you may feel too strongly this truth, expressed by a sublime genius, \u201cThere is but one solid pleasure in life, and that is doing our duty.\u201d\u2014To labour for the welfare of millions, and the felicity of ages to come, is indeed a glorious work; it is the nearest imitation of the Parent of the Universe;\u2014but it wears the mind, and often cuts shorter the thread of life.  Great minds destined to such energies, must often break the chain of ideas, to play with little thoughts, or the perpetual strain will wear out or untune the powers. Hence eminent men whose life was most dear to the world have seldom reached a high point in age. It may perhaps be as difficult for great minds to descend to little things, as for little minds to rise; but it is necessary; there are no Angels in flesh, and so long as men have bodies they must take care of them.  Such men should study more for pleasures; every thing that has musick for their spirits; for a merry heart is the medicine of life.  To hear all kinds of musick; and to listen to the playful conversation of the Ladies often, will relieve the spirits, and serve to break the tough thread of politicks. To acquire knowledge, precious as the gem is, at the loss of health, is not (I guess) a very good bargain; and as you have enough of the former, I am anxious that you should by all means preserve the latter.\u2014To study while riding, (and no day should pass without riding many miles, and with a quick step) the motion, will counteract the relaxing effects of intense thinking; and by custom it will soon become natural, give vigour to all the powers, and at once lengthen and sweeten life. The universe appears to be in motion; and I suspect Angels could not enjoy health without it: Certain it is the deep thinkers of this world often die for want of it.  I am impressed with an idea that amusements, and exercises, in various forms, must mingle with your immense labours, or you may too soon (for your country) mingle with the skies.\u2014\nAs I recommend trifles, to great minds, reading this, may be in point. Its littleness, is its apology.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1914", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 28 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Washington City, Commissioners of\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia march 28. 1797\nI have received the Letter you did me, the honour to write me on the 22d. of this month.\nyour congratulations, \u201con the preference given\u201d by my Fellow Citizens, in the Choice of the first Magistrate of the Union, and the Expressions of your Confidence are very obliging.\nI am not apprized of any reasonable objection to the measure Suggested, of offering Scites for houses to the Ministers of Foreign nations: but I think the Proposition to them would be made with most Propriety by you, Gentlemen, the Commissioners, and to enable you to do it, consistently, I will desire the Secretary of State to make out a List of the foreign Ministers with their Several Titles.\nThe Subject is new to me, and there may be difficulties in it, which have not occurred to me. The Opinion of President Washington, expressed in his Letter to you fo the 18. of September 1796, has great Weight with me. He mentions however, difficulties which have occurred to you, as hinted to him by the Spanish Minister or Mr. Barry: but these are not explained. If you are aware of any, I Should be glad to have them Stated to me. With great Esteem I am / Gentlemen, your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1917", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Henry Knox, 30 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Knox, Henry\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia March 30th 1797\nI received with much pleasure your favor of the 19th. If I Should meet with any \u201croses\u201d in my Path, I Shall thank you for your Congratulations, and when I set my foot on \u201cThorns\u201d as I Certainly shall, I shall thank you Equally for your Condolence, But when you assure me that you \u201cfeel a Confidence in the Safety of our Political Bark\u201d you give me much Comfort, and I pray you may not be disappointed\u2014\nIt is a delicate thing for me to speak of the late Election. To my self personally \u201cmy Elevation\u201d might be a matter of Indifference or rather of aversion, Had Mr. Jay or Some Others been in question, it might have less mortified my Vanity and infinitely less alarmed my apprehensions for the Public But to see such a Character as Jefferson, and much more such an unknown being as Pinckney brought over my Lead and trampling on the Bellies of hundreds of other men infinitely his Superiors in Talents, Services, and Reputation, filled me with apprehensions for the Safety of us all, it demonstrated to me, that if the project Succeeded our Constitution Could not have lasted four years; we Should have been set afloat and landed the Lord knows where\u2014That must be a Sordid people indeed, a people destitute of a Sense of Honor Equity and Character, that could submit to be governed, and see hundreds of its most meritorious men Public Men governed by a Pinckney under an Elective government. Hereditary government when it imposes young, new, inexperienced Men upon the Public has its Compensations and Equivalent, but Elective government have none. I mean by this no disrespect to Mr: Pinckney. I believe him a worthy Man, I speak only by Comparison with others\u2014\nI have it much at heart to Settle all disputes with France and nothing shall be wanting on my part to accomplish it\u2014Excepting a Violation of our faith and a Sacrifice of our honor. But Old as I am, War is even to me less dreadful to me than Iniquity or deserved disgrace\u2014No thing can be done of much moment in the way even of negotiation without the Senate and no thing else without Congress\nYour project has been long ago considered and determine on\u2014Mr: Jefferson would not go, his reasons are obvious, he has a Station assigned him by the Nation, which he has no right to quit, nor have I any right perhaps to Call him from. I may hereafter communicate to you, what I have never communicated to any other, what has passed upon the Subject, the Circumstance of Rank is too much. We shall never be respected in Europe while we confound Ranks in this manner, in their Eyes the Chief Justice was too much to send to England, I have Plans in Contemplation that I dare say will satisfy you when they come to be develloped\u2014I regret the time that must be Lost before the Senate and Representatives Can assemble. If we wish not to be degraded in the Eyes of foreigners we must not degrade ourselves\u2014What would have been thought in France Europe if the King of France had sent Monsieur his Eldest Brother as an Envoy? What of the King of England if he had sent the prince of Wales? Mr: Jefferson in Essence is the Same Situation. He is the first prince of the Country and the Heir apparent to the sovereign authority quod hoc\u2014His consideration in France is nothing. They Consider nobody but themselves. Their apparent Respect and real Contempt for all men and all Nations but Frenchmen are proverbially among themselves,\u2014They think it is in their power to give Characters and destroy Characters as they please\u2014and they have no other rule but to give reputation to their Fools and to destroy the reputation of all who will not be their Fools\u2014Their Efforts to \u201cpopulariser\u201d Jefferson and to \u201cdepopulariser Washington are all upon this principle, to a Frenchman the most important man in the world is himself and the most important nation is France, he thinks France ought to govern all nations and that he ought to govern France. Every man and nation that agrees to this he is willing to populariser. Every man and nation that disputes it doubts it he will depopulariser if he Can.\nThis is all in Confidence from Sir your / Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1918", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia March 30. 1797\nI received with much Pleasure your favour of the 19th. If I should meet with any \u201cRoses,\u201d in my Path, I shall thank you for your congratulations, and when I set my foot on \u201cthorns\u201d as I certainly shall, I will thank you equally for your condolence. But when you assure me that you \u201cfeel a confidence in the safety of our political Bark,\u201d you give me much comfort, and I pray you may not be dissappointed.\nIt is a delicate Thing, for me to Speak of the late Election.  To myself, personally it \u201cmy Elevation\u201d might be a matter of Indifference, or rather of Aversion. Had Mr Jay, or Some others been in question, it might have less mortified my Vanity, and infinitely less allarmed my Apprehensions for the Public. But to see such a Character as Jefferson, and much more such an unknown Being as Pinckney, brought over my head and trampling on the Bellies of hundreds of other Men infinitely his Superiours in Talents, Services and Reputation, filled me with Apprehensions for the Safety of Us all. it demonstrated to me, that if the Project succeeded our Constitution could not last four years; We should have been Set afloat and landed the Lord knows where.  That must be a Sordid People, indeed, a People destitute of a sense of honour, Equity and Character, that could submit to be governed, and see hundreds of its most meretorious Public Men, governed by a Pinckney under an elective Government. Hereditary Government, when it imposes, young, new, inexperienced Men upon the Public, has its Compensations and equivalents: but elective Governments have none. I mean by this no disrespect to Mr Pinckney\u2014I believe him a Worthy Man. I Speak only by Comparison with others.\nI have it much at heart to settle all disputes with France and nothing shall be wanting on my Part to accomplish it, excepting a violation of our faith and a Sacrifice of our honour.  But Old as I am, War, is even to me, less dreadful, than Iniquity or deserved disgrace.  Nothing can be done of much moment in the Way even of negotiation without the Senate and nothing else without Congress.\nYour Project has been long ago considered, and determined on\u2014Mr Jefferson would not go. His Reasons are obvious. He has a Station assigned him by the Nation, which he has no right to quit, nor have I any right perhaps to call him from. I may hereafter communicate to you, what I have never communicated to any other, what has passed upon this Subject.  The Circumstance of Rank is too much. We shall never be respected in Europe, while We comfound Ranks in this manner, in their Eyes.  The Chief Justice was too much, to send to England.  I have Plans in Contemplation that I dare say will Satisfy you, when they come to be develloped.  I regret the time, that must be lost before the Senate and Representatives can assemble.\nWith two Such popular Characters at the Head of Massachusetts so near to Rhode Island: with Governor Clinton at the head of N. Y. and Governor Henry, in Virginia so near to N. Carolina: there is some reason to be jealous.  a convulsion, with such Men engaged openly or Secretly in favour of it, would be a Serious Evil. I hope however that my fears are groundless.\u2014and have too much Charity for all of them, to imagine that they mean to disturb the Peace of our Israel.\nMr Henshaw like all others must apply to the President, if he has any Views of Employment.\u2014He has never communicated to me any desire of any Thing. I believe him to be a very worthy man.\nThis Letter is very free, and of course confidential.\nWe have got down Molosus to two and an half Cents: but I was obliged to reduce it, the Senators being equally divided.  But when they saw that I had reduced it to three Cents, they took the Resolution to take away the Drawback on Rum, and reduced Molosus half a Cent lower.\u2014They have not been very Severe upon me for what they call my Partiality for the Eaters and Distillers of Molosus.\nWith great Regard, I am, Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1919", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 31 March 1797\nFrom: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem\nTo: Adams, John\nSir!\nAmsterdam 31 March 1797.\nPermit us to congratulate your Excellency on your Election to the first office in your Country: In the discharge of which, We must sincerely and ardently wish you the success that our personal knowledge and experience assure us, your Exertion, Zeal and perseverance to promote the Honor, Interest, and Prosperity of the United States will most amply merit:\nThe warm part We take in the Welfare of your Republic, as well as our personal esteem and regard for your Excellency, all combine to fortify our Hopes and desire, that you may enjoy perfect Health and Vigor, to meet and sustain the fatigues of your present elevated Station, and long live to taste in joy and tranquillity their happy fruits.\nWith great respect We have the honor to be /  Your Excellency\u2019s /  most obedient and /  very humble Servants\nWilhem & Jan WillinkN&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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1920", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, Jr., March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy, Jr.,Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nMarch 1797\nThe President of the United States, requests The Secretary of State, The Secretary of the Treasury, The Secretary of War and the Attorney General of the United States to take into their Consideration and Make reports of their Opinions in writing\n1st. Whether the refusal to receive Mr Pinckney and the rude orders to quit Paris, and the territory of the republic with such circumstances of Indignity, insult & Hostility as we have been informed of, are Bars to all further measures of Negotiation? Or in other words will a fresh Mission to Paris be too great an Humiliation of the American People in their own sense and that of the World?\n2. If another Mission be admissible can any part and what parts as Articles of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Great Britain be offered to France, or ultimately conceded to that Power in Case of necessity if demanded by her?\u2014\n3. What Articles of the Treaty of Alliance and of the Treaty of Commerce with France should be proposed to be abolished\n4. Whether it will be prudent to say any thing concerning the Consular Convention with that Power, and if it will what Alterations in it should be proposed?\u2014\n5. Whether any new articles, such as are not contained in either of our Treaties with France or England shall be proposed or Can be agreed to if proposed by the French Government?\n6. What Documents shall be prepared to send to France as Evidence of Insults and Injuries Committed against the Commerce of the United States by French ships of War, or Privateers or by French Commissioners agents, officers or Citizens\n7. In What Terms shall remonstrances against spoliations of Property, Capture of Vessels, Imprisonment of Masters and Mariners Cruelties, Insults and abuses of Every Kind to our Citizens be made?\u2014\n8. In what terms shall be restitution, Reparation, Compensation & Satisfaction be demanded for such Insults and Injuries?\u2014\n9. Shall demand be Made of payment to our Citizens for property purchased by the French Government in Europe or in the East, or West Indies?\u2014\n10. Shall demand be made of the French Government of payment for Vessels and Cargoes Captured and Seized Whether by Ships of War or private Ships?\u2014\n11. Shall any Commission of Inquiry and Examination like that with England be agreed to?\n12. What Articles in the British Treaty can be offered to France without Compensation and with Compensation, and what Compensation shall be demanded?\n13. Shall a project of a new Treaty abolishing the Old Treaties and Consular Convention be proposed to France?\u2014\n14. Shall such a Project with a Project of Instructions to the Minister be prepared and laid before the Senate for their advice and Consent before they be sent to Europe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1921", "content": "Title: Prescription, March 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nca. March 1797\nRx. Muriat: Hydrargyr \u042di. = 1 Scruple = 20 grains\nCream. Tartar.  \u042dii. = 2 Scruples = 40 grains.\nDissolve in one Pound of Soft Water or Rosewater.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1922", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 1 April 1797\nFrom: Watson, Elkanah\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nAlbany. 1st. Apl. 1797\nI am hon\u2019d with your Obliging Letter of the 17th. Inst. After the departure of My Letter of the 5th. Ulto. I Regretted that I had touched on a delicate Subject Since however it is So, I feel impressed with the propriety of unveiling the Mistery, which I Request May be considered as Confidential\u2014I had Spent the Evening of writing you in Company with Chancellor Livingston who in the Most decided Manner affirmed the fact I disclosed to you\u2014and unreservedly Mentioned Mr. Hamilton & Co. as the persons who were under the disappointment & for the Reasons only assigned to you.  The day Insuing, the Same Conversation being on the Carpet at My table; when Judge Hobart & the Chancellor formed part of the Company, the Same fact was admitted by the Judge, but qualified in this Manner\u2014\u201cthat he had heard Mr. H\u2014Say that he Supposed Mr. Pinkney would under present circumstances be the Most proper Character for President, because he Was a New Man\u2014& Would not draw in his train the Spirit of party\u201d\u2014a curious assertion however for the Most decided party Man in America.\nI have taken unwearied pains to find Out Mr. Bacon. their is a person of that Name at Troy from Near Boston of poetic talents\u2014I have Sent the Poem Ireland by a friend to him, he disavows it; and I have Since found it Was Wrote by a Mr. Honeywood a Native of Connecticut\u2014an Attorney & Printer at Salem Near Skeensbo. in this State\u2014a Man of a Most amiable Character\u2014and a Refined Genius as Well Poet\u2014as a Self taught Painter, Capable by a Little experience in the Schools of Europe of Reaching the highest Point of Reputation: I have now in my possession an original Painting of his\u2014the Subject Virginius Slaying his Daughters, which I wish I could Send you\u2014as it displays at once a genius of the first Kind\u2014The first Specimen I had of it was in travelling thro this City in 1788 I discoverd Sticking up in a Tavern\u2014a Painting Representing a Group of Drunken Dutchmen So Well Characterized that I immediately Inquired Out the Residence of Mr. H\u2014& hazarded a Line to him, to prevail on him to emmerge from his obscurity\u2014I feel myself highly flattered to be Suspected the author of such a Charming performance\u2014However I have not the Least particle of a Poet in My composition.\nYour Letter to Me has given Rise to Some Laughable Incidents, & as you permit Me to write you with freedom, I Will tell you the Story in a few words.  My Little Tour in Holland had familiarized the people in this Quarter to a Knowledge of your Kindness to Me when in that Country\u2014Many in Consequence had predicted that from My Long Residence in Europe\u2014My Knowledge of the French Language, & other concurring circumstances that It was probable I should obtain an appointment a\u2019broad under your Administration. Your Signature appearing at the Post Office on the back of a Packet directed to Me So Soon after your election, the Report was flying all about the City even before I had opened the Letter, that I had a foreign appointment; but as If to take off my amour propre\u2014unfortunately it Was Soon fixed on an Ambasy to the Dey of Algiers. I happened in an Hour after to go into the Senate (Chamber) than Sitting\u2014the Country Members opened their Mouths & all stared on Me as the Algeriene Ambasador. It was in Vain to deny\u2014Some Had Seen the Letter\u2014& Others the Commission altho No Mortal had Seen the Inside of your Letter except My Wife.  The Report has Lasted in full Vigor for 3 days, & now the Inquisitive busy bodies begin to believe Me, when I tell them I have never aspired, wished, or tho\u2019t of any Kind of public Life\u2014to be a usefull Private Citizen being the height of My ambition.\nPerhaps No person from the days of Noah down to the Present time had ever a more important trust Committed to his Charge in a More trying Crisis than the One Now devolved on you\u2014\nThe eyes of the World are turned to you with anxiety, to See what expedients Can be devised to extricate us from the Precipice Now before Us\u2014to avoid the final & dreadfull appeal to Arms, especially without an Object, or a hope on Our Side of avenging Ourselves or gaining any thing by the Sickening Contest\u2014But broken Bones\u2014\nI am with Profound Respect Sir / Your Obliged Hl. St.\nE. WatsonNote\u2014the Moment your Proclamation appears\u2014War appears seems (we fear) Inevitable\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1924", "content": "Title: Questions About French Grounds for Dissatisfaction, 5 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nPrivate5 April 1797\nQuestions concerning the possible grounds of dissatisfaction on the part of France against the United States.\u2014\nI\nMay not the French conceive that by the 13th article of the British treaty, we made an arrangement with one of the belligerant parties for buying and carrying to market her East India produce and manufactures to the great support and aid of the British East India dominions in the war altho\u2019 we  could not lawfully do so before the war\u2014and that the East India company were by these means enabled to circulate their manufactures throughout the world through our neutral ports and in our neutral vessels.  It is certain that the British courts of Admiralty in Europe and the West Indies have decreed the confiscation of all neutral vessels, which have been taken in similar trades to the Colonies of France, Holland &ca. affirming the measure to be justifiable upon the principles herein contemplated.\nII.\nMay not the French also observe, that the same arangement operates to give the British East Indies in neutral American bottoms, many supplies, not only from neutral; but even their enemies countries, which tho\u2019 not contraband of war, do actually serve as provisions and refreshments for the British army and navy, materials for the equipment, and arming of vessels, troops and fortifications consequently for defence and offence, and even afford greater facility to, or the actual means of offensive operations against the East India colonies of France. May not these things appear the more serious and delicate, because an existing treaty between the United States and France contains a guaranty of the dominions of the United States undertaken with a particular eye to the very power Great Britain with whom the article was formed and which first broached and now decidedly and strenuously maintains the doctrine, that such alterations in war, of the state of things immediately before existing in peace, are just causes for the confiscation of neutral Ships. If this doctrine be held in cases wherein the change is made by the separate act of the belligerant party in the form of a statute or proclamation, is there not a probability, that they may deem it even offensive and injurious when effected by the joint act of an enemy and an ally in the form of a treaty, voluntarily begun and concluded pending a war.\nIt would have made this arangement unexceptionable, if a provision in the treaty had declared, that this article should begin its operation only from and after the conclusion of the war in which Great Britain France &ca. are engaged. In the mean time England could have done as she pleased, by statute or proclamation, without involving the joint act of our Government.  The French courts of Admiralty must then have been satisfied to capture and confiscate our and other neutral vessels employed in such trade.\nIII\u2014\nMay not France observe, that if our real native citizens, are actually taken out of our own Ships and put to the guns of their Enemy\u2019s navy, without a remedy upon the transgressing British Captains having ever been pursued to issue in any one case, it is the conversion of a neutral object, into an hostile engine, and that too without a demand and procurement of reparation and punishment even in acknowledged and ascertained cases, and may not France conceive, that there is not a perfect correspondence between these circumstances, as they affect her and the 21st article of the British treaty as that affects her Enemy.\nIV\nMay not France reasonably except to the arrangement, in regard to provisions destined to ports not blockaded, seeing that we have promulgated an official declaration (considered and settled by the President, Secretary of State and Attorney General &ca.) that such an arrangement could be contrary to a faithful Neutrality [see correspondence between the Secretary of Sate and the Minister of the United States to England, A.D. 1793]\nV\nMay not France, without unreasonableness entertain some dissatisfaction, that this Government has not restrained, by law, the trade of its Citizens with those parts of her dominions (the conquered Islands and districts in the West Indies) which we have guarantied to her by treaty, especially as they have been conquered by that very power against whom she stipulates a guaranty of the territories of the United States and particularly, because the progress of those conquests would have been every where impeded, perhaps in many places arrested by such a law on our part. May she not reflect that the Island of St. Lucia is a mere place of arms for the maintenance and the extension of the power of her enemy, without agricultural or commercial capacities.\nVI.\nMay not France have entertained reflections and feelings concerning the 12th or West India Article of the treaty, similar to those noticed under the 1st & 2d heads in regard to the 13th. East India Article.  If she might think herself injured by what has been stated in regard to the East Indies, she might have some feeling as to the application of similar Ideas in the West India case; because the West India article was agreed to by our Negociator; will be presumed to have been approved by the President, was not known to be opposed by the then nor present Secretary of State, nor does it appear to have been objected to by the Senate upon such principles as are cotemplated under the East India head in the 1st and 2d divisions of this paper.  In the West India case the feelings of France may be the more quickened, because of our guaranty of the West Indies, and perhaps because she may conceive herself to have favored our situation 1793, in waving the performance of that guaranty. The particular duration of the West India article, may have impressed France disagreeably, for tho\u2019 it may be a cautious experiment on the part of England, yet it is, at least at the same time, true that it is to last only through the War, and the short time of restoring the West Indies to repair and vigor after it; that is till the end of two years after the existing War with France. There is one provision in this 12th or West India article, which would have been deeply injurious to the French West India colonies: that is to say, the prohibition to export West India produce from the United States to any other Country. America had proved some support to the French Colonial agriculture in its own revolutionary war; but now that it is at peace, and with a great fleet of private Ships, it is plain, that it would prove a grand support to the french Islands. That article of the treaty would have cut off two thirds of this advantage from France, and would indeed have been a most important alteration of the state of things pending a war.  It is not a complete answer to these reflections upon the present feelings and reasonings of France to observe that the article is rejected, for that only applies to some of these or to other points in the original form of the article. It is only suspended for amendment. It may appear to France to be the intention and desire of the United States to modify it in parts and then to sanction the arrangement.\u2014\nVII\nThe rigidness or laxness observed by belligerant nations in regard to several important articles included by the British treaty in the list of contraband of War, greatly depends upon their own power and necessities, upon the power, resources, and situation of a neutral nation, and upon the circumstances of the moment. Is it not therefore probable that France may feel irritated because the benefits to her of all these chances is cut off in the middle of a war, by the treaty of Great Britain, which explicitly fixes the most unfavorable rule of contraband, that is possible or which has ever been devised by the refinements of the most powerful and grasping nations.  May she not feel an unalterable conviction that the new method of agreeing to be paid for an article at least doubtful, is a device of profit at the hazard of her ruin.  May she not believe that the desire of gain has rendered the United States inattentive to the duties of neutrality and consistancy, in not resisting the doctrines concerning provisions, in the manner which the strong and explicit declarations of our Government, before referred to had led her confidently to expect. France may deem it in us a sufferance of an acknowledged violation of our neutrality for money, and may look with the more zealous upon this article because it is proved to be (on the part of the British Government) the execution of a plan secretly entered into between Russia and England in March 1793 and unreservedly avowed to be a design common to those two powers and to Spain, calculated to be extended to Portugal, Holland &ca. [See Lord Grenvilles declaration to Mr Pinkney on the 5th of July 1794]\nBefore the British treaty (no law forbidding, the French could sell in our ports all prizes taken from what ever power. The buyer only had to take care abroad. May they not feel some irritation because a treaty made with an enemy, in the time of a war, is the instrument to deprive them of that advantage and that same enemy is left by that treaty and our laws, to enjoy the advantage of having its navy and privateers greatly supported by the right to sell all its prizes (other than French) in our ports. Is not such a state of things calculated to operate upon neutral powers to fear more to join England than France. May not the articles of the treaty in question (No 14 & 15) be considered as working an alteration in these respects, in the state of things, in the time of war.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1925", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 5 April 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nApril 5th. 1797.\nIn doing myself the honor to submit to your consideration the ideas contained in the inclosed paper, I feel myself obliged to assure you beg you to believe, that an anxiety for the public peace is my only motive. You will perceive, that if they are reasonable and just, they are of a nature, if true, too arouse afford to partizans both foreign and domestic, with the appearance of observation they may be perverted both at home and abroad to purposes of criticism and censure upon the measures of Government. If erroneous and mistaken unjust, they may contribute to encrease passions already too much excited in America and in Europe.  I have not therefore even consultations,  with a view to correction or melioration, thought it prudent to expose them to any person upon  the whatever, except the Clerk, who copied them.  He is incapable unable to conceive comprehend their nature and is entirely ignorant of or tendency, & will ever lie unacquainted with the use purpose to which I intended to apply them.\u2014\nAs I now understand the information from Mr. Pinckney, (which however I have not read) a determination not to receive any missionary from the U.S. has been expressed by the french Government.  Permit me to say, Sir, that no man is more dissatisfied displeased than I am with the substance of such a of their communication, nor with what I understand to have been the manner.  But it Yet, I trust, that it I trust will not, appear inconsistent with the proper feelings to remark that before we enter upon a war with a very numerous, strong, very highly excited very irregular and, perhaps by this day, a neighbouring nation\u2014before we give up a relinquish a state of peace, profitable beyond all example peculiarly important to us, and before we enter into a war the most disordoning & destroying dreadful and inveterate, that has ever occur\u2019d, every favor all the just means, nay and every honest political device should, as I respectfully conceive, Sir, be carefully attempted.\nIf then, Sir, it should appear from that kind of a thorough and dispassionate examination,  either I have attempted  that the self love of France has so much plausible ground of alarm as to extenuate her Conduct, or if it shall appear, that by the experience unintended result operations of the law of nations, of our laws, and of the two treaties and of existing circumstances have been some unfavorable alterations of the state of things have been unobservedly produced in war or if it should appear that a conduct  injurious in principle to France, has been unperceivedly or unavoidably suffered from England her Enemies by us upon a small or a great scale, it will be equally honorable to the President of and advantageous to the United States and       to the people, not committed to  that exalted station, & otherwise, if the such unavoidable and unperceived aberrations of the times past can be  discovered & corrected: by him or if any means should be adopted, which might convince the French that the errors lie entirely, principally or equally on their side.\nI am thoroughly sensible Sir that their sudden suspension of their own minister the particular season & manner in which it was done & and as I stand informed their indecorous rejection of our Minister refusal of Mr. Pinckney or any other regular minister who might be sent from us throw great, but I trust not insuperable difficulties, in the way. An informal agent of the President of the United states, of ability, temper, & address, and accurately & fully instructed & prepared, To maintain peace is their inestimable object might produce a change in their Views and conduct\u2014Such an Agent was all that G. Britain would ever employ in the U.S. for eight years after the war altho we sent her a regular & dignified Minister Pleny. & such an agent to England after such indecorous conduct of that Govt. was Mr. G. Morris in the year 1790.  If such an agent were to be sent by the President a public exposure of the dignity of this Country would be avoided, and a renewal of intercourse might be happily effected.  Mr. Adet\u2019s application to the Government of this country, after his functions were suspended, would lessen tend to remove the appearance of undue condescention in the President of the United States. The inestimable object of preserving peace would justify the measure, if successful. If unsuccessful it would unite all parties in repelling insult & injury at every hazard.\nI beg leave, Sir, most particularly to apologize to you for this freedom, which even the anxiety I feel to avoid War would probably not have induced me to risque, had not you been pleased to express a disposition to receive what I might at any time take the liberty to offer concerning the public interests\u2014\nI have the honor to be / with perfect 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1926", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 6 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n(copy)\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia April 6th 1797\u2014\nyour favor of the 27th Ult. gave me great pleasure. The proposal of appointing the V.P. to go as Envoy Extraordinary to Paris, has arrived from so many quarters that I presume the thought is a natural one. I will tell you a secret But I wish you to keep it a Secret in your own Breast\u2014I was so impressed with the idea, myself that on the 3d of March, I had a conversation with mr. Jefferson in which I proposed it to him, and frankly declared to him that if he would accept it, I would nominate him the next day, as soon as I should be qualified to do it. He as frankly refused as I expected he would. Indeed I made a great stretch in proposing it, to accommodate to the Feelings, Views and Prejudices of a Party. I would not do it again, because upon more mature reflection I am decidedly convinced of the Impropriety of it. The reasons you give are unanswerable. But there are others. It would be a degradation of our Government in the eyes of our own people as well as of all Europe. The V.P. in our Constitution is too high a personage, to be sent on Diplomatick Errands even in the Character of an Ambassador. We cannot work miracles. We cannot make Nations respect ours or its government, if we place before their Eyes, the Persons answering to the first Princes of the government, in the low and Subordinate character of a foreign Minister. It must be a pitiful Country indeed in which the Second Man in the Nation will accept of a place upon a footing with the Corps Diplomatic, especially Envoy such a one Ambassador such a one, or Plenipo. such a one. The nation must hold itself Very Cheap that can Choose a man one day to hold its Second office, and the next send him to Europe, to dance attendance at Levers and Drawing rooms among the Common Mayor Generals, Simple Bishops, Earls and Barons but especially among the common trash of Ambassadors Envoys and Minist. Plenipo.\nThe Nation has chosen Jefferson and Commanded him to a Certain Station, The President therefore has no right to Command him to another or to take him off from that. A nation to be consistent must highly resent it. It appeared to me in this Light when the Mission to England was talked of, two or three persons proposed to me to go but I positively refused to have anything said about it and gave the reasons above among many others, indeed I thought it wrong to Send the Chief Justice, he was too high to go even as Ambassador, but to send him as Envoy was unpardonable it must mark us with Contempt in all Europe. But we Studiously regrade our Government by Every ingenious invention and then wonder that our Nation and Government are despised\u2014\nThe Satisfaction you Express with my Lettle harrangue before taking the oath gives me great pleasure, I had been so abused, belied and misrepresented for Seven years together, without uttering one Syllable in my own Vindication, and almost without one Word in my favor from anybody Else, that I was determined to give the Lie direct to whole Volumes at once, be the Consequence what it would.\nI am my dear sir with great respect\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1927", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Joseph Ward, 6 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Ward, Joseph\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia, April 6th 1797\nI received yesterday your favor of the 27th of March for which I thank you.\nThe strain of Joy at a late event, and of Panegyrick on the subject of it, serve, among some other Instances to Convince me, that old friendships, when they are well preserved become very strong.  The friends of my youth are generally gone The friends of my early political life are chiefly departed\u2014Of the few that remain, some have been found on a late occasion weak, envious, jealous, and spiteful, humiliated and mortified and duped enough by French Finesse, and Jacobinical rascality to show it to me and to the world.  Others have been found faithful and true, generous and Manly.  From these I have received Letters and Tokens of approbation and Friendship in a style of ardour, Zeal, and exultation similar to yours.\nYour Postscript is a Morsel of exquisite Beauty and utility. My life will undoubtedly depend in a great Measure on my observance of it\u2014\nThe Labour of my office is very constant and very severe, and before this time you will have seen enough to convince, that my Prospects as well as yours are grave; I should be much obliged to you for your sentiments and those of the people in general about you concerning what ought to be done.\u2014\nI am Sir with sincere esteem your / Friend and Servant,\nJohn Adams\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1928", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 April 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\n8th April 1797.\nThe quantum and kind of defensive force necessary at this juncture, and which it appears to the Sery of War, Congress ought to make immediate provision for, may be calculated, 1st with reference simply to France; and 2dly with reference to France and Spain united.\nThis force, calculated with reference to France only, will have for  objects; the protection of our commerce; the securing our Cities from requisitions, by predatory invasions, and the more southern parts of the Union from domestic insurrections.\nThere will be required for these purposes, in addition to our existing land and naval military establishments, the following actual and contingent force.\nOf actual force, which ought to be raised as soon as possible, vz. One Regiment or corps of Artillerists and Engineers; One Regt of Infantry; two companies of Dragoons; three Frigates of 32 guns and six sloops of war of 16 guns. Of contingent force vz. 10,000 regulars to be raised only  as wanted at the discretion of the President.\nThe Secry. has presumed in forming this breif estimate, that the crippled situation of the marine of France joined to our  distance from Europe, will prevent any formidable invasion by our sea-board; that Spain will evacuate the posts which she now occupies within our territory, and remain neutral & friendly along the Mississippi; and, that a tranquil state of the Western fronteir, as it respects both settlers and Indians, may possibly admit of our drawing thence to our maritime ports a part of the army employed in that quarter. It is proper however to observe, and to be fully understood, that little, or rather no dependence can be placed upon such a resource.\nThe defensive force, calculated with reference to France and Spain united must be greater than in the preceding estimate, as the points to be protected will be found to be more multiplied. Besides the objects that have been enumerated, these two powers will no doubt apply both force and machinations against the Western Country; and as neither policy, nor the interests and safety of the parts of the union contiguous thereto, would justify our abandoning that quarter to its own means of defence, and thereby delivering it up to intriguers and Independence; it ought therefore to be well guarded and defended, and provision made accordingly.\nThere will be required for this situation of things, in addition to existing military establishments, and the three frigates and six sloops of war, the following force. For immediate service. Vz. Two Regiments or corps of Artillerists and Engineers; two Regiments of Infantry and six companies of Dragoons. For contingent service, vz. An army of 15,000 regulars to be raised as aforesaid.\nExpence of the defensive force upon this first calculation exclusive of the contingent army.Dolls\nMaritime fortifications 50,000\n3 frigates of 32 guns, men &c\u201412 months. 481,806\n6 Sloops of war 16 guns Do\u2014Do. 445,020\n1 Regt. or corps of Art. & Eng. Pay &c 12 mo.  216,061\n1 Do Infantry Do\u2014Do. 101,000\n2 Companies Dragoons Do. Do. 58,354\nQuarter masters dept. &c &c\u2014\u2014200,000\nExpence of the defensive force upon the second calculation, exclusive of the contingent army.\nMaritime fortifications  50,000\n3 Frigates & six Sloops of war  926,820\n2 Regts. Art. & Engineers\u2014\u2014422,032\n2 Do. Infantry  202,000\n6 Companies Dragoons  175,062\nQuarter masters depart. &c  300,000", "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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1929", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Heath, 10 April 1797\nFrom: Heath, William\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nRoxbury April 10th 1797\u2014\nAfter public Bodies and more elivated Citizens be pleased to accept the Congratulations of an old Republican on your advancement to the Presidental chair of the United States of America.\nIn a Letter which you did me the honor to write me, Dated at Philadelphia April 15th 1776.\u2014You were pleased to observe, \u201cAltho I never had the pleasure and the honour of so intimate an Acquaintance with you as I wished, yet I have a long time been sufficiently acquainted with your Character, to have the utmost Confidence in your Patriotism, and your Judgement of the true Interest of our Country.\u201d\u2014Whatever grounds sir you had for such an opinion of me with equal sincerity, and better grounds, I express myself to you in the same sentiments, and do most heartily congratulate you and my Country on your advancement to be her first Majestrate.\nYou are called Sir, to guide the affairs of the States, at a time critical, and difficult, but by no means desperate, and for One, I rest fully satisfied that your knowledge of mankind,\u2014Love for your native Country and discernment of what is for her true interest, will enable you to lead your Fellow Citizens in that path under the Guidance of Heaven, which will be honorary to yourself, and acceptable to the multitude of your brethren.\nTo be at Peace if it be possible with all the world to obtain right by fair negotiation, rather than by the Sword, to heal all with Justice, and Civility, to give those the first seats\u2014who prove themselves our best friends, but to avoid being under the influence, or Controul of any, to Honour ourselves by loving our Own Country, to be United in this love and in an invariable support of the Constitutions and the Laws, and in the practise of all the Public and private virtues,\u2014will not fail to render the United States, that great and flourishing People, which Providence seems to have designed them to be. that you sir will be an instrument of contributeing largely to this I am fully confident and you may rest assured that you will have the mite, of an old man in private life added to the able exertions of United America in support of your endeavours to serve your Country.\nWith every wish for your health and an Administration Prosperous to yourself, and your Fellow Citizens.\nI have the honor to be / most respectfully / Sir / your most humble Servant\nW Heath", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1930", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 10 April 1797\nFrom: Malcom, Samuel B.\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNewyork apl. 10th 1797\nEvery information I can get with respect to a Certain affair I Shall take the Liberty as Early as possible to Communicate; the unfortunate business of the Collector is now becoming generally known, and is the principal Topic of the day.  I have learn\u2019d from a gentleman Some information that you were desirous to know before I left you. I mean whether any intimacy subsisted between Coll. Burr Mr: Willett, and Lamb. This in a great degree has been the Case, their speculations and opinions are all in Common\u2014 The Collectors apology I Suppose transpires to day, as the naval officer is to make Known his retirement from the office\nColl Burr is to be a Candidate for Member of assembly This doubtless has within it some View to influence his Election for governor.  Owing as I am told, to a division in the federal Interest at a late Election for a Congressman in the Western part of this State Viz of Mr. Cochran. Mr. Jays interest will be greatly prejudiced and injured, but notwithstanding, this the general Satisfaction he has given during this Administration will secure him the Chair particularly when opposed by a Certain gentleman\nNo Annuals from Europe or any domestic intelligence of any importance, Mrs. Adams has not yet arrived.\nI am Sir with respect / your Obt & humble servant\nSamuel B Malcom", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1931", "content": "Title: From Joseph Anthony to William Allibone, 11 April 1797\nFrom: Anthony, Joseph\nTo: Allibone, William\nPhilada. April 11th 1797\nWe do agree to supply William Allibone Esqr for the use of the Delaware Light House with Fifteen Hundred Gallons of the best winter Straind Sperm Oil for which he is to pay us Eight Shillings per Gallon on delivery, which is to be in the Course of one Month from this date\nJoseph Anthony & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1932", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 12 April 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nThe Secy of the Treasury respectfully  reports to the President of the United States.\nThat in the month of September 1796, it was discovered by the Secretary, that some  important errors existed in the accounts of John Lamb Collector of the Customs for the District of New York, in consequence of which, the Letter dated Sept. 14th. was written from this Department, of which a Copy is herewith transmitted.\nA reasonable time having elapsed & no without any answer having been recd the subject was recalled to the Collectors attention by a Letter dated Oct. 26th. to which the reply dated Oct. 31st. was recd. transmitted.\nThe pressure of public business during the Session of Congress & the assurances contained in the Collectors letter of Oct. 31st. postponed any further enquirings on the part of the Sect. untill Feby 17th when the private Letter of that date was written.\nThe Letters herewith communicated from the Collector dated February 20th. & 23d. March 25th. & 31st. & April 11th. 1797;\u2014from Benjamin Walker Esq dated March 24th. 1797.\u2014 & from William Seton Esq dated March 24th. April 1st. 3d. & 20th. 1797;\u2014 & from the Secretary dated Sept 14th March 21st. & 28th & April 5th. 1797\u2014Now the important  of the enquiry to be a probably deficienty of about one hundred thousand Dollars shew the further progress & result of this very unpleasant enquiry.\nAs there remains but little reason to doubt that the enormous amount of nearly One hundred thousand Dollars has been misapplied by the Collector, the Secy feels it to be his duty to state circumstances, which he presumes will vindicate the Treasury, from answers for one any supposed want of vigilance.\n1st. By the detailed accounts of the Collector rendered to & settled by the Auditor of the & Comptroller of the Treasury, it appears that the following balances of Cash remained in the Collectors hands at the close of each year. viz...\nat the close of the year 1791$ 16,444.08at the close of the year 179214,744.12at the close of the year 179321,883.06at the close of the year 179447,514.41at the close of the year 179591,273.55\nExcept the last sum the balances of Cash on hand, were not more than even to be expected, & not more than the frequent amount of attention, or requiring a Report to the Secy.\nThe accounts for the last quarter of the year 1795, were not settled at the Treasury untill late in the year 1796, although they appear to have been frequently required.\u2014the death of the Deputy Collector, Mr. Fillinghart, & the want of experienced Clerks, suggested plausible apparently solid apologies for the delay on the part of the Collector.\u2014to which it may be added it is possible however, that the unsettled state of the Comptrollers Office,  untill within a few months, may have been the cause of some  apparent relaxation of  on the part of the Treasury.\u2014 The Secretary feels however a perfect satisfaction with the conduct of the accounting officers.\n2nd With respect myself, of how to to the Secty. himself, he takes the liberty to observe that the Collector has punctually transmitted every week a Statement of his rects. & that it will appear that the balances of those Statements, have been weekly deposit deposited in the Bank to the Credit of the Treasurer\u2014instead therefore of any Course of exciting suspicion the conduct of the Collector has been such as to inspire perfect confidence in his integrity.\u2014A copy of the last weekly return dated March 31s. 1797 is transmitted, as a specimen of what has been the constant course of business.\nBut it now appears evident that the weekly returns have been mere fabrications adapted to cover fraud\u2014the sums for which the Collector is indebted, have been suppressed; a document intended to convey accurate information has been made the instrument of deception;\u2014the punctuality with which it has been rendered, has tended & may possibly have been designed, to inspire a false confidence.\nThe Secty on the ground of facts herein stated, fulfills a painful, but as he conceives an important duty, in stating reporting, that in his opinion John Lamb Collector for the District of New York, ought to be immediately removed from Office.\nAll which is / respectfully 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1934", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nPhiladelphia April 14. 1797\nThe President of the United States, requests the Secretary of the Treasury to take into his consideration the following Questions, and make report of his opinion in writing. Viz.\n1st. Whether the refusal to receive Mr Pinckney and the rude orders to quit Paris, and the Territory of the Republic with Such circumstances of Indignity, Insult, and Hostility as we have been informed of are Bars to all further measures of Negotiation? Or in other words will a fresh Mission to Paris be too great an Humiliation of the American People in their own Sense, and that of the world?\n2d. If another Mission be admissible, can any part and what parts or articles of the Treaty of amity & Commerce with Great Britain be offered to France or ultimately conceded to that Power in Case of necessity if demanded by her?\n3d. What Articles of the Treaty of Alliance and of the Treaty of Commerce with France should be proposed to be abolished?\n4th. Whether it will be prudent to say any thing Concerning the Consular Convention with that Power\u2014and if it will what Alterations in it Should be proposed\u2014\n5th. whether any new articles such as are not Contained in Either of our Treaties with France or England Shall be proposed or Can be agreed to if proposed to the French Government?\n6th. what Documents Shall be prepared to send to France as Evidence of Insults, and Injuries committed against the Commerce of the United States by French Ships of War, or privateers or by French Commissioners, Agents, Officers or Citizens?\u2014\n7th. In what Terms shall remonstrances against spoliations of property Capture of Vessels, Imprisonment of Masters and Mariners, Cruelties, Insults and Abuses of Every Kind to our Citizens, be Made.\n8th. In what Terms Shall restitution, Reparation, Compensation and Satisfaction be demanded for such Insults, and Injuries\n9. Shall demand be Made of payment to our Citizens for property, purchased by the French Government in Europe, or in the East or West Indies\n10th.  Shall demand be Made of the French Government of payment for Vessels and Cargoes Captured and Seized whether by Ships of War or private Ships.\n11th. Shall any Commissions of Inquiry and Examination like that with England be agreed to?\u2014\n12. What Articles in the British Treaty can be offered to France, without Compensation, and what with Compensation, and what Compensation Shall be demanded?\n13. Shall a Project of a New Treaty abolishing the Old Treaties and Consular Convention be proposed to France?\n14. Shall Such a Project with a Project of Instructions to the Minister be proposed and laid before the Senate for their Advice and Consent before they be sent to Europe.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1935", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nPhiladelphia April 15. 1797.\nThe President of the United States requests the Secretary of State, to commit to writing in detail, and report to the President as early as may be convenient, such particulars as the Secretary may think necessary or expedient to be inserted in the Presidents speech at the opening of the ensuing Congress, under the heads\n1. of such Things as ought to be communicated to Congress, concerning the state of the Union.\n2. of such Measures as ought to be recommended to Congress for their Adoption.\nAnd the Presidents desire is that the Secretary would not confine himself to matters merely within the Department of State, but give himself a liberal Latitude, both in relation to the other departments, and to the Illustrations and Reasonings in support of his Opinions.\nThe President also requests the Secretary to report to him, his opinion, of the Articles which ought to be inserted in the Instructions of an Ambassador, Envoy Ordinary or Extraordinary, or Minister Plenipotentiary, to be sent to France upon supposition, it should be deemed consistent with the Dignity, Honour and Interest of the United States to send another Mission to that Power.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1936", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nPhiladelphia April 15. 1797\nThe President of the United States requests the Secretary of the Treasury, to commit to writing in detail, and report to the President as early as may be convenient, such Particulars as the Secretary may think necessary  or Kreliant to be inserted in the Presidents Speech at the opening of the ensuing Congress, under the heads\n1. of Such Things as ought to be communicated to Congress concerning the state of the Union\n2. of Such Measures as ought to be recommended to Congress for their Adoption.\nAnd the Presidents desire is that the Secretary would not confine himself to matters merely within the Treasury department, but give himself a liberal Latitude, but both in Relation to the other Departments and to the illustrations and Reasonings in support of his opinions.\nThe President also requests the Secretary to report to him his opinion, of the Articles which ought to be inserted in the Instructions, of an Ambassador Envoy ordinary or Extraordinary or Minister Plenipotentiary to be sent to France, upon Supposition it should be deemed consistent with the Dignity Honour and Interest of the United States to Send another Mission to that Power\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1937", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 17 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Washington City, Commissioners of\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia April 17. 1797\nI am honoured by your Letter of the eleventh.\nSensible of the difficulty of obtaining Loans of Money in Europe at this time, and equally with my Predecessor aware of the evil of Stopping the public Buildings, I shall have no hesitation to approve of your Plan of employing Agents to Sell Lotts, for the best Prices they can obtain, provided they be not lower, than the Standard that you Shall prescribe: Provided also that you Shall judge this measure to be necessary.\nThe whole of this Business is so new to me, and I have so many pressing Arrestions that I must repose myself very much on your Wisdom and Experience.\nWith great / Regard I have the Honour to be / Gentlemen your mot 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1938", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 17 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Washington City, Commissioners of\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia April 17. 1797\nI have received and in due time, your favour of the third of this month.\nI have looked into the Acts of Congress and the Deed of Trust, and although I find no literal Authority given to the President to convey Lotts by Deed of Gift, yet the terms and Conditions of the Sales are subjected to his Discretion.\nThe general Policy of the measure under Consideration, that of offering sites to the foreign Ministers being so obvious, I should have no doubt of the Authority of the President, to convey such Lotts, for very small pecuniary Considerations: but then, I should suppose that the Conveyances ought to be upon Conditions; for example, of erecting Buildings, within a certain reasonable term.\nThe pledging of the Lotts for the Payment of the Loan, appears not to diminish the Authority of the President to convey them, for such Considerations, and on such Covenants and Conditions as he shall judge most beneficial.\nWith great Esteem, I have the Honour / to be, Gentlemen, your most / obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1939", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Adams, Sr., 17 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, Samuel, Sr.\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nBoston April 17th: 1797\nI am loth to trespass one moment upon your time, which at present must be very precious.\u2014But I am induced even to offer Mr:  Wyllys this recommendatory Letter to you. He is a native of our Commonwealth, and lately a traveller in Europe. Th\u00f4 his travels have been merely on Mercantile Business, he appears to be very intelligent, observing, and impartial. He has seen Italy; and conversed among others with Genl. Buonoparte and the Pope. He has visited a number of the Italian States, also Algiers and France.\u2014I flatter myself you will be pleased with his conversation and hope you will find it usefull to you. This is the only motive for my addressing a Letter to you at this Time.\u2014\nI congratulate you as the first Citizen of the United States\u2014I may add of the World. I am my dear sir, notwithstanding I have  been otherwise represented in party papers;\nYour Old and unvaried Friend\u2014\nSamuel 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1940", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James Drake, 18 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Drake, James\nSir\nPhiladelphia April 18 1797\nI sent 600 dollars this morning to the Bank to purchase a Postnote and they sent me the inclosed. I hope it will answer your purpose: But it is not exactly as I wished and intended. You will please acknowlege the rest of it by return of Post\nI am Sir your obliged 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1942", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Heath, 19 April 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Heath, William\nSir\nPhiladelphia April 19. 1797\nI have recd the Letter, you did me the honour to write me on the tenth of this month.\nThe Date of this Letter reminds me that it is two and twenty years Since our final Separation from Britain, and my Letter which you quote recalls old Times and scenes to remembrance.\nI thank you, Sir, for your kind Congratulations on my Advancement.\nThe Times appear not to me, so critical and difficult, as they did on the 19. Ap. 1775, but they are not without their dangers.  Although Peace be very desireable, and Should be cultivated with Zeal, there is Such a Thing as a just and necessary War, Sometimes, let the Quakers Say what they will. If We have a War it will be forced upon Us, much against our Inclinations, but I know not that We need tremble before any Nation at a thousand Leagues distance, in a just Cause.\nWith great Esteem I have the honour / to be, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1943", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Carlos Martinez de Yrujo, 21 April 1797\nFrom: Yrujo, Carlos Martinez de\nTo: Adams, John\n(Translation)\nSir,Phila. 21. April 1797\nI have recent grounds to believe that it is intended to carry into effect the expedition on the part of the English against upper Louisiana, by violating the territory of the US. according to what I informed you in my letter of the 2d March last; I must add that I know to a certainty that the English have made propositions to General Clarke in Georgia, in order to obtain his powerful influence in that state in conjunction with some persons who might make a diversion or serious attack against  Florida; and as by your letter of the 11th of last month you assured me that the US would take the necessary measures to cause their neutrality to be respected, I doubt not that in consequence of this my advice the Executive Government will  take suitable steps for effectually preventing the rights of neutrality being infringed by Georgia to the prejudice of the possessions of the King my Master.\nI embrace this oppy. to renew to you my desires to serve you and pray God to preserve your life many years.\nCarlos M. de Yriujo", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1944", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 21 April 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nApril 21st. 1797\nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the command of the President of the United States, respectfully reports his opinion on the following questions.\n1st. Whether the refusal to receive Mr. Pinckney, and the rude orders to quit Paris and the Territory of the Republic with such circumstances of indignity, insult & hostility as we have been informed of, are bars to all further measures of Negociation? or in other words, will a fresh Mission to Paris, be too great an humiliation of the American People in their own sense and that of the World?\nA consideration of this question leads to a review of various proceedings of the American and French Governments.\nIt has been long known to the President and has been lately demonstrated to the Public, that since the year 1778, France has never relinquished the design then formed, of maintaining an improper influence in the Councils of America. Her system for accomplishing this purpose has been governed by two leading principles\u20141st. To impair and weaken the energy of the Federal Government, and 2nd. to excite & promote discontents, contests or actual war with Great Britain. The opinions & writings of influential characters in France, and the measures of the Ministers, Consuls & secret Agents of the Government of that Country here, have accordingly been uniformly directed to these ends. It is unnecessary to prove these positions in any other manner than by referring to the known opposition of French Agents to the adoption of the present Constitution of the United States; to the uniform connection between French politics & Antifederealism, and to the notorious popularity in France, of the opposers of every leading measure of our Administration.  This line of conduct is not to be reconciled with French ideas of Government; for while Antifederalism is here supported & encouraged the maxims & principles of the American Federalists who are the only advocates for any form of National Government in the United States, are held to be criminal when applied to France and to other Countries, where her views & Interests have led to a different policy. To prevent this inconsistency from becoming too apparent, and to lessen the influence & popularity of the friends of our National independence, every pretext has been seized to represent their measures & views as incompatible with friendship to France and the stipulations of our Treaties in her favor.\nThe progress of a measure so contrary to the views of France as an adjustment of disputes with Great Britain, could not be viewed by her with other emotions than of extreme solicitude. Accordingly every attempt was made to prevent overtures for negotiation;\u2014After a Mission was determined on by the President the character of the Minister was attacked & stigmatised;\u2014the public passions were stimulated by every possible artifice, improper suggestions were made to the American Minister at Paris, and by him countenanced and disseminated in this Country: nevertheless the negociation terminated in a Treaty with Great Britain.\nFrom the nature of the publications which appeared before and immediately after the Treaty was divulged, it is almost certain that the French Government or at least their party here had in consequence of information irregularly obtained systematically concerted and arranged their objections; the more unexceptionable the Treaty was found to be, the more was France interested in defeating its effects.\nThe prejudices & discontents which had been artfully excited in the public mind, were no otherwise opposed by the Friends of Government, who were then unacquainted with the stipulations of the Treaty than by encouraging unreasonable expectations of important concessions by Great Britain, and of positive advantages to be derived from the negociation. When it was afterwards discovered that we had obtained nothing more than was our right, and on condition of performing some duties which had been neglected;\u2014that our Commerce was to remain essentially on the old footing, and which though on the whole advantageous, was susceptible of great meliorations; and moreover when it was known that Great Britain would not relax from certain maxims of the law of Nations, which had been supposed to be unfavorable to pacific & commercial states, there was evidently a momentary declension of the public confidence, and a general sense of disappointment in the community.\nIt was intended that the first impression should be made upon the Senate; and it is now known that until the vote was actually taken a rejection by that body was confidently expected.\nThe next attack was made upon the President by means of popular addresses, which were aided by the artifice & chicanery of Mr. Randolph; a fortunate discovery of his perfidy however, accelerated a decision which would in any event have been shortly made, by the eminently impartial virtuous and enlightened mind of the Executive.\nA reliance was then placed on the opposition of the House of Representatives; and it is known that this opposition was in defiance of the Constitution conducted with a concert & pertinacity, of which there are few examples.\nThe last resource has been an attempt to influence the election of a President of the United States, by means of the terror of War, and by measures of actual hostility against the Commerce of this Country.\nOn the ground of facts thus briefly detailed, it is assumed as a principle, that one of the objects of France is to regain a political influence in the United States, which has been lately in some measure impaired, and that her complaints against the Treaty with Great Britain & the measures adopted for the preservation of the neutrality of the United States, are pretexts to cover her design.\nBut though this is believed to be the truth, yet it is admitted to be the duty of the United States, to weigh dispassionately & to reply with temper, even to unfounded complaints of a foreign nation;\u2014a cause founded in reason & Justice can never suffer by discussion.\nIt appears necessary to examine how far this has already been done.\nThe complaints of France respecting our constructions of the Commercial Treaty & Consular Convention, and the extent of her rights as a belligerent nation in relation to our Country, have been seasonably & fully discussed, and the constructions of the Executive, have in every instance been confirmed by both Houses of Congress, by the Judiciary Department, & by public opinion, as expressed by the Legislatures of most of the States\u2014Decisions so made, and especially by a nation in a state of peace, and for the purpose of preserving that peace, cannot be rescinded, without national humiliation and dishonor.\nWith respect to the Treaty with Great Britain, which furnishes the principal subject of contention, it may be observed, that prior to the ratification by the President, a Copy was delivered to the French Minister, and that the objections stated by him, were fairly & fully refuted.\nAs the Measures pursued by the opposers of the Treaty in this Country justified apprehensions that discontents would be manifested by the French Government, Mr. Monroe was at an early period furnished with arguments to enable him to vindicate his Country. It is true they were not improved for this purpose, as soon as was expected, and yet if his declarations are to be credited, no specific objections were ever stated, until a short time before he entered upon the discussion in March 1796.\u2014A reference to the correspondence prior to that time, will it is believed justify an opinion, that the French Government relied upon the efficacy of the opposition here, and were willing to preserve if possible the advantages arising from vague & indefinite expressions of discontent & resentment, rather than incur the hazard of counteracting the policy of their friends, and expose themselves to refutation by a specification of objections.\nAs soon as the President was informed that the French Government meditated an unfriendly course of conduct towards this Country he determined to send a new Minister to make explanations and selected Mr. Pinckney for this purpose. In the message to Congress dated January 19th. 1797, the President declared \u201cThat the immediate object of his (Mr. Pinckneys) Mission, was to make to the French Government such explanations of the principles and conduct of our own as by manifesting our good faith might remove all jealousy & discontent, and maintain that harmony & good understanding which it had been his constant solicitude to preserve\u201d.\nThe character with which Mr. Pinckney was invested, was that of Minister Plenipotentiary, and his letter of credence of which a copy is in the possession of the Directory, announced that the mission originated in a disposition \u201cSincerely desirous to maintain that good understanding which from the commencement of their Alliance had subsisted between the two nations, and to efface unfavorable impressions, banish suspicions, and restore that cordiality, which was at once the evidence & pledge of a friendly union\u201d. This circumstance is mentioned as it is thereby demonstrated that the special object of the Mission, must be known to the French Government.\nInstead of receiving the explanations respectfully tendered by the Government of the Government of the United States, the Directory has declared to Mr. Monroe, though his powers had then terminated that they will not receive nor acknowledge another Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, until the greivances of which France has complained have been redressed. The personal treatment which Mr. Pinckney received in Paris was moreover offensive, and a violation of the law of Nations;\u2014it is now understood that he has received orders to quit the Territories of the French Republic.\nBut it may be asked;\u2014have not the Directory some plausible pretext for rejecting Mr. Pinckney\u2014and is it necessary to infer from their conduct that rupture is unavoidable?\nAs this question is of great magnitude & delicacy, particular attention is due to every suggestion which has appeared.\nA communication in Bache\u2019s paper of March 30th. contains the most skilful apology of which the case is susceptible, and is believed to indicate the wishes of the party which has hitherto been in opposition to the Government.\nThe communication states, that the refusal to recognise Mr. Pinckney is no more than was expected and indeed no more than was prognosticated by many of our Citizens;\u2014that the Directory having suspended their ordinary Minister here, could not receive an ordinary Minister from the United States; that on the score of national etiquette it was out of the question and on the score of aggression it was less to be expected.\nIt was then proposed, with reference to what was done in the case of Great Britain, that an Envoy extraordinary should be appointed to suit the \u201csolemnity of the occasion\u201d and to carry with him the \u201ctemper & sensibilities of the Country\u201d\u2014Each of the above suggestions, as well as the proposed measure deserve a particular remark.\nThat the refusal of Mr. Pinckney was expected and was foretold by the Writers in Bache\u2019s paper is certain, and it adds to other proofs that a party in this Country act in conjunction with and are devoted to the views of the Government of France; but that the refusal was proper or consistent with the professed friendship of France, the acknowledged rights of nations, or was required by the honor of the French Government, cannot it is presumed be shewn.\nIs the refusal grounded on the suspension of the French Minister here? This pretext cannot be admitted for Mr. Monroe was suffered to remain in Paris and was recognised as Minister, long after the suspension of Mr. Adet was announced to him by the French Government\u2014By their own Act the Directory have therefore allowed, that the suspension of their Minister here, did not impose on them the necessity of refusing to recognise our Minister in Paris\u2014Besides it is remarkable that when Mr. Monroe parted with the Directory, he carried with him their \u201cregrets\u201d.\nIs the refusal to be justified on the score of National Etiquette? It will be admitted that every Nation ought to consult its glory, to preserve its rank, and defend its independence; but it is at the same time equally true, that these duties are reciprocal among nations, and are demandable of the United States as well as of France.\u2014Upon what does etiquette depend? Is it not a creature of Society, depending altogether upon conventional rules? If so, what are the rules and ideas of European nations on the point in question? It is answered\u2014they agree in pronouncing that a minister Plenipotentiary and an Envoy Extraordinary are precisely of the same grade.\u2014Minute distinctions exist indeed at some Courts,\u2014in France no distinction has ever been recognised.\u2014It is by Ministers Plenipotentiary, that Treaties are most commonly formed, and national disputes adjusted. For the purpose of adjusting our disputes with France, Mr. Pinckney was appointed, this object was moreover indicated in his letters of credence.\nThe objection respecting the grade of the Minister being entirely unfounded, what circumstance required the appointment of an Envoy Extraordinary? It is to be understood that the Directory are offended that Mr. Monroe has been recalled? This presupposes France to be capable of urging the inadmissible pretension, that the American Minister in Paris, must be a Character, disposed to favor the views of France in America, and not a Character disposed to promote the views of the American Government in France.\nBut it may be asked, is there not some just objection of a personal nature against Mr. Pinckney, which may palliate if not excuse the conduct of the Directory? It may be boldly answered, that there is none. In point of Character, connexions, education & public services he is truly one of our most distinguished Citizens\u2014A sincere republican, a rational friend of the ostensive & avowed principles of the French Revolution, at the same time an honest man, and supporter of the honor & independence of his Country.\nThe result of these reflections is, that in refusing to recognise Mr. Pinckney, the Directory have knowingly rejected with circumstances of indignity & insult, a fair & honorable proposal for the discussion and adjustment of all disputes.\nThe foregoing observations are made principally with the view of vindicating the Executive from the imputation of having omitted anything in respect to France which was required by propriety; it is not intended to infer that rupture is unavoidable, or even on that supposition, that further measures of negociation ought not to be immediately instituted. It is for the interest of the United States to remain at peace, and War can never be terminated without negociation. Neither honor nor policy require, that the United States should ever hesitate about making advances for promoting peace & friendship with any Nation;\u2014all that is requisite is, that the mode of making pacific overtures be such, as not to indicate servility of disposition, or unnecessarily to concede that Errors have been committed by the Government.\nBut it is not to be denied that the management of negociations with France in a manner compatible with National honor is a task of great delicacy requiring all the prudence, viligance & firmness of the Government.\u2014To judge of the difficulties, the situation views & Interests of France, and of the United States must be surveyed.\nOn the Continent of Europe, France is every where successful,\u2014Spain, Italy & Holland being completely within her power, at least for the present.\u2014The Emperor of Russia is said to have refused to comply with the engagements of his Mother, and will probably remain neutral during the remainder of the War. The King of Prussia, though really interested in repressing the views of France, appears to be more strongly impressed with a desire to reduce the Emperor of Germany than alarmed for the security of his own dominions. England is triumphant on the Ocean, but deeply wounded in her vital part, in her credit & finances.\nThis being the state of things, it is most probable, that hereafter the energies of France, will be principally directed against England.\u2014To effect the humiliation of this power, France is stimulated by the powerful motives of ambition, interest & revenge. In respect to one or both of these nations, the present war can hardly fail to produce an extreme & violent issue.\nThe means by which England is to be attacked are already developed. The nation is to be disturbed by real & pretended invasions; every Country which France can influence is to be required to restrict British Commerce;\u2014Neutral Commerce of every kind is to be assailed. The consequences intended (if this be practicable) to be produced, are conquest, but at any rate, insupportable expences and destruction of Credit & Resources.\nIt is certain that the Commerce of the United States, is of vast importance to Great Britain; its security and extension are therefore incompatible with the views of her Enemy.\nThe opinion of France as expected in the notes published by Mr. Adet; in the address to Mr. Monroe, and in various publications,\u2014evidently proceeds on a belief, that their system of commercial depredation is not irreconcileable with the design of maintaining a political influence in our public Councils.\u2014It is probably imagined that for a time the people may be induced to vindicate France, at the expence of their own government; it may also be imagined, that the loss of Revenue & public credit, will render the administration of our present system impracticable and occasion its dissolution, thereby opening a door for influence, by means of civil dissentions.\u2014and it is not impossible that there may be an ulterior motive confined to the breasts of ambitious men in power, inclining them to discredit of our inviting example of a mild form of Government, now known to be unattainable in France.\nThough the internal affairs of the United States are in some respects mending, yet there are circumstances not a little embarrassing\u2014There is still a large party blindly devoted to French attachments; in the Southern States the Slaves are numerous, and this description of men universally consider the French as friends & deliverers;\u2014the influence & popularity of the General Government is inconsiderable in the Western States,\u2014if not inclined to favor France, it may at least be believed, that many of their influential men are disposed to embrace any favorable opportunity for promoting the aggrandisement of the Western Country;\u2014if intrusive settlements upon the new lands were to be favored, it is not unlikely that emigrations would take place in such a degree as would considerably weaken the Country. It will be remembered that the efforts of Virginia, were during the last war rendered nugatory by the settlement of Kentucky; the same thing may happen again upon a larger scale.\nThe Revenue of the United States at present depends principally on a flourishing state of Commerce, to substitute internal Revenues equal to any considerable deficiency, and sufficient to defray extraordinary expence, will be a work of great intrinsic difficulty;\u2014in the discussions on this subject, party prejudices & foreign influence may operate under the disguise of Patriotism.\nThe credit of the Country has been injured by extravagant speculations, the evils of which will be rendered more perceptible as money becomes scarce.\nThe effects of any serious embarrassments in British credit, are at this time incalculable;\u2014if they should produce distrust with respect to the solidity of all public funds, our credit will decline with that of Great Britain:\u2014the last accounts however, encourage a hope, that public opinion will establish a discrimination favorable to this Country.\nThe present Government of the United States having never been tried in a state of war, leaves it a matter of speculative doubt, whether the organisation & distribution of the Executive power between the general & state Governments will be found in practice favorable to that order, vigour and concert, which in military operations is indispensible.\nOf these disadvantages it is probable the French have formed exagerated calculations; indeed the insolence of some of their pretensions proves, that they entertain a proud confidence in their own power & contempt for our supposed imbecillity.\nBut in proportion to the magnitude & reality of the evil, it behoves the Government to be prompt & decisive. If a want of tone & energy has produced the danger, vigorous & energetic measures are the proper & natural remedy.\nTo save the honor of the Country, it is deemed important, that no Minister should enter France without a passport previously obtained, and without the formal consent of that Government to the commencement of Negociations.\nIt is also essential, that no imputation should rest upon the Government in respect to Mr. Pinckneys mission, and therefore that he should be a prominent Agent in the proposed Negociation.\nBut as the issuing of a new Commission to Mr. Pinckney, would be a measure liable to various constructions, as it might draw in question the sincerity of the professed desire for peace; or the propriety of the former Commission; and as on the principles herein assumed, no superior diplomatic grade is known, except that of Ambassador, which is not contemplated in any Act of Congress, and for which no compensation or one very inadequate is established, it appears to be expedient, that some one or more persons should be joined with General Pinckney in a new Commission.\nBut to impress France with a conviction, that the Government will not be swayed by their influence to intimate in an unexceptionable manner our opinion that the first overtures ought to have been accepted, and to preserve the confidence of the true friends of American Independence, a careful selection of Characters, appears to be indispensible.\nIf a person known to be attached to the views of France, or so reputed in the public opinion, were to be intrusted with this mission, the following unfavorable consequences may be apprehended.\n1st. . The measure would carry an appearance in the view of France, of inability in the Government to resist her influence, or at best a compromise which would encourage future enterprises.\n2nd. The reverse effect would be produced at home, the friends of Government, would be in some measure cooled & discouraged, while the spirits & activity of the opposite party would be excited.\n3d. If the Commission consisted of two persons of opposite political sentiments, there would be danger of dissentions, which would disgrace & injure the Government.\n4th. If in a Commission of three persons, two persons were appointed, who were reputed partizans of France, there would be extreme danger that something would be done, which would strengthen an influence already dangerous to the Independence of this Country and perhaps embroil us with another Nation.\n5th. If in a Commission of three persons only one reputed partizan of France was named, he if a man of real principle & honor would not accept the appointment; and considering the utter incongruity of the opinions which prevail in respect to French policy & the conduct of our Government, such an arrangement would bear too much the aspect of a political Artifice, which could not deceive France, or conciliate parties in this Country.\n6th. A Commission including one reputed partizan of France, and two persons of a different description might afford an opportunity to play into the hands of France, and might furnish a medium of Cabal with their party in this Country, rather than of negociation. If France is indisposed to accomodation as is not improbable, she might be enabled to propose terms to which the Commissioners might not be authorised to accede, and thus throw the odium of failure on the Government; or if the Commission should be invested with unlimited powers, an unfavorable Treaty might be made, or a failure occasioned by the disagreement of the Commissioners on a point apparently of little importance.\u2014In short the responsibility for a bad measure would either be divided with the friends of Government, or they would be exposed to censure for what would appear to be unreasonable pertinacity.\n7th. It is an undeniable fact, that there exists in the United States a dangerous French influence; and so bold has the faction become in some places,\u2014that an avowed partiality for France in opposition to the Measures of our Government is no injury to the popularity of a public Character.\u2014To keep themselves in countenance, this faction asserts the existence of a British influence in the public Councils. It is constantly affirmed that Mr. Jay & other estimable Characters are of a British Party\u2014It is now required that a French partizan be sent to France on the ground of reciprocity. It is believed that a concession on this point would produce a dangerous association of ideas in the public mind; that it would give to a calumny the force of an argument; that it would encourage irregular enterprises of ambition, and weaken those patriotic attachments which are the only security of elective Governments.\n8th. The sending of three Ministers to France from this Country would be attended with an expence which would excite unpleasant reflections in the minds of many, especially if it should be thought also adviseable to send one or more Ministers, to the Northern neutral Courts of Europe.\nFor the reasons which have been stated, the expediency of uniting two of the Ministers now in Europe with Mr. Pinckney is respectfully suggested.\u2014If the idea be admissible, it is believed that Mr. King & Mr. Adams are the most proper Characters.\nBut Candor requires, that it should be stated to the President, that there are sincere and intelligent friends of the Government, who maintain the opinion, that one person of the Commission ought to possess credit & influence with France, and the party here in opposition to the Government. Their arguments are 1st. That the measure will furnish a bridge to the pride of France to retreat; 2d.\u2014That it will give France the motive of endeavouring to strengthen her party, by appearing to yield peace to a leader of that party;\u20143d. That it will convince the people completely that the Government is at least as solicitous to avoid war with France, as it was to avoid it with Great Britain\u20144th. That it will take from the partizans of France the Argument, that as much has not been done in her case as in that of Great Britain\u20145th. That in case of failure, it will contribute to the important end of uniting opinion at home.\u20146th. That considering the power of France and the unprepared situation of this Country, it is wise by some early condesension to avoid the danger of future humiliation.\nIt is observable that some of the ideas advanced in favor of the measure under consideration have been suggested as leading to a different conclusion; it will of course remain with the President to decide, whether they shall be deemed arguments or objections after considering the following summary replies.\n1st. Though the pride of France ought not to be offended, yet it ought not to be flattered at the expence of the pride of the United States\u20142nd. Though France may be soothed & immediate rupture avoided by encouraging an expectation of increasing her influence, yet the remedy is worse than the disease. War may be compared to an acute but not mortal disorder, while foreign influence is to popular Governments sometimes a slow, but always a corrosive and fatal poison\u2014\u20143d. It is self evident that the Government cannot desire a war with France, as it must be a war purely defensive, without a possibility of securing advantages;\u20144th. Besides measures equivalent to those adopted in respect to Great Britain have been already taken in respect to France, and her conduct has been & continues to be more violent, unjust & unreasonable than was experienced from Great Britain\u20145th. There is no reason to doubt that the real unsophisticated opinion\u2014of America can be united in defensive measures combined with a tender of negociation such as is proposed, while all experience has shewn it to be impracticable to conciliate faction\u2014the truces which are obtained by compromises with faction, ever resemble in their nature, the calms which precede Earthquakes.\u20146th. The power of France whatever its degree may be, is at present directed by a Government ambitious, unprincipled, neither desiring nor capable of enjoying peace\u2014Whatever is attainable by fraud or violence, it will attain; to be safe from the enterprises of this power, it is necessary that the power of the United States should be organised, and put in a state capable of the greatest degree of activity; it is in this way alone that the Government can save the Country from humiliation.\nQuestion 2nd. If another Mission be admissible, can any part and what parts or Articles of the Treaty of Amity & Commerce with Great Britain be offered to France or ultimately conceded to that power in case of necessity if demanded by her.\nAnswer\u2014The provisions of the Commercial Treaty between the United States and France are for the most part unexceptionable, or at least as favorable as can be expected to be obtainable in a Treaty to be negociated at this time;\u2014it will therefore be sufficient for the United States to manifest a willingness to enter cordially & sincerely into the discussion of any alterations which may be proposed by France.\u2014If in other respects the existing disputes can be adjusted, and the rights of the United States secured, it may be adviseable to renounce the principle, that free ships shall make free goods, and to leave commerce in contraband Articles on the footing of the Laws of Nations;\u2014this may be effected by assimulating the French Treaty in these respects to the Treaty with Great Britain.\nBut a construction of the law of nations was attempted to be established by the British in respect to Provisions, which the United States are bound to resist as well on the ground of Interest as consistency. It was asserted by Great Britain, that Provisions & other Articles not generally contraband, and not destined to places actually invested or blockaded, may become so under special circumstances.\u2014The law of European nations is for the most part founded in reason; though in some respects it is certainly arbitrary & conventional.\u2014Famine is universally considered an authorised and usual means of coercion in respect to besieged places;\u2014but in respect to great Districts & particularly to such a nation as France, the doctrine was never applied, as its use never appeared to be practicable prior to the extraordinary state of things in France in 1793 & 1794. It appears to be unreasonable to make provision in public Treaties for rare & unusual events; the design of Treaties being merely to regulate the general conduct of nations.\u2014Extreme cases when they occur, ought to be deemed exceptions to ordinary rules; the destruction of Prisoners of war and the exterpation of Nations in supposable cases, are vindicated by the most humane writers; but to specify these cases in a Treaty of Commerce, would be a violation of public decorum, and what has never been done.\nAs the sensibility of France has been excited by the second clause of the 18th. Article of the Treaty with England, it will be adviseable to use special endeavours to vindicate the conduct of the American Government in this respect.\u2014The proper defence is, that Great Britain would not relax from her construction of the Law of Nations, and that Mr. Jay would not consent to abandon ours\u2014that therefore the point remains unadjusted\u2014that it cannot be denied, that in some cases, provisions may reasonably be deemed contraband, when not destined to places actually invested or blockaded;\u2014the case of an Army or Fleet destined for invasion is of this kind: when New\u2013York was possessed by the British, although we did not command the Sea, and could not blockade the British Army yet we did not hesitate to prevent by all means in our power, neutral nations from furnishing supplies of every kind;\u2014the existence of such cases is a vindication of the Article agreed to by Mr. Jay, and the want of a specification of them, though much to be regretted, is to be attributed solely to the pertinacity of the British Government.\nIt has been constantly the object of the American Government, to restrict the list of contraband of War, to as few articles as possible, and this policy ought to be pursued.\u2014Where the Law of nations is indefinite as in the case of provisions, attempts ought to be made by specifications, to restrain the exercise of arbitrary discretion. The result of these reflections is, that it ought to be an ultimatum to concede no commercial rights secured to neutral nations, by the European Law of Nations.\nQuestion 3d. What Articles of the Treaty of Alliance and of the Treaty of Commerce with France, should be proposed to be abolished?\nAnswer. If a review of the existing Treaties shall be proposed by France, it will be proper to propose an abolition of the guaranty in the eleventh Article of the Treaty of Alliance. This stipulation must hereafter perpetually operate against the United States;\u2014France is becoming more military even than formerly, and the general state of things in Europe leads to a belief, that wars will for a long time be frequent;\u2014a guaranty of the Liberty, Sovereignity, Independence & Territorial Possessions of the United States by France, will give us no additional security;\u2014on the contrary our guaranty of the possessions of France in America, perpetually exposes us to the risque & expence of war, or the dishonor of violating our faith.\nBut in proportion as we are interested in being discharged from this engagement, France will feel the influence of an opposite Interest, accordingly we see that a \u201creciprocal guaranty\u201d of possessions was proposed in Mr. Genets instructions to be \u201can essential clause in the new Treaty\u201d on the ground \u201cThat it nearly concerned the peace & prosperity of the French nation that a people whose resources increase beyond all calculation, and whom nature had placed so near their rich Colonies, should become interested by their own engagements in the preservation of these Islands\u201d.\nThere being but little ground to expect that France will agree to the abolition of this stipulation, it remains to be considered whether it be susceptible of beneficial modifications.\nThe existing engagement is of that kind which is called a general guaranty by the Writers on the Law of Nations; of course the casus federis can never occur, except in a defensive War.\nThe nature of this obligation is understood to be that when a war exists really & truly defensive, the engaging nation is bound to furnish an effectual and adequate defence, in co-operation with the power attacked\u2014:It follows, that the nation may be required in some circumstances to bring forward its whole force.\nThe nature, degree & quantity of succour not being ascertained, engagements of this kind are dangerous, on account of their uncertainty\u2014There is always hazard of doing too much or too little, and of course of being involved in involuntary Rupture.\nSpecific Succours, have the advantage of being certain, and less liable to occasion War, but they allow no latitude for the exercise of Judgment & discretion as is the case with a general guaranty.\nThe great extent of the British power in the West Indies, and their probable future views in that quarter; the nature of our Government which will always make it extremely difficult to engage a military force to serve out of the Country, render obligations of this kind highly inconvenient\u2014If the general guaranty cannot be shaken off, it may be expedient to stipulate for a moderate sum of money or a quantity of provisions to be delivered in some of our Ports in future defensive Wars, but unless the new terms which may be obtainable are clearly such as to lessen the existing obligation it appears adviseable to suffer it to remain as at present.\nIn other respects the Treaty of Alliance will have no future operation unless it may be deemed to bear a construction, that France has thereby renounced the right of conquering in future Wars, Canada or Louisiana for herself.\nFrance has repeatedly contended, that the imposition of Fifty Cents per Ton on French Vessels arriving in the United States is contrary to the fifth article of the Treaty of Commerce. The Arguments in support of this pretension are unknown, but it is presumed to be unfounded\u2014The reciprocal right of laying duties equal to those imposed on the most favored Nations, and without any other restriction, sums to be settled by the third & fourth Articles. The fifth Article appears to have been intended merely to define or qualify the rights of American Vessels in France. It is however desireable that the question be understood & properly settled, but the introduction of a principle of discrimination between the duties on Vessels of different foreign nations, and in derogation of the power of Congress to raise revenue by uniform duties on any objects\u2014whatever, ought not to be lightly hazarded.\nQuestion 4th. Whether it will be prudent to say anything concerning the Consular Convention with that power, and if it will, what alterations in it should be proposed?\nAnswer. The same opinion is entertained of the policy of proceeding in this case as with respect to the Treaties. France has complained that the Convention has not been executed on our part, and the United States ought to manifest a willingness to enter into explanations and to make any reasonable alterations.\u2014But it does not appear safe or proper on any account to do anything which may favor the claims of the French Consuls to exercise any species of Judicial authority not merely voluntary\u2014on the contrary exertions ought to be made to expunge every clause in the existing Convention which has been contrued to support pretensions of this nature;\u2014the Convention originated in a design to establish undue influence, and in a want of confidence in our Laws and Tribunals under the Confederation\u2014Whatever may have been the case formerly; under the present Government, justice is rendered promptly and with strict impartiality to foreigners\u2014As there can be no just reason existing at this time for investing Consuls with powers interfering in any degree with the authority of our Tribunals, the claim ought to be resisted as derogatory from the honor of the Country, and as a precedent fraught with incalculable evils.\nQuestion 5th. Whether any new Articles such as are not contained in either of our Treaties with France or England shall be proposed, or can be agreed to if proposed by the French Government?\nAnswer. The present state of things is so unsettled both in respect to France & other Countries, that it is difficult to say what would be the final tendency of any artificial regulations with respect to Commerce. The object at which the United States ought to aim\u2014should be, the enjoyment in the greatest attainable degree of free Commerce with every nation in the World, reserving to our Government the right of imposing uniform duties on all nations at discretion\u2014all proposals for the naturalization of Vessels or making a common Interest with any nation relative to any branch of business, ought to be rejected. With these principles in view, it will be hardly possible for a negociator to mistake.\nQuestion 6th. What documents shall be prepared to send to France as evidence of Insults & Injuries committed against the Commerce of the United States by French Ships of War or Privateers, or by French Commissioners, Agents, Officers or Citizens?\nAnswer\u2014It is conceived that the forms which were adopted in the case of Great Britain ought to be pursued in this case; with such alterations as the different modes of proceeding in the French Courts shall be found to require: In all cases the evidence ought to be the best which the nature of the case will admit.\u2014Proof in particular cases of each description of Insults & Injury, for which the Government means to seek redress, ought to be selected and to be well authenticated\u2014These cases, if a specification should be required by France, may be made to serve as a basis for general measures calculated to procure reparation.\u2014When Mr. Jay preferred complaints, he was called upon to produce proofs; a few were produced, and the result was, an agreement to appoint Commissioners, or provision by some Article in the Treaty.\nQuestion\u20147th.\u2014In what terms shall remonstrances against spoliations of property, Capture of Vessels, imprisonment of Masters & Mariners, Cruelties, Insults & Abuses, of every kind to our Citizens be made?\nAnswer\u2014It does not appear to be practicable to furnish the negociator with any very precise instructions on this head, as much will depend on circumstances which cannot be foreseen. The object of the Government is to produce a successful result; accordingly that stile & manner of proceeding will be best, which shall most directly tend to this end. It is not impossible, that there may be such a change of & and measures in France, as will render it politic to speak of the treatment we have received with severity\u2014On the other hand the French Government may be determined to frustrate the negociation, and throw the odium on this Country, in which case, anything like warmth or harshness would be made the pretext. If things remain in their present situation, the style of remonstrance ought to unite as much as possible, calm dignity with simplicity; force of sentiment with mildness of expression; and be calculated to impress an idea of inflexible perseverance, rather than of distrust or confidence.\u2014A negociator of Talents, with general intimations of what was desired, would not fail to execute the intentions of the President.\nQuestion 8th. In what terms shall restitution, reparation, compensation & satisfaction be demanded for such Insults & Injuries?\nAnswer\u2014Some of the ideas suggested in the last reply, appear to be applicable to this branch of the subject.\u2014In any Official note it will be sufficient to express an expectation of redress, but without specifying the mode,\u2014this being a matter of detail proper to be embraced in some Article of a Treaty.\nQuestion 9th. Shall demand be made of payment to our Citizens for property purchased by the French Government in Europe, or in the East & West Indies?\nQuestion 10th. Shall demand be made of the French Government of payment for Vessels & Cargoes captured & seized, whether by ships of war, or private ships?\nAnswer\u2014It is believed that payment ought to be demanded in both these cases, and that it ought to appear to be a leading object of the mission to seek for satisfaction on these points\u2014Mr. Pinckneys mission was to make explanations to the French Government, but as the overtures through him were rejected, the making of explanations ought not to be a primary but collateral motive to new advances. Indeed so important is the demand for reparation, that no Treaty ought to be concluded, which does not satisfactorily provide for this object.\u2014Actual payment may be postponed by consent for a reasonable time, on account of the disordered state of the French Finances.\u2014but the obtaining a promise of payment ought to be made an ultimatum.\nPrior to the Treaty of 1778, France granted pecuniary aids to the United States, amounting to three millions of Livres, and in 1781, six millions more\u2014Military supplies were also furnished at the beginning of the War, but for these Mr. Beaumarchais has received payment.\u2014The United States ought to shew a willingness to allow these aids by way of discount against the sums due to Citizens of the United States, who would in this case become responsible to the said Citizens. This will be a mode of reducing the amount of those claims for gratitude, which are found to be so dangerous to the Independence, and offensive to the pride of the United States. The proposal will be popular here but may require some delicacy of management with France.\u2014If the offer be not accepted, it will silence future demands.\nQuestion 11th.\u2014Shall any Commission of enquiry and examination like that with England be agreed to?\nAnswer\u2014This mode of adjusting disputes, or at least of applying general principles to particular cases, has been long practised in Europe, and appears to be liable to no past exceptions. It cannot be expected that France will concede to us the priviledge of determining on the acts of her Government, and of her Officers & Citizens done out of our Jurisdiction;\u2014and it is certainly better to institute a Tribunal in which the United States will have a voice & equal influence, than to trust wholly to French Tribunals.\nQuestion 12th.\u2014What Articles in the British Treaty can be offered to France without compensation, and what with compensation, and what compensation shall be demanded?\nAnswer\u2014It is proposed that the Treaty with France be assimulated to that with England, by renouncing the principle that free ships shall make free goods, and by leaving the definition of contraband Articles on the footing of the law of Nations, upon condition that France shall agree to make reparation for injuries done to the United States, in the manner proposed, and upon condition, that the Treaties of Alliance & Commerce, and the Consular Convention shall be limited in their duration to a period not exceeding fifteen years, except such Articles as may be declaratory of a state of peace, or as are intended to regulate the conduct of the two nations, at the commencement of or during a state of War.\nThe tenth Article of the Treaty with Great Britain, though much complained of, appears to be liable to no just objection, and one proper to be adopted in a Treaty with France.\nAs the United States are rapidly rising in power & resources, it appears to be proper to avoid entering into indefinite obligations, other than such as are founded merely in Morality & Justice, and in their own nature of perpetual obligation\u2014The time cannot be distant, when the United States, will be able to negociate with Europe on more advantageous terms than at present.\nQuestion 13th.\u2014Shall a project of a new Treaty abolishing the old Treaties & Consular Convention be proposed to France?\nAnswer\u2014It is not seen that any advantage would result from proposing such a project, it being the present policy of the United States, not to be forward in promoting negociations, which cannot be otherwise favorable than as they may terminate the depredations which our Commerce is suffering, and procure satisfaction for those which have been already committed. If minute & accurate instructions are prepared shewing what the United States will concede if necessary to obtain these objects, their negociator can be at no loss how to conduct.\nQuestion 14th.\u2014Shall such a project with a project of instructions to the Minister, be proposed & laid before the Senate for their advice & consent before they be sent to Europe?\nAnswer\u2014It does not appear to be in general safe or adviseable to consult the Senate in respect to the origination of Treaties\u2014This was indeed done at New York in respect to a Treaty proposed with the Creek Indians, and perhaps the same thing has happened in other cases; but as the general practice has been otherwise, the question may be considered unembarrassed by precedents.\n1st.\u2014The instructions must expose the views & wishes of the United States, and the concessions which they will on any account make\u2014If exposed to the Senate they will certainly be known to France; this would leave that power master of the negociation by enabling them to bring the United States immediately to concede every point, which under any circumstances might be proposed to be yielded.\n2d.\u2014There would be danger, that the Senate might be divided in opinion, and the want of that full information which is possessed by the Executive, might occasion influential & able men to mistake the interests & policy of the Country.\u2014Erroneous opinions thus formed would have an unfavorable effect, upon all collateral measures of the Government.\n3d.\u2014It is doubtful whether the participation of the Senate in matters relating to foreign Affairs, except in the appointment of Ministers, and in consenting to Treaties conditionally negotiated by direction of the President be consistent with the spirit of the Constitution. The reasoning on which the doubt arises is as follows. The President has by the Constitution power to make Treaties by & with the advice & consent of the Senate provided two thirds of the Senators present concur. The making of a Treaty & the consent of the Senate are distinct Acts though both are necessary to fix the obligations of a Treaty. It is proper that this important power which is exclusively vested in the President & Senate, should be exercised in such a manner as will best promote the public Interests, and preserve the check arising from a distinct & independent responsibility. It is beleived that this will be most effectually done by considering, that in the distribution of the general power between the President & Senate; the right of instituting negociations, of instructing ministers, and of making or receiving propositions, which are to form the basis of Treaties, rests exclusively with the President,\u2014and that the right of approving or rejecting in whole or in part all propositions in Treaties negociated by the President rests exclusively with the Senate. There are evidently good reasons for this distribution\u2014Secrecy & personal confidence are frequently essential in the formation of Treaties, and these advantages would be lost by the participation of the Senate in negociations; it is sufficient that this body is allowed an absolute negative, which they certainly have upon the inchoate Treaties negociated by direction of the Executive.\nThe following leading principles ought to be prescribed to govern the negociation.\n1st.\u2014That no blame or censure be directly or directly imputed to the United States\u2014\n2nd.\u2014That no aid be stipulated in favor of France during the present War.\u2014\n3d.\u2014That no engagement be made, inconsistent with the obligations of any prior Treaty.\nAll which is most respectfully / submitted by\nOliv: WolcottSecy. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1946", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 25 April 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear sir\nCambridge 25th April 1797\nI am honored with your letter of the 6th, which I took from the cover without breaking the seal. The secret shall not escape me; but, from the circumstance mentioned, I shall not be surprized to find, that it has transpired on it\u2019s passage.\nIf the tho\u2019t of sending Mr. Jefferson proceeded from both parties, it wears the appearance of \u201ca natural one\u201d, otherwise, coming from so many of one party, it looks like intrigue: be then as it may, the regret of departing in this instance from your own judgment, will, I am persuaded, be more than compensated by the resolution you will experimentally acquire, of firmly adhering to it in future: for I have always observed, that your decisions when uncontrould have been wise, & politic.\nYour proclamation, for convening Congress as early as possible, is much approved. The Senate, it is true, is the only branch of the legislature which is invested with executive powers; but it must be always good policy in great natural concerns, if there is no danger of a war, and much more so if there is, to consult the representatives of the people: because, independent of their powers respecting war, they are the nerves of the body-politic, &, when acting in unison with the executive, bring to it, as to the sensorium, true information of the state of the extremities, and efficient aid in the discharge of its official duties. An executive, thus supported, stands on the broad basis of the people: but in not sufficiently attending to this particular, it is conceived by men of candor & discernment, that your predecessor erred\u2014that he was persuaded, by some of his confidential executive officers, to rest his support on a more narrow basis: on a legislative augmentation of his powers, some of which are said to have trenched on the constitution: on having all his executive officers subject to his nod: on the union of the funded bank, commercial, Cincinnati, and antirevolutional or monarchical interest in his favor; powerful indeed, but not sufficiently so for his support: on confining as much as possible, appointments to this discription: on their sounding, incessantly, the high toned political trumpet of his fame: & on a system for narrowing the legislative authority, and transferring it to the executive\u2014that these circumstances, previously to the British treaty, originated jealousies on the part of the representatives, & produced disputes between them & the confidants of the chief magistrate in the first instance, & afterwards between them & himself: an event the most unfortunate that could possibly have happened to him\u2014and that the consequent abuse of these officers & of the President, & their resignations, are evidences of the impolicy of such measures. I shall make no comments on these observations: you can best judge of their accuracy & weight.\nI am happy to inform you, that having conferred with a very candid & intelligent gentleman of New Hampshire, who has lately been to Tennissee, I find that you are very popular, in such of the southern states as were supporters of Mr. Jefferson. In this quarter you stand as firm, I beleive, as Mount \u00c6tna. Indeed your political principles are so truly republican, as to render it inconceivable in my mind, how it could be otherwise. He further says, that in NH except Portsmouth the inhabitants have been generally against the French; but that they are changing their opinions, from further information: that on the great post road of this state, they are nearly divided, & how it is in the interior, he does not know: that in the southern states the case is different; for in the event of a war, which they dread, they conceive that the French will embody their negroes against them, there being now too enlightened to be controuled; as they were during our revolutionary war. Be the whole of this as it may, our Government, I am persuaded, will think well of a war with France, before they engage in it: for, in case of a successful war, we should plunge ourselves deeply in debt, check our growth, & feel the effects for many years, without the least possibility of acquiring by it, anything: but if unsuccessful, our government would be overthrown, a new one would be formed on the French model, & we should hereafter be meer French colonies. The French republic, vastly more formidable than the monarchy, having detached from the coalition, Prussia, Spain, Holland, Sardinia, Naples, & a number of the German & Italian states & Principalities, has added several of them to her own scale, & has great influence over the rest, who are verging to the same point. In addition to this, Rome is on the eve of subduction; Portugal will soon be added to the number of her neutral Friends; Russia, on whom Germany & G Britain placed great dependance for succour, favours France; & the Porte, which has been always her friend, seems disposed to make a diversion in her favor, in Germany.  On the other side, the Emperor of Germany is greatly embarrassed: many of his principalities, in treaty with France, refuse their contingents: the King of Prussia declares his intention of supporting them, if coerced; which, in fact, is a rebellion in the German Empire: the source of the Emperors supplies, in G Britain, is nearly dried up: & he, without adequate funds of his own, unable to repel France, & dreading the Porte, is in a state of desperation.  G Britain is in daily apprehension of a French invasion: her credit is sinking: the bank of England has stopt payment: and she is obliged to supply annually for herself & the Emperor, a sum which of itself would to us be an insupportable debt: the interest of her present debt, which Mr. Fox estimates at 550 millions, being about 22 millions; her war demands at least as much more, & her German subsidies 6 millions, making hr annual demand 50 millions sterling, besides the expence of her civil government, render it impossible for her, with all her resources, to progress. In 1792 the South Sea Consuls were at 98; Hammond, their Minister, boasted of it: the same stocks were at 53 before the bank stopt payment; I say stopt payment, for the King and his Council, the Parliament, Bank, & all the corporations of G B may vote, that the refusal of specie for the paper of the bank is no evidence of its insolvency, but no man of common sense will beleive them; for he must know, that at the moment when the paper of a Bank will not command its nominal value in specie, a bankruptcy commences. And the event proves it, for the bank stock fell at once 10 per Cent; & how much lower it will fall, time must determine. In short, the British nation, threatned as it is by an invasion of the powerful, enterprizing, & exasperated republick of France; reduced in her commerce, by French treaties which interdict it with some of the neutral nations, & by French cruizers which intercept it with the others; reduced to the necessity of substituting for specie, executive & legislative acts, to support bank paper; labouring under a debt, insupportable by any nation of Europe; having an indispensible demand for 50 millions sterling a year; & having \u00bc or 1/3 of her subjects, as Mr. Burke states, disaffected & panting for a revolution, is in the condition of a man up to his chin in water; & subject by the least wave to be instantly drowned; & to involve in the same fate, any within his grasp. Indeed, it would not be surprizing to hear, that her national paper has shared the fate of ours; for their acts are as incompetent to stamp a value on unsupported paper, as were the acts of Congress. Thus circumstanced, if the U States should hastily plunge into a war with France, which we must expect the British party will effect if possible, they would probably change their opinions in six months; & the people would be prompted to avenge themselves on their advisers. But what are we to do, is the natural enquiry? Indeed, I feel for your situation, surrounded with difficulties which have not arisen from your own agency, & obliged to do something for diverting the evils threatened.  I fear nothing can be done by our friend Pinckney, & am sorry he was sent to be disgraced. I am also sorry that Monroe was recalled. The history of his recal I am ignorant of, but have requested it of him, for my own information. At the time it happened, I enquired of several the true cause, but could not learn it. Mr. Adet told me it was part of a plan to fill all the foreign offices with Antigallicans: I considered him as a prejudiced man, but presume, that the French directory were by him & then impressed with this beleif, & have counteracted the supposed project by rejecting Mr. Pinckney. If so, & Mr. Monroe is the honest man which I have always supposed him, may he not, if sent back, be able to render us more service than any other? It may be objected, that this would be humiliating to the U States, & encouraging France to dictate the nominations of our ministers; that untill there is an answer to her demands, if she has made any, Mr. Monroe coud not serve us; that an unfavorable answer by him would not satisfy them; that a favorable one by Mr. Pinckney would answer the purpose; that Monroe is a partizan of France; & that remanding him would be reversing the measures of President Washington &c &c.\u2014And it might be urged on the other hand, that if humiliating the measure, it is much less so than those which we shall be compelled to, should we engage in an unsuccessful war with France; that to withstand her & her allies, or to check her alarming power by our own force, would be as impossible, as for an infant to resist an elephant; & that nothing is to be expected from a connection with such desperate allies as G B & the Emperor; that the sending back Monroe would wear the appearance of an amicable & conciliating disposition on our part; that by softening the directory, it would prepare the way for a reconciliation with them, which is not otherways to be expected; that veiwing Mr. Pinckney as the minister of an antigallican party here, the directory will be prejudiced against all he can say, as being unfriendly & insidious; but that they will have opposite feelings from the representations of Mr. Monroe. That he is not more a partizan of France, than Mr. King is of G B & it is invidious to recal one & continue the other; that President Wash would not have adopted the recal, had he foreseen the effects; that the reversing it cannot injure his, whilst it will establish your popularity in France, confirm her confidence in you, & enable you to accomplish what you will otherwise find impracticable. But I will not undertake to say, that the measure is entitled to a moments consideration, or if it is, that the arguments preponderate on this or that side. In such momentous concerns, every step being of vast consequence requires the best information before it is taken if possible, let us avoid war: for in peace with all the world we shall find our interest to consist\u2014having been long convinced, that a party spirit was too deeply rooted amongst us, to be suddenly eradicated: that the politicks of both parties directly tended to foreign influence; & that, unless the greatness of the evil should cure itself, one of the parties would prevail & ruin this country; I have been a silent spectator, but have now freely submitted my sentiments to your judgment; and good, bad, or indifferent, they are uncontaminated by intrigue private veiws, a party spirit, or foreign influence.\nI know not when I shall have the honor of writing to you again; I am sure I ought not to write for a long time, & only wish to be informed whether you have received this & so\u2014\nI have the honor to remain my / dear sir with the highest respect / & esteem\u2014your most obedt. / & very huml. sert.\nE Gerry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1947", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Montgomery, 25 April 1797\nFrom: Montgomery, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia, April 25th 1797\nIn Consequence of Understanding there are several applicants for the Command I now hold of the Revenue Cutter which I imagine to proceed from the encouragement given by the Collector to the different applicants I do my self the Honour to transmitt to your Excellency all the Papers relative to the Dispute and the Charge against me which I trust those Certificates inclosed, with my first Letter to your Excellency will entirely invalidate I will just observe that there has been a Person employed to superintend the Building of the Vessell at an extra expence to Government which as I was on the Spot was entirely unnessery and could be accounted for in no other way but to gratify the undeserved picque and Malice of the Collector\nMy Character has been basely traduced and joined to the Favour I have in my former letter solicited of your Excellency\u2019s continueing me in my Command I intreat you will have the Goodness to grant me the Satisfaction of knowing I am exculpated from those Charges I never have merited my Situation is painful to the highest degree there being still the same Man employed about the Vessell my self on the Spot my Time Unoccupied and my Mind in a State of Uneasy Suspense Your Excellency\u2019s releiving me from so Undeserved a situation will confer the Highest obligation on your most devoted and obedient Humble / Servant\nJames 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1949", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 28 April 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nThe Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the U. States the copy of a letter sent this morning to the District Attorney of Georgia, & the draughts of letters to the British & Spanish ministers\u2014left open for additions, if any should be thought necessary. Nothing is promised or intimated in either of the letters to the Ministers of the Use of military force to make our neutrality respected; because toward G. Britain it would have the semblance of a threat\u2014and toward Spain, suggest to M. Yrujo the idea of requesting us to place a force where we deem it useless for our own purposes, but where he would say (where he has supposed) the British would attempt to pass. Besides, after declaring to both the sense of the American Government, ought we to admit the idea that either will violate our territory?\nT. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1950", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 April 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nWar Office 29 April 1797\nThe Secretary of War, in conformity with the desire of the President as expressed in his letter of the 14th instant has the honour to submit the following suggestions.\n1st Question.\nIt is difficult to fix the precise point at which indignity or affront from one state to another ceases to be negotiable without absolute humiliation and disgrace.  For the most part it is a relative question;\u2014relative to the comparative strength of the parties;\u2014the motives for peace or war,\u2014the antecedent relations;\u2014 the circumstances of the moment, as well with regard to other nations as to those between whom the question arises\u2014The conduct of France exclusive of the refusal of Mr. Pinckney, is no doubt very violent, insulting and injurious; and the treatment he has received, if it does not pass, at least, touches upon the utmost limit of what is tolerable. Yet it is conceived that under all the singular and extraordinary circumstances of the case, further negotiation may be admitted, without that absolute humiliation and disgrace which ought perhaps never to be incurred; to avoid which it is perhaps always wise to put even the political existence of a nation upon the hazard of the die.\nIt is presumed that every nation is free to receive or reject a minister sent to it by another nation. The right to send by no means imposes a rigorous obligation to receive;  the right to refuse being essential to the independence of nations\u2014If a nation was not free to reject, it would be subject to the will of another, and if it had not a clear right to refuse a minister, it must permit the introduction of characters sent expressly for its destruction and whom it could not destroy.  The question viewed thus abstractedly, France cannot be considered as a violator of the laws of nations, nor the simple act of refusal as a just cause of war.\nBut waving this source of argument, the criticalness of the moment requires the utmost circumspection in conduct. The triumphs of France have been such as to confound and astonish mankind. Several of the principal powers of Europe, even England herself, have found it necessary or expedient, or both, in a greater or less degree to submit to some humiliation from France. At the present juncture the course of her affairs and the situation of her enemies more than ever admonishes those who are in danger of becoming so, and who are not  able, exclusively of foreign aid, to oppose barriers to her progress to temporise. The mind of mankind tired with the suffering or spectacle of a war, fatal beyond example, is prepared to see more than usual forbearance in powers not yet parties to it who may be in danger of being involved. It is therefore prepared to view as only prudent, what in other circumstances might be deemed dishonourable submission.\nIf on one hand we suppose the successes of France; the controul which she has acquired over the resources of so many countries; the wounds which she is daily inflicting by these means upon the trade of Great Britain, the deranged and precious state of the  with the deranged and precarious state of the credit and finances of that nation, to be of such a nature, as to force her into a sudden peace with France, the situation of the United States, were she hastily or rashly to become a party in the war, would be truely critical and dangerous.\nIf on the other hand, we suppose that the French armies cannot be much longer supported by contributions drawn from their allies or the countries they occupy; that when these fail she cannot from her own resources pay them in specie; that she has lost the power to give value to paper; that she is unable to clothe her armies from her own manufactories, that she cannot supply her West India Islands with provisions; that the King of Prussia will remain neuter; that Russia will menace; that the Emperor will be able to make a vigorous campaign; in a word, for that these causes combined with her internal discontents and calamities will force her to accede to a peace, still it would be prudent in the United States to take the path of negotiation, these circumstances being so many securities for its issuing honourably.\nUnder either aspect negotiation is the safest course. By war the United States may lose a great deal; they can gain nothing. They may be annoyed much, and can annoy comparatively but little. Tis even a possible event, as just suggested, that they may be left alone to contend with the conquerors of Europe. When therefore interests so great invite, and dangers so great threaten, delicacy is called upon to yield a great deal to prudence. Even a considerable degree of humiliation may, without ignominy be encountered to avoid the possibility of much greater, and a train of incalculable evils.\nBesides, the former relations of the United States to France; the agency of that power in promoting our revolution, are reasons in the nature of things, for not lightly running into a quarrel with, nay even for bearing and forbearing to a considerable extent. There is, perhaps, in such a case peculiar dignity in moderation.\nBut France in declining to receive Mr. Pinckney, has not gone to the ne plus ultra.  She has declined to receive a minister, till grievances of which she complains, are redressed. She has not absolutely ordered away a minister as the preliminary to war. She has mingled some qualifications. It is not even clear that she means to say, she will not receive an extraordinary minister.  This leaves some vacant ground between her act and rupture.  The United States may occupy it by a further attempt at negotiation. This further attempt however, seems to be the last point beyond which we cannot proceed.\nBut there are other considerations which may place negotiations within the strict line of a regular proceeding.\nMr. Pinckneys mission, as appears from the Presidents communication to Congress dated the 19th of January ulto., went nor further than to authorise him, \u201cto make to the French government such explanations of the principles and conduct of our own, as by manifesting our good faith might remove all jealosy and discontent.\u201d\nSince that  mission three important facts have emerged which have given rise to an entire new state of things. 1st a formal exhibit of grievances and requirement of redress by Mr. Adet. 2. The suspension of that ministers diplomatic functions. 3 The extended and aggravated depredations upon our commerce, in pursuance of a decree of the Derectory announced by Mr. Adet to the Secretary of State the 27th of Octbr. ulto.\nTo this state of things Mr Pinckneys powers were inapplicable, and it is to be presumed were so considered by the Directory. Mr. Pinckney could not demand reparation for the injuries done to our trade by illegal captures & condemnations, and had received no power to adjust and settle mutual complaints.  Inasmuch therefore as no commission has yet been issued which comprised these objects, one fully qualified to face them; one to complain and seek redress as well as to explain, cannot be viewed as a repetition of that which has been refused by the Directory, but as a measure necessarily resulting from and required by this new state of things.  This double object then contains at  least a great salvo for national honour.\nWe have just seen in the case of Sweden, the negotiation in some way or other of a similar insult. Though the refusal of our minister as being more pretextless is more offensive; yet the forbearance of Sweden is a precedent of some force for us.\nAs to our own country there is a general and strong desire; and with a considerable party still  a particular repugnance to war with France. The state of public opinion is not likely to consider a further attempt at negotiation as too humiliating. It may be safely taken for granted then that it will approve such an attempt as prudent, and that at home it will have no other effect, than to lay the foundation for greater union and constancy in case of failure.\nBut to preserve character abroad and esteem for the government at home it is essential that the idea of further negotiation be accompanied by measures that shall demonstrate a spirit of resistance in case of failure\u2014that shall yield present protection and promise future security.\nWith this adjunct it is beleived that the government in pursuing the plan of further negotiation will raise rather than depress the character of the nation abroad, and will preserve the dignity of the American mind, and the esteem of the American people.\nFrom a mission so combined the following important advantages may be expected, additional to those already suggested.\nIt will exhibit a sincere desire to preserve peace, while it carries with it convincing evidence that the United States do not fear war.\nIt will silence the clamour of opposition, by taking from it the popular argument, that the government refuses to France, (with an eye to war) what it yielded to Great Britain, with an eye to alliance.\nIt will tend to embarrass or suspend the hostile projects of France, should she meditate any.\nIt will gain time to make arrangements in matters of  revenue and war, and with foreign powers, should the latter be found necessary. The late King of Prussia used to say, he who gains time gains every thing. Let us then gain time.\nIt will give the United States what in the shiftings of foreign combinations may be very important, an opportunity to suspend a final determination, till the denoument of the political tragedy can be better understood.\nIt will take from France, the hope of continuing her depredations during a delusive and fradulent negotiation, and compel her to be just reasonable and explicit. \n There are strong grounds for beleiving that France has calculated upon deriving three important advantages from the system of injuries directed against the United States. 1. The severty of her depredations on our commerce, and the formation of an incidental nursery of sailors attracted by plunder, to be used occasionally in her navy. 2. The effects of these depredations upon the manufactures and finances of Great Britain. 3. Their unfitting the United States for energetic measures, by weakening or destroying their maritime resources, and thereby preparing them for humiliation and subjection.\nTaking such to be her policy, it is not to be presumed that  a mission, denudated of military preparation and immediate protection, could induce her to listen to terms of admissible accommodation, or that any thing short of combining with it, strong protecting and defensive measures, can afford a reasonable hope of success. It would indeed offer a sad spectacle of national imbecility and weakness, and exhibit a mournful departure from all sense of dignity to send a more abstract mission after such insults and injuries.\nThe enunciation of one measure by the Executive ought therefore to be accompanied with a decisive recommendation of the other course. In doing this however it will be wise to avoid all expressions that may look like menacing France with what we intend to do. The attempt to negotiate, must be put upon the footing of an appeal to her justice and friendship The recommendations of preparations and defensive precautions, must consequently be put on the foot of present necessity (in reference to the actual and ruinous depredations on our commerce) and the possibility of future dangers which it may not be in our power to avert.\n2 Question.\nIt will be expedient to declare to France, that if there be any thing in the treaty with Great Britain which France is desirous of incorporating in the treaty with her, the United States are ready to do so, having no wish to give to any other power privileges which France may not equally enjoy on the same terms\nThis general offer seems the most unexceptionable, and will stop (to use a vulgar phrase) as well the mouth of France, as of her partizans among ourselves. It will shew if rejected,  to the people of the United States, that our treaty with Great Britain was a pretext for injuries, & an  apology for plunder.\nThe duration of privileges should also in both cases be the same.\n3 Question.\nIt does not occur that it will be expedient to propose the abolition of any of the articles of our treaties with France further than may be implied in the above general offer. To propose the abolition of things inconvenient to us would confirm the suspicion that we were disposed to narrow the privileges of France, and would do harm both there and here. The defining of some of the stipulations according to our practice upon them would be desireable if obtainable, but it is better to leave them as they are than define the other way.  And the probability is that the definition would end in the last way which might compromit us with other powers. The only thing that can be done with  advantage, is to propose to liquidate the meaning and effect of the mutual guarantee in the treaty of alliance. That guarantee is now general. The obligation it imposes on France towards us is essentially nominal in future, because our sovereignty and independence can hardly again come in question. That which it lays upon us, would expose us to a general war with the enemies of France, as often as in a purely defensive war her West India possessions should be attacked. This is a great evil.  The  alternative in such a case is, to chicane away our engagements and risk war with France for not performing them\u2014or to perform them, if called upon, and encounter war with her enemies. It would be a great point gained to reduce this general guarantee to a treaty of mutual specific definite succour, excluding the present war, and defining the casus f\u0153deris to be that case in which the first act of actual hostility by sea or land is committed against the ally\u2014without reference to antecedent motives and causes which are ever vague and complicated.\n4 Question.\nIf an amicable course of negotiation should take place modifications in this convention may be proposed. All parts of it which established an imperium in imperio, which extends foreign influence, and prevents Jurisdiction in our country\u2014and which prevents efficacious justice between French citizens who are other than debtors &c ought to be got rid of. As it is not however of perpetual duration, and the obtaining proper alterations might protract and perplex negotiation it may perhaps be prudent to let it run out its term without notice.\n5 Question.\nIt does not appear expedient to propose or agree to such new articles. In general it is wisest neither to give nor take peculiar privileges, but to equalize our commercial system with all nations. Indeed it will be very difficult to adjust such new articles without interference with other treaties. The only method of favouring France is to stipulate, that certain articles of her production or manufacture, not common to Great Britain, which enter largely into our supplies, should be admitted without duty or on light duties to be specified. This applies principally to her brandies and wines; but even then they must be on the same footing, if coming through Great Britain, as if coming directly from France.  Yet it may be observed,  the essential and ultimate benefit would accrue to France, as favouring the vent and consumption in our country of her peculiar commodities. But perhaps all this is far better avoided. The diminution of our revenue and jealosies in other powers will be certain evils for which France can give no real equivalent.\n6 Question.\nWhat was done in the case of G. Britain will be a good precedent for this case.\n7 Question.\nThe terms of the remonstrances against spoliations should be mild and calm without offensive epithets, but serious and depicting strongly the extent of the evil. They should suppose the West India construction to be abuses of the orders of the Directory; but they should notice that these were so vague and indefinite in themselves as to be naturally liable to abuse. They should urge a revocation of these orders and compensation for the injuries they have produced, as due from the good faith justice and friendship of France to the violated rights of the United States and their citizens and to a restoration of cordial harmony between the two nations, which must otherwise suffer a deep and perhaps incurable wound.\n8 Question.\nThis is answered in the answer to the seventh.\n9 Question.\nThis claim of our citizens ought to be noticed and urged as a great and serious one, having from the motives of the individuals in the greatest number of cases, a title to peculiar attention. Yet the whole ought to be so managed as not to compromit the government for the ultimate vindication of the claim. It is very questionable whether it be not such a one (as far as credit was voluntary) as that these who gave it ought finally to be left to the honour of the government to which they trusted.\n10 question.\nThis is answered in the affirmative in the answer to the seventh question. It is not conceived that there is any solid distinction between between captures and seizures by private vessels or public vessels. The government which gave the commission to cruise is liable in both cases. This observation has reference to those depredations which result from vague orders of the government or the abusive constructions of its agents, intrusted with local Jurisdictions, as governors, commissioners &c\u2014\n11 Question.\nA commission like that of England ought to be agreed to as a very happy issue out of the embarrassment\n12 Question.\nThis is answered in the answer to the second question. The equivalent privileges in the French East India trade will be the analogous compensation, though not of equal extent. But situated as we are with France, it seems proper to be content with less.  If privileges in her West India trade could be obtained it would be desireable. But this ought not to be a sine qua non.\nA limitation of a new treaty as well of guarantee as commerce, is a great desideratum.\n13 Question.\nIt scarcely seems adviseable to offer the project of such a new treaty. It opens at once all the cards. In that case there is no knowing how the game will terminate. It is better perhaps to deal in generals and avoid the risk. This procedure will leave less in the power of France or her partizans.\n14 Question.\nIf the plan, project, or general outlines of either treaty or instructions be laid before the Senate, it is probable they would  acquire publicity here and in France before being officially submitted to the Directory or minister; that this would subject them to premature strictures and criticisms in both countries; that it would give information to nations with whom it may be necessary to negotiate in the mean while, of the terms upon which it was intended to treat, all of which might prejudice the attempt and work inconveniently to the country. It is therefore conceived most adviseable to follow former precedent in this respect, which may avoid much delay and embarrassment. In the exercise of this branch of Executive power it will be found the best course to reduce the co-operation of the Senate to the appointment of the negotiator and the ultimate fiat or negative.  Much I believe has been already done to this end, and it may not, for any partial reason, be expedient to relinquish the ground which has been gained.\nAll which is respectfully submitted\u2014\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1952", "content": "Title: From John Adams to David Rawn, 1 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Rawn, David\nBy the President of the United States.\nWhereas John Steele Esquire Comptroller of the Treasury of the United States is at present absent from the seat of Government, and whereas it is represented to me as a matter of importance that the accounts of Edmund Randolph Esquire late Secretary of State should be forwith adjusted and Settled.\n\u2014Therefore be it Known that in pursuance of the authority Vested in me by the Eighth Section of the Act passed on the eighth day of May 1792. Entitled \u201cAn Act making Alterations in the Treasury and War Departments\u201d I do hereby authorize David Rawn of the City of Philadelphia to perform the duties of Comptroller of the Treasury, in the absence of John Steele Esquire Comptroller as aforesaid in Respect to the settlement and adjustment of the Accounts of Edmund Randolph Esqr. late Secretary of State, for doing which according to Law, this shall be to the said David Rawn a sufficient Warrant\u2014\nGiven under my hand at the City of Philadelphia / this first day of May in the year of our Lord one / thousand Seven hundred and Ninety Seven\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1953", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Gunn, 1 May 1797\nFrom: Gunn, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nSavannah May 1th. 1797\nThe day previous to my leaving Philadelphia I did my self the honor to enclose you a letter from Governor Lee recommending Col. Armstrong for the Appointment of Inspector and Surveyor for the Port of Savannah\u2014On my Arrival in this State I am informed that Col. Armstrong drinks to an Extreem, Which Circumstance I had no knowledge of at the Time I Joined in recommending him; I therefore feel it my duty to apprize the President of his Situation.\nI have the honor to be, with great / respect and Esteme, / Sir, / your Obt. Hbl. St.\nJames Gunn", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1954", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 1 May 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nDepartment of State May 1. 1797.\nThe Secretary of State respectfully submits the following facts and observations, to the President of the United States, relative to matters of which he may deem is proper to give information, and to measures which he may think necessary and expedient to recommend to Congress, at the approaching Extraordinary Session.\nI. General Pinckney\u2019s mission to the French Republic.\nThe late President of the United States having information that the French Government had manifested its discontent, and meant formally to complain of some proceedings of the Government of these States said to affect the interests of France, deemed it expedient to send to that country a new minister, fully instructed to enter on such amicable discussions, & to give such candid explanations, as might happily remove the discontents, jealousies & suspicions of the French Government, and vindicate our own.\nThis direct and interesting object of General Pinckney\u2019s mission was clearly announced in his letters of credence to the French Republic, which in their tenor differed materially from the usual letters of credence to ministers in ordinary, sent to reside with a foreign government, and show that his mission was in its nature special & extraordinary; altho\u2019 when this first and immediate object of it... should be accomplished, he was to continue in France as the ordinary minister plenipotentiary of the United States.\u2014The purposes of his mission expressed in his letters of credence were, \u201cto maintain that good understanding which from the commencement of their alliance had subsisted between our two nations; and to efface unfavourable impressions, banish suspicions, and restore that cordiality which was at once the evidence and pledge of a friendly union.\u201d And his instructions were to the same effect \u2013 \u201cFaithfully to represent the disposition of the government & people of the United States (their disposition being one) to remove jealousies and obviate complaints, by shewing that they were groundless; to restore that mutual confidence which had been so unfortunately and injuriously impaired; and to explain the relative interest of both countries, and the real sentiments of his own.\u201d\nA minister thus specially accredited & commissioned, it was hoped & expected would have been readily received by the French Government, & have proved the instrument of restoring mutual confidence between the two Republics, as the basis of mutual goodwill, and of the exercise of offices reciprocally and highly beneficial. This hope & expectation were evidently just; and the first step of the French Government in relation to General Pinckney, manifested their intention to receive him. For by his letters of the 20th of December and 6th of January last, it appears, that two or three days previous to his arrival at Paris, the French Minister for foreign affairs, Mr. Delacroix, had informed Mr. Monroe of the formalities to be observed by himself and his successor, the former in taking leave, the latter in presenting himself as the minister plenipotentiary of the United States.\u2014On General Pinckney\u2019s arrival, the preliminary formalities were observed; and he & Mr. Monroe, together, presented officially to Mr. Delacroix, the one a copy of his letters of recall, & the other of his letters of credence to the French Republic. Mr. Delacroix promised to lay them immediately before the Executive Directory. This was on the ninth of December. On the twelfth, Mr. Monroe sent to General Pinckney a letter to himself from Mr. Delacroix, dated the 11th, in which that minister said \u201cthat he had laid before the Executive Directory the copy of his (Mr. Monroe\u2019s) letters of recall, and of the letters of credence of Mr. Pinckney whom the President of the United States had appointed to replace Mr. Monroe, in quality of minister plenipotentiary from the United States to the French Republic; and that the Directory had charged him to notify to Mr. Monroe, \u201cThat they would not acknowledge nor receive another minister plenipotentiary from the United States until after the redress of injuries which the French Republic had demanded and had a right to expect from the American Government.\u201d\nGeneral Pinckney expecting a similar letter to be addressed to him, waited that day; but receiving none, he, on the 13th, wrote to Mr. Delacroix, mentioning the indirect notice, thro\u2019 Mr. Monroe, of the determination of the Directory concerning himself, and asking whether it was the intention of the Directory that he should immediately quit the territories of the French Republic. The verbal answers (for written ones were denied) as well from Mr. Delacroix as from his chief secretary, were, that the refusal to receive him was to be understood to mean that he should quit the territories of the Republic. General Pinckney not admitting this to be a clear deduction, desired an explanation in writing, or that he might be furnished with passports for himself and family, which he had a right to demand, to enable him to leave the territories of the Republic with safety. But he could obtain neither one nor the other; while at the same time the cards of hospitality, or official certificates, which had been promised him, and which were necessary to exempt him from the ordinary jurisdiction of the minister of police, were withheld. Yet because for the reasons above mentioned, he delayed his departure, the minister, Mr. Delacroix, as early as the 26th of December, threatened to inform the minister of police; as if General Pinckney, the known minister sent to France by the United States, was not under the protection of the law of nations, but like a dangerous foreigner, a spy, or a criminal, subject to the local laws of France, and the jurisdiction of the minister of police! General Pinckney, however, declared and maintained his rights under the law of nations; and he remained at Paris, undisturbed, until the news arrived there, about the 25th of January, of Buonaparte\u2019s last, decisive victory over the Austrian army in Italy; the day after which, General Pinckney received orders to quit the territories of the French Republic. He accordingly left France, and went to Amsterdam, where he proposed to remain until he should receive instructions from his government. Instructions have been sent to him to continue there, or at some other convenient place, in readiness to resume his mission, should an opportunity present.\nII. French Depredations on the Commerce of the U. States.\nVery few representations have been made to the Government of depredations committed by French armed vessels on the commerce of the United States, subsequent to the decree of the Executive Directory, of the second of July 1796, ordering that the flag of France should treat the flags of neutral nations as these should suffer them to be treated by the English. Of the numerous claims of our citizens before that time presented to the French Government, on account of illegal captures & condemnations, unreasonable detentions of their vessels, goods purchased or forcibly taken by the agents of the Republic and not paid for, it was generally known that few had been satisfied; altho\u2019 compensation had long and often been demanded. Hence, and on account of the peculiar situation of the United States in relation to France, since that decree of the Directory was communicated, our citizens have probably thought it unnecessary to present their new claims until the Government should call for them.  The facts, however, are sufficiently notorious. The French spoliations surpass those of all other nations northward of the states of Barbary. Whenever there shall be a prospect of redress, and the mode of pursuing it shall be prescribed, the claims of our citizens to compensation for these new and unexampled injuries, with the necessary proofs to support them, will certainly be produced.\nThe causes or pretenses for these numerous depredations are various.\nBy the law of nations, we, as a neutral power, have a right to trade with the subjects of all the belligerent powers, in all kinds of merchandize, contraband goods excepted. By virtue of our treaty with France, this right is confirmed, and other rights are reciprocally granted. By that treaty we have a right to carry freely in our vessels, the goods of the enemies of France, and ship-timber and naval stores; tho\u2019 by the law of nations both would be liable to capture; the former because the property of enemies; the latter because they are contraband of war. Great Britain also insisted that cases might exist in which provisions would become contraband. This the Government of the United States did not admit. But as it was necessary to shut up this source of contention, a middle course was taken: it was agreed that if provisions or any other articles not generally deemed contraband, should under any circumstances become so, and consequently subjects of capture,\u2014the party capturing should pay the full value thereof, with a reasonable mercantile profit, freight and demurrage.\nThis stipulation, together with the admission of the operation of the known law of nations in respect to enemies\u2019 goods on board neutral vessels, and to the articles of ship-timber and naval stores as contraband of war, in our treaty with Great Britain, are stated and urged as grounds of just offence towards the French Republic, & are assumed as the basis of the decree before mentioned, as it respects the United States. Yet this decree, unjust as it is, would have operated injuries towards neutral commerce, comparatively trifling, if it had not been stretched by unwarrantable constructions, and by authorising some unjustifiable depredations, opened the door to a scene of plunder and piracy of which since the dawn of civilization it would be difficult to find an example. The Decree in substance declares, That French armed vessels shall treat the flags of neutrals as these shall suffer them to be treated by the English.\nTo judge of the nature and consequences of this decree, it will be necessary to inquire in what manner the English treat the flags of neutral nations.\nBritish Captures.\n1. Agreeably to the established rule of the law of nations, they capture neutral vessels having on board the goods of enemies; condemning such goods only, and releasing all others, with the vessels, and paying freight and reasonable expences, on account of the enemies\u2019 goods condemned, where no mala fides; or prevarication appears, or is justly suspected, on the part of the neutral masters.\n2. Agreeably to the same law, they capture neutral vessels having on board contraband goods, including in the list, ship-timber & naval stores.\n3. Both before and subsequent to the formation of the commercial treaty between the United States & G. Britain, her cruisers captured neutral vessels \u201cloaded wholly or in part with corn, flour or meal, bound to any port in France, or any Port occupied by the armies of France.\u201d But the corn, flour or meal so captured was paid for, with a reasonable mercantile profit. However, no captures for this cause have been made by the British since early in the autumn of 1795. And as the decree of the French Directory was, in its terms, applicable not to antecedent, but to subsequent conduct of the English, of consequence the French ought not, by their own rule, to capture neutral vessels on this ground.\n4. If the instructions of his Britannic Majesty of the 8th of January 1794 are still in force, then his cruisers are authorised to capture neutral vessels laden with goods the produce of the French West-India Islands, and coming directly from any port of the said islands to any port in Europe.\u2014The other three causes of capture mentioned in the same instructions falling within the generally acknowledged rules of the law of nations, it is unnecessary to notice them, further than to say that they relate to French property, the produce of their islands, on board neutral vessels\u2014to such vessels attempting to enter a blockaded port, and to such vessels laden wholly or in part with naval or military stores, & bound to any port in those islands.\nAltho\u2019 the capture of our vessels by the French for any of the four causes before mentioned, viz. for having on board the goods of her enemies\u2014ship-timber and naval stores\u2014corn, flour or mean, or provisions of any kind\u2014or because laden with goods the produce of the British West-India islands, and coming directly from them to any port in Europe\u2014would have been manifest violations of the treaty of commerce, yet if they had limited their captures to these cases, we should have but few subjects of complaint: and to these limits, by the terms of the decree, they ought to have been confined. How far these bounds have been exceeded, will appear, in some measure, by the following account of\nFrench Captures.\nUnder colour of the decree of the Executive Directory, of the 2d of July 1796, & by the arbitrary orders & decrees of their agents in the West-Indies, and of their consuls & courts in Europe, the French capture neutral, and especially American vessels, for the following causes.\n1. If they have enemies\u2019 property on board, which they confiscate of course, without any allowance, as it is conceived, for freight or expences.\n2. If they have on board any contraband goods, not only horses, arms and military stores, as enumerated in our treaty with France, but ship-timber and naval stores, which by the treaty are declared free. They do not stop, however, at the confiscation of these contraband goods; but in flagrant violation of the law of nations as well as of the treaty, they condemn all the residue of the cargoes, and the vessels themselves. But every question under this head of contraband is superceded and lost in the following: for as contraband articles are liable to confiscation only when destined, in a neutral vessel, to an enemy\u2019s port, and the French capture and condemn our vessels with whatever they are laden if bound to or from a British port, the distinction between contraband and other goods ceases to be of any consequence.\n3. The preceeding remark applies to the third cause before mentioned of British captures\u2014to wit, that the neutral vessels were laden with corn, flour or meal, and destined to some port in France, or to a port occupied by the armies of France. All distinctions are merged in their indiscriminate captures, by the French, of neutral vessels, for the single circumstance that they are bound to or from a British port. Such captures transgressing every known rule, and outraging every principle, supercede all reasoning.\u2014But if it were possible to offer an excuse for the French, in this case, the same would apply to the British and the other belligerent powers; and thus when so many, and the greatest commercial nations in the world are engaged in war, by subjecting to capture and confiscation neutral vessels destined to the enemy of either, the commerce of the United States would be nearly annihilated. And is it the intention and wish of France that neutral vessels should wholly cease to visit her ports? Is it her desire to extinguish all foreign commerce with her dominions?\nIt merits particular notice, that the first formal decree on this head (of capturing neutral vessels simply because going to or from a British port) by the agents of the Directory at Cape Francois, dated the 27th of November 1796, does not extend to neutral vessels generally,\u2014but, peculiarly insulting and hostile, is expressly confined to American vessels. It is pretended, indeed, that the English pay no respect to neutral flags; and Mr. Adet, in his note of the 27th of October 1796, asserts, \u201cthat the English continue to stop and carry into their ports all American vessels bound to French ports, or returning from them.\u201d But the pretence and assertion were alike destitute of truth.  The French agents at St. Domingo had almost daily proofs that the British ships meeting American vessels bound to and from the French ports in that island, let them pass unmolested.\n4. Victor Hugues and Lebas, the Special agents of the Executive Directory for the Windward Islands, by their decree of the first of February 1797, hold up a distinction between the ports of the English possessed by that power before the war, and certain French and Dutch ports in the West-Indies taken by the English during the present war; or, as it is expressed in the decree, \u201cdelivered up to them, occupied and defended by Emigrants.\u201d These the agents affect to consider as rebel ports, and declare that all neutral vessels and their cargoes destined thither are good prize, and shall be sold for the benefit of the captors. They also declare all neutral vessels cleared out, not for any particular port, by name, but generally for the West-Indies, to be good prize. Under this distinction, it would seem that these agents have cleared some few vessels going to or coming from the old English ports, contenting themselves with confiscating their cargoes; while other vessels going to or coming from the pretended rebel ports, are entirely confiscated, vessels & cargoes.\n5. If the decree of the Executive Directory admitted contrary to the plain terms of it, of a retrospective construction, still it could not warrant these captures, under pretence that the like were made by the British, under the order of the 6th of November 1793; For those captures have since, in effect, been acknowledged (by the British treaty) to be irregular and illegal; and the British government have promised to make us compensation for them, as soon as the losses are ascertained. Therefore, if the Directory meant by their decree to authorize similar captures, they should, on their own principle of treating our flag as it is treated by the English, have made the like provision for giving us compensation. A provision, indeed, that would have been so extremely absurd as to demonstrate that such captures are not comprized within the meaning of their decree. For they could never intend to commission their privateers to commit such extensive spoliations for the benefit of individual captors, for which the nation should at the same time be declared bound to compensate the neutral sufferers.\n6. The want of a sea-letter has also been made a pretence for condemning American vessels and cargoes, & where there was no question of the entire property being American. This cause of condemnation they pretend to find in the 25th article of the treaty of commerce, in which it is said, that \u201cTo the end that all manner of dissensions & quarrels may be avoided and prevented, on one side and the other, it is agreed, that in case either of the parties hereto should be engaged in war, the ships & vessels belonging to the subjects or people of the other ally, must be furnished with sea letters or passports, expressing the name, property and bulk of the ship, as also the name and place of habitation of the master or commander of the said ship, that it may appear thereby that the ship really and truly belongs to the subjects of one of the parties.\u201d But the true design of the two governments in this provision is not merely to prove the property, but by exhibiting that decisive evidence of it, at the first meeting at sea, to prevent the vexation, delay and injury which, for want of such decisive proof, might arise from taking and carrying the vessels into port for examination & trial, on suspicion that they belonged to an enemy. This is plain from the 27th article of the treaty, in which it is provided, that the passport (or sea-letter) shall be exhibited to the cruiser, and the vessel, \u201cwhen she shall have shewed such passport, shall be free and at liberty to pursue her voyage, so as it shall not be lawful to molest or search her in any manner, or to give her chace, or to force her to quit her intended course.\u201d Without such sea-letters, our vessels would be liable to the inconveniences, delays and losses, of being searched, chaced, and forced out of their intended course, in order to be carried into port for trial; and have no right to claim any indemnity, because they neglected to provide themselves with the evidence which on the first inspection would have exempted them from molestation. But if a sea-letter was intended by the treaty to supersede and exclude all other evidence of the property, we should certainly find it so explicitly declared in the treaty. Nothing like it is to be found: and nothing can be clearer than that when other evidence proving the property is produced, it ought to be liberated.\n7. But besides the captures and confiscations of American vessels and cargoes for the unjust causes & pretences before mentioned, the French privateers in the West Indies have exhibited a series of atrocious spoliations & outrages unexampled in the history of the civilized world. The news-papers in the United States have, for many months past, presented them to the public eye. Not contented with plundering the American vessels, the French have been guilty of personal insults and injuries to our citizens. And the outrages have not been confined to privateers. Statements have been published shewing that the agents themselves have sanctioned the pillage of our vessels by their immediate orders, in the French ports. And the special agents at Guadaloupe, after confiscating their vessels and cargoes, have thrown the American citizens into prison, fed them with coarse & scanty diet, treated them, in fact, as prisoners of war, and actually attempted to exchange them with the British for Frenchmen.\n8. Unwarrantable captures and condemnations of American vessels and cargoes have also been made in Europe. Some have been carried into Spain, & condemned by French Consuls, on the single charge that they were bound to or from a British port. Some such have been captured on the Spanish coast, and within gunshot of their forts. The protection due to our vessels from the Spanish government, agreeably to the sixth article of our treaty with Spain, has been claimed; but without effect. In one case the French Consul has said that the capture within the Spanish jurisdiction was justifiable, because France & Spain made a common cause in the present war. The Spanish government, in this particular case, ordered the vessel to be restored: but the French Consul disobeyed, and said he should wait the orders of the Directory.\n9. An official report from the consulate of the U. States at Paris, states, that captures of American vessels are made by privateers fitted out and owned in France. That the judges of the tribunals which in the first instance take cognizance of prizes, are chiefly merchants, who are directly or indirectly more or less interested in fitting out privateers, and are therefore parties in the controversies in which they decide. There, as well as in the West-Indies, the want of a sea-letter is now made a pretence for condemning vessel and cargo. One instance is related of an American vessel purchased in Europe, & which subsequent to the purchase had not been in America, and of consequence had it never in her power to procure a sea-letter. She had made several coasting voyages from one French port to another, her papers having been found regular: but at last, altho\u2019 bound from a port in Holland to a port in France, she was captured by a French privateer belonging to Boulonge, and carried into that port. The judges of the tribunal there were most of them concerned in the privateer. The American vessel and cargo were of course condemned. The sole pretence was, that she had not a sea-letter. The cause was carried up to the highest judicial authority\u2014the Minister of Justice. He acknowledged the property to be American; yet argued for its condemnation on the frivolous pretence that the vessel had not a sea-letter. It was shown by the American Consul that this furnished no cause for condemnation. \u201cThat the article of the treaty upon which he founded is opinion did not specify seizure or confiscation of vessels that should not be furnished with sea-letters\u2014that every penal law was to be construed liberally\u201d towards the supposed offenders \u2014\u201cthat the object of the treaty must have been reciprocal benefit to the merchants and commerce of the two countries\u2014that the interpretation given by him to that article would operate in a quite opposite manner, and place the merchants of the United States in a worse situation than if there had been no treaty; which most certainly could never have been the intention of either of the contracting parties: For if there existed no treaty, most undoubtedly the American vessel being brought into a French port, would be immediately released upon the proof being made that she was American property, and consequently neutral. That this doctrine had been sanctioned in France since the commencement of hostilities: several hundreds of our vessels having visited their ports, & no exception having been taken to the want of sea-letters\u2014indeed they have never been heretofore asked for. That the French government had sold a very considerable number of prize vessels to our merchants in payment of supplies by them furnished, or otherwise, some of which had been chartered by the very agents of the government for sundry voyages in Europe, all of which had no sea-letters, nor could they ever obtain any before they make a voyage to the United States.\u201d\u2014Yet all that the consul could obtain from the minister was, his saying that he would reconsider the matter, and take the decision of the Directory.\nThis is the latest intelligence about American Vessels captured and carried into the ports of France; except that\n10. Certain unprincipled American Citizens have resorted to the ports of France, where they have fitted out numbers of privateers, and capture American vessels. Most of the privateers fitted out at Brest, are said to be owned wholly or in part by Americans. One of these privateers is commanded by a captain Cowell from Boston.\nFrom this view of the Attacks made by the French on the Commerce of the United States, it results, that they are directed by no just rule: That they are plain violations of our treaty with France, or of the law of nations, or of both: That these spoliations (to say nothing of the open and unrestrained piracies committed in the West Indies by their armed boats) appear to have been systematically designed and pursued: That there is no appearance of any relaxation; on the contrary, they are continued with circumstances of increasing outrage and personal abuse: That the ordinary means of seeking & obtaining redress, by friendly negociations, are denied; the Directory having refused to receive, and driven from their territory, the minister specially charged by the American Government to discuss and amicably terminate all subjects of complaint:\nFrom all which it follows, That the United States must abandon their commerce, on which the prosperity of their citizens, and almost all their revenue depends, or resort to extraordinary means for its protection. And extraordinary means are as just as necessary in respect to a people who have laid aside all the rules of fair proceedure which have hitherto directed and still govern the other civilized nations of the world.\nWhile therefore the Executive of the United States, desirous and endeavouring yet, if it be possible, to preserve peace, shall be making one more attempt by fair and candid negociations to terminate all subjects of controversy, with the French Republic, it appears to the Secretary of State, that the following are proper\nMeasures\nTo be recommended to Congress, at the approaching session, as necessary and expedient.\n1. That provision be made for equipping & manning the frigates.\n2. That provision be made for equipping a number of sloops of war.\n3. As the extended and various navigation and commerce of the United States will not universally admit of convoys, or goes beyond the means of provision within the power of the United States, That the citizens be authorized to arm their vessels, but only for the purpose of defence; not to cruise, nor to capture, unless when attacked. The convoys to be confined to the same limits.\n4. To prevent the further sacrifice of our commerce, it may merit consideration, whether any American vessel should be permitted to sail from the United States, unless armed and manned for defence, in proposition to her size; or that she sails under convoy. The expence of convoys might at least be partially defrayed by a contribution from each unarmed vessel taking the benefit of the public convoy.\n5. That the principal seaports of the United States be put in a proper state of defence; and competent corps of militia artillerists formed & disciplined to reinforce the garrisons.\n6. That the corps of artillery be increased: and that a provisional army be organized, to consist of thirty thousand men, to be in readiness for actual service, if a war should take place. This army to be composed of volunteers or draughts from the militia, & paid for the time spent in their formation & discipline. The several corps to remain in the respective states and districts where raised, until the public service should require their being drawn together.\n7. That the laws for organizing, arming and training the militia be revised, and rendered efficient.\n8. That the immediate manufacture of fire arms for the United States be encouraged to the utmost practicable extent; and other adequate measures taken to procure ample supplies of arms and military stores.\n9. That a law be passed authorizing the Executive to cause spies and persons justly suspected of designs hostile or injurious to the United States, to be apprehended\u2014offenders against the provisions of the law to be tried and punished\u2014and foreigners compelled to quit the territories of the United States.\n10. That the system for levying a land-tax be completed and put in operation; and other funds provided for carrying the proposed measures into effect, and to meet all other public demands.\n12. That provision be made for punishing all citizens of the U. States voluntarily serving on board the national ships of any of the belligerent powers, which shall make prize of the vessels or other property of the U. States or their citizens; and especially to punish those American citizens who shall fit out or serve on board privateers which shall cruise against and annoy the commerce of the United States.\n13. That the citizens who have sustained losses or injuries in their persons or properties from the armed vessels & privateers of the French Republic, or from the tribunals, agents or others under its jurisdiction, be required to procure the best evidence of those losses and injuries, their amount, and the circumstances attending them, whereon to found & support their claims of compensation and indemnity from the French Republic; and that these claims and evidence be transmitted to the office of the Secretary of State, to be used whenever the mode of seeking redress shall be prescribed.\nIII. Concerning the affairs of the United States in relation to the Barbary powers.\nThe payments stipulated with the Dey of Algiers, have been made to his satisfaction; and thro\u2019 his friendly interposition, an advantageous treaty has been concluded with Tripoli. Measures were still pursued for effecting a peace with Tunis, which tho\u2019 attended with some difficulties, was by the last intelligence expected to be soon accomplished.\nOur harmony and good understanding with the Emperor of Morocco have been endangered by the prohibited commerce carried on by some American vessels with certain ports in his dominions which refuse submission to his authority. Repeated warnings have been publicly given to the Americans concerned in that traffic, by our minister in Portugal, and our consuls in that quarter of Europe: but all these cautions have been disregarded. Lucrative freights have tempted those citizens to continue this commerce, at the hazard of provoking a war between that empire and the United States. This evil demands the interposition of the legislative power to suppress.\nThe vast importance of a free trade in the Mediterranean, and with the ports in the Atlantic which are within the range of the Barbary Corsairs, demands that further provision be made for maintaining consuls with each of the Barbary States, and for vesting those consuls with the extraordinary powers necessary, in emergencies, to preserve our peace, and avoid the great sacrifices always necessary to recover it, if suffered to be broken for want of full powers & adequate means to appease the blind revenge and accommodate the capricious demands of their despotic rulers. The salary of two thousand dollars is particularly insufficient for the support of a consul at Algiers, whom perhaps it may be expedient to invest with a superior & superintending power over the consuls of Tunis & Tripoli. The Executive has never yet been able to find a citizen of the requisite abilities, and meriting the high confidence which that post demands, willing to accept of it.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1955", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 1 May 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nDepartment of State, May 1. 1797.\nTo the Questions proposed by the President of the United States, on the 14th of the last month, the Secretary of State respectfully returns the following answers.\n1. Question.Whether the refusal to receive Mr. Pinckney, and the rude orders to quit Paris & the Territory of the Republic, with such circumstances of indignity, insult & hostility, as we have been informed of, are bars to all further measures of negotiation? Or, in other words, will a fresh mission to Paris be too great an humiliation of the American People, in their own sense and that of the world?Answer. The Refusal of the Executive Directory of the French Republic to receive General Pinckney, and their rude treatment of him, and orders to quit the territory of the Republic, would justify the American Government in strongly expressing its resentment, in making a solemn and energetic demand of reparation for these and all other wrongs, and compensation for property purchased & unlawfully seized, and for all the damages to the property and injuries to the persons of our citizens: and a refusal to comply with these demands, would authorize reprisals. But the example of forbearance under British aggressions; the inestimable value of peace; and the general sentiment of our country decidedly point to further negociation as expedient to be attempted.\u2014The measure may probably be marked with dignity in the manner of proposing and conducting it.\u2014In addressing the Directory, all humiliating language may be avoided: no fraternizing words need be used: the former stile of \u201cvery dear great friends & allies\u201d may be omitted. They know it is impossible that we should feel what those words import: and the dignity of our government demands that the spirit of Independence and the simplicity of Truth should distinguish the address. This may be\u2014The President of the U. States of America, To the Executive Directory of the French Republic.And as the title is universally adopted by themselves and other public functionaries, and may now indeed be considered as appropriate,\u2014instead of Friends & Allies, they may be called Citizens.Question 2. If another mission be admissible, can any part, and what parts or articles of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Great Britain be offered to France, or ultimately conceded to that power, in case of necessity, if demanded by her?Answer. As the French Government have complained (falsely indeed) that in the British treaty we have granted to their enemies commercial advantages which we have denied to them, I think we should make no difficulty in renouncing those stipulations in the treaty with France which we did not insist on in the treaty with Great Britain. I mean the stipulations that free ships should make free goods\u2014and that ship timber and naval stores should not be deemed contraband.\u2014But on the other hand, as horses are free by the treaty with Great Britain, and as they are an article of some consequence in our exports, we should endeavour to strike them from the list of contraband in our treaty with France.\u2014These alterations being made, the 14th article of the French treaty, which subjects the property of the neutral nation found on board the enemies ships, to capture and condemnation, must of course be abolished.\nIn the treaty of Alliance,Art. VI. should be maintained, in order to exclude France from the islands of Bermuda, Canada and the Floridas, which, in the terms of this article, she renounced forever.Art. XI. It is too obvious to remark, that the mutual guarantees should if possible be abolished. A renunciation on our part, of what France may claim the guarantee, would be a desirable substitute. If she will not consent to this modification, I see no other alternative. If we maintained a standing army, and a fleet of ships of the line, we might stipulate to furnish specific numbers of each, in lieu of the indefinite guarantee: but possessing neither, and not likely to possess them in a considerable period to come, we must, if insisted on by France, still acquiesce in the present guarantee: judging, whenever the demand on her part shall be made, whether the case of the alliance applies.In the Treaty of Commerce.Art. VIII. This stipulation of doing us good offices to secure to us peace with the powers of Barbary has never yet done us any good; and I am persuaded never will procure us the smallest benefit. Notwithstanding this stipulation, her agents may secretly do us much harm with all the Barbary powers. I should make no difficulty in renouncing this article; and especially if it can be applied as a set-off for something to be relinquished on the part of France.Art. XI. \u201cGoods moveable and immoveable\u201d\u2014does the latter word comprehend real estates? And was it intended that Our Citizens in France or its Dominions, and Frenchmen in the United States, should at their pleasure become landholders? So important a right, it should seem, ought not to be given by construction. The laws of some of the States in our union do not admit of foreigners holding real estates: and if this article was intended to operate that effect, the operation would be very unequal; as very few of our citizens will find any inducements to become land-holders in France. The contrary, in respect to the United States, was at the time when the treaty was formed, contemplated with pleasure, as it corresponded with the general policy of these states to increase their population by the admission of foreigners to settle & become landholders. The opposers of the British treaty made loud clamours against that article in it which secured to British subjects merely the estates then belonging to them, without allowing subsequent acquisitions.  But this 11th article of the French treaty, if I understand it, gives that right to Frenchmen indefinitely.\u2014I have made these remarks to bring the subject into view.Art. XIV. In my answer to the second question, I have noted that so much of this article as authorises the confiscation of neutral goods on board enemies ships, must be abolished, if the corresponding stipulation, that free ships make free goods, is renounced.Art. XV. The damages done by men of war & privateers of one party to the commerce of the other may probably often exceed the funds of the individual aggressors, to make compensation: Ought not the respective Governments to be responsible for such damages, in the first instance; and each exact a reimbursement (as far as practicable) from its own citizens, as well as punish their aggressions.Art. XVII. The construction put on this article by the American Government to be insisted on; viz. That the admiralty courts of each party have a right to take cognizance of captures made within its jurisdiction, or by illegal privateers. And with regard to captures of neutral vessels at sea, and which shall afterwards be brought into the ports of the U. States, no asylum to be given to the captors or their neutral captured vessels, except when compelled to enter thro\u2019 stress of weather, and then no longer than shall be necessary to enable them to get ready to proceed to the nearest port of the country of the captors.\u2014Perhaps is would be eligible to fix the same rule for captured enemies\u2019 ships (unless the contracting parties are engaged in a common cause) to exclude at once all questions and embarrassments about condemning and selling prizes.But if prize ships are so disabled as to be incapable of putting to sea again until refitted, or if they are utterly disabled, what should be done with their cargoes? Both cases occurred last year. The Government permitted (tho\u2019 with hesitation, doubts & caution) the cargoes to be unladed, the vessels repaired \u2013 part of the prize goods to be sold to pay for the repairs, and the cargo of the prize vessel surveyed & reported to be unfit ever to go to sea again, was allowed to be exported in neutral bottoms, as prize goods, & consequently liable to recapture.Art. XXII. The express exclusion of foreign privateers, enemies of either party, from being fitted in the ports of the other, or selling what they have taken, has been (absurdly to be sure) construed by the French as an implied admission of French privateers to do both. To prevent this & similar unfounded claims in future, more explicit language must be employed. The sale of the prizes of privateers, and even when made by public ships of war, may be wholly forbidden by treaty. If not forbidden, it may be left to the pleasure of each government, without either having a right to complain of the prohibition, should it take place.Art. XXIII. This stipulates for the freedom of commerce. The modification proposed is mentioned in the answer to the 2d question.Art. XXIV. This article also to be modified as stated in the answer to the 2d question.There have appeared so many disgracefully quibbling causes for capture & condemnation, that it may be impossible to guard against them in any treaty that human ingenuity can devise, to be entered into with the French Republic. To state the shameful pretences that have been already advanced by their courts & agents, & even by their first minister of justice, as causes of capture & confiscation of American vessels & cargoes, for the purpose of expressly preventing their future application, would, I think, give pain to any man of sense whom they should employ to negociate another treaty or a modification of the treaties which exist, so that he would be unwilling to admit the possibility of such abuses: yet without being so explicit there will be no safety against repetitions of licensed piracies.\n1.Under pretence that certain ports were surrendered to the English by the treachery of the French or Dutch Inhabitants, Victor Hugues & Lebas, Special Agents of the Directory at Guadaloupe, have declared that all neutral vessels bound to or from such ports shall be good prize.2.Under the false pretence that the English take all neutral vessels bound to or from French ports, the French Agents at St. Domingo decreed that all American vessels bound to or from English ports should be good prize.3.Under the absurd pretence that the sea-letters or passports, which were intended for the mutual convenience of the two nations, to save their commerce from vexations, are an indispensably requisite document, they confiscate our vessels which are destitute of them, even when they acknowledge the property to be American.4.Because horses and their military furniture when destined to an enemy\u2019s port are by the 24th article of the Commercial treaty declared contraband, and as such, by themselves, liable to confiscation, Victor Hugues and Lebas decreed that all neutral vessels merely for having horses on board, should be good prize; & they accordingly condemned vessels and cargoes.Art. XXV5. The ancient ordonnances of the French monarchs required a variety of papers to be on board neutral vessels, the want of any one of which is made a cause for condemnation; altho\u2019 the 25th article mentions what certificates shall accompany our vessels & cargoes, which by every reasonable construction ought to give them protection. Therefore it will be advisable to enumerate and describe the ships papers which shall be deemed necessary, and to declare that the want of any other shall not be a cause of confiscation.6. It will likewise be expedient to fix the mode of manning our vessels, as to the officers and propositions of men who must be natives, or naturalized citizens.\u2014An accurate examination of the French Ordonnances concerning neutral vessels will be useful to the negociator of a new treaty, or in framing instructions for him.The freedom of commerce, stipulated by the 23d. & 24th. articles, requires more explicit language to secure it against French chicanery, in cases like those above mentioned, than would be necessary, I hope, in a treaty with any other nation. The same remark may be applied to other articles in the treaty. It may, among other things, be expedient to define what is a town or place \u201cblocked up or invested.\u201dArt. XXV.} The only consequence of the want of a sea-letter should be to excuse a privateer from damages for detention in carrying the neutral vessel into port; and by no means to supersede other proof of property. These two articles should be made conformable to each other. The 27th says that after the exhibition of the passport, the vessel shall be allowed to pass without molestation or search &c. The 25th requires that besides the passport, vessels shall be furnished with certain certificates, which of course also must be exhibited.Art. XXVII.Art. XXVIII. The prohibited goods here mentioned, have no relation to contraband: but refer merely to such as by the laws of the country are forbidden to be exported. In the case of exporting horses from Virginia, this article was perversely applied by the French minister to horses which by the French treaty are contraband of war.Art. XXX. The commerce of the U. States ought not to be restricted to certain \u201cfree-ports\u201d in France; but be admitted into all her ports in the same manner as the commerce of France is admitted into the ports of the U. States.\u2014The commerce to her Colonies will doubtless be more or less restricted, according to the usage of other European nations: yet on account of the deranged and nearly annihilated condition of French commerce, probably a larger latitude of trade with their Colonies will be readily permitted for a term of years; and perhaps the mutual advantages thence resulting will be so great as to induce afterwards a prolongation of that term, to which the course or habit of business may contribute.Question 3. What articles of the treaty of alliance and of the treaty of commerce with France should be proposed to be abolished?Answered under the second question: excepting that I omitted to speak of the reception to be given to the public ships of war of all nations; which indeed goes rather to the abolition of a French claim, than of any article in the treaty with France.\u2014The French ministers have demanded that her enemies ships which had at any time and in any part of the world made prize of a French vessel, should be excluded from the ports of the U. States, altho\u2019 they brought in no prizes with them. In opposition to this demand, we have contended that they were to be excluded only when they came in with French prizes. And the kind of asylum to be afforded in all other circumstances, is described in Mr. Jefferson\u2019s letter to Mr. Hammond, dated the 9th of Septr. 1793, published (page 77.) with the State papers of that year, in the following words. \u201cThus then the public ships of war of both nations (English & French) enjoy a perfect equality in our ports, 1st, in cases of urgent necessity; 2d, in cases of comfort or convenience;\u2014and 3d, in the time they chuse to continue.\u201d Mr. Jefferson enlarged on this subject; saying, that there is a right secured neither to France nor Britain by treaty, \u201cbut due to both on the principles of hospitality between friendly nations,\u2014that of coming into our ports, not under the pressure of urgent necessity, but whenever their comfort or convenience induced them.\u201dQuestion 4. Whether it will be prudent to say any thing concerning the Consular Convention with that power; and if it will, what alterations in it should be proposed?Answer. The French, after usurping judiciary powers, by their consuls, in prize causes, with the rights of Admiralty Courts, being opposed by the American Government, laid aside the legal formalities; so that Consular sentences of condemnation could not secure to purchasers the property condemned, against capture on the high seas. But they still claim the means, by the Executive Officers of the U. States, of having the Consular decisions between French Citizens, under the 12th article of the Convention, carried into execution. This demand has recently been renewed by Mr. L\u00e9tombe, their Consul General, who has produced a copy of the answer given by Merlin of Douay, the minister of Justice, to Mr. Delacroix, minister of foreign affairs, declaring that sentences of the American Consuls of France are carried into execution by the intervention of their officers of justice.\u2014To this I have verbally answered to Mr. L\u00e9tombe, that the attorney general Mr. Lee, the late Attoy. General Mr. Bradford, & the District attorney of New-York, Mr. Harrison, after deliberately examining this point, under the Consular Convention & the Act of Congress relating to it, concurred in one opinion, That the Marshals (& consequently other officers) of the U States. were not bound to execute the sentences of the French Consuls. I added, That it was plain by the 12th article, that the Consular jurisdiction between the citizens of the two nations respectively, was voluntary; and that if the parties or either of them refused submission to the sentence, each nation must provide the means of compulsion or punishment, in respect to its own citizens; and that the execution of such sentences might at any rate be suspended, by either of the parties to the suit before the Consul, by appealing to the proper tribunal of their own country. Upon this Mr. L\u00e9tombe said, That France had made a provision in such case of disobedience\u2014imposing a penalty of fourteen hundred livres on the citizen that refused to abide by the Consular decree. When Mr. L\u00e9tombe shall send me a letter on the subject, I have promised an answer in writing.Another claim has been insisted on by the French, That the copy of a ships roll (or shipping paper) without producing the original, was an evidence sufficient to command the warrant of the District Judge to apprehend deserters from French vessels. Our district judges, according to their uniform construction of the 9th article, have required the Consuls to produce the original roll.These are the only two points which seem to demand an explanation. There need not perhaps be any difficulty in yielding the latter, by admitting copies of the ships roll, certified under the Consular seal, as competent evidence to the District Judge, for apprehending Deserters. But doubtless the jurisdiction of the Consul in the former case ought to remain, agreeably to our construction, wholly voluntary.The Consular convention will expire in about four years.Question 5.Whether any new articles, such as are not contained in either of our treaties with France or England, shall be proposed, or can be agreed to, if proposed by the French Government?\nAnswer.The remarks made in the answer to the second question contain an answer to this, in respect to new articles to be proposed by the U. States. What France may propose, can be matter of conjecture only: yet we may certainly conclude that any new propositions on her part will be calculated to increase her advantages; and these being already too many and too great, for such a power, in respect to her disproportionate strength and overbearing disposition, we may pretty safely determine to acceed to no new articles, to be proposed by her; such excepted as are noticed under the second question.Question VI.What documents shall be prepared to send to France, as evidence of insult and injuries committed against the commerce of the United States, by French ships of war and privateers, or by French Commissioners, Agents, Officers or Citizens?Answer. Their own decrees:\u2014for they too well know the promptitude of their own citizens to execute rigorously, wantonly, villainously, cruelly & vexatiously what they have arbitrarily ordained, to doubt of their injurious and destructive effects on our commerce.\u2014But if more be requisite we may add some few sentences of their interested tribunals, and the depositions of such Captains as have witnessed their depredations and violence to the persons of our citizens. Some of these decrees, sentences and depositions we already possess; and I have taken measures to procure more, from Boston, New-York, Philadelphia and Baltimore\u2014to which Norfolk & Charleston may be added. These I presume will be sufficient to support our demand that some plan of investigation into all our losses, and of indemnification for them, be agreed on.Question VII. In what terms shall remonstrances against spoliations of property, capture of vessels, imprisonment of masters and mariners, cruelties, insults and abuses of every kind to our citizens be made?Answer. The Envoy appointed to the proposed extraordinary mission to the French Republic, will frame his remonstrances on these subjects agreeably to their nature and extent; to which he will certainly be competent, and which, being on the spot, he may adapt to the characters of those to whom they shall be addressed: the only direction necessary from the government (and this is dictated by the very circumstance that under all our countless sufferings from French atrocities, we nevertheless choose to negociate, and if possible obtain a redress of our wrongs with the preservation of peace,) will be, to be firm, yet decent and respectful.Question VIII. In what terms shall restitution, reparation, compensation and satisfaction be demanded for such insults and injuries?Answer. The same as to the 7th question.Question IX. Shall demand be made of payment to our citizens for property purchased by the French Government in Europe, or in the East and West Indies?Answer. This sort of claims against the French Government has already been patronized by our own: and I think it will be indispensably necessary to continue it: partly for the very circumstance that the demands are against the French Government itself.Question X. Shall demand be made of the French Government of payment for vessels and cargoes captured & seized, whether by ships of war or private ships?Answer. I have no hesitation to answer in the affirmative. These captures & seizures, in general, have been made not under any known rule of the law of nations; but by virtue of the arbitrary, unjust and faithless orders of the French Government itself; which therefore is under peculiar obligations to give the indemnity.Question XI. Shall any commission of enquiry and examination, like that with England, be agreed to?Answer. This, I conceive, will be the only mode in which the just claims of our citizens can be ascertained. But it should have no relation, as in the British treaty, to further proceedings, by way of appeal, in any French Courts: the claims should be carried, at once, before the board of commissioners.\u2014If the French should agree to this plan, and the claims in consequence, be adjusted, I am apprehensive that time for paying the awarded indemnities must be allowed: and that our citizens must be satisfied with becoming creditors to France, receiving interest on their credits, and the principal by instalments. They will be fortunate to obtain this. The board must sit in France\u2014because many of the claims arise in that country because the French part of the board will probably desire to have recourse to the government itself, in settling principles; and the American Minister must be there to maintain our views of right and justice in fixing principles. Another reason is, the British precedent\u2014the board for captures and commercial injuries sits in London.Question XII. What articles in the British treaty can be offered to France, without compensation\u2014and with compensation\u2014and what compensation shall be demanded?Answer. I do not know of any advantages in commerce that we have granted to Great Britain: if we had done so, they would, by the second article of the commercial treaty with France, have become common to her. The only article that strikes me (in the British treaty) as related to this question, is the third, regulating our commercial & friendly intercourse with the British provinces to the northward of us; in which, as it is founded wholly on locality, the junction of territories, it is impossible that France should participate.Question XIII. Shall a project of a new treaty abolishing the old treaties and consular convention, be proposed to France?Answer. If France would say\u2014Let all our existing treaties with the United States be abolished\u2014I should rejoice to meet them: but she will not do this: she possesses some advantages over other nations, by the present treaties, which by the stipulations with other powers she could not introduce into a new treaty.Question XIV. Shall such a project, with a project of instructions to the minister be prepared and laid before the Senate for their advice and consent, before they be sent to Europe?Answer. A project of instructions for negociating a treaty with Spain, was laid before the Senate in 1792, and approved. The peculiar situation of the United States, and especially of the Executive Branch of the Government, in relation to France would render an adoption of that precedent highly expedient, if we could trust to the fidelity of all the members of the Senate: There was no inducement, if passions or interest to betray the instructions to Spain: but any instructions alike communicated, for negociating a new treaty with France, would reach the Directory sooner than we could send them to our minister.\nAll which is respectfully submitted.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1956", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 2 May 1797\nFrom: Montgomery, Robert\nTo: Adams, John\nCopyHis Excellency the Honl. John Adams President of the United States of AmericaSirAlicante 2d May 1797\nPlease permit me the honour of presenting you with my most sincere and warm congratulation on an event which not only Contributes highly to the happiness of your numerous friends, but also may reasonably be concluded well to the whole of a Nation who has wisely honoured you withe the dignified station of their President. Accept of my best wishes for your health your success in Office which may you fill to the satisfaction and lay down to the regreat of a generous and thankfull People.\nEmboldened by a long attachement to your Talents and Virtues I take the liberty of Subscribing myself with all respect and Esteem / Sir / Your most Obedient / humble Servant\nRobt MontgomeryAlicante 24 October 1797\nSir\nDuring the Plague at Algiers in July last Mr Barlow wrot me Several letters very pressingly requesting I would send over some person of my confidence to attend to the buseness of the United States while he should return to Europe as was absolutely necessary for him at that period. I had then no person I could depend on but my own Nephew Mr George Clark, from whom I have Just received the Original Treaty of Peace with the Bey of Tunis in the Arabic and French languages, a Copy of the latter you will please find herewith, which being the first made out in your Presidentship I hope will plead my excuse for the liberty of addressing you with it. The Original I hold at the disposal of Colonel Humphreys whos Orders respecting it I expect from Madrid\nMay you finish your precedency in happiness and peace with all mankind is the Constant prayer of / Dear Sir / Your affectionate and / very humble Servant\nRobt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1957", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 3 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\nDr Sir\nPhila. May 3. 1797\nI have this morning yours of the 25th and as yours are the best Letters I receive I must hasten to acknowledge it. But the Press upon me is so great that I must be very short.\nYour Brief of the formidable Position of France is very true as it appears, at present: but Intelligence of the surest kind which is not laid before the public shews it to be all hollow at home and abroad: in Spain, Holland, Italy, and even in France itself.\nThe English affairs are well described in your Letter: but England can go thro Revolutions as well as America and France and sink their debt in Paper in the same Way. But will England be the weaker or less formidable to France for this? Ask Oliver Cromwell. I believe she would be more dreadful to France, after going through all the Horrors that france has experienced than she is now.\nYou Speak of an English Party. The French call all Americans who are not their Fools English men. Is there any English Party in the sense that there is a french Party? I.e. a Party for forcing Us or seducing Us off our neutral Ground into a War with France? if there is I know it not but should be glad to discover it. on the contrary there is a Party and a numerous and powerful one too, who are striving to force Us off our neutral Ground into a War with England.\nYou know as well as any Man in the United States that france under all Governments from the Year 1776, from the Days of Deane De Coudray and Marshall Mailbois, through Luzerne  & Marbois down to this moment have invariably preserved a Course of Intrigue to gain an undue Influence in these states.\u2014to make Us dependent upon her, and to keep up a quarrell with England. I want a Weeks conversation and to write a Volume to you upon this, but your Recollections will supply enough.\nI am a little surprized at your sorrow that Monroe was recalled.\u2014His House was a battery playing incessantly under the Engineer T. Paine upon the Religion the Government the Policy of this Country.\u2014I would as soon appoint Tom Paine to be Ambassador in France.\u2014He will not tell you the Cause of his recall.\u2014I would rather fill all foreign Places with Antigallicans sooner than with servile fawning base intriguing flatterers of french Jacobins, and worthless Speculators in French funds and Confiscations.\nI am amazed at your Language about the Power of France.\u2014Where is it possible for her to get ships to Send thirty thousand Men here? We are double the Numbers We were in 1775\u2014We have four times the military skill and We have eight times the Munitions of War.\u2014What would 30,000 Men do here? As to going to War with France lightly, I know of nobody who is willing for it\u2014But she has already gone to War with Us lightly.\u2014She is at War with Us: but We are not at War with her.\u2014\nThe Pique of France was not the recall of Monroe\u2014The truth is he was despized there, and coldly and contemptuously treated, untill the Caprice took them to sett off their Affront to Pinckney by a splendid Audience of Leave to Monroe\u2014\nIf possible We shall certainly avoid War. But Would a War with England be more comfortable to Us than a War with France?\u2014If a War with France cannot be avoided but by an unjust and unnecessary War with England, what would you say then?\nI would engage in a War with either or both together rather than prostrate our honour or Surrender our Independence. this must be Secret.\u2014You must prepare yourself for Something\u2014you cannot lie idle, by your fireside in these hard times. You must come on to Congress\u2014or assist Us some way or other\u2014Your Information Experience, Intrepidity and Fidelity are not to be lost in such times.\nyour assured Friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1958", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 3 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\nDr Sir\nThere are many parts of your Letter I have omitted, indeed it requires more Leisure than I have to do it Justice.\nMen of Cander and Discernment, you observe, have thought that my Predecessor erred, in some particulars. This may be and who has not? But you must remember that the French were always antifederalists. Always opposed and countenanced and stimulated the Party that opposed the federal Government\u2014a very numerous Party alway\u2019s. As to the Legislative Augmentation of his Powers I know not what you mean.\u2014as to any trenching on the Constitution I know of no such Thing.\nAs to having all his Executive officers Subject to his Nod\u2014I suppose that means his Power of Removal. This Power I hold to be a Sacred Part of the Constitution without which the Government could not exist. If Executive officers, hold their offices independent of the head, and can intrigue with Members of Senate and the House, to assist them in opposing the Execution of the Laws, the Executive Authority would be a Nose of Wax.\u2014The truth I know is on the other side. He appointed many rancorous Anti federalists who employed the Influence of their offices and in some instances the public Money to promote the opposition to his Government.\nThe Unity, Consistency, Promptitude, secrecy and Activity of the whole Executive Authority, are so essential in my Republican system, that without them there can be no Peace order Liberty or Property in society. A Republican Government without it is worse than a monarchical.\nBut there is so little Uniformity of sentiment among the People of America, concerning systems of Government that I am afraid they are destined to Calamity and Misery. Foreign french Influence poisons our People by propagating such sentiments among them As will spring up one day in a harvest of Anarchy.\nInstead of the Executive encroaching on the Legislative, in my Opinion the H. of Reps have discovered an incessant hankering after the Executive Power. And their Leaders have fallen into all the Ambition Jealousies & Rivalries which constantly Spring up, obstruct the Government and produce Anarchy, whenever popular Assemblies meddle with Executive Power.\nExecutive Power poisons & corrupts a popular Assembly, whenever it attempts to meddle with it.\nJealousies, Envy and disputes will eternally arise between popular Leaders in Legislative Assemblies and executive officers. The Lust of Power, the ambition of the Lustre & Eulat will forever sting popular Representatives and if the Constitution allows them to meddle with Executive Power, they instantly make Mischief\u2014The last House\u2014let the cat out of the Bag\u2014They wanted to be Maire du Palais. But I cannot enlarge.\nI am as ever\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1959", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Anonymous, 3 May 1797\nFrom: Anonymous\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nNatchez 3d May 1797\nWe take the liberty through necessity of troubling you with this anonymous Letter which we send with good intention, for we are the persons who endeavored to communicate to Genl Washington by two special messengers one of whom miscaried in a Vessel he sailed in from New Orleans which was lost on her Voyage; and the other was Mr. J\u2013\u2013n who we suppose made his Virbal Report: The substance of which message what that the supplanting politics of France and Spain would too probably dismember the Dominion of the United States of America, that a General in your Army who its believed hath great promises made him through the Governors interest with the Spanish Court is without doubt engaged in that important business, and that he enjoys the Commission and pay of a Collonel under his Catholick Majesty: And that two others were the principle acting persons with him in the Revolutionary concern (to wit) Mr P\u2013\u2013z and Mr S\u2013\u2013tine: And to accomplish that Diabolical scheme large Sums of Money hath been at sundry times sent to them for the purpose we suppose and believe of necessary Bribes and rewards; by which means there are many weighty advocates on the Western Waters in favor of a Revolt, who hath the promise and assurance of protection under an optional form of Government; And the choice of their Officers both Civil and Military; And as the Lands on the Western Waters and other property are chiefly large Surveys and in the hands of those who are of the Smallest number, it is intended that they shall be Governed in the Aristocratic way. Moreover some of the complaints to incense the Inhabitants now propagated there are as they say against sundry iniquitous impositions respecting Lands and Land Granting, that people in low Sircumstances must inevitably become Tenants; besides heavy unconstitutional Taxes that will enslave them;  Added to restrictions in commerse for want of a free navigation in the River Mississippi that is said will complete their misery. This kind of Bait is fitted to each Class, The Rich may become Rulers, and the poor flattered with the false Idea of a deliverance from what thay call cruel taxes; not dreaming that a Revolution might double their burden in a different metamorphose.\nBut to pass forward Mr. Elicott the Commissioner for America hath long waited here in readiness and with desire of being joined in ascertaining the 31st Degree of Latitude, and of extending the Line agreable to the Treaty, but to no purpose, as on the part of the Spanish hath been nothing but sham pretences and evasion Schemes and Salvo\u2019s without truth or reason to elude the business, and gain time, untill the arrival of an armament of fifteen or sixteen thousand Troops said to be at the Havanna waiting there that thay may avoid the British Fleet, and for the sound of an American War: But whether War or Peace a glaring prospect of a disjunction of the States of America cannot here be concealed, and which can only be prevented by timely attention. Intrigues are sometimes discovered notwithstanding the precaution of the most secret and artful Cabinet, hence we know that Emissaries are to be sent to Cumberland and Kentuckey to further the accomplishment of that important business: And I greatly lament to hear that Doctor White of this place is supposed to be one that is selected for that grand Legation, and is to preside here in case of success, And we are indeed surprised as well as grieved at the Idea that one of his worthy Charactor should prostitute his virtue in exerting his abilities in favor of France and  Spain against the interest of his native Country to which he appears to be greatly attached, but lucrative prospects where the mind is depraved by a contemptuous aversion to the Christian Religion will admit of absurdities in a degree not otherwise easily accounted for, Yet such a denial of the mediator and Redeemer is become so Courtly and fationable here that some there are who hardily and daringly boast that thay are not guilty of believing such supersticious folly: Yet with pain we hope and trust that no such person may ever be appointed to preside over us in any respect whatsoever, as we should in that regard shudder at their approach  worse than Spanish captivity, or any other kind of despotism; for the Inhabitants of the Natchez in general however different might have been their former sentiments then most of them are not truly attached to the cause and interest of the United States, and have long look\u2019d most earnestly for the evacuation of the Posts here agreable to the Treaty between the two Dominions: And so far from such prospect now appears a small Reinforcement of Troops and stores nor durst those who wish to be Citizens even grumble or complain least the dread command should be given as it were in the dark, and the Choctaws become deciders of the contest, whom it seems they have tutored and tampered with on the occasion; and by whom we are greatly intimidated on account of our families, and for want of arms and amunition which rules us to submission against inclination.\nHere hath been an emigration of Families from Tenisee, and other States in April last, who removed hither in consiquence of the aforesaid Treaty, but on their arrival they were constrained to take the Oath of Allegiance to the King of Spain or depart within three days, whose situation compeled them to conform: Yet our Polite Governor is still amusing Mr. Elicott of taking the Latitude and Runing the line although he will not evacuate the Fort, and still runs on with similar preposterous idle language of his due attention to the Treaty, and his affection for the inhabitants, That he is constrained by order of his Court, and by friendship to protect them until Courts of judicature are legally established; and above all to secure them from indian depredations when he is the very person who doth artfully contrive to keep Savages in reserve that they may be in readiness to oppose Runing the Line, and to aw the inhabitants from cooperating on any occasion with the few American Troops that are here, and to intimedate them on other occasions.\nWe fear that this Country is but little in your esteem, and that there hath been wrong representations respecting it, and the inhabitants thereof although we can\u2019t pretend to shew the value of one or the other, as it would be vanity in us to attempt either: but shall refer that task to any noted respectable gentlemen of the United States who have recently wandered here, such as John Kershaw Esqr., of Camden Major John Smith and Mr Morgan of Lynches Creek in South Carolina, or any other impartial persons who may have some discernment of its estimation fertility and situation, with its numerous acquisitions; which with the advantages of the Mississippi River will ad greatly to the emoluments, and more to the honor of the United States than conception is yet acquainted with.\nVain as our attempt may be thought to dictate to the first Majestrate and statesman on this Continent; Emergency and nothing less can Apologise and vail the modesty of our burdened minds that only means to display optically that which you before long may clearly discern through a more conspicuous mirror.\u2014\nTime will not permit more than to beg your patience, and for leave to propose two or three Queries.\u2014\nQuery 1st. Suppose France or Spain, or both, should succeed in their intended enterprise, would it not be the most important conquest ever obtained upon such artful and easy terms by any Power since the commencement of the General War.\u2014\nQuery 2d Admit such success in conquest by France or Spain or both, would it not be an irreparable loss to the United Sates, and would not America be bereaved of its growing Strength, it\u2019s aspiring hope, it\u2019s Commerse of that Country, it\u2019s dignity, and it\u2019s glory.\nQuery 3d Should France or Spain or both be only as fortunate as their probable Plan promises them will thay then in the course of the fourth of a Century fall short of that dignity which France hath always aspired after, that of Universal Domain.\u2014\nQuuery 4th. Should no European Power be able to contend with them after such an acquisition what will be the conciquence to the neighbouring States and Dominions.\nQuery 5th. This is Recommended for your Excelency to query whether practicable measures may yet effectually opperate in the abortion of their subversive device or not, for it is a query with us if it will not be too late to defeat their designs.\nThis hint respecting the artful intentions of France and Spain, and of their General System here will naturally explain it self to your wise discernment, which will greatly abridge this disagreable narration.\nSir your / most Obedt / Humle Servts\nPS on enclosing this Letter an Express arrived from New Orleans after which it was propegated here by the Governor whether true or false that a large number of Troops hath arrived and are to fortify Louisiana the Natchez and the other posts that were by Treaty to have been evacuated, and that thay are making all possible preparations for that purpose under the pretext of a defence against the English, whom they pretend are on their way from Canada to attack them.\u2014\nAnd now Sir should those Clouds disperse and blow over without producing their intended effect, we hope that Congress will disapprove Revoke and annul all business and proceedings whatsoever that hath been transacted here since the time that the Forts ought to have been Evacuated, because large quantities of Lands hath since been Granted to particular persons, and some supposed to be in trust or rather in partnership with the Governor and other Officers of Government and dated back as if granted before the existance of the Treaty;\u2014Besides many erronious Judgments hath lately been obtained in favor of those who are Spanish favorites, against such who they know are attached to America, for here is now room for a  perversion of Justice and a display of malice against such who appear open and undisguised in favor of the Treaty.\nUt Supr.NB Doctr. White hath a pain in his leg or ancle which renders him unable to perform a journey, therefore Mr. Power sets out this day on the same important 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1960", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Gustavus Scott, 3 May 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nWashington, 3rd. May 1797\u2014\nWe have the honor of your favor of the 17th Ulto, and now enclose Letters to the several foreign ministers at Philadelphia, (except the Spanish minister, who has already been written to) which, if approved of, we beg the favour of you to forward\u2014You will observe, that we have said nothing as to the condition of building\u2014We much doubt whether such condition might not be considered by foreign nations as too restrictive, and betraying a want of confidence\u2014\nThe property can be of but little use to them, except as a scite to build on; and we cannot suppose any foreign nation would appropriate a Donation from the United-States, to any other purposes than those intended, which may be, in general terms, expressed in the conveyance, without limitation of time, with respect to erecting of buildings\u2014\nBefore, or at the time of the conveyance, it may be proper to mention the necessity of inserting, some small pecuniary consideration in the Deeds, to give them legal efficacy\u2014We have the honor to be, / with sentiments of the highest / respect, / Sir, / Yr. mo. Obt. Servants\nGusts. ScottWilliam Thornton\u2014Alexr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1961", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Anonymous, 3 May 1797\nFrom: Anonymous\nTo: Adams, John\nDuplicate with a small additionSirNatchez 3d May 1797.\nWe take the liberty through necessity of troubling you with this anonymous letter, which we send with good intention; for we are the Persons who endeavoured to communicate to General Washington by two Special Messengers one of whom miscaried in a Vessel he sailed in from New Orleans which was lost on her Voyage. And the other who was Mr S\u2014\u2014n who we suppose hath made his Virbal Report: the substance of which message was that the Supplanting Politics of France and Spain would too probably dismember the Dominion of the United States of America: That a General in your Army who its believed hath great pomises made him through the Governors interest with the Spanish Court is without doubt engaged in that important business; and that he doth enjoy the Commission and pay of a Collonel under his Catholic Majesty: And that two others also were the principle acting persons with him in that Revolutionary Concern (to wit) Mr P\u2014\u2014z and Mr S\u2014\u2014on, And to accomplish that diabolical Scheme large Sums of Money hath been at Sundry times sent to them for the pupose we suppose and believe of necessary bribes and rewards, by which means there are many weighty Advocates on the Wester Waters in favor of a Revolt, who hath the promise and assurance of protection under their optional form of Government, and the choice of their own officers both Civil and Military: and as the Lands on the Western Waters and other property are chiefly in the hands of those who are of the smallest number and as such Lands are chiefly in large Tracts it is intended that thay shall be Governed in the Aristocratic way. moreover some of the complaints to incense the Inhabitants now propagated there are as thay say against sundry iniquitous impositions respecting Lands, and Land Granting; that People in low sircumstances must inevitably become Tenants; besides heavy unconstitutional Taxes that will enslave them: Added to restrictions in Commerse for want of a free Navigation in the River Mississippi that will complete their misery. This kind of bait is fitted to each Class; The rich may become Rulers, and the poor flattered with the false Idea of a deliverance from what thay call Cruel Taxes, not dreaming that a Revolution might double their burden in a different metamorphose.\u2014\nBut to pass forward Mr Ellicott the American Commissioner hath long waited here in readiness, and with desire of being joined in ascertaining the 31st Degree of Lattitude; And of extending the Line agreable to the Treaty, but to no purpose as on the part of the Spanish hath been nothing but sham pretences, and evasive  schemes and salvo\u2019s without truth or reason to elude the business and gain time until the arrival of an expected Armament of fifteen or Sixteen thousand Troops said to be at the Havanna waiting there that thay may avoid the British Fleet, and for the sound of an American War: But whether War or Peace a glaring prospect of a disjunction of the States of America cannot here be concealed, and which can only be prevented by timely attention. Intrigues are sometimes discovered notwithstanding the precaution of the most secret and artful Cabinet, hence we know that Emissaries are to be sent to Cumberland and Kentuckey to further the accomplishment of that important business: and I greatly lament to hear that Doctor White of this place is supposed to be one that is selected for that grand legation, and is to preside here in case of success: And we are indeed surprised as well as grieved at the Idea that one of his worthy Charactor should prostitute his Virtue in exerting his abilities in favor of France, and Spain, against the true interest of his native Country to which he appears to be greatly attached: But lucrative prospects where the mind is deppr depraved by a contemptuous aversion to the Christian Religion, will admit of absurdities in a degree not otherwise easily accounted for; Yet such a denial of the Mediator and Redeemer is become so Courtly and fationable here that some there are who hardily and daringly boast that thay are not guilty of believing such supersticious folly, yet with pain we really hope and trust that no such person may ever be appointed to preside over us in any respect whatsoever, as we should in that regard shudder at their approach worse than Spanish Captivity, or any other kind of despotism: for the Inhabitants of the Natchez in general however different might have been their former sentiments thay most of them are now truly attached to the cause and interest of the United States, and have long looked most earnestly for the evacuation of the Posts here agreable to the Treaty between the two Dominions: And so far from such prospect now appears a reinforcement of Troops and Stores: Nor durst those who wish to be Citizens even grumble or complain least the dread command should be given as it were in the dark and the Chacktaws become deciders of the contest; whom it seems thay have tutored and tampered with on the occasion, and by whom we are greatly intemidated on account of our families and for want of Arms and Amunition, which rules us to Submission against inclination.\u2014\nHere hath been an emigration of families from Tenisee and other States in april last, who removed hither in consequence of the Treaty: but on their arrival thay were constrained to take the Oath of Allegiance to the King of Spain or depart within three days, whose situation compel\u2019d them to conform. Yet our polite Governor is still amusing Mr Elicott of taking the Lattitude, and runing the line, although he will not evacuate the Forts, and still runs on with similar preposterous idle language of his due attention to the Treaty, and his affection for the Inhabitants that he is contrained by order of his Court and by friendship to protect them until Courts of Judicature are legally established, and above all to secure them from Indian depredations, When he is the Very person who doth artfully contrive to keep Savages in reserve that thay may be in readiness to oppose runing the Line, and to awe the Inhabitants from co-operating on any occasion with the few American Troops that are here, and to intimidate them on other occasions.\nWe fear that this Country is but little in your esteem and that there hath been wrong representations respecting it, and the Inhabitants thereof, Although we can\u2019t pretend to shew the value of one or the other as it would be vanity in us to attempt either, but shall refer that task to any noted respectable Gentlemen of the United States who have recently wandered here, such as John Kershaw Esquire of Camden Major John Smith and Mr Morgan of Lynches Creek in South Carolina, or any other impartial person who may have some discernment of its estimation, fertility, and Situation with its numerous acquisitions, th th the advantages of that part of the Mississippi will add greatly to the emoluments, and more to the honor of the United States than conception is yet acquainted with.\nVain as our attempts be thought to dictate to the first Majestrate and Statesman on the Continent; Emergency and nothing less can apologize and vail the modesty of our burdened minds that means only to display optically that which before long you may clearly discern through a more conspicuous mirror.\nTime will not permit more than to beg your patience, and for leave to propose two or three Queries\u2014\nQuery 1stSuppose France or Spain, or both, should succeed in their intended enterprise, would it not be the most important conquest ever obtained upon such artful and easy terms by any power since the commencement of the General War.\nQuery 2dAdmit such success in conquest by France or Spain, or both, would it not be an irreparable loss to the United States, and would not America be bereaved of it\u2019s growing strength, it\u2019s aspiring hope, it\u2019s commerse of that Country, it\u2019s Dignity; and it\u2019s Glory.\nQur 3dShould France or Spain or both be only as fortunate as their probable plan promise them, will they then in the course of the fourth of a Centory fall short of that dignity which France hath always aspired after: That of Universal Domain\nQr 4thShould no European Power be able to contend with them after such an acquisition, what will be the consequence to the neighbouring States and Dominions.\nQr 5thThis is Recommended for your Excellency to Query whether practicable measures may yet effectually opperate in the abortion of their subversive device or not, for it is a Query with us if it will not be too late to defeat their designs.\u2014\nThis hint respecting the artful intentions of France and Spain, and of their general system here, will naturally explain itself to your wise discernment, which will greatly abridge this disagreable narration of\nSr Your / Most Obdt. Hble Servts\nPS On enclosing this Letter an Express arrived from New Orleans, After which it was propegated here by the Governor whether true or false that a large number of Troops hath arrived and are to fortify Louisiana, the Natchez, and the other Posts that were by Treaty to have been evacuated; and that thay are making all possible preparations for that purpose under the pretext of a defence against the English whom thay say are on their way from Canada to attack them.\nAnd now Sir should those Clouds disperse, and blow over without producing their intended effects; we hope that Congress will disapprove, revoke, and annul all business and proceedings whatsoever that hath been transacted here since the time that the Forts ought to have been evacuated: because large quantities of Lands hath since been Granted to particular Persons, and some supposed to be in trust or rather in partnership with the Governor and other Officers of Government, and dated back as if Granted before the existance of the Treaty &c. Besides many erronious Judgments hath lately been obtained in favor of those who are Spanish favorites, against such who thay know are attached to America; for here is now room for a perversion of Justice, and a display of malice against such who appear open and undisguised in favor of the Treaty.\nUS SuprNB. Doctr. White hath a pain in his leg or Ancle which renders him unable to perform a journey therefore Mr Power sets out this day on the same important business\nMay 28th It\u2019s now said that the number of Troops in the Havanna which are destined for New Orleans are about 10,000, but others say not so many, which are hourly expected here; and that the favorites of the Revolutionary Scheme in New Orleans and at the Natchez are highly transported, for thay appear Joyfully enraptured, having lost all their doubts respecting the accomplishment of their great expectations, more especially as thay have the agreable account that Genl Wilkinson is the Officer that will Command the American Army in case of a War; which affords great satisfaction indeed to all that are in the Spanish interest, not doubting his being one of the persons who had previously received immense Sums of Money and other benefits and advantages to further and complete the aforesaid scheme, that not less than six or seven Years past he was said to be principle in proposing and recommending of.\nIt is privately talked of that Genl Roshambeau is to conduct and command those Troops that are now said to be in the Havanna, and through whose interest and influence with the inhabitants of the Western Waters as well as other Americans thay may as thay Judge more readily unite in the scheme of becoming Spanish Subjects; or if that will not take than to be Citizens of France.\nThe Troops mentioned in the Postscript of the above Letter which the Governor of this place assured us were actually arrived we have no further account of other than thay probably yet are at the Havanna, and that thay are expected as soon as thay can venture to push their way hither.\u2014\nNo Packet hath arrived here lately, nor hath the important Mr Power yet set out for the Kentuckey Country on his grand legation; but it is conjectured he is still waiting the arrival of intelligence.\u2014\nWe dont know if you have had information that the Spaniards are encouraging the Indians to kill Americans, we are informed that the Creek Indians are actually engaged in that business, but that the Chickesaws and Chactaws have objected to such impolitic inhumanity.\nA Mr. Newman whose testimony before a Court Martial (from his own expessions at his arrival here) would have been hard against Genl Wilkinson, and has been tampered with by the Governor of this place and a Mr N\u2014\u2014d so that he lately went to N Orleans where it is believed he has received a sufficient bribe to restrain him from ever appearing on that occation; but contrariwise hath signed and delivered to Mr N\u2014\u2014d such papers, Certificates, or attestations as hath been required of him, the purport of which hath not transpired, nor is Mr Newman like to Visit Philadelphia\u2014the place when he left the Natchez he said he was destined for. And that he had forwarded to a particular friend of Genl Wayne all the Letters that had passed on the Occasion.\u2014\nas above\nWe are a small private Committee of the planters of the Natchez who are secretly met to consider the contents of the above narration, and we do report accordingly that it is our Opinion that it ought to be transmitted to the President of the United States; convinced that although without authority or even a signature, yet we concieve it may be of some utility But whether or not our feeble intentions are still the same; for the Treaty of the United States and Spain convinces us that in point of right we may concieve our selves Citizens and not Slaves, although we are a this time ruled as Vassals by the hateful and despotic Rod of Iron, by pretences that are unwarantable: Vain deceptions, and false insinuations: Nor are we without those amongst us of our own people for want of pinciple who with lucrative views are charmed by pomises of future attention and favor having their minds poisoned and their Judgment thus perverted are more baneful and no less dangerous to us than the imperious dictates of France or the hateful duplicity of Spain; from whose power, will, or Chains, good Lord deliver us.\nIt is known here that Mr Power in conversation was heard to say to a friend of his in the Spanish service that when Lieut Steel who by order of Genl Wayne searched for certain papers, that he had only time to douse them in the Water, and that it was with great regret that he sunk those important papers in the River.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1962", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 5 May 1797\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Adams, John\nPhilada. 5 May 1797\u2014\nIn communicating to you a state of the Union at this time when you have been convened by my special direction it is with great satisfaction I inform you that the present meeting has not been occasioned by any occurrences within the United States. An attachment to our system of government has encreased with the experience of its utility, & resting on the most proper and only solid foundation the affections and reason of the people, the laws are readily and generally obeyed.\nFrom a prospect so agreeable it is with extreme pain that I turn your attention to the situation of our affairs with the Republic of France, between whom and our country the ordinary means of friendly intercourse are not permitted to exist, their minister here having terminated his functions and Mr. Pinckney who was lately sent as our minister there, having been rejected and ordered out of their territories, and their decree of the second of July 1796 continuing in full operation under the authority of which or under colour of that authority which our commerce has received and is receiving the most distressing injuries and our citizens are sometimes personally abused and even deprived of their liberty. Though some dissatisfactions were said to prevail in the minds of the executive directory and councils of France, they were believed to be of such a nature as to be capable of being removed and hopes were entertained from that the mission of Mr. Pinckney that would have been attended with success, the object of which was to discuss amicably the causes of complaint, to endeavour to restore harmony and to place it on a durable basis. So soon as it was know to have failed, I took the resolution to convene Congress without delay that to their wisdom might be submitted the new state of things which had taken place after was not known here at the time of their adjourment and also those measures which in my judgment are best calculated to preserve our country the inestimable blessings of peace, and to protect our citizens in their persons and property from unwarratable violence.\nThe letters from Mr. Pinckney on this interesting subject are now confidentially laid before you, from which you will learn the particulars that have occurred at paris and the circumstances which attended the written order that was delivered to him to quit the territories of the republic. Discouraging as the conduct of France has been from any further attempt to make an amicable settlement of all the differences which subsist, I have not relinquished the hope (as their exists a possibility) of success averting the calamities of war by once more making overtures of accomodation, in doing which due regard shall be had to the rights dignity and independance of the United States. The success of this negotiation will depend very much on the measures which shall be addopted by this Congress  on the cooperation of Congress, it  Unless supported by a union of sentiment in a wise and efficient system of defensive measures, stems from a determined it may be expected to fail. The endeavours intended to be made for producing reconciliation, fixing the friendship of the two nations on a permanent foundation and obtaining compensation for the captures and detentions of the vessels and property of our citizens and for the other injuries they have sustained, will be the subject of another communication a message to the senate for their advice and consent. These endeavours if approved shall be prosecuted with earnestness and sincerity, but if they fail and if the calamities of war cannot be averted by just & honorable means let them not come upon us in our present defenceless state. Let us b e prepare with unanimity Courage and zeal to defend our just rights, if we shall be  unfortunately on to be driven to that necessity, by a disappointment in all our exertions to preserve peace on safe and honorable terms.\nIt has been represented There is reason to believe that most of the captures of our vessels made by the citizens of France, have been made by small privateers or  commissioned rowboats in or near to the port land ports and islands in the west-indies. Against depredations of this kind, it would be easy for merchant vessels if permitted to sail in an armed condition to defend themselves effectually, and it is therefore recommended that a law may be passed allowing the merchant vessels of the united citizens of the United States under certain regulations to arm for defense and to be commissioned to defend themselves against the unlawful violence of any commissioned vessel of war public or private belonging to any of the belligerent nations.\nThere is a wicked practice in whichIt is necessary to prevent by law any person residing in the United States and any citizen of the United States residing any where from owning any share or interest in any foreign commissioned vessel of war privateer or letter of marque & reprisal and to prevent any citizen of the United States from taking a commission in the state or anywhere or holding a commission or serving in the navy of any foreign state or in any privateer or letter of marque commissioned by any foreign state, and to prevent any citizen from committing any pyracy or robbery or hostility on the high sea againstany other the citizens of the united states or their property under authority of any commission or orders from any foreign state or under colour or pretence of authority from any person whatsoever, by ordaining adequate punishment to such offences\u2014At this time a most it is said that it is probable too many citizens of the United States mostly resident in foreign parts are  concerned in the spoliations committed on our commerce under foreign authority or colour of foreign authority\u2014and so great is the temptation to these iniquitous practices that they can be restrained only by sever punishments.\nOur commerce of the united states which notwithstanding our commerce though it has prospered amid various disadvantages  that aggressions who most has  sustained, has contaminated and aggressions, never required the protection of government  more than at the present juncture. A great number of our citizens are engaged in it, & they have a right to demand the aid of the United States in defending it\u2014It is also the source of the public revenue. So that duty and policy dictate a protection of our commerce. With this view permit me to recommend that our principal sea posts which are most exposed to danger be further fortified and more strongly garrisoned and that the frigates be finished equipped & manned as speedily as possible, Besides this it is highly expedient that a well disposed national Dock Yard be established and the essential materials  provided for making additions to our marine force, as the public exigency shall require and the public treasury permit.\nThe United States are almost destitute of arms military accoutrements and munitions. The exhortation ought to be prevented prohibited & by seasonable importations the public arsenals should be completely supplied\u2014\nThe Militia which is the natural and sure defense of a free people, though often brought into the consideration of the legislature, remains yet to be arranged and organised, so as to be conveniently, certainly and usefully employed\u2014This subject must for ever be repeated  until some system suited to our country shall be devised and carried into practice. There are parts of our common great country which from peculiar causes, render this an object of primary concern, and a wise and just legislature is bound more especially to watch over the safety of those which are the most exposed and defenceless\u2014To guard against the effects on our revenue of a greater interruption of our trade that has yet been experienced and to be ready to draw forth the resourses of our country in the just defense of our Civic rights whenever it may be necessary, a plan of direction taxation ought to be digested and instituted. Some progress was made in this business by the former last congress and it is earnestly pressed that this session will not leave it unfinished.\nIf the people of the United States enjoy a greater degree of safety with respect to their persons as well as their property than the individuals of other nations, we also owe it to it is due to the excellent system of government states and general which under the blessing of a kind providence has been established. This government for the sake of ourselves and our posterity we must feel every obligation to perpetuate, and let it be forever remembered that upon ourselves alone depends its continuance From foreign interference or influence no good is ever to be expected, & the nation when it feels a disposition to depend on be blended with another nation, is half enslaved\u2014Its independence cannot long survive such a state of the public mind, for among nations lasting real friendships are not known.\nThe act in omitting to express the superintendence or direction of the President is not unprecedented, nor is it in this respect any disparagement of the Presidential power. The following are some of the precedentsContracts for supplying the army, are to be made under the direction of the secretary of the treasury, May 8th 1792 2 Vol. page 112\u2014\nThe secretary of the treasury is to place beacons in the Chesapeake and North Carolina, March 2. 1793 2 Vol page 238\nThe Secretary of the treasury is to place beacons in the Chesapeake and North Carolina, March 2. 1793 2 Vol page 238/the Secretary of the treasury is to place buoys off certain harbours 5th. april 1794 3 Vol 31.\nThe public lands are to be sold under the directions of the Secretary of the treasury 18th. May 1796 3 Vol 297\nThe Secretary of the treasury is to mitigate or remit penaties fines and forfeitures 3 March 1797 3 Vol 403\u2014\nVarious executive acts subordinate subordinate acts of an executive nature, have been thought of too little consequence to be expressly placed under the direction of the President\u2014It being implied that the President will take care that the inferior executive officers will do their duty.\nThe Attorney General in compliance with the presidents request, most respectfully submits, the foregoing draft of the particulars which have appeared to him proper to be communicated to Congress. The attorney General finds ample cause to solicit the indulgence of the President as well to the matter and form. The former is of so little value, as not to deserve to be copied, but the best in his power to present\u2014\nCharles LeeAttorney Genl", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1963", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 May 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nWar office 5 May 1797.\nI have the honour to submit the reflexions which have occurred to me on the questions contained in your letter of the 14th ulto. With respect to your letter of the 15. I shall give it as early an answer as circumstances will permit, and intreat that you will ascribe the delay to the pressing business of the office and  importance of the subject.\nWith the greatest respect I have the honour to be / Sir your most ob St\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1964", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 5 May 1797\nFrom: Ward, Joseph\nTo: Adams, John\nMost Respected Sir\nNewton May 5th, 1797.\nI have the Honor to receive Your Letter of the 6 of April.\nIt is indeed a \u201cgrave prospect\u201d which is now presented to this Country But I entertain hopes that a wise national conduct, may soon brighten the scene. The French have long been in a political delirium; but if the Americans exhibit upon this trying occasion that wise magnanimity which is worthy of their former character, I have sanguine hopes the threatened Storm may pass over. Some good has already arisen from the evils we suffer from French perfidy; Jacobinism is nearly dead; and the people are learning a useful lesson, not to trust to the friendship of any nation, whatever professions it may make of its high and disinterested regard for this Country. As such a trust, is the essence of folly, to be cured of it will be a great point gained by the injuries received. We have paid a great price for this instruction, but eventually it may be worth it. My fears arise chiefly from the South, lest the pestilence of French politics may have contaminated the true principles of government so far as to effect the necessary efforts to maintain our rights and secure the dignity and future safety of the Country. Unanimity in government, would unite the people, and give energy and effect to all our measures; but so great a blessing as a perfect unanimity in any government like ours is never to be expected and therefore it may have to consider, as Solon did, not only what would be best, but what the people will bear.\nAs you were pleased to signify a wish to know the sentiments of the people in this part of our country, I beg leave to observe, that they appear to be extremely solicitous to avoid the calamities of war, so far as it may be done consistent with future safety and the essential security of national Independence; but they do not mean to be silent and inactive Spectators of their own degradation.\nAlthough peace, is before all things desirable, yet there is a point beyond which forbearance is folly,\u2014is a crime. To mark that point, is for the wisdom of government.\nTo fortify our harbours, furnish our magazines, complete the Ships of war now building, make arrangements for increasing a naval force, and put the country in every view into a state of growing defence to be ready to repel aggressions if necessary; to increase the revenue by a land tax, which if not called for by the exigencies of government may be applied to payment of the national debt; are measures which I think would meet the wishes of the people here.\nWhat renders the idea of war more disagreeable is, the French have no commerce on which we could retaliate, nor any possessions comeatable by us. They are situated in respect to us like the Algerines.\nNevertheless it seems necessary to give to them and to the world some evidence that the spirit which atchieved the Revolution and established Independence, is not extinct; and that our preparation to repel the injuries offered us may again surprize the nations by punishing the aggressor, as in the case of Britain when in the plenitude of her power she confidently imagined, and the world believed, her potent arm would crush us to atoms and chain us forever to the wheel of her government.\nThe chances for a change in Europe favourable to us appear to be many, and I have sanguine hopes that some events to our purpose may turn up soon. It would seem that the great northern powers could not much longer preserve their neutrality and permit the French to prostrate their royal brethren, and spread far and wide the mad opinions professed by their rulers. The political reasons which have hitherto held back Russia, Sweeden, Denmark, and the bribed Prussian, I flatter myself will not operate much longer.\nThe chances for another revolution among the French people may not be few; at least the people may grow tired of supporting a war merely for conquest, and no other motive can now exist as their enemies are ready to acknowledge their Republic in the full extent of all the ancient territories. The miseries constantly attenant on ther war notwithstanding their victories and the plunder they gain must be oppressive in the extreme and excite an universal wish among the people for peace.\nI wish however that these hopes, and possible chances, may not check energetic measures as I conceive our honour and our safety require them.\nI am most Respected & Dear Sir / with every Sentiment of Respect / & Esteem / Your most Humble Servant\nJoseph Ward\nP.S. As you were pleased to notice my postscript. I beg leave to add one line more upon your health. As the relaxing clime of Philadelphia in the hot months is apt to produce bilious habits, I would mention a New England remedy of late much recommended by all professions, Drink good bottled cider plentifully, and particularly in the morning. The agreeable acid with the fissed air which it contains, are considered by our physicians as antiseptic and good preventitives of bilious and putrid disorders. I have known many persons benefited by its use; and have found by my own experience it is most grateful and friendly to my constitution particularly in the warm 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1965", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 5 May 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\npost 5 May 1797\nThe Secretary of War in conformity with the orders of the President has the honour to offer the following observations and suggestions relative to the objects of the Presidents letter of the 15th Ulto.\nWith respect to the speech. It appears adviseable that it should be chiefly  if not wholly confined to the foreign affairs of the country giving to these with France the primary and prominent place. This will make the main business the more striking.\nThe call of Congress being founded on the repulsion of our minister from France by the Directory, and the great and extensive injuries which our trade is suffering in consequence of their orders, it would seem proper to give a brief statement of facts refering for a particular detail to the documents themselves.\nIt may then be observed that a crisis in our affairs so solemn and eventful naturally called for the joint wisdom of the several branches of government.\nTo announce the intention to have recourse to the measure of our extraordinary mission; to endeavour by an earnest and amicable appeal to the justice candour and friendship of the French government to rectify misapprehensions, to satisfy them of the good faith and friendly sentiments  which have always directed the United States; to endeavour by a revision and readjustment of the treaties between the two nations, as far as shall consist with the engagements of the U. States towards other nations and the duties which their neutral position enjoins; to obviate causes of discontent and restore and confirm cordial harmony; to discuss and settle amicably the topics of mutual complaints, and thereby to obtain a revocation of these acts on the part of France and of her agents in the Colonies which have oppressed our trade and injured our citizens, and with it retribution for the losses which they have suffered from depredations contrary alike to the Laws of nations and the faith of treaties.\nThe Speech should proceed to say, that inasmuch as depredations by the cruisers of France continue to go on of a nature to destroy the mercantile capital, ruin the commerce of the Country and depress its agriculture and industry generally; and inasmuch as it is impossible to foresee the issue of the attempt by negotiation to avert the consequences of the serious misunderstandings which exist, it is matter of necessity with regard to the interest, honour, present and future security of the U. States to adopt and carry into execution without delay vigorous measures of defensive precaution. That it is visionary for the U. States to expect that they may continue in a state of naval and military imbecility during these frequently recurring wars between European nations, whose projects against against each others possessions in our vicinity may be continually putting in jeopardy our rights of commerce and territory. That heavy expences for precautionary purposes must be submitted to by a people having an extensive foreign trade, and bordering on the provinces of Great and powerful Kingdoms, if they would protect that trade and remain in all conjunctures the sole masters of their own territory and government.\nThat  measures for these purposes consist of the prompt equipment of a naval force sufficient to serve as convoys to our trade and protect it against the spoliations of petty cruisers.\n\u2014Permission to our vessels to arm for their own defence under proper guards and restrictions to prevent their cruising and acting offensively.\n\u2014The intermedeate passing of an embargo till these measures can be matured\u2014with a descretion vested somewhere to grant licences to sail to such ports & under such circumstances as may be deemed safe.\n\u2014Arrangements which in case of emirgency will give the government the prompt command of an efficacious force with a particular view to artillery and cavalry;  as corps which require considerable time for forming them, and which in case of need will be of the most peculiar and essential utility.\n\u2014The more complete and effectual fortification of our ports especially the principal ones.\n\u2014The increase of our revenue as far as shall be practicable without overburthening our citizens to an extent which shall be equal to the additional expence of these provisions; to avoid an increase of the national debt and prepare the country for the exigences which may arise.\nIf more domestic matters are proper to be introduced on this occasion it will be expedient to mention\n\u201cThat arrangements having been made in conformity with our treaty with Spain to ascertain when the ports occupied by the troops of his catholic majesty within the U.S. would be ready to be delivered up, information has been received that the evacuation might be expected to take place with the rising of the waters which was stated as a requisite for the convenient removal of their cannon and stores.\u201d\n\u201cThat the tranquility of a part of the So. Western frontier had been recently disturbed by some murders committed by the inhabitants and Cherokee Indians on each other; but that there is reasonable ground to beleive that the measures in operation have effectually checked the progress of the evil, while at the same time they promise to secure to the peaceable citizen a more perfect protection and to the Indians a fuller security of their rights\u201d\nBut perhaps all these matters can be introduced in a subsequen message, subsequent the Speech if found necessary, by which means the substantial object of calling Congress will have full operation.\nWith respect to the instructions to the extraordinary minister they should embrace the following objects.\nI. Explanation of the real views and intention of the government of the U States during the present war so as to satisfy France (if possible) that they have aimed at a sincere neutrality and have been influenced by no spirit partial to her enemies, or inimical to her.\nII. The discussion if necessary of the constructions of the treaties between the two countries in the points which have been litigated, insisting upon our own, but not refusing to agree to any measures consistent with our constitution for avoiding an inconvenient or abusive application of them.\nIII. The remodification of the guarantee in our treaty of alliance into a stipulation of specific succours in future wars.\nThe succour on our part may  in the next fifteen years to be five sail of the line to be furnished once for all, or an equivalent sum of money, with option to pay in provisions or military stores. After the fifteen years ten sail of the line, or an equivalent as above. The remaining vessels to return at the conclusion of the war.\nIV. The remodification of our treaty of commerce so as to accommodate it to that with G. Britain, having regard to duration as well as other things\nV. Reparation for spoliations and other damages, and payment of sums due by contract. A commission or commissions may be agreed to, but carefully restricted to compensation to individuals on either side.\nVI. There should in no event be admitted the idea of compensation or contribution from the government of the U. States to that of France. Nor any admission directly or indirectly that they are aggressors with regard to France.\nIt will be highly proper to avoid every stipulation in any shape inconsistent with our other treaties, or that may compromit our neutrality in the present war.\nIt is also thought best to steer clear of particular or exclusive privileges or preferences in trade.\nThe minister may be instructed to consent (if desired by France to the annulling of the treaties between the two countries altogether\u2014but he ought not to suggest it as desireable to the U.S.\nAll which is respectfully / Submitted\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1966", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Montgomery, 6 May 1797\nFrom: Montgomery, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 6th 1797\nIn Consequence of a Letter from Secretary Wollcott in which he informs me by your determination my Commission as Captain of the Revenue Cutter is annulled and that the Public Interest requires it should be done I beg leave to request an explanation of those Words as it imply\u2019s a degree of Crimination of my Conduct that as a Man of Honour and a Citizen I am entitled to an explanation of I likewise request the favour of having all my letters and Certificates returned as I mean to lay them all before the Public as the Public Interest is said to require my Dismission I likewise make it my request that your Excellency will let me know my accusers and what I am accused of inimical to the Public Interest\nI inclose a copy of Mr. Wollcott\u2019s letter which in my estimation is so insulting a one that I can hardly suppose the Contents have fallen under your notice and I must beg leave to add your Excellency\u2019s must Certainly have had Things entirely misrepresented to you or I never should have been dismissed from an Office I have ever filled with Integrity attention and unviolated Honour Conscious as I am of the Rectitude of my Conduct I must beg leave to request your Excellency to reconsider the Matter Bring my accusers forth and let me either stand or fall by that Justice and Impartiality which I require of you as Chief Magistrate of the united states to a Citizen who has well deserved of His Country not to be injured without a Cause I am with every sentiment of respect your Excellency\u2019s most obedient / Humble Servant\nJames 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1967", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 10 May 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nThe reasons, which induced me to the freedom of my communication concerning our affairs with France, have prompted me to that which I have now the honor respectfully to submit to your consideration in the same guarded & confidential manner. It appeared to me, in the month of Feby last, that some persons of weight and even in the auxiliary offices of the government itself, had adopted the opinion, that France had originated the European plans of neutral Spoliation by her decree of May. 1793. This is a matter of considerable importance in itself and is rendered the more so by the great exertions, which have been made to establish the idea thro the medium of occasional & systematic publications in some of the Gazettes.\nTho it is a serious & painful truth, that France has committed a large proportion of depredations on our trade, particularly in the West Indies, and of late, yet two things, among others, seem to be necessary to an accurate and just estimate of the degree of her positive and comparative culpability in so doing. It has appeared,\n1st. That in order to determine the positive culpability of France, there should be deducted from her Captures, those which she has made upon grounds adjudged to be solid by the Courts of her rivals & enemies. Such as the trading with places belonging to her enemies with which we could not trade before viz. the British West Indies &ca.\u2014The covering by collusive American papers enemies property\u2014the trading with places taken from her by enemies, but not confirmed to them by Treaty, the carrying of provisions to the places and ports of their Enemies according to Lord Grenvilles explanation of the Russian Convention, and the law of Nations\u2014the carrying to Enemies ports articles and indisputably contraband of war\u2014and other grounds of Capture common, in like manner, to the Courts of both England & France. The French Captures under these Heads would be found to make a large proportion of what has been done by them; and altho the residue are very considerable and very unjust, the allowances upon these and similar grounds, I beg leave to observe, appear to merit particular consideration.\n2dly. It has appeared necessary, in order to ascertain the comparative culpability of the French, that the conduct of Great Britain as avowedly grounded by Lord Grenville upon the Russian Convention of Mar. 1793, and that Convention itself as explained to our Minister Mr. T. Pinckney in British official Communications should be seen in their true light, as the great leading acts in the Business of neutral Spoliation. Or in other words that Great Britain is justly to be considered as the real beginner of those Spoliations.\nI beg you, Sir, to excuse the liberty I have taken in troubling you with the enclosed paper, and that you will be pleased to consider it in inclusive relation to the Question stated at its head.\nI have the honor to be / with perfect respect, / Sir, / your most obedt / & most hble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1968", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jonathan James Maund, 10 May 1797\nFrom: Maund, Jonathan James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNomony Hall Westmoreland 10th. May 1797\nI yesterday receiv\u2019d the Letter you did me the Honor to write on the 13th. of March: My residence is almost equidistant from Fredericksburgh and Richmond your Letter bears the Post Mark of Richmond the 22d. of March and as I receiv\u2019d it from Tappahannock by a private Hand this & the disagreement of the Post Master in that Place with his Deputies depriv\u2019d me the pleasure of sooner acknowledging the favor you have conferr\u2019d on me by your Attention\nI pray you to believe that my only Reason for not writing you in December was that from pressure of Business I did not meet the Assembly nor return to my Home until January and there then remain\u2019d no political news worthy of Communication\u2014The Post rider now waits for my Letter this forces me to conclude: by the next Post (which will be the ensuing Week) I again shall have the pleasure of addressing you and in the Course of the ensuing Month I shall inclose for your perusal a Series of Letters I am now preparing for the Press\nI beg my most respectful Compliments to be presented Mrs Adams and so soon as I hear that your Sons or either of them shall have return\u2019d I shall write to request they will spend a part of their Time this Year at my House, and I anticipate with real Satisfaction the removal of the Seat of Government that will I hope place my Friends so near to this County\nI have the Honor to be with the most respectful Esteem / Sir / Yr. Oblig\u2019d & very humble. Servt.\nJno. Jas. Maund", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1969", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, Sr., 11 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Samuel, Sr.\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 11. 1797\nIt was but two days ago that I recived your obliging Letter of the Seventeenth of April by Mr Wyllis.  I have found this Gentleman as you represent him intelligent, observing and impartial. I have had much pleasure in his conversation and expect more.\nI thank you Sir for your kind congratulations. As to party Papers they will represent Us as they please: and there is no remedy but Patience, and now and then a little contempt\u2014. I can with pleasure reciprocate your conclusion by subscribing myself  / old and unvaried Friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1970", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Gustavus Scott, 11 May 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nWashington 11th. May 1797\nWe received by yesterdays Post a Letter from your Secretary enclosing sundry papers which had been transmitted to you by a Mr: Collin Williamson.\u2014\nSensible of the pressure of business which you are obliged to sustain it is with reluctance that we trouble you with the affairs of the City however important, and we are really sorry that this business should have been intruded upon you Agreeably to your request we return those papers We presume it is not your wish to be troubled with a detail of circumstances which led to the dismission of M. Williamson Your Predecessor had many Addresses on the same subject it is unnecessary to state the trouble the Board have had with him The subject being now in a Judicial train we must wait the event, from which we apprehend no damage,\u2014His tale of our losses is unfounded.\u2014\nWe have the honor to be with sentiments of perfect Respect / sir / yr mo. obt. servt.\nGusts ScottWilliam Thornton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1971", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Mifflin, 12 May 1797\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n(copied)\nSirPhiladelphia May 12th: 1797\nBy an Act of the General Assembly of this State, it has become my duty to purchase and import ten thousand stand of arms, for the use of the Militia; but I find that it will be impracticable, at present, to form an advantageous contract, unless I can promise the interference of the American Ministers in Europe, to obtain permission from the respective Governments, for exporting the arms, either from Great Britain, Holland, or Hamburgh; and unless I can obtain from the United States, a remission of the duties, on importation. As the object is of national importance and utility, I take the liberty of requesting, that you will favor me with your sanction upon the first point; and that you will be pleased to submit the second point to the consideration of Congress.\nI have the honor to be, with perfect / respect, Sir, / Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient / humble Servant\nTho. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1972", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 16 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Congress\nFellow Citizens of the Senate & of the House of Representatives\nOn addressing myself to the Senators & Representatives of the United States, it would have afforded me the most sincere satisfaction to have been able to congratulate you on the restoration of peace to the nations of Europe whose contentions have endangered our tranquillity & to have invited your attention only to such measures as ordinarily occur, in managing the concerns of an extensive and flourishing nation.\nBut though the time and manner of your being convened and the situation of our Country in relation to a foreign power, indicate the necessity of extraordinary councils, yet we have still abundant cause for gratitude to the Supreme Dispenser of National Blessings.\nTo the excercise of this gratitude we are invited by the contemplation of peace and plenty, civil & religious liberty, social and domestic happiness & the rapid progress and acquisitions of peaceable industry through extensive regions.\u2014While other States are afflicted by foreign war, or convulsed by domestic agitations, the United states present the pleasing and consoling spectacle of a numerous people, governed by mild laws, satisfied with the possession of their undoubted rights, neither envying the advantages or fearing the power of other nations, and solicitous only for the maintenance of order & justice & the preservation of liberty\u2014To prolong this happy condition all your deliberations will be directed.\nA reference to the communications which were laid before Congress at their last session will inform you of the discontents which have been manifested by the French Republic, & the molestations of our Trade under countenance of authority from that Nation;\u2014On reviewing the proceedings of the Executive, I find, that as soon as the complaints to our Minister in Paris, assumed a specific form, measures were promptly taken for entering upon such discussions, as the importance of the subject required. A Minister Plenipotentiary was accordingly designated who was specially instructed to make such explanations of the principles & conduct of the Government of the United States, as it might be reasonably expected would have effaced  unfavourable impressions & restored cordiality & friendship.\nIt is with regret I add, that the conduct of France has in no respect reciprocated the amicable dispositions of the United States, Instead of receiving the explanations tendered by this government, the Executive Directory have declared that they will not receive nor acknowledge another Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States, untill the complaints which have been preferred, shall have been redressed, and by late advices it appears, that subsequently to this declaration our Minister recd. a peremptory order to quit the territories of the French Republic. Further particulars respecting this transaction will by my direction be communicated to you from the Department of State.\nIn reflecting upon this unexpected result of a pacific mission, instituted in a form and so far as my knowledge extends, conducted in a manner altogether unexceptionable, I am unable to conjecture what may be the ultimate intentions of the government of France.\u2014Nor am I able to reconcile the stile and manner of the conduct which has lately been adopted towards this government, with those usages which have been long established between Nations, for the discussion and termination of disputes.\nBeing however sincerely desirous of preserving peace and friendship with all Nations & fully sensible that neither the honour nor interest of the United States forbid the repetition of advances for securing these desireable objects, I shall immediately institute measures of negociation, to be improved whenever the consent of the government of France can be obtained; and I shall not fail to hasten & promote an accomodation on terms compatible with the rights, engagements & honour of our Country.\nBut though it is my earnest desire, that the negociations proposed to be instituted, may produce a favourable issue, yet as the progress of the war in Europe & the general complexion of events, render it proper to be prepared for a less fortunate result, I judge it to be my indispensible duty to recommend defensive measures to your consideration.\nThe Commerce of the United States has become a most interesting object of attention whether it be considered in respect to the wealth & finances or strength and resources of the Nation,\u2014any serious or permanent injury to this branch of industry would not fail to produce the most embarrassing disorders; to preserve our commerce from being gradually undermined and destroyed, it is essential that it receive adequate protection.\nThe arguments by which the establishment of a Naval force has on former occasions been recommended to the attention of Congress becomes more and more exemplified and confirmed by experience.\u2014Indeed as the sufferings of our Mercantile Citizens cannot be attributed to the omission of duties demandable by the neutral situation of our Country, they are all to be resolved into the hope of impunity arising from a supposed inability on our part to afford protection. To resist the consequences of such impressions in the minds of foreign nations, & guard against the degradation and servility which they must finally impress on the American character, is an important duty of government. Without some means of protection against unjust depradations an extensive foreign commerce can only be considered as a source of national weakness & unavoidable concommitant of national dishonour.\nBut though the establishment of a permanent system of Naval defence appears to be requisite, I am sensible that it cannot be so speedily organised as to supercede the necessity of other measures which are demanded by the exigency of the present Crisis.\u2014Though I have thought proper to prevent the sailing of armed Vessells except on voyages to the East Indies, where general usage and the danger from Pirates appeared to render the permission proper;\u2014yet the restriction has originated solely from a wish not to anticipate the decision of Congress on a question of National importance & not from any doubt entertained by me, of the policy & propriety of permitting our Vessells to employ means of defence while engaged in a lawful Commerce.\u2014It remains for Congress to prescribe such regulations as well enable our seafaring Citizens to defend themselves against aggressions of the Law of Nations;\u2014and at the same time restrain them from committing acts of hostility against the powers at War,\u2014(or to enforce by suitable provisions, the existing instructions which forbid the sailing of armed Vessells.)\nIt appears that many, if not a principal part of the small Cruizers, whose depradations have been most injurious, have been built & partially equipped in the United States;\u2014though a remedy appears to be attended with great difficulty, yet I have thought it my duty to present the subject generally to your consideration;\u2014if a mode can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, to prevent the resources of the United States from being converted into the means of annoying our trade, a great evil will be prevented.\nThe distance of the United States from Europe and the spirit & fortitude of the people happily diminish in a great degree, if they do not render intirely improbable, invasions in time of War.\u2014Nevertheless, the unprotected situation of some of our principal Sea Ports, renders it proper to guard against the danger of sudden & predatory incursions.\nGentlemen of the House of Representatives,\nIt is particularly your province to consider the state of the public finances & to adopt such measures in relation thereto, as exigencies shall be found to require.\u2014The preservation of public credit, the regular extinguishment of the public debt, and a provision of funds to defray any extraordinary expences, will of course call for your serious attention.\nAlthough the imposition of new burthens on your constituents, cannot be in itself agreable, yet there is no ground to doubt, that the American people will expect from you, such measures as their actual engagements, their present security, and future Interests demand.\nGentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.\nIt will I presume be admitted, that the present situation of our Country imposes an obligation upon all the Departments of Government, to adopt an explicit & decided conduct, in my situation, an exposition of the principles by which my administration will be governed, is a more than ordinary duty.\nIt is impossible to conceal from ourselves or from the world, that endeavours have been made to foster and establish a division between the American Government & people. To investigate the causes, which have encouraged this attempt would be unprofitable; but to repel by firm & united Councils, an aggression so derogatory from the honour & so dangerous to the Independence of the Nation, is an indispensible duty.\nIt was foreseen that the retirement of a Majistrate whose preeminent services, virtue and wisdom had united all hearts in his favour, would form an interesting era in our government;\u2014the event has verified the prediction, and it must soon be decided, whether the American people will support the Government established by their voluntary consent, or whether by surrendering themselves to the direction of foreign & domestic factions, they will forfeit that honourable distinction which they have hitherto maintained:\u2014Having never been indifferent to what concerned the interests of my Country, having devoted the best part of my life in support of its independence, having constantly witnessed the perseverance, fidelity & patriotism of my fellow Citizens on the most trying occasions, it is not for me to express a doubt:\u2014or to abandon a cause in which my heart has long been engaged.\nConvinced as my mind is, that the conduct of the government has been just & impartial to foreign Nations;\u2014that those internal regulations which have been established by Law for the preservation of peace, are in their nature proper and that they have been fairly executed; nothing will ever be done by me, to impair the National engagements, to innovate upon principles which have been deliberately established, or to surrender in any manner the rights of the Government.\u2014To enable me to maintain this declaration I count with entire confidence on recieving the firm and enlightened support of the National Legislature and upon the virtue & patriotism of my fellow Citizens. \nTreasury Department May 19th. 1797.The Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the direction of the President of the United States respectfully makes the following Report;\nThat the Letter of Governor Mifflin to the President of the United States dated the 12th Instant contains the following requests.\u2014\n1st. That the President would direct the American Ministers in Europe to use their influence to obtain permissions from the respective Governments for exporting from Great Britain, Holland, or Hamburgh, Ten thousand Stand of Arms, for the use of the Militia of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.\n2nd. That as the proposed importation is an object of national utility that the President would submit to the Consideration of Congress the expediency of remission of the duties payable on the importation of the said Arms;\nIt is the opinion of the Secretary that a compliance with the first mentioned request would be reasonable and proper, whenever the Governor shall be pleased to indicate the names of the Agents proposed to be employed;\nOn the second point the Secretary respectfully observes, that the recommendations of the President to Congress have generally if not always related to measures of general policy and that a deviation from this rule may be attended with inconvenience; That an exemption from duties on Arms imported for a particular State would operate as a grant to that State and ought of course to be provided for by a special Law.\nOf the policy of recommending a general repeal of the Duties on Arms imported into the United States doubts are entertained, as a manufacture would thereby be discouraged which it is the public Interest to encourage & support;\nAll which is respectfully submitted\nOliv WolcottSecy. of the Treasy.I concur in the opinions expressed by the Secretary of the Treasury.\nT. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1973", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Alexander Jardine, 16 May 1797\nFrom: Jardine, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nSantiago\u201416th. May\u20141797.\u2014\nI cannot resist the desire of writing to you nor the joy of your being elected president of the US:\u2014as I think and hope that much of the peace and happiness of the rest of the world may now come to depend on you and your friends there, who I flatter myself may be well chosen. In short the love of Peace,\u2014the knowledge of its importance of late predominant in your Counsels give hopes of its spreading in time with the rest of your virtues which have begun to reform the world; and, (meeting with still better soil, than french brains,) may gradually surround it.\nI have long been on the point of writing from this desart and distance;\u2014and risking some answer to your last excellent favor\u2014always so full of wisdom, which must now surely benefit the world greatly\u2014even perverse as it is. Your ideas there on the necessity of balances in all where human nature is concerned were excellent and probly necessary\u2014for a time\u2014yet out of sight,\u2014tho\u2019 we may hope with Godwin to get beyond that point at last. But I can hardly have much new to you on this or any subject;\u2014only Peace from its superior importance claims all our preaching and exertions on every occasion. We the world may hope you will continue obstinately to resist all temptations to war;\u2014suffering your toes\u2014your noses to be squeez\u2019d off before you feel the folly\u2014the absurd sentiment of honor, or raise the hand\u2014even to resist, and may thence teach your young scholars and Galic heads a little more of your patience &c.\u2014How much more powerfully J. Chr. fought\u2014by turning the other cheek!\u2014Men\u2014rationals cannot always be such fools as to murder  each other merely to please a few of the worst among them,\u2014such as R\u2019s, Minrs &c.\u2014War must\u2014will be banish\u2019d;\u2014a period to be kept even now steadily in view by the wise, and may soon become visible to all. But even before this period the US will probly make her fortune even in the general scramble, while her European neighbours are ruining ech other in gambling deep, and making a figure &c.\u2014But reason and you must some where stop that ruinous system, and shew men and nations their mutual interest in assisting instead of destroying each other. Wisdom must lead at last, and thence the US must probly in time guide the world, not by force but reason. Directoire a fine substitute for the term Govt.\nPerhaps you ought to try most practicable ways of giving to old Europe some of your best American or amphyctionic ideas\u2014of Peace\u2014and union\u2014for which she must probly have already wisdom enough\u2014if properly placed and employ\u2019d, and her stock would then increase.\nIn this ever important Peninsula, (and whose importance must increase with the knowledge and wisdom of the world,) you will require still more and more successions of good Consuls as well as Envoys &c. This northern strip of it, from Baynne to Cap Fin., will become a still more importt. and interesting part of it and of this Globe; and your Consul General for this northern and very natural division of the Peninsula should be an enlarge\u2019d and liberal mind, and equal to watch the coming changes &c. The demonstration of all this and the principles on which it depends, might require a volume and be consider\u2019d as too speculative.\u2014In short I think your present V. Consul at Sant-Ander, O. Brien, seems to me to one of the fittest you can find for that place in the mean time,\u2014taking care to furnish him with successors still better\u2014if possible. Your natural, considerable and growing connection with Spain, and her colonies requires your wisdom and attention.\u2014Tho\u2019 this is a case where I ought not perhaps to presume even to  speak, I think you will excuse it from your knowledge of my ever early partiality for the US\u2014(for which I have suffer\u2019d considerably;) and allso also from my knowledge of this country, and of Mr OBrn. who has served me long as V. Consul, and has on every occasion\u2014convinced me that you cannot in short chuse better for the present. He is known I believe to your present Envoy here,\u2014to you at Lugo, to Mr Short, Mr Pinkney, tho\u2019 perhaps not quite so well as to me.\nLet me trouble you with my best love and esteem to Dr Priestly; and I hope he will joyn you most sagacious American thinkers for the benefit of Old Europe as well as for young America, and produce for her and the world some Amphyctionic system of Perpetual Peace, and for which she may soon be ripe: The systems of a Hen. 4, a St Pierre, a Godwin &c. &c. having been premature.\nLet me hope to hear from you, when practicable. We just hear that the french are to make war on you\u2014at wch you May laugh in derision, & not even make any ansr. to such their foolish threats & declarations &c, as I wanted our Miny. to have done wth Spain now: but they are too much of the boy chars. yet. They must probly. now soon be turn\u2019d out\u2014as on the American Peace. The Whigs will agree better wth you & wth all the world,\u2014till a genl. sense of peace prevail. Pray forgive & write / Your real friend\nAlexr. JardineConsul. Galicia &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1974", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Eager Howard, 18 May 1797\nFrom: Howard, John Eager\nTo: Adams, John\nSir/\nI was yesterday at your house, with some Ladies who had the honor of paying their respects to Mrs. Adams, where I observed a person, whose name is Samuel Monroe, in the capacity of a servant, and as I suppose you are not acquainted with his character, think it necessary to give you the following information.\u2014\nHe was formerly a drummer in the British Army, and has been a waiter in the City Tavern of this place as well as in Starck\u2019s tavern in Baltimore\u2014From the latter place he obtained the certificate now in his possession, of his good behaviour, which procured him the appointment of a clerk in the post office of that place. He there committed a robbery of a large sum of money, and although he was not convicted of the offence, owing to some defect in the indictment, yet there is very little doubt, if any, of his guilt\u2014Mr. Mc.Henry I presume is acquainted with the circumstances\u2014\nI have the honor, to be / with great respect /  Yr. Obed. Servt.\nJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1975", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 18 May 1797\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nThe Senate of the United States request that you would to accept their acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail, you have given, in your Speech to both houses of Congress, on the existing State of the Union.\nWhile we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening it on this momentous occasion.\nThe superintendance of our National faith, honor and dignity, being in a great measure, constitutionally deposited with the Executive, we observe with singular satisfaction, the vigilance, firmness & promptitude exhibited by you, in this critical state of our public affairs, and from thence derive and evidence & pledge of the rectitude & integrity of your administration.\u2014\nWe are equally desirous with you to preserve peace and friendship with all nations, and are happy to be informed, that neither the honor or interests of the United States, forbid advances for securing those desireable objects by amicable negotiation with the French Republic\u2014This method of adjusting national differences, is not only the most mild, but the most rational and humane, and with Government disposed to be just, can seldom fail of success, when fairly, candidly and sincerely used.  If we have commited errors and can be made sensible of them we agree with you in opinion that we ought to correct them and compensate the injuries, which may have been consequent upon them: On the other hand if the French Republic has committed errors, and can be made sensible of them, justice we hope will compel them to the same consequences.\nWe do therefore most sincerely approve of your determination to promote and accelerate an accomodation of our existing differences with that Republic by negocition, on terms compatiable with the rights, duties, interests & honor of our Nation.\u2014And you may rest assured of our most cordial cooperation so far as it may become necessary, in this pursuit. Peace & harmony with all Nations is our sincere wish; but such being the lot of humanity that Nations will not always reciprocate peaceable dispositions. It is our firm belief that such effectual measures of defence, as you have recommended, will tend to inspire that national self respect and confidence at home, which is the unfailing source of respectability abroad, to check aggressions and prevent war.\nWhile we are endeavoring to adjust our differences with the French Republic by amicable negociation, the progress of the War in Europe, the depredations on our Commerce, the personal injuries to our Citizens, and the general complexion of affairs, prove to us your vigilant care, in recommending to our attention effectual measures of defence.\nThose which you recommend whether they relate to external defence, by permitting our Citizens to arm for the purpose of repelling aggressions on their commercial rights, and by providing sea Convoys, or to internal defence, by encreasing the establishments of Artillery & Cavalry by forming a provisional Army, by revising the Militia laws and fortifying, more completely our Ports & harbors;\u2014Will engage our utmost attention, and meet our consideration under the influence of the same just regard for the security, interest & honor of our Country, which dictated your recommendations.\nPractices so unnatural and inequitous, as those you state to us, of our own Citizens, converting their property and personal exertions into the means of annoying our trade, & injuring their fellow Citizens;,deserve legal severity, commensurate with their turpitude.\nAltho the Senate believe that the prosperity & happiness of our Country does not depend on general & extensive political connections with European nations, yet we can never lose sight of the propriety as well as necessity of enabling the Executive by sufficient & liberal supplies, to maintain, and even extend our foreign intercourse, as exigencies may require, reposing full confidence in the Executive in whom the Constitution has placed the powers of Negociation.\nIn the present critical situation of our national affairs, we are sensible, it is an object of primary importance, that each branch of the Government should adopt a language and system of conduct, which shall at once, be cool, just and dispassionate, but firm explicit and decided.\nWe learn with sincere concern, that all attempts are in operation to alienate the affections of our fellow Citizens from their Government. Attempts so wicked, wherever they exist, cannot fail to engage our utmost abhorrence.\u2014A Government chosen by the people for their own safty & happiness, and calculated to secure both, cannot lose their affections, so long as its administration pursues the principles upon which it was erected.\u2014And your resolution to observe a conduct just and impartial to all nations, a sacred regard to our national engagements, & not to impair the rights of our Government, contains principles which cannot fail to secure to your Administration the support of the National Legislature, to render abhortive every attempt to excited dangerous jealousies among us, and to convince the world that our Government and your Administration of it cannot be seperated from the affectionate support of every good Citizen.\u2014And the Senate cannot suffer the present occasion to pass, without thus publickly and solemnly expressing their attachment to the Constitution and Government of their Country, and as they hold themselves responsible to their Constituents, their conciences and their God, it is their determination by all their exertions to repel every attempt to alienate the affections of the people from their Government, so highly injurious to the honor, safety and Independance of the US.\nWe are happy since our sentiments on this subject are in perfect unison with yours, in this public manner to declare; that the conduct of the Government has been just, and impartial to foreign nations, and that these internal regulations which have been established for the preservation of peace, are in their nature proper, & have been fairly executed.\nAnd we are equally happy, in possessing an entire confidence in your abilities & exertions in your station, to maintain untarnished the honor, preserve the peace and support the Independance of our Country; to acquire and establish which in connection with your fellow Citizens, has been the virtuous effort of a principal part of your life\u2014\nTo aid you with all our exertions, in the honorable and arduous effort, as it is our duty, so it shall be our faithful endeavor. And we flatter ourselves, sir, that the proceedings of the present session of Congress will manifest to the world, that altho the US love peace, they will be Independant. That they are sincere in their declarations to be just to the French and all other nations, and expect the same in return; and that the people and Government are not to be seperated.\u2014\nIf a sense of Justice, a love of moderation and peace, shall influence their councils, which we sincerely hope, we shall have just grounds to expect, peace & amity between the US and all nations will be preserved.\nBut if we are so unfortunate, as to experience injuries from any nation, & the ordinary methods by which differences are amicably adjusted between nations, shall be rejected.\u2014The determination, \u201cNot to surrender in any manner the rights of the Government\u201d being so inseperably connected with the dignity, interest and Independance of our Country, shall, by us, be steadily and inviolably supported.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1977", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 19 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate.\nUnited States\u2014May 19th 1797\nI nominate Joshua Sands of New york to be Collector of the District of New york, Vice. John Lamb dismissed.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1978", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 19 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Congress\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States May 19. 1797\nI nominate Joshua Sands of New york to be collector of the District of New york, vice John Lamb dismissed\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1979", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 May 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nTreasury Department May 19th. 1797.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury in obedience to the direction of the President of the United States respectfully makes the following Report;\nThat the Letter of Governor Mifflin to the President of the United States dated the 12th Instant contains the following requests. \u2013\n1st. That the President would direct the American Ministers in Europe to use their influence to obtain permissions from the respective Governments for exporting from Great Britain, Holland, or Hamburgh, Ten thousand Stand of Arms, for the use of the Militia of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania\u2014\n2nd. That as the proposed importation is an object of national utility that the President would submit to the Consideration of Congress the expediency of a remission of the duties payable on the importation of the said Arms;\nIt is the opinion of the Secretary that a compliance with the first mentioned request would be reasonable and proper, whenever the Governor shall be pleased to indicate the names of the Agents proposed to be employed;\nOn the second point the Secretary respectfully observes, that the recommendations of the President to Congress have generally if not always related to measures of general policy & that a deviation from this rule may be attended with inconvenience;\u2014That an exemption from duties on Arms imported for a particular State would operate as a grant to that State & ought of course to be provided for by a special Law.\nOf the policy of recommending a general repeal of the Duties on Arms imported into the United States doubts are entertained, as a manufacture would thereby be discouraged which it is the public Interest to encourage and support;\nAll which is respectfully submitted\nOliv Wolcott\nSecy of the Treasy\nI concur in the opinions expressed by the Secretary of the Treasury.\nT. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1980", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States 20 May 1797\nI nominate John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, to be Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the King of Prussia\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1982", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 20 May 1797\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nThe Senate of the U. States, request you to accept their acknowledgements, for the comprehensive and interesting detail, you have given, of the existing state of the Union.\u2014\nAnd while we regret the necessity of the present meeting, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct, in convening the Legislature, on this momentous occasion.\u2014\nAs the Guardianship of our national Faith, Honor and Dignity is, in a great measure constitutionally deposited with the Executive, we observe with singular satisfaction the vigilance, firmness & promptitude, exhibited by you, in this critical period of our public affairs, and derive from this exhibition, an evidence and pledge of the rectitude & integrity of your Administration.\u2014\nFriends to humanity, and deprecating the calamities of War, Truth impels us to express our perfect coincidence of opinion with you, that the door of negociation with the French Government\u2014ought still to remain unclosed.\u2014\nPeace & harmony with all nations is our sincere wish, but such being the lot of humanity that nations will not always reciprocate peaceable dispositions: it is our firm belief that such effectual measures of defence, as you have recommended, will tend to inspire that national self respect & confidence at home, which is the unfailing source of respectability abroad: and, will tend, to check aggression & prevent War.\nThe present extensive commerce of the U. States, the commanding situation and increasing agriculture of the Country, which promise an incalculable extension of it; point out an adequate Naval protection, too forcibly not to arrest our Attention; especially when we consider our Commerce in relation to the wealth & finances, as well as strength & resources of the Nation.\nThese considerations connected with the injuries & insult inflicted on our Citizens and their Commerce, with hopes of impunity, from the supposed want of ability or inclination in our Government to protect; render the Duty of the Legislature more indispensible, to afford prompt and effectual defence, by permitting them to arm, or providing Convoys at sea, and to render the protection complete, by fortifying, more thoroughly, our principal ports and Harbors.\u2014\nThis subject of permitting our merchants to arm their Vessels for defence, is of such magnitude\u2014that it will engage our utmost attention; and the result, which prudence & propriety, on a full view of the subject, shall dictate, we will most chearfully adopt. Increasing the establishments of Artillery & Cavalry, making arrangements for forming a provisional Army, and a revision of our Militia Laws, present to our minds considerations of such weight & importance; as they respect both the means & spirit of national defence, generally too much neglected in times of peace; that we shall not fail to give them our most serious attention.\u2014\nAltho the Senate believe that the prosperity and happiness of our Country does not consist in general and extensive political connections with European Nations, yet we can never loose sight of the propriety as well as necessity of enabling the Executive, by sufficient & liberal supplies, to maintain, and even extend our foreign intercourse, as exigencies may require; reposing full confidence in the Executive, in whom the Constitution has placed the sole and exclusive powers of Negociation.\u2014\nIn the present critical situation of our National affairs we are sensible, it is an object of primary importance, that each branch of the Govt. should adopt a language, and system of conduct, which shall be at once cool & dispassionate, but firm, decided and explicit.\u2014\nAnd while the humiliating Idea, that a foreign attempt is in operation, to alienate the affections of the people from the Govt\u2014and to impose terms & conditions of conduct on both; has the least remaining existence; the senate, as they hold themselves responsible to their Constituents, their Consciences & their God, pledge their utmost exertions to repel an attempt so highly injurious to the honor, & so compleatly destructive of the Independence of the U. States.\u2014We are happy, since our sentiments on the subject, are in perfect unison with yours, in this public manner to declare; that the conduct of the Govt. has been just & impartial to foreign nations, and that those internal regulations which have been established by Law, for the preservation of peace, are in their nature proper, and have been fairly executed.\u2014\nAnd we are equally happy in possessing an entire confidence in your abilities & exertions in your station to maintain untarnished the Honor, to preserve the peace, & support undiminished the Independence of our Country; to acquire & establish which, in connection with your fellow Citizens, has been the virtuous effort of a principal part of your Life\u2014\nTo aid you, with all our exertions, in the honorable & arduous effort, as it is our Duty, so it shall be our faithful endeavour.\u2014And we flatter ourselves, Sir, that the proceedings of the present session of Congress will manifest to the world, that altho\u2019 the U. States love peace, they will be independent; that they are sincere in their declarations to be just to the French nation, but expect the same from them; and that the Govt. and the people are not to be separated.\u2014\nIf a sense of Justice, a love of moderation and peace, shall actuate their counsels, which we sincerely hope, we likewise flatter ourselves, peace & amity between the two Republics will be preserved.\u2014\nBut if we are so unfortunate as to experience further injuries from that nation, and they will not hear, nor will receive our Ministers, and neither listen to just terms of accommodation, nor offer us any but unconditional submission: your determination, \u201cNot to surrender in any manner the rights of the Govt.\u201d will be most unequivocally adopted by us, and steadily supported\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1984", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 24 May 1797\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\n1 The Senate of the United States request you to accept their acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail you have given, in your Speech to both Houses of Congress, on the existing state of the Union.\n2d While we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening it, on this momentous occasion.\n3d. The superintendance of our national faith, honor and dignity, being, in a great measure constitutionally deposited with the Executive, we observe with singular satisfaction, the vigilance, firmness and promptitude exhibited by you, in this critical state of our public affairs, and from thence derive an evidence and pledge of the rectitude and integrity of your administration. And we are sensible, it is an object of primary importance, that each branch of the Government should adopt a language and system of conduct, which shall be cool, just and dispassionate; but firm, explicit and decided.\n4th We are equally desirous, with you, to preserve peace and friendship with all nations, and are happy to be informed, that neither the honour or interests of the United States forbid advances for securing those desirable objects, by amicable negociation, with the French Republic\u2014This method of adjusting national differences, is not only the most mild, but the most rational and humane, and with Governments disposed to be just, can seldom fail of success, when fairly, candidly and sincerely used. If we have committed errors, and can be made sensible of them, we agree with you, in opinion, that we ought to correct them, and compensate the injuries, which may have been consequent thereon, and we trust the French Republic will be actuated by the same just and benevolent principles of national policy.\n5th. We do therefore most sincerely approve of your determination to promote and accelerate an accommodation of our existing differences with that Republic by negociation, on terms compatible with the rights, duties, interests and honour of our nation. And you may rest assured of our most cordial co-operation so far as it may become necessary, in this pursuit.\n6th. Peace and harmony with all nations is our sincere wish; but such being the lot of humanity that nations will not always reciprocate peaceable disposions: it is our firm belief that, effectual measures of defence, will tend to inspire that national self respect and confidence at home, which is the unfailing source of respectability abroad, to check aggression, and prevent war.\n7th While we are endeavoring to adjust our differences with the French Republic by amicable negociation, the progress of the war in Europe, the depredations on our Commerce, the personal injuries to our Citizens and the general complexion of affairs, prove to us your vigilant care, in recommending to our attention effectual measures of defence.\n8th. Those which you recommend whether they relate to external defence, by permitting our citizens to arm for the purpose of repelling aggressions on their Commercial rights, and by providing sea convoys, or to internal defence, by increasing the establishments of Artillery & Cavalry by forming a provisional Army, by reviving the Militia Laws & fortifying, more completely, our ports & harbors;\u2014will meet our consideration under the influence of the same just regard for the security, interest & honor of our Country, which dictated your recommendation.\n9th: Practices so unnatural and iniquitous, as those you state, of our own Citizens, converting their property & personal exertions into the means of annoying our trade, & injuring their fellow citizens, deserve legal severity commensurate with their turpitude.\n10th Although the Senate beleive, that the prosperity & happiness of our Country does not depend on general & extensive political connections with European nations, yet we can never lose sight of the propriety as well as necessity of enabling the Executive by sufficient & liberal supplies, to maintain, & even extend our foreign intercourse, as exigencies may require, reposing full confidence in the executive, in whom the Constitution has placed the powers of negociation.\n11th: We learn with sincere concern, that attempts are in operation to alienate the affections of our fellow Citizens from their Government. Attempts so wicked, wherever they exist, cannot fail to excite our utmost abhorrence. A government chosen by the People for their own safety & happiness, & calculated to secure both, cannot lose their affections, so long as its administration pursues the principles upon which it was erected.\u2014And your resolution to observe a conduct just and impartial to all nations, a sacred regard to our national engagements, and not to impair the rights of our Government, contains principles which cannot fail to secure to your administration the support of the national Legislature, to render abortive every attempt to excite dangerous jealousies among us, and to convince the world that our Government and your administration of it cannot be separated from the affectionate support of every good Citizen.\u2014And the Senate cannot suffer the present occasion to pass, without thus publicly & solemnly expressing their attachment to the Constitution & Government of their Country, & as they hold themselves responsible to their Constituents, their Consciences & their God, it is their determination by all their exertions to repel every attempt to alienate the affections of the People from the Government, so highly injurious to the honor, safety & independence of the United States.\nWe are happy, since our sentiments on the subject are in perfect unison with yours, in this public manner to declare; that we believe the conduct of the Government has been just and impartial to foreign nations, & that those internal regulations which have been established for the preservation of peace, are in their nature proper, & have been fairly executed.\nAnd we are equally happy, in possessing an entire confidence in your abilities & exertions in your station, to maintain untarnished the honor, preserve the peace, & support the independence of our Country; to acquire & establish which, in connection with your fellow citizens, has been the virtuous effort of a principal part of your life.\nTo aid you with all our exertions, in the honorable & arduous exertions, as it is our duty, so it shall be our faithful endeavor.\u2014And we flatter ourselves, Sir, that the proceedings of the present session of Congress will manifest to the world, that altho\u2019 the US love peace, they will be independent.\u2014That they are sincere in their declarations to be just to the French & all other nations, & expect the same in return. and that the People & Government are not to be separated.\nIf a sense of justice, a love of moderation & peace, shall influence their councils, which we sincerely hope, we shall have just grounds to expect, peace & amity between the US and all nations will be preserved.\nBut if we are so unfortunate, as to experience injuries from any nation foreign power, & the ordinary methods by which differences are amicably adjusted between nations shall be rejected\u2014The determination, \u201cnot to surrender in any manner the rights of the government,\u201d being so inseparably connected with the dignity, interest & independence of our Country, shall, by us, be steadily and inviolably supported.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1985", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 24 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nMr: Vice President and Gentlemen of the Senate.\u2014\nIt would be an affectation in me, to dissemble the pleasure I feel, on receiving this kind address.\nMy long experience of the Wisdom, Fortitude, and Patriotism, of the Senate of the United States, enhances in my estimation, the Value of those obliging expressions of your approbation of my conduct, which are a generous reward for the past, and an affecting encouragement to constancy and perseverance, in future.\nOur sentiments appear to be so entirely in unison, that I cannot but believe them to be, the rational result of the understandings, and the natural feelings of the hearts, of Americans in general, on contemplating the present state of the nation. While such Principles and affections prevail, they will form an indissoluble bend of Union, and a sure pledge, that our Country has no essential Injury to apprehend from any portentous appearances abroad.\u2014In a humble reliance on divine providence, we may rest assured, that while we reiterate with sincerity, our endeavors to accomodate all our differences with France, the Independence of our Country cannot be diminished, its dignity degraded, or its Glory tarnished, by any nation or combination of nations, whether Friends or Enemies.\u2014\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1986", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Eliphalet Fitch, 24 May 1797\nFrom: Fitch, Eliphalet\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir,\nStoakes Hall Jamaica May 24th 1797\nThe constant Attention required by your high and truly honourable Station will not allow me to expect you can favor me with a further Correspondence, unless to acquaint me you have received my Letters; yet as my Son is embarking for Philadelphia I avail myself of this favorable Opportunity to express to you my sincere and very cordial Congratulation on your Election to the Office of President of the American States.\u2014It is an Honour you have merited, and I fully trust that your extensive Abilities and Firmness of Mind will support you, on all Occasions, in the arduous Situation in which the Confidence of your Country has placed you; and it is my earnest Wish that, like your illustrious Predecessor, you may at a distant day retire, with the Applause of Millions, from the Splendour of elevated Rank to the Shade of private Virtue.\u2014You will then enjoy those pleasing Reflections which are so justly described by the excellent Lord Lyttelton that I cannot resist the Pleasure of transcribing them.\u2014\nMay you then find (\u201cthe Task of Glory done\u201d)\n\u201cThy busy Life at length may be thy own;\nThat to thy lov\u2019d Philosophy resigned,\nno Care may ruffle thy unbended Mind.\nJust is the Wish: For sure the happiest Meed,\nTo favour\u2019d Man by smiling Heaven decreed,\nIs to reflect at Ease on glorious Pains,\nAnd calmly to enjoy what Virtue gains.\nFor blest is he, who exercis\u2019d in Cares\nTo private Leisure public Virtue bears.\nWho tranquil ends the Race he nobly run,\nAnd decks Repose with trophies Labour won.\nSo when thy Country shall no more demand\nThe needful Aid of thy sustaining Hand;\nWhen Peace restored shall on her downy Wing\nSecure Repose and careless Leisure bring;\nThen to the Shades of learned Ease retired\nThe World forgetting, by the World admir\u2019d,\nAmong thy Books and Friends thou shalt possess\nContemplative and quiet Happiness;\nPleased to review a Life in Honour spent\nAnd painful Merit paid with sweet Content.\u2014\u201d\nI will not offer an Apology for quoting Lines so applicable to the late President and his Successor, lest the Spirit of Lyttelton should rebuke me.\nFrom a subject of this nature let me lead you for a Moment to one of little Consideration to many other People; yet the kind Solicitude with which you enquire after my Welfare and the Attention you have shewn to those most dear to me, induce me to think you will be glad to hear the I enjoy very good Health, and that my Property here is in a favorable Train of Improvement.\u2014This Plantation which has cost me upwards of Fifty thousand Pounds Sterling, and which from various Causes has proved less productive than I had Reason to expect, is now in a fair Way to equal my Expectation.\u2014After a long Series of commercial Business, subject to the Fluctuations to which Men in Trade are liable, I have finally established a Property here which I think will eventually give an agreable Support to my Family.\u2014But in the precarious State of things in the West Indies I recommend to them such a Plan of Economy as I shall continue to practice \u2018till We can establish some Property elsewhere.\u2014In the Course of Life every one must expect to experience a Share of the \u201cnumerous Ills which Flesh is Heir to,\u201d and without some of which, it seems, Life itself would become insipid.\u2014Altho\u2019 I am much pleased and entertained with Doctor Johnson, yet I am no great Moralist.\u2014Compared to him, Peter Pindar says, other Men are like Sprats to a Whale.\u2014\nI have still much Space of Paper to write on, yet I will not trouble you with a Word on political Occurrences, except in one Instance which this Age of Revolution, or rather Miracle, has produced.\u2014It recalls to my Mind that when a Boy my Master, Mr. Lovell, instructed me to consider the Pope no better than the Devil; and indeed he never seperated them in his public Prayers or School Lectures; but full of this Opinion on the 5th Novemr he allowed the Boys a Holiday that they might put the Pope and the Devil in Effigy, and make a Bonfire of them both.\u2014Surely Miracles have not ceased, for I find by the Boston New Papers that a few Years since, within the Sound of the School Bell, a Roman Catholic Bishop, attended by a numerous Train of Protestant Dissenters (some of them \u201cPresbyterians true blue\u201d) went in procession to lay the Corner Stone of a Popish Chapel in the Town of Boston.\u2014Among them were the Reverend Mr. Wormwood and many other bitter looking Divines, with lank Visages and each a strait head of Hair.\u2014I defy the most perfect Tragedian to preserve his Gravity thro\u2019 such a Scene, or to read the Account given of it without Emotion.\u2014I am very much of Opinion that if any Scotch Gentleman with his Gift of Second Sight (altho\u2019 a Member of the Kirk) had been at Boston thirty Years ago, and had ventured to predict such an Event, he would have found a Feather in his Cap more than would please him; or possibly he would have been conducted to the Mill Pond to cool, by a gentle Dip in the Water, his overheated Imagination.\u2014But I do not consider that I take up too much of your Time in Trifles, when I should tell you with the most serious and particular Regard that my best Respect and Esteem always attend you and your Family Connection and that I am truly, / Dear Sir, / Your faithful & mo. Obedt Servt\nElipht. Fitch\nPS. I do not know what Title is given to the President, and hope if I am not right you will excuse me.\u2014I thank you as an Author for your Books, but as I am only a Reader I claim no other Merit than my choice of an elegant Writer to be placed in your Library, and send you a late Edition of Junius.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1987", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 24 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas,United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\tThe Senate of the United States request you to accept their acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail you have given, in your speech to both Houses of Congress, on the existing state of the Union.While we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening it on this momentous occasion.The superintendence of our national faith, honor, and dignity, being in a great measure constitutionally deposited with the Executive, we observe, with singular satisfaction, the vigilance, firmness, and promptitude, exhibited by you, in this critical state of our public affairs, and from thence derive an evidence and pledge of the rectitude and integrity of your administration. And we are sensible it is an object of primary importance, that each branch of the government should adopt a language and system of conduct, which shall be cool, just, and dispassionate; but firm, explicit, and decided.We are equally desirous, with you, to preserve peace and friendship with all nations, and are happy to be informed, that neither the honor or interests of the United States forbid advances for securing those desirable objects, by amicable negotiation with the French republic. This method of adjusting national differences is not only the most mild but the most rational and humane, and, with governments disposed to be just, can seldom fail of success, when fairly, candidly, and sincerely, used. If we have committed errors, and can be made sensible of them, we agree with you in opinion that we ought to correct them, and compensate the injuries which may have been consequent thereon; and we trust the French republic will be actuated by the same just and benevolent principles of national policy.We do, therefore, most sincerely approve of your determination to promote and accelerate an accommodation of our existing differences with that republic, by negotiation, on terms compatible with the rights, duties, interests, and honor, of our nation. And you may rest assured of our most cordial co-operation, so far as it may become necessary, in this pursuit.Peace and harmony with all nations is our sincere wish; but, such being the lot of humanity, that nations will not always reciprocate peaceable dispositions, it is our firm belief, that effectual measures of defence will tend to inspire that national self-respect and confidence at home, which is the unfailing source of respectability abroad, to check aggression, and prevent war.While we are endeavoring to adjust our differences with the French republic, by amicable negotiation, the progress of the war in Europe, the depredations on our commerce, the personal injuries to our citizens, and the general complexion of affairs, prove to us your vigilant care, in recommending to our attention effectual measures of defence.Those which you recommend, whether they relate to external defence, by permiting our citizens to arm for the purpose of repelling aggressions on their commercial rights, and by providing sea convoys; or to internal defence, by increasing the establishments of artillery and cavalry, by forming a provisional army, by revising the militia laws, and fortifying, more completely, our ports and harbors; will meet our consideration, under the influence of the same just regard for the security, interest, and honor, of our country, which dictated your recommendation.Practices so unnatural and iniquitous, as those you state, of our own citizens converting their property and personal exertions into the means of annoying our trade, and injuring their fellow-citizens, deserve a legal severity commensurate with their turpitude.Although the Senate believe that the prosperity and happiness of our country does not depend on general and extensive political connexions with European nations, yet we can never lose sight of the propriety as well as necessity of enabling the Executive, by sufficient and liberal supplies, to maintain, and even extend, our foreign intercourse, as exigencies may require, reposing full confidence in the Executive, in whom the Constitution has placed the powers of negotiation.We learn, with sincere concern, that attempts are in operation to alienate the affections of our fellow-citizens from their Government. Attempts so wicked, wherever they exist, cannot fail to excite our utmost abhorrence. A government chosen by the people for their own safety and happiness, and calculated to secure both, cannot lose their affections, so long as its administration pursues the principles upon which it was erected. And your resolution to observe a conduct just and impartial to all nations; a sacred regard to our national engagements; and not to impair the rights of our Government; contains principles which cannot fail to secure to your administration the support of the National Legislature, to render abortive every attempt to excite dangerous jealousies among us, and to convince the world that our Government, and your administration of it, cannot be separated from the affectionate support of every good citizen. And the Senate cannot suffer the present occasion to pass, without thus publically and solemnly expressing their attatchment to the constitution and Government of their country; and as they hold themselves responsible to their constituents, their consciences, and their God, it is their determination, by all their exertions, to repel every attempt to alienate the affections of the People from the Government, so highly injurious to the honor, safety, and independence, of the United States.We are happy, since our sentiments on the subject are in perfect unison with yours, in this public manner to declare, that we believe the conduct of the Government has been just and impartial to foreign nations, and that those internal regulations which have been established for the preservation of peace, are in their nature proper, and have been fairly executed.And we are equally happy in possessing and entire confidence in your abilities and exertions in your station to maintain untarnished the honor, preserve the peace, and support the independence of our country; to acquire and establish which, in connexion with your fellow-citizens, has been the virtuous effort of a principal part of your life. To aid you in these arduous and honorable exertions, as it is our duty, so it shall be our faithful endeavor. And we flatter ourselves, sir, that the proceedings of the present session of Congress will manifest to the world, that, although the United States love peace, they will be independent. That they are sincere in their declarations to be just to the French, and all other nations, and expect the same in return.If a sense of justice, a love of moderation and peace, shall influence their councils, which we sincerely hope, we shall have just grounds to expect peace and amity between the United States and all nations will be preserved.But if we are so unfortunate as to experience injuries from any foreign Power, and the ordinary methods by which differences are amicably adjusted between nations shall be rejected, the determination \u201cnot to surrender in any manner the rights of Government\u201d being so inseparably connected with the dignity, interest, and independence of our country, shall by us be steadily and inviolably supported.\n\t\t\t\t\tThomas Jefferson,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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1988", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 26 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\n\t\t\t\t\tGentlemen of the Senate:\n\t\t\t\t\tUnited States, May 26, 1797.\nI lay before you, for your consideration and advice, a treaty of perpetual peace and friendship between the United States of America and the Bey and subjects of Tripoli, of Barbary, concluded at Tripoli on the 4th day of November, 1796.\n\t\t\t\t\tJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1989", "content": "Title: Questions to be Proposed Concerning Negotiators to be Sent to France, 27 May 1797 to 28 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nQuestions to be proposed.1. Shall Pinckney be appointed Sole Envoy Extra.? Ans. No\n2. Shall one Person be united with him only?\n3. Shall two Persons be united with him? Yes\n4. Who Shall those Persons be? Dana and Marshall\nJames Maddison, John Marshall, Ludlow Ludwell Lee Thomas Lee Bushrod Washington, William Vans Murray.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1990", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 28 May 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nNew York 28th May 1797\nThe sailing of the Packet on which we are to go to New Port, being unexpectedly deferred till this afternoon, gives me an opportunity of inclosing a copy of No 3, & of adding a few words.\nI know that your ideas now are the same which they were in 1776 respecting a vigorous executive: I then & for several years afterwards tho\u2019t the necessity for one so powerful would not exist within half a century, but I was mistaken, & have been convinced of it for some time. The disposition to innovation, which Judge Blackstone considered as the Scylla & Charibdis of G Britain; & the want of principle in most of our citizens who have great influence on the federal & state Governments, a defect which induces them to oppose laws & constitutions, after sanctioned by the fullest deliberation & requisite forms, when they are bound in honor notwithstanding former opinions to support them, such dispositions & defects convince me of the necessity of increased vigor in the executive sufficient to make the laws & constitutions universally respected: for what are they, without due Obidience, but meer cobwebs to catch flies? but notwithstanding this, I will give as far as I have information, a state of the opinions of the cons as well as of the pros, that when there are any causes for opposition, they may be removed. I have the honor / to be Dear Sir as before/ Yours sincerely\nE GerryI have reason to think there is a strong Antigallican party, who are principled against republicanism. I Wish to be convinced that I am mistaken. It is always in favor of british measures, & it is therefore that I consider it as a british, & for  a like reason, I consider the other as a french party.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1991", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 28 May 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nNew York 28th May 1797\nBeing here on a few days visit with Mrs. Gerry to her aged parents, & having left six small children, the eldest of whom has the care of the rest and of the domesticks, I am deprived of the honor of paying my personal respects to you at this time.\nWhen I wrote to Mr. Monroe, I supposed he was in Philadelphia: it being so announced in the news papers, his conduct in making an inmate of Paris surprized me in the time of it, for when he was here & rendered by his publications very essential service to this country, I encouraged him in his measures, but could never submit to invite him to my table: such an attention would have then been disgraceful. But I was informed by persons who were in Paris, that Paris was almost destroyed by his confinement under Robespierre, and that Monroe noticed him to assert the right of Protection which he was intitled to as an american & of which he had been long deprived. be this as it may, if Monroe knew that Paris was abusing our Government, he ought not to have harbored him a moment: he was under every obligation to support the Government or resign his office\u2014here, I am credibly informed that he had no idea of a lucrative speculation in the only purchase he made, of his house, & that he has lost by it. When he returns he will be entitled to an hearing & if he cannot justify his conduct, he cannot expect that his friends will support him.\nMy letter to Mr. Monroe was directed to the care of Mr. Jefferson and has miscarried: supposing this to be the fate of mine to yourself of the 6th of March No. 3. I will endeavour to transmit a copy.\nAfter the present session, I will pay a perticular attention to the Other parts of your letter of the 3d of may, and have the honor to be Dear Sir with the / most perfect esteem / and respect your very / huml. sert.\nE Gerry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1992", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Sebastian Bauman, 29 May 1797\nFrom: Bauman, Sebastian\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNew York May 29th: 17 97\nI have taken the liberty to inclose to you a pamphlet containing a statement of the cause of the resignation of all the Officers of the Regiment of Artillery of the City and County of New York, which I had the honor to Command and which I hope will do away any unfavourable impressions our proceedings may have made in the mind of the Public\u2014\nI am Sir, /  with great Respect /  your Obedt. and very /  Humbl. Servt.\nS. Bauman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1993", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Herbert Croft, 29 May 1797\nFrom: Croft, Herbert\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nHamburgh; 29 May 1797\nWhat the Consul at this City does me the honour of transmitting to you will account for the liberty I am now taking. The paper, which I here enclose, the Consul has, of course, not seen. It may show, perhaps, some trifling use that might be made of me in private. Besides which, I should be happy, Sir, to be of any use in the education of your children; of one of whom, at Amsterdam, I hear so high an account from Mr. Williams and from others.\nI shall live in hopes of visiting America, Sir, through such respectable means as yours; and of your thinking it worth while to mark your presidency by the adoption of one, who will at least try to be useful. In all events, I shall ever remain, Sir, / Your most sincere admirer /  and devoted humble servant\nHerbert Croft", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1994", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 30 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 30. 1797\nI have just recd your favours of 28. May, No. 6 and No. 7. with a Copy of No. 3. This last I had recd before.\nI had no share in the Recall of Monroe, and therefore am not responsible for the Reasons of it.\u2014But I have heard such reports of his own Language in France at his own Table, and the Language of those whom he entertained and countenanced, and of his correspondences with Bache Beckley &c and his Communication thro the Aurora, that I wonder not at his recall.\u2014His speech at his Audience of Leave is a base false and Servile Thing.\u2014Indeed, it was Randolph who appointed him. He was in senate as dull heavy and Stupid a fellow as he could be consistently with Malignity and Inveteracy purpetual. A more unfit Object Piece of Wood to make a Mercury, could not have been culled from the whole Forrest.\u2014It is improper for me to delineate the System of Speculation and the Persons concerned in it.\u2014Members of Congress\u2014Collectors of Customs, Consul\u2019s, Secretaries & Ministers &c &c &c are suspected of such a Mistery of it, as I shudder to think of.\u2014How far Monroe was directly or indirectly concerned in it, I know not. But he was the Friend and Idol and apparently the Center of the whole Group.\u2014How is it, that Hitchbourne has become so rich? How is it, that so many others, have rolled in wealth in Philadelphia & New York\u2014without any visible means? These were confidential Correspondents and intimate acquaintances of Monroe.\u2014I know not that he is entitled to any hearing, as there is no Accusation.\u2014But I doubt extreamly his Inclinations to ask for Hearings or Inquiries. He will have Hearings enough of his Friends and Certificates enough of French Politicians and American Speculators I doubt not\u2014as many as Silas Deans had.\nThe Want of Principle, in so many of our Citizens, which you mention is awfully ominous to our elective Government.\u2014Want of Principle, seems to be a recommendation to popularity and Influence. The Avarice and Ambition which you and I have witnessed for these thirty years, is too deeply rooted in the hearts and Education and Examples of our People ever to be eradicated, and it will make of all our Elections only a species of lucrative Speculation, and consequently Scenes of Turbulence Corruption and Confusion of which foreign nations will avail them Selves in the future as the French did in the last.\nThat there is a strong Antigallican Party so far as to oppose an undue Influence of France, I know. There are Some, who are Antigallican because they think the french, a false, deceitful treacherous People. There are others Antigallican because they hate Atheism Deism, and Debauchery. There are others Antigallican, because at present so many of the french profess to be democrats, Sansculottes and Disorganisers.\u2014As to Antigallicans because the french are Republicans, I dont know any Such, indeed I dont know any Antigallicans who believe the French to be Republicans or capable of a Republican Government.\u2014any more than a Snow ball can exist a whole Week in the streets of Philadelphia under a burning sun of August, or September.  There are many who believe the French Republican System cannot endure, and I am one of these\u2014There are many who believe that our Republican system cannot last long, for the very Reason you mention, the Want of Principle.\u2014I am not one of these\u2014Though our Cities are corrupt our Country is not, and I believe our Republican Plan may last a good while. But it will not, if French Influence as well as English is not resisted. That there are Persons principled against Republicanism, I Suppose is true\u2014But they are altogether among the Class of old Tories as far as I know and are very few in Number, and of no Influence at all in the State.  There may be others beside my Parson Wibirt, who think an hereditary King and House of Lords with a good House of Commons the best form of Government\u2014but he is the only old Whig that I know of who professes this faith.  I doubt not old C. J. Chew may be of the same opinion\u2014and am told Dr. Nesbit of Dickinson Colledge is also\u2014and these are all I have heard of.\u2014Indeed, some of the Quakers may be of this Sect.\u2014But there is nothing to fear from these Numbers or Characters. The real Danger is in the Universal Avarice & ambition of the People: which may make all the best Men Sick and weary of the perpetual Anxiety, which electioneering Projects and Exertions occasion.\nI wish you could have come on to Philadelphia.\u2014But the Six Children were excuse enough. Blessings on them and their Parents\u2014So Says Mrs A as well as\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1996", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Mifflin, 30 May 1797\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia May 30th. 1797\nI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency\u2019s letter of the twenty second instant, and to return you my best thanks for your compliance with that part of my request, which respects the interference of the American Ministers in Europe, to use their influence in obtaining permission for exporting ten thousand stands of Arms from Great Britain, Holland, or Hamburgh, for the use of the Militia of Pennsylvania. As soon as the necessary Contracts are concluded (which, in some measure, depended on my being able to promise this interference) I will communicate the names of the Agents, proposed to be employed.\u2014\nIn requesting your Excellency to submit to the consideration of Congress, the expediency of remitting the duties on the importation of the specified quantity of arms, I meant to adopt the mode, which then appeared to me to be the most regular, for obtaining the co operation of the Federal Legislature, in promoting a measure of State policy.\u2014Respectfully acquiescing, however, in the opinion that you have expressed, I have requested the Representatives of Pennsylvania, to introduce the subject to the attention of Congress, with a view to obtain a special law, if it should be deemed compatible with the general interests of the Union\nI have the honor to be, with perfect consideration and / respect, / Sir, / Your Excellency\u2019s / Most obedient humble Servant\nTho 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-1998", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 31 May 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate,\nThe critical situation of the affairs of the United States in relation to the Republic of France has long engaged my attention; and after the most mature consideration, I have concluded to constitute our Extraordinary Commission to negociate with that Republic and adjust by treaty all the differences between the two nations, and all other matters which concern these mutual interests of the United States in relation to France\nThe singular circumstances under which this negociation is proposed, render it important, in the strongest and most direct manner to interest the Great Portions of the Union: At the same time, to provide for every contingency which may reasonably be apprehended, I have thought it advisable to make the commission joint and several.\nI therefore nominate General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney of South-Carolina, Francis Dana Esquire Chief-Justice of Massachusetts, and General John Marshall of Virginia, Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary to the French Republic, for the purposes above expressed; they, or so many of them as may assemble; or in case of the death, absence or indisposition or other impediment of the others, any one of them, to execute all the power that shall be conferred by their Commission.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2000", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Sebastian Bauman, 1 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Bauman, Sebastian\nSir\nPhiladelphia June 1. 1797\u2014\nI have received your favor of the 29th Ulto. with a pamphlet, containing a Statement of the Cause of the resignation of all the officers of the regiment of Artillery of the City and County of Newyork\nI thank you for this communication and am sorry that so respectable a Corps should be for any cause dissolved\nI am Sir with much Esteem / your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2001", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Williams, 1 June 1797\nFrom: Williams, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir!\nHamburgh, 1 June, 1797\nI have the honour of transmitting to you a packet from, & at the request of, Mr. Herbert Croft, with a letter addressed to me.\nA casual and short acquaintance with him permits me only to say, that the description, he gives of himself, appears pretty just.\nWhen he mentioned his intention of offering his services and his Dictionary to America, I was far from flattering him with a prospect of success; sensible that if England could not afford him encouragement, the state of America, at present, was not more favourable to his views.\nYou will pardon me, Sir, for troubling you with this application.\nI have the Honour to be /  with perfect consideration,  / Sir, /  Your most obedient /  and faithful Servant\nSaml. Williams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2002", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 2 June 1797\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\tThe interesting details of those events which have rendered the convention of Congress at this time indispensable (communicated in your speech to both Houses) has excited in us the strongest emotions. Whilst we regret the occasion, we can not omit to testify our approbation of the measure, and pledge ourselves that no considerations of private inconvenience shall prevent on our part a faithful discharge of the duties to which we are called.We have constantly hoped that the nations of Europe, whilst desolated by foreign wars or convulsed by intestine divisions, would have left the United States to enjoy that peace and tranquillity to which the impartial conduct of our Government has entitled us, and it is now with extreme regret that we find the measures of the French Republic tending to endanger a situation so desirable and interesting to our country.Upon this occasion we feel it our duty to express in the most explicit manner the sensations which the present crisis has excited, and to assure you of our zealous cooperation in those measures which may appear necessary for our security or peace.Although it is the earnest wish of our hearts that peace may be maintained with the French Republic and with all the world, yet we never will surrender those rights which belong to us as a nation; and whilst we view with the satisfaction the wisdom, dignity, and moderation which have marked the measures of the Supreme Executive of our country in his attempt to remove by candid explanations the complaints and jealousies of France, we feel the full force of that indignity which has been offered our country in the rejection of its minister. No attempts to wound our rights as a sovereign State will escape the notice of our constituents. They will be felt with indignation and repelled with that decision which shall convince the world that we are not a degraded people; that we can never submit to the demands of a foreign power without examination and without discussion.Knowing as we do the confidence reposed by the people of the United States in their Government, we can not hesitate in expressing our indignation at any sentiments tending to derogate from that confidence. Such sentiments, wherever entertained, serve to evince an imperfect knowledge of the opinions of our constituents. An attempt to separate the people of the United States form their Government is an attempt to separate them from themselves; and although foreigners who know not the genius of our country may have conceived the project, and foreign emissaries may attempt the execution, yet the united efforts of our fellow-citizens will convince the world of its impracticability.Sensibly as we feel the wound which has been inflicted by the transactions disclosed in your communications, yet we think with you that neither the honor nor the interest of the United States forbid the repetition of advances for preserving peace; we therefore receive with the utmost satisfaction your information that a fresh attempt at negotiation will be instituted, and we cherish the hope that a mutual spirit of conciliation, and a disposition on the part of France to compensate for any injuries which may have been committed upon our neutral rights, and on the part of the United States to place France on grounds similar to those of other countries in their relation and connection with us (if any inequalities shall be found to exist), will produce an accommodation compatible with the engagements, rights, duties, and honor of the United States. Fully, however, impressed with the uncertainty of the result, we shall prepare to meet with fortitude any unfavorable events which may occur, and to extricate ourselves from their consequences with all the skill we possess and all the efforts in our power. Believing with you that the conduct of the Government has been just and impartial to foreign nations, that the laws for the preservation of peace have been proper, and that they have been fairly executed, the Representatives of the people do not hesitate to declare that they will give their most cordial support to the execution of principles so deliberately and uprightly established.The many interesting subjects which you have recommended to our consideration, and which are so strongly enforced by this momentous occasion, will receive every attention which their importance demands, and we trust that, by the decided and explicit conduct which will govern our deliberations, every insinuation will be repelled which is derogatory to the honor and independence of our country.Permit us in offering this address to express our satisfaction at your promotion to the first office in the Government and our entire confidence that the preeminent talents and patriotism which have placed you in this distinguished situation will enable you to discharge its various duties with satisfaction to yourself and advantage to our common 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2003", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 3 June 1797\nFrom: Yznardi, Joseph, Sr.\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nCadiz 3d June 1797\nThe American Consulate in this City, & destrict, having been left to my charge, by, & in the absence of my Son, who is the appointed Consul; I beg leave to assure you of my attention to the dutys annexed to that important trust, & that however arduous the task may now become on account of the present unhappy State of things: I have \u2013 with alacrity and firmness \u2013 asserted the grievances, and wrongs done to American Citizens, and endeavoured with constant Zeal to Obtain their redress.\nI have not as yet had an opportunity to present you as I do now the hommage of my dutifull respect, & my Sincere wishes for your present & future welfare. That you may enjoy in their plenitude, every human happiness is the cordial desire of my heart; as it is the Conviction of my mind that your Elevation to the Presidencial Chair will be attended with signalized benefits to the U.S.\nWith that veneration which your virtues deserve, and the respect due to your character I have the honor to be / Sir Your most obedt / humbl Servt\nJosef Iznardy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2005", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 3 June 1797\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\tthe interesting detail of those events which have rendered the convention of Congress, at this time, indispensable, (communicated in your Speech to both Houses,) has excited in us the strongest emotions. Whilst we regret the occasion, we cannot omit to testify our approbation of the measure, and to pledge ourselves that no considerations of private inconvenience shall prevent, on our part, a faithful discharge of the duties to which we are called.We have constantly hoped that the nations of Europe, whilst desolated by foreign wars, or convulsed by intestine divisions, would have left the United States to enjoy that peace and tranquillity to which the impartial conduct of our Government has entitled us; and it is now, with extreme regret, we find the measures of the French Republic tending to endanger a situation so desirable and interesting to our country.Upon this occasion we feel it our duty to express, in the most explicit manner, the sensations which the present crisis has excited, and to assure you of our zealous co-operation in those measures which may appear necessary for our security or peace.Although it is the earnest wish of our hearts that peace may be maintained with the French Republic, and with all the world, yet we will never surrender those rights which belong to us as a nation; and whilst we view with satisfaction the wisdom, dignity, and moderation, which have marked the measures of the supreme Executive of our country, in its attempts to  remove, by candid explanations, the complaints and jealousies of France, we feel the full force of that indignity which has been offered our country in the rejection of its Minister. No attempts to wound our rights as a sovereign State will escape the notice of our constituents; they will be felt with indignation, and repelled with that decision which shall convince the world that we are not a degraded people, that we can never submit to the demands of a foreign Power without examination and without discussion.Knowing as we do the confidence reposed by the people of the United States in their Government, we cannot hesitate in expressing our indignation at any sentiments tending to derogate from that confidence. Such sentiments, wherever entertained, served to evince an imperfect knowledge of the opinions of our constituents. An attempt to separate the people of the United States from their Government, is an attempt to separate them from themselves; and although foreigners, who know not the genius of our country, may have conceived the project, and foreign emissaries may attempt the execution, yet the united efforts of our fellow-citizens will convince the world of its impracticability.Sensibly as we feel the wound which has been inflicted by the transactions disclosed in your communications, yet we think with you, that neither the honor nor the interest of the United States forbid the repetition of advances for preserving peace. We, therefore, receive with the utmost satisfaction your information that  a fresh attempt at negotiation will be instituted; and we cherish the hope that a mutual spirit of conciliation, and a disposition on the part of France to compensate for any injuries which may have been committed upon our neutral rights; and, on the part of the United States, to place France on grounds similar to those of other countries in their relation and connection with us, if any inequalities shall be found to exist, will produce an accommodation compatible with the engagements, rights, duties, and honor of the United States. Fully, however, impressed with the uncertainty of the result, we shall prepare to meet with fortitude any unfavorable events which may occur, and to extricate ourselves from their consequences with all the skill we possess, and all the efforts in our power. Believing with you that the conduct of the Government has been just and impartial to foreign nations, that the laws for the preservation of peace have been proper, and that they have been fairly executed, the Representatives of the people do not hesitate to declare that they will give their most cordial support to the execution of principles so deliberately and uprightly established.The many interesting subjects which you have recommended to our consideration, and which are so strongly enforced by this momentous occasion, will receive every attention which their importance demands; and we trust that by the decided and explicit conduct which will govern our deliberations, every insinuation will be repelled which is derogatory to the honor and independence of our country.Permit us, in offering this Address, to express our satisfaction at your promotion to the first office in the Government, and our entire confidence that the preeminent talents and patriotism which have placed you in this distinguished situation, will enable you to discharge its various duties with satisfaction to yourself and advantage to our common 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2007", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Ogden, 7 June 1797\nFrom: Ogden, John\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nBoston June 7th 1797\nThis day I visited Judge Dana of Cambridge. It is said, that he is appointed one of the Commissioners to France. My wish is, to attend him and them, as his or their Secretary. He has not received official notice of such an appointment, and cannot tell what arrangements government will make, as to the officers who attend the embassy.\nJudge Elsworth and Genl Knox promised me their aid, if needful with Judge Dana, who was not of my acquaintance until now. Genl. Lincoln, Colols Cobb, and Leonard, from former specimens of politeness and goodness on their parts, would havehave rendered me every service, which was requisite. Many Members of the Legislature now in session, in this Town, would not have been deficient in their good offices.\nAs it is not certain, whether the Government or the Commissioners, will appoint those who attend them, I thought it to be my duty to apply, without delay, to Your Excellency, asking the nomination, if this is consistent with the order established.\nSome weeks since, I addressed Your Excellency, and was honored with letters for another place, The Gentleman who then held it is restored to health, and a faithful public servant is continued in his office. Should this office of Secretary, not be obtainable, may I ask your Excellencys to give me the benefit of a similar appointment. Such constantly present.\nI lost my father at seventeen years of age, Mrs Ogden lost hers and her fortune, very early after we had entered into matrimonial life. Thus we have not those friends, at the seat of government, to solicit or point out a place for me, which would be acceptable.\nBut such deficiences will be made up by Your Excellencys recollection, & desire to bestow bread and happiness upon those, who like me, will study to deserve them.\nI have the honor / to be / Your Excellencys / devoted servant\nJohn C. Ogden", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2008", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 8 June 1797\nFrom: Morse, Jedidiah\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nCharlestown June 8th 1797\nI take the earliest opportunity to offer you a copy of my American Gazetteer, whh I beg you to accept as a small token of my affectionate esteem and respect for your person & character; & of the gratitude I owe you for the services you have rendered to our common country.\nPermit me to express to you the sentiments of warm approbation, whh, in the circle of my friends, I hear uttered, concerning your late Speech; & my firm belief that the measures you suggest, with few exceptions, will meet the decided support of the people in this quarter.\nPlease, sir, to accept for yourself and Mrs Adams, my best respects, and believe me, with great respect / and esteem your most / obdt. servt\nJedh Morse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2009", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Sinclair, 9 June 1797\nFrom: Sinclair, John\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nWhitehall 9 June 1797\u2014\nYou will herewith receive the Diploma, to which you are entitled, as an honorary Member of the British Board of Agriculture, and which I am persuaded will be doubly valuable to you, as it will be delivered by the hands of the gallant Kasecusko, who has stopped in this Country for a few days in his way to America.\nIt would be presumption in me to take the liberty of recommending him to your attention\u2014\nI hope soon to have the pleasure of hearing of the Establishment of a Board of Agriculture in America, with whom we should be happy to have the pleasure of corresponding\u2014\nI have the honor to be / with much respect & esteem / Sir / Your faithful & / Obedient Servant\nJohn Sinclair", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2010", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Collen Williamson, 9 June 1797\nFrom: Williamson, Collen\nTo: Adams, John\nHonourable Sir\nCity of washington 9th Jun 1797\nBeing Informd that My petetion was sent to the commissioners for their answer to the charge laid against them, as I think it my deuty to lay before you the following circumstances, as they carry along with them, manefest testemoney of trouth, I have said that I would saved the public twenty thousand pounds, hade I been aloud to conduct the work according to my contract, pleas consider that I intended to build All the public buildings with stone, as I built the first story of the presidents House, But all my experence and good conduct was overballansed by males and Ignorence, when it was proposd to build with bricks, I told the commissioners they wor not aware of the expence that bricks would lead them into, that I hade considred the Difference, you have the parch of stone laid down at the building fore Nine shillings, the no of bricks to fill up the same parch is 450, at the present price twenty three shillings, take 9 from 23 and 14 thrown away, on every parch of work, Besides bricks are never built in such works where stone is to be got, the bricks hase Nither the solidity nor durability of stone, and likewayes one half of the morter will lay the stone, that the bricks, will require, there was nothing thought of so much as to contradick me in all the good advice I could give, all the walls are either built or to be built with bricks, except the free stone on the out side, which if contineud will coast the public at least thirty thousand pound, extra there is no man of comon sence that would applyd bricks in such buildings, it may be taken for granted that there never a man that sett his foot on American ground that hase been so long in the practice of weighty buildings, it hade been good that an experenced work man hade been one of the commissioners\npleas remember I gave a seath of their managment of the capatole after my dismission Both stone cutting and building, it would not be a smal soom that paid about thirty men besids negros attending them, from the 27 Aprile, to the end of the season, some days before my dismission I told the commissioners that those men they hade ingaged to build by the parch, it was not in the power of any man, to make them doo their work good, scott said mr williamson when we sitt next you shall have a letter from the boord Impowering you to discharge them if they do not the work to your satisfaction, but so it was that after I hade laboured under this hardship for some time, the evining of their first sitting a letter is sent me telling they hade no farther need of my servess in the public imploy, and gave the charge of the work to those men that I compliand off, and Hoben to superentend them, the blind leading the blind, it was never heard of before, that a poor hand of a carpenter superentended stone buildings of such magnitud, I told Scott and Thornton, if they wanted boots or shous they would not apply to an Irish carpenter, to make them, so unbecoming is your conduct, I appeale to the world their unfittness to be commissioners although that great and good man appointed them.\nIn the fall 94 Corral and Hoben still persisting in their wickedness persuaded the commissioners to have the stone cutt by the foot I told the commissioners if they were made to Believe that they could save money by dooing so they might try and I told I should leave the terrms to them and the stone cutters, the stone cutters appointed one of their most experehenced men and sent him to agree for himself and all the others, as to pricess and of the different quality of cutting, and the method of measure which was to be at the end of every month, Hoben beeing impowered to enter into contract with the stone cutters I not beeing acquanted with their agreement untill the first measurement of the stone, I told it was ashame for them to take the advantage of Ignorence as he hade don, he thanked god that I was not consulted on the subject but it should go throw all the courts in maryland before their contract should be brok, this contineud untill the month of march following seeing the men that wrought by the day and paid from 7/6 to 9 sh making 20 and 18 sh and sporting away time for fear their profets should be known I communicated my grivence to Mr Dikons, the treasurer that advanced me the money to pay the workmen that he should acquant the commissioners, of the bad bargon they hade made, and the wist of the money thrown away it was the first of Aprile that they came, I hade brok their contract the first of March, and told them that my contract impowered me to conduct the work in gineral and supose I gave way to the commissioners at that time, it did not weaken my contract, and if any or all of them refuse to work by the day as formerly they most leave this pleace, but they all sett to work then it stood between the contractors how to reconcile maters Hoben gave the other contractor of the public wood that built a house on the presedents squar, 2 story high and each of them took the contract by the ends and tor it, he sold the House cheap in case the public should Cliam a right to it, the mans name is John Henry he lives now in Dumfrice in virginia the commissioners thanked me kindly and said if I hade not manged so they should been dispisd. as there was not mischeif enough don to the intrest of the city, they got the commissioners to lett the free stone quarres, to two of Carrls sisters sons, and some others in co, which was conducted formerly by two honest workmen that I imployed for that purpose, and sent me proper stone as I commissioned them, but since if the boats are laded to the proofe mark all is will, so that the pleacess is filld up with many thousand toons of stone of bad quality which most have coast a great sume of money\nWhen the discovery was made of the distruction at the capatole, H one of my old Jurnemen got the charge of the stone cutters and builders, and in order to make money he rented a quarry in Virginia that no still could work, but as he hade the derection of the work and men falts could not be discoverd, two very honest men told me that they remarked stones from this mans quarry that the cutting coast fifteen dollars and when cutt was not worth four, I have reason to belive my Inforemation is Just I should be glead to know the defence the commissioners made Jiudge they have followed their old method in saying beside the trouth, if crimenals are to be belived few would be Hung, I have good reason for what I have said, after my dismission several letters passed between them and me, in which they gave me the greatest Justice telling me I was attentive to orders and descrite to the pound but when they seed that I was to contend for my right they changed their ton, and began to strik hard at the root of my abiletys although they hade every day before them afull sempel of my abiletys that there is not a beter pice of work in any countray, the former commissioners on their leaving the city said I hade Imortal honour for what I hade done, and wished I might live to finish the public buildings, there is but few that hase hade my experence in my professional line either as mason ore archect among my many operations I repaird four old castels and converted them to the modren stile that by their long standing I got as much knouledge in the maner of tempring morter as if I hade lived five houndred years, I have said nothing but what is trouth and it may be relied one as trouth I dar all the sons of adam to chaleng me for any wrong step in my conduct, its verry hard that I should be kept out of my wages, the first day of Agust will be two years that I have not received one shilling, to suport me and famaly there is other circumstancess that I could relate but I am sick to think of them, there is no man that hase the bouels of a christean but will be ofended at the treatment I have got heer for will douing.\nI am Honourable sir with great Respect your houmble / and obedent servant\nCollen Williamson\nNB upon a minute calculation I think that one half of the price of matearles is thrown away and rather more. besides the operations hase been slow the hands playing away their time to little purpose that the double of the work might been done.In confirmation I began the presedents house the 8th aprile 93 and the 7th agust I hade it ready for the first beams 16 feet high from the foundation all stone extereor & intereor walls it hase been observed that there hath been no such exreseons since. If this Information is attended to I have more to say if not I shall take chance of the general court of Maryland, if what I have said is not trouth there is no trouth in man.\nCW", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2011", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Stanton, 10 June 1797\nFrom: Stanton, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nPhiladelphia June 10th: 1797\nI have for sometime past had an Intention of doing myself the Honour of writing to you but delay\u2019d it thinking that perhaps before this, I might have had the pleasure of waiting upon you.\u2014I wish America well, no Man can wish her better And I will with infinite Satisfaction defend her against the Attempts of the French or any power.\u2014If your Excellency thinks proper to give me a Lieutt. Colonel\u2019s Commission\u2014in the Army of the united States, I will immediately officially resign my Commission to the British Minister and put a Copy thereof in all the Papers. (The Etiquette is this, that if an Officer does not purchase, he cannot sell or even resign without leave, but its invariably admitted that where you purchase, you sell or resign at pleasure. As I purchased, no Difficulty remains here.) It is immaterial whether in the Horse, Boot, or Artillery. Having been 20 years and upwards an officer I can take upon myself to say, that I know the Duty and nature of either as well as it can be known\u2014My late Brother Gilbert of the 2d Battallion of the Royal Artillery, took as much pains to instruct me (tho\u2019 I was then an Ensign in the 51st) when quite a Lad, at Woolwich &Ca in The Duty of an Artillery Officer, Engineer &Ca. that I know it as well as if I was one\u2014I can also draw extremely well, & am an excellent draftsman. With Respect to a Corps of Horse or foot I am so well beloved in America that I could very soon raise either. But whether I raised them myself, or whether drafted from other Corps, I can only add with great truth, if you will do me the favour to let me have the Command, that for Dicipline, neatness, alertness & in fine every military requisite\u2014They will be equalled\u2014by none.\u2014I offer you my humble Services at a time of life (36) which is the most likely to render them beneficial to you; youth past; and manhood & twenty years experience, with a Constitution not in the least impaired by Folly; and which no Climate, or fatigues of War, ever affected.\u2014The moment you satisfy me on this Head, I will write the Minister, as I could not accept a Commission from another power, with any degree of propriety, till I had resigned I would not with to do the business by Halves, but to take the Oath of Allegiance to the united States & serve America the remainder of my life.\u2014If, (I am only making the supposition to your Excellency) my offer should not be accepted, in that Case of course I would not wish it should be known that I had made any proposition, but that everything should remain within your Excellency\u2019s breast. There\u2019s no impropriety in my Conduct I have bled twice in the Service, lost 3 Brother\u2019s all Officers in defending their Country, yet owing to our friend\u2019s having been 14 years nearly in the Minority neither of us were ever promoted according to desert. I have been four Month\u2019s shut up here And the British Ambassador from a variety of causes says with great reluctance & regret that he has it not in his power to serve me in money matters. I would enclose his Letter but  its gone to the British Consul at Norfolk. My Creditors will not come to Terms because they think I should go immediately to England. What can Sir be dearer than Liberty; I cannot brook the Idea of taking the Benefit\u2014I abhor it. If I could I must be 6 Months in actual Confinement and then probably three more before I could get out\u2014If I wait till I write home again that will take 5 Months And my patience is really worn out. Its particularly hard, as a Property upwards of 20,000 \u00a3 has devolved to me in consequence of my late Brothers\u2019 Roberts\u2019 death; late Governor of Cape Coast, but his Agents or those who I was informed by letter were his Agents, have returned all my Bills & pretend they are not so; As soon as I write home again the business will be cleared up, and was I in the service of the united States, it would not prevent my recovering that Property. Had I entered your Service and of course put all Idea of going to England out of the question, my Creditors would wait till I wrote home and I could get immediately liberated, As Gt Britain and America are at peace (which I sincerely hope they may forever be) I could with great propriety hold a Commission from both Powers\u2014I should not at all be blamed for serving America\u2014so that it might be managed this way, Altho\u2019 I must confess I would rather have it all one way, or all another. If your Excellency should acquiesce to my first proposition, if I might request a favour it would be, to be constantly on actual Service, and whenever any very particular or hard service was required I should solicit the favour of being sent upon it, that I might have an opportunity of distinguishing myself. I am well acquainted with General Wilkinson, and as I told Major Hoops I never knew an Officer whom I would sooner serve under than him\u2014I am confident nothing would give Genl. Wilkinson more pleasure than to hear of such a thing taking place. And almost every other American Officer who has been in Town since I have been in Philadelphia I have been acquainted with & much friendship subsists between us. Another thing which will make me ever beloved in America is my noble Defence of General Washington\u2019s Character &ca. against Paine\u2014its equal to Iunius. It would have been out before now, had I been at large; I am afraid I shall not be able to publish it \u2018till I am.\u2014I must beg leave to embosom another I must beg leave to embosom another matter and trust in your Excellency\u2019s kindness to pardon it. From the Circumstance of the Bills, you must know Sir how very irksome it is for me as a foreigner for all Resource from England is cut off for 4 or 5 months. And I cannot even get my pay. Its in vain to offer a Bill of any description. And indeed at present I do not know exactly how to draw for from a Letter I had from the Duke of York when in the West Indies, I suppose by this I am in the House. Consequently it will strike your Excellency very forcibly That I must be inconvenienced which I really am\u2014More so than I can describe. My Debts in America amt to about 1800 Dollars what I am confined for 2 or 3 Hundred\u2014It is however my first consideration to settle all, otherwise I should be instantly troubled again\u2014But Sir the principal thing of all is to get a temporary supply to support me while I am here, & until I can get matters right. It gives me great pain to intreat your Excellency to spare me the loan of a supply for this purpose, provided my offer is not accepted; should it be, there will be no necessity for it. I have heard so much of your Excellency\u2019s goodness of Heart, that I thought I had better not hide anything from you.\nBe assured that I am /  Sir /  with the greatest Respect / your Excellency\u2019s /  devoted & most humble servant\nSaml. StantonCaptain British 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2012", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 12 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Congress\nGentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives\nUnited States June 12th 1797\u2014\nI have received information from the Commissioner appointed on the part of the United States, pursuant to the third Article of our Treaty with Spain, that the running and marking of the boundary Line, between the Colonies of East and West Florida, and the Territory of the United States, have been delayed by the Officers of his Catholic Majesty; and that they have declared their intention to maintain his Jurisdiction and to suspend the withdrawing of his Troops from the Military Posts they occupy, within the Territory of the United States, untill the two Governments, shall by Negotiation, have settled the meaning of the Second Article, respecting the withdrawing of the Troops, Garrisons, or Settlements of either party, in the Territory of the other, that is, whether when the Spanish Garrisons withdraw, they are to leave the works Standing, or to demolish them; and untill, by an additional Article to the Treaty, the real property of the Inhabitants shall be secured; and likewise untill the Spanish officers are sure the Indians will be pacific\u2014The two first questions if to be determined by Negotiation might be made Subjects of discussion for years, and as no limitation of time can be prescribed to the others, a Certainty in the opinion of the Spanish Officers that the Indians will be pacific, it will be impossible to suffer it, to Remain an Obstacle to the fulfillment of the Treaty on the part of Spain\u2014\nTo remove the first difficulty, I have determined, to Leave it to the discretion of the officers of his Catholic Majesty, when they withdraw his troops from the Forts, within the territory of the United States either to leave the works Standing, or to demolish them; and to remove the Second, I shall cause an assurance to be published, and to be particularly communicated to the Minister of his Catholic Majesty, and to the Governor of Louisiana that the Settlers or occupants of the Lands in question shall not be disturbed in their possessions by the Troops of the United States; but on the contrary that they shall be protected in all their lawful claims; and to prevent or Remove every doubt on this point, it merits the consideration of Congress whether it will not be Expedient immediately to pass a Law, giving positive assurances to those Inhabitants, who by fair and regular grants or by occupancy have obtained legal Titles or Equitable Claims to Lands in that Country prior to the final ratification of the Treaty, between the United States and Spain, on the twenty fifth of April 1796.\nThis country is rendered peculiarly Valuable by its Inhabitants, who are represented to amount to, nearly Four thousand, generally well affected, and much attached to the United States and Zealous for the Establishment of a Government under their authority\u2014\nI therefore recommend to your consideration, the expediency of Erecting a Government in the District of the Natches similar to that established for the territory North West of the River Ohio, but with certain modifications, relative to Titles or Claims of Land, whether of Individuals or Companies, or to Claims of Jurisdiction of any Individual State:\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2014", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 15 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nMr: President.\nI  by the President of the United States, to inform the Senate that he yesterday, approved & Signed, two Acts, which originated in this House, the one An Act preventing Citizens of the U. States from privateering against Nations in Amity with, or against Citizens of the United States\u2014the other an Act prohibiting for a limited time the Exportation of Arms & Ammunition for a limited time and for encouraging the Exportation thereof, and that both these Acts have been deposited among the Acts of Congress, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2015", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 20 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\nMy Dear Friend\nPhiladelphia June 20 1797\nI have this moment written a Message to the Senate nominating you to be an Envoy Extraordinary to the French Republic. Knowing as I did Mr Dana\u2019s aversion to the Sea, and his continual dread of his Mother\u2019s fate, I was always apprehensive he would decline and should have nominated you at first, if I had not been overruled by the opinions of many Gentlemen that Mr. Dana\u2019s Experience in this Line, and especially his Title of Chief Justice, would be great Advantages in France as well as among our People in America. I know you must make a sacrifice, but I sincerely hope you will not disappoint me, I should be very happy to see you, here, before you embark. Mr Marshall accepts and will be here in a Week from this day.\nThe voyage, I am confident will be for your Health. My Compliments to Mrs Gerry. Tell her she must not object. If she cannot accompany you she must sacrifice a little, as Mrs Adams did before her for six years. I pray you to let me hear from you as soon and as often as possible.\nI am your sincere friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2016", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 20 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\nMy dear friend\nPhiladelphia June 20th 1797\u2014\nI have this moment written a Message to the Senate nominating you to be an Envoy Extraordinary to the French Republic; Knowing as I did Mr: Dana\u2019s aversion to the sea, and his continual dread of his Mothers fate, I was always apprehensive he would decline, and Should have nominated you at first, if I had not been over ruled by the opinions of many Gentlemen, that Mr: Dana\u2019s Experience in this Line, and Especially his Tittle of Chief Justice, would be great advantages in France, as were as among our people in America, I know you must make a Sacrafice, but I Sincerely hope you will not disappoint me, I should be Very happy to See you here before you Embark\u2014Mr: Marshall accepts and will be here in a week from this day\u2014\nThe Voyage I am confident will be for your health\u2014My Compliments to Mrs Gerry; tell her She must not object\u2014If She cannot accompany you, She must Sacrafice a little as Mrs: Adams did before for Six years; I pray you to let me hear from you as soon, and as often as possible\nI am your Sincere friend.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2018", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 20 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States June 20th. 1797\nI nominate the Honourable Elbridge Gerry Esqr of Massachusetts to be Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, to the French Republic jointly and Severally with Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and John Marshall; in the Place of Francis Dana, who has declined his appointment, on account of the precarious State of his Health\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2021", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 22 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States June 22d 1797\nHaving Sent the Report and Documents which accompany this Message, to the House of Representatives in Compliance with their desire expressed in their Resolution of the tenth of this Month, I think it proper to Send Duplicates to the Senate for their Information.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2022", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 22 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John,Pickering, Timothy, Jr.\nTo: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth,Marshall, John,Gerry, Elbridge\nJohn Adams President of the United States of America To Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall and Elbridge GerryGreeting\nReposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Abilities, Integrity, Prudence, and Patriotism, I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate do appoint you the said Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall and Elbridge Gerry, jointly and severally Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the French Republic, authorizing you and each of you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said Place or Office doth appertain or as may be duly given you and each of you in charge hereafter, and the said Office to hold and exercise during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being.\nIn Testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand at the City of Philadelphia the Twenty second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twenty first.\nJohn Adamsby the President of United StatesTimothy PickeringSecretary 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2023", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 22 June 1797\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Adams, John\nPhiladelphia 22 June 1797\nIn obedience to the letter of the President of the United States to the Attorney General of the United States bearing date the 20th of this month we have maturely considered the original letter signed Wm. Blount dated at Col Kings Ironworks 21st april 1797 addressed to a person of the name of Carey and the several questions propounded by the President and most respectfully report our opinions.\n1st. That the letter is evidence of a crime.\n2dly. That the crime is within the denomination of a misdemeanor.\n3dly. That William Blount the supposed author being a Senator of the State of Tenessee in the Congress of the United States is liable to Impeachment for the said crime before the Senate of the United States.\nCharles Lee Attorney General U.S.W: Rawls atty. U.S. Pennsyl. Dist.Wm 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2027", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Uriah Forrest, 23 June 1797\nFrom: Forrest, Uriah\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nGeorgetown, Patowmac, 23d June 1797.\nI feel some embarrassment respecting the communication of the inclosed paper being the substance of a letter I have seen dated the 4th. of the present month from the Vice President of the U.S., to Mr. P. Fitzhugh a democratic relation of mine The letter contained other matters some relative to their private concerns It was put into my hands and after reading it I was told that it had been shewn to several of their own party but to one other only holding my Political sentiments That it was handed me in confidence that I should make no improper use of it Perhaps this injunction was enforced with more strength from the observations I made at the reading of the Letter I hope I feel as I ought to feel the impropriety of violating a confidence but after some reflexion I am persuaded I am guilty of no real breach on the contrary fulfilling a duty that I owe to my Country and to you Sir in sending it It is extracted without exaggeration indeed not so strong in substance as the letter but as I put it to paper from memory (though immediately after twice reading) I chose to give it every degree of moderation it was susceptible of The disgraceful insinuations, barefaced assertions and dangerous principles it contains ought I think to be known to you and I feel the impression more especially as Mr. Jefferson in the Month of March told this same Gentleman Mr. Fitzhugh that yourself & Him had just then held a full conversation and made a free Communication of Sentiments and that He was sure the Aristocratic party would be egregiously disappointed in you that you would pursue the same line of Politics in your administration that He should have pursued had He been Elected President\nMajor Fitzhugh though in private life a very worthy man is considered as pretty open and free in communication and I presume Mr. Jefferson will express himself in the same manner to others so that I have no doubt these sentiments will become Public as His\u2014As I feel I have done all that is incumbent on me to do in putting you on your guard if indeed it is not presuming too much to suppose it necessary to guard you and It is my wish no other use be made of it\nI took the liberty sometime before my friend Mr. Murray sailed to request him to say to you that the people of this part of the Country very much wished and expected you to make it a visit and more particularly the City of Washington It would afford much pleasure and I confess I shall be much gratified if you should feel it proper to do so As it is possible you may not be so generally well acquainted in this State and South as not sometimes to need information suffer me to take this occasion to offer my best services and to assure you that I shall cheerfully at all Times give a true relation of Characters and Circumstances or render any acceptable service in my Power\nBe so obliging as to offer my most affectionate Respects to Mrs. Adams to whose Civilities & services I was so much obliged in London\nI have the honor to be with sentiments / of Real Esteem / Dear Sir / your obliged and obed sert \nUriah ForrestThat there could be no object in convening Congress other than to try the strength of Government in the House of Representatives and how far that House could be calculated on in support of a War systim for Mr. Pinckneys rejection was as fully known when Congress seperated as at their present Session. That the Speech shews the President or those who advised it are not averse to War and that the late nomination of Envoys does not manifest a different disposition.\nThat the Republican party in Congress had suffered much by the late Election still if all were present they would be the majority That altho the answer is responsive to the speech they will not Gratify their wish of War in risking it upon so small a majority which would be changed by the first unsuccessful event the first unpopular tax or when the taxes began to be felt That he (Mr. J) was bringing forward a systim of taxation which he beleived would be agreeable it seem\u2019d so to all he had shewn it It was that the taxes levied in 1798 should not be demandable \u2018till the beginning of 1799 &ca. and that each State paying the whole taxes of 98 within the year into the U. States Treasury would of course not be called on\u2014This would be giving every State its Election to pay by Excise, hard tax or what else it prefer\u2019d\u2014would lend to raise the State Governments from their present degraded state and take of a little from the High tone of Government That the Conduct of the Grand Jury at Richmond had produced great Indignation That the Federal Judges had become Inquisitors had for sometime by their Charges to the Juries courted Presentments calculated to Check the freedom of Speech and opinion as well as the freedom of writing That the Courts were become Political machines for directing he Public will and for answering Party Purposes\nThat He would not undertake to say how far the Juries in the other States and even that of Virginia would proceed to Present the Conduct of these Courts\nThat it was not safe to Prophecy, but he thought it probable there would be little done this Session Perhaps let merchant men arm under certain restrictions Compleat the Frigates Borrow money of the Bank and authorise the President to make Loans Do nothing with the Militia Law nor Taxation\nThat as such a handle was made of every thing coming from him He was obliged to charge his friends with whom he corresponded not on any account to let his letters out of their own hands lest they should find there way into the News 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2028", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 24 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States June 24. 1797\nI nominate Robert Hamilton to be Marshall of the District of Delaware in the room of Allan McLane resigned.\nSylvanus Bourne, of Massachusetts to be Consul General of the United States, in the Batavian Republic.\nJohn Beeldemaker to be Consul of the United States for Rotterdam\nJohn Baptiste Sartori to be Consul of the United States at Rome.\nJob Wall of Rhode Island to be Consul of the United States, for the Island of St. Bartholomew.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2029", "content": "Title: To John Adams from LeRay de Chaumont, 25 June 1797\nFrom: Chaumont, LeRay de\nTo: Adams, John\nSent by an adopted Son of America who has had the honor this spring to address a letter of felicitation to his Excellency John Adams. He now Joins the Respectfull compliments of all that family who hear twenty years ago had the happyness to live in France under the same roof with his Excellency.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2030", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 26 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States June 26 1797\nI nominate George Truet to be Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of Delaware in the Place of Andrew Barrat Esqr who has resigned.\nJames Morrison of Kentucky to be Supervisor of the Revenue for the District of Kentucky in the Place of Thomas Marshall Esqr resigned\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2031", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 June 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nTreasury Department June 26th. 1797.\nThe Secretary of the Treasury, has the honor of transmitting to the President of the United States, an authenticated copy of an Official Settlement at the Treasury, of his account as Vice President, accompanied with a Warrant on the Treasurer for the balance found due to him thereon, being one hundred and three Dollars & thirty Cents.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2032", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William P. Sprague, 26 June 1797\nFrom: Sprague, William P.\nTo: Adams, John\nMay it Please your Excellency\n26th June 1797\nRelaying on your kind Attention Paid me on a former Application; That if any station offer\u2019d you would be pleasd to consider me in the Appointment; concerning the Frigates & Ships of War, will speedilly be Under your Comand & having serv\u2019d in the capassity of Purser on board the South Carolina with fidellity & Approbation of the State, & my superiour Officer Comder: Henry: Gillon decd: as Testifyed by the inclosd which I beg to lay before you; That any Office you might think proper to Confer on me in the Service will be thankfully Accepted & faithfully Obey\u2019d by\nYour Excellencys / Hble Servant\nWm: P: Sprague", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2033", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 28 June 1797\nFrom: Dalton, Tristram\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nWashington 28th June 1797\nUnder the 26th of March last I did myself the Honor and Pleasure to address You\u2014and to present my sincere Congratulations\u2014and respectful Regards\u2014\nAt that time I took the Liberty of mentioning some circumstances relative to this City\u2014and to the competition excited between the Proprietors of the different parts of it, and of the Lands around\u2014and the baneful Effects of their various movements\u2014\nIn many instances, Collision of private interest tends to a general Good. In this it seems to have an opposite Direction\u2014\nPardon me, Sir, If I detain you a moment longer on this Subject, deemed, by Numbers, of the highest Importance to the Union.\nFacts are liable to be wrongly stated, or grossly misrepresented by each party\u2014Little reliance can be placed on the Tales, or propositions of either.\nGreat Fears, and I believe not without foundation, are entertained by many, that Monies, sufficient to complete the Capital\u2014and the House intended for the President\u2014in season\u2014will not be had\u2014\nIt is reported that the Commissioners of the City, who ought to be perfectly acquainted with the Means, & the End, say that they are equal\u2014\nBy a strict examination into the State of the funds\u2014and an exact calculation of the Expences\u2014& Time\u2014necessary to finish the One Building\u2014or the Other, or both, if carried on together, an Estimate can be made, on more sure grounds, than an Individual, out doors, has in his power to form\u2014\nThese must come thro\u2019 the Commissioners\u2014\nSerious apprehensions that both Objects cannot be attained by the year 1800, are expressed by Gentlemen of each End of the City.\nIn my letter aforementioned I hinted how gratifying a Visit from yourself to the City, would be to many\u2014I find this Favor more and more wished for.\nShould your Time permit this Honor You can have a right Judgment in all Things, that relate to this permanent Seat of Government.\nIf you should wish for Information from an Individual, It would afford me pleasure to hand any to you, that can be acquired in this business\u2014You may rely on impartiality in any Statements that I might make.\nMrs. Dalton requesting me to put under Cover to your kind Care a Letter for her much beloved Friend Mrs. Adams, I hope, will serve as an Excuse for my Intrusion on your highly important moments.\nWith the greatest Esteem\u2014and / most affectionate Respect\u2014 / I am Dear Sir / Your obliged Friend / And obedient humle. Servant\nTristram Dalton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2034", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Uriah Forrest, 28 June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Forrest, Uriah\nDear Sir.\nPhiladelphia June 28th 1797\nI received yesterday your favor of the 23d and am very much obliged to you for it; The paper inclosed in it is a Serious thing; it will be a Motive in addition to many others for me to be upon my guard; it is evidence of a mind sowered, yet seeking for popularity, and eaten to an Honey comb with ambition, yet weak, confused, uninformed and ignorant. I have been long convinced that this ambition, is so inconsiderate as to be Capable of going great lengths. I shall carefully keep the Secret, as far as it may Compromise Characters & Names.\nIt would afford me great pleasure to make a Visit to the City of Washington, Mount Vernon, George Town, &ca; but the Summer will be a busy one, and my own health as well as that of your friend Mrs. Adams will oblige us to go Northward if we Stir from Pensylvania this year.\nI receive Very Kindly your offer to communicate Information to me from time to time. I shall stand in need of it from all quarters, & shall receive it from none with more pleasure.\nI am Sir with great Esteem your friend / & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2036", "content": "Title: List of Candidates for Offices, June 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nCandidates for Offices\nca. June 1797\n1. John Read of the state of Delaware, now resident in Philadelphia, to be the agent of the United States in relation to such claims as may be made against them before the Commissioners appointed to carry into effect the sixth article of the treaty of amity, commerce & navigation between the United States and Great Britain.\nCollinson Read of Pennsylvania}for the same office.Tephaniah Swift of Connecticut \nSwift not recd. till after the nomination of Charles Hall.\n2. William Cooke of Georgia to be Consul of the United States for the island of Porto Rico.\n3. William Willis a native citizen of the United States to be their Consul for the Republic of Venice.\n4. Frederick H. Wollaston  of a Mercantile House established at  Genoa, to be the Consul of the U. States for that republic.\n5.  to be Consul General for of the United States for the Republic of France, in the room of Fulwar Shipwith resigned.\n6. Richard O\u2019Brien a native citizen of the United States, (& ten years a prisoner in Algiers) to be Consul General of the U. States for the city and kingdom of Algiers; in the room of Joel Barlow Esqr. (who desires to retire, & strongly recommends Captain O\u2019Brien to succeed him.)\n7. James Leander Cathcart, a citizen of the United States and many years a prisoner in Algiers & head Christian Clerk to the Dey, to be Consul of the U. States for the city & kingdom of Tripoli.\n8. William Eaton, a native citizen of the U States, (a captain in their army, in which he has served  about eight years) to be Consul of the U. States for the city and kingdom of Tunis.\n9. Jeremiah Smith of New Hampshire to be attorney of the U. States for that district, in the room of Edward St. Loe Livermore resigned.\n10. George Thatcher of Massachusetts to be Judge of the Territory of the U. States North West of the River Ohio, in the room of George Turner resigned.\n11. William Smith of Charleston, state of South Carolina, to be Minister plenipotentiary of the U. States to the Court 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2038", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 1 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dalton, Tristram\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 1st 1797\nI have received your favr of the 28th Inst, and that of the 26th of March, and it is not for Want of Inclination, that the Letter has not been acknowledged before.\nI thank you for your kind Congratulations; but at my Age, and in the present and probable Circumstances of public affairs, I know not whether Condolences would not be more Natural.\nThe Commissioners of the Federal City are Gentlemen of so much Intelligence and Respectability, that I suppose I cannot do better than to repose myself on their Wisdom in general. The Importance of the City to the Union, I fully understand. But at present the Union is menaced, from other Causes and Quarters with more dangerous Portents. The situation of the United States is uncommonly critical; If a peace is made between France and England, as it is already known to be made with the Roman Emperor, and France is not in a better temper, or conducted by different Governors, this Country has before it one of the most alarming prospects it Ever beheld.\nI am not Certain that my absence from this Station can be justified at all, but if it should be possible for me to get away for a short time, my own health, and that of my Companion, will require a northern Course. A Visit to your City and its Neighbourhood would be an high gratification to me, but I cannot conceive that such a Visit can be of any Consequence to the City. The Commissioners must be my Eyes. I should shudder at the thought of taking the direction out of their hands into my own.\nI shall at all times be obliged to you for any Information relative to this great Object or any other of a public Nature; I find it not Easy to obtain all the Information I want relative to many things. I am as usual / your affectionate / friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2040", "content": "Title: To John Adams from David Campbell, 2 July 1797\nFrom: Campbell, David\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nState of Tennessee July 2d. 1797\u2014\nWith this letter you will receive an Address from part of the Citizens of the State of Tennessee, under my signature. I being appointed by a very respectable body of people to draw up, and forward the same, it becomes my Duty to transmit it to your Excellency.\nI have the honour to be with very / great Respect / Your Excellency\u2019s / Most Obt. Hbl. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2041", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States July 3d 1797\nI nominate James Simons of South Carolina to be Collector of the District of Charleston in the place of Isaac Holmes Superceeded\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2042", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Congress\nConfidential\nGentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives3 July 1797\nThe whole of the Intelligence, which has for sometime past been received from abroad, The Correspondences between this Government and the Ministers of the belligerent Powers residing here, and the Advices from the Officers of the United States civil and military, upon the Frontiers, all conspire to shew, in a very strong Light the critical Situation of our Country. That Congress might be enabled to form a more perfect Judgment of it, and of the measures necessary to be taken, I have directed the proper officers to prepare Such collections of Extracts from the public Correspondences, as might afford the clearest Information. The Reports made to me, from the Secretary of State and the Secretary at War, with a Collection of Documents from each of them, are now communicated to both Houses of Congress. I have desired that the Message, Reports and Documents may be considered as Confidential, merely that the Members of both Houses of Congress may be apprized of their Contents, before they should be made public. As soon as the two Houses shall have heard them, I Shall Submit to their discretion, the publication of the whole or any Such parts of them as they shall judge necessary or expedient for the public Good.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2043", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nNo 8\nMy dear Sir\nCambridge, 3d July 1797\nThe information communicated by the Secretary of State, of my appointment to the office of an envoy extraordinary & minister plenipotentiary to the French republick, afforded me the highest gratification: inasmuch as it manifested the confidence of that political character, for whom, from my first acquaintance, I have ever had the highest respect. judge then, Sir, of my feelings when I inform you, that the information arrived at so critical a period of my family concerns, as to leave no prospect of my being able to accept the appointment. Mrs G, within two months of her confinement, with low health, miserable domesticks, & six small children, at the commencement of the most difficult season for them & herself, presented such a situation to my mind, as at first blush forbid my entertaining a delusive hope of entering on the honorable office. on the other hand, a veiw of the critical state of our public affairs, of the indispensible necessity of supporting the dignity of government, of the unfavorable impressions which would result from the repeated declension of so honorable an office, & of the possibility that in consequence thereof, the sincerity of a long attachment on my part to yourself might be doubted, produced such painful reflections as can better be conceived than described. I was determined therefore not to be sudden in my decision, & by deferring it, have such a prospect of a safe arrangement for my family as has in a considerable degree releived my anxiety for it, & encouraged me with the express approbation & desire of my dearest friend to enterprize in this negotiation.\nBeing thus engaged, my first object is to discharge the trust, to the entire acceptance of the supreme executive. the instructions, I presume, will be our guide in certain points, but I wish to receive your opinion, as far as it can be communicated with propriety, on all matters left to the discretion of, or that have a near relation to the embassy. I want all the light which can be thrown on the subject, that if possible, I may contribute to an accomodation, or if this is impracticable, that we may, be able to convince the world of the justice of our cause, & place our adversaries on wrong ground.  On one point I wish particularly to receive your opinion, whether, considering the prevailing prejudice in France of our being a divided people, & the sanction it has received by some of the debates of the last session of Congress, it is not indispensibly necessary for the Envoys, should they differ on important points, after having exercised the right of converting each other to their respective opinions, to be finally unanimous on these points by the minority\u2019s yeilding to the majority? without such an agreement may they not encourage an opposition to their measures & perhaps terminate the negotiation in the manner that Messrs Franklin Lee, & Dean did them at an early period of the revolution?\u2014I wish to be informed, whether there are many instances of three plenipos to negotiate with one state, & if not, whether France must not veiw the attention paid to her in this instance, in a very respectful point of light & as evincing a disposition on the part of the u states to do her great honor?\nMrs Gerry desires her best respects to yourself & Mrs Adams in which permit me to join & to assure you my dear / Sir that I remain with / perfect Respect your / most obedt. Sert & / obliged Friend\nE Gerry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2044", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 6 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States June 6.  July 1797\nI nominate William Smith of Charleston South Carolina to be Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Portugal vice John Quincy Adams removed to the Court of Berlin\nThomas Bulkely to be Consul General in Portugal vice Edward Church Superseded.\nRichard O\u2019brian to be Consul of the United States, to the Dey and Regency of Algiers\nCharles Hall of Pensilvania to be an Agent for the United States under the Law of the present Session of Congress, in relation to the sixth Article of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation between the United States and Great Britain.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2047", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Eaton, 10 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Eaton, William\nJohn Adams President of the United States of America.To all who shall see these Presents\u2014Greeting.\nPhiladelphia, 10 July 1797\nKnow Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Abilities and Integrity of William Eaton a Citizen of the United States, I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate do appoint him Consul of the United States of America for the City and Kingdon of Tunis, and do authorize and empower him to have and to hold the said office according to Law, and to exercise and enjoy all the Rights,  Pre-eminences, Privileges and Authorities to the same of right appertaining during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being: And I do hereby enjoin all Captains, Masters, and Commanders of Ships and other vessels armed or unarmed, sailing under the flag of the said United States as well as all other of their Citizens to acknowledge and consider him the said William Eaton accordingly: And I do hereby pray and request The most Excellent and Illustrious Lord, the Bey and Supreme Commander of the State of Tunis to permit the said William Eaton fully and peaceably to enjoy and exercise the said Office without giving or suffering to be given unto him any molestation or trouble, but on the contrary to afford him all proper countenance and assistance. In 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 Tenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twenty second.\nJohn AdamsBy the President of the United StatesTimothy Pickering,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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2048", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 10 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate.\nUnited States. July 10th. 1797.\nI nominate the following persons for promotions and appointments in the Army of the United States.\nDragoons.Stephen G. SimmonsLieutenantvice Slough resignedCharles WarfieldCornetvice Ball promotedWilliam Tharpdittovice McDermot promoted.First Regiment of Infantry.William H. HarrisonCaptainvice Kingsburypromoted 15. May 1797Nicholas RosencrantzLieutenantvice HarrisondittoJohn Alexander DavidsonEnsignvice NicholasdeceasedLemuel Lanedittovice RosencrantzpromotedSecond Regiment of Infantry.Jacob KingsburyMajorvice Shaylor resigned. 15. May 1797Benjamin RandLeiutenantvice Lee resigned 10 MarchPeter P. SchuylerEnsignvice Faulkner declinedJohn Whippledittovice Martin promoted.John Vischer Glendittovice Rand promoted.Third Regiment of Infantry.William R BooteEnsignvice Bodley resignedSamuel Parmeledittovice Sterling ditto.Fourth Regiment of Infantry.Benjamin LockwoodCaptainvice EatonJohn WallingtonLieutenant,vice Strother resigned 1. June 1797.Francis Johnstondittovice Lockwood promoted.Samuel CrutchfieldEnsignvice Dold resignedJohn Campbelldittovice Wallington promoted.Richard Campbelldittovice Johnstonditto\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2049", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 10 July 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nCambridge 10th July 1797\nIt was always my sincere intention, but you have made it my indispensible duty, to support your administration. a good disposition is requisite, & so is ability. diplomatic politics I am not much versed in, & my inexperience will demand assiduity. If I should err then, you must not impute it to the want of attachment; for in such a case I would certainly retire: conceiving as I do, that the members cannot militate against the head, either in the natural or political body, without a deranged & disorder\u2019d state. I shall therefore rely on your candor & goodness, for a fair opportunity of removing every impression, which in this age of intrigue & illiberality, might be attempted, to sap the foundation of your confidence in me. I do not know that the attempt will be made, but must expect my share of political persecution\u2014the time presses, & ought not to elapse, for gaining a quick passage: in addition to which, an early meeting of the envoys, may be advantageous on account of the opening of the negotiations at Berne. unless therefore General Marshal should be able to delay his embarkation untill my arrival at the port of it, I shall be deprived of the honor and pleasure of paying my personal respects to you, & of the great benefit which I promise myself by an interveiw. Should this be the case I shall regret it exceedingly, and flatter myself with hopes of a full communication of your sentiments on the important objects of the mission. I am perculiarly unfortunate in having my eyes at this time, much inflamed & weak, & can only add an assurance, that I remain My dear Sir\u2014With the most perfect respect / & attachment, your / sincere & very hum / sert\nE Gerry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2050", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Lewis Mengher O\u2019Brien, 13 July 1797\nFrom: O\u2019Brien, Lewis Mengher\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nSantander 13. July 1797\u2014\nI crave your permission for to offer You this mark of my respect, which, at once displays my confidence, and congratulates your Excellency on being chosen President of the American Congress.\u2014Who ever is acquainted with your vigorous, and efficacious exertions in the Support of your Country, during its hard struggle for Independence, must applaud the choice, and still admire in your invariable system, the same warm energetic desire to promote the extending wellfare, & rising grandeur of the confederate States.\nPosessed of this opinion, and with the best Intention, I beg leave to offer, under the sanction of your Patronage, to the American Academy of Arts, and Sciences, and of which, Your Excellency is President, a small Case, containing a Maritime Atlas of the North, and South Coast of this Kingdom, in two Books, with 3 others describing all its Ports, and Inlets, which, as being the latest, and most correct Survey, yet known of this Peninsula, and executed by one of the ablest officers in the Spanish Navy,\u2014I am flattered with the pleasing hope, that this work, may be rendered very useful for the general benefit of the Commerce, and Navigation of that happy Country, to whose liberal constitution innumerable of my distressed Country men recur, for an easy subsistance, and the rights of Citizens, hitherto unluckily refused to them on their native soil.  Permit me Sir, to hand you the inclos\u2019d from Your friend, & mine, Mr. Jardine\u2014and to recommend to your notice, and protection, the Idea he conveys, of naming Chief Consul for the U.S. in the North of Spain, that is, from St. Sebastians to Cape Finnisterre.\u2014the late American Ministers, who have resided at Madrid\u2014the Honble. Wm. Short, & Thomas Pinckney Esqrs. as well as the present Charge de affairs\u2014Charles Rutledge Esqr\u2014have in their power to give your Excellency the most favorable Information of my zeal, & of the Services which I have rendered in this district to many of the Trading Citizens of the U.S. in opposition to the illegal proceedings of people in this Country.\u2014and to evince the truth of this Assertion, I shall by a future occasion transmit to your Excellency Copies of some of said Gentlemen\u2019s Letters.\nIn the mean while, I remain with most profound respect. / Sir / Your Excellency\u2019s / most hume. & devoted Servt.\nLewis Meagher o\u2019Brien.per Captn. Nathaniel Spooner of Plymouth\u2014Massachusetts\u2014N.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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2051", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Wilhem Willink, 14 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia July 14. 1797.\nI embrace the opportunity by General Marshall one of our Envoys Extraordinary to France to acknowledge the receipt of your kind Letter of the 31st. March.\nFor your kind congratulations on my Election to a new office: and for your friendly wishes for my Success in it I most heartily thank you.\nPermit me to reciprocate your obliging wishes for the prosperity of our Country , the prosperity of yours is not less interesting to me, and if all men were as Sincere as we are, our Countries and all others I beleive would Very Soon be happy: but a menacing Cloud Still lowers over Mankind. With great regard I have the Honor to be Gentlemen / Your Most Obedient & Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2052", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 14 July 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\nMy dear Sir\nCambridge 14th July 1797\nI am honored by your letters of the 7th and 8th instant. The satisfaction which you are pleased to express at my acceptance of the mission, is the most flattering circumstance of my political concerns.\nI have taken passage in the ship Union for Rotterdam, & expect to sail in ten days; having notified Mr Pinckney by two vessels which are to sail this day & tomorrow, of this circumstance, & of General Marshals intention to sail this week.\nThe great points of the embassy will engage my attention, and I flatter myself, we shall not differ on them, or even on the non essentials: or differing, that we shall be convinced of the necessity of accomodating to a unanimity\u2014I have procured the best writings for & against the treaty, but cannot obtain the debates of the house, except on the constitutionality of it\u2014the national faith & honor of the Government Rule shall never be sacrificed by me, intentionally, be the consequences what they may; but consistently with these, every effort shall be made on my part to an accomodation. I have not the least apprehension that \u201chonor, virtue, or essentials\u201d will be in danger by the conduct of my Colleagues: & I consider \u201cdelecacy & decorrum\u201d as it respects them, & those with whom we may negotiate, as indispensible. an inattention to these points, frequently involves war & the most serious consequences.\nI will endeavour, Sir, to be well acquainted with the House you recommend at Amsterdam: & to investigate fully, the rise & progress of the speculatory  system to which you refer.\nI think it impossible for a jealousy to be excited in my mind against either of my collegues. one I consider as my friend. the character of the other I am well acquainted with, by an interview at my house, with two Gentlemen of his particular acquaintance. numerous applications have been made to me for the office of private secretary, from persons here, & from the friends of some in Europe: & amongst others, from a young french gentleman. but I shall make no appointment till I can see my Collegues; & shall then propose that the private secretaries shall be appointed by the legation, & that there shall be no more than are indispensibly necessary; for without precaution, I foresee, that the secrets of the legation, will be subject to surreptition.\nI thank you, Sir, for your hint respecting economy. I am informed, that the extravagant demands in Europe, require not extravagant dispositions to encourage them. simplicity of manners is the only plan for the Envoys. their attention will be sufficiently interrupted without shew or dissipation. I am determined not to be diverted from the important objects of the mission, by Etiquette, solicitations, pretexts, or projects. when the business is finished, if it should be too late to embark for America, I shall with pleasure employ myself, till the proper season for returning, in obtaining such information, & from such parts of Europe, as may be useful to the supreme executive of the U States. being in great Haste, I have only time my dear Sir to repeat my assurances of the most sincere attachment & perfect respect, & that I remain your most / obedt Sert\nE Gerry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2054", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 17 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia July 17. 1797\nI have this moment your Letter of the 10th. That Man must have more Skill in Intrigue than any that I have been acquainted with who can Sap the foundation of the Confidence I have in Mr Gerry....No Such Attempt has been made. All have confessed to me your honour and Integrity\u2014Some have expressed doubts of your orthodoxy in the Science of Government\u2014others have expressed fears, of an unaccommodating disposition and others of an Obstinacy that will risque great Things to secure Small ones.\u2014Some have observed that there is at present a happy and perfect harmony among all our Ministers abroad, and have expressed apprehensions of danger that your appointment might occasion an interruption of it.\u2014Butt all those Insinuations made no Impression upon me.\u2014Since your Appointment all have acquiesced, and there has never been a Word lisped in Conversation or in Writing against it. Not one Appointment I have yet made has given better Satisfaction. It is of great Importance, that harmony Should be preserved among all our Ministers abroad: and I am determined that no Randolph Appointment Shall be made by me.\u2014I sincerely wish Peace and Friendship with the French: but while they countenance none but Ennemies of our Constitution and Administration: and vilify every friend of either; Self defence as well as Fidelity to the Public will compell me, to have a Care what appointments I make.\nGeneral Marshall took Leave of me last night and Sails to day, in The Grace Captain Willis for Amsterdam. He is a plain Man, very Sensible, cautious, guarded, learned in the Law of Nations\u2014I think you will be pleased with him.\u2014You will arrive in Amsterdam as soon or Sooner than he will. The Sec. of State will send you all the Documents you may want.\nI am, dear sir with best Wishes for your pleasant Voyage, Successful Negotiation and glorious return, your friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2055", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 17 July 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nDepartment of State July 17. 1797.\nJudge Sullivan has sent me the inclosed copy of a letter he wrote to Governor Jay, requesting him to give his testimony personally to the board of Commissioners to sit at Boston the 1& of August on the St. Croix Boundary. He (Judge Sullivan) conceives your personal testimony alike necessary. But the Commissioners can never think of declaring your presence, or Govr. Jay\u2019s, indispensable, seeing the business and duties of your public offices may absolutely forbid your absence from your seats of Government. If however you can make your wished for visit to Boston coincide with the sitting of the Commissioners, your personal information may be more full and satisfactory than any deposition.\nMr. Sullivan says you can give me the names of several gentlemen in or near Philadelphia whose testimonies may be important; & he desires measures may be taken to procure their attendance.\nWith great respect, I am / Sir your most obt. servt.\nT. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2056", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 18 July 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nWar Office 18 July 1797\nThe President is requested to return the inclosed letter &c after having perused it to the Secy. of War.\nIsrael Chapin is agent for Indian Affairs.\nWith great respect I have the honor to be Sir / Your most obt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2057", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nThe Secretary of State incloses the rough draught of the Instructions to Mr. Adams and a sketch of additional instructions which if approved by the President may be forwarded to-day with the former to Mr. Gerry\u2019s care. An express is engaged to go in the mail stage this day to Cambridge. The Secretary will call presently to take the President\u2019s orders.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2058", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Greenleaf, 19 July 1797\nFrom: Greenleaf, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNo 8 Nth. 8 Short. July 19. 1797\nIt was intimated to me the last evening that You had expressed an intention of making a change in the present imperfect system of administration in regard to the federal City\u2014if such is your intention, & you have no one in view whom you may deem more capable than myself, I would with pleasure undertake the guidance of that difficult & important trust; and hope I may not incur the charge of presumption, in saying, that I should do it in the conviction of conducting it with usefullneSs & satisfaction to my Country\u2014\nI have the honor to be / Sir / Your respectfully devoted / & obedient Servant\nJames Greenleaf", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2059", "content": "Title: Proclamation, 22 July 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nWhereas an act of the Congress of the United States was passed on the 9th day of February, 1793, entitled \u201cAn act regulating foreign coins, and for other purposes,\u201d in which it was enacted \u201cthat foreign gold and silver coins shall pass current as money within the United States and be a legal tender for the payment of all debts and demands\u201d at the several and respective rates therein stated; and that \u201cat the expiration of three years next ensuing the time when the coinage of gold and silver agreeably to the act intituled \u201cAn act establishing a mint and regulating the coins of the United States\u201d shall commence at the Mint of the United States (which time shall be announced by the proclamation of the President of the United States), all foreign gold coins and all foreign silver coins, except Spanish milled dollars and parts of such dollars, shall cease to be a legal tender as aforesaid:Now, therefore, I, the said John Adams, President of the United States, hereby proclaim, announce, and give notice to all whom it may concern that, agreeably to the act last above mentioned, the coinage of silver at the Mint of the United States commenced on the 15th day of October, 1794, and the coinage of gold on the 31st day of July, 1795; and that consequently, in conformity to the act first above mentioned, all foreign silver coins, except Spanish milled dollars and parts of such dollars, will cease to pass current as money within the United States and to be a legal tender for the payment of any debts or demands after the 15th day of October next, and all foreign gold coins will cease to pass current as money within the United States and to be a legal tender as aforesaid for the payment of any debts or demands after the 31st day of July, which will be A.D. 1798.\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.\n(SEAL.) Done at Philadelphia, the 22d day of July, A.D. 1797, and of the Independence of the United States the twenty-second.\n\t\t\t\t\tJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2062", "content": "Title: To John Adams from David Ogden, 26 July 1797\nFrom: Ogden, David\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nNewark July 26th 1797.\nImpressed with a high sense of the important services you have rendered your country in the various stations you have so honorably filled since the commencement of our glorious revolution, untill the present day, we take the liberty to congratulate you on your arrival and transient stay, in our village, and to express our sincere wishes for your welfare and happiness, and likewise at a time when our external relations require internal harmony, to express our perfect reliance on the wisdom and Patriotism of the constituted authorities of our government, and our full assurances that they will on all occasions pursue a line of Conduct honorable and advantageous to our common country.\nWe devoutly offer our prayers to the divine disposer of all events to support your excellency in the various duties of your ardent offices and lengthen your days as a blessing to your family and your country\u2014\nAt the request of a large number of the Inhabitants of the Town of Newark\nDavid B. Ogden", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2063", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 28 July 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nPhiladelphia July 28. 1797.\nTo day the inclosed arrived from Mr. Gerry. By his letter to me I find he received the dispatches which I sent him, on Sunday the 23d instant.\nNothing remarkable has happened since your departure.\nI am with great respect / sir, your obt. servant\nT. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2065", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 1 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nDepartment of State Philadelphia Augt. 1. 1797\nBy this day\u2019s mail I send three packets, containing, together, 80 Mediterranean passports, for your signature; which I shall wish to have returned as soon as you can find time to dispatch them.\nDavid Howell Esqr. Commissioner on the St. Croix business, expressed to me, last winter, his expectations that his salary of \u00a3 1000. Sterling a year, would continue from the day he accepted the appointment, until the business should be finished. The estimate laid before Congress & published contemplated that service to last but for six months; and the pay of the Commissioners was proposed at the rate of \u00a3 1000 per annum. Mr. Howell says that on accepting the office of Commissioner, he has been considered as out of the competition for any other appointments, as well as of professional businesses. The latter is truly surprizing\u2014That for a public employment calculated to last six months, a gentleman should relinquish forever his profession as a lawyer. Mr. Howell was engaged in the business about three months, as well as I recollect, and then the Commissioners adjourned for ten months. It is for this interval, as well as what time remains, before the final decision of the board shall be given, that Mr. Howell claims his salary; & he will doubtless speak to you on the subject; for which reason I thought it proper to bring itthe subject before you.\nI have the honor / to be with great respect, / sir your obt. servt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2066", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 3 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nDepartment of State Augt. 3. 1797.\nThe letter and deposition of which the inclosed are copies, were received from Judge Sitgreaves the first instant. I answered the Judge, that the papers would be submitted to your consideration; and that perhaps you might think it proper to issue a proclamation to check the evil, and warn the people of their danger. In the mean time, that the measure he proposed for apprehending offenders named in the deposition could not but produce a good effect.\nI shall write advice of this discovery to the judges and district attornies of South Carolina & Georgia, and probably to the Governors of the three southern states, that they cooperate in counteracting such pernicious designs. The instructions given by the Secretary of War to the officer commanding the troops in Tenassee may supersede he necessity of any other measures. And by all these steps perhaps a proclamation may be rendered unnecessary.\nI am with perfect respect / sir your most obt. servt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2067", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Enos Hitchcock, 4 August 1797\nFrom: Hitchcock, Enos\nTo: Adams, John\n              To the President of the United States\nProvidence August. 4th 1797\nThe Citizens of the Town of Providence voluntarily assembled to tender their respects to the first Magistrate of the Union on his arrival in this Town beg leave to approach you by their Committee with sentiments of Joy on the present occasion, and with assurances of the sensible pleasure they feel in common with their Fellow Citizens that the suffrages of this great community have met in a Person whose long tried virtues and talents preeminently qualify him to succeed the illustrious Washington.\nWith the highest satisfaction they have observed in the measures of your administration indubitable proofs of republican firmness and political wisdom which dignify the nation and endear its Government to the People.\nWe have to add their ardent wishes that your journey may be prosperous, your life a continued blessing to the world, and as happy to yourself, as useful to the nation.\nWe are very respectfully your most obedient Servants\n            Enos Hitchcock\n              Benjamin Bourne\n              James Brovill 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2068", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 4 August 1797\nFrom: Murray, William Vans\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nThe Hague 4. August 1797\nThough I have neither the right nor the power of filling that space which Mr. Adams left here in his pleasing relation of a correspondent, I indulge myself from feelings of respectful personal attachment in at least one duty which I know he always was attentive to, and shall continue to send to you the \u201cNouvelles Politiques,\u201d as was his custom.\nAs soon as I saw Mr. Adams\u2019s appointment to the court of Berlin, in the american papers, I communicated the intelligence to Baron Bielfeld the charge des affaires of Prussia, in confidence, that he might have the earliest opportunity of communicating it to his court\u2014A few days since he called upon me & read me part of a letter from a person in authority, as he told me, in which much satisfaction was exprest both at the event and the minister. The Baron I was introduced to by Mr. Adams, as a friend.\nCertainly, sir, it is highly improbable that peace should result from the pending negociation at Lisle\u2014M. No\u00ebl the French minister here intimates pretty strongly, & with regret, that the negociation will fail.\nFrom appearances all Italy is to be revolutionised; & Switzerland will follow in the rotation of the wheel. Nothing but distance and an armed energy, under a deep conviction of the certain overthrow of sovereignty, if the French are once permitted to mingle freely with any nation, can save the remaining sovereignties in Europe & perhaps elsewhere. The sympathy in which their immense energy consists spreads itself wherever restless ambition pines in secret, & wherever hungry laziness exists\u2014Europe will not disarm for these many years. The new commission which will speak from three great points of the Union gives the greatest pleasure to all good men\u2014& the recent appearances of a union of parties in Paris which proceeded certainly from the great respectability & popularity of the Moderates promise at least a fair hearing to the negociators & it is to be hoped a course of reasoning more like principle than has yet been seen in France\u2014Yet, Sir, an intention to arm, must be manifested, as you recommended\u2014To be ad cuncta paratus must soon be more than ever the motto of every nation, which resolves to remain independent. I beg leave to offer my most cordial & respectful compliments to Mrs Adams\u2014& have the honour to be with the most perfect and respectful attachment / Sir / your most obedt. sert.\nW. V. Murray", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2070", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin,Higginson, Stephen\nTo the Honourable Benjamin Lincoln, Stephen Higginson, Jonathan Mason, Oliver Wendell, Jonathan Jackson, and Thomas Dawes Esquires, a Committee.\nQuincy August 7. 1797\nGentlemenYour kind Congratulations on my return to my Family and Friends are very obliging. Your polite Invitation is accepted with Pleasure.\nAt this Period, when Disorder, Indiscipline and Disobedience of every kind fashioned into a kind of Science, are vindicated as Rights and inculcated as Duties, it is not to be expected that our Country should wholly Escape their contagious Effects.\nAlthough many of our worthy Citizens may flatter themselves that Calumnies and Contempts against the Constituted Authorities will not make a dangerous Impression upon a public opinion, which is generally formed with So much deliberation, Intelligence and Integrity, as it is among Us; and believe that the Sagacity and Candour with which the Body of the People observe the Characters of public Men, and weigh the Tendency of public measures, will be Security enough for the Government: Yet, I cannot but be of the opinion, that the profligate Spirit of falshood and malignity, which has appeared in Some, and the unguarded disposition in others to encourage it, are Serious Evils and bear a threatning aspect upon the Union of the states,;their Constitutions of Government and the moral Character of the Nation.\nThe Idea of seperating the People from a Government of their own Choice, can originate with none but Ennemies of Republican Governments. Such a Project, were it practicable, would be a demonstration, that the People are not capable of Such a Government: and by the Sudden Introduction of wasting Calamities, would Soon convince the People themselves of the Necessity of instituting another form, for their own Protection and Security. The decided reprobation of Such nefarious designs by the Citizens of Boston, will have a great Effect in defeating them.\nThe present Age has furnished Examples in Abundance of the humiliations Degradations and Calamities brought upon Nations by Conspiracies between foreign Intrigue and Domestic faction. Happy Americans if they Should learn Wisdom from the Woes of others.\nThe Personal Compliments you are pleased to present to me, are the more grateful as it has been the Pride of my Life to be reckoned in your Number. Assurances of Approbation in Age, from the Friends and Companions of ones youth and riper Years, I shall ever esteem among the choicest delights of Life.\nAccept Gentlemen of my kindest Wishes for your health and happiness, and for the Prosperity of the Town of Boston, venerable in our American History for its Virtues and Wisdom as well as its Antiquity.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2071", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Vaughan, 7 August 1797\nFrom: Vaughan, William\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nLondon Aug 7. 1797\nI beg to introduce to your acquaintance and civilities Mr Masson the Kings Botanist who is taking the Tour of America in order to increase our Knowlege in one of the most extensive and most useful pursuits in Nature. From your situation and your disposition to encourage all undertakings of public Utility I am persuaded you will anticipate my wishes in shewing those attentions to a man of worth which his merits & his services on behalf of the public and of society entitle him to. Mr Masson has been employed for many years in collecting Botanical information in many Countries, under the patronage of his Majesty and has resided near thirteen years at the Cape of Good Hope where he has made many useful discoveries. The United States afford a wide field for Botanical pursuits, and it is the intention of Mr Masson to visit the interior part of them. Your friendly attentions, advice, and introductions would greatly oblige me. I hope it may be the means of extending our Stock of knowlege, and of promoting the intercourse of two Countries that have so many links to unite them. Beleive me to be with great respect and with best Compliments to Mrs Adams & your family / Dear Sir / Your most obedt / humble Servt\nWm Vaughan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2072", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Avery, Jr., 8 August 1797\nFrom: Avery, John, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nMay it please your Excellency\nBoston August 8th: 1797\nI have received a Letter from my Son this day, dated the 30th. of May who was then in France and concluding the intelligence, he has given me, would be pleasing to your Excellency; I have taken the Liberty to give you an Extract from it.\u2014\u201cThe Manly and spirited Letter of Mr. Pickering to Mr. Pinckney is considered by the first advocates in Paris as a Master peice and unanswerable. It has been translated and delivered to both Houses who are extreemly well pleased and satisfied with it and are about demanding, in consequence of it, all the paper relative to American Affairs from the Directory and should a Minister be now sent out, every thing would soon return to its former pleasant situation\u201d.\u2014I congratulate your Excellency upon your safe return to your Country seat in Brantree, where may the best of Heavens Blessings attend you\u2014With my dutifull regards to you and your Lady.\u2014I am with great /  Esteem and Respect, /  Your Excellencys /  very huml servt\nJohn Avery", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2073", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles Hall, 8 August 1797\nFrom: Hall, Charles\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nSunbury, Pennsylvania Augt. 8th 1797\nIt is not without the deepest regret, that I am compeled by a combination of imperious circumstances, to forego the honor of endeavouring by the exertion of my poor abilities, to justify the distinguished favor confered on me by you in the appointment of Agent to defend the United States against the British debts, under a law of the late congress, in relation to the sixth Article of the British Treaty.\u2014It would be irrelevant, perhaps impertinent in me, to take up a moment of your time, so incessantly occupied in considerations of real importance, with my reasons for declining the unsolicited honor you intended me:\u2014Suffice it to say that at this particular period I could not, without a certain loss, which my situation & standing in life could not well afford,\u2014nor without instantly abandoning the causes of a numerous circle of clients who depend on my immediate exertions at the ensuing Courts which are at hand,\u2014accept of the appointment.\u2014\nI am well aware Sir that a refusal in this instance to obey through you the call of my country, may place me in an unfavorable point of view; but whilst I deplore the necessity which compels me to this conclusion, I have the consolation to believe that you will thereby have it in your power to appoint a person better qualified than myself, to do justice to the United States in a post of such extensive importance.\u2014I have transmitted to the Secretary of State my resignation, but I could not resist perhaps the only opportunity I shall have of begging you to accept of my entire gratitude & thanks for your unmerited partiality, & of assuring you with what veneration & respect\nI have the honor to / Subscribe myself / Your obliged Hble Sert\nCharles 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2074", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 8 August 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nWar Office 8 Augt. 1797.\nI have the pleasure to inform you that the Indians on the North Western frontier give indications of their desire to remain at peace and under the protection of the U. States, notwithstanding the various efforts that have been made to debauch them. They have consented that the line of limits should be run, (with an exception by Little Turtle) agreeably to the Treaty of Greenville and the surveyers have accordingly commenced the work under the countenance of a small military guard.\nThe Creeks appear also to be well disposed, and affairs in Tenesee to wear a favourable aspect.\nThe Commissioners who are engaged in establishing the boundary line between the Cherokees and the U. States, have proceeded to run the course 40 miles above Nashville where they have stopped, till they can make some experiments necessary to ascertain whether if continued, it would touch the river called for in the treaty of Holston. By their last letters of the 5th & 12th of July they were on their way to the Kentucky trace in Cumberland, to run the line from thence to Clinch and thence across the Holston to the S. Carolina Indian boundary on the North Carolina line. Here they proposed to halt till they had ascertained and marked every part of the line where intrusions might be apprehended within the present year.\nLt. Col. Butler arrived with his command at Nashville on the 22 June, and on the 27th had advanced 32 miles in approaching Knoxville. This movement has been conducted satisfactorily and without accident. Cap. Ransalairs company of Dragoons reached Knoxville on the 5th July in good order, having performed a march from Fort Washington to that place in one month without the loss of either man or horse.\nThis detachment, I expect, will fully answer the several important objects for which it was intended. Mr. Hawkins writes that \u201cthe arrival of these troops have a happy effect in disposing the minds of the people to submit to the laws.\nNo information has been received from the East bank of the Mississippi since your leaving this City.\nI flatter myself that Mrs. Adams and you have arrived safe at Braintree, and that these accounts will not lessen your pleasure.\nWith the most sincere respect I have the honour to be / Sir your most obt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2079", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Priestley, 11 August 1797\nFrom: Priestley, Joseph\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nNorthumberland Aug. 11. 1797.\nIt was far from being my wish to trouble you with the request of any favours, tho it is now in your power to grant them, and it is not probable, that I shall ever take a second liberty of the kind; but circumstances have arisen which, I think, call upon me to do it once, not for myself, but for a friend.\nThe office of Agent for the American claims was offered, I understand, to Mr Hall of Sunbury, and he has declined accepting it. If this be the case, and no other person be yet appointed, I should be very happy if I could succeed in recommending Mr Cooper, a man, I doubt not, of at least equal ability, and possessed of every other requisite qualification for the office.\nIt is true that both Mr Cooper and myself fall, in the language of calumny, under the appellation of democrats, who are represented as enemies to what is called government, both in England, and here. What I have done to deserve this character you well know, and Mr Cooper has done very little more. In fact, we have both been persecuted for being the friends of liberty, and our preference of the government of this country has brought us both hither. However, were the accusation in any measure true, I think the appointment of a man of unquestionable ability, and fidelity to his trust, for which I will make myself responsible; will be such a mark of superiority to popular prejudice, as I should expect from you, and therefore I think it no unfavourable circumstance in the recommendation.\nThat you will act according to your best judgment I have no doubt, either with respect to this business, or other affairs of infinitely more moment, thro which, however, I am persuaded you will bring the country with reputation to yourself, tho, in circumstances of such uncommon difficulty, perhaps with less ease and satisfaction than I could wish.\nWith my earnest wishes and prayers for the honour and tranquility of your presidentship, I am, / Dear Sir, / yours sincerely\nJ. Priestley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2081", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Stephen Peabody, 12 August 1797\nFrom: Peabody, Stephen\nTo: Adams, John\nHond. Sir\nAtkinson August 12th 1797\nWith pleasure we are informed in the public prints of your safe return from the seat of government. The present critical state of the affairs of our country, has undoubtedly produced pressing anxieties in your mind, of which we have all in some measure been partakers. But the public mind appears to be relieved and satisfied, with the cool, deliberate, and spirited measures recommended in your excellency\u2019s Spech, and adopted by Congress, which we think, cannot fail of arresting the attention, and approbation of every enlightened citizen possessed of a principle of integrity.\u2014May Heaven direct our public measures, establish a government upon the principles of equal liberty, and make our country an asylum for the virtuous, from all parts of the World\u2014\nThe enclosed sermon you will please to accept; excuse want of sentiment, and inaccuracies in the composition, and unjustifiable liberties taken by the printer.\nHere you will permit me to observe: that for a clergyman, in an obscure country village to propose a visit from the President of the United States with his Lady, might seem assuming; to omit making the request, taking into view family relations, would be an exhibition of neglect; which involves me in a dilemma. I may say however, that one of the best Sisters in the world is worthy of attention, and with her connections, would feel themselves honored, and gratified to wait on her friends when ever an opportunity presents.\nMaster William Shaw the bearer, will inform you of our health and domestic circumstances.\nThat the smiles of Heaven may accompany your exertions in directing our national affairs, in discovering the dark complicated machinations of our enemies foreign and domestic, is the cordial prayer of / Hond. Sir / Your most obedient, / humble servant\nStephen Peabody", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2082", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John McCrackan, 12 August 1797\nFrom: McCrackan, John\nTo: Adams, John\nMuch hond Sir\nHartford (Connect) 12th Agt 1797\nAt the request of the widow of the late revd Elhaman Winchester I take the liberty of enclosing to you, proposals for publishing by Subscription his much admired Course of Lectures an American Edition\nMr Winchester died rejoicing in his religion & in his last moments viewd his past life & professions with extatic pleasure\u2014He leap\u2019t from this tenement of Clay to one not made with hands with a Smile which Worlds of earthly riches could not purchase.\nThe publication at present intended is entirely for the benefit of the bereaved Widow. She promises to herself much advantage in her subscription, from your name standing at the head\u2014Surely it will be a powerfull example & delightfull to follow! More especially as it is to be in the cause of extending religion & knowledge & assisting a worthy unprotected Woman\u2014An earnest Prayer That that God who has prospered your Counsels & endeavours for the public welfare may continue to give you light to discover all dark designs & firmness to repel all future attacks upon the rights & independance of the poeple through their federal head & representative is  the sincerest effort of the heart / of your Most Ardent Well wisher\nJno McCrackan\nSir. Be kind enough to take the trouble of returning the subscription paper when you 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2083", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 14 August 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Augt. 14. 1797\u2014\nI had the honor to communicate to you by a late mail a few important lines concerning a foreign topic. In this separate letter, I pursue the duty which always accompanies such communications that of furnishing the name to you in such manner & as early as circumstances permit. My letter was from Mr. la Forest, whose residence in America in the Employment of France, and correspondence with its government for sixteen or eighteen years has interested him in the subject and qualifies him to judge of it. His duties have risen from that of a Vice consul in a few southern posts to those of consul general and imaccredited joint minister. He is a real friend of order & property, and of course desires nothing more than to see the Government of his country act with wisdom & justice in its affairs, both domestic & foreign. He has many friendships & some considerable matters of property in the United States. Upon the whole I consider such ideas coming from him as very important. At all events, Sir, you will be able to appreciate them, and combine them with the various information, which result from your public station, knowing their source.\nAs a complete communication upon this subject has led me, Sir, to the liberty of addressing you, it may be useful for me to add a few lines on the present Situation of Philad\u2014\nOn my return from a visit of eight days to the summer residence of my family, I learn\u2019d that several deaths, of a nature, very suspicious as to the diseases, had taken place. They have since received such additions to their Number as to afford better opportunities of observation to our Physicians. The widow of the late Thomas Smith Esqr (a sister of Mr. R Peters) a son of hers, two or three of our Merchants, and several young gentlemen, apprentices in that line, who have been able to command the best medical aid have falen before a disease, which is considered to have many characteristics of \u201cthe yellow fever\u201d I have learned from our senior public Physician, that two of our practitioners, Dr Wistar and Dr. Currie, have given written opinions that some of the deaths have been occasioned by a disease the same as the yellow fever of 1793. This opinion has occasioned measures to be taken by the Governor for a report from all the gentlemen of the Faculty upon the subject. Applications to them were made in person by our Senior public Physician on Sunday.\nYour return to Philadelphia, and the day fixed for the meeting of the Legislature, which is almost a month earlier than in 1793, appear to render this subject so personally & publicly interesting to you that I trust you will excuse the Notice I have taken of it.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect, / Sir, / yr. mo. obt. / & mo hum. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2084", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Capt. Thomas Thompson, 16 August 1797\nFrom: Thompson, Capt. Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nTo his Exelly. John Adams Esq President of the United States\nSir\u2014\nPorts Agust 16th 1797\nPresuming it may be satisfactory to you; I do myself the honor to inform you of the forwardness and present State of the Algrine Frigate. Every exertion on my part has been made to get her ready in good season\u2014She is now every way Compleate; with Ballast and water on board ready to bind sails, and receive her Crew & Stores. But must unavoidably be delay\u2019d on acct. of Cannon; of which I have not any information. Every thing else is furnishd; or Purchased here.\u2014\nYour most obed Hble Sert\nTho: Thompson. Superintendent", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2088", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Rufus King, 18 August 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: King, Rufus\nDear Sir\nQuincy August 18. 1797\nThis Letter will be presented to you, by Mr Peter Cunningham a Relation and an old Acquaintance of mine, for whom I have a good regard. He is going to London, with an honest American Soldier as well as Citizen, who is a fortunate Legatee to a good Estate in England. His Papers are very Authentic and he can I presume have no Difficulty. If he should however, your Advice and Countenance to him, will much oblige 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2089", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Robert Liston, 18 August 1797\nFrom: Liston, Robert\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nPhiladelphia 18 Augt. 1797.\nThe bearer of this Letter, Mr. Athill, Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Island of Antigua, is desirous of paying his respects to the President of the United States, and still more anxious to have the honour of becoming acquainted with Mr. Adams; and as I cannot have an opportunity of presenting him to your Excellency in person, I have taken the liberty of furnishing him with an introduction in writing. Mr. Athill is a gentleman of high Character and merit, perfectly deserving of any attention with which you may be pleased to honour him; and I trust to your goodness to excuse the trouble I have ventured to give You on this occasion.\nI have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, / Sir, / Your Excellency\u2019s / most obedient / humble servant\nRob. Liston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2091", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 18 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\n(private)\nSir,Department of State Philadelphia August 18. 1797\nThis morning I recieved a letter from Mr. Charles Hall, declining the office of Agent of the United before the Board of Commissioners sitting here in relation to British debts; and covering a letter to you, which I have the honor to inclose. I also inclose a letter from Mr. Coleman to Collinson Read Esqr. advising him that his son-in law, Mr. Hall, had declined the appointment of Agent. This was put into my hands last evening by a friend of Mr. Read. To these I add a letter from Joseph Hopkinson Esqr. (son of the late Francis Hopkinson) offering himself a candidate for the office of agent. Mr. Wolcott is much better acquainted with him than I am. I am informed that Mr. Hopkinson is a man of abilities, a good lawyer, of fair reputation, and a decided friend to his country.\nThe name of Mr. John Read, son of George Read Esqr. of the Delaware State, has formerly been mentioned to you for the office of agent. Mr. Rawle spoke of him to me in very handsome terms, and decidedly in preference to Collinson Read. And Mr. Edward Tilghman (who stands as high at the bar of Pennsylvania as any lawyer in the state) speaking of Mr. John Read, said he was a \u201csterling good young man.\u201d Another, and a very intelligent gentleman of my acquaintance, speaking of Mr. John Read and Mr. Joseph Hopkinson, said their knowledge and qualifications for the office were perhaps equal except that Mr. Hopkinson was the readier man\u2014he added remarkably ready. This readiness in him may perhaps be balanced by the industry of Mr. Read, which I am informed is very great. Mr. Hopkinson appears not to enjoy good health: and I apprehend the business of the Agency will require very laborious application, to which Mr. Read is constitutionally adapted.\nI do not recollect any other candidate. The board is and has been desirous to have the agent of the United States appointed, that they may proceed to business, which has been long suspended.\nI meant to add, in respect to Mr. John Read, that his being a citizen of Delaware (which has no officer, to speak in the military stile, on the general staff) may add to the weight of his claim.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your obt. servt.\nTimothy PickeringAugust 19. Having time before the mail will be closed to see Mr. Rawle, I have just called to ask his opinion of Mr. Hopkinson. Mr. Rawle knows him well\u2014He finished his law education at his office. The state of his health would not disqualify him. He possesses abilities a grade above Mr. Read: \u201cNevertheless, said Mr. Rawle, were it left to me, I should prefer Mr. John Read, whose plodding industry will more than counterbalance Mr. Hopkinson\u2019s greater talents.\u201d He added, that Mr. Hopkinson was now clerk of the Mayor\u2019s court of Philadelphia, and clerk of the Orphan\u2019s court. \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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2093", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Augt. 19. 1797 2 o\u2019clock p.m.\nThe Attorney General just informs me that before your departure you directed him to employ Mr. John Read, if Mr. Hall should decline the office of agent, without waiting any further order from you. Having no knowledge of this determination, I wrote to you yesterday and this morning, mentioning the names of candidates, supposing the matter would remain suspended until your answer should arrive. But the Attorney Genl. considers your direction to him so decisive, that in order to avoid further delay in the business before the Commissioners, he shall immediately engage Mr. John Read as the Agent of the U. States for that service.\nI have the honour to be / with great respect / Sir, your most obt. Servt.\n            Timothy 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2094", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Alexander Moultrie, 20 August 1797\nFrom: Moultrie, Alexander\nTo: Adams, John\nSir:\nPhiladelphia Augt: 20th: 1797.\nTho personally unknown to you, I presume to address you on a Subject, in which I contemplate the Wealth, Commerce, and Peace, of a great part of the united States to be much implicated.\u2014& which I am apt to think, it has long been the Object of the faderal Government, to organize into a regular System, & render materially beneficial to the Union in General.\u2014it is the right Sir of the faderal Union, to that part of the South Western Territory of America, which before long may become the most important Object of Government, as the Key to her Commerce on the Great Waters of the West, to her Population, Agricultural Interest, and National Wealth & Power.\nSome Years past, about the year 1789, a Set of Gentlemen of Carolina, became fairly & honorably Purchasers from the State of Georgia, of a Tract of Country on the Mississippi, from the Mouth of Coles Creek extending north, far above the mouth of the Yazoo River; and East and West from the Mississippi to the Don bigby: as particularly described  in the first & other Part of the printed paper, herewith, I do myself the Honor to enclose to you.\u2014The Law Georgia passed on the occasion; the Payments made her in part, & which she still retains; the other Acts, and the tender made by the Company of the Ballance, all Sir appear, amidst the Documents contain\u2019d in the printed Case enclosed.\u2014Georgia has done towards us no Act of Repeal & no Act of Conflagration, as she has done to the four late Companies, who lately Contracted with her: but being merely Recusant to give us the Grant Contracted for, we have Sued her, for such Right as she may have, in the Supreme faderal Court, as appears by the enclosed Paper:\u2014our Counsel are, Mr: Ingersol, Mr: Lee Attorney General of the united States, Mr: Gibson Mr: Wm: Tilghman, Mr: Dexter, Mr: P. P. Edwards, & Mr: Hoffman Attorney Genl: of New York.\u2014Since our Suit Sir, Commissions have Issued for the Examination of witnesses in the States of Georgia, Carolina, and Pensylvania, & which are now Compleat:\u2014in last February, an Interlocutory Decree passed the faderal Judiciary, against the State of Georgia, & each of the Grantees named in the late Law of Georgia, selling to the late four Companies;\u2014all these Defendants, having been regularly served with a Copy Bill & Subp\u0153na some months preceeding, & having being Guilty of Default & non Appearance, the said Interlocutory Decree was made of Course & that the Complainents do proceed in their Examination & Suit, Ex parte to a Decree.\u2014our Cause Sir, wou\u2019d have been ready for Trial, the Day after the Late Adjournment of the Supreme Court, & wou\u2019d have been finished by this had the Court have sat untill this Time.\u2014\nI believe Sir, it is the Opinion of all who know what our Proofs must be, or are, that to gain a Decree, needs but a Plain hearing:\u2014Mr: Lewis has inform\u2019d the Court, he is requested by the Attorney General of Georgia, to appear for him:\u2014but what can be say\u2019d in so plain, a Case, gives us no kind of Concern.\u2014\nAs a further Statement Sir, of this matter, I think I can fairly & honorably Venture Sir to presume to say, thus far to you, that whom ever you may chuse, to investigate this Cause, will say \u2019tis now as fully proven, & by as respectable Witnesses, as any Cause that ever Came into Court:\u2014we have our Law & the Acts of the Legislature now fully Authenticated under the seal of Georgia, & Proven by the Carrier thence to this Place:\u2014our original Petition for the Purchase, & on which the Committees sat, the resolves were had, & the Law Passed we also have, under Seal of Georgia, proving our Offer & their agreement was to pay for the Purchase in Paper Money & or Certificates of Georgia: Col: Habbersham (Post Master General) & Mayor Mc:Intosh of Georgia, & who were in the Legislature when the Law passed to us, have given Testimony, & I am warranted in saying, prove the Rattle Snake Contract & the Protest of the minority set forth in the enclosed Bill.\u2014Doctr: John Hall of this Place, was the Person who delivered & pay\u2019d the five hundred Pounds, on the 13 Augt: 1790, as mentioned in one of our Documents enclosed, & Mr: Conway who lives with Mr: Hall was they Person who took Mr: Meriweather\u2019s Receipt for the same, these they have proven also.\u2014our Commission in Carolina is proven by 15 of as Respectable Men, (Merchants & Gentlemen) as any in Carolina:\u2014they Prove the tender most Compleatly:\u2014they prove, the partial Payments Georgia reced from us, in her own Medium, were worth currently no more than ten shillings in the Pounds then:\u2014that the Carolina Medium the Treasurer offered to receive on the Tender was universally in Georgia a Value equal to specie, & reced as such in Publick Offices:\u2014& that the Certificates refused by the Treasurer were then worth from 7s/Cd: to twenty Shillings Sterling in the Pound.\u2014they also prove our sending round to Kentucky, above two thousand Pounds Sterling worth of Goods, in order to comply with our Contract with Georgia (specified in the first part of her Law to us in 1789) to settle with the Indians, & to assist settlers to make our settlement: besides Boats built and Provisions bought for that Purpose.\u2014This Business Sir of 1789, you will see, was before the Government took an Interference with the pre:emptive Rights of the States, with the Indians:\u2014& you perhaps may recollect, some of Mr: O\u2019Fallons (a Base Man) his Insolent Letters (now in the War Office) to the Late President, & of the uneasiness our Plan of Settlement gave the President; which when I understood, after seeing him & explaining our Conduct in Carolina, I wrote here our Resolution to desist from; & for which, I reced in answer a friendly & Complimentary Letter, approving our alteration of Intention, & Respect for the Interests of Government.\u2014\nThus Sir, I think I have laid before you a very full Account of this matter & by which you may be enabled by reference to any of the Departments of Government satisfactorily to ascertain every fact I have advanced, & for which I pledge myself.\u2014I will freely Communicate with any one you may appoint, or Sir, will wait on you in Person if you Require:\u2014my Friend General Lincoln can inform you particularly, of me, & my Connections; & I pledge myself, to Observe any Restrictions of Secrecy, you may think proper in this affair.\u2014\nOur Cause Sir, I can assure you, is not unpopular in Georgia & for Reasons I can explain:\u2014nor is it so by any means in Philadelphia or Carolina.\u2014\nGeorgia Sir, we well not know has uniformly been refractory to Government, & I believe, wou\u2019d do all in her Power to prevent the Union having this Territory, either merely because she wanted it, or because she of all others shou\u2019d not have it.\u2014I submit to you Sir, the very Easy transition of this right, I now mean to offer you, into the most perfect right of Government.\u2014& as a Civilian, whether in this Case, the private Domain becoming the Publick Domain, does not attach to it inseperably, the an eminent Domain of the nation & involve every right of Sovereignty & of Government.\u2014& a perfect Merger, of every distinction of rights from that of the Union.\u2014\nAgain Sir, let me but Suggest to you, the great Policy of so large, so immensely valuable, a Right, (at present a subject of much Contention & disorder, & which in its present state may prove a Thorn in the side of the union) being brought into organization, Subordination, & Usefull Action.\u2014& I submit Sir to you, whether the Crisis is not drawing near, very fast, in which, the Interests of the Union will not be essentially involved, in the regulation of a Power, in which the Combinations of encreasing numbers, natural Resources, & every Temptation of Excess, render it too formidable to be contemplated by every friend to the union, & it\u2019s Peace and Prosperity, in a State otherwise than that, of Social Subordination.\u2014\nI wish Sir, on behalf of myself & others, to offer up to Government, the right I have attempted to show you is in us.\u2014this Right will finally be determin\u2019d in February next.\u2014some Gentlemen of Character are concerned with us in this Place:\u2014I think, & will almost answer now, the whole Territory can be had: at any rate at present, I will answer for some millions of Acres:\u2014the whole does not contain more than ten millions.\u2014From Communications, we have no Doubt, Individuals will push for a Participation of Interests as soon as our Cause is determin\u2019d.\u2014We have Sacrificed Fortunes in this Affair as our Proofs will show, above thirty thousand Guineas.\u2014\u2019twill be of immense Value to the Union, both as a part of her political Body, & as a fund, on which she at present may Establish a powerfull encreasing fund from sales, & as a fund encreasing for future Taxation & Commercial Resources.\nA Town Established on the Mouths of the Yazoo & Don Bigby, will each become a grand Emporium in the Western Waters in few years.\u2014\u2019twill as a Place of Arms, secure the Peace, population & Riches of these Countrys:\u2014an Increasing population will encrease the Value of Territory, & Town Lott & Tracts of Land for sale under the Sanction of the Arm of Government will erect this into an inexhaustible Fund to the united States:\u2014\u2019twill drain in this Hostile & divided State of Europe, & her Cities, that Country, of usefull artist & Citizens, & add them to us.\u2014a Peace with them, from internal divisions & distinctions, & the Timely offer of the Government of such an Assylum wou\u2019d accelerate such an Effect.\u2014\nGovernment I understand has offered her Lands in the West for two Dollars:\u2014we will take much less, & without paying us a farthing of money, & giving Government a Time to receive specie before she can expend any.\u2014if she buys of us, she may do it in 4 Installments, & perhaps of two years each:\u2014she can give us her paper funded on this purchase:\u2014this will answer as money to us;\u2014& she can perhaps in 4 years or six double or treble her Purchase in Specie; with every Reservation of parts of the soil she may think proper, holding also the Sovereignty.\u2014\nPardon me I pray you Sir, If I have in the least presum\u2019d too much in this offer: we wish to promote the Happiness & Prosperity of our common Country with that of our own. her Independence & Happiness we have fought for, & still have much at Heart; nor will we be backward, in any respect, to show our Attachment to it them in this affair where required.\u2014\nShou\u2019d you deem Sir, a Conditional Contract in this affair proper, to secure to the union the right of pre:emption:\u2014or shou\u2019d you think this application, dictated from a wish to our Country\u2019s Good, as well as own, worthy of your notice, I shall be extremely happy Sir in any Communication you may Honor me with.\u2014\nI am / Sir with every publick / & private Sentiment /of regard & Respect / Yr: Excellency\u2019s / most Obt: hum: St:\nAxr: MoultriePardon me Sir in adding a Postscript in saying I am now preparing a full Brief for each of our Counsel, to be ready in Time for the next Court. enclosed herewith I beg Leave to present you a Book respecting our former intended Plans.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2095", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 August 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nPhila. Aug. 20th. 1797.\nI arrived here on Friday evening from Litchfield where I had been detained much longer than I expected, having left my father & brother, as I presume, in a fair way of recovery from Sickness.\nI have recd. two Letters, soliciting appointments, which I deem it my duty to transmit for consideration.\nMr. Borland was recommended as a Candidate for an Inspectorship at the time a vancancy happened by the death of Mr. Gorham. I recollect that on that occasion his character was spoken of in handsome terms by some of the first characters in Massachusetts;\u2014if not known to the President it can easily be ascertained.\nThe vacancy alluded to, is that of Leo. Jarvis; as this Office is immediately subordinate to that held by the Supervisor, his opinion may be thought to deserve particular attention to me it is unknown. With respect to Mr. Hopkinson, I can say, that I esteem him one of the most respectable of the rising characters of Pensylvania\u2014As a man of sense, education, taste, integrity & soundness of political principles, he is a worthy descendant of the late Judge Hopkinson. As a lawyer he is in point of age & standing at the bar the superior of Mr. Read (son of Senator Read) whom I have already mentioned as a candidate to the President, and in other respects at least his equal.\nIt is my intention to be in Phila. about the close of the present month.\nWith respectful Compliments to Mrs. Adams in which I am joined by Mrs. Wolcott, I have the honour to be with the greatest deference & respect / Sir, your obedt. & faithful / sevt.\nOliv. Wolcott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2096", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Eliphalet Pearson, 21 August 1797\nFrom: Pearson, Eliphalet\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nCambridge 21 Augt. 1797\nThe American Academy of Arts and Sciences return their Thanks for your donation of Richd. Peters\u2019s \u201cAgricultural Inquiries on plaster of Paris,\u201d 1 vol. 4to:, & of Dr. Priestlys \u201cobservations on the increase of infidelity;\u201d a pamphlet, which has been received by them. They highly esteem every Friend of Science, who kindly assists them in promoting the Design of their Institution, & have desired me to transmit to you their grateful sense of this favour\nI am, Sir, your  /  Most obedient Servant,\nEliphalet PearsonCorrespon\u2019g 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2097", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Cocke, 21 August 1797\nFrom: Cocke, William\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nMulberry Grove 21 August 1797\nBy Major Lewis I have the pleasure to inform You that I have neglected no Oppertunity to assure my fellow Citizens of the Great regard you expressed for them and the Confidence you have in the rectitude of their Conduct I am well Sattafied that they will Continue to merit your esteem and that no People Can have a higher Respect for the Goverment and Laws of their Country, they look upon every attempt to disturb the peace of the United States with indignation and Confide as they aught in the legal Constituted Authorities to point Out the rule that Shall direct them and have a united wish to Cultivate and perpituate the best understanding with the Subjects of his most Cathalic Majesty they deny having any knowledge of Any plan formed by the British or their adhearance Against the Spanish Settlements and I am Confident that it is as well the wish as interest of the people of this State to be at peace with all the World. I am with esteem / Your M obt Servt\nWm Cocke", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2098", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 21 August 1797\nFrom: Dalton, Tristram\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nWashington 21st. Augt. 1797\nI had the Honour of receiving, in course of Mail, your much esteemed favor of the 1st Ult. and pray You to accept my sincere Thanks for this renewed Mark of Friendship\u2014\nAs it did not require an immediate answer\u2014and as nothing of a publick Nature had occurred in this Quarter, worthy particular Notice, I deferred interrupting your much more important avocations by a repetition of my Letters. You will please to excuse my present intrusion, as it is for the purpose of forwarding a Letter from Mrs Dalton to her highly valued Friend Mrs Adams\u2014with a request that it may be delivered to her\u2014permit me to add my best respects\u2014\nI cannot forbear expressing my pleasure at the brightning Prospect of our national Affairs\u2014The Noble Firmness & remarkable Perseverance, of Administration, with the good sense of the People, will ultimately save our Government\u2014Yet as by Fire\u2014\nThe plots of Foreigners, aided by some of our base Citizens, tho\u2019 of high Characters Stations, that had well nigh ripened, appear in a fair way of Developemnt, and of sinking those concerned in them\u2014\nIf our late Accounts from Europe be true, the Eyes of the French are opened\u2014or the Hopes of succeeding in their nefarious designs upon the United States are reduced so low, as to induce them to disown their shameful Attempts, and to reverse their Politics respecting us\u2014\nIt is with the utmost satisfaction that I find all descriptions of our People, not concerned in this treasonable Scheme to divide us, entertain, and express, the strongest Confidence in the present Administration\u2014Such a general Sentiment must give a lively Spring to Exertions necessary to free us from the great Evils with which we have been threatned.\nMay the God of our Fathers bless us as He blessed them\u2014May He grant success to your painful Watchings\u2014Cares\u2014and Labours for the Public Weal\u2014\nIt would have given much Joy to have seen You here this season\u2014A Visit, in the Course of the next, may be more necessary to the Concerns of the City\u2014\nIn your present Journey\u2014and thro\u2019 Life, my most ardent Prayers attend You\u2014\nWith the most perfect Regard / I remain / Your obliged Friend / And very humle. Servant\nTristram Dalton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2099", "content": "Title: To John Adams from David Longworth, 21 August 1797\nFrom: Longworth, David\nTo: Adams, John\nNo 66 Nassau Street New York Augt. 21. 1797\nPerhaps, your Excellency will be disposed to pardon & think it a laudable ambition, that has stimulate me to endeavor to make my publication appear worthy being presented to, & of receiving your patronage\u2014The whole of the material & execution of this edition of Telemachus (enclosed) are entire American\u2014my mode of hot pressing on an absolute difft. principle from that practised in Europe\u2014under these consideration I am induced to think your Excellency will view with a favorable eye this attempt to improve the art of printing in this (my native) Country & at same time to excuse the forwardness of one who has taken this opportunity to subscribe himself your Excellency\u2019s most Obedient / & / Most Humble Servant\nDavid Longworth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2101", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tn., Citizens of Powells Valley, 21 August 1797\nFrom: Powells Valley, Tn., Citizens of\nTo: Adams, John\nState of Tennessee, Grainger County August twenty first, 1797:\nThe Memorial of the Subscribers in behalf of themselves, and certain other Inhabitants, of Powells Valley, Citizens of the State and County aforesaid, humbly represent to His Excellency John Adams, President of the United States of America.\nThat your Memorialists are like to receive considerable injury by the extension of the Boundary Line, between the United States, and the Cherokee Nation of Indians, as established by the Treaty of Hollston.\nThat on extending of the said Line, it appears, that about two hundred and fifty Families, containing by estimation, about twelve hundred Souls, Citizens of the County of Grainger, are settled on Lands, to which the Indian Claim is not extinguished.\nThat Lieutenant Colonel Butler of the 4th United States Regiment, has issued a proclamation, bearing date theday ofcommanding those settlers to remove on or before theday of October, herewith transmitted, marked A.\nThus situated your Memorialist hasten to apply to your Excellency for present relief; And whilst they recollect the great Confidence which your past Services have given rise to, and the many public and private Virtues which your Career in Life, has been marked with, they are well assured, that in labouring to promote the peace and welfare of America, your Excellency will feel a sympathy for private Distress.\nYour Memorialists beg leave to represent, that the Lands at present in their possession, are claimed under Titles regularly obtained from the State of North Carolina. That as peaceful Cultivators of the soil, they have opened large and extensive Farms; erected comfortable Buildings, and for some time past reaped and enjoyed the Fruits of their Labour without Molestation.\nThat they have always been amenable to the Laws, and regularly paid such Taxes as the State of Tennessee laid on her Citizens. Your Memorialists further state, that to excite in their Youth principles of Morality, and to stimulate the Heads of Families, to the exercise of all Christian Duties, Religion has been encouraged, and several places of Worship established.\u2014That for the diffusion of knowledge, and more particularly with a view of raising their Young Men, to be serviceable to their Country and themselves, Literature has been encouraged, and several schools supported.\nWe humbly entreat the President of the United States, not to be impressed with an idea, that we come under the Character of Intruders on Indian Lands.\nThe exercise of Candour is honorable, and always serves to recommend; we are determined therefore to give your Excellency, a Concise but accurate statement of Facts.\u2014\nIn the first place, your memorialists beg leave to remark, that not being the favorites of Fortune, a desire to provide comfortably for themselves and Families, first induced them to travel from the Atlantic to the Western Country, in search of better prospects.\nYour memorialists harrassed on the Frontiers from time to time, misfortunes accumulating, and the Calls of their Families being pressing, they sought a refuge in Adversity, in this remote and small tract of Country. Intruders they cannot be esteemed; their Titles for the Land was bottomed on bone fide purchases from N. Carolina, for a valuable Consideration. Speculators generally, and Men of Law knowledge avowed an opinion that our Rights must ultimately prevail, and some further held, that a Treaty taking away private property was unconstitutional, and that an Attempt to carry the Treaty of Hollston in execution would never be made.\nSuch Doctrine was pleasing; it acquired proselytes far and near, and determined many Characters to settle themselves in this part of Grainger County:\u2014Here Sir Indian warfare for a little while oppressed us, but Hostilities soon ceased; peace prevailed; Industry was exercised; And each revolving year was accompanyed with brighter prospects.\u2014\nBut illustrious President, without your protecting, friendly and parental interpotion, Calamities great and afflicting await us all. If in October next, we are compelled to abandon our Homes, our Farms, our Supports, our Livings; Scenes of distress, truly alarming present themselves to our view; numerous Families of Women and little Children exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, and suffering for the Common necessaries of Life will rove unprotected and unassisted over the Western Country. From our fellow Citizens of Tennessee, we can look for no assistance; kind Heaven has omitted to smile on the labours of the Husbandman, and a greater appearance of scarcity, never before presented itself in this quarter of the Western Country:\u2014This Scarcity is said to be general in the Southern States, and must highten the press of emigration to the State of Tennessee;\u2014of course, our prospects will become the more gloomy.\u2014If in October, we be driven from our Farms, the present Crop, the fruit of hard and constant labour will be lost;\u2014a great quantity of the Corn will only be in the Milk, and none sufficiently dry for gathering.\nIllustrious President we expect, that our situation will be fully represented, at the next meeting of Congress, the merits of our Claims farely investigated, and a Hope exists, that adequate relief will be granted.\u2014\nTo you then Sir, we address ourselves and most fervently pray, that our removal may be delayed until we can lay our Grievances before the Representatives of our Country in Congress assembled.\u2014As Commander in Chief of the American Armies, you possess the power to suspend the Orders and delay the operations of the fourth Regiment, and permit us to say to you, that Humanity calls loudly for the exercise of that authority.\nTo be turned upon the world, with our numerous families, in the extreme of Indigence is a mortifying idea; to oppose that Government, under which our Country is free and prosperous is more distressing and cannot be.\u2014\nMany of our fellow Citizens, in the other Frontier Counties of Hamilton District, are likely to be involved in similar Distresses, and while speaking of our own, a recollection of theirs, rushed in the minds of your memorialists.\nThe Valley we inhabit is 26 miles in length, and 16 in width, far removed from the Indian Towns, never made use of as Hunting Ground, and we can say with Truth, is little valued by the Savages.\u2014And that a purchase of their Claim could easily be effected.\nWe cannot omit to assure the President of the United States of our Attachment to his person, our entire confidence in his patriotism and our firm and general Hope of his parental interposition.\nIllustrious President, many of your Memorialists recollect with pride and pleasure, that they fought and bled for American Liberty and Independance; the fatigues of war, they have again encountered in this Western District, and like most old soldiers part for a resting place;\u2014Suffer us worthy President here to find it, and while our Infants shall be instructed, to lisp the virtues of an Adams, we will give it in command to our Youths to support the Government of America with their Lives.\u2014\nYour memorialists declare their determination, to be obedient to the Constituted Authorities, and to throw themselves entirely on the Justice, magnanimity and Goodness of the Government of the Union.\nThat the great and wise Ruler of the Universe; the kind dispenser of Blessings to Man, will enable the President of the United States to support the Rights of his Country, and to conduct a grateful people to Happiness and prosperity is our fervent prayer. And as in Duty bound we shall ever pray &c.\u2014\nElijah ChisumIsaac LaneIn behalf of themselves and 250 familys in Powells Valley\u2014 Enclosure\n                                                State of Tennessee. John Sevier, Governor and Commander in chief in and over the same\nThese are to certify, that Elijah Chisum and Isaac Lane subscribers to the annexed memorial, are men of respectability, and are a committee acting for the people of Powells Valley, who are said to be settled on indian lands.\nGiven under my hand and seal at Knoxville this 21st: day of August 1797. By the Governor.\nJohn SevierWm: Maclin, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2102", "content": "Title: From John Adams to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 23 August 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: American Academy of Arts and Sciences\nsir\n23 August 1797\nThe american academy of arts & sciences, founded when their country was struggling for freedom and independance, which your exertions have so greatly tended to establish, beg ask leave to offer you their congratulations on your election to the office of first magistrate in a nation where the rights of men are respected and truly supported.\nThey are authorized in led to paying this tribute to your virtue, because you have long for several years presided over their institution with honor to yourself and advantage to them.\nTheir pursut pursuits are literary. They wish to add to the knowledge and instruction which their country already possesses, and to use their correspondence with foreigners, engaged in the same pursuits, so as to answer this valuable purpose.\nThey cannot, however, be indifferent to the peace and happiness of the land in which they live, nor to the preservation of those invaluable constitutions of government which distinguish them it from all other nations. They know that these constitutions will not answer the important purposes for which they were formed, unless they are well administered. With pleasure they find their president, whom they have so long known and so highly esteemed, called by the free suffrages of his fellow citizens to the arduous task of guiding the counsels, preserving the honor and supporting the prosperity of the United States In succession to the Man whose distinguished Integrity & disinterested Patriotism his Fellow Citizens have so universally attested\u2014Their aid in accomplishing these desireable purposes cannot be greatly effective; but you may be assured that their influence will always be exerted to promote the measures of a government founded on the basis of true liberty and administered with wisdom and firmness. They feel high satisfaction when they find these virtues marked on the measures which you have hitherto adopted; and they ardently pray that the infinite source of light, of knowledge and of power may always direct you, and crown with success your efforts to promote to the happiness of mankind and the welfare of your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2103", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura Kosciuszko, 24 August 1797\nFrom: Kosciuszko, Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia 24. Aug. 1797\nA Packet given to me by Sir John St Claire for your Excellency is deliverd to Colo: Pickering. I beg at the same time, that I may have the Honor to pay my Respectfull Homage to you as to the first Magistrate of a Great Brave Free and happy Nation\nYour Excellency most / Humble and most Obedient servant\nT: Kosciuszko", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2104", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 24 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nDepartment of State Augt. 24. 1797.\nI have to-day received from Genl. Kosciusko the inclosed letter, accompanied with two packets understood to be from Sir John Sinclair (President of the English Board of Agriculture) and containing, one a diploma for you as a member of the Society\u2014the other some pamphlets of the proceedings of the board. With one of the packets was tied up a letter which I also inclose. The packets I imagine you would choose to have left here, to await your return. The diploma-packet is in a form which forbids a transmission by post.\nI have just received a letter from Colo. Humphreys, dated at Lisbon the first of July, in which he says a letter from Mr. Barlow, dated the 23d. of May, informs that Peace had been concluded with Tunis, \u201cas Mr. Barlow was confidently informed by Mr. Famin.\u201d Mr. Famin was the agent appointed by Mr. Barlow for the purpose of conducting the negociation.\nThe increase of the number of sick with the yellow fever has induced the Treasury Department to remove to Gray\u2019s ferry on Schuylkill. The Secretary of War proposes to remove his family this week into the country\u2014and the office, if circumstances should require it. I shall also remove with my family & office in a few days, if there should not be a change for the better.\nI am with great respect, / Sir, your most obt. servt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2105", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 25 August 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir\nQuincy Aug. 25th 1797\nI have received in course, your letters of July 28th. Aug 1st. 3d and 17th.\nThat of July 28th only inclosed a letter from Mr. Gerry. The Mediteranean passports mentioned in your letter of Aug 1st I signed as soon as possible, & I returned them to you in three packets by the post. I saw Mr. Howel at Boston, Providence & Quincy; but as he said nothing to me on the subject of his salary, I thought it unnecessary for me to mention it to him. The commissioners have now adjourned for another year. I have read the deposition of James Wallace and the letter of Judge Sitgreaves inclosed in yours of yours of  Aug. 3d. The measures you have taken are the most prudent that could have been taken, I believe, & no proclamation appears to be necessary for the present. A proclamation would excite & spread alarms, & make more of the thing than there appears to be in it. It is very strange that the officers of justices cannot make discoveries, & obtain evidence if there are Facts. When whitnesses talk about agitations & prevailing reports \u201cit may be ground for inquiry to an attorney General. But certainly armies cannot be levied without witnesses; & witnesses may prove crimes & crimes may be punished unless our country is abandoned of God. With great regard I am dear sir your most obedient & humble servant.\nJohn Adams\nP.S. I thank you for sending the Brigantine Sophia to the relief of our suffering seamen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2106", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 August 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nWar Office 25. August 1797\nI have the honor to inclose the last letters which I have received from and written to Brigadier General Wilkinson viz\nFrom General Wilkinson2. July 7. 17971. July 29.1. July 30.1. 2d. August\nTo General WilkinsonCopies of the 21. and 25. July and 11. August.\nFrom David Henley. one of the 1. August with its references and one from Lieut Piercy Smith Pope of the 28. June with two papers alluded to. There is also inclosed a letter addressed to Thomas Willing Esq.\nI pray you to return the originals as those which arrived yesterday may require some order to be taken on them\u2014\nI have the honor to be / with the greatest respect / Your obedt Servant\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2107", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 25 August 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nWar office 25 Augt. 1797.\nSince my letter of this morning which inclosed the last dispatches I had from General Wilkinson and others, I have thought it proper to write to the General relative to the subject of Mr. Powers\u2019s mission, to prevent should any thing have delayed Cap Guion at Massac, any misconceptions on his part. I submit a copy of it. As I had sent off the original to which this letter refers, it is probable that I may not have recollected precisely its contents. I hope however, I have made no omissions of consequence, at least I presume that from what I have said the General will find no difficulty in framing his answer in conformity to its spirit and intention.\nThe prevailing fever having become more general in the City, I intend accompanying my family to-morrow to a situation near Downing town, and have arranged matters so that no inconvenience and very little delay to the public business will be occasioned by this removal.\nwith the most perfect respect I have the honour to be Sir your most / ob & hble st.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2108", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Mr. Halsey, 25 August 1797\nFrom: Halsey, Mr.,Bissell, Mr.\nTo: Adams, John\nMarshs. Inn in Braintree 25th. August 1797, 4 o\u2019Clk P.M\nMr. Halsey and Mr. Bissell from Connecticut take the Liberty to present their respectfull Compliments to the President of the United States; and request an Interview of a few Minutes of Time upon Business of Importance to themselves, and their Constituents; and should be happy to know whether, and when it would be agreable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2109", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Vilneuve, 25 August 1797\nFrom: Vilneuve\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t 1e. Duplicata \n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur Le Pr\u00e9sident\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai apris que le Congr\u00e8s vous a autoris\u00e9 par un D\u00e9cret, de former un Corps d\u2019Ing\u00e9nieurs. j\u2019aloux depuis long-tems de trouver les moyens de passer dans le nouveau monde, et d\u2019y \u00eatre de quelques utilit\u00e9s; je crois ne pouvoir trouver une plus heureuse circonstance pour vous offrir mes Services. j\u2019ose esperer qu\u2019ils seront accueilis avec int\u00e9r\u00eat, et que vous vouderez bien avoir la bont\u00e9 de me faire de vos intentions.Je suis avec respect / Monsieur Le Pr\u00e9sident / Vore. obt. sr.\n\t\t\t\t\tVilneuve\n\t\t\t\t\tP.S. Ve\u00fcillez je vous prie, Monsieur le Pr\u00e9sident, m\u2019adresser vos Lettres par Duplicatas, chez M. Vanstavern N\u00e9gt. sur le W\u00ffnhaven \u00e0 Rotterdam.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2112", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Alexander Moultrie, 27 August 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Moultrie, Alexander\nSir.\nQuincy Aug 27th 1797\nI have recd. the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 20th of this month & the printed pamphlets inclosed with it. I should wish to give to the subject all the attention which its importance merits; but at present it appears to me to be out of my power to do any thing in it & that the legislative alone is adequate to the purpose intended.\nI have however referred the matter to the consideration of the secretary of State & the attorney general who will report their opinion. I have the honor to be very respectfully, Sir, your most obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2114", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Charles Lee, 29 August 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lee, Charles\nDear Sir.\nQuincy Aug. 29th 1797\nI received last evening your favor of the 19th & thank you for communicating to Mr John Read the determination to Appoint him agent for the United States respecting British claims under the treaty of 1794\nI have received solicitations and recommendations for several other persons; but see no reason to alter the opinion we formed before I left you. I have accordingly written to the Secretary of State requesting him to make out a commission for Mr. Read. I condole with you, on the prevalence of another epidemick fever in Philadelphia & should be glad to be informed of its progress or decline, & advised whether it ought to accelerate or to retard my return to the city, or its neigborhood, & what should be done for the safety & accomodation of the members of Congress, in case the disease should continue in the city, at the time to which they are adjourned.\nI am with great esteem, Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2115", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 1 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir.\nQuincy Sept 1st. 1797\nI have received your two letters of Aug 25th. & have read their inclosures with attention.\nYour letters to Gen Wilkinson of July. 21st. 25th. Aug 11. & 25th appear to me all weighed & prudently and judiciously written. I have considered them with much satisfaction & they have my entire approbation.I return all the inclosures with this letter. I think you are in the right to remove your Family from danger of the epidemick fever, & advise you to expose yourself as little as possible. With high esteem / I am, Sir, your most obedient &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2116", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura Kosciuszko, 4 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Kosciuszko, Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura\nSir\nQuincy Sept 4. 1797\nI have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 24 of last month & thank you for your care of my packet from the worthy Sir John Sinclair, whose benevolent labors promise so much advantage to mankind.\nGive me leave, Sir, to congratulate you on your arrival in America, where I hope you will find all the consolation, Tranquility & satisfaction, you desire, after the glorious efforts you have made on a greater theatre.\nOn my arrival in Philadelphia, I hope to have the pleasure to receive you & to repeat those assurances of esteem & respect with which I have the honor to be, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2118", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 4 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir\nQuincy September 4. 1797\nI have read all the Dispatches inclosed in your favour of Aug 26 and have now time only to thank you and Col. McHenry for your Vigilant Attention and judicious Execution of all the Business relative to them.\nYour Letter to the Chevalier de Yrujo dated the 8 of August I have  read with some Attention. The quotations and References I presume to be exact, and the Fact of his Intimacy with Blount, I presume you are prepared to prove. taking these things for granted I See nothing to disapprove in the Letter. On the contrary I think it a masterly Compostition, and will do as much honour to you as it will cast just disgrace on the Spanish Minister. The Measure is necessary.\nI have the Honour to be, Sincerely /  yours\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2119", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 4 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nDear Sir\nQuincy Septr. 4. 1797\nI recd. your favour of Augt. 20th. in due Season. I congratulate you, most sincerely, on the prospect of the recovery of your Father and Brother from sickness.\nBefore I left Philadelphia, I appointed Mr. Storer in the Place of Leonard Jarvis, and have the Pleasure to find, that his established Character for Integrity and his well known Accuracy in Accounts, have given universal satisfaction in Boston. Mr Leonard Vassall Borland, though respectably connected, and probably well accomplished, I presume can have no Pretensions which ought to have stood in the Way of Mr Storer, had his application been known to me in Season.\nI had also appointed Mr John Reed to the Agency, before I knew the desire of Mr. Hopkinson. Mr. Hopkinsons Character is very good and had his application been made at first I might have ballanced longer: but considering him at present in a respectable Situation perhaps it is better for him, that he was not taken out of it.\u2014Application too, in such an Agent is more prescious than Genius or Taste. It is not agreable however to take from the Bar a Junior in preference to a Senior. Mr Reed is Appointed and Mr Hopkinson cannot complain as he did not apply in season.\nI advise you, my dear sir, to take Care of your health and your Family and Clerks too and not expose any of them unnecessarily to the epidemical Infection.\nWith Sincere Esteem I am / Dr Sir your most obt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2120", "content": "Title: To John Adams from David Jackson, 4 September 1797\nFrom: Jackson, David\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhilada Sept. 4th 1797\nBy this days mail I have no doubt you will be informed that Doctr Nicholas Way died yesterday, supposed of the contagious fever now prevalent in this City\u2014\nBy the death of this gentleman, the office of Treasr of the Mint becomes vacant\u2014If you think I am qualified to fill that office, I will thank you for the appointment\u2014with much regard I remain / Sir / your Obdt Servt\nDavid 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2124", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 7 September 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nDepartment of State Trenton Sept. 7. 1797.\nSince my last letter was forwarded, I have received the inclosed letters from Judge Patterson & Mr. McHenry, mentioning the names and characters of candidates for the office of Treasurer of the mint. Probably more will be presented; and as the prevalence of the fever in Philadelphia will for some time interrupt the operations of the mint, there will be no inconvenience in suspending your choice.\nThe accounts from the city concerning the yellow fever are various: but those most to be relied on indicate its increase. A  letter, which I recd. yesterday from Mr. Wolcott, (from the Treasury Office at Gray Gardens) says \u201cthe state of things in the city will I think keep us out till late in October.\u201d\nThree packages of Mediterranean passports have come to hand, with your signature on them.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect, / Sir, your most obt. servt.\nTimothy Pickering.P.S. Dr. Jackson\u2019s and Williams\u2019s letters to me ed to forward in my last  they had  written 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2126", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg, 8 September 1797\nFrom: Muhlenberg, Frederick Augustus Conrad\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tSpring Gardens, Near Philada. Sept. 8th, 1797.\nThe office of Treasurer of the Mint having become vacant by the Death of Dr. Way permit me most respectfully to offer myself a Candidate for the same. A series of misfortunes to a Son in Law of mine occasioned by french Captures have also affected me very materially, and being at present out of public Employment, I have both Leisure and Inclination to attend to the Duties of this or any other Office You may think proper to honor me with, whilst at the same time it would afford me some aid in a situation I have never been accustomed to. Submitting my Application to your Decision, permit me to add, that if appointed I shall execute the Duties enjoined with Diligence and fidelity, if not, it will never lesson that cordial Attachment and high respect with which I have the Honor to be / Sir,\n/ Your most obedient\n/ humble Servant\n\t\t\t\t\tFredk. Aug. Muhlenberg.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2128", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 9 September 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nDepartment of State Trenton Sept. 9. 1797\nSince my last letter was forwarded, I have received the inclosed letters from Judge Patterson & Mr. McHenry, mentioning the names and characters of candidates for the office of Treasurer of the mint. Probably more will be presented; and as the prevalence of the fever in Philadelphia will for some time interrupt the operations of the mint, there will be no inconvenience in suspending your choice.\nThe accounts from the city concerning the yellow fever are various: but those most to be relied on indicate its increase. A letter which I recd yesterday from Mr. Wolcott (from the Treasury Office at Grays Gardens) says \u201cthe state of things in the city will I think keep us out till late in October.\u201d\nThree packages of Mediterranean passports have come to hand, with your signature on them.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servt.\nTimothy Pickering\nP.S. Dr Jackson\u2019s and J. Williams\u2019s letters to me I omitted to forward in my last, because they had each written 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2130", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 12 September 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\n(private)\nSir,Trenton Sept. 12. 1797.\nI have been honoured with your two letters of the 4th instant, and am happy in your approbation of the matters therein referred to.\nYesterday I received the inclosed letter from Colo. Francis Nichols, offering himself a candidate for the office of Treasurer of the mint. He was an officer in the Pennsylvania line in the war of our revolution. He now lives at Pottsgrove in that State. He supposes that I am acquainted with the late President\u2019s intentions towards him: unfortunately I am not. I take Colo. Nichols to be a very worthy man, & a steady supporter of the Government. He is the brother of Major Nichols, the marshal of the district of Pennsylvania.\nI am, with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servant,\nTimothy Pickering10 packages of Mediterranean passports came to hand last Saturday.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2131", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Cocke, 14 September 1797\nFrom: Cocke, William\nTo: Adams, John\n14 September 1797\nTo inform you that a large number of respectable citizens of the State of Tennessee are found to be within the limits of the Indian Claims. Justice requires that I should speak to you in plain and decided language. When I last had the honour to converse with you and Secretary of War on the subject, I felt myself highly pleased at the assurance you then gave me that you would take the matter under your serious consideration and notify the commissioners the result of your deliberation, from the manner you then expressed yourself I had every reason to believe would have produced a decision favourable to the people. Impressed with this idea, I communicated to them what had passed between us, but to my great mortification and surprise, I have seen an order from Col. Butler, directing the people to prepare to remove from their farms by the 25th of October, it will not be improper to remark to the President that the people of the state of Tennessee know that they are not entirely governed by military laws, that no citizen can be deprived of his property for public conveniency without full compensation and that the Courts Judicial are bound to decide all questions of right, according to the Constitutional Laws of our country. Sir, it is painful to me to make these remarks, but as the Constitution of my country warrant them and as my fellow citizens are likely to be injured, as I conceive contrary to law, as a number of them possess Legal Rights to the land in question, I submit to you whether such orders should not be countermanded, especially at a time when Congress hath had the subject before them and hath postponed it for further consideration, I am Sir with / every sentiment of esteem &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2132", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nTrenton Sept. 14. 1797.\nYesterday I received a letter from John Q. Adams Esqr. dated at London the 19th. acknowledging the receipt of my letters informing of his appointment to the Court of Berlin, and that he should remain in London until his instructions should arrive.\nHe regrets the publication of extracts from some of his letters, such as that of Novr. 4. relative to the conduct of the Dutch Republic, as it would expose his personally to the resentment of the Comtee. for foreign affairs and the whole party of the present government in that country. \u201cAs far, however (says he) as it only concerns myself, the ill-will of the Dutch Govt. will be less important now than it would be were I still residing in that country; and as I felt bound in duty to write the letters, I shall cheerfully acquiesce in any consequence that must derive from them.\u201d\nTo-day I received a letter from Mr. Murray dated June 9th in the Texel, where he had just arrived, after a lengthy & tempestuous passage.\nI am most respectfully yr. obt. servt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2133", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Searson, 14 September 1797\nFrom: Searson, John\nTo: Adams, John\nTo his Excellency John Adams, President of the united States of America\nSir\nNew york Sepr 14th. 1797\nI take the Liberty to say, I thought my self happy when I waited on you personally (previous to the Publication of my Poems in Philadelphia) when I thought I had your Countenance of approbation for Encouraging Literature, and your Benevolent disposition, this was previous to your appointment to the Presidency. But alas! A few days previous to your leaving, Philadelphia when I wish\u2019d to have the honor of presenting Copy of the Poems, neatly Gilt bound and Letterd on the Back your Servt. deny\u2019d my admission. I had Indeed the Honor of some of the first Personages in the City to Patronize the Poems. Amongst which were the late President the Spanish Ambassador, the Portuguese do. and English Minister the Honble Robert Liston, most of the Clergy & Professors of the College and Academy, with near Eleven hundred other Reputable Persons. And I was honor\u2019d lately with a Letter from the late President, dated Mount Vernon 20th Augt. 1797, in which are the following Words. \u201cI wish with all my Heart you Could meet with such employment, as your talents are Suited to; but if you Cannot Obtain this in Philada where your Character is best known, There is none within my view in this quarter in any of the lines to which you allude and if you look for any thing in a Public way, you are Already in the best Situation to make the Application with a prospect of Success, as the President will unquestionably, require the best Testimonials that Can be obtained of your fitness for Office, and these can only be Obtain\u2019d from those, to whom you are known. If you are pleas\u2019d, to Send one of your Poems to me Colonel Biddle will receive, pay and forward it, to sir, your Obedt servt G. Washington\u201d\nI have been in some of the first Counting Houses, both here and Philadelphia as Book-keeper as per Certificates will appear, once Tutor in one of the first families in this City and Whole sale Mercht. on my own account, as also master of some of the best Schools in America & Ireland, having a General knowledge of Mathematical Learning, having good Vouchers for these things. And once did the Business of Capt. Stiles of Walnut street, Said to be the Richest Gentleman in Philadelphia, who would recommend me. Should any genteel office occur in your knowledge I hope my most sincere Gratitude should not be wanting. And should your Excellency favour me so far as to take one of the Poems you can order it to a friend here, who will forward it to you. I left Philadelphia 16 days ago on account of the fever Now prevailing there, the City is nearly deserted, and the Houses shut up. This City very Healthy at Present, but great Complaints of deadness of trade, on account of the french Capturing their Vessels of Merchandize\nShould I be honor\u2019d with a Line from you, please direct to Care of the Postmaster here\u2014May a series of Success and every real happiness ever await your Excellency, and beg leave to Subscribe my Self with sincerity and Truth / Your Ever Obedient / Humble servt\nJohn Searson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2134", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 15 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir\nQuincy September 15. 1797\nIt was not till last night that I received your favours of the 5. of the month.\nI am happy to learn that your Family and office are removed to Trenton, which I hope will proove a Place of Safety from the Contagion of the Plague of Philadelphia, as it is a well chosen Situation for the Business of your office.\nDr. Way, I knew not: but his Character is such as excites a deep regret for his Death.\nDr. David Jackson I know, and as a man esteem him.\nMr. Jonathan Williams I have known from his youth. I knew him in France at Paris and at Nantes. I had trouble enough, on his account, with Mr. Lee and Mr. Izard: but as I believed him to have Justice on his Side, I protected him from much Mischief. How he has requited me, I have never enquired. Insinuations have not been wanting. But these have made no Impression. I believe him capable, and upon the whole ingenious. Dr. Rush I have known, esteemed, and loved, these three and twenty years. His Learning, and Ingenuity, are respectable and his public and private Virtues amiable. His services from the beginning of our great revolution were conspicuous and meritorious. He had no small share in recommending our present Constitution, and might be eminently Useful to the present Administration.\nApplications and Recommendations have been transmitted to me from Several other Candidates. I shall inclose them with this that you may weigh them.\nMr. John Knapp of Maryland, but now in Philadelphia or its Neighbourhood, is recommended by the Senators of Maryland, and by the first Characters in that State and among the rest by Mr. Charles Carrol of Carrollton.\nThe late Speaker of the House of Representatives Frederick Augustus Muhlenbourg, by a Letter to me of the 8th of this month, offers himself a Candidate. A Series of Misfortunes to a Son in Law occasioned by French Captures have affected him very materially.\nWilliam Mumford Esqr. of Philadelphia, formerly of Rhode Island is recommended by Mr. Foster, Mr. Bourne, Mr. Ward in Strong terms.\nMr. James Armstrong, a Clergyman, I believe of Trenton, claims, something like a Promise, or at least Encouragement from Col. Hamilton, while he was in office.\nI pray you, Sir to consider all these Characters and their Pretensions and give me your Advice. I have myself considered them all, with Attention, and I hope my Judgment is not too much influenced by my Affections, if it leans in favour of Dr. Rush. If your Opinion is clearly with mine you may make out his Commission, as soon as you please. But if you have any doubts, We will delay the Appointment for further Consideration.\nWith great Regard, I am, Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2135", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nDear Sir\nQuincy Septr. 15. 1797\nLast night I received your favour of Septr. 7. Many Applications have been made to me for the Place of Dr Way. Mr Muhlenbourg, Mr. Huger, Mr Knapp Dr Jackson, and Dr Rush, besides those you have mentioned, have presented themselves as Candidates, and Mr Mumford of Philadelphia formerly of Rhode Island. These are all respectable Characters: but all Things considered my Judgment inclines to Dr Rush, on Account of ancient Merits, and present Abilities. Of his Integrity, and Independence I have a good opinion. I have written so to the Secretary of State. If you have any doubts, pray write to Col. Pickering to suspend the Appointment, for I wish to have the Subject, well considered.\nSoon after you left Philadelphia, reflecting upon what you had Said to me, I felt it to be my Duty to put an immediate Stop to the Career of Leonard Jarvis, and I accordingly appointed Ebenezer Storer Esqr to his Place, who has interened long Since upon his office and found an horrid scene I Shall wait for your Ultimate opinion and mature Inquiries before I determine, any Thing respecting the Naval office in Charleston District.\nPray Seek for a Federal Character if such can be found for Collector of St. Marys.\nI See by the Papers that Mr Lynsey is dead at Newport. I have So long Studied the Applications and recommendations, for a successor, that my Judgment is ripe for Otway Bird. But if your Opinion favours any other in Preference, or if it is even in suspence, I wish you to suspend the Appointment for further Consideration. But if you concur clearly with me you may have his Commission made out as soon as you please.\nThere are Subjects of Some moment, to reflect on. Is there a Law in force, impowering the President to convene Congress at any other Place than Philadelphia? If there is, what Place shall be chosen? I am for New York, entre nous, but if you think any other Place preferable, please to name it and state your Reasons.\nI hope you will favour me, early with minutes of what in your department or any other, ought to be remembered at the opening of Congress.\nI am Dear sir, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2136", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 15 September 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nTrenton Sept. 15. 1797.\nI inclose the application of Mr. James Sykes of the State of Delaware, to be appointed Treasurer of the mint.\nIt is perhaps ten years or more since I saw Mr. Sykes at my friend Mr. Doz\u2019s. I had more acquaintance with his father, who sustained a good character, and was clerk of the county court in Kent County. His son, Mr. James Sykes, I suppose is the physician, and I believe a gentleman well respected. I think his residence is at Dover\u2014a place so subject to autumnal fevers as to dispose any one to escape from it who can find employment elsewhere.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect / sir your obt. servant\nT. Pickering\nP.S. I inclose a letter from Govr. St. Clair. His character of Colo. Frs. Nichols I believe is perfectly 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2137", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 September 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nTrenton Sept. 16. 1797.\nI have the honour to inclose the celebrated speech of Pastoret, in the Council of Five Hundred, concerning the subsisting relations between France and the United States. I have had it translated, and it will be published in the beginning of the ensuing week in Fenno\u2019s news-paper.\nI inclose a letter, I suppose from Dr. Hall of Yorktown in Pennsylvania, with one from General Miller (superintendant of the Revenue for the district of Pennsylvania) recommending him for the vacant office of Treasurer of the mint.\nI am most respectfully / sir your obt. servt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2138", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 17 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Malcom, Samuel B.\nDear Malcom\nQuincy Sept 17th. 1797\nI thank you for your favor of the 12th. Will you be so good, as to write to Col Pickering the Sect of State at Trenton, the substance of what you have written me, concerning Mr George Sanderson of Lancaster in Pensylvania & other candidates for the consulship at aux Cayes that he may be able to lay before me in one view all the applications.\nYour electioneering campaign will be an easy one, unless you have adopted the French proverb Dans le Royaulme des aveugles les Borgnes sont des Roys. I dont know whether I have the original exact\u2014so I will translate it. In the kingdom of the blind the purblind are kings.\nI thank you for the pamphlet. I had read it before. Is not a there a phrase\u2014Digito compesce labellum? Your observations on this miserable business do honor to your head & heart. Can talents atone for such turpitude? Can wisdom reside with such cullibity? Mr Locke says the world has all sorts of men. All degrees of human wisdom are mixed with all degrees of human Folly. To me & I beleve to you, this world would be a region of torment if such a recollection existed in our memories. This must be, entre nous. What are the speculations about the place of convening congres?\nWith kind regard I am, dear / Sir, yours.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2139", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jean Luzac, 17 September 1797\nFrom: Luzac, Jean\nTo: Adams, John\nRight honourable Sir,\nLeyden 17. Sept. 1797\nIf I had not supposed, that the Hon. John Quincy Adams, your worthy and amiable Son, would have forwarded to Your Excellency one of the Copy\u2019s of my Discourse on Socrates, considered as a Citizen; if I had not expected I could write You with freedom and tranquillity on my own affairs, and announce You the end of all the troubles and persecutions, of which my steady adherence to the Cause of Liberty, founded on law, order, and justice, had made me a victim;\u2014if those very troubles had not taken up much of my time and leisure;\u2014I would not have delay\u2019d till this day to present You the Copy of my Work, particularly destined since long for Your Excellency, with another for the Society of Boston. I hope, Sir, this public Testimony of my true and cordial respect for You, of my adhesion to Your principles, of my admiration of your extensive knowledge and abilities, of your talents, patriotism, and virtue, will not have been desagreable to Your Excellency. I was, Sir, in a degree the Interpreter of the sentiments of Your Citizens, of which they have given so undoubtful and honourable a proof; by chasing You to the seat of the first Magistrate of United-America, the immediate Successor of the illustrious Washington. Accept, Sir, my most sincere congratulations and wishes for the mutual satisfaction and constant happiness of Your Excellency and of your grateful Citizens. Accept them on another event, that, I hope, will so much contribute to your domestical contentment, as Your elevated station contributes to the wel deserved lustre and glory of your Name. Time will come perhaps, Sir, that I shall expose You my feelings on more subjects. Presently, using the occasion, which was offer\u2019d to me by the much respected General C.C. Pinckney, I will only add the assurances of the profound respect, with which I am, / Right honourable Sir, / Your most obedient, humble, / and addicted Servant\nJohn Luzac.\nP.S. It needs, Sir, no comments, I think, that the event, I spoke of, is the alliance of Mr. J.Q.A. with a most amiable young Lady, as I hear by all reports. May he be long be as happy, as he deserves; and may the Posterity of a so worthy a Father and so worthy a Son be a blessing for United-America!", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2141", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 18 September 1797\nFrom: Malcom, Samuel B.\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNew York Septr. 18th 1797.\nBy an arrival this morning from Greenich we hope accounts from London to the 9th August, by which it appears that there is an official confirmation of the Dutch Fleet having Sailed from the Texel\u2014that the approach of a Certain body of Troops near to Paris had created the most Serious alarm, and Commotion\u2014that the Negotiations at Lisle were said to be broken off, for the moment, for the purposes of dispatching Couriers\u2014that the British fleet had been driven from their position before Cadiz these being only the Circular reports (nothing as yet having escaped from the press) I cannot add what credit they aught to receive\u2014and the mal being about to close, I have to Solicit your indulgence for this hasty sketch, and with my respects to your Lady to Subscribe Myself / Your Ob Servt\nSaml B Malcom", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2142", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 18 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n\t\t\t\t\tQuincy, September 18th, 1797\n\t\t\t\tIt was not till last night that I received your favors of the 5th of the month.I am happy to learn that your family and office are removed to Trenton, which I hope will prove a place of safety from the contagion of the plague of Philadelphia, as it is a well-chosen situation for the business of your office.Dr. Way I knew not; but his character is such as excites a deep regret for his death.Dr. David Jackson I know, and, as a man, esteem him.Mr. Jonathan Williams I have known from his youth. I knew him in France,\u2014at Paris and at Nantes. I had trouble enough on his account with Mr. Lee and Mr. Izard; but, as I believed him to have justice on his side, I protected him from much mischief. How he has requited me I have never inquired. Insinuations have not been wanting. But these have made no impression. I believe him capable, and, upon the whole, ingenuous.Dr. Rush I have known, esteemed, and loved, these three and twenty years. His learning and ingenuity are respectable, and his public and private virtues amiable. His services, from the beginning of our great Revolution, were conspicuous and meritorious. He had no small share in recommending our present Constitution, and might be eminently useful to the present administration.Applications and recommendations have been transmitted to me from several other candidates. I shall enclose them with this, that you may weigh them.Mr John Knapp, of Maryland, but now in Philadelphia or its neighborhood, is recommended by the Senators of Maryland, and by the first characters in that State, and, among the rest, by Mr. Charles Carroll, of Carrollton.The late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Frederick Augustus Muhlenburg, by a letter to me of the 8th of this month, offers himself as a candidate. A series of misfortunes to a son-in-law, occasioned by French captures, have affected him very materially.William Mumford, Esq., of Philadelphia, formerly of Rhode Island, is recommended by Mr. Foster, Mr Bourne, Mr. Ward, in strong terms.Mr. James Armstrong, a clergyman, I believe, of Trenton, claims something like a promise, or at least encouragement, from Colonel Hamilton while he was in office.I pray you, Sir, to consider all these characters and their pretensions, and give me your advice. I have myself considered them all with attention, and I hope my judgment is not too much influenced by my affections, if it leans in favor of Dr. Rush. If your opinion is clearly with mine, you may make out his commission as soon as you please. But, if you have any doubts, we will delay the appointment for further 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2145", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jan Willink, 19 September 1797\nFrom: Willink, Jan,Willink, Wilhem\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nAmsterdam 19th: Sbr 1797\nGeneral Marshall handed to us your esteemed favor of the 14th. July inclosing a number of Coupons to be invested in fresch stocks, of the United States, in consequence we re purchased 4 Oblg.: of \u01921000\u2014each No. 852 & 853, 2692 & 2673 at 84 per Ct. of the Loan of 4 per C intrest Whch. please to find charged in the abstr: of Y/a inclosed, whch. ballance in our favor we transfer on new accts. whch. of right, we request to note it in conformity.\nWe keep said oblg: Subject to your order.\nWe have the honor to be with sincere regard & esteem / Sir Your most Obedient & / Humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2146", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 21 September 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nBurlington N.J. Septr. 21. 1797\u2014\nI have received a letter from one of my brothers, who went thro Pittsburg to New Orleans in June last, which contains some information relative to public affairs. I therefore do myself the honor to enclose a copy that it may be of any confidential use that you may think proper, within the Government. My brother having a very considerable commercial establishment at New Orleans, and other parts of Louisiana it might be inconvenient to him if he were known abroad as the writer of the letter. He was the bearer of letters from Col. Pickering to Mr. Ellicott, and from Mr. Yrujo to the Spanish Governor. My letters to him at Pittsburg, by the mail after he left Philadelphia, possessed him of two copies of your Message to the Legislature, which fortunately enabled Mr. Ellicott to know the operations of Government, and shewed the Spaniards what Government was doing in an open and public Manner. My brother, who has been twice before at New Orleans, has been often entertained at the houses of the Baron de Carondelet & Don M. Gayoso. As I am just informed of his having returned to one of our ports and that he will return to Pennsylvania within a fortnight it is possible, that he may bring further information of affairs there.\nHe mentioned in a letter from the Rapids of the Ohio, near Fort Steuben, that a great Number of our citizans were emigrating to the Spanish Side of the Ohio, to encourage which liberal offers of Land were made by the Spaniards.\nSince I had the honor to write you last, I have received a letter from Mr le Ray (de Chaumont) Junior, dated the 29th. of June at Paris. This gentleman expresses a hope that our Government may think fit to send an Envoy extraordinary to France, and an opinion that the issue of such a mission woud be amicable\u2014It is remarkable that he suggests the Idea of the gentleman landing in Holland. I believe him to have been long particularly acquainted with Barb\u00e9 de Marbois, the President of the council of Ancients, and from circumstances I think he must have been particularly made known to the Director Barthelemi, while he resided in Switzerland.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect, Sir, / your most obedt. / & mo. hble Servant\nTench CoxeYour humanity, Sir, will be gratified in hearing, that the number of deaths, from all disorders, is reduced to about 50 pr cent more than the ordinary number in the Autumn in Philada.\u2014That is\u2014to 15 & 16 of a day. 10 & 11 are common in August & September.\nExtract of a letter dated New Orleans July 31st. 1797.\n\u201cI am pretty well convinced that the posts will not be given up by Spain untill a general peace takes place\u2014I brought the first intelligence of the Presidents message, of which as I had two copies I gave one to Mr. Ellicot at Natchez and the other to the Baron on arriving here\u2014\nThe latter informed me that the objection relative to the navigation of the Mississipi by the English being the principal one (and having been passed over in Silence by the president in his message to the two houses) would now remain the sole obstacle to the fulfillment of the treaty on the part of Spain\u2014\nThe other points appear to be satisfactorily explained and arranged by the president\u2014The Walnut Hills (37 leagues above Natchez) have been lately much strengthened and the garrison augmented to about 400 men. They have positive orders to prevent the passing of any American troops\u2014The commandant at New Madrid had the Same instructions but being unable to oppose the passage of Capt. Guyon\u2019s three companies he could only protest against their passing, which was done formally.\nThat body is now supposed to be encamped at the Chickasaw Bluff\u2014We passed them in the night time the day after leaving New Madrid\u2014\nGovernor Gayoso has just received his appointment to the government of Louisiana and is expected from the Natchez in a few days\u2014The Baron is promoted to the Government of Quito and will leave New Orleans about 1st: of September.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2147", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 September 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nTrenton Sept. 21. 1797.\nI inclose the copy of a letter from Robert Morris Esqr. dated yesterday, accompanied with information from a Mr. Rees who is attending the treaty held at his request with the Seneka Indians at Genesee River, where doubtless the Chief of others of the six Nations are assembled. It confirms our other accounts of the attempts of the Spaniards to seduce the Indians from our Territory, with a view to expected hostilities.\nSince my last I have received the inclosed letter from Robert Coleman Esqr. and a letter from Charles Hall Esqr. recommending Dr. James Hall of Yorktown for the office of Treasurer of the Mint.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servt.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2149", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 23 September 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nDear Sir\nQuincy Septr. 23. 1797\nI have recd your favour of Septr. Mr Storer is a Man of Science and Letters, a Merchant of acknowledged Accuracy and unblemished Reputation, many years Treasurer of the University of Cambridge, and of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, in both of which offices he has acquitted himself with Punctuality. His Connections are numerous and respectable. His Age is the only Objection to him: but his Health is vigorous. He has a numerous Family: and is not affluent. He finds the office in a deplorable Condition: I have desired him to write to you upon the Subject. No Light nor assistance can he get from his Predecessor, who has richly merited the Dismission he had. He was not permitted to resign.\nI return you the Papers relative to the Collector\u2019s Place at Norfolk. I think with you the vacancy may remain open till we meet: unless you are clear for filling it with Col. Bird. It Seems to me, that I would Suffer hunger, before I would Solicit an office under a Government like ours, if I were prejudiced in favour of our Democrats, and in opposition to the leading measures of the Government. Dr Jackson ought therefore to perform Quarantine.\nThe Number of Candidates for the Treasury of the Mint are so numerous and so respectable, that it is very difficult to make a selection. What think you of Dr Rush?\nPray What is your opinion of convening Congress at New York?\nBe so good as to commit to writing Such Things as will be necessary to communicate to Congress at the opening of the Session, as early as possible.\nI am, dear Sir with great regard &c\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2150", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 24 September 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nNear Downings town 24 Sept. 1797.\nI received at this place your letter of the 1st of Sepr.  instant with its several references.\nI have been attacked here with a bilious fever from which I am getting slowly better, a restoration to my former state of health being impeded by the business I have been obliged to attend to and having no assistant to copy for me except a youth my nephew.\nThe inclosed papers from No. 1 to No. 5 inclusive will present you with a view of the situation of things on the Western frontiers and the Mississippi, and the orders which appeared to me proper to be taken on the cases respectively. I have ventured to pass these to you through Col Pickering, as I cannot make him a special communication respecting the protest of the Spanish commandant at New Madrid, which it may be proper for him to be acquainted with and the military movements contemplated for the Mississippi. I pray you to excuse this liberty and to ascribe it to my being unable to make out a copy for him without delaying the communication to you. For the same reason permit me to request that the originals may be returned.\nThe position I have chosen gives me the Western mails some hours sooner than Philada.\nI have the honour to be with the most sincere respect Sir your ob St.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2151", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel B. Malcom, 26 September 1797\nFrom: Malcom, Samuel B.\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNewyork September 26th 1797\nIn addition to the honor; I have the peculiar Satisfaction to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 17th Inst:\nAgreeably to your Commands I have acquainted the Secretary of State, thro\u2019 the medium of Mr George Taylor, who departs hence, this day for Trenton with the circumstances relative to George Sanderson\u2014\nI am happy to observe your favorable impressions with respect to the issue of our Election, and should rejoice if its termination should be honorable, and acquired with ease, of the latter I have reason to doubt arising from Certain information, of the federal interest having become prejudiced by the Election of Mr. Cochran, having a tendency to counteract the influence of characters, who heretofore favored Govr: Jay\u2014So that perhaps there is a Crisis in the diseases of States as of Individuals when it is necessary either that the patient should yield to the disease, or surmounting it should fast converge to a State of health, Spirits and Energy\u2014\nThe place of convening Congress, has as yet, not become the Subject of any Speculations, although My own private Curiosity has been Somewhat alive.\u2014This Silence perhaps may be attributed, either to an anticipation of a Speedy removal of the fever from Philadelphia, or an ignorance of the Executive authority in such Cases\u2014\nWe have at present nothing amongst us that interests or alarms; the Situation of the Contending parties in Europe alone awaits our Anxiety\u2014and gives rise to suppositions which I beleive are not more chimerical than false\u2014the accounts from Philadelp: although distressing are favorable\u2014our own City is remarkably healthy\u2014Mr: Adams & family are well, and with my respects to your Lady permit me again to subscribe myself / Your most Obedient Hble Servant\nSaml B Malcom", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2152", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 26 September 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nGrays near Phila. Sept. 26th. 1797.\nI have been honoured with your favour of the 15th. instant.\nThe enclosed papers relative to the Collectorship of Norfolk confirm the Presidents preference of Otway Byrd. I shall therefore consider the appointment as settled in his favour.\nDoct. Rushs pretensions founded on public services & celebrity of character are certainly superiour to any of the Candidates who have been named. I do not know that he has any other fault, than being somewhat addicted to the modern philosophy; being however of a disposition naturally benevolent & not apt to be long tenacious of any particular system, his error if it be one, will probably yield to topical remedies.\u2014But to be serious, my opinion is, that though Doct. Rush\u2019s mind is not exactly of the right cast, no better selection can be made among the Candidates. That the President may have information of all who have applied I enclose certain Letters which have come to hand since I wrote last.\nMr. Harper confirms the objections against Mr. Mulligan for the Naval office of Charleston & has recommended Mr. Thomas Lehre; I am pursuing the inquiry further.\nThe Presidents directions with respect to the Office of St. Marys, shall be obeyed.\nBy an Act of Congress passed on the third of April 1794, the President is authorised to convene Congress at such place as he may judge proper, when the legal place of meeting is affected by contagious sickness. There being authority to issue a proclamation, the expediency of the measure remains only to be considered.\nThat there is a contagious sickness in Philadelphia, is now I believe certain\u2014For a week or ten days, it was nearly extinguished,\u2014It is now extended more than it has before been\u2014& is so firmly seated, that it must have its course\u2014Whatever may have been the case it cannot now be suppressed by any regulation of police.\nIf as I have no doubt is the truth, this fear is communicated by specific contagion, & is similar to that which has before affected Philadelphia New York, New Haven, Baltimore & Norfolk, it will immediately terminate after a severe frost\u2014Such a frost will in all probability happen in the month of October, or at any rate before the meeting of Congress.\nThe expence to the public of removing the Offices will be considerable.\u2014The loss of time especially to the Treasury, will be a great evil\u2014The private expence to the Officers of Government; will also be to most of them inconvenient.\nThe effect of a removal upon the minds of the Citizens would be unpleasant, as it would increase & prolong the misfortunes of a great number of dependent families, who subsist upon the advantages which they derive from the concourse of people who resist to the seat of Government.\nThe general interest of the Country, requires that as little public notice be taken of this sickness as possible, especially as some of the Physicians have erroneously attributed to it, a domestic origin\u2014The loss of Capital, & Credit which Phila. must suffer cannot be easily calculated\u2014& the sufferings of the few, can be hardly considered as yet commenced. If Congress do not meet in Phila. the next winter, a great portion of foreign consignments, destined for the supply of the next year, will be diverted from their natural course.\nIf the President shall however determine to convene Congress at some other place than Phila. New York, appears to be the most eligible place.\u2014Baltimore is affected by sickness, Lancaster cannot furnish convenient accomodations, and is not so accessible as New York. This last place is however exposed to the contagion, which may yet break out there, notwithstanding, their extreme caution.\nI have found it necessary to give directions for the removal of the Custom House to Chester at which place & Marcus Hook, all Vessells will be discharged untill further orders.\nThough orders were promptly given for preparing the dies for executing the stamp Act, & though the progress has yet been as great as was to have been expected, yet it will be impossible to commence the execution of the law by the first of January. I apprehended that the time would be found inadequate, when the Act was passed.\nThe Receipts into the Treasury exceed my calculations.\u2014All the remittances to Amsterdam arrived safe\u2014I shall remit in a few weeks sufficient funds to meet the public engagements till the first of March ensuing.\nThe Secretary of State writes that a Treaty has been effected with Tunis, for sixty thousand Dollars.\u2014I have informed him that the money wanted for the Barbary service shall be furnished when he applies for it. It is proposed to ship 160,000 Dollars in Specie.\nThe Algerine Frigate is nearly ready except her Guns\u2014A fatality seems to attend every attempt to obtain Cannon, the Contractor says that the drafts & models were wrong. They were made by a French Engineer, who skill has been highly rated\u2014I am making every effort to supply the deficiency, & have now a fair prospect of success\u2014\nThe heavy Masts & Spars & timber for the Dey of Algiers will be ready this fall, if there is a rise of water in the Susquehannah. The shells, cannon Ball & Powder are in a course of being provided by Mr. Francis.\nAs the peace is general with the Barbary powers, it appears to be important to send them ample supplies this fall, to effect which we are making every exertion.\nThe French & Spaniards do not appear to have been successful in their attempts upon the Northern Indians\u2014One Coxe of Georgia is endeavouring to establish an illegal settlement in the Indian Country near the South bend of the Tennessee. Blounts influence in Tennessee is yet very considerable;\u2014some persons high in office, say that he is a virtuous man who has been persecuted by the tools of Administration.\nThe French depredations grow more & more outrageous, and from various appearances I infer that the spirit of commercial adventure in this Country, has recd. a serious check.\nI shall attend to the Presidents desire respecting what may occur as proper to be communicated to Congress.\nI have the honour to be with / perfect respect & attachment / sir, your obedt. servt.\nP.S. An embarrassing question has been brought forward through the intreagues of the French Consuls, who have distributed a form, of what they call a Role de Equipage which they have represented as necessary to the protection of American Vessells\u2014If the papers had been refused it would have been said that the Government was fastidious on a point of mere form, for which it was willing to expose the American Commerce to destruction, with a view to promote a war with France. To have complied without annexing some condition to the papers, would have been to authorize the portent upon which numerous condemnations have taken place. After much hesitation I authorised the enclosed Letter to be written, which under all the circumstances of the Country will I hope be judged proper, by the President.\u2014\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2153", "content": "Title: To John Adams from American Spectator, 28 September 1797\nFrom: American Spectator\nTo: Adams, John\nUnited States\u2014Sept. 28. 1797\u2014\nThe American Spectator desires the President of the United States to accept of this little Volume, as a small token of ardent esteem for his pre-eminent talents, patriotism and virtue. The object, at least, which it embraces, must meet the approbation of a gentleman, distinguished for every conjugal & parental excellence, and cultivating, with his amiable sentimental Partner, the fondest attachment for the rational and refined sweets of domestic life.\nHaving consecrated the profits of his work to charity, it has been his invariable effort, to conceal his real name from the public view. He feels himself only at liberty to say, that the letter contained in the last Number was written by a gentleman who meritoriously enjoys the confidence and esteem of Mr Adams.\nShould the compiler lend, though a feeble, yet, an assisting hand towards the promotion of that public happiness, so invariably, sedulously, and honourably sought by the first Magistrate of the Union from his earliest days; he shall feel himself amply recompensed for complying with the voice of his friends, who urged the publication.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2158", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 6 October 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhila. Oct 6th. 1797\nI arrived home on Saturday evening with my family;\u2014I did not arrive at New York so soon as was expected by one day, this rendered it impossible for me to pay my respects to the President without being detained on the Road till this week, which would have been very inconvenient,\nI am desired by Genl. McPherson to inform the President that the Troops of the City & vicinity are desirous of proving their respect, by escorting the President from Trenton to this City;\u2014That seasonable & proper arrangements may be made, it is desireable to know when the President will pass the Delaware\u2014I have conjectured that it will most probably happen on Saturday; if convenient & acceptable I shall be happy in giving precise Notice.\nThere appears to be as good Spirit among all the people of any consideration & although I fear that the Compliment will be fatiaguing, yet it will be so gratifying to the Escorts & to the Citizens, if the President can take measures for arriving before Evening\u2014that I cannot forbear to express a  wish hope, that it will somehow be consistent with tolerable convenience to the President & family to comply with their wishes.\nI have the honour to be with / perfect deference, / Dear Sir, your obedt servt.\nOliv Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2159", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 7 October 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nDepartment of State Trenton Oct. 7. 1797.\nThis morning I was honoured with your letter of the 2d.\u2014Yesterday I saw Dr. Rush at this place. His information agrees with what I have heard from others, that very few persons have the yellow fever in the city of Philadelphia. The sickness is principally among the poor people in Southwark. The Doctor is now about four miles from Trenton, & I will endeavour to see him before he returns to Philadelphia, and ask his opinion on the question Whether Congress may safely assemble there on the second Monday in November. For my own part I fully expect it. Mr. Soderstrom (who was from the city yesterday) said he thought the citizens might return by the 20th of this present month.\nI inclose a letter received last evening from Mr. William Turnbull, addressed to you.\nThe Consul of the U. States at the Cape (St. Domingo) by letter dated the 21st of September, informed me that since the departure of Santhonax (about a month before) twelve American vessels had been liberated; but they were all bound to or from French ports: they still continue to condemn those going to or from British ports, or which have their registers indorsed by the naval commanders of that nation.\nThe Consul sent me a pamphlet exhibiting several conversations between Santhonax & the Black Chief (now the commandant general) Toussaint Louverture, in which the former proposed and repeatedly urged that General Toussaint should join him in declaring the colony of St. Domingo independent of France, and to render themselves, one in the military, the other in the civil line, masters of the island; and in order to remove all obstacles, and perfect the plan, Santhonax proposed to cut the throats of all the white inhabitants. Toussaint, by his own account, rejected the proposals with horror. He also asked Santhonax, How they could maintain themselves independently of France? \u201cNous soutenir (answered Santhonax)\u2014La France n\u2019a point de marine, vous voyez qu\u2019elle ne nous envoie rien; elle sera oblig\u00e9e de faire comme L\u2019Angleterre envers les Etats Unis.\u201d\u2014It appears by this pamphlet that Toussaint had determined to send Santhonax to France, prior to the reception of the order of the Directory requiring his return.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servt.\nTimothy PickeringMr. Brisler called upon me about ten days ago, till when I did not know that he was in Trenton. He mentioned his family and I think two female servants being with him at the Ferry; and as he said nothing to the contrary, I suppose they were all well.\nDr. Rush told me yesterday that a servant of yours whose wife lived in the lower part of Philadelphia had had the fever, and was recovered.\nMr. Brisler informed me that an attempt had been made to break into your house\u2014that his dogs alarmed the people at Mrs. Grattan\u2019s, who mustering, the villains fled, leaving an iron bar behind. Upon this I wrote to Mr. Hodgdon (who is president of the Common Council) suggesting the necessity of additional night watches. He answered me, that the Corporation had established patroles, of a superior class of citizens, which with the ordinary watch he hoped would prove sufficient.T. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2161", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jacob Morton, 9 October 1797\nFrom: Morton, Jacob\nTo: Adams, John\nDr Sir,\nNew York Octr. 9. 1797\nThe Military of this City being desirous of testifying their respect to the President of the United States on his arrival by being under arms on the occasion, and the command of the Detachment which has been ordered out haveing been given to me, I would be greatly obliged to you, if you would make some arrangement by which his Excellency shall be informed of the intentions of the Military, and we also receive information of the hour at which he will arrive in the City and of the route, whether by Kingsbridge or Haerlem\u2014The arrangements which have been made are, that the Brigadr. Genl. with the Officers of the Brigade mounted and two Troops of Horse will receive his Excellency on his arrival in the County, either at Kingsbridge or Haerlem, and the Infantry will receive him at the suburbs of the City and escort him to his Lodgings\u2014It is probable also that a number of Citizens in Carriages and on horseback will join the Escort\u2014I have directed a Horseman to attend you and carry any dispatches you may wish to forward\u2014\nI am with esteem / Your Hb. Servt.\nJacob Morton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2162", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 9 October 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\n(private)\nSir,Trenton Oct. 9. 1797.\nHearing Daniel W. Coxe, brother of Tench Coxe Esqr. had returned from New-Orleans, I wished to obtain what information he had collected in that quarter relative to the affairs of the United States. On the 6th instant I recd. from Tench Coxe an extract of a letter from his brother of which a copy is now inclosed.\u2014On account of the commercial affairs of D. W. Coxe at New-Orleans, the communication was accompanied with a request that it might remain confidentially with the Government.\nThis extract confirms, what I have all along supposed, that the two Governors had been acting without orders from home: but expecting (as the Baron de Carondelet said in one of his proclamations in May) a rupture between France and the United States, in which Spain must of course become a party, they thought they exercised a prudent political foresight in retaining the posts, and might thereby render themselves meritorious in the eyes of their government.\nI saw Dr. Rush on the evening of the 7th. He does not apprehend the smallest difficulty in the assembling of Congress at the time fixed by law\u2014the second Monday in November. In the City of Philadelphia, he says the cases of fever are extremely rare at this time, and confining themselves to the city, there would be little risque in their convening at this moment. It is in Southwark chiefly that the disease has prevailed & still continues.\nI have the honor to be / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. srvt.\nTimothy Pickering\n Enclosure\nConformably to your desire for information on the Louisiana business, I send you the following details.\nOn the 16th or 17th July I arrived at New Madrid, and there learned from Monsr. Lasure, the Commandant, that Capt. Guyan, with 14 boats and three Companies of troops, had the day before passed by with military music playing, keeping the opposite bank, and, I think he added, with colours flying. Capt. Guyan himself landed at New Madrid as a matter of ceremony and respect to the Spanish Garrison. This meeting with Monr. Lasure was friendly, who informed him that he considered the passing of the American troops as, so far an infringement and unauthorized, that he should certainly prevent their further progress were he sufficiently strong, but unable to resist Superior numbers (having only 40 men) he could only protest against their passing, as an act, that might produce a rupture between the two Countries\u2014The Commandant informed me that Capt. Guyan appeared so far to listen to his remonstrances, as to promise not to go below the Chickasaw Bluffs, but there to encamp. Monr. Lasure detained us a day and we were bearers of his protest to Governor Gayoso. Having taken a pilot at New Madrid, we continued to descend in the night and therefore missed Capt. Guyon and arrived at the Bluffs the next day, before him. This position was evacuated by the Spaniards, who had built a small fort on the opposite bank, where there was a Corporal and 12 men\u2014Panton of Pensacola the Indian trader, has a store and a few huts at the Bluffs\u2014Between this place and Nogales (or the Walnut Hills) we met a Spanish Government boat going up the river with presents destined to be distributed among the Chickasaws, Arkensaws, and other Indian tribes\u2014On the 22nd July we arrived at the Walnut Hills (37 leagues above Natchez) I was forcibly struck with the strength and beauty of this situation, which from a sudden bend in the river and the height of the ground Commands very completely the passage of the Mississippi. We here landed and our party being all known to the Officers of the garrison, we remained a few hours, and the Commandant permitted us to view the fortifications and informed us of his force and preparations to receive the Americans should they attempt to pass\u2014The force is 450 men with many of the Oldest and most experienced Officers in the service of the Colony, & the place is really in an excellent state of defence and daily improving and Strengthening. A new fort is likewise building on the most Commanding height. The day after (23d July) we arrived at the Natchez, when I first delivered Mr. Pickerings letter to Mr. Ellicott, and then called on Govr. Gayoso with two of our party by whom we were received with great politeness and detained to breakfast. Governor Gayoso married a Miss Watts, daughter of a Mr. Watts who settled in that Country many years since from Philadelphia.\u2014I found her and Mrs. Watts both at Government house, and having letters for the latter, from Old Doctr. Redman (her Uncle) and Mr. Daniel Coxe, I was very graciously received. I mention the Governors marriage with an American lady as it leads to some observations, which I shall have occasion to make to you\u2014\nGayoso had just received intelligence of his appointment to Louisiana, on which I first Congratulated him, and then turned the conversation to the negociation, which he immediately began to descant upon with great freedom. He mentioned his late disagreeable situation when attacked by the inhabitants of Natchez and spoke of Lieutenant , who Commands the American troops with great irritation, and expressed the strongest wish for the arrival of Captain Guyon to supercede the Lieutenant, whom he appeared to consider as having been a principal mover in the late disturbances. He mentioned Ellicott as a good man & a good Geographer, but one that he considered very unfit for his mission. He censured Monr. Lasure for opposing Captain Guyons descent, and said that orders had been sent up to the Walnut Hills not to oppose his passage. This, I have since reason to believe, was true, tho\u2019 it did not correspond with what Baron Carondelet afterwards told me on that head. After leaving Gayoso, I called, by myself, on Mr. Ellicott and gave him the Philadelphia papers containing Mr. Pickerings report and the Presidents message, which he had not then seen. Ellicott mentioned to me nearly in the following terms, \u201cthat Gayoso and himself were then on the best terms possible, that not a day passed without a visit from him and a repetition of assurances, that the posts would soon be given up,\u201d He added, \u201cthat he began to entertain sanguine expectations of succeeding,\u201d as Gayoso was now well convinced that the tenure of the Natchez was impracticable on any other terms than those which the American settlers had lately dictated or might further chuse to insist on; that there were there then 10 Companies of organized American Insurgents and a number more would be found in case of an emergency\u2014He related the affair of the attack on the Governor\u2019s house nearly as you have seen it in the printed paragraph I sent you. He stated in support of his expectations of succeeding in adjusting the business without much further delay, \u201cthat the cannon had been lately carried away\u201d\u2014But it is a question whether this might not have been a measure of prudence to prevent their being turned against himself in case of a more serious rupture\u2014I understood that the Lieutenant before alluded to (whose name I have forgotten) was on bad terms with Ellicott\u2014and that they did not speak. This I am disposed to credit. Mr. Ellicott appeared to apprehend no opposition to Captain Guyons passing the Walnut Hills and wished him much to arrive\u2014On my arrival at New Orleans I called on the Baron and gave him another sett of the same papers which I had left with Ellicott which he had not than seen\u2014I read over to him the points cited in the President\u2019s message as the asserted pretexts on the part of Spain for retaining the posts and he immediately noticed the President\u2019s silence on that part of the Chevalier de Yrujo\u2019s memorial, which complains of a grant of the navigation of the Mississippi to the British and which, he observed, was the most important point in difference. He added that the other matters were apparently put on such a footing by the President, that the difficulties on those points would be done away, but that the navigation of the river by the British was an insurmountable obstacle to the cession of the posts, unless the two Governments could come to arrangements through the Channel of negociation, that would do it away\u2014As this difficulty was not mentioned by either Ellicott or Gayoso, it appeared to me strange, that the Baron should lay so much stress on it\u2014But this mystery was afterwards solved by the Barons observations on Gayoso\u2019s and Ellicott\u2019s conduct. He censured the former for undertaking to say and do unauthorized things, and blamed Ellicott for not having communicated directly with himself, who was the only proper organ of communication on the part of Spain under the treaty\u2014He approved of the conduct of Monsr. Lasure in protesting, which was done he said by his orders and that he had likewise directed the Commandant at Walnut Hills to oppose the passage of the American troops. He said much more, from all which it was evident that there had been a constant misunderstanding between him and Gayoso on the subject of the negociation\u2014I observed to the Baron that as Gayoso was now in power he might probably undertake to fulfil the promises he had made to Ellicott. To this he replied, that though he (the Baron) was no longer Governor of the province Gayoso could not depart from that line of proceeding, which he had already laid down, and therefore until the point in difference was rectified, by our Government, or settled by negociation, that the posts would certainly, not be given up. On this subject he communicated so undisguisedly, that I am myself confirmed in a similar belief, which other circumstances have likewise tended to strengthen\u2014A Monsr. Grandpres was appointed Gayoso\u2019s successor at Natchez, & the Walnut Hills are lately much Strengthened & its garrison much Augmented. It is my opinion, that unless we proceed by hostile measures to enforce the delivery of the posts the Spaniards will be glad to let matters rest on their present footing untill they can be amicably settled.\nThe people generally in Louisiana would be happy to see France become the possessor of that Colony, provided the change could be effected without introducing the French principles of Colonial liberty to the Slaves of which the negro proprietors have the greatest dread\u2014I augur favorably of Gayoso\u2019s disposition towards the United States from many circumstances. His connexion with an American family will lead him into the American and English society at N. Orleans and will restrain his intercours with the French by whom he is generally disliked\u2014He is a man of plausable character, timid, Capricious and fond of adulation\u2014He is however much a man of the world for his rate of understanding, but may be easily led by consulting his whims and his interest. He is necessitous and extravagant and at present much in debt. I have given you in a very desultory way such facts and ideas as have occured to me on the subject, most of them unimportant but as you wished me to be particular I have been as much so as my time or a detail on paper will permit\u2014A conversation with you would enable me to say much more.\nYou probably know that the Commerce of Louisiana as in other Spanish Colonies being under the sole direction of an intendant, is not to be considered as falling within the province of the Governor\u2014Morales a Spaniard by birth and in his confined principles, is at present Intendant and shackles much, by his severity and dislike of every nation but his own, the trade of the 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2163", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel B. Malcom, 11 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Malcom, Samuel B.\nDear Sir,\nEast Chester October 11th 1797\nSoon after my Arrival at Col Smiths this Evening, I received your favour of the 10th inclosing a Letter to you from Mr Morton of the 10th desiring to be informed of the hour of my intended Arrival at Newyork\u2014\nHaving a good deal of Business to do, it was my Intention to have passed a few days with my Daughter at this Place, previous to my Journey to the City, and in case this would be most conveniant to me, and in case it is equally agreeable to the Gentleman who intend to do me the honour to meet me, I would propose Monday next, to be at Haerlem at Eleven oClock in my way to the City, But if any other day or hour would be more agreeable to the Gentleman either of this Week or the next, I will Chearfully conforme,\u2014\nI shall want my Son, and you to accompany me in my Carriage, Can you both or either attend me.\u2014\nI am very Sensible of the honour intended me by the Military and the other Gentleman and would neglect nothing which is proper to manifest my high respect for them and their Polite attentions\u2014\nI am Dr Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2164", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 12 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nDear Sir\nEast Chester 20 miles from New York October 12. 1797\nLast night I arrived at Col. Smiths, and my Family will probably make this House their home till they can go to Philadelphia with Safety.\nYour Reasons against convening Congress at any other Place than Philadelphia, have great Weight: but must all be overruled, if the Plague continues in that City. Perhaps it may not be necessary to remove many of the Books and Papers of the Public offices to New York if Congress should be convened there. They may adjourn to Philadelphia after sitting in New York a month, or less, if they are Satisfied that the Distemper is extinguished. I mean not however to have you understand that I am determined to convene the Legislature at New York. I shall wait for time and your Advice: and will avoid it, if Prudence will permit.\nIt is become necessary for me, to call upon you for Aid in Pecuniary matters, and I beg the favour of you to send me, two thousand Dollars of my Salary in Post notes, or if you can contrive any better Way to supply me, So much the better.\nYour Letters to me, if Addressed to the Care of Charles Adams Esqr Counsellor at Law New York, will Soon come to my hand. Some Care will be necessary about Post notes for they have been Sometimes taken out of the Post office.\nMrs. Wolcott was well at Hartford on Sunday the Child had an ill turn but was better.\nIt is a great Pleasure to me to be again within an hundred miles of you, and I pray you to write me as often as possible.\nyour minutes of Communications & Recommendations to Congress at the opening of the Session I wish to have as Soon as possible. Will you be so good as to write to Mr McHenry and Mr Lee for theirs.\nWith great regard I am / Dear sir your most obedient ervant\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2165", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 14 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir\nEast Chester. 20 miles from Newyork October 14th 1797\nYour favour of the 7th. and the duplicate of it, and that of the ninth, with their Enclosures, I received last night\u2014\nDr Rush has so many motives to wish that Congress may assemble in Philadelphia, that his Testimony must be weighed with certain Grains of allowance. It is but a small consolation to the Senators and Representatives of the United States to say that the malignant Contagion is but little Spread in the City and is chiefly confined to Southwark, Since the Inhabitants of Southwark as well as Philadelphia will have Power to fill the Gallerias of both Houses and bring their infection with them. As Such is the aversion of the Eastern Members: to the Idea of going to Philadelphia on the second Monday in November, that I am confident there will not be Quorum of either House, for many Weeks after it. The Members will be Scattered, some at home, and some at Taverns on the road, and some in Philadelphia, all in a very disagreable awkward, and Uncertain Situation. Will it not be better then, by convening Congress at NewYork, to give them an opportunity of Judging for themselves of the proper time, and making the Adjournment to Philadelphia their own Act?\nThe Letter from Mr William Turnbull of Carlisle, Soliciting the Treasury of the Mint, and Mr Bassetts Letter recommending Dr James Sykes, to the Same Office. I return to you, that you may file together all the Applications and recommendations for that Appointment, and deliver them to me, when We meet to determine the Question.\nI thank you for writing to Mr Hodgdon on the Necessity of additional Night Watches. I am afraid my House will stand a worse chance of escaping the Speculations of the Villains, than any others: but I know not what can be done to Secure it, more than has been done. A Centinel at the Door, if such a Watch could be hired would frighten the People of Philadelphia, more than the Plague.\nSanthonax\u2019s departure for France will be no relief to our Commerce, nor will any negotiations going on, or Treaties We can make, untill our Vessells arm in their own defence This is my Opinion, I wish I may be deceived. But I believe all Frenchmen are of Opinion with my Old Friend the Abb\u00e1 De Malby de Mably, who once said to me \u201cIl n\u2019y a point de morale pour un homme qui meurt de faim.\u201d\u2014They will all I believe agree in this, tho you and I shall not, and Add at least in practice \u201cIl n\u2019y a point de Trait\u00e9 \u2018pour\u2019 une nation qui meurt de faim.\u201d\nI am afraid they will cure our People of their too fond Attachments, if they have any, by very harsh Remedies.\nI shall divide my time between New york and East Chester, till the Meeting of Congress; your Letters, to the Care of my Son, will soon reach me, and the more there are of them the better.\nWith great regard, I am, Dear Sir Sir, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2166", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 14 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nDear Sir\nEast Chester Oct. 14 1797\nI wrote you, a day or two ago, on the necessary Article of money: but am afraid I did not express myself with earnestness enough to convey an adequate Idea of my Necessities.\nThis shall be your Warrant for signing a Warrant in my behalf, if that is necessary, for two thousand dollars of my salary, which I pray you to convey to me in Postnotes, on New York, as soon as possible.\nThe Question that perplexes me most is whether to convene Congress at New York\u2014Please to give me constantly your Ideas on this Point.\nI am, with great regard Dear Sir / 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2167", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Rev. William Walter, 14 October 1797\nFrom: Walter, Rev. William\nTo: Adams, John\nYour Excellency\nBoston 14 Octo. 1797\nhaving left Your Seat at Quincy earlier than I had expected deprived me of the Pleasure of paying my respects to Mrs. Adams & your Excellency and thanking you for the Information & Satisfaction which I had recently received from the Perusal of your Letters on the Constitutions of the American States\u2014\nThe same Reason prevents me the Honor of delivering with my own hands two more of the volumes of my Friend Count Rumfords Essays which he is desirous through me of presenting to your Excellency. they will find you I hope in perfect health and furnish an agreable Entertainment to such Moments of Leisure as you can afford from the arduous Walks of Politics and lend to the milder Disquisitions of Philosophy.\nmost sorry I am to inform you that our excellent Friend and Relative mrs. Gill is very ill of a nervous Fever at Princeton. I set off Tomorrow after Divine Service to pay her a visit fearing greatly that it may be the last Time I shall be permited to see as an Inhabitant of our World\u2014with most respectful Esteem I am / Your Excellencys / most obedient / & very Huml Servt.\nW Walter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2169", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 15 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir\nEast Chester 20 miles from New York October 15 1797\nI arrived, with my Family at this Place four days ago and propose to remain here and at New york, till the Meeting of Congress. Letters addressed to me, to the Care of Charles Adams Esqr. Counsellor at Law in New york, will Soon find me.\nI pray you to commit to Writing such Things are you judge necessary to be communicated or recommended to Congress at the opening of the session, and convey them to me, as early as possible\u2014And to give me your Opinion, whether the Prevalent Sickness in Philadelphia, is so dangerous to the Lives or health of the Members as to make it necessary to convene them at any other Place.\nWith great regard, I am, Dear Sir / 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2170", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 16 October 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nTrenton Oct. 16. 1797.\nI was yesterday honoured with your letter of the 12th from East Chester.\nI wrote you on the 7th by duplicates, in answer to your letter of the 2d, in which you directed future letters to be addressed to you at East Chester, one sent to the postmaster at New-Haven, where I supposed it might you on tuesday the 10th, and the other to New-York, to the care of your son. On the 9th I wrote you a private letter covering information relative to our affairs on the Mississipi, to the care of your son at New-York. In the same letter I mentioned the opinion of Dr. Rush, That there was very little of the yellow fever in the city of Philadelphia, and this Congress might at assemble at the time to which they stand adjourned, in perfect safety.\nI wrote the 2d of August to the Governors of the States which had not communicated the determinations of their legislatures on the proposed amendment to the constitution respecting the suability of states; and have some time since received answers, except from Kentuckey & Tenassee. I have now prepared duplicates to send the Governours of those states. But it did not occur to me till now, that the Resolution of Congress for the amendment in question passed in 1794, & in March of that year by another resolution, the President was desired to transmit the former to the Executives of the several states for adoption that is, two years before Tenassee was admitted as one of the states of the Union. I have therefore made out a copy of the resolution and shall send the same, with an explanatory letter, to the Governor of Tenassee. If however the amendment should have been previously adopted by the three fourths of the states, the decision of Tenassee will be immaterial. What is the fact, I am not able to determine; the Chief Clerk to whom the answers from the states written to were committed, not being here.\nThe other request repeated in your letter of the 12th instant, will be duly attended to.\nI am most respectfully / Sir, your obt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2171", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 16 October 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nGrays Ferry Oct. 16. 1797\nI have had the honour to recieve your favour of the 12th instant, and congratulate you on your safe arrival so near the Seat of Government.\nTo prevent the possibility of risque in remitting you the sum of Two thousand Dollars, I inclose a Letter to Mr. Sands who will pay that sum to your order.\nThe sickness is unquestionably diminishing in the City: its operation is the same as in 1793 in one respect; the cold weather proves fatal to those who have contracted the disorder, while it arrests the progress of contagion\u2014I speak from particular enquiry & observation. I have been repeatedly in the City;\u2014yesterday I spent the day there & went through most of the principal streets, where there is in fact no sickness.\nBy Letters from Mr. McHenry & Mr. Lee, I consider myself authorized to say, that they will concur in an opinion which I maintain, namely, that nothing has happened during the summer to justify a change of the system recommended by the President at the last session.\u2014That system was in my opinion a wise one, & ought to have been adopted by Congress in all its parts\u2014Whatever may be the issue of the negociation with France, whether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it for certain that the equilibrium of society will not soon be restored; there is too much vice violence & ambition n the world, to render it reasonable to build a hope, that a weak & defenceless Commerce will not be plundered.As our Commerce cannot be defended by public force; the alternative presented is, whether it shall be abandoned, or defended at private expence under some systematical public regulation. When this alternative is well understood, the people will not long hesitate. The abandonment of Commerce is impossible;\u2014the plan upon which the Country has been settled; upon which Cities have built, & upon which a great part of our social establishments have been founded presupposes an extensive foreign Commerce.\nI conceive therefore that the character & leading idea of the Presidents address should be to inculcate the necessity of the measures before recommended; not only because those measures appear to be the best adapted to the situation & means of the Country, but because such a course will serve to impress ideas of firmness, premeditation & consistency on the part of the Executive.\nNot having had access to the papers of the State & War Departments, I do not know of any particular measures, which will require to be noticed. The Treasury is in good order & nothing need be mentioned respecting it except that the President has directed the Estimates to be prepared & communicated as usual.\nIt has been impossible to organise the Stamp Tax, but as this is not an affair in which the immediate agency of the President was expected by the Legislature, & as it possible that some zealous men may make a question whether some blame or censure cannot be attached to the Department, I think it expedient that the matter should be left solely upon my responsibility.\nI shall write to Mr. McHenry & Mr. Lee as the President desires; I hope & presume however that we shall all be able to meet before Congress are to convene.\nMy situation has been burdensome & unpleasant in the extreme, but I trust the public business has not suffered.\u2014\nI have the honour to be with / perfect deference & attachment / Dr. Sir, / your obedt. servt.\nOliv: Wolcott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2172", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 17 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir\nNewyork Octobr 17th 1797\u2014\nI received two days ago your Letter of the 24th of Sept: with Inclosures\u2014\nI am Very Sorry to learn your health has been interrupted, and heartily hope it is fully restored\u2014\nI return with this all the papers I have received from you to this time\u2014I have read them, but find nothing which requires any particular observations from me\u2014My Sentiments are in concord with yours, and I pray you to continue to direct the business as you have done\u2014and as you judge necessary till I shall have the pleasure to see you\u2014\nI know not what answer Can be given to the petitioners from Tenessee\u2014it is too late to revoke the orders complained of if that were proper\nWith great Esteem your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2173", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 19 October 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nYoung Lafayette called to day, on his way to New York to embark for France. He left Genl. Washington last Friday perfectly well\u2014and saw a letter from him dated on Saturday afternoon. But on his way, as he drew near to Philadelphia, was told the General was dead.\u2014Mr. Simmons at the War Office told Major Lewis, who just now called to see me, that an Express had passed thro\u2019 Derby with the news. Simmons had it at second hand. It may be true, but is most probably unfounded.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2174", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Steward, 19 October 1797\nFrom: Steward, John\nTo: Adams, John\nTo His Excellency John Adams President of the United States\nNewyork October the 19th 1797\nHounred Sir\nI your pitisioner John Steward A man that have had the houner to Serve the United States with my waggon and hourses for three years and six month during the Late War and I Never have Recived any thing for my past Labour And as the Lord have pleased to Aflick my with is holey Hand as I ham nott hable to help my Selfe out of the Bed with out help with Induse me to Lay my Compleant be four your Houner to see if your Excellency wod be So good as to a Low me a pentison or Do thomthing for me for my former Service with I Did with A good Hart and Cherfull Courage for the good of my Country with I hope that your houner will Do thomthing to help Your poor pitisoner.\nJohn Steward\nNB Sir if your houner please to give me a Order to draw as orther penison Do or what your houner please as whe are Shure that is Lays in your power to do and as Your houner was in town I maid Bold to wate on You in person at the Door.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2175", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 20 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir.\nEast Chester October 20th 1797\nYour Favour of yesterday was brought to me to day at Dinner, a very pleasing Circumstance as it Shews the practicability of quick and frequent Intercourse between us.\u2014\nThe Chevalier de Yrujo\u2019s Letter you mention, I shall probably have an Opportunity to See, as soon as I wish and therefore shall Say nothing to it at present.\u2014\nI wish the Person, whoever he was, that undertook to publish your Answer to the Chevaliers Letter of July 11, when he took upon himself to insert it in a Newspaper, had at least had the Judgement to insert it all together in one Paper: because dividing a Thing of that kind prevents it from ever being properly read and understood. I shall probably however have Occasion to lay the whole Correspondence before Congress, and then it will be read in its place.\u2014I pray you to order Copies to be prepared of the whole Correspondence, and everything in your Office which relates to the Subject which in your Judgement can contribute to inform the Legislature of the true Situation of our Country in relation to foreign nations, and to write me as soon as convenient your Opinion of the Communications and Recommendations to be inserted in the Speech.\nI return inclosed Mr. Cocke\u2019s Letter and request you when you have read it to transmit it to Mr. McHenry\u2014\nThe report you mention is probably propagated as well as fabricated by Persons who wish to depress the Spirits of the People, before the convening of Congress.\u2014\nWe shall have a gloomy session at Philadelphia, if we can make a Congress at all.\u2014\nWith high Esteem I am Dear Sir, your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2176", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nDear Sir\nEast Chester Oct. 20 1797\nI have recd. your favour of the 16th.\u2014Thank you for your care in writing to Mr Sands, who has furnished me with two thousand dollars for which I gave him duplicate Receipts to Serve for one, according to your desire.\nThough I rejoice to learn from your Letter that the Sickness in the City is diminishing, I cannot admit your Walk through the Principal Streets of it, to be full proof; because it is generally agreed that the Principal Streets are deserted by the Inhabitants.\nYou remember the Anxieties and Alarms among the Members of Congress in 1793, their continual regret that no Power had existed to convene them elsewhere, and their Solicitude to pass an Act to provide such an Authority in future. There will be so much Uneasiness among them, if that Authority is not exerted, that there will probably be no Congress formed before Christmas, and a few who will venture into the City will be there in Idleness and out of their Element.\nI thank you for the Sentiments you have expressed relative to the System to be pursued. Can you send me a Copy of the Speech, at the Commencement of last session? I have no Copy of it here, and perhaps shall find it difficult to procure one.\nI should be glad however to know your Opinion whether our Envoys will be recd or not? whether they will Succeed or not? with hints at Your reasons: if any Intelligence has furnished any.\nThe organization of the Stamp Tax Suggests a Vexation to me. The Bill was worth Money and Money was so much wanted for the public Service, that I would not put it at risque. Otherwise I would have negatived that Bill. Not from Personal feelings for I care not a farthing for all the personal Power in the World. But The Office of the Secretary of the Treasury is in that Bill, premeditatedly sett up as a rival to that of the President: and that Policy will be pursued if We are not on our guard till We have a quintuple or a Centuple Executive Directory, with all the babylonish dialect which modern Pedants much affect.\nI pray you to continue to write me as often as possible\nWith high Esteem, I am, Dear sir, your / very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2179", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Arthur Campbell, 21 October 1797\nFrom: Campbell, Arthur\nTo: Adams, John\nsire\nWashington County V. Octo. 21t. 1797\nYou have spoken, and you have spoke it with dignity and truth.\u2014That the rising generation of Americans, the most promising and perhaps the most important Youth, which the human species can boast, educated in the principles of religion and morality, and having before them the examples of the wise and good of all nations, cannot fail to answer the high expectations, which the World has formed of their future wisdom, virtues and energies.\u2014\nA most elevated and consolatory prospect to the Parents and Friends of our Youth. But ah! Sir, we have subverters and opposers of religion and morality. We have ingenious and bold Infidels, that seem to take a pleasure in corrupting our Youth and leading them into error and wickedness.\u2014Hence the necessity of instruction, and an incessant guardianship.\u2014To be a Guardian of all our Youth, to be a Patron of a Book of Instruction for to all future Ages; our enlightned and patriotic Chief, will readily condescend to accept.\nUnder this impression sire, I have presumed thro the good offices of the Secretary of State, to offer for your patronage a Work calculated to instruct the Youth of your favourite American, and to expose the errors of a late popular writer.\nI will not presume to anticipate your judgment of Doctor Brooks Reply to the Age  of Reason; but will venture to mention, that from the originality of the style, and the importance of the design, you will take pleasure in giving it a perusal, and I trust, think it worthy of an extensive publication thro the United States.\u2014\nWith profound Respect / I am sire, your most Ob. servant\nArthur 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2180", "content": "Title: Epitomy, and Remarks on Actions of Ministers at Paris, 22 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nEpitomy\nOn the 5th. verbally informed Talleyrand, of their arrival.\nOn the 6th. Major Rutledge carried a Letter of that date to Talleyrand\nOn the 8th. They made their first Visit to Talleyrand, at one, not at home at 3 called again. Engaged with Portuguese, who soon retired. They were admitted and presented a Copy of their Credentials. T. employed about a report. In a few days, they should know what was to follow. Cards of Hospitality given them, next day.\n[in margin Mountflorence & Osmond]\n14. Mountflorence informed Pinckney, that Osmond Talleyrands secretary had told him, that the Directory were greatly exasperated at Some parts of the Speech, & would require an Explanation. That it was probable they would not have an audience, till the Negn. was finished. That persons might be appointed to treat, who would report to Talleyrand.\n18. W. told Pinckney that X, was &c & might be relyed on. in the Evg. X called, & whispered that he had a Message from Talleyrand. That Talleyrand had a great regard for America and its Citizens. & was desirous of a reconciliation. ready to Suggest a Plan that Talleyrand expected would answer.\u2014X said that the Directory & particularly two of its members, were exceedingly irritated at some Passages of the Ps. Speech. And desired that they Shd. be Softened.\u2014This Step necessary previous to their Reception.\u2014besides Softening a Sum of Money was required for the Pocket of the Directory & Ministers, wh wd be at the disposal of Talleyrand.\u2014A Loan wd also be insisted on.\u2014on these Terms Talleyrand had not doubt, that all Differences might be accommodated.\u2014X could not point out the Passages, that had given offence. not the quantum of the Loan\u2014But the Douceur for the Pocket was 12,000,000 Livres.\u2014But had this from Y\nOct. 19. 1797 at 6 in the Evg. H, Y.X left the first sett of Propositions. a Person, who possesses the Confidence of the Directory, proposes to employ all his Influence.\nRemarks.\nThis is a pedantical, timorous Thing. They ought to have sent a Card to inform the Minister, that they had arrived in Paris, as Envoys Extra. to the Executive Directory, and have asked for an hour, when to wait upon him and no more. the long canting Preamble is not only weak, but ridiculous and mischievous.\nThe Conversation of Mountflorence and Osmond, was beneath the Envoys to take notice of in their dispatches. They should have been put upon their guard by it, however, against the subsequent Errors into which they fell.\nHubbard W. and X, with all their Tittle Tattle ought to have been not attended to, nor any Word said to them, till the Envoys were received by the Directory and some one vested with full Powers to treat.\u2014Pinckneys answer to X should have been We will not say one Word in answer to any Proposition till We are recd and meet a Minister on Equal ground.\nWhile with perfect resignation I submit to that Responsibility wh to the two Houses of Congress, which is established in the Constitution of the United States, I hold my self unac not Accountable to any foreign Government for any Communications or recommendations which I think it my Dut that Constitution has made it my duty to make lay before to the two Houses. And if any crowned head in Europe or any Executive Authority of Government in any Sta Nation of Europe had as publicly held the Same Language concerning the American Government, with that held by the President of the Executive Directory to our recalled Minister, I should have thought it my Duty to consider it with equal freedom.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2181", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 October 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nNear Downings town 22 Octbr. 1797.\nI have the honour to submit the following letters and copies of letters and to request that the originals may be returned with such orders as you may think proper. vz.\nNo. 1. Copy of a letter dated the 16th of Octbr. to Brig. Gen. James Wilkinson.\nNo. 2. (a) Instructions to Capn. Pierce dated 16 Octbr. (b) Instructions to a detachment expected from Tenessee at Massac. (c) Instructions to Majr. Constant Freman. (d) Copy of a letter to Cap. Guion.\nNo. 3. Original letter from Lt. Colonel Hamtramck dated the 15 Septr. ulto.\nNo. 4. Original letter from Brigadier General Wilkinson dated Detroit the 20th of Septr.\nNo. 5. Copy of a letter to Brigadier General James Wilkinson dated the 20th of Octbr. inst.\nWith the greatest respect I have the honour to be / Sir your most ob & hble sert.\nJames McHenryPermit me to request you to put your name on the cover which may include the letters which you return. The gentlemen of the office have orders not to open any letters coming from you.J McH.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2182", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 22 October 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nNear Downingstown 22d. Octbr. 1797.\nI had the honour to receive your letter under date of the 15th of this month on the 20th inst.\nIn conformity with your desire therein, that I should commit to writing such things as I might judge necessary to be communicated or recommended to Congress at the opening of the session I beg leave to report as follows.\nIt does not appear to me from any thing that has come to my knowlege, that circumstances have so altered in Europe, which bear upon or have reference to the United States, as to render it expedient or adviseable for the President to be silent on the subject of an increase of the national defence. On the contrary, whatever may be the result of the negociations pending between the belligerent powers, or however favourable the reception that may be given by the Directory, or the French people to our commissioners, it would be unwise in the U.S. to depend upon such circumstances for our safety and the attainment of justice, or to neglect making provision against an adverse state of things, especially while our trade continues to be attacked and diminished by the depredations of French cruisers and privateers, and no orders appear to have issued from the government of France to controul or ameliorate such aggressions and injuries.\nFrom these and other considerations it would seem expedient and adviseable that the President should \u201crecall to the serious deliberation of Congress such objects relative to the improvement of the national defence, and protection of our commerce, as he had recommended at the last session, and which the state of things in Europe as they bear upon and apply to the interests of the U.S. and continued depredations upon our commerce, may appear to require\u201d.\nThe running of the Indian boundary lines not being yet completed, and projects hostile to the U.S. having become interlocked with the measure, the issue of which cannot at present me ascertained, it may therefore be best that this subject should lay over for the present.\nBut there is another  connected with the proceding which it will be proper to introduce; I mean the attempts and practices of foreign agents to estrange from the U.S. the affections of the Indians so essential to peace, and to excite them to actual warfare.\nOn this head, Congress might be informed, \u201cthat great industry has been employed by certain persons or agents who had insinuated themselves among the Indian tribes residing within our territory; to induce them to transfer their force and affections to a foreign nation; to form them into a confederacy, and prepare them for war with the U.S. That measures have been taken to counteract these violations of our rights and the laws of nations, and to prevent Indian hostility and preserve entire their attachment to the U.S. That it is at the same time his duty to observe, that to give effect to these measures, and obviate the consequences of a repetition of such attempts may require, besides an augmentation of the military peace establishment, a law  specifying particularly the punishment for such offences. That when the importance of this object is considered, and combined with the necessity, which daily increases, for the creation of new posts on our distant and extensive frontier, and the inadequatness of the present military force to meet these several purposes it is not to be doubted but that the subject will receive their most serious attention\u201d.\nIt will be proper also to say something respecting the non\u2013execution of the Spanish treaty by the officers of that nation It may be observed on this occasion that the President \u201chad expected that he should have had the pleasure to have announced by this time the complete execution of our treaty with his catholic majesty the King of Spain, especially as it respects the removal of his troops from our territory and running the line of demarkation: that he regrets to be obliged to mention, that Spanish garrisons are still continued within it, and that the running of the line has not yet been commenced, particularly as these circumstances cannot fail to affect the Indians in a manner injurious to the U.S.; that he flatters himself however, that the answers which have been given to the objections assigned by the officers of his catholic majesty for this delay, will produce on their part a faithful and prompt execution of the treaty, as they exhibit upon ours a sincere desire to perpetuate peace and friendship with his Catholic Majesty. That further particulars touching this subject will be communicated in the course of the session\u201d.\nThese are in my mind the most essential and combined points for a communication to Congress, and such as facts, the crisis, and circumstances in which the U.S. are placed require should attract their attention, and give rise to correspondent legislative provisions.\nAs to the question, \u201cwhether the prevalent sickness in Philadelphia is so dangerous to life and health as to make it necessary to convene Congress at any other place?\u201d\nI do not think it would be expedient, or that it is necessary to take any step in the business before the time appointed for the meeting of Congress. The deaths in Philadelphia have evidently diminished, and the inhabitants are beginning to return to it in considerable numbers. Under such evidence of a general belief of the malignity of the disease having abated, and the probability of its soon becoming extinct by the operation of the cold weather, it may be the most prudent policy to leave it to Congress to adjourn should it appear to them necessary for the preservation of their health and lives\u201d\nWith the most sincere respect and attachment I have the honour to be Sir / Your most obt. & hble sert.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2183", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 22 October 1797\nFrom: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nOctober 22. 1797 In Charleston\nI have the honor to submit to your Consideration the inclosed affidavits respecting the English Ship Oracabessa Burnt on Tuesday last within the Bar of this harbour by a Privateer said to be called the Vortitude commanded by a Captain Jourdain and belonging to Cape Francois, also of the capture of the Ship Pallas belonging to this Port and the Mary of Savannah. By an examination of the Affidavits you will find this was a very glaring and wanton violation of the Neutrality of the United States and such as will require their serious interference\u2014The Distance from this city to the place where the act was committed prevented our interfering in time\u2014As soon as I received intellibence of it from the British Consul I order\u2019d an armed Force from Fort Johnson to proceed to the Oracabessa to protect her while within our harb\u00f5r and the Jurisdictional Line of the United States from Seizure, Depredation or Insult, but the Cutter was not able to get down before she was destroyed, and the Privateer had put to Sea and proceeded beyond the Limits of the United States where she captured the Pallas and the Mary\u2014\nAs I am convinced these Violations of our Neutralaty within our harbours and limits cannot be countenanced by the French Government, but are generally committed by Vessels not commissioned or which proceed contrary to their Instructions I have considered it my duty to transmit them to you for your Determination and have requested the Collector to forward Copies to the proper Department\u2014\nAs the Trade of this City is extremely important to the Revenues of the United States and much exposed from its southern situation to Cruisers from the Floridas, Bahamas and West Indies, English as well as French, for they have both lately captured a number of our Vessels\nI conceive it would be proper that a Revenue Cutter of at least twenty Guns should be equipped for the use of this Port and for the protection of the Neutrality of the United States within the Jurisdictional Line until the Establishment of a general Peace, which I trust will soon take place and that all our Differences with the French Republic will be honorably and amicably adjusted.\nI have the honour to be / with respect / Your most / obedient servant\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2184", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 23 October 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nTrenton Octr. 23. 1797.\nYesterday morning I received letters from Mr. Bulkeley, our new consul, dated at Lisbon the 26th & 29th & 30th of August. Mr. Smith embarked in the same ship with him at Philadelphia, the 20th of July, and they arrived at Lisbon the 20th of August. Mr. Smith would have written, if he had known of the conveyance; but he was in the country at Mr. Bulkeley\u2019s father\u2019s.\nMr. Bulkeley\u2019s information is, that an Express arrived from Paris on the 25th of August, with intelligence that preliminaries of peace between France & Portugal had been signed\u2014\u201cthe terms had not publickly transpired, however there appeared to be no doubt but that there is to be a cession of territory (in the Brazils) and payment of twenty five millions of livres, by Portugal.\u201d Some said that Goa was also to be ceded.\nHe confirms the account before received of Admiral Nelson\u2019s expedition to Tenerife, and his defeat, with the loss of an arm, the death of Captain Bowen & other officers, & between 3 & 4 hundred men, of whom 250 were drowned by the surf in landing.\nOn Saturday evening (the 21st) I received a letter from Mr. Murray, dated at the Hague the 21st of July. He mentions the former negociation between the French Republic & Portugal, and the manner in which it was broken off; which displays the perfidy of the Directory. I suppose he received the details from the Portuguese minister, the Chevalier D\u2019Aruejo, then (July 21) in Holland. \u201cHe was sent to enter into a treaty of peace at Paris\u2014He and M. Delacroix entered upon the subject\u2014agreed to the arrangements\u2014and there was nothing wanting but signatures. Intelligence arrived of Buonaparte\u2019s brilliant successes\u2014of the fall of Mantua\u2014and they told the Chevalier, that if he wished for a settlement of subsisting differences he must sign that paper\u2014giving him an arrangement very different from what had been agreed upon. This he refused to do: and he was then told that he must quit Paris, but might stay in France. He chose to leave the Republic; and came to Holland.\u201d It was after this that the Dutch, on the demand of the French Government, suspended their intercourse with Portugal, commercial & political. Portugal immediately laid an embargo, by which three rich Dutch India men were stopt in the Tagris. Then the Dutch retracted the terms \u201cpolitical intercourse,\u201d and the embargo was removed.\nThe French Government too, after dictating the leading principle of the Dutch constitution (the unity & indivisibility of the republic) and otherwise interfering in the deliberations of the convention, have attempted to influence its final adoption by the people, by an address from the Minister Noel to the Batavian Convention; which address has been translated into Dutch, to produce its intended effect. The French copy received from Mr. Murray I now inclose: the Dutch translation I shall send to Mr. Van Polanen.\u2014In 18 days (from July 21) the people were to vote for or against the adoption of the constitution.\u2014What is most remarkable is, that this insulting address of Noel\u2019s does not appear to offend the Dutch; \u201cso broken and dejected in the spirit of this once high tempered people.\u201d \u201cFar from offending, this vote gives pleasure\u2014and most to the best people\u2014the orderly & the honest; who are content to be drawn out of the abyss by the hand which overthrew them.\u201d\u2014Twelve high democrats of the Convention have published an address to the people, urging them not to accept the proposed constitution \u201cbecause it is too federal, too aristocratic.\u201d The moderates have also addressed, and written letters to the Orangists: but these refuse to meddle or vote on one side or the other.\nMr. Murray closes his details with this reflection. \u201cThis country is the school where our politicians might study what to avoid. Unhappily for the whole world, a great part of Europe swells the lessons from which we may be taught the certain death, that awaits the liberties & happiness of any people among whom the French obtain a finger\u2019s breadth of political ground.\u201d\nOn the 21st instant, in the evening I also received Genl. Pinckneys latest letter, which is dated the 26th of July at the Hague. He acknowledges the receipt of my letter which informed him of your having named Judge Dana & General Marshall to join him in making another attempt to negociate with the French Republic. On this he says\u2014\u201cBe assured, sir, I am thoroughly convinced of the propriety of appointing a Commission, and exceedingly pleased to have colleagues who are as eminent for their talents as respectable for their characters. Tho\u2019 I have not the honor at present of knowing them personally, it shall be my study to cultivate their friendship & goodwill, and to promote, in perfect harmony with them, the objects of our particular mission, and the advantage of our common country.\u201d\u2014In a former letter he mentioned his having seen the nomination in a news-paper; and he seized that occasion to express the pleasure and satisfaction it gave him. The sentiment exactly corresponds with the idea I had formed of the unassuming, disinterested & truly patriotic character of General Pinckney.\nIn a series of letters he has communicated what was passing in Paris respecting the affairs of the United States. Major Mountflorence was his regular & intelligent correspondent. Thro\u2019 his agency the letter to General Pinckney (of the 16th of last January) was translated and printed. A 1000 copies, by Genl. Pinckney\u2019s orders, to be distributed; and which were distributed, and producing good effects. The Consuls at the different ports having urgently called for it, he ordered 500 more copies to be printed. All the members of the legislature were furnished, and officers of government. M. Segur & some others wish the case of gratitude had been touched more lightly. Genl. Pinckney, however, thinks all that is said upon it was necessary. \u201cThe friends of Vergennes (says Mountflorence) do not like the facts laid to his charge. M. Marbois would have wished Colo. P. had not so deeply pressed that matter: but taking the whole together, the very great majority of the readers admire the strong manner of arguing and the moderation of the letter; and it is perceivable that some of the worst disposed persons against us have altered their dispositions.\u201d The Consuls in many of the ports of France who wrote for the letter, say \u201cit has had a wonderful effect upon the minds of many persons, both in and out of office, who neither knew the facts, nor were aware of the arguments used.\u201d\nMr. Mountflorence appears to be on very familiar & friendly terms with many members of the legislature, one of whom said he was convinced that a majority were determined to bring about a reconciliation with the United States. Several of the members of each council had explicitly mentioned their approbation of the sentiments you delivered in your speech to Congress at the opening of the late session. The Committee on Pastoret\u2019s motion had not reported: which Genl. Pinckney ascribes to the very interesting situation of their own affairs, on account of the differences between the Directory and the Council of 500.\u2014On every occasion Genl. Pinckney repeats his opinion, that firm conduct alone will ensure to us the most desirable terms. He will consequently be disappointed and mortified with the proceedings of the last session of Congress; so different from what your speech had led him and Mr. Murray to anticipate. Both mention the high satisfaction which it gave them.\nYou will recollect the news-paper accounts of the ship Juliana of Baltimore, carried into Havre, for want of a r\u00f4le d\u2019egquipage. The Commercial tribunal of Havre acquitted her. The captors appealed to the Tribunal of the Department, by which the sentence was reversed\u2014but merely for an informality in the Court\u2014and the cause sent back to be tried anew.  The Commercial Tribunal has again (and in stronger terms than before) declared the capture unlawful. The informality consisted in this, that altho\u2019 there were three of the judges of the tribunal present, yet they took assistants (suppl\u00e9ans), which was to be done only when fewer than three of the judges were present.\nYou have doubtless noticed in the newspapers, intelligence from Washington (or Brownesville, formerly Red Stone, on the Monogehela) in Pennsylvania, under date of October 2d. or 3d. that a person had arrived there in 45 days from the Natchez (or New Orleans) & said the posts were given up by the Spaniards, and that the Commissioners were running the boundary line.\u2014I have no other information on the subject. You will recollect that this was Mr. Ellicott\u2019s expectation, according to the account given in the extract of the letter I had lately the honor to send, you from a gentleman who had come from New Orleans. I have written to his brother, to learn at what time he left New Orleans. The newspaper article above mentioned would carry back the person\u2019s departure from N. Orleans to the 16th of August.\nI am most respectfully, sir, / your obt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2185", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Robert Montgomery, 24 October 1797\nFrom: Montgomery, Robert\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nAlicante 24 October 1797\nDuring the Plague at Algiers in July last Mr Barlow wrot me Several letters very pressingly requesting I would Send over some person of my confidence to attend to the buseness of the United States While he should return to Europe as was absolutely necessary for him at that period. I had then no person I could depend on but my own Nephew Mr George Clark, from whom I have Just received the Original Treaty of Peace with the Bey of Tunis in the Arabic and French languages, a Copy of the latter you will please find herewith, which being the first made out in your Presidentship I hope will plead my excuse for the liberty of addressing you with it. The Original I hold at the disposal of Colonel Humphreys whos Orders respecting it I expect from Madrid\nMay you finish your precedency in happiness and peace with all mankind is the constant prayer of / Dear Sir / Your affectionate and / Very humble Servant\nRobt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2188", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 26 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir\nEast Chester Octr. 26. 1797\nI have to thank you, for the Summary in your Letter of the 23d. of the dispaches from Mr Pinckney, Mr Murray, Mr Bulkley &c.\nMr Murray arrived in Season to renew his old Friendship with his Predecessor. They had spent Some weeks together at the Hague, more than a dozen years ago. Mr Adams had an opportunity to introduce Mr Murray to his Friends and to communicate to him the train of Affairs, an Advantage, which Mr Murray earnestly wished, before he Sailed from Philadelphia.\nMr Pinckney has been well acquaint with Mr Gerry. They have always been upon terms of friendship: and I doubt not he will be as well pleased, as if Mr Dana had accepted.\nPoor Portugal has been intimidated into concessions, as humiliating to herself, as pernicious to the World. I am not Surprised, that Mr. Marbois should wish, that Col. Pickering had not pushed the point of gratitude so far.\u2014He may well be surprised, and ought to be grateful, that his own Letter to Vergennes was not quoted at full length. Nothing could have better illustrated the question of gratitude.\nMy youngest Son Thomas Boylston Adams has been in Paris, and instead of being ordered out of France, as our Jacobinic papers boasted he accepted the day before he returned, a polite invitation to dine with one of the Directors, Citizen Carnot, by whom he was civilly treated, and urged to endeavour to reconcile the two Countries. He was admitted and had a convenient Seat assigned him at the Ceremony of drawing the Lot, for the Director who was to vote out. In short, he was treated, with great distinction. I am disappointed in my hopes of seeing him this season. His Brother who is a little disconcerted at his removal to Berlin (which he says is in the heart of Germany, where he Shall not See an American in a year) has taken Advantage of it, to insist upon his company So earnestly that I think he will prevail, and I must remain another year at least, forlorn.\nWe must prepare as exact a Statement, as our intelligence will justify, of the position of our Agents civil and military, on the Mississippi, and of the disposition of the Spaniards and Inhabitants towards them, to be inserted in the Speech.\nAnd, pray give me your opinion explicitly, whether, from the prevalence of contagious Sickness in Philadelphia, or the existence of any other Circumstances, it would be hazardous to the Lives or health, of the members of Congress, to meet in that City, on the Second monday in november.\nIf I Should not issue a Proclamation convening Congress, at New York, I Shall take you by the hand in Trenton the first week in november, in my Way, to Philadelphia. I am, Dear Sir with great regard yours\nJohn AdamsI return you Guardian Noels Speech to his helpless Ward.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2190", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Parrish, 26 October 1797\nFrom: Parrish, John\nTo: Adams, John\nPhiladelphia 26st: of the 10th. month 1797\nObserving in the public Prints under New York heads of the 17st instant that \u201cthe President of the United States intended honouring the Theatre in Johns Street with his presence, and that a Box was engaged for his reception\u201d\u2014\nMy mind was led into serious reflection on the influence of Example so conspicuous as that the Chief Ruler filling the highest Station of Confidence and respect in Government, should in any degree countenance or encourage such Scenes of Vanity and dissipation, which however artfully disguised with a plausible shew of Morality, do most powerfully tend to deprave the minds of the People, laying waste the fear of the Lord and sincere relish for the solemn duty of Divine worship, leading to infidelity, lewdness and profanity, which tho\u2019 secretly must eventually be subversive of the Civil welbeing of the Community at large; for it is Righteousness and a love to true Religion which alone exalts a Nation or Country.\u2014\nThe first Congress in a time of trouble and difficulty, sensible of the value of an unfeigned adherence to the salutary restrictions of Piety and Christian temperance, did on behalf of themselves and those they represented firmly agree under the sacred ties of Virtue, Honour and love of their Country, to discountenance and discourage every species of extravagancy and dissipation, Plays and other expensive entertainments and diversions.\u2014\nNo doubt thou art well acquainted with History and the just abhorence entertained by the primitive Christians respecting the pernicious unhappy effects produced thro\u2019 an attachment to sensual gratifications and frequenting places of corrupting amusement, which tho ancient still retain the validity and cogency of sound reason.\u2014I am sensible of the arduous engagement and almost incessant pressure resulting from the weight of business and extensive Concerns which necessarily claim thy attention, yet could not feel a peaceful relief to my mind without suggesting to thy consideration the necessity and importance of supporting the exalted dignity of thy Station by a reverent regard to the honour of God and a virtuous unshaken Contempt of every Species of Dissipation, which I am persuaded would Conduce to thy present Satisfaction, and in the End the fruition of that Peace which results from a consciousness of having done well according to the ability received\u2014\nThat this may be fully manifested in they experience is the fervent desire of they real friend\u2014\nJohn Parrish", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2191", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James McHenry, 27 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir\nEast Chester Octr. 27. 1797\nI last night received your favour of the 22d and thank you for your Sentiments, with which in general I very well agree.\nAt the Same time I recd your other Letter of the Same Date with its Inclosures all of which I return to you with this.\u2014I thank you Sir for your indefatigable Attention to all these Subjects. The Letters and Instructions to the Officers especially to General Wilkinson appear to me to be all well weighed, and judiciously decided.\nI Shall observe to put my name, on my Letters in future as you desire. Mr Malcom omitted it by Mistake, in one instance only I believe.\nMy Servants are returned to Philadelphia and found the House in order, notwithstanding two unsuccessful attacks upon it.\u2014\nI, am, Dear Sir your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2192", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 27 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nDear Sir\nEast Chester Octr. 27. 1797\nI have recd your Favour of the 24th. and thank you for your careful attention to the distemper in Philadelphia. Representaions Similar to yours are sent me from various quarters. That there would be considerable public Inconvenience, in a Convention of Congress to any place out of Philadelphia, is certain, and this consideration has great Weight:\u2014that there would be much popular Clamour, at least much low snarling, among the Inhabitants of the foul dens in Philadelphia, is very probable.\u2014This however would have little Weight with me, against a measure of general Necessity or Expediency. Mr McHenry and Mr Pickering are of your opinion and this Union will have more Weight than all the Branches of Philadelphia, even tho they should be countenanced by the prudent Citizens.\nYour Conjectures concerning the Success of our Envoys to France, appear to me to be very probable.\u2014yet I cannot apprehend so much from the personal Feelings of Talleyrand. He received a great deal of cordial Hospitality in this Country and had not the Smallest reason to complain, that ever came to  my Knowledge in any Place. As a reasonable Man he could not but approve of the Presidents caution, knowing himself to be upon the List of Emigrants, and knowing the Clamour which would be raised by the French Minister, at the Presentation of an illustrious Frenchman, by any other than himself.\nIt is part of the Duty of an Ambassador, to judge of the Persons among his Countrymen, whom it would be proper to present to Government. It would have been a Slight at least to the French Minister to have recd a Man, he had refused to present. It would have been offensive to the Government of France to have recd a Man proscribed by their Laws.\nThere is however little immediate Advantage to be expected  from this Embassy, I fear.\u2014It will be spun out, into an immeasurable Length, unless quickened by an Embargo.\nWe must unshackle our Merchant Ships. If Congress will not do it, I shall have Scruples about continuing the Restriction upon the Collectors.\nWhat the Session of Congress will produce I know not. But a Torpor, a Despondency, has Seized all Men in America as well as Europe. The System of Terror has according to an Indian Expression \u201cput Petticoats on them.\u201d The Treachery of the common People, against their own Countries, the transports with which they Seize the opportunity, of indulging their Envy, and gratifying their revenge against All whom they have been in the habit of looking up to, at every hazard to their Countries, and in the End, at every Expence of misery to themselves, has given a paralytic stroke to the Wisdom and Courage of Nations.\nIf Peace is refused to England, they will leap the gulph. Their Stocks are not much higher than those of the French.\u2014The latter I see, in some Speech in the Council of 500 have been at forty.\u2014Can those be the general Mass of the French national Debt, old as well as new?\nThe French Directory, I take it for granted must have War. War, open, or understood is their eternal doom.\nI am Dear Sir with unalterable Esteem / your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2193", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles Lee, 27 October 1797\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nAlexandria 27th. october 1797\nYesterday I had the honor to receive your letter of the 15th.\nSupposing the cold of winter in the climate at Philadelphia to be an antidote to the Yellow Fever as the experience of 1793 seems to warrant, I am of opinion that Congress may hold its next session at Philadelphia without danger to the health or lives of the members. But if at this time it may be too hazardous yet a proclamation for changing the place of Session may be deferred with propriety till eight days before the time appointed by law, when it may perhaps be better ascertained whether the Legislators may safely meet there.\nBy the next mail I will endeavour to comply with the other part of your commands.\nWith the most perfect respect I remain / your most obedient humble Servant\nCharles Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2199", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Neilson, 31 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Neilson, John\nGentlemen\nEast Chester October 31st 1797\nLeast there should be any misunderstanding relative to the Rime of my being at New Brunswick, I think it necessary to inform you that it is my Intention to be in your City before two oclock on Wednesday next Week, that is on the Eighth of November, and on that Day I should be happy to accept of the inhabitants polite and obliging Invitation of the Inhabitants of your City, The Weather, at this Season of the year is So precarious that I wish to be on my Way to Philadelphia, as early in the Week as may be convenient, and for that reason among others I have fixed on Wednesday in preference to Thursday.\u2014I am with great / Respect Gentlemen your most / Obliged and Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2200", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Timothy Pickering, 31 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir\nEast Chester October 31st 1797\nI received your favour of the 28th. Inclosed are Some Papers I received from the City of Washington. They are Duplicates of Such as I received Several Weeks ago. I have delayed an Answer because I was not Satisfied and wished to take Advice.\u2014After you have examined them I wish for your Opinion, 1st. whether I ought to Sign the Warrant of Attorney without limitation of time. 2d. Whether the Power ought not to be to Scott Thornton and White and their Successors in the Office of Commissioners. The Papers, you will please to return to me with your Advice.\u2014\nI thank you for, another Abridgment of the public Dispatches. Are you not misinformed concerning La Forest. I have understood that he is in Philadelphia and that he arrived there this last Summer in the questionable Shape of an unaccredited Charge Des Affaires.\nTalleyrand, I should Suppose could not be for War with this Country: nor can I apprehend that even the Triumvirate, as they begin to be called in France, will be for a measure so decided. A Continued Appearance of Umbrage, and continued Depredations on a weak defenceless Commerce, will be much more convenient for their Views.\u2014\nBy all the public Papers I received from abroad it appears, that the state of Things at present in France is exactly as I have many times written to particular Friends in Europe, The Executive Directory is divided into a Party of three and a Party of two.\u2014The two are the most popular, coincide best with the public Opinion and agree with a Majority in both Houses of the Legislature. This drives the three to the Necessity of courting the Army and the Populace. And the question between three and the two can be decided only by a civil War. The worst Evil that can happen in any Government is a divided Executive, And as a plural Executive must from the Nature of Man be forever divided this is a demonstration, that a plural Executive is a great Evil and incompatible with Liberty. That Emulation in the human heart which produces Rivalries of Men Cities and Nations, which produce almost all the good in human life produces also almost all the Evil. This is my Philosophy of Government. The great Art lies in managing this Emulation. It is the only Defence against its own Successes Excesses. The Emulation of the Legislative and Executive Powers should, be made to controul each other. The Emulation between the Rich and the poor among the People, should be made to check itself by ballancing the two Houses in the Legislature which represent those two Classes of Society so invidious at all times against each other.\nBut instead of three Lines which I intended to write you, I have slided into a pedantical Lecture upon Government for which I beg your Pardon.\u2014\nWith great Esteem and regard / yours &c\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2202", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 31 October 1797\nFrom: Murray, William Vans\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir,\nThe Hague 31. Octr. 1797.\nI have the honour of enclosing for you some of the Annales Politiques. Those of past of August & September went under a blank some time since; others at different times I have done myself the honour of transmiting to you Sir\u2014accompany\u2019d by a few lines.\nBy a letter which I have just received from Mr. Adams, the minister to Berlin, he was on the 26th. inst. at Hamburgh on his way to Berlin.\nOn the 21 inst. the commissioners were not received and Mr. M. says in a very short letter that he does not expect they will be\u2014& that he daily expects an order for them all to quit the Republic.\nIn consequence of the Peace between the Emperor & France a vast force is liberated & is to act against England. France will thus take all the objects in detail\u2014Among them the United States\u2014His treatment of Venice is a direful lesson indeed to all states & parties who claim and admit the aid in pursuit of either reform, or of ambitious projects of a personal sort.\nI have the honour to be / with profound respect / Sir / Yrs most faithfully\nW. V. Murray", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2203", "content": "Title: Memorandum of Letter to Commissioners of New Brunswick NJ, 31 October 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nca. 31 October 1797\nTo be answered\u2013John NeilsonCornels Tenbroock} Committee from New BrunswickSaml ClarksonJacob H. Butnam} No 5 Courtland Street\u2014respecting an Escort from Newark\u2014Coll Hunt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2205", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Vaughan, October 1797\nFrom: Vaughan, William\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nca. October 1797\nIn case you should not have known Mr Masson the Gentleman who will be the Bearer of these lines permit me to request your attention and civilities to him and to his pursuits. He is Botanist to the King and has been sent out with the express desire of his Majesty for the purpose of Botanical pursuits in the interior parts of America that have been little frequented by professional men. He unfortunately lost all his Letters in the Ellice Capt Harvey when she was taken and has now written over to Sir Joseph Banks and his friends to have those letters replaced. It is with pleasure I signify to you the Object of this Tour from the persuasion that from your inclination & situation your own werkes would anticipate my requests. From the uncertainty of his address I have taken the liberty of directing some letters for him to your care and I should be much obliged to you to have them forwarded to him\u2014Should any Specimens or plants be committed to your Care permit me to request your handing them over to my Brother Mr John Vaughan who will forward them to me for the Gardens at Kew. Every arrangement is made to secure here an immediate attention and landing. I beg to be particularly remembered to Mrs. Adams & to Col. & Mrs. Smith\u2014Mr & Mrs Adams favored our family with their Company before they went to Berlin. I am with great respect / Dr sir / Your most obedt / humble serv\nWm. Vaughan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2206", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Daniel McCormick, 2 November 1797\nFrom: McCormick, Daniel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nNew York 2d Novemr 1797\nThis day I received a letter from Mr. Pitcairn dated at Paris the 24th of August which contains some political information. I therefore take the liberty to enclose you an abstract of his letter.\nAnd am with the Greatest Respect / Sir / Your Most Obedt. Servant\nDaniel McCormick\n Enclosure\nThe Commissioners will be at least decently received and have their reasoning examined and replied to\u2014\nThe Minister is polite and clever, but as to the success of the Mission I own my fears. The quantity of capture and Condemnd property is so great, that the greatness of the Evil will make an obstical to its being redressed.\nI think they will endeavour to pay our Cargoes with Political complaints. I am told that some one has presented to the Government here a plan of reclamation. Cassed that America ought to pay France for all the french property which was taken on board our Ships, on the Ground of our not sustaining the principle acknowledged in our Treaty that Neuteral Ships were to make Neuteral goods.\nThat we are also accountable for all the property Restored to the English Owners in America, on Account of the Privateers not being Legal.\nAnd finaly the expences France came under for the Establishing our Independance. This Article is left open. The other two being sufficient to ballance all the demands we can form against them.\nAll our Commissioners will obtain will be the appointment of Men to setle the difference and to agree on the Mode of payment according as that may appear due.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2207", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 2 November 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nTrenton Novr. 2. 1797\nIn observance of your directions, I do myself the honor to present to your view such matters as seemed to me proper to be communicated to Congress, at the opening of the approaching session. Some few others may perhaps be added: but in this case they will be prepared in such manner as to require little time to introduce them. If your address should be lengthy, even some of these may be omitted, and afterwards communicated by message.\n1. The Commissioners appointed under the fifth article of the treaty of amity, commerce & navigation between the United States and Great Britain, to ascertain what river was truly intended under the name of the river St. Croix, mentioned in the treaty of peace, met at Passamaquoddy Bay, in October 1796, and viewed the mouths of the rivers in question & the adjacent shores & islands; and being of opinion that actual surveys of both rivers to their sources were necessary, gave to the Agents of the two nations instructions for that purpose; & adjourned, to meet at Boston in August, 1797. They met; but the surveys having been found to require more time than was expected, & not being then completed, the Commissioners again adjourned, to meet at Providence in the state of Rhode-Island, in June 1798; when we may look for a final examination and decision.\n2. The Commissioners appointed in pursuance of the sixth article of the treaty have met in Philadelphia, in the summer past, to examine the claims of British subjects for debts contracted before the peace, & still remaining due to them from citizens or inhabitants of the U. States. Various causes have hitherto prevented any determinations: but the business will doubtless now be resumed, & prosecuted without interruption. And as the United States are obligated to make compensation for the losses & damages such British subjects have sustained, upon the awards of the Commissioners, it has become necessary for Congress to make adequate provision for the purpose of fulfilling that obligation.\n3. Several decisions on the claims of citizens of the United States for losses and damages sustained by reason of irregular or illegal captures or condemnations of their vessels or other property, have been made by the Commissioners in London, conformably to the seventh article of the treaty. The sums awarded by the Commissioners have been paid by the British Government. And as the same principles of justice and equity will form the basis of future decisions, the final result must prove honorable & satisfactory to both nations. A considerable number of other claims, where costs and damages, & not captured property, were the only objects, have been decided by eminent civilians mutually chosen. Their decisions have been very satisfactory, and the sums they awarded to the citizens of the United States have also been paid.\nThis seventh article of the treaty recognizes losses and damages sustained by British subjects by reason of the capture of their vessels & merchandize taken within the limits and jurisdiction of the U. States and brought into the ports of the same, or taken by vessels originally armed in ports of these States. It is necessary that Congress should make adequate provision for compensating such losses and damages.\n4. The Commissioners appointed agreeably to the twenty first article of the treaty between the United States & Spain, have also met at Philadelphia, in the summer past, to examine & decide on the claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained in consequence of their vessels & cargoes having been taken by the subjects of his Catholic Majesty, during the late war between Spain and France. Their sittings have been interrupted: but the cases are not numerous; and the citizens who have suffered may now expect timely decisions after their documents shall have been presented.\n5. I am not yet informed that the second and third articles of our treaty with Spain have been executed; or that their execution has been commenced. By the latest official accounts, the Spanish garrisons of the forts at the Natchez and the Walnut Hills had not been withdrawn; nor any Commissioner on the part of Spain presented to join the Commissioner of the United States, who has been waiting at the Natchez since the beginning of March last to begin the running of the boundary line. On the contrary, the garrison at the Walnut Hills has been greatly reinforced; the passage of our citizens on the Mississippi subjected to examination and the formality of passports from the Spanish officers; and the Officer commanding at New-Madrid made a formal protest against the passing of a detachment of the troops of the United States; intimating, at the same time, that the comparative weakness of his garrison alone prevented his using force to prevent their passage.\nThe detailed information on this subject received since the last adjournment, will be prepared to be laid before Congress in such manner as the President shall direct.\n6. The Numerous captures of American vessels by the cruisers of the French Republic and of some by those of Spain, have occasioned considerable expences in making & supporting the claims of our citizens before their tribunals. The sums required for this purpose have in divers instances been disbursed by the Consuls of the United Sates. By means of the same captures great numbers of our seamen have been thrown ashore in foreign countries, destitute of all means of subsistence; and the sick in particular have been exposed to grievous sufferings. The Consuls have in these cases also advanced monies for their relief.\u2014For all these advances they earnestly expect a reimbursement from the United States.\nBy the Consular Act, twelve cents only are allowed for the daily subsistence of such destitute seamen; an allowance extremely inadequate; and no provision is made for such as are stripped of their cloathing, or for the sick, or for the interment of the dead.\nBy the same act, a Consul may require American vessels to bring home two (or more according to their tonnage) of our seamen left in a foreign port: but such vessels being entitled to no compensation for the passage of such seamen or the provisions they consume, except the labour of the men, which is seldom wanted, reluctantly take them on board, sometimes refuse, and often evade receiving them. Hence a revision & amendment of the Consular Act appears indispensable, to prevent, in ordinary cases, our seamen being improperly discharged in foreign ports; or when unavoidably so discharged, or otherwise abandoned, to provide adequate means for their return.\nAnother provision seems necessary to be added to the Consular act. Some foreign vessels have been discovered sailing under the flag of the United States, and with forged papers. It seldom happens that the Consuls can detect this deception, because they have no authority to demand an inspection of the registers & sea-letters.\n7. In pursuance of the Act passed in the last winters session, I wrote to the Executives of the several states whose decisions on the proposed amendment of the Constitution respecting the suability of states were unknown. I have received answers from the states of by whom the amendment has been adopted; and from the states of by whom it has not been adopted.\nI have the honor to be, / with great respect, / sir, your most obt. servant\nTimothy Pickering\nP.S. My office papers are packed up for removal to Philadelphia. I am myself obliged to make a journey to Monmouth County in this State, to return on Sunday or Monday.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2208", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Chauncey Goodrich, 3 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Goodrich, Chauncey\nSir\nEast Chester November 3d 1797\nI thank you for your kind Attention to my Necessities. Will write to Philadelphia to have the Cyder received, and it shall be paid for wherever you please.\u2014\nWhoever conveys it to Philadelphia\u2014may deliver it to Mr John Brisler my Steward.\u2014\nI am Sir with great Esteem your very / humble Servant\nJohn Adams\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2209", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Daniel McCormick, 3 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: McCormick, Daniel\nSir\u2014\nEast Chester November 3d. 1797\nI thank you for your kind Letter of yesterday and the Abstract inclosed with it.\u2014\nI am very much afraid our Friend Mr Pitcairn has his too good Information, and will prove in the End, too correct a Prophet. I am with great Esteem, / Sir / your very humble Servant\nJohn Adams\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2210", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Willard, 3 November 1797\nFrom: Willard, Joseph\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nCambridge November 3d. 1797.\nI have taken the liberty of enclosing, for your Son at Berlin, a letter containing a vote of thanks passed by the Corporation of Harvard College, for a very valuable present of his to the Library. As I thought this the most safe and expeditious way of getting the letter to him, I have to request the favor of your transmitting it, and at the same time, must beg you to excuse this freedom.\nI wish you, Sir, the divine blessing and direction in your high and most important Station, and the peculiar happiness of finding all your exertions for the public good gratefully acknowledged by your Country, and crowned with abundant success.\nI have the honor to subscribe, with sentiments of the highest respect, / Sir, / your most humble / and obedient servant\nJoseph Willard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2211", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Dayton, 5 November 1797\nFrom: Dayton, Jonathan\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nNew York November 5th 1797\nI came to this place last evening under an expectation of having the honor to pay you my respects in person, and of learning from you the day, & as nearly as possible, the hour in which you proposed to enter Elizabeth town in your journey to Philadelphia. Allow me sir, to request of you this information, in which not myself alone, but many others of my townsmen & fellow citizens feel an interest, and that it may be communicated to me by letter, if practicable, by Tuesday\u2019s mail.\nIn addition to this request, permit me Sir to ask & to hope that you will do me the honor to take up your residence at my house during your stay in Elizabeth town, more especially if this shall be for a night, which your appointment to dine at New Brunswick renders probable, as it will be most convenient. Mrs: Dayton joins very sincerely in asking the same favor from Mrs. Adams, & any ladies who may accompany her, as well on account of the high gratification it will afford us, as with a wish for your more convenient and quiet accommodation, more certainly ensured at a private than a public house.\nI have the honor to be sir / with the greatest respect & regard Your most obed. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2213", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Rev. William Walter, 6 November 1797\nFrom: Walter, Rev. William\nTo: Adams, John\nBoston 6 Novr. 1797\nYour Excellency\u2019s obliging Observations upon your own Letters in defence of the American Constitutions have added to my former satisfactions. If your Defence has not been so extensively read as it ought nor produced those happy Effects which were intended it is not because the work had not an intrinsic Value, but because the Great Events which Time has been unfolding have thrown the Minds of Men into such an hurry & Agitation As has prevented them from siting down to so useful a Study as that which you have pointed out. the Calm which usually succeeds a Storm will be much better adopted to your beneficent views, but hard & precarious is the Contest when Reason undertakes to subjugate the Demands of Interest & Ambition.\nI am sorry to be the Messenger of farther Ill Tidings respecting our dear Relation & Friend mrs Gill. I was with her four days, in part of which I thought her fast drawing to the Conclusion of Life, but she revived a little and has continued since then to be slowly but gradually recovering. On Saturday however I had the painful Tidings that a Mortification had taken place in one of her Feet. the Consequence we all know.\nWith every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem I beg Leave to subscribe myself Your Excellency\u2019s / most Obedt. / and very faithful Servant\nW Walter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2215", "content": "Title: From John Adams to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 8 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: American Academy of Arts and Sciences\nGentlemen\nMeeting with you at a regular Period established by Law, I expected nothing more, than those habitual Expressions of your friendship, which I have, constantly received, as one of your Associates, upon all Such occasions. This elegant Address, therefore, as it was not foreseen, is the more acceptable Coming from Gentlemen whose fame for Science and Literature as well as for every civil and political Virtue, is not confined to a Single State, nor to one quarter of the World, it does me great honour. Your Congratulations on my Election to the office of first Magistrate in a Nation where the Rights of Men are respected and truly Supported, deserve my best Thanks.\nThe Commands of the Public, have obliged me to reside in foreign Countries and in distant States, for almost the whole Period of the Existence of our Academy: but no part of my time has ever been spent with more real Satisfaction to myself, than the few Hours, which the course of Events has permitted me to pass in your Society.\nYour exertions at home and extensive Correspondencies abroad, are, every day adding to the Knowledge of our Country, and its improvement in Useful Arts: and I have only to regret that indispensable Avocations have prevented me from assisting in your labours and endeavouring to share in the glory of your success.\nThe Unanimity with which the members of this Academy, as well as of the University at Cambridge and the whole Body of the Clergy of this commonwealth (all so happily connected together) are attached to the Union of our American States, their Constitutions of Government and the Federal Administration, is the happiest omen of the future Peace, Liberty, Safety and Prosperity of our Country. The rising Generation of Americans, the most promising and perhaps the most important Youth, which the human Species can boast, educated in such Principles and under such Examples, cannot fail to answer the high Expectations which the World has formed of their future Wisdom, Virtues and Energies.\nTo succeed, in the Administration of the Government of the United States, After a Citizen, whose great Talents, indefatigable Exertions, and disinterested Passion, had carried the Gratitude of his Country and the Applause of the World to the highest pitch, was indeed an arduous Enterprize. It was not without much diffidence, and many anxious Apprehensions that I engaged in the service. But it has been with inexpressible gratitude and Pleasure, that I have every where found, in my fellow Citizens, an almost universal disposition to alleviate the burthen; as much as possible, by the cheerful and generous support of their affectionate Countenance and cordial Approbation. Nothing of the kind has more tenderly touched me, than the explicit Sanction you have been pleased to express of the Measures I have hitherto adopted.\nPermit me, Gentlemen to join in your fervent Prayers, that the incomprehensible Source of Light and of Power, may direct Us all, and crown with Success, all our efforts to promote the Welfare of our Country and the Happiness of Mankind:\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2216", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Neilson, 8 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Neilson, John\nTo the Inhabitants of the City of New Brunswick, and its VicinityGentlemen8 Nov. 1797\nAs The Esteem and Affection of the Inhabitants of the City of New Brunswick, expressed in this Address, are very agreable to me and deserve and they cannot but receive on my Part as they deserve  on my part a cordial return of Affection and Esteem\nYour happiness in a Government of Laws, and the Administration of it under the great and good Washington, was common to you and all virtuous Men. Even the very few who imagined or pretended they disliked it, could not but be happy under it. The Satisfaction you express in the Choice of his successor is highly flattering me your approbation of his past Services and Confidence in his political Principles, merit my most strenuous Endeavours to deserve their Continuance.\nYour Approbation of my Sentiments relative to our foreign Connections and the Measures We are pursuing, afford me much Consolation, as nothing can contribute so much to their success the Continuance of Peace and the preservation of the honour and dignity of our National Character, as a happy harmony among the People and their Union of Sentiment with the Government.\nIf the Voice of Faction has been heard, and foreign Influence has made a Progress, if Religious Morality and Patriotism have had much to fear, We have Reason to believe, that this has been due chiefly to surprize and misinformation misrepresentation, aided by a too Sanguine and intemperate ardor for Liberty. The Progress of Inquiry and propagation of true Information, We have great Reason to hope and expect, will put our Countrymen on their guard promote an impartial Spirit of Independence, and a rational spirit of Liberty, and a Sober determination to  preserve their Morals and Support their Religion.\nYour noble declaration as Jerseymen and Citizens of the United States in favour of order Government Morals Patriotism and Religion, do you great honour and cannot fail to have a happy Influence and afford a great Encouragement to Similar Resolutions in all parts of the Union.\nI have not a doubt Gentlemen that it will be your happy Lott as well as mine to see the People ultimately rally under no other Standard but their own, in Support of the Constitution and defence of their Country.\nIn return for your pathetic Wishes for the Prosperity of my Administration, and for the final Completion of it, by taking my last Leave of an happy People, which have tenderly affected me, I pray open to accept present you my best Wishes and offer Up my Sincere Prayers for your temporal and eternal felicity.\nJohn AdamsTo the Inhabitants of New Brunswick and its Vicinity.\nGentlemen\nThe Esteem and Affection of the Inhabitants of the City of New Brunswick, and its Vicinity, expressed in this excellent Address are very flattering to me, and cannot fail to meet with a cordial return of Gratitude, on my part.\nThe happiness you enjoyed in a Government of Laws, under the great and good Washington was common to you and all virtuous Men in America. Even the very few who imagined, or pretended they disliked it, could not but be happy under it. The Satisfaction You express in the Choice of a Successor; your Approbation of his past Services; and confidence in his political Principles demand his most Strenuous Endeavours to deserve their continuance.\nYour Approbation of my Sentiments of our foreign relations, and the measures we are pursuing, afford me much consolation, as nothing can contribute so much to Success, the continuance of Peace, and the preservation of the honour and dignity of our national Character, as a happy harmony among the People, and their Union in Sentiment with the Government.\nIf the Voice of Faction has been heard, and foreign influence has made a progress, if Religion, Morality and Patriotism have had much to fear: We have reason to believe that this has been chiefly due to Surprize and misrepresentation aided by an Enthusiasm for Liberty too ardent and intemperate. The progress of Inquiry, and circulation of true information, We have great reason to expect, will put our Countrymen on their guard, promote an impartial Spirit of Independence, a rational Spirit of Liberty and a Sober determination to preserve their morals and Support their Religion, without which Patriotism is but a chimera.\nYour noble declaration as Jersey Men and Citizens of the United States in favour of order Government, Morals, Patriotism and Religion does you great honour, and cannot fail to have a happy Influence and afford a great Encouragement to Similar resolutions in all parts of the Union.\nThat it will be your happy Lott as well as mine to See the People rally under their own Standard, in contempt and defiance of all others, in Support of the Constitution and defence of their Country, whenever occasion shall require, I have not the smallest doubt.\nIn return for your pathetic wishes for the prosperity of my Administration, and for the final completion of it, most devoutly to be wished, by taking my last leave of a happy People, which have tenderly affected me, I present you my best Wishes, and offer up my Sincere Prayers for your temporal and eternal felicity.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2217", "content": "Title: From John Adams to New Jersey Legislature, 8 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: New Jersey Legislature\nTo the Legislative Council and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey\nGentlemen\nI receive this Address from the Legislative Council and General Assembly of New Jersey with a just grateful Sense of the high honour it does me confers upon me\nAs there is no People whose Attachment to the Principles of a free Representative Government has been more constant and consistent, than that of the Citizens of New Jersey, there is none with whom I could more heartily rejoice, that Elections of a Chief Magistrate have been conducted, without Turbulence or Tumult. And may future Experience always, then demonstrate that Integrity and Ability will always be the Object of the Choice of Freemen\nFor your kind Compliments to me I present merit you my best Thanks, and Strongest Assurances, that Should any Thing in my Administration, protect your Interests in common with all those of your Fellow Citizens through the Union promote Harmony and Unanimity among the Citizens of these states and friendly Sentiments and Intercourse with all Mankind, I should be the happiest man in the world esteem myself the happiest of Men. In this eventful Period, when the Equilibrium of Society is disadjusted in so great a part of the World and the Passions of Men let loose without restraint or controul, in so great a Part of the World, it behoves Us to well to consider the Situation We are in, and be prepared in our Minds for whatever We may be called by Providence to do or to Suffer in the Cause of honour and Virtue, Religion and Liberty.\nYour Sentiment that We must not yeild to dishonour, is So well becomes the Character and dignity of Freemen, that it is very certain there never has been and equally evident there never can be a free People, to whom their honour was is not dearer than their Lives.\nAs the Citizens of New Jersey have been exceeded by none in their Attachment to the Constitution, your Relyance on the just Administration of the Government is peculiarly honourable and agreable to me.\nAccept Gentlemen of my cordial Thanks for your kind Wishes, and an Assurance of my Sincere Prayers for the Felicity of the United States in General, and for the Legislature and Citizens of New Jersey in particular.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2218", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Neilson, 8 November 1797\nFrom: Neilson, John\nTo: Adams, John\nTo the President of the United States. The Address of the Inhabitants of the City of New Brunswick and its Vicinity\u2014Sir\nNew Brunswick 8 Novr. 1797\nThe Inhabitants of the City of New Brunswick and its vicinity, are highly gratified with this opportunity of expressing to you their Affectionate Esteem.\u2014\nHappy in a Government of Laws, and happy in the Administration of it under the great & good Washington, we could not but sincerely rejoice, when the voice of our Country, upon his retirement, gave us, for a Chief Majestrate, a person whose past services had endeared him to his Country, and whose political principles ensured him the Confidence of his fellow Citizens.\nThe sentiments, Sir, which you have disclosed respecting the duties of the United States, in regard to their foreign relations, while they meet with our unequivocal approbation, are, at the same time, a happy presage that the measures which you are pursuing will terminate in the security of our peace, and in the preservation of the honor and dignity of our national Character\u2014\nWe have heard, Sir, the voice of faction, and we have abhorred it\u2014We have seen the progress of foreign influence, and we have lamented its pernicious effects\u2014Religion, Morality and Patriotism have had much to fear\u2014But we indulge the pleasing hope, that he who sways the Sceptre of universal nature has not destined the people of this happy Country to work out their own destruction\u2014\nWith us, As Jerseymen and Citizens of the United States, we are prompted to declare that a love of order and good Government, a sacred regard to moral rectitude, and the same Amor Patrice which so indignantly recoiled at the Idea of foreign domination, still remain undiminished\u2014\nMay it, Sir, be your happy Lot to see that the people of this Country will rally under no other standard but their own, in support of their Constitution and in defence of the Laws of their Country\u2014\nMay your administration of our Government be long and prosperous, and when it shall please the great ruler of the Universe to summon you into a more exalted seat in the regions of Eternal bliss, may you retiring, bid adieu to your grateful Country by the pleasing appellation of, happy People.\nJohn NeilsonJohn BayardAnthy: W: WhiteLewis DunhamBy order & in behalf of the Inhabitants of the City of New BrunswickFred. FrelinghuysenArchibald MercerIn behalf of the Inhabitants of the Vicinity of New Brunswick\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2221", "content": "Title: To John Adams from George Mathews, 10 November 1797\nFrom: Mathews, George\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nNatches Novemr. 10th 1797\nAfter I Left Philada. I posued my Jurney, through the wilderens to the Fawles of Ohio in Kintuck my Stay in that countary was but a Short time So that I cannot say mutch on the poleticks of that country but observed its will Stored with Democrats how Loose no opportunity to cavel at Govarment.\nI Left that plase on the 29th of August\u2014and after a pashage of forty five days arived hear on the 12th of Octobr., As you have been aquented with the Situation of this District preyar to my rival, and the Conduct prosued by the Spanish Govarment. I will say nothing on that subjeck, and confine my Self to our present and futar prospecks, had Congress compley with your communication to them and Asteblished a Govarment hear and it Soported by a respectfull military force say five or Six hundred men I have Litil douts but the United States would been in full potion of this countary and the Line of Demarkcation been in opparition, and at present I am Sangin to promies Success if such a meshor is Asteblished by Congress this Section. Not being in Potion of Eney Evedins to Soporte a oppining that provales hear, that is of the Spanish Govarment haveing their Emesareys in Kintucke I Say nothin pirtickler on that Subjeck, and refarr you to Judge Milar for informition on that and mattars in genaril in this district, I hope a respect for the Republick of France and the respect dew to His Cathalik Majesty as thar aley, will not keep the Democrats in Congress from acting with detion respecting the Spanish Tratey for Should Congress rise with out Asteblishing a govarment hear I think thare is fear of the United States Loosing this Countary and it will provably be the fore runar of Kintucke Sharing the Same fate, you will Escuse the freedom of this Scrawl and belve me to be actuated by the Good of our Comin countary\nI am Dear Sir with much respect / your Rail Frend & Humle. Sarvt.\nGeo. Mathews\nNB. Captan Osborn of of this District requsts me to mention him to you for the Matials offices I refarr you to Judge Milar on this mattar.\nGM", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2223", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Montgomery, 15 November 1797\nFrom: Montgomery, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia Nov 15 1797\nAs I have not as yet received any Answer to mine of May 6 and June 4th soliciting the return of my vouchers I once more take the Liberty of requesting of your Excellency an answer to them and at the same Time to request you will determine from your own Sense of Justice whether the unmerited attack upon my Character does not call for redress I wish to receive it from you but I must look on it as an indispensable Duty due both, to myself and the Public if I am not to receive any Satisfaction, for the Falshoods alledged against me at Least to Clear myself to my Fellow Citizens who must be at a Loss to account for my Dismission from a Station,  which I have filled with the Strictest Attention, Honour and regard to the Public Good all this I submit to your Excellency\u2019s impartial Consideration and am with every Sentiment of Respect / Your Excellency\u2019s / Most obedient /  Humble Servant\nJAmes 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2224", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Benajah Osmun, 15 November 1797\nFrom: Osmun, Benajah\nTo: Adams, John\nThe President of the united StatesSir,\nNatchez the 15 Nover. 1797\nThe peculiarity of my Situation at the Extremity of the Empire I persuade my Self will Apolagize for my Addressing the Chief magistrate of my Cuntry Eight Absence from the actual Jurisdiction of the united States has nither lessend my Attachment for there wellfare nor my Reverence for there laws. It is with peculer pleasure therefore that I Anticipate the Actual Exercise of Goverment under Your Immediate Auspices and the American authoraty A long Servis during the Course of our glorious Struggle for independance afforded me a practical lesson respecting the attachment of the ameracan Charector to liberty and I have had for several years to lement that situation did not suffer me to perticepate in the Common advantages that were procuerd by our Common Exertions and fortitude but now I may reasonably flatter my Self that the American Goverment will assume its Self and its Jurisdiction to be Co Extencive with its limet I shall then have the Consolation of Suppourting thoes laws that the wisdom of my fellow Citizens in Congress may think proper to Establish Great indead will be my Satisfaction in finding a Speady and Compleat Assumption of the Ameracan Goverment in this Cuntry and if any thing could then add to my happiness, it would be the honor ones more Entring into the Servis of my Cuntry. A knowlege of the Cuntry dispositions and manners of the people if they may be Considerd as Qualifycations I certainly Possess and I have the vanity to think I may Safely that I am not without the Esteem and Confidence of the inhabitance in general the Appointment of Marshil lying immedately within your nomenation I have with the Confidence and frankness of an old Solder who thinks he deserves of his Cuntry and who had the honor of bearing a Captains Cummissn in her Servis and a Meracan born thought propper to soliset your Patronage. I shall therefore Relying on what I have already observed on the occasion Subscribe myself with the highest Esteem and Respect / Sir your very / humble Servt\nBenajah Osmun", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2225", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Daniel McCormick, 18 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: McCormick, Daniel\nSir\nPhiladelphia Novr. 18th 1797\u2014\nI received yesterday your favor of the 15th, and thank you for your Extracts from Mr: Pitcairns Letter of the 17th of September\u2014\nHe seemed to hope and to expect that the Directory would agree to a peace, as a means of quieting the people, for the exertion of the 4th of Septr:\u2014 but the directory appear to be of a different opinion\u2014They seem to think that a Continuance of War, abroad, is the best Calculated, to pacify the people at home, and in this opinion I agree with them, Rather than Mr Pitcairn\u2014His other opinions are probable.\u2014his Judgment in the affair of Pastoret was Very sound I beleive.\nI am with much Esteem your most Obt / 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2226", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 22 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Congress\nGentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives\nI was, for sometime apprehensive, that it would be necessary, on account of the contagious Sickness which afflicted the City of Philadelphia, to convene the national Legislature, at Some other place. This measure, it was desireable to avoid,; because it would occasion much public Inconvenience, and a considerable public expence, and add to the calamities of the Inhabitants of this City, whose Sufferings must have excited the Sympathy of all their fellow Citizens. Therefore, after taking measures to ascertain the State and decline of the Sickness, I postponed my determination, having hopes, now happily realized, that, without hazard to the Lives or health of the Members, Congress might assemble at this place, where it was next by Law, to meet. I Submit, however, to your Consideration, whether a Power to postpone the Meeting of Congress without passing the time fixed by the Constitution, upon Such occasions, would not be a Usefull Amendment to the Law of one thousand Seven hundred and ninety four,\nAlthough I cannot yet congratulate you on the re-establishment of Peace in Europe, and the restoration of Security to the Persons and Properties of our Citizens from Injustice and violence at Sea: We have, nevertheless abundant Cause of Gratitude to the Source of Benevolence and Influence for interiour tranquility and personal Security, for propitious Seasons, prosperous Agriculture, productive Fisheries and general Improvements: And above all, for a rational Spirit of civil and religious Liberty, and a calm, but Steady determination to Support our Sovereignty, as well as our moral and religious Principles, against all open and Secret Attacks. our Envoys extraordinary to the French Republick, embarked one in July, the other early in August to join their Colleague in Holland.\u2026 I have received Intelligence, which I am inclined to believe authentic, of the Arrival of one both of them at Amsterdam in Holland, from whence they and his Colleague were proceeding to Paris all proceeded on their Journeys to Paris within a few days of the nineteenth of September. \u2026 Whatever may be the result of this Mission, I trust that nothing will have been omitted on my part, to conduct the Negotiation to a successfull conclusion, on such equitable terms, as may be compatible with the Safety, honour and Interests of the United States. Nothing in the meantime, will contribute so much to the preservation of Peace, and the Attainment of Justice, as a manifestation of that Energy and Unanimity, of which on many former Occasions, the People of the United States, have given Such memorable proofs, and the Exertion of those Resources, for national defence, which a beneficent Providence, has kindly placed within their Power.\nIt may be confidently asserted, that nothing has occurred Since the Adjournment of Congress, which renders inexpedient those precautionary measures, recommended by me, to the consideration of the two Houses, at the opening of your late extraordinary Session. If that System was then prudent it is more so now, as increasing depredations Strengthen the reasons for its Adoption.\nIndeed whatever may be the issue of the Negotiation with France, and whether the War in Europe is, or is not to continue, I hold it most certain, that permanent Tranquility, and order, will not soon be obtained. The State of Society has so long been disturbed, the Sense of moral and religious Obligation so much weakened, public Faith and national honour have been so impaired, respect to Treaties has been so impaired diminished, and the Law of nations has lost so much of its force: while Pride, Ambition, Avarice and Violence, have been so long unrestrained, there remains no reasonable ground on which to raise an expectation, that a Commerce without protection or defence, will not be plundered. The Commerce of the United States, is essential, if not to their Existence, at least to their Comfort, their growth, prosperity and Happiness. The Genius, Character, and Habits of the People are highly commercial. Their Cities have been formed and exist upon Commerce. Our Agriculture, Fisheries, Arts and Manufactures are connected with and depend upon it. In Short, Commerce has made this Country what it is; and it cannot be destroyed or neglected, without involving the People in Poverty and distress. Great Numbers are directly and Solely Supported by Navigation. The Faith of Society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of commercial and Seafaring no less than of the other Citizens. Under this View of our Affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect of Duty, if I forebore to recommend that we Should make every exertion to protect our Commerce, and to place our Country in a Suitable posture of defence, as the only Sure means of preserving both.\nI have entertained an Expectation that it would have been in my Power, at the opening of this session, to have communicated to you the agreable Information, of the due execution of our Treaty with his Catholic Majesty, respecting the withdrawing of his Troops from our territory, and the demarcation of the Line of Limits. But by the latest Authentic Intelligence, Spanish Garrisons were Still continued within our Country, and the running of the boundary Line had not been commenced. These Circumstances are the more to be regretted, as they cannot fail to effect the Indians in a manner injurious to the United States. Still, however, indulging the hope, that the Answers which have been given, will remove the objections offered by the Spanish officers, to the immediate execution of the Treaty, I have judged it proper, that we should continue in readiness to receive the Posts, and to run the Line of Limits. Further Information on this Subject will be communicated in the Course of the session.\nIn Connection with this unpleasant State of Things on our Western frontier, it is proper for me to mention, the Attempts of foreign Agents, to alienate the affections of the Indian nations, and to excite them to actual hostilities against the United States. Great Activity has been exerted, by these Persons, who have insinuated themselves among the Indian Tribes, residing within the Territory of the United States, to influence them to\nThe Commissioners appointed under the fifth Article of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and navigation, between the United States and Great Britain, to ascertain the River which was truly intended under the name of the River St. Croix, mentioned in the Treaty of Peace, met at Passamaquoddy Bay in October, One Thousand seven hundred and ninety Six, And viewed the Mouths of the Rivers in question and the Adjacent Shores and Islands; and being of Opinion that actual Surveys of both Rivers to their Sources were necessary, gave to the Agents of the two Nations Instructions for that purpose; And adjourned to meet at Boston in August. They met; but the Surveys requiring more time than had been Supposed, And not being then compleated, the Commissioners again Adjourned to meet at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island in June next, when we may expect a final Examination and decision.\nThe Commissioners appointed in pursuance of the Sixth Article of the Treaty, met at Philadelphia in may last, to examine the Claims of British Subjects for Debts contracted before the Peace, and Still remaining due to them from Citizens or Inhabitants of the United States. Various causes have hitherto prevented any determinations: but the Business is now resumed and doubtless will be prosecuted without interruption.\nSeveral decisions, on the Claims of Citizens of the United States, for Losses and damages Sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures or condemnations of their Vessells or other Property, have been made by the Commissioners in London, conformably to the Seventh Article of the Treaty. The Sums awarded by the Commissioners have been paid by the British Government. A considerable number of other Claims, where Costs and Damages and not captured Property were the only Objects in question have been decided by Arbitration, and the Sums awarded to the Citizens of the United States have also been paid.\nThe Commissioners appointed agreably to the twenty first Article of our Treaty with Spain, met at Philadelphia in the Summer past, to examine and decide on the Claims of our Citizens for Losses they have Sustained in Consequence of their Vessells and Cargoes having been taken by the Subjects of his Catholic Majesty during the late war between Spain and France. Their sittings have been interrupted but are now resumed.\nThe United States being obligated to make Compensation for the Losses and damages Sustained by British Subjects, upon the Award of the Commissioners acting under the Sixth Article of the Treaty with Great Britain; and for the Losses and damages Sustained by British Subjects, by reason of the Capture of their Vessells and Merchandize taken within the Limits and Jurisdiction of the United States, and brought into their Ports, or taken by Vessells originally armed in Ports of the United States, upon the awards of the Commissioners acting under the Seventh Article of the Same Treaty: it is necessary that provision be made for fullfilling these Obligations.\nThe numerous captures of American Vessells by the Cruisers of the French Republick, and of Some by those of Spain, have occasioned considerable Expences, in making and Supporting the Claims of our Citizens before their Tribunals. The Sums required for this purpose, have in diverse instances been disbursed by the Consuls of the United States. By means of the Same captures, great numbers of our Seamen have been thrown ashore in foreign Countries, destitute of all means of Subsistance; and the Sick in particular have been exposed to grievous Sufferings. The Consuls have in these cases also advanced monies for their relief. For these Advances, they reasonably expect, reimbursements from the United States.\nGentlemen of the House of Representatives.\nIt is my Duty to recommend to your Serious consideration those Objects which, by the Constitution are placed particularly within your Sphere, the national Debts and Taxes.\nSince the decay of the feudal System by which the public defence was provided for, chiefly at the expence of Individuals, the System of Loans has been introduced. And as no Nation can raise within the Year, by Taxes, Sufficient Sums for its defence, and military operations in time of war, the Sums loaned and debts contracted have necessarily become the subject of what have been called funding Systems. The Consequences arising from the continual Accumulation of public Debts in other Countries, ought to admonish Us to be careful to prevent their growth in our own. The national defence must be provided for, as well as the Support of Government: but both Should be accomplished as much as possible, by immediate Taxes, and as little as possible by Loans. The Estimates for the Service of the ensuing year will, by my Direction be laid before you.\nGentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.\nWe are met together at a most interesting Period. The Situations of the principal Powers of Europe are Singular and portentous. connected by with Some with by Treaties, and with all by commerce, no important Event there, can be indifferent to Us. Such circumstances call with peculiar importunity, not less, for a disposition to Unite in all those measures, on which the honour Safety and prosperity of our Country depend than for all the Exertions of Wisdom and firmness.\nIn all Such measures you may rely on my zealous and hearty concurrence.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2228", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 24 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States November 24th. 1797\nI nominate Otway Bird of Virginia to be Collector of the District of Norfolk in that State, in the Place of William Lindsay deceased\nEbenezer Storer of Massachusetts to be Inspector of Survey Number three in that State in the Place of Leonard Jarvis dismissed\nBenjamin Rush of Pensilvania to be Treasurer of the Mint of the United States in the Place of Nicholas Way deceased\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2229", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Nathaniel Spooner, 26 November 1797\nFrom: Spooner, Nathaniel\nTo: Adams, John\nPlymouth. Massachusets. Novr. 26th. 1797.\nHis Excellency John Adams Esqr. Sir\nThe Box received from Mr. OBrion of Santandor; shall be forwarded to Boston or Elswhere aggreeable to your Direction by Your / Obdt Humb. Sert\nNathaniel Spooner", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2230", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States Senate, 27 November 1797\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\nTo the President of the United States.\nSir,\nWe have received, with much satisfaction  The communications you have thought proper to make in your speech to both Houses of Congress on the opening of their present session\u2014and find in there Afford additional proofs of the attention, integrity & firmness which have always marked your official character.\nWe cannot but approve of the measures you had taken to ascertain the state & decline of the contagious sickness which has so lately afflicted the City of Philadelphia\u2014And the pleasing circumstance that Congress is now assembled at that place without hazard to the health of its members evinces the propriety of your having postponed a determination to convene the National Legislature at another place\u2014We shall take into consideration the law of 1794 on this subject and will readily concur in any amendment which may be deemed expedient.\nIt would have given us much pleasure to have received your congratulations on the re-establishment of peace in Europe & the restoration of security to the persons and property of our Citizens from injustice & violence at Sea\u2014But though these events, so desireable to our country, & the world, have not taken place, yet we have abundant cause of gratitude, to the great disposer of human events, for interior tranquility & personal security for propitious seasons, prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries and general improvement and above all for a national spirit of civil and religious liberty and a calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty against all open and secret attacks.\nWe learn, with satisfaction, that our Envoys Extraordinary, to the French Republic, had safely arrived in Europe and were proceeding to the scene of negociation\u2014and whatever may be the result, of the mission, we are perfectly satisfied that nothing on your part has been omitted which could in any way conduce to a successful conclusion of the negociation upon terms compatible with the safety, honor and interest of the U.S.\u2014And we are fully convinced, that in the mean time, a manifestation of that unanimity & energy of which the people of the U.S. have given such memorable proofs & a proper exertion of those resources of national defence, which we possess will essentially contribute to the preservation of peace and the attainment of justice.\nWe think, Sir, with you, that the Commerce of the U.S. is of the highest importance Essential to the growth, comfort and prosperity of our Country, and that the faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of commercial and sea-faring, no less than of other citizens\u2014And even if our negociation with France should terminate favorably & the war in Europe cease, yet the state of society which unhappily prevails in so great a portion of the world & the experience of past times, under better circumstances, unites in warning us that a Commerce so extensive , & which holds out so many temptations to lawless plunderers can never be safe without protection & defence\u2014And we hold ourselves obliged, by every tie of duty which binds us to our Contituents, to promote & concur in such measures of marine defence as may convince our merchants & seamen that their rights are not sacrificed nor their injuries are neither sacrificed or  forgotten.\nWe regret that, notwithstanding the clear & explicit terms of the Treaty between the United States and his Catholic Majesty, the Spanish Garrisons are not yet withdrawn from our Territory nor the running of the boundary line commenced. The U.S. have been faithful in the performance of their obligations to Spain, & had reason to expect a compliance equally prompt on the part of that power\u2014We still however indulge the hope that the convincing answers which have been given to the objections stated by the Spanish officers to the immediate execution of the Treaty will have their proper effect, and that this Treaty, so mutually beneficial to the contracting parties, will be finally observed with good faith. We therefore entirely approve of the measures you have taken to enable us to take possession of the  your determination to Continue in Readiness to receive  the posts and to run the line of partition between our territory and that of the King of Spain\u2014Attempts to alienate the affections of the Indians to form them into a confederacy & to excite them to actual hostility against the U.S., whether made by foreign Agents, or by others, are so injurious to our interest at large and so inhuman with respect to our Citizens inhabiting the adjacent territory, as to merit deserve the most exemplary punishment; and we will cheerfully afford our aid in framing a law which may  prescribe a punishment adequate to the commission of crimes so heinous.\nThe several objects you have pointed out, to the attention of the legislature, whether they regard our internal or external relations, shall receive from us that consideration of which they merit and we will readily concur in all such measures as may be necessary either to enable us to fulfil our engagements at home or to cause ourselves to be respected abroad. And at this portentous period when the powers of Europe, with whom we are connected by treaty or commerce are in so critical a situation & when the conduct of some of these powers towards the U.S. is so & hostile & menacing, the several branches of the government are, in our opinion, called upon, with peculiar importunity, to unite\u2014And by union not only to devise and carry into effect those measures on which the safety & prosperity of our Country depend but also to undeceive those nations who regarding us as a weak and divided people, have pursued systems of aggression inconsistent with a state of peace between independent nations. And, Sir, we beg leave to assure you, that we derive a singular consolation, from the reflection, that at such a time the Executive part of our government has been committed to your hands\u2014For in your integrity, talents and firmness we place the most entire 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2231", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Arthur St. Clair, 28 November 1797\nFrom: St. Clair, Arthur\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nfrom the Hermitage 28th. Novr. 1797\nMy Commission of Governor of the Territory of the united States north west of the Ohio will expire on the 9th. day of next month. A considerable time ago, I informed the late President that it was my intention to decline being appointed again, which he may probably have communicated to You. Various causes (but particularly a broken Constitution and a broken Fortune, both of them expended in the public Service) have concurred to enduce me to change that Intention. By the last, the Salary, tho\u2019 I have never been able to save a shilling from it, has become in a great measure necessary to the support of my Family, and by the first I am rendered unfit to engage in any pursuit that requires any great degree of active industry, and that I had in View when I made that communication to the President: I therefore now trouble You, Sir, with this to sollicit a reappointment\u2014Should I be fortunate enough to succeed in that, the utmost exertions in my power for the good of the Colony, and for the benefit of the United States shall not be wanting, which will be the best, and at the same time, I am sure, the most acceptable return I can possibly make to You, Sir, for the favour You will have  conferred upon me.\nThere is, Sir, yet another reason why I wish to continue in Office, which, tho\u2019 it may be founded in self-love, or perhaps in vanity, I will take the liberty to mention.\u2014I have laboured assiduously to give the People of the Colony a System of Laws that might form their manners while it gave them a direction suited to both their present and future relation to the united States; I have it to lament that the other Members of the temporary legislature have never seemed to me to be sufficiently impressed with the importance of this Object, and it is yet far from being compleated\u2014It is extremely my wish that it might be perfected during my Administration\u2014One consistent Spirit would probably run thro\u2019 the Laws, which, if a right one, would not cease to operate long after I shall be laid in the silent dark, and it is an extremely flattering and consoling contemplation to consider myself as the benefactor to a numerous People that are yet unborn.\nWith the greatest Respect I have the honor to be / Sir, Your obedient Servant\nAr. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2232", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 28 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate.\nUnited States November 28. 1797\nI thank you for this Address. When, after the most laborious investigation, and serious reflection, without partial considerations, or personal motives, measures have been adopted or recommended, I can receive no higher testimony of their rectitude, than the Approbation of an Assembly, so independent, patriotic and enlightened, as the Senate of the United States.\nNothing has afforded me more entire Satisfaction, than the coincidence of your judgment with mine, in the opinion of the essential importance of our commerce and the absolute necessity of a maritime defence. What is it, that has drawn to Europe the Superfluous Riches of the three other quarters of the Globe, but a Marine? What is it that has drained the Wealth of Europe itself into the coffers of two or three of its principal commercial Powers, but a Marine?\nThe World has furnished, no example of a flourishing commerce, without a maritime protection: and a moderate knowledge of Man and his history, will convince any one, that no such prodigy ever can arise. A mercantile Marine and a military Marine must grow up together: one cannot long exist, without the other.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2233", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jacob Read, 28 November 1797\nFrom: Read, Jacob,United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\tThe communications you thought proper to make in your speech to both Houses of Congress, on the opening of their present session, afford additional proofs of the attention, integrity, and firmness, which have always marked your official character.We cannot but approve of the measures you had taken to ascertain the state and decline of the contagious sickness, which has so lately afflicted the city of Philadelphia; and the pleasing circumstances that Congress is now assembled at that place, without hazard to the health of its members, evinces the propriety of your having postpone a determination to convene the National Legislature at another place. We shall take into consideration the law of 1794, on this subject, and will readily concur in any amendment which may be deemed expedient. It would have given us much pleasure to have received your congratulations on the re-establishment of peace in Europe, and the restoration of security to the persons and property of our citizens from injustice and violence at sea. But, though these events, so desirable to our country and the world, have not taken place, yet, we have abundant cause of gratitude to the Great Disposer of human events, for interior tranquillity and personal security, for propitious seasons, prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries, and general improvement; and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty, and a calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty against all open and secret attacks.We learn, with satisfaction, that our envoys extraordinary to the French Republic had safely arrived in Europe, and were proceeding to the scene of negotiation; and, whatever may be the result of the mission, we are perfectly satisfied that nothing on your part has been omitted, which could, in any way, conduce to a successful conclusion of the negotiation, upon terms compatible with the safety, honor, and interest, of the United States; and we are fully convinced that, in the mean time, a manifestation of that unanimity and energy of which the People of the United States have given such memorable proofs, and a proper exertion of those resources of national defence, which we possess, will essentially contribute to the preservation of peace and the attainment of justice.We think, sir, with you, that the commerce of the United States is essential to the growth, comfort, and prosperity, of our country; and that the faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of commercial and sea-faring, no less than of other citizens. And even if our negotiation with France should terminate favorably, and the war in Europe cease, yet the state of society, which unhappily prevails in so great a portion of the world, and the experience of past times, under better circumstances, unite in warning us that a commerce so extensive, and which holds out so many temptations to lawless plunderers, can never be safe without protection; and we hold ourselves obliged, by every tie of duty which binds us to our constituents, to promote and concur in such measures of marine defence, as may convince our merchants and seamen that their rights are not sacrificed, nor their injuries forgotten.We regret, that, notwithstanding the clear and explicit terms of the treaty between the United States and his Catholic Majesty, the Spanish garrisons are not yet withdrawn from our territory, nor the running of the boundary line commenced. The United States have been faithful in the performance of their obligations to Spain, and had reason to expect a compliance equally prompt on the part of that Power. We still, however, indulge the hope that the convincing answers, which have been given to the objections stated by the Spanish officers, to the immediate execution of the treaty, will have their proper effect; and that this treaty, so mutually beneficial to the contracting parties, will be finally observed with good faith. We therefore entirely approve of your determination to continue in readiness to receive the posts, and to run the lines of partition between our territory and that of the King of Spain.Attempts to alienate the affections of the Indians; to form them into a confederacy, and to excite them to actual hostility against the United States; whether made by foreign agents, or by others, are so injurious to our interests at large, and so inhuman with respect to our citizens inhabiting the adjacent territory, as to deserve the most exemplary punishment; and we will cheerfully afford our aid in framing a law, which may prescribe a punishment adequate to the commission of crimes so heinous.The several objects you have pointed out to the attention of the Legislature, whether they regard our internal or external relations, shall receive from us that consideration which they merit; and we will readily concur in all such measures as may be necessary, either to enable us to fulfil our engagements at home, or to cause ourselves to be respected abroad. And, at this portentous period, when the Powers of Europe, with whom we are connected by treaty or commerce, are in so critical a situation, and when the conduct of some of those Powers towards the United States is so hostile and menacing, the several branches of the Government are, in our opinion, called upon, with peculiar importunity, to unite, and, by union, not only to devise and carry into effect those measures on which the safety and prosperity of our country depend, but also to undeceive those nations who, regarding us as a weak and divided people, have pursued systems of aggression inconsistent with a state of peace between independent nations. And, sir, we beg leave to assure you, that we derive a singular consolation from the reflection that, at such a time, the executive part of our government has been committed to your hands: for, in your integrity, talents, and firmness, we place the most entire confidence.\n\t\t\t\t\tJacob Read,President of the Senate pro tempore.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2234", "content": "Title: To John Adams from United States House of Representatives, 28 November 1797\nFrom: United States House of Representatives\nTo: Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\tAddress of the House of Representatives to John Adams, President of the United States.\nSir:\nWhile our sympathy is excited by the recent sufferings of the citizens of Philadelphia, we participate in the satisfaction which you are pleased to express that the duration of the late calamity was so limited as to render unnecessary the expense and inconvenience that would have been incident to the convention of Congress in another place; and we shall readily attend to every useful amendment of the law which contemplates the event of contagious sickness at the seat of Government.\nIn lamenting the increase of the injuries offered to the persons and property of our citizens at sea we gratefully acknowledge the continuance of interior tranquillity and the attendant blessings of which you remind us as alleviations of these fatal effects of injustice and violence.\nWhatever may be the result of the mission to the French Republic, your early and uniform attachment to the interest of our country, your important services in the struggle for its independence, and your unceasing exertions for its welfare afford no room to doubt of the sincerity of your efforts to conduct the negotiation to a successful conclusion on such terms as may be compatible with the safety, honor, and interest of the United States. We have also a firm reliance upon the energy and unanimity of the people of these States in the assertion of their rights, and on their determination to exert upon all proper occasions their ample resources in providing for the national defense.\nThe importance of commerce and its beneficial influence upon agriculture, arts, and manufactures have been verified in the growth and prosperity of our country. It is essentially connected with the other great interests of the community; they must flourish and decline together; and while the extension of our navigation and trade naturally excites the jealousy and tempts the avarice of other nations, we are firmly persuaded that the numerous and deserving class of citizens engaged in these pursuits and dependent on them for their subsistence has a strong and indisputable claim to our support and protection.\nThe delay of the Spanish officers to fulfill the treaty existing with His Catholic Majesty is a source of deep regret. We learn, however, with satisfaction that you still indulge hopes of removing the objections which have been made to its execution, and that you have continued in readiness to receive the posts. Disposed to perform with fidelity our national engagements, nothing shall be wanting on our part to obtain the same justice from others which we exercise toward them.\nOur abhorrence can not be too strongly expressed of the intrigues of foreign agents to alienate the affections of the Indians and to rouse them to acts of hostility against the United States. No means in our power should be omitted of providing for the suppression of such cruel practices and for the adequate punishment of their atrocious authors. Upon the other interesting subjects noticed in your address we shall bestow the requisite attention. To preserve inviolable the public faith by providing for the due execution of our treaties, to indemnify those who may have just claims to retribution upon the United States for expenses incurred in defending the property and relieving the necessities of our unfortunate fellow-citizens, to guard against evasions of the laws intended to secure advantages to the navigation of our own vessels, and especially to prevent by all possible means an unnecessary accumulation of the public debt, are duties which we shall endeavor to keep in view and discharge with assiduity.\nWe regard with great anxiety the singular and portentous situation of the principal powers of Europe. It were devoutly to be wished that the United States, remote from this seat of war and discord, unambitious of conquests, respecting the rights of other nations, and desirous merely to avail themselves of their natural resources, might be permitted to behold the scenes which desolate that quarter of the globe with only those sympathetic emotions which are natural to the lovers of peace and friends of the human race. But we are led by events to associate with these feelings a sense of the dangers which menace our security and peace. We rely upon your assurances of a zealous and hearty concurrence in such measures as may be necessary to avert these dangers, and nothing on our part shall be wanting to repel them which the honor, safety, and prosperity of our country may require.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2235", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 29 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States November 29. 1797\nI nominate David Leonard Barns of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to be the Attorney for the United States in that District, in the Place of the Honourable Ray Green resigned.\nJohn Read of Delaware now Resident in Philadelphia to be Agent of the United States in relation to Such Claims as may be made against them before the Commissioners appointed to carry into Effect the Sixth Article of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and navigation between the United States and Great Britain, in the Place of Charles Hall, who declined his Appointment.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2236", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States House of Representatives, 29 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States House of Representatives\n\t\t\t\t\tGentlemen of the House of Representatives:\n\t\t\t\t\tUnited States, November 29, 1797.\n\t\t\t\tI receive this address from the House of Representatives of the United States with peculiar pleasure.Your approbation of the meeting of Congress in this city, and of those other measures of the Executive authority of Government, communicated in my address to both Houses at the opening of the session, afford me great satisfaction; as the strongest desire of my heart is to give satisfaction to the People and their representatives by a faithful discharge of my duty.The confidence you express in the sincerity of my endeavors, and in the unanimity of the People, does me much honor, and gives me great joy.I rejoice in that harmony which appears in the sentiments of all the branches of the Government, on the importance of our commerce, and our obligations to defend it, as well as in all the other subjects recommended to your consideration; and sincerely congratulate you, and our fellow-citizens at large, on this appearance, so auspicious to the honor, interest, and happiness, of the nation.\n\t\t\t\t\tJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2238", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 30 November 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States Nov. 30. 1797.\nI nominate Chauncey Whittlesey to be Collector of the Customs for the District of Middletown in Connecticut, in the Place of George Phillips, Superceeded\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2239", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Enos Hitchcock, November 1797\nFrom: Hitchcock, Enos\nTo: Adams, John\nTo the President of the United States\nSir.\nThe Citizens of the Town of Providence voluntarily assembled to tender their respects to the first Magistrate of the Union on his arrival in this Town, beg leave to approach you by their Committee with sentiments of Joy on the present occasion and with assurances of the sensible pleasure they feel in common with their Fellow-Citizens that the suffrages of this great community have met in a Person whose long tried virtues & talents preeminently qualify him to succeed the illustrious Washington.\nWith the highest satisfaction they have observed in the measures of your administration indubitable proofs of republican firmness and political wisdom which dignify the nation and endear its government to the People.\nWe have to add their ardent wishes that your journey may be prosperous, your life a continued blessing to the world, and as happy to yourself as useful to the nation.\nWe are very respectfully your most obedient servants\nEnos. HitchcockB BouonJames Burrill Jun. Committee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2240", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Joseph Anderson, 1 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Anderson, Joseph,Jackson, Andrew,Claiborne, William Charles Coles\nThe President of the United States, presents his Compliments to The Honourable, Joseph Anderson Andrew Jackson and William Charles Cole Claiborne, and will be glad to receive them at his House tomorrow Saturday Morning ten O Clock, upon the Business mentioned in their 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2241", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 2 December 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nTreasury Department Revenue Office Decr. 2d. 1797.\nI have the honor to make application to you upon the subject of two letters, which I have received from Oliver Wolcott Esquire, the Secretary of the Treasury. The first of those letters is dated on the 9th. of November last. Mr. Wolcott therein informed me, that he should make certain correspondence, which has lately passed between us the basis of a representation to you against me for deliberate misconduct in office. The second of the two letters, is dated on the 29th of November. In this last communication I am informed that the correspondence refered to has been laid before you. I trust, Sir, that you will deem it no improper liberty that I request you to be pleased to direct your private Secretary to transmit to me\n1st. A copy of Mr. Wolcotts representation against me\u2014\n2dly A minute of the dates of the several letters from Mr. Wolcott to me, which he has laid before you, and\n3dly. A minute of the dates of the several letters from me to Mr. Wolcott, which have been in like manner laid before you\u2014\nI have the honor to be, / with great respect, sir, / your most obedient Servant\nTench CoxeCommr. Of the Revenue", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2244", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 4 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States Decr 4. 1797\nI nominate Samuel Williams our Consul at Hamburgh to be Consul of the United States at London in the Place of Joshua Johnson resigned.\nThomas Crafts of Massachusetts to be Consul of the United States at Bourdeaux in the Republic of France in the place of Joseph Fenwick, dismissed.\nRichard Yates of Maryland, to be Consul of the United States at Aux Cayes in the Island of St. Domingo in the Place of Frederick Folger deceased.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2245", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Daniel McCormick, 4 December 1797\nFrom: McCormick, Daniel\nTo: Adams, John\nSir.\nNew York 4th. December 1797\nHopeing you will excuse my zeal to serve a Relation, who I flatter myself, will always proove worthy of every confidence reposed on him. I take the liberty to mention Mr. Pitcairn once more for your notice\nIt has been sugested to me that there is a probability of remooveing Mr. Williams from Hamburgh to replace Mr. Johnston at London. should this be the case and there be a Vacancy for Hamburgh, I am sure Mr. Pitcairn would prefer it to one at Paris or any other place in France. And there they could make no objections to his place of Birth\nWith Great Respect / I am Your Excellencys / Most Obedt Hum Servt\nDaniel 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2246", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Commissioners of Washington City, 5 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Washington City, Commissioners of\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia December 5. 1797\nI here enclose you, a Power to borrow 150,000 Dollars for the Use of the federal City, wherever you can find it.\nIf this Resource should fail of having its compleat Effect, I agree fully with you in opinion, that it will be necessary for your board to lay the whole subject before Congress for their consideration and further provision and that it will be necessary for One of you to attend in Philadelphia, in order to explain all things to the Members of Congress. I have no Objection to the form you have prepared, and shall be ready to convey it by a Message to both Houses. I am with great Esteem / Gentlemen, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2247", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 6 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States Decr. 6. 1797\nI nominate Joseph Pitcairn of New York, to be Consul of the United States, at Hamburgh in the Place of Samuel Williams removed to London.\nJohn Church to be Consul of the United States at Cork in the Kingdom of Ireland\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2249", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Montgomery, 6 December 1797\nFrom: Montgomery, James\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPhiladelphia December 6th. 1797\nAs I conceive it to be but that Justice which every Citizen may claim as His Due to have his Character cleared from false aspersions I entreat your Excellency will afford me that Privilidge which I think I may lay Claim to I have been for Many Months expecting Your Excellency would have returned those vouchers which I had the Honour of Transmitting to You and which our Late Beloved President returned to me should in case there should be any more malicious Attacks made My Character is certainly suffering and untill I have it cleared I will not attempt going abroad and of Course my very large Family are all that Time the sufferings Victims of unprovoked and unjust malice I again with every sentiment of Respect to your Excellency request you will Do me Justice and am your Excellency\u2019s / Most obet / Hmble Servant\nJames 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2250", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 7 December 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nDepartment of State Decr. 7. 1797.\nI have the honor to return the papers received the 5th instant, which were laid before you by the Secretary of War, concerning a difference of opinions between him and the accountant of that department relative to their respective powers in the issues of monies appropriated to its use; and upon which you directed me to consult the Attorney General, and make report to you.\u2014With those papers I transmit the written opinion of the Attorney General dated yesterday, with which I entirely agree; and to which I beg leave to subjoin a few observations.\nThe accountant has fondly assumed an importance which does not belong to him. And altho\u2019 in the particular instance stated by the Secretary of War, no public injury happened to ensue, yet the Accountant is not the less blamable: his delaying & refusing to countersign the warrant might have proved very detrimental to the public service.\u2014The law has given him no discretionary or controuling power in such case: his duty is simply to countersign them; unless he discovers an apparent error on the face of them; which of course he ought to point out to the secretary to be corrected.\nThe powers of the Comptroller of the Treasury are very different. He is explicitly directed to controul as well as countersign the warrants of the Secretary of the Treasury: for he is \u201cto countersign all warrants drawn by the secretary of the treasury, which shall be warranted by law. But when monies are once placed, with this precaution, at the disposal of the secretary of war, he alone is responsable for their particular application. To subject him to the controul of the accountant, would be to place an officer in a very subordinate station, to superintend the head of one of the great departments of government. If the Secretary of War directs, by warrant, a misapplication of the public money, He, and not the Accountant, is to be impeached for it. The accountant is to register the warrant, and to charge its amount to the person who is to account for its expenditure or delivery; and his countersignature is the evidence: that he has so done.\nRespectfully submitting these remarks, with those of the Attorney General, to your consideration, I remain, / sir, your most obt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2251", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Davis, 11 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Davis, John\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Decr 11th 1797\u2014\nColl Pickering has shewn me your Letter of 30th Novr. and I thank you for your kind attention to me\u2014\nInclosed is a Letter from Lewis Meagher O\u2019brian a total stranger to me, who has sent a present to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences\u2014I pray you to send the Box from Plymouth to Dr. Lathrop of Boston, with O\u2019briens Letter. Pray him to open the Box, and present its contents to the Academy, and inclose the Letter back to me by the Post, as there are Somethings of a public nature in it, which I must Consider\nI am Sir with great Esteem your / Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2252", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Simmons, 11 December 1797\nFrom: Simmons, William\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nDepartment of War Accountants Office December 11 1797\u2014\nIn obedience to your desire, I have the honor to lay before you a few observations in reply to the letter of the Secretary of War to me of the 11 November Ult. by stateing to you the reasons for my conduct, which he seems to think reprehensible.\nThe subject of his complaint is, my refusing or suspending to countersign a Warrant in favor of Samuel Lewis a Clerk in his Office for Two thousand five hundred Dollars, permit me Sir to state the circumstances attending it; When Mr. Lewis called upon me with the Warrant in question, he mentioned he was directed by the Secretary of War, to fill it up in his favor chargeable to the Indian Department and that he was to receive the amount in Bank notes, and remit them to the Secretary of War, who was to apply it to secret services in the Indian Department and at my request he produced the letter of the Secretary to him on the subject, my answer was, that previous to my Countersigning the Warrant it would be necessary for the Secretary of War to prefix his Signature, or that he should write me an official letter that I could file as a voucher for my justification, this precaution I thought necessary, as it was an unprecedented case for the monies drawn upon Warrants from the Department to be paid to the Secretary of War, or that they should be disbursed by him or Clerk, in his Office; The warrant accordingly returned with his signature affixed, and was presented to me a second time with the letter from the Secretary of War to his Clerk of the 2nd Novemrr. from the contents of that letter, and the warrant not being immediately wanted, I requested time to consider thereon, and after some little deliberation affixed my signature and returned the Warrant to Mr Lewis.\nI must now beg Sir to be permitted to state my reasons generally; on the first instance I refused my signature to the Warrant because I did not consider myself authorized by law to countersign a warrant without the Secretary of War\u2019s signature was first affixed, particularly where the item of expenditure was not specifically pointed out by law and where I could not produce a voucher to shew how the money was to be applied; The letter to his Clerk who was to receive the money I did not consider a sufficient voucher for my signature, to draw so large a sum out of the Treasury of the United States\u2014\nIn the cases where I countersigned warrants without his signature they were all specifically authorized by law, and when that was not the case where Officers applied for advances the Secretary of War was written to for instructions, besides had I not pursued this measure, the service must have suffered, as there were a number of Officers attending settlement of their accounts, and many Soldier who had been discharged the service, and arrived a great distance for their Pay could not have waited until the warrants were sent to the Secretary of War and returned with his Signature, who was all the time of the calamity of the Yellow Fever upwards of forty miles from the Office; and besides when detachments were ordered to march immediately it would also have been improper to have detained them until they could be paid by Warrants with the Secretary\u2019s signature affixed; the charge therefore of inconsistency of conduct I conceive utterly unfounded\u2014When I suspended my signature in the second instance, it was for time to exercise my judgement; as the subject was a new one, no warrant of the kind had ever issued that was to pursue the same course of disbursement, and I was fearful that difficulties would arise in the settlement of the Accounts. I however after some consideration affixed my name to the warrant under the idea that the Secretary of War was the responsible person in case of any difficulty thereafter; When I requested the Secretary\u2019s letters to his Clerk it was for the purpose of takeing copies of them that I could make a reply as a justification of my conduct which the Secretary therein complains of\nThe Secretary in his letter of the 11 November proceeds to state his opinion of the duties of the Accountant \u201cthat he is to have no deliberative will in countersigning Warrants drawn by the Secretary of War that it does not belong to the Accountant to check the Secretary should he in any case exceed in his demands the sum appropriated by law, that the intention of the Act of countersigning is merely to insure the registry of all the Secretary\u2019s warrants that the Accountant is a mere passive agent having no power whatever to with-hold his signature from such Warrants.\u201d In this he is supported by an opinion given by the Attorney General under date of the 30 May 1796 (copy of which is here inclosed) from which I must beg leave to differ in opinion conceiving that the law entitled an Act makeing alterations in the Treasury and War Departments passed the 8th May 1792 has explicitly pointed out my duties, by which I shall continue to be governed until I can be convinced that their opinions are to prevail and that I am to exercise no judgement of the propriety of the Secretary of Wars demanding my name to warrants on the Treasurer, I would here beg to observe that in such case all check which in my opinion was intended will be destroyed and that I must be relieved from all responsibility, from the inspection and revision of my accounts with the accounting Officers of the Treasury\u2014\nThe Secretary of War has pleased to observe that I am not to be made acquainted with the secrets of his Office, or that I am to act as a participator in Military arrangements, why he thus intimates, or dwells so lengthy on this subject I am at a loss to know, for I can assert with the utmost certainty, that I never even hinted a wish of the kind, either to know the secrets of his Office in case he had any, or that I at any time wished to participate in the Military arrangements of the Department, the duties of my Office has employed too much of my time to have a desire to pry into or be made acquainted with duties or secrets of his; I can however with propriety assert and can produce a number of instances where the Secretary of War has in my opinion very improperly interfered with the duties of mine, he has not only undertaken to liquidate and judge of accounts against the Department, but has in a variety of instances issued his Warrant for the amount without the account ever haveing been presented or examined in my Office, he has undertaken to authorize the Pay Master General and Agents for the War Department to draw Bills for the pay of the Army, without giving me the least information to what amount he has authorized them to draw, this mode of proceeding has entirely put it out of my power to know what monies the Pay master and Agents are chargeable with until the Bills are presented for payment and I have been lately informed that great part of the Army particularly those at Knoxville are now nine months in arrears, altho\u2019 the law has directed that the Army shall not be more than two months in arrears, I have wrote to the Secretary of War particularly on this business, who has not thought proper to answer my letters or give me the least information, he has undertaken to direct Agents who were exclusively accountable to this Office for the settlement of their accounts and who were entrusted to receive, and disburse monies agreeably to instructions from this Office; to leave their stations without informing me, which has put it out of my power to apply the monies appropriated by Law to their proper objects\u2014I beg leave to state one case in which if I had not undertaken to exercise my judgement the United States would have been subjected to pay a considerable sum which in my opinion was not due either in law or equity, I mention this case in particular because it was the first of any consequence upon which I was so unfortunate as to differ with the Secretary of War. Some time in the Month of May 1796 Captain H De Butts presented to me an account against the United States wherein he had charged his Compensation as Secretary to Major General Wayne a Commissioner appointed to treat with the Indians North West of the Ohio from the 4 April 1794 to the 20 Septemr 1795.\u2014535 days at 2 Dollars per day amounting to Dollars 1070, this account had been with the Secretary, whose Signature was affixed to it, that he had admitted the same and only remained for a Warrant to be made out for the amount, it appeared to me that this mode of conducting the adjustment of accounts was indirect contradiction to the Law organizing my Office, and as I was fully persuaded that he was not intitled to such compensation, and that it would be fixing a principle for the settlement of a like claim of General Wayne\u2019s which was in the Office for a demand of upwards of 8000 Dollars. I refused to allow it, I therefore would not settle it, nor give my certificate for the Warrant, in consequence of which some altercation took place between the Secretary and me, and a question was submitted to the Attorney General upon which Captain DeButts withdrew his account for Dollars 1070, and rendered an other account for the same service amounting to 1500 Dollars with his deposition annexed to it, this caused a full investigation of the subject, and from letters and documents that I obtained from the War Office I was clearly convinced that he could not be intitled to more than 112 days service in that capacity makeing only 224 Dollars, which I reported due to him with my reasons given in full on the account as will appear by copies of the same herewith enclosed where he has receipted for the said sum.\nI must beg your pardon for having taken up so much of your time in attending to a detail of this business, it has swelled beyond what I at first intended but justice to myself, and to the public seemed to require that I should be somewhat particular in stating the subject upon which the Secretary and myself have differed in opinion, and I beg leave to assure you that nothing but a sense of duty could induce me to persist in a measure, which must be disagreeable to me not only as it has produced some altercation between the Secretary\u2019s Office and mine but as it tends to make the Officers of the Army reflect upon me for not allowing their accounts to the extent they had been approved of by the Secretary; but Sir I may say without ostentation that no consideration has ever prevailed upon me to swerve from what I believed to be my duty in the several Offices with which my Country has entrusted me and retaining my present disposition I never shall; If I have erred in judgement I am willing to be set right and it is my earnest wish, and desire, that the line may be drawn between the duties which appertain to my Office, and that of the Secretary of War in all cases where there may be any obscurity; and I pledge myself that I shall never knowingly transgress it.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest regard / Sir / Your Most Obedt. Humbl. Servt:\nWm: SimmonsAcct. Dept. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2255", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, Jr., 18 December 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy, Jr.\nTo: Adams, John\nTo the President of the United States\nPhiladelphia Decr. 18. 1797\nAgreeably to your directions, we have read and deliberately considered the correspondence between Mr. Wolcott, the Secretary of the Treasury, and Mr. Coxe, the Commissioner of the Revenue. This correspondence embraces the following complaints of Mr. Wolcott against Mr. Coxe.\nI. In the case of Leonard Jarvis\u2019s delinquency as an Inspector of the Revenue in Massachusetts.\nUpon the first intelligence of this delinquency, in June last, Mr. Wolcott wrote to Mr. Jarvis; and at the same time to Mr. Davis, the District Attorney of Massachusetts, desiring, if the intelligence were true, that he would take proper measures to secure the public against any loss by that delinquency. Of these letters he verbally communicated the contents to Mr. Coxe: and their objects being simple, no further information about them seemed requisite. Nevertheless, and altho\u2019 they could not at all affect Mr. Coxe\u2019s official duties, he formally, and by letter, requested copies of them, under the pretence \u201cthat he might know the exact state of the revenue service.\u201d This request Mr. Wolcott deemed \u201cindelicate\u201d: yet it was four or five times repeated, as if to \u201charass\u201d Mr. Wolcott into a compliance with an \u201cimproper demand.\u201d And as late as September 17th, Mr. Coxe had omitted to answer the Supervisor\u2019s letter on the subject of Mr. Jarvis\u2019s delinquency, and in his letter of that date informed Mr. Wolcott, that he was unable to proceed to the proper measures which this required, for want of copies of his letters to the Supervisor, to Mr. Davis, and to Mr. Jarvis.\nII. In respect to the Supervisors of Districts, who also acted as Inspectors of Surveys.\nThe original act of Congress, passed March 3d 1791, enacts, \u201cThat where in the judgement of the President, a Supervisor can discharge the duties of that office and also that of Inspector, he may direct the same.\u201d\nIt appears that in pursuance of this authority, the President, by his act of March 15. 1791, directed the Supervisors to act as Inspectors; that this act had been officially communicated to them; and that they had performed the duties of Inspectors, pursuant to the President\u2019s direction.\nThe conformity of the President\u2019s act in this case to the law, and the consequent right of the Supervisors to execute the duties of Inspectors, appear to us clear and incontestible. Nevertheless, as early as 1794, the Executive, led into the error, probably, by Mr. Coxe\u2019s suggestions, issued to the supervisor of Ohio District, a commission of Inspector, in addition to that of Supervisor. And upon the direct application of Mr. Coxe to Mr. Wolcott, in the cases of Maryland and Tenessee, the Supervisors of these two Districts were also separately commissioned as Inspectors, as well as Supervisors. All the other Supervisors continued to perform the office of Inspectors, without separate commissions. And it was not (p. 65.) until the 17th of June 1797, that Mr. Coxe expressed his doubts, (which he says then first occurred) of the legality of the Supervisors acting as Inspectors, unless specially commissioned in the latter capacity. He then wrote to nine Supervisors, exhibiting such doubts; and enquiring whether they had received commissions as Inspectors: and in his correspondence with Mr. Wolcott, he attempts to justify this enquiry addressed to the Supervisors, on the ground (p. 61.) that he \u201cthought it likely to be as little productive of inconvenience as any other mode;\u201d and that \u201cit was perfectly sure and easy to ascertain the thing from (them;) and that it seemed rather best, as there had been a number of changes by resignation and death.\u201d\nBut if the object was to ascertain the fact, and (p. 75.) to \u201crender his register complete,\u201d there was a shorter & easier course within his knowledge: he had only to apply to his immediate superiour, the Secretary of the Treasury, for the information; or to the Department of State, where the law requires all commissions to be recorded. And this is the course he ought to have taken; and then if any doubts really existed in his mind, he should have stated them to the Secretary of the Treasury, under whose superintendance, & by whose immediate act, he was by law authorized to conduct this branch of Treasury business. But instead of this prudent mode of proceeding, which was so obvious, & which any man sincerely aiming to promote the public service would not have overlooked; and instead of confining his enquiries to the fact;\u2014at the same time that he made the enquiry, he scattered his mischievous doubts. (p. 77.) And in his subsequent letter to one of the Supervisors (Mr. Chester of Connecticut) he says explicitly, that \u201cthe doings of a person (meaning a Supervisor) acting as Inspector, without a distinct commission, would be of no legal effect, and might produce consequences injurious to such person, or to the United States\u201d: and, in effect, that frauds & perjuries might be committed with impunity. Yet, notwithstanding these peremptory declarations of the illegality of the acts of such a supervisor, performing the duties of an Inspector, in his justificatory correspondence with Mr. Wolcott, he says (with astonishing inconsistency) that (p. 65.) \u201cno doubt has been raised of the sufficiency of these acts of the President (those which directed Supervisors to perform the duties of Inspector) to all the ends for which the President designed them. It was an evidence only of his acts that was represented as necessary\u201d!\nIII. The third complaint is grounded on Mr. Coxe\u2019s communications to Mr. Wolcott respecting the act imposing Stamp duties.\nThis act had to encounter not a little opposition in Congress; and its title alone subjected it to much popular prejudice abroad. Yet when it had only passed the House of Representatives, in the form of a bill; while the ideas of the Senate were unknown; while it was uncertain what changes it might undergo, & what modifications might be introduced, to obviate popular objections;\u2014Mr. Coxe, with an unaccountable zeal, transmitted the bill to the (p. 8.) Supervisors and Inspectors; professing that \u201che deemed it worth the trouble and expence to possess every Supervisor with sufficient copies for himself and the Inspectors of his district.\u201d He also wrote them \u201ccopiously\u201d on the subject; thus prematurely commenting on a bill\u2014or at best giving constructions to a new, an important, & as before observed, an unpopular act, without previously consulting the Head of the Department. It is one (p. 9.) of these commentaries which Mr. Wolcott pronounces to be an ill-timed, and in some respects mischievous production.\nHe further manifests his zeal on this subject, in calling the attention of Mr. Wolcott to several sections of this law, the objects of which are explicitly & specially committed to the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury. The formal manner of doing this indicates that more was intended than to prevent those objects being overlooked: it would leave on his own records an evidence of his vigilant attention, with an intimation that it was necessary, to prevent the Secretary\u2019s neglecting or forgetting his duty.\nIV. The fourth subject of complaint is, that Mr. Coxes conduct has been unsatisfactory in his communications relative to the means of distinguishing different light-houses.\nMr. Coxe proposed to send to England and to France for machinery which would alternately but momentarily, conceal and display the light in some light-houses, to distinguish them from others; and asked for a warrant for 4000 dollars to enable him to import these machines & for \u201csome other connected objects\u201d; or some other provision of the necessary funds.\nThe project appearing novel to Mr. Wolcott, he asked for a specification of the machinery. Mr. Coxe gave none; altho\u2019 he sent a note designating the object of the machinery and the limits of its dimensions: and he observes, that if he could have furnished such a specification as Mr. Wolcott desired, the importation would have been superseded; as our own mechanics, could thereby have performed the work. Yet Mr. Coxe speaks (p. 86.) of the invention as of \u201clong and extensive notoriety to our ship-owners, mariners, and passengers by sea.\u201d And being thus familiar to our sea-faring citizens, Genl. Lincoln may hence have been enabled to construct the eclipsers which he has lately fixed in the light-house at Cape-Cod. If however, Mr. Coxe really knew more than he communicated to Mr. Wolcott, he has himself accounted for it, where he says (p. 85.), \u201cMy impressions really were, that you were about to interpose by purchase, at home or abroad, in a part of the duties formally committed to this office since 1792.\u201d\u2014But altho\u2019 the superintendance of light-houses had been by the Secretary of the Treasury committed to Mr. Coxe, in pursuance of the powers vested in him by law; yet nothing is more clear than that this was a subordinate superintendance; and that what had been so committed might be resumed; and especially the principal was not to be debarred from his superiour superintendance in general, or in any special case in which he desired information, thro\u2019 the unwarrantable jealousy of his subordinate officer.\nV. A fifth subject respects the construction of the act of March 3d 1797, altering the former acts imposing duties on stills. A construction on one point by Mr. Coxe had met with objections. Mr. Wolcott asked for information, & to be furnished with a copy of the instructions under the act of 1792, if any were issued, and copies of other papers, by which the construction and practice on the disputed point might be ascertained. Mr. Coxe\u2019s letters and notes indicated that a construction had been settled and practised upon since May 1792. (p. 50. & 51.) Yet upon investigation no such \u201cinstructions\u201d were found; nor did it appear that the question had ever occurred & been formally decided in the proper department; altho\u2019 the supervisor of Virginia had expressed his opinion in coincidence with that of Mr. Coxe. But instead of exhibiting the facts which want to invalidate the conclusion that a practice had been established on the point as maintained by Mr. Coxe, he contented himself with saying, in his letter of Septr. 13th to Mr. Wolcott, that (p. 53.) \u201cit appeared to him (referring to what passed in conversation between them) and so continued, that he first section of the act of 1792, required an application for the licence (to distill from domestic materials) to be made at the time of entering the still, and that the license so applied for must contain the times of beginning & ending.\u201d And altho\u2019 the object of Mr. Wolcott\u2019s calls for papers and information was to ascertain the established practice, if there was one, he after all declares (p. 54.) that he \u201cremains, as at first, utterly uncertain what the general usage has hitherto been:\u201d and justly complains, that Mr. Coxe\u2019s communications tended, if they were not calculated, to mislead his judgement, on the point in question.\nVI. The sixth subject of complaint arises from Mr. Coxe\u2019s various reports & letters relative to the management of the interior revenues of Pennsylvania. These consisting of numerous details seem not to admit of an abridgement. They have the appearance of much incongruity and uncertainty; and suggest the idea of a defective superintendence on his part.\nThese are the subjects of the \u201clate correspondence\u201d between the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commissioner of the Revenue; and which the former, in his letter, of the 9th of November, to Mr. Coxe, assured him that he should make \u201cthe basis of a representation against him, for deliberate misconduct in office.\u201d\nThe second, third, fourth & fifth articles, as above enumerated, have been discussed in the correspondence you referred to our consideration: the first & sixth articles have not been noticed on the part of Mr. Coxe; who, however, epxressed his intention to make further observations, in his letter of November 10th to Mr. Wolcott, saying \u201cthe remainder of his reply must be postponed until he should have completed the papers in regard to the revenues which were required by the order of the House of Representatives.\u201d These papers we find were completed more than two weeks since.\nOn the 29th of November, Mr. Wolcott informed Mr. Coxe (by letter) that a copy of his (Mr. Wolcott\u2019s) letter of October 14th, with copies of the several letters which since that time had passed between them, relative to Mr. Coxe\u2019s official conduct, had been laid before the President of the United States; and if he had any further observations to make upon any of them, desired him to communicate the same to him as soon as possible; assuring him, that whatever he should write would be transmitted to the President: but we are not informed that any further observations on the part of Mr. Coxe have been received.\nTo us it seems unnecessary for the President any longer to suspend his decision on the complaints laid before him by the Secretary of the Treasury against Mr. Coxe as Commissioner of the Revenue.\nAfter a full consideration of the correspondence above mentioned, it appears to us that the Secretary of the Treasury has just causes of complaint against the Commissioner of the Revenue, and that the former has no confidence in the latter; and that their sentiments towards each other (occasioned by the improper conduct of the Commissioner of the Revenue) are utterly incompatible with that harmonious conduct and co-operation in offices so closely connected, which the public interests indispensably require.\nUpon the whole therefore we are of opinion that there is sufficient reason for Mr. Coxe\u2019s dismission from office; and we think the public good requires it.\nTimothy PickeringJames McHenryCharles 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2256", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Paul Dudley Sargent, 19 December 1797\nFrom: Sargent, Paul Dudley\nTo: Adams, John\nMay it please your Excellency\nSullivan Decr: 19 1797\nIn reading your Speach to the two Houses of Congress I could not but notice the emphatical manner in which you impressed Congress with the necessity of Defending our Commerce; which led me to consider of our present mode of building our Ships on stocks above high water mark. I think we have had a full trial of the inexpediency of that way of building, in the difficulty, risk, and danger in Launching the Ship Constitution\u2014In Europe your Excly and every one that has any knowledge of Navigation knows that their large Ships are built in dry Docks; there is a number of places in this part of the United States where dry Docks could be constructed the tide riseing from seventeen to twenty feet; but there is one in particular that appears intended by nature for that purpose, its at the bottom of one of the best Bays perhaps in the World, it is secured by Nature from all Winds, and from an Enemy by water, and on the Land side are very high hills that by Art may be made defendable, the arm of the Sea runs inland about a mile and from twenty to sixty Rods wide, the Spring tides rise\u2019s at the enterance of the Cove twenty feet, and by a little labour the whole of the Cove could be brought to the same depth of water, the expence of making a dry Dock here would be trifling in comparison to the expence in many of the United States, and no winds or Sea can damage the Dam, the Bay without the Harbour, is very capacious, fifty miles in circumference, a smoth bottom from twelve to eighteen fathom, and Land lock\u2019d in every direction, the enterance, by two Channels more than half a Mile wide, between Islands high and bold, easily defended if necessary by works, the bulky materials for Ship bulding can be transported at as little expence to Frenchmansbay as to Boston, and most of them were transported for the ship built there, the Masts and Spars which are a bulky artical abound in the District of Maine, and may be brought to the spot with little expence compared with that of carrying them to many places. I concive there are many other advantages attending this place not yet perfectly known\u2014\nYour Excellency will excuse the freedom of the above observations. I am fully sensible of your candour and that you will receive them as they are ment, you may be ignorant of me tho\u2019 a Client of yours in 1773 and two or three times since have had the Honour of being in your Company. Mr. J. A. Otis, Mr. S. Brick and many of the Members from this Commonwealth are acquainted with me from whome you may know my Character if requisite, if in any way I can be serviceable to my Country I hold myself bound, with every wish and prayer for your Excelys Life health and hapyness /I am /  With the highest Esteem /  and most profound respect /  Your Excellency /  Most Obet Most hble servt\nPaul Dudley 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2257", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 20 December 1797\nFrom: Wilkinson, James\nTo: Adams, John\nHonoured Sir\nHead Quarters PittsBurgh Decr. 20 1797\nTo justify to our Country and to the world your protection of me at a moment when  and powerful enemies were combined to destroy me by implications which dare not meet the light, I profess before God and Man is among the leading motives of all my acting\u2014\nThe death of General Wayne silenced an investigation which I had much at heart, because it would have unfolded Scenes and circumstances evincive of my Utility, my Integrity and my wrongs, which can now never reach the public Eye\u2014so soon as this Death was announced in Philadelphia, I waited on the Secretary of War and held with him a conversation precisely to the following effect\u2014\u201cprosecution is in the Grave with General Wayne, but the door is still open to investigation, and I most earnestly wish an enquiry into my Conduct, Military and Political\u2014indeed the vindication of my own affaced Reputation more than any desire to injure General Wayne has directed the obstinate perseverance with which I have pursued the subject\u2014I know that whispers and inuendoes are circulated in secret to wound my Character\u2014I know that a sinister connexion with Spain is slanderously imputed to me\u2014I know that Jacobinism, french attachments, and an indisposition to the Government of my Country are basely ascribed to me\u2014but conscious of innocence, I court Inquiry to obtain an opportunity of vindication which I have amply in my power\u201d\u2014to this Mr. McHenry after declaring that he did not know such things were laid or insinuated, but that if they were I must be sensible from the Presidents Conduct to me, that they had made no impression on his Breast, replied in the following words\u2014\u201cI advise you as a friend to give yourself no more trouble about it\u201d\u2014this conversation took place several weeks before the expiration of the Session of Congress, and I followed the advice given to me, in the hopes that the prejudices and animosity of my enemies might subside\nBut I have been deceived and while all my faculties have been on the stretch to promote the Interests of the Nation and the Honor of the Government, I find my enemies have not slumbered and that calumnies are still circulated to wound my fame and impair the public confidence.\u2014\nUnder such circumstances I know not where to appeal with so much propriety as to your breast, because I implicitly confide in your Justice, to determine my merits by my work and not by the words of those who seek my destruction, and because to you I owe the preservation of a spotless character, and am particularly responsible for my Conduct.\u2014\nThe following circumstances have occasioned this trespass on your time and may I humbly hope justify this intrusion.\u2014\nA man by name Hamilton from the lower Country, anticipated me at this place several weeks, and it was presently rumoured about the town that he had secret business with me and waited my arrival\u2014so soon as the report reached the ears of the Commanding officer Capt. Turner and the Quarter Master General Mr. Wilkins they called on Mr. Hamilton and taxed him with the plunder\u2014he avowed his inocence and declared he had no knowledge of,or business with me\u2014the report was then traced to a Mr. Postlethwait a Tavern Keeper of the Town and he gave for another source one of his household who had it from a third person, but it could not be fixed that Hamilton had made the declaration.\u2014\nThat a Man should be at this place with business for me public or private might occur without producing any remarkable effect\u2014but when such Man is known be a professed Spanish agent (the very same whom I had recommended to Colo. Sargent at Cincinnati but May or June as a proper subject for the attention of the civil magistrate, as will fully appear from the Copy of my letter to the Colonel which was transmitted to the War Office) jealousies are excited, speculation produced and conclusions formed highly injurious to me, when in fact I never have held, nor ever shall hold communication with him unless I may be authorized to put him in Confinement, which if consistent I would recommend and that he should be removed to some other place.\nI intreat your pardon Sir, while I claim your attention to a circumstance of similar import but more serious aspect.\u2014\nIn consequence of the Information No. 1 I wrote the letter No. 2 and received for answer No. 3. and this last produced No. 4 & 5\u2014the misrepresentation of Capt. Lewis notwithstanding the affected guise of candor and respect which he gave his communication to my Major of Brigade is apparent from the positive information of Major Freeman & Mr. Lowell;\u2014This officer attached to the family of General Wayne in the relation of extra Aid de Camp mingled in his prejudices and co-operated in his labours against me, and the circumstance has long protected him against the sentence of a General Court Martial for abuse of my Character and Contempt of my Authority. I have considered it my duty to intrude these particulars upon you with the solemn assurances that I shall omit no industry to find out the reputed author of this vile Calumny and if he has been guilty of the fact to bring him to Justice.\u2014\nBelieve me Honoured Sir it is the invisibility of my enemies only which I fear, for while I dare the open asault I dread the secret stab\u2014defended by the invincible armour of Integrity I shall exultingly meet the combined force of my foes in fair conflict\u2014yet with all my habits of vigilance it may be impossible for me to guard against their wiles and stratagems\u2014to you then Sir, permit me to look up for protection against the Shafts and arrows which may be levelled at the Honor of an absent, injured, innocent Man\u2014Extend to me but the patronage which the retrospect of my recorded services may warrant and my future Conduct justify, and I ask no more, under heaven to justify your confidence and to fulfil every reasonable expectation.\u2014\nI beg leave in this place to remark on a circumstance which appears in a Letter of the Spanish Minister to the Secretary of State, it is there stated that I had not recieved orders to oppose the violation of our Neutrality by the British on the quarter of Canada\u2014This as far as relates to my Instructions which I received from the Secretary of War is true, yet it is in fact false, for Sir, you will be pleased to recollect that in a conversation which I had with you on the Subject of the Chevaliers Alarm\u2014I asked you expressly if the British should attempt to pass through our territory whether I should oppose them and you replied to me \u201cundoubtedly\u201d\u2014a circumstance so trivial at the time may have escaped your recollection, but I am ready to bear testimony to the fact, and it may be proper for me to assure you at the same time that I am ready to make Oath no Eye ever beheld the Instructions of the Secretary except the Gentlemen attached to my person, and I doubt whether they ever saw them, and I can aver with equal solemnity that the contents of those Instruction were never communicated by me to any person.\nI fear I fatigue you yet I must call your recollection to another circumstance\u2014you may remember I shewed you a lump of virgin copper before I left Philadelphia, and asked your permission to search for the mine which you granted\u2014 I have now the pleasure to inform you that I have proceeded in that pursuit, and if I may credit my informants have discovered a Country of Mines\u2014 I had ordered two hundred pounds of the copper to be brought away but the Metal was too hard for my Tools and a few small pieces only could be cut from the assay body\u2014a sample will be delivered to you with this Letter inclosed in a Tin can.\u2014\nBefore I left Philadelphia I requested the Secretary of War to mention to you my Son who bears my name, as a Candidate for a Commission in the Army\u2014suffer me now Sir, to recommend him to your patronage\u2014it is my view to make him a scientific Soldier and to give him if possible every advantage of Education and experience\u2014he is sixteen years of age and is well grown and well educated for his years, if your goodness may incline you to favour me I should prefer the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers for my Son noviciate as the most Scientific branch\u2014\nWith the highest &c &c.\u2014I am\nJ Wilkinson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2259", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Sarah Wentworth Apthorp Morton, 22 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Morton, Sarah Wentworth Apthorp\nMadam\nPhiladelphia December 22d 1797\nLast night, while I was thinking it was time for me to retire to rest they Sent me from the Post Office, your elegant Present of Beacon Hill, for which I pray you, Madam to accept of my best Thanks. I had no further thoughts of Slumber to my Eyes, till I had read the whole Preface, Poem and Notes. I shall read it again and again; but the Pleasure I had in the first Perusal of it, has excited an earnest Wish to See the Prosecution of the Plan in the Subsequent Books.\nTo me, who have Sometimes Seen the Day break, and often the Sun rise, from the Summit of that Mountain, the Title itself is a Sublime and beautiful Poem\nThe Design is immortalising, in the charming numbers of Philenia, those Events and Characters which have reflected so much honour on her Country within the View of that Scene, well becomes her Genius and does honour to her heart.\nWith great Esteem and Admiration, I have /  the honour to be, Madam, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2260", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Wilkinson, 24 December 1797\nFrom: Wilkinson, James\nTo: Adams, John\nHonored Sir\nPitts Burgh December 24th: 1797\nAt the particular desire of the Bearer, the Miamis Chief called the little Turtle, I give Him this Letter of Introduction to you; His consequence among the Nations, approximate to one North Western frontier, gave Him pretensions to this distinction, I have deemed it political to indulge Him, and hope the Step may not be displeasing to you.\u2014\nTo the details which I have given the Secretary of War respecting this Chief, I will beg leave briefly to add,\u2014that he is unquestionably the man of strongest Mind, and most general influence among the nations North West of the Ohio River\u2014His feats of War\u2014His sagacity in Council, & the facility with which he speaks all the Indian languages, gives Him great pre-eminence\u2014\nI rely confidently on his presence here, as a guarantee for tranquillity behind me, and I am of opinion his pride, his Ambition, and his avarice, may be so managed as to render Him a steady Friend; and a useful Agent to Government.\nWith the most perfect respect, & the most dutiful attachment I am sir / Your faithful Soldier and Servant\nJa. Wilkinson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2261", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Morgan, 26 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Morgan, Benjamin\nSir\nPhiladelphia Decr: 26th 1797\u2014\nI yesterday received by Mr. Malcom, your favor of that date, together with a Catalouge of the Books, belonging to the Library Company of Philadelphia, bound and lettered with uncommon beauty and Splendor\u2014\nI pray you Sir to present my thanks to the Directors of that Institution, for this elegant present and especially for their obliging offer of the Use of their books, a favour, however, which I fear, I shall have more inclination, than time to Enjoy\u2014\nAccept my particular acknowledgments to yourself, Sir, for the Very Civil and obliging manner in which you have communicated that kind attention of the Company\u2014\nSir / your most Obt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2265", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 27 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States December 27. 1797\nI nominate Thomas Waring of South Carolina to be Naval Officer for the District of Charleston, in the place of William Hort who has declined his Appointment.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2266", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Senate, 27 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\nUnited States December 27. 1797\nI nominate William Willis our Consul at Venice to be Consul of the United States at Barcelona in Spain\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2267", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Lathrop, 27 December 1797\nFrom: Lathrop, John\nTo: Adams, John\nMuch Hond Sir,\nBoston 27 Decemr 1797\nYour very obliging favour of the 4th I recieved, together with the late professor Luzac\u2019s very learned and elegant Oration concerning citizen Socrates. As it is read with great pleasure by those members of the Academy who have had an opportunity to see it, we have a desire to know why that great man left the chair of Rector Magnificent, and whether he now sustains any relation to the university.\nThe elegiack part of the Oration which has respect to the learned Nieulandius is extremely interesting. We wish to know the Circumstances of his exit.\u2014\nI have made known to a number of your friends in Boston, your obliging remembrance of them, for which they beg you to accept their thanks. It is with us a time of general health; and I have the pleasure to inform you, that the friends of government and order among us \u201ckeep up good spirits.\u201d\nThe late awful exertion of force, in opposition to every principle of a free government, in the pretended Republik of France, has had a considerable effect on those among us, who have been foulish enough to prefer the interest of that distracted Nation to the welfare of our own Country.\nThat extraordinary measure affords conviction that while the leading men in France are talking loudly about Liberty, and the equal rights of men, they exercise the most dispatick rule: From a conviction of this truth, Several who had been extremely erronious in principle & practice are hopefully converted.\nThere is an impatience to hear from our Envoys at Paris; but with the impatience, there is a good degree of Resignation.\u2014Should the french be disposed to treat America as we ought to be treated, and pay a proper regard to our rights, we shall rejoice: there certainly is no wish to enter into War. But should they continue their depredations on our commerce, & hold a Language towards us, inconsistent with the high Sense which we have of our Liberty and Independence, if I may judge from what I hear, the people in this part of the Union, were never better prepared, in their minds, for self defence.\nAlthough much property might have been Saved, had suitable measures been adopted a year ago, the atrocities of the french government, and their continued depredations on the commerce of this Country, have prepared americans for measures, which many could not be persuaded to adopt the last year.\u2014To use Sacred language, I believe we may say, the house of David is growing stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul is growing weaker and weaker.\u2014\nThat Congress may have a happy session,\u2014that Health and tranquility may attend you and yours, is the Sincere and constant wish of /  Sir /  Your most obedt & most humbl ser.\nJohn Lathrop", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2268", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 28 December 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Adams, John\nTo the President of the United States\nDepartment of State December 28. 1797.\nIn pursuance of your direction founded on the Resolve of Congress passed the second of March 1797 I wrote to the Governors of the. . . . . states of Conversation in New-Jersey Pennsylvania Maryland, Virginia, Kentuckey Tennessee & South-Carolina. requesting to be informed whether those states respectively had \u201cratified the amendment proposed by Congress to the Constitution concerning the suability of States.\u201d and if the same had been ratified that \u201cthey would direct the proper evidence thereof to be transmitted to the department of State.\nIn consequence of these letters I have received from the Governors of Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia, information that the proposed amendment had been ratified by those states, together with copies of the acts of ratification, of which copies are herewith laid before you:\u2014From the Executives of New-Jersey & Pennsylvania that the proposed amendment has not been ratified by those States.\u2014The Governor of South-Carolina his answer of the 10th of October, and that the legislature had not yet decided on the amendment; but that he intended again to submit it to them for consideration.\nFrom Kentucky & Tennessee no answers have been received.When I first wrote to the Governor of Tennessee it did not occur to me that the Resolves of the two Houses of Congress proposing the amendment in  passed in March 1794, and been immediately transmitted by the President, at the request of the two Houses to the \u201cExecutives of the several States\u201d had not been communicated to Tennessee, which was not included to be one of the United States until approval of two years after, viz. on the first of June 1796. Therefore, on the 16th of October last I again wrote to the Governor of Tennessee, & inclosed a copy of the resolve of March 1794 to be laid before the legislature for their consideration.\nAll which is respectfully submitted\nTimothy PickeringSecretary 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2269", "content": "Title: From John Adams to United States Congress, 30 December 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Congress\nGentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives\nUnited States Decembr. 30th 1797\nIn complyance with the desire of the two Houses of Congress, expressed in their resolution of the Second day of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety Seven, that some speedy and effectual means might be adopted of obtaining information, from the States of Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tenessee, and South Carolina, whether they have ratified the amendment proposed by Congress, to the Constitution concerning the Suability of States, and if they have to obtain the proper Evidences\u2014\nMeasures have been taken and information and Evidences obtained, the particulars of which will appear, in the Report from the Secretary of State, made by my direction, on the twenty Eighth day of this month, and now presented to the two Houses for their consideration\u2014\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2271", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 30 December 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nWar Office 30th. December 1797.\nThe Secretary of War begs leave to submit to the president certain facts and considerations which respect the situation of his department.\n1. That the appropriation for the Salary of Clerks in the War Office is Four thousand and forty Dollars.\n2. That this Sum was for a certain time thought sufficient for Seven Clerks.\n3. That finding it inadequate to their support it became necessary in order to retain those best qualified to reduce their number to five.\n4. That the appropriation is distributed as follows viz. To the principal Clerk, Twelve hundred dollars, to Mr. Jones Nine hundred to Mr Lewis Senr. Seven hundred and Seventy; to Mr. Burton Seven hundred and thirty to Mr. Lewis Junr. Four hundred.\nWith these five Clerks the Secretary has endeavoured since the 31st. December 1796 to conduct the business of the Office. He now thinks it incumbent upon him, as well with reference to the publics interest as his own health to state that the business would unavoidably suffer unless he is enabled by a more enlarged appropriation to add to this number.\nTo render this fact more apparent it may be proper to notice the general business assigned to each Clerk\nThe principal Clerk in charge with the examination, in the first instance, of the claims to  bounty lands and  the cession of Territory by the State of Virginia to the United States; to make statements of difficult cases for final decision: to superintend the examination of all other claims to bounty lands due the Officers and Soldiers of the late Continental army, and in like manner to furnish the  with statements when difficulties  for final decision. He is also charged with the general superintendance of the business of the other Clerks, and with the distribution, arrangement and safe keeping of  public letters, papers, work and books. He is occasionally to  visit and inspect the Books, manner of keeping amounts and articles in the public interest  and to report in writing respecting the same. He is  the appropriate Clerk to copy and record letters that cannot immediately pass into the public Books.\nMr. Jones acts as Assistant to the Chief Clerk in the business of copying and recording letters. It is also enjoined to this Clerk to file and Register letters received, to enter in a book the time when received and an abridgement of their contents, to examine applications for Soldiers discharges, to digest army returns, and the returns from  parties, to copy orders on the Superintendant of military Arms, keep a record of applications for military appointments, and make out and register Commissions.\nMr. Lewis senior prepares army Estimates, fills up warrants for monies for the War and Indian factory department, records the same and all letters of requisition addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury for money. He  fills up warrants for land for Officers and Soldier of the late Army, and pays small amounts in the contingencies of the War and Indian departments also transmits monies to Officers when it would be inconvenient to send the same to Supervisor\nMr Burton is charged with the Pension books and all papers and letters respecting the Invalids He has also to copy and record the correspondence respecting Indian , and with the factors of the Indian trading houses, and to  an account of the state of each factory from the copies of the day books and periodical Inventories.\nMr. Lewis Junior is employed in copying and recording Letters.\nThe Secretary remarks upon the  view of the duties of the Clerks that they cannot accomplish reasonably much of the business assigned to them, that it necessarily accumulates on their hands for want of Assistants, and that the business of the department of War not comprized in their assignment to the Clerks, remains either to be completed or executed by the Secretary alone.\nIt ought to be mentioned that under such circumstances inconveniences and delays obstructing and affecting the public interest may occur and be unavoidable; notwithstanding the greatest exertions to prevent them. What alternative has a Secretary so situated, from whom a mass of business is crudely and incessantly poured, that might be safely participated with Clerks in addition to business, which from its nature, must be executed through all its forms wholly and exclusively by himself? And what can more comport with a due regard to national economy than to put it in the power of the head of an important department to devote a proportionate share of his time, by affording him adequate assistants to the higher positions of his Office, and to those systems, plans and arrangements, which involve more or less expenditure and waste of the public resources, as they are more or less ill contrived or desertive, judicious or complete?\nIt may be further proper to mention that the marine department is not included in these remarks. This composes a distinct source of business and requires a distinct set of Clerks to assist in it\u2019s management.\nTo this brief state of his Office the Secretary will only add, that he considers the present Salaries of the subordinate Clerks inadequate to the  and  to  that I have little expectation of being able to procure other and able assistants at their rates of compensation.\nAll which with the utmost deference is respectfully submitted.\u2014\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2272", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Fran\u00e7ois Adriaan Van der Kemp, 30 December 1797\nFrom: Van der Kemp, Fran\u00e7ois Adriaan\nTo: Adams, John\nSir!\nOldenbarneveld. Herkemer Count\u00ff 30 Dec. 1797.\nIt is Long ago, that I was honoured with your favour of Dec. 6 and April 18\u2014in which your Excellency communicated with me the unhappy situation of the worthy Luzac, worthy indeed the high encomiums, which you have bestowed on him, and more so to have merited in such high a degree your Excellency esteem and adprobation. I should have sooner accused this favour, had I not feared to interrupt your Excellency\u2019s more interesting occupations or could I have persuaded me self, that the dignity of the Subject of this letter would have secured me an excuse. Permit me, that I take hold of the opportunity, which the New year offers. Accept m\u00ff warmest wishes for the uninterrupted\u2014As far as consistent with the course of human affairs\u2014health\u2014and prosperity of your Excellenc\u00ff, your Lad\u00ff\u2014and Children! May your political career be blessed till its last moment; and modern European Republicans organise their governments according to your model. I know, that you will allow me the Liberty, of which I made use of before, in communicating always with you the sentiments of m\u00ff heart, without permitting my judgment be biassed b\u00ff your Exalted station.Your Excell. last speech had been approved in the Western parts b\u00ff far the greater part\u2014and wel the parspotiors some disliked it as too dr\u00ff\u2014The\u00ff who approved it, consider\u2019d, that the President ought not to take a part, or notice of the Political dissentions in the house, and they were of opinion that this impartial conduct must have gained you the hearts of man\u00ff.\nI have admired it in another point of view believing\u2014that your Excellency\u2014in this critical situation\u2014intended to obtain his aim, without mentioning it\u2014and that your so concise proposal of the subjects of their future deliberating, induced both hereby to express themselves with so much warmth\u2014for the persuasion that they were rather the advisers, than the adviced, in the plan, which you wished to see executed. Thy wishes will be accomplished, and the best part of our citisens will learn, by the extravagancies of the European Republicans, that we should have been lost\u2014long ago\u2014if our government was dissolved.\nThe temporary administration of Holland had reinstated J. Luzac in his Professorship the 20 March 97. But the day before he should make again a beginning with his Lectures, he received a new interdict from the Curators of the Academ\u00ff\u2014\nEurope\u2019s situation is as critical as before\u2014in France the one Revolution succeeds the other, a monarchical government with the semotions of some abuses\u2014or a crumbling in parts of this vast bod\u00ff\u2014may become some of the scenes of the last act. Venice rather died b\u00ff a lethargy than b\u00ff convulsions. Any common evelment  may have changed her aristocracy in any other form\u2014So it seems at least by the symptoms in the last moments of their Political existence.\nHolland alas! will never recover its antient splendour. It seems the not adopting of the proposed constitution is a rashness of which they will severely repent\u2014In their actual cercumstances an\u00ff constitution seemeth to be desirable, and I should have supported it, however I might disapprove the whole, when I had struggled in vain to get a better, and secured to the people the right and the efficacious means of amending it in time\u2014So disorganisation would have been at an end\u2014Industry and commerce would have recover\u2019d b\u00ff degrees\u2014finances vivified, and the influence of Foreing Power insensibly decreased. At present they will be dictated by France\u2014if its power continues increasing.\nIt is inconceivable, how ignorant several of their principal leaders are\u2014Hallucinating about the first rudiments of Republican states entirely unacquainted with ancient heft. with our constitution and histor\u00ff\u2014and those who hazard a more liberal idea are immediately Federalists\u2014Aristocrats. your Excell. shall have seen from Luzacs gazette\u2014and may be informed by their Envo\u00ff whose friends belong to the moderate aristocratical party\u2014what abuse they make of these terms.\nIn the convention one says\u2014\u201cthe Executive ought always to be dependent from and responsible to the Legislative. \u201cIn a Republican Representative government the Legislature is the only concentred body, in which the supremacy of the People is vested\u2014The Executive\u2014the judiciar\u00ff are only (emanentes) subdelegate\u201d\u2014Another says \u201cWashington Harrison, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton, Wilson, who formed the American Constitution, where antifederalists! but there is an amazing difference between American foederalisme and French Unisme.\nOne however\u2014Dumbar of Deventer\u2014but his nigerest! says \u201cthe American constitution is founded on that body, on which the Liberty prosperity, tranquillity and the independency of a Nation can and may be established: that this world never yet had seen a system of government, what may better sustain, the sifting examination of the Philosopher, and by histor\u00ff and experience enlighten\u2019d Politician.\nExcuse this Long letter, and permit me to recommend me with my family to your Excellency\u2019s remembrance.\nI am with sentiments of the highest respect and consideration / Sir! / Your Excellency\u2019s most ob. st.\nFr. Adr. vanderkemp", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2275", "content": "Title: Discussion of British and French Spoliation of US Commerce, 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nA brief investigation of the Question \u201cWas France or England the first beginner of the measures pursued since 1792, to spoliate the commerce of the United States.\nIt has been asserted, and, by many, believed, \u201cthat the Government of France has an indisputable title to the culpable pre-eminence of having taken the lead in the violation of neutral rights, the first instance on the part of the British Government(refering to the order of the 8th. June 1793) \u201cbeing nearly a month posterior to the Commencement of the evil by France\u201d (refering to the Decree of the Convention of the 9th May 1793) These are the words, in which that charge has been brought against the French Government by the writer of a series of papers in the Gazette of the United States, entituled \u201cThe Warning\u201d signed \u201cAmericus\u201d. These papers are manifestly written by a person very minutely informed concerning the transactions of our Government, and have been considered as the productions of the late Secretary of the Treasury. If that be the fact, it is of great importance, because of the large share he is known to have taken in the executive Business, out of the line of the Department and in the publications upon the conduct of the two foreign powers with whom we have had the greatest relations.\nIt is an important matter of observation, that a similar way of thinking seems to have existed in the mind of the present Secretary of State, immediately before the publication of \u201cThe Warning\u201d refered to above; for in his report of the 27 February 1797; page 7; he observes: \u201cIt may be proper to remark here that this decree of the Convention\u201d (that of the 9th May 1793 mentioned in his next preceding sentence) \u201cdirecting the Capture of neutral vessels laden with provisions and destined for enemy ports, preceded by one Month the order of the British Government &ca.\u201d refering to that of June 8th. 1793. It is true, that there is no assertion, that either that British act, or that French act is the leading act of violation committed by England and France upon the neutral commerce, but the passage unavoidably carries the idea to the reader and has  occasioned some, who have not examined the subject to believe, that the Secretary of State has exhibited a proof that \u201cFrance\u201d (in the language of Americus,) \u201chas really taken the lead in the violation of neutral rights.\u201d\nIt is always highly important to take a just view of the conduct of nations, which are competitors for our friendship & particularly when we are promulgating an official Notice of the deportment of one of them, which is in a state of disagreement with us.\nThere is among the records of the department of State clear and positive Evidence, that England had deliberately adopted the System of violating the neutral commerce above a month before the French Decree of the 9th of May. This evidence seems to have escaped the Notice or recollection of the Secretary of state and of the writer of the Investigation in the United States Gazette. Our late Minister in London communicated to our Secretary of State, in his letter of the 5th. July 1793, that Lord Grenville had explicitly and unreservedly avowed, that the Captures of neutral vessels, as directed by the British order of the 8th. of June 1793 to that End, were fully understood by both Russia and Great Britain to be within the intention of the convention between them, which was signed by those two parties at London on the 25th. day of March 1793.  From the extraordinary Nature of that Convention between Russia and Great Britain, from the distance between Petersburg and London, and from the Season of the year, it cannot be doubted, that this important contract, which was  completely matured and signed on the 25th of March, must have been originated in 1792 by the Empress & the British King. In all the correspondence between our Secretary of State and Mr. Pinckney and in all the conferences and Notes between the British Secretary of State and our Minister in London, we do not perceive the least suggestion of the the influence of the example of the french Decree of the 9th. of May. Such a plea could not be made by Lord Grenville, who knew and avowed, that Great Britain had bound herself by a solemn compact, to obseve the very conduct of which the neutral powers complained. He and their Minister here (Mr. Hammond) have perseveringly maintained, that it was regular and right under the law of Nations. The British Government no doubt gave their first orders to the Commanders of their Ships as soon as the Convention with Russia was signed: and it is to be presumed that the known detentions of neutral vessels in their ports, and the Captures of such Vessels, which the French Government assigns as justifying reasons, were made in consequence of that convention and of those first orders. Neutral vessels, with provisions, for Fr. ports were so illegally detained in the fall of 1792 as to occasion a remonstrance from the French Minister to Lord Grenville in Jany 1793, and an Application to Parliament for an indemnity for the unauthorized proceeding. State papers p. 231. The British orders of the 8th. of June are expressly called by themselves, \u201cadditional Instructions\u201d. The English Secretary adhered to their right to adopt such measures in his negociations with our Envoy (Mr. Jay) and in the formation of the existing Treaty with the United States. It is not perceived therefore in which what Manner the French Decree of May 1793 can have produced this conduct of Great Britain.\nFrance acted a very unwarrantable and imprudent part in her decree of May 1793. But having an immense population to support, and with a prodigious band of sailors and soldiers to feed, almost completely shut in on the land side by the hostile Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain, expecting no Grain from the swarming hive of Switzerland and closely watched by the inimical Fleets of Russia, Sweden, Holland, England, Spain Portugal and the Italian states, her just apprehensions of a ruinous and distracting famine (This is made a particular consideration in the remonstrance of Mr. Chauvelin. Jany 7. 1793) appear to have been quicken\u2019d by the instances of Capture, some of which are particularized, and others of which are expressly, tho generally noticed, in the Decree of the Convention. Altho these circumstances are absolutely insufficient to justify France, they afford a degree and kind of extennuation for her following Russia and England, which they can not plead for their prior and leading act, and the captures and detentions during the pre-existence of their Convention. The views of Russia and England from Feby to July 1793 are fully explained by the latter in her Notes delivered to the Swedish Minister in those two Months. She avows the Consort between England & herself to compel all neutral vessels, bound to France to return or to go to some neutral port. England made in 1793 treaties in the very terms of the Russian Convention,  Spain, Prussia, Holland &ca. The plan of starving France at the expence of domestic law and neutral rights was begun in 1792 & prior to May 1793. That we considered the conduct of Great Britain at the Time, as, under all circumstances, the most exceptionable, must appear absolutely certain from our sending a special Envoy to London and not to Paris. This observation appears the more reasonable, because we had resident Ministers, in 1793 & 1794, at both places: Mr. G. Morris in France and Mr. Pinckney in London. The Object of this paper is not at all to justify the spoliations committed by France, nor is it wished, in the smallest Degree, to extenuate them. That any such Ideas have been admitted into this investigation, is merely because they unavoidably arise in a free discussion of the subject. To ascertain that any particular measure is not of a certain alleged Nature, it may be useful and necessary to ascertain of what Nature it really is. If fears, which now appear to have been well grounded, and the influence of a few English examples have led France to adopt a culpable and unjust measure towards us, still it appears true, and is important in this investigation that there really is a most serious and premediated instance of the evil on the part of Great Britain above six weeks prior to the French Decree of May 1793. The Contracting parties bound themselves to use all possible means with the neutral states to prevent their accustomed and lawful Commercial intercourse with France, from which among other things that Republic drew many of the comforts and necessaries of life. We have the explicit declaration of Lord Grenville who signed the Russian Convention, that it was in execution and fulfillment of this Convention, of March 1793, that the British Additional orders of the 8th. of June 1793 were issued. That English Secretary of State did not allege or even intimate, that the French order of the 9th. of May was the cause. He knew Great Britain had previously commenced those depredations, in the manner set forth in that Decree of the Convention, and he therefore plainly assigns the Concert with Russia and a pretended authority from the law of Nations, as the true and only causes: and it is upon this British Doctrine, that the provision Article of our Treaty proceeded upon their part. It seems particularly worthy of remembrance, that Lord Grenville also alleged, that Spain would act as England had done, in regard to the neutrals and we know, that Spain did act accordingly in the Course of the year 1793. We therefore really appear to owe our Spoliations by Spain to the support, influence and persuasions of England and Russia, in pursuance of the extraordinary Convention entered into by them in March 1793: a convention, which was not only calculated by its dreadful example and plain Tendencies to bring down upon France and all future belligerent nations unprecedented and aweful miseries, but to inflict upon all Neutrals, however peaceful and equitable, the suspension of their ordinary and rightful Navigation, the sales of their most valueable commodities, their supplies of foreign comforts, and necessaries, and the dependent revenues from exports and imports. If Portugal should become involved in the present War, England and her Allies, acting upon this principle, would suspend the accustomed and lawful Commerce of the United States with one half of the civilized world, and France, too ready to follow the example and prompted by Notions of interest and necessity, would suspend our rightful Commerce with the other half. In these views, the Convention of 1793 between Russia & Great Britain, as unreservedly and clearly explained by Lord Grenville to Mr. Pinckney, is a matter of the most transcendant Importance to the United States. To acquiesce in the doctrines and principles, which are its avowed Basis must go far to destroy the Merchant, the Fisherman and the Mariner, and must deeply wound the manufacturer, the planter and the farmer. Not to perceive and be aware of the real devisers and originators of this grand scheme of neutral sacrifices would appear to be a fatal oversight.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2276", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tench Coxe, 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nIt The Reasons which induced me to the freedom of my  communication concerning our Affairs with France have prompted me to that which I have now the honor respectfully to submit to your consideration in the same guarded and confidential manner, it has It appeared to me in the month of Feby last that some  persons of weight and even in the Government itself  had adopted the Opinion, that France had originated the European plan of neutral spoliation by her decree of May 1793.  This  a  of considerable importance in itself & is rendered the moreso  by great exertions what have been  made within the two  last months to propagate &   confirm the Idea thro the medium  of systematic publications  in some of the Gazettes.\nTho it is a serious &  painful truth, that France has committed  large proportion of unjust  Depredations on our trade, particularly in the West Indies & of late, yet two things among others have appeared to me necessary to an accurate estimate of  the degree of her positive and comparative culpability in so doing\u2014It has appeared,\n1st. That in order to determine the positive culpability of France  we must deduct from her captures, those which she has made upon ground adjudged to be solid by the Courts of her rivals & enemies\u2014Such as the trading with places belonging to her Enemies with to which we could not trade  before the war, the covering by collusive American papers  Enemy\u2019s property\u2014the trading with places  taken from her by Enemies but  not confirmed to those Enemies by a treaty of peace, and the possession of which by the right of postliminium will revert to her, if not formally ceded by treaty\u2014the carrying provisions to the places of their enemies according to Lord Grenvilles explanation of the Russian Convention and the law of Nations\u2014The carring to Enemies ports articles indisputably  contraband of war, and other  grounds of Capture of the like Nature. The French Captures under those heads would make a very large deduction from their disputed spoliations. The allowances upon these & similar grounds, Sir, are  respectfully submitted to your particular consideration.\n2dly. It has appeared necessary, in order to ascertain the Comparative Culpability of the French, that the conduct of Great Britain as  avowedly grounded by Lord Grenville upon the Russian Convention of March 1793, & that Convention as unreservedly explained to our Minister (T. Pinckney) in British  official Communication should be  perceived to be the great leading acts  in the plans of spoliation of neutral Commerce. Or in other words, that  Great Britain is  rather to be considered as the beginner of those unjust and injurious  France.\nI beg you to excuse, Sir, the liberty I have taken in offering  laying before you  the enclosed facts & reflexions in exclusive relation to the question propounded at their head.\u2014\nI have the Honor to be with great perfect Respect, Sir, / your most obedt. / & most humble Servant\nT. C.\nTo President Adams 1797\u2014with a paper concerning his Question \u201cwhether England or France originated the Business of neutral Spoliation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2277", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nWilliam B. Davie\nAlfred Moore\nDanl. Smith\nLandon Carter\nAlexander Outlaw\nNorth Carolina{William Davie. Of Halifax North Carolina. Was a member of the Convention which framed the Constitution of the U.S. Is a good federalist, a good lawyer, a member of the legislature of N. Carolina and well acquainted with the people of Tenissee.Alfred Moore. Perhaps a man of more genius than Mr. Davie. Was very iminent at the bar from which he has retired. He is a good federalist and very wealthy. Mr. Davie\u2019s manners more popular.Tenessee{Daniel Smith. Was Secry. to Mr. Blount, and might have been acquainted with some of his improper projects while governor of the South Western territory; of a liberal education, greatly addicted to reading, said to be discreet and a man of veracity.Landon Carter. One of the wealthiest farmers in Tenissee. Has had a tolerable education, is prudent and of a fair character.\nAlexander Outlaw. A rich farmer a great talker\u2014Shrewd withal, and father in law to Judge Cambel whose publications in the Knoxville papers have been calculated to mislead the intruders on the Indian lands.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2278", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James McHenry, 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Adams, John\nConstitution.\nLieutenants. 1 2 3 & 4.\nBenjn. Lee Boston.\nIsaac Hull. Do.\nRichard O\u2019Beal, Massachusetts.\nWm. H. Wattles Connecticut.\nDavid Phipps Do.\u2014\nJames Hodge Philad.\nJohn Augustus Spotswood Virginia\n Edward Wyer of Mass. Midshipman\nMarines.\nJohn Wm. Livingston. N. York\nLemuel Clerk Boston.\nOram N. Carolina.\nHenry Caldwell. Vermont.\nFrederick Dalcho. Maryland.\nSurgeon.\n Read.\nSurgeon\u2019s Mates.\nU.S.\nLieutenants.\nWilliam Billings. Boston.\nJohn Mullony Philad (appointed)\nCharles Stewart Do.\nVan Renselaer.\nLt. Marines\nWm. McRea Virginia (appointed)\nFrederick Dalcho: Maryland.\nSurgeon\nGeorge Gillespiee\nSurgeon\u2019s Mates.\nJohn Bullus. Pennsylvania: Maryland.\nIsaac Henry Ditto.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2279", "content": "Title: List of Captains of American Ships, 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nGuadaloupe StationS. Domingo StationPresidentTruxtun}CongressSeverPhiladelphia.DecaturAdams:RobinsonNew YorkMorrisAugustaMc.ElroyJohn Adams. CrossRichmond.Law\nMerrimack.BrownSamuel.  JonesBoston.LittleHavannaPatapsco\u2014GeddesDelaware.SpottswoodTrumbullLewettA roving cruise thro\u2019the Windward Islandsschrs{Enterprise.ShawExperimentStewartChesapeakeBarronBrig Pickering\u2014HillarE. Indiesoff the CoastEssexPrebbleInsurgent.FletcherFranceAlgiersPortsmouth.McNiellGo. Washington.Bainbridge\nVessels in Port refitting+United States.Barry\u2014nearly ready for Sea+\nConstellation.Murray\u2014Just arrived in Port+Ganges.Mullowny.{Phila\u2014 nearly ready for Sea}+\nEagleCampbell-ConstitutionTalbot\u2014ready for SeaWarrenBarron\u2014nearly ready for Sea BostonHeraldRussell\u2014Just arrivedGeneral GreenePerryNewport}These three Vessels will not be ready for Sea sooner than 5 or 6 Weeks.ConnecticutTryon?New LondonMarylandRogersBaltimoreBaltimore.Cowper\u2014Norfolk}Ordered to be sold unfit for serviceNorfolk.Calvert\u2014Baltimore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2280", "content": "Title: List of the Officers of the Ship Baltimore, 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nofficers for the Baltimore to receive their Commissions and Warrants\u2014\nJonas M Speake \u2013 Lieutt.\nJohn West \u2013 Do.\nThomas Rowland \u2013 Surgeon\nHenry Wells \u2013 Do. Mate\nSolomon Hotchkiss \u2013 Sails. Master\nSolomon Dickinson \u2013 Burser\nPeter Clopper \u2013 Sailmaker\nHorace Smyth \u2013 Midshipman\nStanton Hazard \u2013 Do.\nJohn Gault \u2013 Do.\u2014\nThese Officers were appointed in July last, but not commissioned & no Commissions were ever signed by the President further.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2282", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Bingham, 1797\nFrom: Bingham, William\nTo: Adams, John\nSir,\nThe Committee who were appointed to carry into Effect, the Views of the Legislature, relative to their appropriation of $5000, for the purchase of Books suitable for the executive and legislative departments of the Government, wish to avail themselves of your Superior Judgment, and enlightened Experience in making the proper Selection\u2014& for this purpose, I have the Honor of addressing you.\nThe following are in their opinions, the most prominent Subjects, under which it appears most expedient to class the Collection, unless a more fit arrangement should be suggested. viz.\nJurisprudence\u2014political, Civil, $ common Law\nLaw of Nature and Nations\u2013English Law\u2013Law of Parliament\u2013public Law of Europe\u2013Parliamentary Proceedings\u2013Parliamentary Debates\u2013Political \u0152conomy\u2013Political Treatises\u2013Antient & modern History Voyages and Travels\u2013\u0152thics\u2013Geography, Belles Lettres\u2014\nIf your Leisure will permit you to give any attention to Such Reflections, the Committee will thankfully receive any Ideas you may think proper to communicate on the Subject\u2014\nI have the Honor to be with respectfull Consideration / Sir / Your obedt hble servt\nWm. Bingham", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-02-02-2284", "content": "Title: Declaration Concerning Shipping, 1797\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \nJohn Adams, President of the United States of America. To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:\npost 1797\nBe it known, That leave and permission, are hereby given tomaster or commander of thecalledof the burthen oftons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port ofbound forand laden with\nto depart and proceed with his saidon his said voyage, suchhaving been visited, and the said  having made oath before the proper officer , that the saidbelongs to one or more of the citizens of the United States of America, and to him or them only.\nIn witness whereof, I have subscribed my name to these Presents, and affixed the Seal of the United States of America thereto, and caused the same to be countersigned byattheday ofin the Year of our Lord Christ, one thousand seven hundred and ninety\n            John Adams By the President\n            Most Serene, Serene, most Puissant, Puissant, High, Illustrious, Noble, Honourable, Venerable, wise and prudent, Lords, Emperors, Kings, Republics, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Lords, Burgomasters, Schepens, Counsellors, as also Judges, Officers, Justiciaries and Regents of all the good cities and places, whether Ecclesiastical or Secular, who shall see these patents, or hear them read. Wemake known, that the master ofappearing before us, has declared upon oath, that the vessel, called theof the burthen of abouttons, which he at present navigates, is of the United States of America, and that no subjects of the present belligerent powers have any part or portion therein, directly nor indirectly, so may God Almighty help him. And, as we wish to see the said master prosper in his lawful affairs, our prayer is, to all the before-mentioned, and to each of them separately, where the said master shall arrive, with his vessel and cargo, that they may please to receive the said master, with goodness, and to treat him in a becoming manner, permitting him, upon the usual tolls and expences, in passing and repassing, to pass, navigate, and frequent the ports, passes and territories, to the end to transact his business, where, and in what manner he shall judge proper: Whereof we shall be willingly indebted.\nIn Witness and for cause whereof, we affix hereto the Seal of", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0296", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Wade Mosby, 1 January 179[7]\nFrom: Mosby, Wade\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nRichmond, January 1, 179[7]. Acknowledges message that Hamilton will serve as his attorney in the suit brought against him in New York by Leeds and Mumford. States: \u201cI am sure that when you are fully possessed of all the circumstances relative thereto you will find [it] to be one of the most Rascally proceedings you ever were witness to.\u2026 I wait your answer hoping that you will quickly put and end to the Suit and rid me of so disagreeable 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0297", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Ricketts, 1 January 1797\nFrom: Ricketts, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Elizabethtown, New Jersey] January 1, 1797. \u201cI feel you will think that I have not paid proper attention to your letter. Immediately on the receipt of it I wrote to Mr. Livingston to send me an account of the Dividends which he had made, and the proportions which he had paid me on acct. of his Sisters Legacy, his answer I recd. the day before yesterday which is as follows: \u2018I have recd. your letter of the 26th. Inst. and submitted to Mr. Harrison Council for the Estate, whether the Executors could with propriety comply with your request who answer\u2019d as follows: \u201cI think it will be right you should inform Mr. Ricketts that having instituted a Suit at Common Law, he must proceed therein as he shall be advised, but that the Council for the Executors thinks no information should be given to enable you to prosecute any Cause except in Equity.\u201d\u2018 I do not know that I am perfectly correct with respect to two of the four Dividends that have been made, because I was not informed of them, and Mrs. Ricketts\u2019s proportion of them was detained by the Executors on acct. of the supposed Debts but I believe them to be as follows. The First was a Dividend of 10,000 Dolls of which I recd. my proportion 1000 Dollrs, the Second & third must have been for 10,000 & about 7,000\u2014my proportion of which is abt. 3000 Dollr. (which sum Mr. Livingston agreed to lay out in 6 pr Ct. Stock) the fourth & last Dividend was 10,000 of which I recd. my proportion 1800. I hope my account of it will enable you to proceed.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0298", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Carrington, 3 January 1797\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nRichmond, January 3, 1797. \u201cI have just now seen Mr Wade Mosby of my Neighbourhood in the Country, whose Agent \u2026 has just returned from N. York where he has employed you in a Suit to which Mr Mosby is a party. He wishes me to say to you what his Character & circumstances are. I have known him from his Childhood to this day, and can with confidence say he is a man who has supported the character of a Gentleman uniformly, and, being himself honest, is too apt to rely on others being so, as he fatally experiences, I verily believe, in the case now under your care. I am sufficiently informed of the transaction between him & Leeds here to be well satisfied that the debt due to Leeds & Mumford, has been bona fide, paid.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0299", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 7 January 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada. Jany. 7th. 1797\nDear Sir\nI have arranged with Capt Chas Williamson for the debt Contracted with Colo Wm S. Smith in August 1791 of which fifty Thousand Dollars. in Six \u214c Ct Stock remains to be transferred and delivered & for the performance thereof I have given to Capt. Williamson Assignee of Colo Smith a satisfactory Security, in Consequence Whereof that Tract of Land in the Genesee Country for which I gave Colo Smith a Deed of Conveyance is to be reconveyed to me, and a Suit which was instituted by Colo Walker in the Court of Chancerry is to be withdrawn & rendered Null & Void, for a more full & perfect information of these matters I refer you to the enclosed Copies of the Articles of Agreement between Colo Smith and me, and of the Defeazant executed by him. The Original of the latter is with me, the Original of the former and the Deed of Conveyance were left with Colo Smith and I suppose are now in the hands of Colo. Walker who Acted as Atty to Capt Williamson, the latter will do every thing to be done for restoring to me my Title to the Tract of Land West of the Genesee River free of all incumbrance either by means of my Deed to Colo Smith or of the suit in Chancerry, but I must request your immediate care and attention as a professional Man to see this done in all due Form & without loss of time for which I will chearfully pay the Compansation you will say is right.\nI am Dr Sir \u2003 Your Obed Servt\nRobt Morris.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0300", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Higginson, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Higginson, Stephen\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston Jany 12. 97\nDr Sir\nYour Letter of 20 of last month I have received. The election of Mr. Adams seems to be secured, but with an excess only of one vote, which is close work indeed. This, while it avoids the point I before stated to you, will involve another, I fear, more dangerous & difficult. The blind or devoted partisans of Mr. Adams, instead of being satisfied with his being elected, seem to be alarmed at the danger he was in of failing; & they have the folly to say, that this danger was incurred wholly by the arrangement of pushing him & Pinckney together. They go farther & say, that this arrangement was intended to bring in Pinckney & exclude him. They affect to believe this to have been the intention, because the character of Adams for discernment & independence forbid all hope of influencing the decissions of the Executive, he being the president; but had Pinckney been introduced, his pliability would have continued the influence of a few over the measures of the executive, which has been too conspicuous during the present administration. At the head of this Junto, as they call it, they place you & Mr Jay; & they attribute the design to him & you of excluding Mr A: from the Chair, which the arrangement alluded to was intended to effect. They affect also to believe, that it is for the interest of the Country to have Mr. Jefferson for vice president rather than Pinckney\u2014that he will serve readily under mr. Adams, & will be influenced by & coincide with him.\nThese Sentiments, however foolish & impudent They may appear, are dealt out freely by some of his particular connections, who seem to consider the Country as made for the man, & not the man for the Country; & it is believed, that mr. A: himself entertains them, perhaps has communicated them. Those who know the man, will not be much surprised if he should himself say the same things, when his feelings are up; & it may happen, that believing thus, he may be cool & distant toward those whom he ought to be intimate with & consult upon important occasions. With such impressions he may attach himself to Jefferson, if he conducts with address, & adopt a line of conduct toward his former friends, which will divide & may much weaken the federal interest.\nI suggest to you this much, perhaps not new, with a view to prepare you for appearances, which might otherwise alarm some of our friends who may not expect them. Possibly you may think of some mode of preventing the inconveniences which I fear to result from what I apprehend to be Mr Adams feelings.\nWith due respect I am Sir yours &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0301", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Gouverneur and Peter Kemble, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Gouverneur, Isaac,Kemble, Peter\n[New York] January 19, 1797. \u201cYou are hereby requested to produce on the Trial of this cause during the present term whensoever the same shall be the letters from the Plaintiff to you whereof a list is at 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0303", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, [19 January 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Smith, William Loughton\n[New York, January 19, 1797]\nMy dear Sir\nMrs. De Neufville widow of Mr. De Neufville formerly of Holland is on her way to Philadelphia to solicit the Kindness of Congress in virtue of services rendered the American cause by her husband. You probably Know their history as South Carolina was particularly concerned. From what I have heard it seems to me her pretensions on the score of her husband to the Kindness of this Country are strong\u2014as a distressed and amiable woman she has a claim to every body\u2019s Kindness.\nWhat are you about in Congress? Our affairs seem to be at a very critical point with France. We seem to be brought to the same point with her as we were with Great Britain when Mr Jay was sent there. One last effort of negotiation to produce accommodation and redress, or measures of self defence. Have you any thoughts of an Embargo? There may be Ere long a necessity for it. Are you in earnest about additional revenue\u2014this is very necessary.\nYours truly\nAlexander HamiltonJan. 19. 1797", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0304", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 19 January 179[7]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nNew York Jan 19. 179[7]\nSir\nMrs. De Neuville widow of Mr. De Neuville formerly of Holland lately passed through this City. On her way she called upon me and announced her intention to make application to Congress on the ground of the political services rendered the UStates by her husband, as in fact a principal cause of his pecuniary misfortunes\u2014and expressed a wish that I would bring her case under your eye. I told her that your situation did not permit you to take an agency on similar matters depending before Congress and that you was very delicate on such subjects. She replied that you might perhaps indirectly promote her cause and that from a letter from you to her husband she was encouraged to think you would be disposed to befriend her. I yielded at last to female importunity & promised to mention the matter. I do not know what the case admits of, but from some papers which she shewed me it would seem that she has pretensions on the kindness of this Country.\nOur Merchants here are becoming very uneasy on the subject of the French captures and seizures. They are certainly very perplexing and alarming\u2014and present an evil of a magnitude to be intolerable if not shortly remedied. My anxiety to present Peace with France is known to you\u2014and it must be the wish of every prudent man that no honorable expedient for avoiding a Rupture be omitted. Yet there are bounds to all things. This Country cannot see its Trade an absolute prey to France without resistance. We seem to be where we were with G Britain when Mr Jay was sent there\u2014and I cannot discern but that the Spirit of the Policy then pursued with regard to England will be the proper one now in respect to France (viz) a solemn and final appeal to the Justice and interest of France & if this will not do, measures of self defence. Any thing is better than absolute humiliation. France has already gone much further than Great Britain ever did.\nI give vent to my impressions on this subject though I am persuaded the train of your own reflections cannot materially vary.\nWith respectful & Affect Attachmen I have the honor to remain Sir \u2003 Yr. very Obedt\nA Hamilton\nThe President 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0306", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [20 January 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Sedgwick, Theodore\n[New York, January 20, 1797]\nDear Sir\nI received your late letter in due time. You seem to be of opinion to defer to a future period the commencement of direct taxation. I acknowlege I am inclined to lay gently hold of it now. Leaders of the opposite party favour it now, perhaps with no good design. But it will be well to take them while in the humour and make them share the responsibility. This will be the more easy as they are inclined to take the lead. Our external affairs are so situated, that it seems to me indispensable to open new springs of revenue and press forward our little naval preparation & be ready for augmenting it. But on the whole I have always leaned to the opinion that half a million from direct taxes was enough to begin with\u2014nor should I have proposed more.\nWhat are we to do with regard to our good allies? Are we to leave our commerce a free prey to them? I hope not. It seems to me we are even beyond the point at which we were with G Britain when Mr Jay was sent thither & that something like a similar plan ought to be pursued, that is, we ought to make a final effort to accommodate & then resort to measures of defence. I believe ere long an embargo on our own Vessels will be adviseable; to last till the conduct of France changes or till it is ascertained it will not change. In the last event the following system may be adopted\u2014to grant special letters of mark with authority to repel aggressions and capture assaisants\u2014to equip our frigates\u2014to arm a number of sloops of war of existing Vessels to convoy our merchantmen. This may be a middle term to general hostility though it may slide into the latter. Yet in this case it may be well to let France make the progress. But at all events we must protect our commerce & save our honor.\nAs to the ballance business the agitation of the question has been every way unfortunate. There is not an individual in the state of New York, who is not profoundly convinced that the settlement was wholly artificial and as it regarded the rule of quotaing manifestly unjust, and consequently that there is no justice in paying it. I never saw but one mode of getting through the business which is for Congress to call for a certain sum of each debtor state annually say a fiftieth part declaring that if not paid each installment shall bear interest from the time it becomes due but till then the principal to carry no interest. I believe the state for harmony sake would yield to such an arrangement. It may be said this will be only a nominal payment. I answer\u2014true\u2014but an artificial ballance ought only to be nominally paid. The conduct of some Gentlemen in the late question has pained me much. It is inconsistent with a tacit pledge of faith. Every New Yorker who had any thing to do with our fiscal arrangements has been personally compromitted.\nYrs. truly\nA HamiltonJan 20. 1797\nTheodore Sedgwick 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0307", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 21 January 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Morris, Robert\n[New York, January 21, 1797. On January 23, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour letter of the 21st inst. is just 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0308", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia 22d. Jany. 1797.\nMy dear Sir\nYour letter of the 19th. instant was received yesterday.\nFrom the general impression on my mind, relative to Mr. De Neuvilles claim on the justice of this country, a delay, or a refusal to administer it, would be hard; but I must add, that I am too little acquainted with the particulars to form a correct opinion, and were it otherwise, I do not see how I could, with propriety, appear directly or indirectly in the business, as I do not recollect having had any agency therein. The numberless applications of this sort which are made to me (often in the dernier \u27e8r\u27e9esort) without the means of relief, are very distressing to my feelings.\nThe conduct of France towards the United States, is, according to my ideas of it, outrageous beyond conception: not to be warranted by her treaties with us; by the Law of Nations; by any principle of justice; or even by a regard to decent appearances. From considerations such as these something might have been expected; but on her profession of friendship and loving kindness towards us I built no hope; but rather supposed they would last as long, and no longer, than it would accord with their interest to bestow them; or found it would not divert us from the observance of that strict neutrality which we had adopted, & was persevering in.\nIn a few days, there will be published a statement of facts, in a letter of references, to General Pickney; containing full answers to all the charges exhibited in Mr Adets notes, against the conduct of this government. After reading them with attention, I would thank you for your sentiments thereon, fully, and frankly communicated; and what you think ought further to be attempted, to preserve this country in Peace, consistently with the respect which is due to ourselves?\nIn some of the Gazettes, and in conversation also, it is suggested that an Envoy extraordinary ought to be sent to France; But is not General Pinckney gone there already for the express purpose of explaining matters, and removing inquietudes? With what more could another be charged? What would that Gentleman think of having a person treading on his heels, by \u27e8the time\u27e9 he had arrived in Paris, when \u27e8the argu\u27e9ments used to induce him to go there \u27e8are all\u27e9 that could be urged to influence \u27e8that other\u27e9\u2014and where is the character to be \u27e8had, ad\u27e9mitting the necessity, in all respec\u27e8ts accep\u27e9table and qualified for such a tru\u27e8st? The\u27e9 sooner you can give me your sen\u27e8timents\u27e9 on these queries, the more plea\u27e8sing they\u27e9 will be to\nDear Sir \u2003 Your sincere f\u27e8rd. &\u27e9 affectionate \u27e8Servant\u27e9\nGo: W\u27e8ashington\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0309", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 23 January 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nA Hamilton Esqr\nPhilada Jany. 23d. 1797\nDr Sir\nYour letter of the 21st inst. is just received none of a previous date in reply to mine of 31st Ulto ever reached me, nor have I received from you any acknowledgement of the receipt of my letter to you of 7th Inst. which was sent by Captn Williamson in order to have the mortgage to Colo Smith removed & the suit in Chancery brought by Colo Walker discharged. This latter is a very important business as you know and I am anxious to know the needfull therein has been done agreably to the promise of Captn Williamson. With respect to the suit meditated by Mr Bridgen I wish measures to be stopped untill Mr Nicholson the drawer of the bill (who is soon expected) shall return from the City of Washington where he now is when I will consult him and make in consequence such propositions as may be acceptable to the parties unless in the meantime the affair should be adjusted with Ralph Mather the last endorser who I suspect to be the real owner of the bill as I have heard of his endeavoring to make a negotiation on the first bill of the suit whilst Mr Bridgen threatens a suit on the second. I will address you again on this business soon as Mr Nicholson arrives & in the mean time I rely on your taking care of Dr Sir\nYr Obedt Servt\nRM\nP S I am not sure that Mr Mather offered the same bill for negotiation but I suppose it to be 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0310", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 23 January 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, January 23, 1797. On February 6, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Pickering: \u201cI duly received your letter of the 23 of Jany.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0311", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [23 January 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n[New York, January 23, 1797]\nDear Sir\nI remember that very early in the day & prior to any act of Great Britain the French passed a decree violating with regard to all the neutral powers the principle of free ships free goods & I think making provisions liable to seizure. This decree was afterwards rescinded as to America\u2014then again revived & then again revoked. I want copies of these decrees for a particular purpose useful to the Government & presuming they must be on the files of your deparment, you will oblige me much by letting me have copies as speedily as may be convenient.\nWith respect & true esteem \u2003 I am Dr Sir \u2003 Yr Obed servt\nA HamiltonJan 23. 1797\nT Pickering 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0312", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [25\u201331 January 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[New York, January 25\u201331, 1797]\nSir\nThe sitting of the Court and an uncommon pressure of business have unavoidably delayed an answer to your last favour. I have read with attention Mr. Pickerings letter. It is in the main a substantial and satisfactory paper, will in all probability do considerable good in enlightening public opinion at home\u2014and I do not know that it contains any thing which will do harm elsewhere. It wants however in various parts that management of expression & suaviter in modo which a man more used to diplomatic communication could have given it and which would have been happy, if united with its other merits.\nI have reflected as maturely as time has permitted on the idea of an extraordinary mission to France, and notwithstanding the objections, I rather incline to it under some shape or other. As an imitation of what was done in the case of Great Britain, it will argue to the people equal solicitude. To France it will have a similar aspect (for Pinckney will be considered there as a mere substitute in ordinary course to Mr. Monroe) and will in some degree soothe her pride. The influence on party, if a man in whom the opposition has confidence is sent, will be considerable in the event of non success. And it will be to France a bridge over which she may more easily retreat.\nThe best form of the thing in my view is a commission including three persons who may be called \u201cCommissioners Plenipotentiary & extraordinary.\u201d Two of the three should be Mr. Madison and Mr. Pinckney. A third may be taken from the Northern states and I know none better than Mr. Cabot\u2014who or any two of whom may be empowered to act.\nMr. Madison will have the confidence of the French & of the opposition. Mr. Pinkney will have something of the same advantage in an inferior degree. Mr. Cabot without being able to prevent their doing what is right will be a salutary check upon too much Gallicism, and his real Commercial knowlege will supply their want of it. Besides that he will enjoy the confidence of all the friends of the Administration. His disposition to preserve peace is ardent and unqualified.\nThis plan too, I think will consist with all reasonable attention to Mr Pinkneys feelings.\nOr (which however I think less eligible) Mr. Madison & Mr. Pinkney only may be joint Commissioners\u2014without a third person.\nMr. Cabot (if appointed without being consulted) will I think certainly go. If not the other two may act without him.\nThe power to the Commissioners will be to adjust amicably mutual compensations and the compensations which may be due by either party and to revise and remodify the political and commercial relations of the two Countries.\nIn the exercise of their power they must be restrained by precise instructions to do nothing inconsistent with our other existing Treaties or with the principles of construction of those with France adopted by our Executive Government as declared in its public acts and communications & nothing to extend our political relations, in respect to alliance\u2014but to endeavour to get rid of the mutual guarantee in the Treaty or if that shall be impracticable to stipulate specific succours in lieu of it, as so many troops, so many ships, so much money &c, strictly confining the casus f\u0153deris to future defensive Wars after a general & complete pacification terminating the present War, and defining offensive war to be where there is either a first declaration of War against the ally, or first commission of actual hostility on the territory or property of the ally by invasion or capture. As to Commerce with the above restrictions there may be full discretion. These are merely inaccurate outlines.\nUnless Mr. Madison will go there is scarcely another character that will afford advantage.\nCogent motives of public utility must prevail over personal considerations. Mr. Pinckney may be told in a private letter from you that this is an unavoidable concession to the pressure of public exigency & the state of internal parties.\nWith true respect & Affect Attachm \u2003 I have the honor to be \u2003 Sir Yr. Very Obed servt.\nA Hamilton\nThe 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0313", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Fisher Ames, 26 January 1797\nFrom: Ames, Fisher\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n(In confidence)\nPhilada Jany 26. 1797\nDr Sir\nMy last was written hastily & under some impressions of the moment which I had not time to unfold. The close respecting your taking a seat in the next house (to be elected) would pass for an awkward compliment if you did not know me (and yourself) too well for such an interpretation.\nYou desire an inside view of our stage. I begin with the outside. Our relations with France are serious. All the french party seem to expect & desire an extra envoy, which is an objection\u2014as probably they hope thus to soothe the resentments so tardily roused against France\u2014to exhibit a shew of supplication on our part, & to ground some new delusive connection on the adjustment of existing complaints. On the other hand, it would be a literal & exact adherence to the late precedent in regard to G. B. it might afford a pretext for the french to relax, & in case they should not, animate & unite opinions for the necessary result. But as mr Pinkney is gone instructed on this very subject, the course adopted is I believe to rely on his mission & not to send an extra Envoy. I wish you would direct your most mature thoughts to the subject, and if you should not approve the negative, you ought, (permit me to say) chuse your own way of bringing your sentiments into consideration in the proper place. Should it not be an object to negotiate an abrogation of the clause which guarantees the W Indie possessions to France? However vague it may be & valid or urgent as our excuses might seem, the clause would embarrass Govt. & furnish a text for partizans to raise clamors in case of a future war (the U. S being at peace) & our non compliance with a demand for its execution.\nMore taxes are necessary & when trade is so much disturbed by war & will be not much less effected by peace land taxes Seem to be the only safe resource. But my creed is that three things ought first to concur. To systematize & perfect the collection of our internal revenues, to extend them to the most eligible & productive new objects\u2014and to prepare the public mind for the tax on lands, only to the Amot of the deficiency. Neither of these has been effected. The dread of the latter is at the same time the best means of getting more indirect taxes & of conciliating the people to a land tax. It is necessity, the perception of which will produce Salutary efforts in the first instance & a reasonable acquiescence in the next. A tax on Salt is a good one, but it would be hard to carry through, & it\u2019s foes would combine wtih some of it\u2019s advocates to refuse the draw-back on Salted Fish called a bounty\u2014which is not to be admitted. Snuff is condemn\u2019d as vexatious & trivial, that on auctions as bad in principle. The licence tax extended to taverns & so arranged as in part to augment with the sales of the retailer would be productive. To effect this last idea how would it answer to rate licences for 3 Gallons very low for more & under 20 still higher\u2014if a separate licence by the same dealer for Madiera Sherry & Port still higher for each, as he must be a dealer of capital. To abolish the distinction in favor of home made spirits & to levy it on the Sales of all spirits & wines. Equality would not be produced, but inequality as it now exists would be somewhat diminished.\nThe public should also see a plan or mode of levying a direct tax pass into a law\u2014the vote for the actual levy of a tax to be suspended till the next session & then to be for the deficiency. The moderation of the tax would, on experiment, destroy & disappoint the prejudices against it, and the preparation of opinions would be the best possible. The aversion would seem to have resisted delayed & diminished the evil to the utmost.\nThe anti gents make their calculations no doubt that a direct tax will sharpen popular feelings\u2014augment clamors against the debt bank &c\u2014enfeeble & discredit the other species of revenue, especially internal. Perhaps they expect favoritism in the assessments.\nOur proceedings smell of anarchy. We rest our hopes on foolish & fanatical grounds\u2014on the superior morals & self supporting theories of our age & country\u2014on human nature being different from what it is & better here than any where else. We cannot think it possible our Govt. should stop or that there is the least occasion to provide the means for it to go on. Internal revenues demand system & vigor. The collection must be watched & enforced. We want officers, courts, habits of acquiescence in our country & the principles in Congress that would begin to form any of these. The western country scarcely calls itself dependent on the union. France is ready to hold Louisiana. The thread of connection is slender & that event I fear would break it. Yet we disband regiments.\nOur trade has spoliations to endure from France & G Britain. Yet we are not willing to abandon, or protect it as others do by a naval force. An European would be ready to believe we are in jest in our politics or that newspaper declamation and the frothy nonsense of town meetings speeches comprise the principles of our conduct. For I am obliged to observe even good men adopt errors or pursue truth with a spirit not much more friendly to order & stability in Govt than their adversaries! Who for instance can think without alarm on the frequency & seductive nature of the disgraceful sequestration and anti credit motions in the house. Facts of this vile nature do not occur in other countries, or if they do, they precede & create convulsion. Here they are received as civilly as if infamy did not form an atmosphere about them, contaminating all who breathe in it. We are formed but of late for independent sovereignty\u2014experience has not laid on her lessons with birch, & we forgot them. Our whole system is little removed from simple democracy. What we call the Govt. is a phantom, as long as the Democrats prevail in the house. The heads of departments are head clerks. Instead of being the ministry the organs of the executive power and imparting a kind of momentum to the operation of the laws, they are precluded of late even from communicating with the house by reports. In other countries they may speak as well as act. We allow them to do neither. We forbid even the use of a speaking trumpet, or more properly as the Constitution has ordained that they shall be dumb, we forbid them to explain themselves by signs. Two evils obvious to you result from this. The efficiency of the Govt. is reduced to it\u2019s minimum. The proneness of a popular body to usurpation is already advancing to it\u2019s maximum. Committees already are the Ministers, & while the house indulges a jealousy of encroachment on it\u2019s functions, which are properly deliberative, it does not perceive that these are impaired & nullified by the monopoly as well as the perversion of information by these very Committees. The silly reliance of our coffee house & congress prattlers on the responsibility of members to the people &c &c is disgraced by every page of the history of popular bodies. We expect confidently that the house of representatives will act out of it\u2019s proper character\u2014for if it should act according to it, we are lost.\nOur govt. will be in fact a mere democracy which has never been tolerable nor long tolerated.\nOur proceedings evince the truth of these speculative opinions. No one was furnished with proper information nobody was answerable for what he presumed to give. The Committee of Ways & Means has not I am told written a page these two years. It collects the scraps & fritters of facts at the Treasury, draws crude hasty results tinctured with localities. These are not supported by any form\u2019d plan of co operation with the members, & the report calls forth the pride of all the motion makers. Every subject is suggested in debate, every popular ground of apprehension is invaded\u2014there is nothing to enlighten the house or to guide the public opinion. All this has happened. I am now preaching daily to those few who will hear me rail and endeavoring to form a common sentiment\u2014that some thing must be done\u2014that it must begin & be approved at the Treasury\u2014that the antis will exult in our shame if we forbear to arrange an efficient plan &c. This is in train, not very far advanced, nor with good omens. It is as to our projected combination you will perceive strictly a secret.\nMy own wishes are to extend our indirect taxes and to pass a bill prescribing the Mode of levying a land tax, holding up the idea in debate at the time of a small amount only. But the apathy & inefficiency of our body is no secret to you. We are generally in a flat calm, & when we are not, we are near sinking in a tempest. When a Sovereign Convention engrosses the whole power it will do nothing or some violence that is worse. Sooner or later individuals & public bodies will act out their principles. Our\u2019s are I fear essentially more democratic than republican, which latter are alone fit for our country. We think the executive power is a mere pageant of the representative body\u2014a custos rotulorum, or master of ceremonies. We ourselves are but passive instruments whenever the Sovereign people chuse to Speak for themselves, instead of our speaking for them.\nThe momentum imparted to our political machine is Weak & the resistance strong. Faction appears of course in such a State of things. This I confess naturally excites a counter influence\u2014but the power even of party seems to be dissipated. We are broken to pieces. Some able man of the first order of abilities & possessing the rare union of qualities that will fit him to lead a party is wanting. For want of such a leader, many who would do good are useless. My natural temperament unfits me for a Seat where I cannot bear to sit quite inactive although such efforts as I can make will be unavailing.\nNo session of Congress has exhibited such a dissipation of the party which has been arrayed in support of the Govt. Th\u27e8is\u27e9 will be some excuse for my forebodings of the decline of our affair\u27e8s.\u27e9\nOne might have hoped that Govt would find in party all the combination & energy that is excluded from it\u2019s organisation. I see however that this auxiliary unless compacted together by the violent action of the rival party will subdivide or fall into inaction\u2014and even when roused to the utmost, it is in need of a clear Sighted guide.\nAs this is the state of our politics what is to be done? The friends of the Govt. have increased within two or three Years in numbers & zeal\u2014but few of them Know or could be made to believe that it\u2019s fair outside conceals such alarming weakness.\nYour\u2019s truly\nFisher Ames\nI understand Bank Shares have been lately attached by law process. This strikes my mind as a very anarchical proceeding.\nPorcupine is a writer of smartness & might do more good, if directed by men of sense & experience\u2014his ideas of an intimate connection with G Britain justly offend correct thinkers\u2014& still more the multitude. He proposes a new daily paper, a business much overdone. It\u2019s circulation out of the City will not be great. Would not a paper once or twice a week, exclusively political, answer better. Pray let Webster have the paragraph for his Minerva.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0315", "content": "Title: The Warning No. I, [27 January 1797]\nFrom: \u201cAmericus\u201d,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[New York, January 27, 1797]\nThere are appearances too strong not to excite apprehension that the affairs of this Country are drawing fast to an eventful crisis. Various circumstances dayly unfolding themselves authorise a conclusion that France has adopted a system of conduct towards the neutral maritime nations generally which amount to little less than actual hostility. I mean the total interruption of their Trade with the ports of her enemies: A pretension so violent, and at the same time so oppressive humiliating and ruinous to them, that they cannot submit to it, without not only the complete sacrifice of their commerce but their absolute degradation from the rank of sovereign and independent States.\nIt seems to have become latterly a primary object in the policy of France to make the principal attack upon Great Britain through her Commerce, in order, by extinguishing the sources of her revenue and credit, to disable her from continuing the war and compel her to accept any conditions of peace which her antagonist may think fit to prescribe. It is to this plan, we are to attribute the unjustifiable treatment of Tuscany, in the seizure of Leghorn, and shutting her ports against the English contrary to the will of her own government. The same plan has dictated the attempts, which appear to have been made to oblige Naples to exclude Great Britain from her ports during the present war. And there have been indications of a design to effect a similar restraint on all the Italian states, and expel the British Trade wholly from the Mediterranean. The same object of wounding Great Britain through her commerce has been promoted by the War into which Spain has been drawn, and may be considered as the principal advantage expected from it: While it is likewise understood to be the intention to force Portugal to suspend her commercial relations with Great Britain. The late decree forbidding the importation of British manufactures into France is a further proof of the eagerness with which the policy of destroying the British Commerce is pursued; since it is presumeable from the derangement of French manufactures by the war, that there must have been a convenience in the supply which that importation has afforded.\nTis obviously to the same origin, that we are to trace the decree lately communicated by the French Minister to our Government, with respect to the intended treatment of the Trade of neutrals, and the spoliations which ours has for some time past suffered. While neutral nations were permitted to enjoy securely their rights, besides the direct commerce between them and the British dominions, the commerce of Great Britain would be carried on in neutral bottoms, even with the countries where it was denied access in British bottoms. It follows that the abrigement of neutral rights is essential to the scheme of destroying the British Commerce: And here we find the true solution of those unfriendly proceedings, on the part of France, towards this country, which are hypocritically charged to the account of the Treaty with Great Britain and other acts of pretended infidelity in our Government.\nDid we need a confirmation of this truth, we should find it in the intelligence lately received from Cadiz. We are informed through a respectable channel,\n   Note Mr. Iznardi our Consul at Cadiz lately arrived who mentioned the fact as here stated adding without reserve that the principle abovementioned is avowed in the correspondence of the French Consul at Cadiz.\n that Danish and Swedish as well as American Vessels, carried into that port by French Cruisers, have with their cargoes been condemned and confiscated by the French Consular Tribunal there, on the declared principle of intercepting the Trade of neutrals with the ports of the enemies of France. This indiscriminate spoliation of the commerce of neutral powers is a clear proof that France is actuated not by particular causes of discontent given by our Government but by a general plan of policy.\nThe practice upon the decree is a comment much broader than the text. The decree purports that France would observe towards neutrals the same conduct which they permitted her enemies to observe towards them. But the practice goes a great deal further. None of the enemies of France, even at the height of their power and presumption, ever pretended totally to cut off the Trade of neutrals, with her ports. This is a pretension reserved for her to increase the catalogue of extraordinary examples, of which her Revolution has been so fruitful.\nThe allegations of discontent with this Country are evidently a mere colouring to the intended vilolation of its rights by treaty as well as by the laws of Nations. Some pretext was necessary and this has been seized. It will probably appear hereafter that Denmark, and Sweden have been mocked with a similar tale of grievances. It is indeed already understood, that Sweden, outraged in the person of her Representative, has been obliged to go the length of withdrawing her Minister from Paris.\nThe complaints of France may be regarded principally as weapons furnished to her adherents to defend her cause notwithstanding the blows she inflicts. Her aim has been in every instance to seduce the people from their Government, and by dividing to conquer and oppress. Hitherto happily the potent spells of this political sorcery have in most countries been counteracted and dissipated by the sacred flame of patriotism. One melancholy exception serves as a warning to the rest of mankind to shun the fatal snare. It is nevertheless humiliating that there are men among us depraved enough to make use of the arms she has furnished in her service\u2014and to vindicate Her aggressions as the effects of a just resentment provoked by the ill conduct of our government. But the artifice will not succeed. The eyes of the people of this Country are every day more and more opened to the true character of the politics of France. And the period is fast approaching what it will be universally seen in all its intrinsic deformity.\nThe desire of a power at war to destroy the commerce of its enemy is a natural effect of the state of war, and while exercised within bounds consistent with the rights of Nations who are not engaged in the contest is intirely justifiable. But when it manifestly overleaps these bounds, and indulges in palpable violations of neutral rights, without even the color of justification in the usages of War, it becomes an intolerable tyranny\u2014wounds the sovereignty of Nations and calls them to resistance by every motive of self preservation and self respect.\nThe conduct of France from the commencement of her successes, has by gradual developpements betrayed a spirit of universal domination; an opinion that she has a right to be the legislatrix of Nations; that they are all bound to submit to her mandates, to take from her their moral political and religious creeds; that her plastic and regenerating hand is to mould them into whatever shape she thinks fit & that her interest is to be the sole measure of the rights of the rest of the world. The specious pretence of enlightening mankind and reforming their civil institutions, is the varnish to the real design of subjugating them. The vast projects of a Louis the XIV dwindle into insignificance compared with the more gigantic schemes of his Republican successors.\nMen, well informed and unprejudiced, early discovered the symptoms of this spirit. Reasoning from human nature they foresaw its growth with success; that from the love of dominion inherent in the heart of man, the Rulers of the most powerful Nation in the world, whether a monarch, a Committee of safety, or a Directory, will for ever aim at an undue empire over other nations\u2014and that this disposition, inflamed as it was by enthusiasm, if encouraged by a continuation of success, would be apt to exhibit itself during the course of the French Revolution in excesses, of which there has been no example since the days of Roman Greatness.\nEvery day confirms the justice of that anticipation. It is now indispensable that the disagreeable and menacing truth should be exposed in full day to the people of America\u2014that they should contemplate it seriously and prepare their minds for extremities which nothing short of abject submission may be able to avert. This will serve them as an armour against the machinations of traiterous men, who may wish to make them instruments of the ambition of a foreign power, to persuade them to concur in forging chains for mankind, and to accept as their reward the despicable privilege of wearing them a day later than others.\nAlready in certain circles is heared the debasing doctrine that France is determined to reduce us to the alternative of War with her enemies or war with herself and that it is our interest and safety to elect the former.\nThere was a time when it was believed that a similar alternative would be imposed by Great Britain. At this crisis there was but one sentiment. The firmest friends of moderation and peace no less than the noisiest partisans of violence and war resolved to elect war with that power which should drive us to the election. This resolution was the dictate of morality & honor, of a just regard to national dignity and independence. If any consideration, in any situation, should degrade us into a different resolution, we that instant espouse crime and infamy; we descend from the high ground of an independent people and stoop to the ignominious level of Vassals. I trust there are few Americans who would not cheerfully encounter the worst evils of a Contest with any nation on earth rather than subscribe to so shameful an abdication of their rank as men and citizens.\nAmericus", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0316", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Dunn, 28 January 1797\nFrom: Dunn, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDublin [Ireland] January 28, 1797. \u201cI take the liberty of enclosing to you an account current furnished to me by Mr. John Barclay of Philadelphia relative to a fund in his hands by me anxiously desired to be entrusted to your care\u2014A late account of some unfortunate circumstances occurring in Mr. Barclay\u2019s affairs makes me anxious in the extreme that the Property in his hands should be effectually secured\u2014Mr. Barclay has written to Mr. Wilson the American Consul here who recommended Mr. Barclay to me that I shall be secured to the last shilling. When I first took the Liberty of addressing you I addressed you as a Gentleman whose high Honor & distinguished Character had taught me to look up to him with confidence as the Depository of a Trust\u2014You then Sir filled a public Station\u2014That situation being now changed and you having returned to the Profession of the Law (to which I have the honor to belong) I do now with more earnestness and more Confidence request and entreat that you will in your professional Character use your Endeavours to have the Property in Mr. Barclays hands duly secured. Indeed Sir it is a consolation to me of peculiar Importance at this moment that I have professional assistance of such a distinguished kind to rely upon and which I do not entertain a Doubt you will speedily and effectually employ for my Protection and Safety.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0317", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 January 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia Jany. 30. 1797.\nDear Sir,\nI am sorry to have so long delayed an answer to your letter of the 23d. but we have been unusually occupied, and the decrees you referred to were not readily found: that of the 28th of May 1793 I have now discovered in a printed volume of the proceedings of the Convention for that month. So I now inclose you copies\u2014\n1st of the decree of May 9th 1793, violating our treaty, by rendering neutral vessels laden with provisions liable to capture, as well as enemy\u2019s property on board neutral vessels.\n2d. of the decree of 23d May, repealing the former in respect to American vessels.\n3d. of the decree of the 28th of May reversing the last decree.\n4th. of the decree of July 1st 1793, repealing that of the 28th of May.\nThese appear to be all the decrees referred to in your letter: but there must have been a subsequent one alike violating our treaty, which Mr. Monroe forbore to ask the repeal of, lest, as he said, the French Government should demand a performance of the guarantee: yet the very claims in behalf of American merchants whose properties had been captured, were to be made by him on the principle that the decree in question was a violation of our treaty. After this matter was pressed upon him by Randolph (as well as I recollect) he urged the repeal, which was passed Jany. 4th 1795. If this decree and that which it repeals will be useful to you, copies shall be furnished.\nIt appears probable from the tenor of some of Gouv. Morris\u2019s letters, that the decree of 9th May & 28th of the same month, were passed (at least the latter) to answer the views of the captors of certain vessels taken before the 9th of May\u2014and that of May 28th specially to ennable the captors to hold the ship Lawrance.\nI am with great & sincere respect \u2003 Dr. Sir, your obt. servt.\nT. Pickering\nAlexander 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0318", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [31 January 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n[New York, January 31, 1797]\nDr. Sir\nMy late situation exposes me to applications which I cannot resist without appearing unkind. It is understood that Mr. Walker is about to resign the place of naval Officer. Mr. Jonathan Burrall Mr. Rogers (Walker\u2019s Deputy) and Col Giles (the present Marshall) have all three mentioned the subject to me and requested me to express my opinion of their qualifications to you.\nAs to Mr. Burrall there is no doubt he will be in every sense an excellent appointment. I believe as a man of business on a large scale he may be superior to either and his character is irreproachable. He is now Cashier of the Office of Discount & Deposit is respectably connected by marriage much esteemed & has been an old servant of the public.\nEvery thing that I have heared of Mr. Rogers\u2019 moral character and capacity for business is intirely in his favour. I have no doubt he is fully worthy of the appointment\u2014is a remarkably accurate accountant & has had long experience in the particular Office. The place is more necessary to him than to either of the others. His station in society generally is inferior to that of the other two.\nMr. Giles you know. I have no doubt he is intirely competent to the Office\u2014he pleads as a merit his perseverance in his present Office though for a long time it was unproductive & he considers the continuance of the present emoluments which are now well enough, as uncertain\u2014they arising from particular circumstances. He is however not quite decided in his wishes on the subject; by tomorrow he will decide.\nI have the honor to remain \u2003 Most respectfully Sir \u2003 Very Obed serv\nA HamiltonJany 31. 1797\nThe 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0319-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [January 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Sedgwick, Theodore\n[New York, January, 1797]\nDr. Sir\nI have been reading the report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the subject of direct taxes. I think it does him credit. The general principles and objects are certainly good. Nor am I sure that any thing better can be done.\nI remember, however, that I once promised you to put in writing my ideas on the subject. I intended to have done it and communicated them to the Secretary. My hurry & press of business prevented me. But I concluded lately to devote an Evening to a rude sketch & to send it to you. You may shew it to the Secretary & confer. If in the course of the thing it can be useful to the general end we all have in view it will give me pleasure\u2014if not there will have been but little time mispent. Of course no use will be made of it in contradiction to the views of the Treasury Department.\nAs to the part which relates to land, I do not feel any strong preference of my plan to that in the Report; for this in my opinion ought to be considered only as an auxiliary, and not as the pith of the tax. But I own I have a strong preference of my plan of a house tax to that in the Report. These are my reasons.\nIt is more comprehensive, embracing all houses, and will be proportionably more productive. It is more certain, avoiding the evasions and partialities to which valuations will be forever liable\u2014and I think it for that reason, likely to be at least as equal. I entertain no doubt that the rule of rates, adapted as they are to characteristic circumstances, will in fact be more favourable to equality than appraisements. I think the idea of taxing only houses of above a certain annual value will be dissatisfactory. The comparison of the proprietors of houses immediately above with those immediately below the line will beget discontent\u2014and the errors of valuations will increase it.\nI think, there will be a great advantage in throwing the weight of the tax on houses, as well because lands are more difficult to manage as because it will fall in a manner less dissatisfactory.\nMy plan as to houses can easily be combined with that in the Report as to land.\nSome years ago I proposed a similar plan in the legislature of this state. It went through three readings and had a great majority in its favour\u2014but as it was essentially different from what had always before obtained in the state it was thought best to postpone to feel the sense of Constituents. I left the legislature. Changes in our political situation rendered the plan of state taxation less important\u2014& the business shrunk out of sight. But there was every appearance that the plan would have been popular in this state.\nYou observe I confine myself to a Million. I would not bear hard in this way. I would add as aid, the taxes contemplated last session, on stamps, collateral successions, new modification of some articles of imports & let me add saddle horses. The idea of taxing slaves generally will not work well. If confined to all menial servants for luxury as Coachmen footmen cooks &c. it would be eligible.\nYrs. truly\nA H\nMr Sedgwik", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0319-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Ideas on the Subject of Direct Taxes], [January 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Sedgwick, Theodore\nA Million of Dollars per annum to be raised on buildings and lands on the following plan\nI \u2003 Upon inhabited dwelling houses thus\u2014\nUpon every such house of the description and denomination of a log house at the rate of 20 Cents for each room or apartment thereof exclusive of Garret & Cellar\nUpon every other inhabited dwelling house of two rooms or apartments, exclusive of Halls or Entries garrets & Cellars, at the rate of 25 Cents for each room or apartment\nUpon every such house of three rooms or apartments exclusive as before at the rate of 33\u2153 Cents for each room or apartment\nUpon every such house of four rooms exclusive as before at the rate of 40 Cents for each room or apartment\nUpon every such house of five rooms exclusive as before at the rate of 60 Cents for each room or apartment\nUpon every such house of six rooms exclusive as before at the rate of 75 Cents for each room or apartment thereof\nUpon every such house of seven rooms & upwards exclusive &c. at the rate of 100 Cents &c\nUpon every room in a garret or cellar of a House of the foregoing descriptions having a fire place and upon every kitchen whether in a cellar or adjacent building at the rate of 20 Cents for each room or kitchen\nUpon each room or apartment of every such house painted inside the further sum of 25 Cents\nUpon each room or apartment of every such house papered inside or painted & bordered with paper the further sum of fifty Cents\nUpon every chimney faced with tiles or cut stone other than marble the further sum of 50 Cents\nUpon every Chimney faced with marble the further sum of 100 Cents\nUpon ever stair case of Cedar or Ebony wood the further sum of 50 Cents\nUpon ever stair case of Mahogany wood the further sum of 100 Cents.\nUpon every room or apartment with stucco cornishes the further sum of 100 Cents\nUpon every room with a stucco cieling the further sum of 200 Cents; but the same room shall not also be rated for cornishes of such work.\nUpon every such house with pillars or pilasters outside in front the further sum of 100 Cents\u2014\nUpon every such house faced outside and in front in whole or in part with marble the further sum of 200 Cents\u2014\nThese rates to be paid by the occupiers of the house whether Owners or tenants. When a house is let by parcels the landlord to be deemed the occupier.\nUpon all store houses not being parts of dwelling houses in use at the rate of \u00bc0 part of the yearly value to be determined by the actual rent if rented if not by an estimate or valuation thereof\nUpon all grist Mills at the rate of 125 Cents for each run of stones therein\nUpon all saw Mills at the rate of fifty Cents for each saw usually worked therein not exceeding three and for each saw above that number 25 Cents\u2014\nUpon all wharves in the Cities and Towns of Portsmouth Boston &c (enumerating the principal towns) at the rate of 12\u00bd Cents for each foot in front thereof\nUpon all wharves in any other City or Town at the rate of 6 Cents\nUpon all Lumber yards in the Cities or Towns of Boston Portsmouth &c (enumerating the principal Towns) at the rate of 2\u00bd Cents for each hundred square feet\nUpon all lumber yards in other Cities or Towns, & at the rate of 1\u00bc Cent for each hundred square feet.\nCottages inhabited by paupers to [be] excepted\u2014to be judged of and ascertained by the Assessors hereafter described.\nThe amount of the foregoing taxes in each state to be ascertained within a time to be limited by law for that purpose by the Assessors and a report thereof to be made to the Treasury, which shall then proceed to apportion according to the prescribed quota the sum remaining to make up the Million of Dollars to be levied. For example\u2014Suppose there were five states & the product of the House tax of each as follows\u2014\nA\nB\nC\nD\nE\nThere would then remain towards the Million to be levied on lands 400 000. Let there be then assigned to each state so much in land tax as together with its house tax will equal 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0321", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 4 February 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Morris, Robert\n[New York, February 4, 1797. On February 9, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour favour of the 4th only reached me Yesterday.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0322", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6 February 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLondon. feb. 6. 1797\nDear sir\nI have had the pleasure to receive your Letter of the 16. of Decr. and I need not express the Satisfaction which the information that it contained afforded me, the Probable termination of the Election of Pr. the general Temper of the Country, & the Effect likely to be produced by Mr. Adet\u2019s notes are such as I had not only hoped but expected; if by prudence & Firmness, which have hitherto kept us out of this Extraordinary and dessolating war, we shall be able to maintain the public peace and national Honor, we shall not only increase our Reputation as a wise people but we shall moreover establish a Precedent of inestimable worth for future Times of Trouble and Embarrassment. Nothing can exceed the applause that is here given to our Government, and no American who has not been in England can have a just Idea of the admiration expressed among all Parties of General Washington. It is a common observation that he is not only the most illustrious, but also the most meritorious Character that has hitherto appeared. The King is without doubt a very popular character among the People of this Nation; it would be saying very much, to affirm that next to him, General Washington is the most popular character among them, and yet I verily believe this to be the fact. I mention these Circumstances, not only because it will give you as it has afforded me much pleasure to hear them mentioned but also because they shew a more liberal manner of thinking and speaking respecting us, and a more rational Estimate of our Affairs than formerly existed. Much credit is due to Mr. Jay on this Score; who we thought would do honor, and be of advantage to our Country, but Who has done much more than I could have imagined, had I not seen the clearest proofs of his Success. He had great difficulties to encounter, he overcame many of them, some still exist, and when they will be surmounted I am unable to say. Time and patience are necessary to form a satisfactory opinion how far we shall finally be able to agree. In the main our affairs here are in a good train, the treaty I think will be fairly and fully executed. You remember the Opinion given by certain Gentlemen upon the construction of the 7. article of the treaty. We have experienced embarrassments on this Subject\u2014and for several weeks the business of the Commissioners was entirely at a Stand, the advocate of this Government having denied their Power to examine any question that had been decided by the H. Court of Appeals. The question was delicate; the pride and as it was alledged the importance of men of Rank and influence were almost enlisted against our pretensions, and a little imprudence might have thrown the Business into the worst possible situation. This did not happen; with moderation caution, and a conciliatory mode of proceeding these Difficulties have been intirely removed\u2014and all is now proceeding in a satisfactory manner. The result of several conferences has been after the manifestation of much candor and fairness, on the part of this Government, a direction to the British Commissioners to unite with ours, and to proceed to hear and decide every Question that shall be brought before them according to the Provisions of the Treaty, which it was added it was the Duty of the Comrs. to consider and interpret. They have accordingly decided a case of considerable consequence, which is that of the Patersons of Baltimore\u2014a Ship & Cargo belonging to them had been captured & condemned in the W. Indies. This Sentence had been affirmed in the High Court of appeals, and a memorial in behalf of Patersons was preferred to the Comrs. for Compensations for their Loss & Damages. The Commissioners have pronounced (Doctor Nicholl only dissenting of a full Board) that they have Jurisdiction of the Cause, and that upon its merits the Pattersons are intitled to full & complete compensation for their Loss & Damages to be paid &c. according to the Provisions of the Treaty.\nBy Letters received today from Paris I learn the unpleasant information that Genl. Pinckney was on the 28 ulto. ordered by the Directory to leave Paris, and that he intended to depart for Holland (where he will wait the orders of our Govt) on the 31. I cannot fully account for this Step after the irresolution that for some time has existed; whether it is to be ascribed to information which has been thought sufficient to satisfy the Directory of the Result of the Election for Pr. or whether it is to be attributed to the late astonishing victories of Buonaparte which have litterally destroyed an Army of 40.000 Austrians, I am uncertain\u2014perhaps both have contributed to this Extraordinary Step.\nYrs very sincerely\nRufus King\nCol. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0323", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [6 February 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n[New York, February 6, 1797]\nDr Sir\nI duly received your letter of the 23 of Jany with its inclosure, for which I am much obliged to you. I have read it with great pleasure. It is a substantial satisfactory paper will do good in this Country & as to France I presume events will govern there.\nIs it not proper to call upon the Merchants to furnish your Department with statements & proofs of the spoliations which we have suffered from the French as was done when the English were in their mischievous Carreer?\nYrs. with true esteem\nA HamiltonFeby 6. 1797\nI received your other letter with certain enclosures.\nT Pickering 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0324", "content": "Title: The Warning No. II, [7 February 1797]\nFrom: \u201cAmericus\u201d,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[New York, February 7, 1797]\nIndependent of the commands of honor, the coolest calculations of interest forbid our becoming the instruments of the Ambition of France, by associating with her in the War. The question is no longer the establishment of liberty on the basis of Republican Government. This point, the enemies of France have ceased to dispute. The question now is whether she shall be aggrandized by new acquisitions, and her enemies reduced by dismemberments, to a degree, which may render her the Mistress of Europe, and consequently in a great measure of America. This is truly the remaining subject of contention.\nThey who understood the real strength and resources of France, before the present war, knew that she was intrinsically the most powerful nation of Europe. The incidents of the War have displayed this fact in a manner which is the astonishment of the world. If France can finally realize her present plan of aggrandisement, she will attain to a degree of greatness and power, which if not counteracted by internal disorder, will tend to make her the terror and the scourge of Nations. The spirit of moderation in a State of overbearing Power is a ph\u0153nomenon, which has not yet appeared and which no wise man will expect ever to see. It is certain, that a very different spirit has hitherto marked the career of the new republic; and it is due to truth to add, that the ardent, impetuous and military genius of the French affords perhaps less prospect of such a spirit in them than in any other people.\n\u2019Twere therefore contrary to our true interest to assist in building up this Colossus to the enormous size at which she aims. \u2018Twere a policy as shortsighted as mean to seek safety in a subserviency to her views, as the price of her clemency. This at best would be but a temporary respite from the rod; if indeed that can be called a respite, which is of itself the sacrifice of a real to a nominal independence.\nThese reflections are not designed to rouse a spirit of hostility against France, or to inculcate the idea that we ought of choice to participate in the War against her. They are intended merely to fortify the motives of honor, which forbid our stooping to be compelled, either to submit, without resistance, to a virtual war on her part\u2014or to avert her blows by engaging in the war on her side.\nWhen it was the opinion, that France was defending the cause of Liberty, it was a decisive argument against embarking with her in the contest, that it would expose us to hazards and evils, infinitely disproportioned to the assistance we could render. Now that the question plainly is, whether France shall give the law to mankind, the addition of our opposition to her plan could have too little influence upon the event to justify our willingly encountering the certain dangers and mischiefs of the enterprize. \u2019Tis our true policy to remain at peace, if we can, to negotiate our subjects of complaint as long as they shall be at all negotiable, to bear all that a free and independent people is at liberty to bear, to defer a resort to arms \u2019till a last effort of negotiation shall have demonstrated that there is no alternative, but the surrender of our sovereignty or the defence of it\u2014that the only option is between infamy or war. But if unhappily this period shall ever arrive, it will impose a sacred and indispensable duty to meet the contest with firmness, and relying on a just providence confidently to commit the issue to the God of battles!\nWhile it is a consolation to know, that our Government, on this as on other trying occasions, will act with perfect prudence, and will do every thing that honor permits to preserve peace: Yet it is not to be forgotten that there is a point at which forbearance must stop\u2014beyond which moderation were baseness\u2014where we must halt and make a stand for our rights or cease to pretend to any.\nWhen the indiscriminate seizure of our vessels by British Cruisers under the order of [the sixth of November, 1793,] had brought our affairs with Great Britain to a crisis which led to the measure of sending a special envoy to that Country, to obtain relief and reparation, it was well understood that the issue of that mission was to determine the question of peace or war between the two nations. In like manner, it is to be expected that our Executive will make a solemn and final appeal to the Justice and Interest of France, will insist in mild but explicit terms on the renunciation of the pretension to intercept the lawful commerce of neutrals with the enemies of France and the institution of some equitable mode of ascertaining and retributing the losses which the exercise of it has inflicted upon our Merchants. If the experiment shall fail, there will be nothing left but to repel aggression and defend our commerce and independence. The resolution to do this will then be imposed on the Government by a painful but irresistible necessity and it were an outrage to the American name and character to doubt that the people of the United States will approve the resolution, and will support it with a constancy worthy of the justice of their cause and of the glory they have heretofore deserved and acquired.\nNo: let this never be doubted! The servile minions of France\u2014those who have no sensibility to injury but when it comes from Great Britain, who are unconscious of any rights to be protected against France, who at a moment when the public safety more than ever demands a strict union between the people and their government traiterously labour to detach them from it, and to turn against the government for pretended faults, the resentment which the real oppressions of France ought to inspire\u2014these wretched men will discover in the end, that they are as insignificant as they are unprincipled. They will find that they have vainly flattered themselves with the cooperation of the great body of those men with whom the spirit of party has hitherto associated them. In such an extremity the adventitious discriminations of party will be lost in the patriotism and pride of the American character. Good citizens of every political denomination will remember that they are Americans\u2014that when their Country is in danger, the merit or demerit of particular measures is no longer a question\u2014that it is the duty of all to unite their efforts to guard the national rights, to avert national humiliation, and to withstand the imposition of a foreign yoke. The true and genuine spirit of 1776, not the vile counterfeits of it which so often disgust our eyes and our ears, will warn every truly American heart and light up in it a noble emulation to maintain inviolate the rights and unsullied the honor of the Nation. It will be proved to the confusion of all false patriots, that we did not break the fetters of one foreign tyranny to put on those of another. It will be again proved to the world that we understand our rights and have the courage to defend them.\nBut there is still ground to hope that we shall not be driven to this disagreeable extremity. The more deliberate calculations of France will probably rescue us from the present embarrassment. If she perseveres in her plan she must inevitably add all the neutral powers to the number of her enemies. How will this fulfil the purpose of destroying the commerce of Great Britain? The commerce of those powers with France will then intirely cease and be turned more extensively into the channels of Great Britain, protected by her navy with the cooperation of the maritime force of those powers. The result will be the reverse of what is projected by the measure. The commerce and revenue of Britain will in all likelihood be augmented rather than diminished; and her arms will receive an important reinforcement.\nViolent and unjust measures commonly defeat their own purpose. The plan of starving France was of this description and operated against the views of its projectors. The plan now adopted by France of cutting off the trade of neutrals with her enemies, alike violent and unjust, will no doubt end in similar disappointment. Let us hope that it will be abandonned and that ultimate rupture will be avoided\u2014but let us also contemplate the possibility of the contrary and prepare our minds seriously for the unwelcome Event.\nAmericus", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0325", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 9 February 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada Feby. 9th. 1797\nAlexr Hamilton EsqrNew York\nDear Sir\nYour favour of the 4th only reached me Yesterday. I will get Mr Tilghman or Mr Lewis to write to you on the point you desire. In the mean time as I am anxious to have the Land business settled, I think it best to have the papers assigned to Mr Garrett Cottringer in such manner as to Vest him with the right for the present and as that he may release or convey to me my or my order hereafter. The C[h]ancery suit must be dismissed & I will pay your draft at a few days sight for Amot. of the Charges.\nI am Dr Sir \u2003 Yours &c.\nRM", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0326", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [10 February 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n[New York, February 10, 1797]\nDr Sir\nIf I recollect right, Chancellor Livingston while Secy for foreign Affairs reported a censure upon Our Commissioners who made the peace with G Britain for not obeying their instructions with regard to France. Will you favour me in confidence with the real state of this business? I was at the time a member of Congress. It was immediately on the arrival of the provisional articles.\nI trust my Dear Sir effectual measures are taking to bring us to some issue with France to ascertain whether her present plan is to be persisted in or abandonned. For surely our Commerce ought not to be thus an undefended prey.\nYrs truly\nT Pickering 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0327", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Hall and Stimpson, 11 February 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hall and Stimpson\nNew York, February 11, 1797. \u201cThe suits against Riley as a Partner of Wetmore are expected to be matured for Trial at the ensuing Circuit Court which begins the 20th of March. I should of course want the original documents to establish the Copartnership and the original notes & acknowleged accounts to establish the respective demands of the parties. As the measures preparatory to Trial are attended with considerable advances to Officers of Courts say about five pounds in each suit the Gentlemen concerned will not expect that I should make these advances. I request therefore that an adequate sum be remitted.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0328", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [15 February 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: King, Rufus\n[New York, February 15, 1797]\nMy D Sir\nGeave me leave to recall to your recollection and acquaintance Mr. De Talon the bearer of this, who, as he informs me, goes to Europe on private business. I need not observe that he is an interesting man, as you know all his titles to the attention, which your situation will permit you to afford. You must not think, I forget you, because I do no write (for this is only my third letter). I am over-whelmed in professional business and have scarcely a moment for any thing else.\nYou will have learnt the terrible depredations which the French have committed upon our Trade in the West-Indies on the declared principle of intercepting our whole Trade with the ports of her enemies. This conduct is making the impression which might be expected though not with that electric rapidity which would have attended similar Treatment from another power. The present session of Congress is likely to be very unproductive. That body is in the situation which we foresaw certain anti executive maxims would bring them to.\nMr. Adams is President, Mr. Jefferson Vice President. Our Jacobins say they are well pleased and that the Lion & the Lamb are to lie down together. Mr. Adam\u2019s Personal friends talk a little in the same way. Mr. Jefferson is not half so ill a man as we have been accustommed to think him. There is to be a united and a vigorous administration. Sceptics like me quietly look forward to the event\u2014willing to hope but not prepared to believe. If Mr. Adams has Vanity to plan a plot has been laid to take hold of it. We trust his real good sense and integrity will be a sufficient shield.\nYrs. Affectly\nA HamiltonFeby. 15. 1797\nR King 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0330", "content": "Title: The Warning No. III, [21 February 1797]\nFrom: \u201cAmericus\u201d,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[New York, February 21, 1797]\nThe Paris Accounts inform us that France has lately exercised towards Genoa an act of atrocious oppression, which is an additional and a striking indication of the domineering and predatory Spirit by which she is governed. This little Republic, whose territory scarcely extends beyond the walls of her metropolis, has been compelled, it seems, to ransom herself from the talons of France by a contribution of nearly a million of Dollars; a large sum for her contracted resources. For this boon, \u201cthe French Government engages on its part to renounce all claims upon Genoa, to forget what has passed during the present war, to forbear any future demands.\u201d It would appear from this, that France to colour the odious exaction, besides the pretence of misconduct towards her in the present war has not disdained to resort to the stale and pitiful device of reviving some antiquated and derelict claim upon the Country itself. In vain did the signal hazards encountered by Genoa to preserve her neutrality in defiance of the host of enemies originally leagued against France, in vain did the character and title of Republic plead for a more generous treatment: the attractions of plunder predominated. The Spirit of Rapine callous to the touch of justice, blind to the testimony of truth, deaf to the voice of entreaty, had marked out and devoted the victim. There was no alternative but to compound or perish.\nIf it be even supposed, though this has never appeared, that at some period of the war, Genoa may be chargeable with acts of questionable propriety in relation to France, it is manifest that it ought to be attributed to the necessity of a situation which must have obliged her to temporise. A very small and feeble state in the midst of so many great conflicting powers, parts of her territories occupied by armies which she was unable to oppose\u2014it were a miracle indeed if her conduct in every particular will bear the test of a rigorous scrutiny. But if at any time the pressure of circumstances may have occasioned some slight deviation, there is nevertheless full evidence of a constant solicitude on the part of Genoa to maintain to the utmost of her ability a sincere neutrality. It is impossible to forget the glorious stand which she at one time made against the imperious efforts of Great Britain to force her from her neutral position. The magnanimous and exemplary fortitude which she displayed on that occasion excited in this country universal admiration and must have made a deep impression. \u2019Tis only to recollect that instance to be satisfied that the treatment which she has just experienced from France merits the indignant execration of mankind. Unfortunate Genoa! how little didst thou imagine that thou wert destined so soon to be compelled to purchase thy safety from the crushing weight of that hand which ought to have been the first to rise in thy defence.\nHow fruitful, at the same time, of instruction to us is this painful example! The most infatuated partisans of France cannot but see in it an unequivocal proof of the rapacious and vindictive policy which dictates her measures. All men must see in it that the flagrant injuries, which we are now suffering from her, proceed from a general plan of domination and plunder; from a disposition to prostrate nations at her feet, to trample upon their necks, to ravish from them whatever her avidity or convenience may think fit to dedicate to her own use.\nThe last intelligence from France seems to dispel the doubt whether the depredations in the West Indies may not have resulted from misapprehension or abuse of the orders of the French Government. It is now understood to be a fact that the Cruisers of France every where are authorised to capture and bring in all vessels bound to the ports of her enemies.\nThis plan is pregnant with the worst evils which are to be dreaded from the declared and unqualified hostility of any foreign power. If France after being properly called upon to renounce it, shall persevere in the measure, there cannot be a question but that open war will be preferable to such a state. By whatever name treachery or pusyllanimity may attempt to disguise it, \u2019tis in fact war, war of the worst kind, War on One Side. If we can be induced to submit to it longer than is necessary to ascertain that it cannot be averted by negotiation, we are undone as a people. Whether our determination shall be to lock up our Trade by embargoes, or to permit our commerce to continue to float an unprotected prey to French Cruisers, our degradation and ruin will be equally complete. The destruction of our Navigation & Trade, the annihilation of our mercantile capital, the dispersion & loss of our seamen obliged to emigrate for subsistence, the extinction of our Revenue, the fall of public credit, the stagnation of every species of industry, the general impoverishment of our citizens, these will be minor evils in the dreadful catalogue. Some years of security and exertion would repair them. But the humiliation of the American mind would be a lasting and a mortal disease in our social habit. Mental debasement is the greatest misfortune that can befal a people. The most pernicious of conquests, which a state can experience, is a conquest over that elevated sense of its own rights which inspires a due sensibility to insult and injury, over that virtuous pride of character which prefers any peril or sacrifice to a final submission to oppression, and which regards national ignominy as the greatest of national calamities.\nThe records of history contain numerous proofs of this truth. But an appeal to them is unnecessary. Holland and Italy present to our immediate observation examples as decisive as deplorable. The former within the last years has undergone two revolutions by the intervention of foreign powers without even a serious struggle. Mutilated of precious portions of its territory at home, by pretended benefactors but real despoilers; its dominions abroad slide into the possession of its enemies rather as derelicts than as the acquisitions of victory. Its fleets surrender without a blow. Important only by the spoils, which it offers, no less to its friends than to its enemies\u2014every symptom about is portentous of national annihilation.\nWith regard to Italy, \u2019tis sufficient to say, that she is debased enough not even to dare to take part in a contest on which at this moment her destiny is suspended.\nModeration in every nation is a virtue. In weak or young nations, it is often wise to take every chance by patience and address to divert hostility and in this view to hold parley with insult and injury\u2014but to capitulate with oppression, rather to surrender at discretion to it is in any nation that has any power of resistance as foolish as it contemptible. The honor of a nation is its life. Deliberately to abandon it is to commit an act of political suicide. There is treason in the sentiment avowed in the language of some, and betrayal by the conduct of others, that we ought to bear any thing from France rather than go to war with her. The Nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a Master and deserves 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0332", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 23 February 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Morris, Robert\n[New York, February 23, 1797. On March 3, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton and referred to \u201cYours of the 23d.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0333", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Theodore Sedgwick, [26 February 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Sedgwick, Theodore\n[New York, February 26, 1797]\nMy dear Sir\nThe present inimitable course of our public affairs proves me to be a very bad politician so that I am afraid to suggest any idea that occurs to me. Yet I will give over my timidity & communicate for your consideration a reverie which has struck me.\nIt is a fact, that the resentment of the French Government is very much levelled at the actual President. A change of the person (however undespicable in other respects) may give a change to the passion, and may also furnish a bridge to retreat over. This is a great advantage for a new President & the most ought to be made of it. For it is much our interest to preserve peace, if we can with honor and if we cannot it will be very important to prove that no endeavour to do it has been omitted.\nWere I Mr. Adams, then I believe I should begin my Presidency by naming an extraordinary Commission to the French Republic. And I think it would consist of three persons, Mr. Madison Mr. Pinkney & Mr. Cabot. I would pursue this course for several reasons, because I would have a man as influential with the French as Mr. Madison yet I would not trust him alone lest his Gallicism should work amiss\u2014because I would not wound Mr. Pinkney so recently sent in the same spirit. Thirdly I think Cabot would mix very useful ingredients in the Cup.\nThis Com~ should be charged to make explanations, to remonstrate, to ask indemnification and they should be empowered to make a new Treaty of commerce not inconsistent with our other Treaties\u2014& perhaps to abrogate or remodify the Treaty of Alliance.\nThat Treaty can only be inconvenient to us in future. The Guarantee of our sovereignty & Independence henceforth is nominal. The Guarantee of the West-India Island of France as we advance in strength will be more & more real. In future & in a truly defensive war I think we shall be bound to comply efficaciously with our Guarantee. Nor have I been able to see that it means less than obligation to take part in such a war with our whole force. I have no idea of Treaties which are not executed.\nHence I want to get rid of that Treaty by mutual consent or to liquidate its meaning to a Treaty of definite succour in a clearly defensive war, so many men, so many ships, so much money &c to be furnished by one ally to the other. This of course must be so managed as to exclude unequivocally the present War in all its possible mutations.\nSuch objects are important enough for three. In executive matters, I am as little fond as most people of plurality\u2014but I think it pedantry to admit no exceptions to any general rule. And I believe under the circumstances of the case a Commission would be adviseable. I give my dream as it has occurred. You will do with it what you please.\nYrs.\nThe idea here given to be useful ought to be executed at once. The Senate should not be permitted to disperse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0336", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Beekman, [1 March 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Beekman, William\n[New York, March 1, 1797.] \u201cHaving reconsidered the case of your Uncle (Wm. Beekman\u2019s) Will with the authorities\u2014I advise the Devisees to claim all that by the Partition became his several property & which in my former opinion with Mr. Evertson was considered as passing by his Will, not merely a proportion equal to his interest before Partition in the part which remained to him after partition. The principle seems to be not only that a partition simply is not a revocation of the devise but that the part acquired in severalty in lieu of the part before held in common passes wholly to the devisee.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0337", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nColo Hamilton Esqr New York\nPhilada March 3d 1797\nDear sir\nOn the day I wrote you last, Mr Westerloe left at my House Yours of the 23d. I expect the pleasure of his company soon. I hope Mr Bridgon\u2019s Clients will as was proposed in my last letter to you come or send to Mr Nicholson who is disposed to put their demand upon the most satisfactory footing in his power, & I expect the business may be so settled as that the Money will be forth coming sooner than by Legal process it can be obtained, for as I am not properly the payer, altho\u2019 responsible, I shall resist as long as I can if they pursue me instead of seeking paymt from the real debtor or principal who is willing to arrange the matter to their Content. I want sadly to have the affair of the Genesee Land finished by Colo Walker it is become indispensible to have it done in one or other of the modes mentioned in my last letter if the Assignment of Colo Smiths Deeds or Mortgage is made to Mr Cottringer he can release such parts as I convey. And the remainder will not be subject to Attachment. The President has nominated a Commr to preside at the Treaty which I intend to hold with the Indians, and I expect the senate will this day give their assent so that I hope it may not be long before I make a purchase but my wish is to have this as little known as possible. I mention it to you that you may advise Mr Church to give Mr Marshall two Dollars an Acre for the 10,000 Acres mortgaged to him I could now sell it for 2/ N York currency on a credit shorter than the time I am to pay Mr Church and I am confident that it will be worth four, to six or eight dolls pr Acre by that time. My wants cause me to desire a Sale and if I must sell had not Mr Church better to take the benefit than let others do it. The moment the Indian title is obtained there will be a rush of People into that Country that will raise the price of land beyond that or any other part of America, & the settlements will be made by Men of property, & respectable character who are now laying by Money, and preparing themselves for the purpose. Nothing is more certain than these things & Mr Church has the opportunity of doubling trebling or Quadrupling his money, tell him therefore to embrace it.\nI am Dr Sir \u2003 Yours &c.\nRM", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0339", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Patterson, 5 March 1797\nFrom: Patterson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Kingston] Ulster County [New York], March 5, 1797. \u201cAs you are the only persen I think I Can with Safty apply too to assist me in giting my Militerie Lot as it is well known I have faithfull Served my Country it gives me the more Confidence to Crave your assistance. I must inform you that I have found my Discharge and have it Now in my Possession. I have found Blanchar the Person who took out the Patent Deed for my Lot No. 32 in Cato he Lives in Cats kill town in the County of Albany.\u2026 I must beg the favor of you to write me a Letter of advice as Soon as you Receive this or as Soon as you think it Necessarie (which will perhaps be after you have made Some inquiry in the business) I shall again inform you whre I Live which is in Franklin township Huntingdon County on the Little Juniata River State of Pennylvania.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0340", "content": "Title: Bill from James Robinson, [7 March 1797]\nFrom: Robinson, James\nTo: \n[New York, March 7, 1797]\nAugt: 13th\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr:\nTo James Robinson for fence\n42 boards @ 1/\n32 half Do: @ /6d\n18 posts @ 2/ and 12 lb Nails @ \u00bd\n\u20077 days Labour carpenters @ 11/\n\u20074 Loads cartage @ 2/\nReceived New York March 7. 179[7] of Alexander Hamilton the amount of the above account being for the use of the lot of John Barker Church in broad way.\nJams. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0342", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 8 March 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada. March 8th. 1797\nDear Sir\nYou have herewith the Copy of a letter from Mr Bridgen to me & my reply which you will cause to be delivered, if they will apply to Mr Nicholson the business will be accomplished with him but if they possitively will not, I must request you to adjust the matter on my behalf on the best terms & longest time you can obtain. I am impatiently waiting an Answer to my last letter on the business with Colo Walker, it is of the greatest & most immediate importance to have it finished. I hope this days Mail will bring the information from you to\nDr Sir \u2003 Your Obedt hble servt\nRobt Morris\nAlexr Hamilton EsqrNew 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0343", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 8 March 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Morris, Robert\n[New York, March 8, 1797. On March 9, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have this moment received yours of yesterday.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0344", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 9 March 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexr Hamilton Esqr New York\nPhiladelphia March 9th 1797\nDear sir\nI have this moment received yours of yesterday with the deed to Mr Cottringer for which accept my thanks. Mr Ralph Mather the last endorser of the bill on which Mr Bridgon threatens to bring suit, has opened a negotiation here with Mr Nicholson respecting it, and as I hope an arrangement will be made so as to satisfy the owners of sd Bill you will be good enough to prevail on them to wait the issue of this negotiation before you enter into any engagement on my part and I will inform you the result as soon as it is ascertained. I am Dr Sir\nYours &c\nRM", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0345", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Hamilton, 10 March 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Greenock, Scotland, March 10, 1797. On May 2, 1797, Hamilton wrote to William Hamilton: \u201cSome days since I received with great pleasure your letter of the 10th of March.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0347", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Tilghman, 13 March 1797\nFrom: Tilghman, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, March 13, 1797. Replies to Hamilton\u2019s letter of March 10, 1797, and answers questions concerning provisions on naturalization in Maryland\u2019s constitution and statutes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0349", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Laight, 14 March 1797\nFrom: Laight, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] March 14, 1797. \u201cHad there not been frequent Instances in many respectable Offices in this City where Events of a similar kind have been effected, which I am now solicitous of obtaining, I should deem it presumptuous to address you on the Subject: Let this, in addition to the solicitude of a Parent for the Establishment of a Son in the line of his Profession be my Apology. Edward W. Laight, after his matriculation at Columbia College, was instructed in the Rudiments & Principles of Law by Coll: Burr.\u2026 He has been admitted to the Bar as an Attorney. Of his qualifications Professional Men are better Judges than myself. The Object I aim at is, to have him patronized by a Person of Merit & Celebrity, more for the purpose of improvement than for present Emolument.\u2026 The wish of my heart is that Coll: Hamilton should be such a Patron. If therefore it is not incompatible with Coll. Hamiltons Views to receive as an Attorney in his Office a Young Man, of, at least decent Manners & educated as above mentioned, I should be made happy by his giving me an opportunity of acceeding to such Terms as he himself would prescribe.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0350", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 19 March 1797\nFrom: Schuyler, Philip\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlbany March 19th 1797\nMy Dear Sir\nI shall not fail to call the attention of the senate to the insecure state of the port of New York and to detail the distressing consequences which must result should the Metropolis be laid under contribution, be conflagreated, or possessed by a hostile foreign power: but I apprehend nothing more will be done than Authorizing the Governor to take measures for Its security, If a war with some European power should appear to him inevitable.\nIt is to be lamented that the most influential characters in the representation from New York could not be prevailed on to remain here: by thus neglecting their duty they have commited the affairs of their constituents to less able hands, and painful results must be expected.\nIf Gentlemen of consideration in the public mind continue to refuse seats in either branch of the Legislature, It is certain that a variety of evils will result to the community, and the metropolis will be most deeply Affected. I wish therefore, that the necessity in Gentlemen to step forward and offer a consent to be candidates at the ensuing election may be strongly urged. Mr. Burr, we are informed, will be a candidate for a seat in the assembly; his views It is not difficult to appreciate. They alarm me, and If he prevails I apprehend a total change of politics in the next assembly\u2014attended with other disagreable consequences.\nMr. Adams\u2019s speeches to the senate at taking leave, and expressions, in that, at his Inaugeration, have left very unfavorable impressions in my mind, and created alarm, but It may not be prudent to state the reasons. We are all in health, and All Join in love to you & all with you,\nI am Dear Sir Most sincerely Yours\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0352", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Uriah Tracy, 23[\u201324] March 1797\nFrom: Tracy, Uriah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada. 23d. [\u201324] March 1797\nSir\nYou will probably remember, I applied to you for James Johnson of Salisbury in Connecticut, for the purchase of a tract of Land lying in that Town, of which you had the care & disposal. Johnson has lately written me, that the sale is not yet completed & wishes me to pursue the business, as he is still very desirous of purchasing the Land.\nYou will recollect how far the negociation has proceeded & whether you mean to sell to Johnson\u2014please to let me know as I wish to inform him what he must do to finish the Contract, on his part.\nI am, Sir, with respect \u2003 Your very humble sert.\nUriah Tracy\nAlexr. Hamilton Esqr.\nNB. I am detained here by indisposition. You can, if you please direct a line to me here. I hope to be in health sufficient to go on to Connecticut soon, when I shall, on my way, see you at New York.\nSince writing the within I have se\u27e8en\u27e9 the Speech of Barras to Citizen Munroe on his taking leave. Pardon me, when I say\u2014the most diabolical & at the same time vapid puffing speech that ever disgraced a Burletta like that of Tommy Thumb. I foresee a struggle now in our Councils to send Maddison or Gallatin, or possibly John Swanwick or Ned Livingston, Envoy Extraordinary to the Cut-throat Directory. The United States, for fear of being subject to G. Britain will struggle hard, to be so to France. God in his infinite mercy grant, that we may be sunk in an Asphaltic Lake rise, where once stood the States\u2014rather than subject ourselves to that nest of Assassins.\nYrs.\nU. Tracy.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0354", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 27 March 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr New York\nPhilada. March 27th. 1797\nDear Sir\nI wrote a few lines from Mr Nicholsons house on Saturday whilst waiting to see Mr Mather; he did not come there untill I was obliged to come away, but Mr Nicholson informs me he came afterwards and that they are likely to effect an Arrangement for the Bill of Exchange and that Mr Mather has written to stay any proceedings in New York untill they hear again from him. This being a debt of Mr Nicholsons I am desirous that he should settle it, but should he fail I must ultimately do it, and if in the end it falls to my lot, I now request that you will use your discretion, and make the best Arrangement you can for me. I pledge my honor that there is no other encumbrance on the 100000 Acres of Genesee land Mortgaged to Mr Church than that Mortgage and I am extreemly averse to suffering any other to go on it. I want Mr Church to buy it. He may do that now, so as to double his Money on me, respecting this I wrote you some time ago to which you did not reply.\nI am Dr Sir \u2003 Yours &c.\nRM", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0357-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia March 30. 1797.\nDear Sir,\nI believe I mentioned in my last, that I was going to sketch a state of facts relative to Mr. Pinckney\u2019s mission for publication. I now inclose it. That the facts should be known to our citizens was deemed important. I thought it highly important that the Representatives should come together impressed with the sentiments of their constituents on the reprehensible conduct of the French Government, which made loud complaints of wrongs, but refused to hear our answer, or to enter on any discussion of the subjects of complaint, by refusing to acknowledge a special minister, sent from the U.S. for the direct purpose of making explanations; and that demanded of conscious innocence a confession of offences and redress of injuries never committed, as the preliminary of receiving our minister. The abominable depredations on our commerce\u2014their unfounded complaints\u2014their preposterous refusal to hear our answer\u2014and the indignities offered to our ambassador, combined, and fully known to the people of the U.S. it might be fairly hoped would so powerfully operate in removing their ill founded and ill requited attachments to France, and even excite such a spirit of just resentment & pride, as would effectually controul certain men who have seemed willing to chain us to that republic & make us lick the feet of her violent and unprincipled rulers.\nThe statement of facts being prepared, I expected to hand it yesterday to Mr. Fenno for publication: but some scruples arose about its expediency. The facts are carefully extracted from General Pinckney\u2019s letters of December 20, & January 6. The objections were, that, it might be deemed irritating\u2014that it would be deemed an official publication, tho\u2019 anonymous\u2014that such manifestly official publications have not heretofore been made, except to Congress, and that at their approaching session the letters themselves will be laid before both Houses. That America will expect the Executive to use every means of cultivating peace, and to hazard nothing which can be construed into a tendency to provoke a war. But the same objections, substantially, were made by our French-American patriots to my letter to General Pinckney, tho\u2019 written with extreme moderation, & containing answers and explanations to complaints which the French minister himself had the impudence to address to the Citizens of the U.S. whom those patriots would gladly continue to keep in the dark; and in short, prostrate by an unconditional submission at the feet of the most ambitious and horrible tyrants that ever cursed the earth.\nThe publication being thus suspended, I inclose the statement for your information. You need not return it, as I have a fair copy. I need not have been so minute in the detail: but the substance of the facts I still think ought to be published, and without delay; and in such form as to bear evident marks of authenticity, without which they will not gain universal belief, & therefore fail of the impression which I wished to have had produced by the publication. If you can drop me a line expressing your opinion on the matter, I shall be much obliged.\nI am with sincere respect \u2003 Dr Sir Your obt. servt\nT. Pickering\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0357-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: A Statement of Facts Relative to General Pinckney\u2019s Mission to France, [30 March 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nGeneral Pinckney, appointed minister plenipotentiary from the United States to the French Republic, left Philadelphia near the end of September, and arrived at Paris the 5th of December last, in the evening. On the 6th, he sent, by his secretary, to Mr. Monroe his letters of recall; and immediately afterwards waited on Mr. Monroe, who shewed him a letter from M. Delacroix, the French Minister for foreign affairs, dated December 2. 1796, in which M. Delacroix, remarked, that Mr. Pinckney\u2019s arrival appearing to be at hand, if it had not already taken place, he thought it his duty to inform Mr. Monroe of the formalities to be observed on that occasion; & then tells him, the usage is, that the minister recalled and his successor send to the Minister for foreign affairs, the copy of their letters of recall and of credence.\nGenl. Pinckney deeming it more respectful to the Minister to acquaint him with his arrival, & to inform him that they would wait upon him at any hour he would appoint, with their letters of credence and recall, Mr. Monroe on the same day (Decr. 6th) wrote to M. Delacroix accordingly, and requested he would appoint a time when Mr. Pinckney & himself should have the honor of attending him, for the purpose of presenting to him copies of those documents.\nOn the 9th of December Genl. Pinckney received from Mr. Monroe a letter imforming him that M. Delacroix had appointed that day, between one and four o\u2019clock, to receive them. M. Delacroix letter is dated that day, in answer to Mr. Monroe\u2019s of the 6th; and after reciting the object of the interview, M. Delacroix said, he should be eager to receive him that day, at any hour from one to four o\u2019clock, afternoon, if that would be convenient to him; & prayed him to propose it to General Pinckney. Accordingly Mr. Monroe, & General Pinckney with his Secretary Major Henry Rutledge, about two o\u2019clock, waited on M. Delacroix; and Genl. Pi[n]ckney was introduced to him by Mr. Monroe as his successor. On receiving their letters of credence and recall, M. Delacroix said he would deliver them without delay to the Directory. He desired Major Rutledge to let him have the names of baptism, & ages of himself & Genl Pinckney, that cards of hospitality might be made out, which he said was necessary to reside there unmolested. Their names & ages were immediately given; and M. Delacroix promised to send the cards the next morning.\nWhen this interview was known, the reports which had been spread abroad, before Genl. Pinckney\u2019s arrival, that he would not be received by the Directory, vanished. However, on Monday Decr. 12th, Mr. Monroe\u2019s secertary (Mr. Prevost) called on Genl. Pinckney, and told him that Mr. Monroe had just received a letter from M. Delacroix; & desired to know if Genl. Pinckney had received one: The latter answered that he had not. Mr. Prevost then shewed Genl. Pinckney M. Delacroix\u2019 letter to Mr. Monroe. It is dated the 11th of December; and after mentioning that he had laid before the Executive Directory the copy of Mr. Monroe\u2019s letter of recall, & Genl. Pinckney\u2019s letters of credence, M. Delacroix says the Directory had charged him to inform Mr. Monroe, that they would not acknowledge nor receive another minister plenipotentiary from the United States, until the injuries stated to the American Government had been redressed.\nGenl. Pinckney waited till the next day, Decr. 13th, expecting to receive a like notification from M. Delacroix; when, not hearing from him, Genl. Pinckney wrote him a letter, in which after reciting the substance of that which M. Delacroix had written on the 11th to Mr. Monroe, he expressed his regret at the determination of the Directory, and that he was not permitted even to attempt to explain the sentiments of America and its government, or in the terms of his letters of credence, to endeavour to efface unfavourable impressions, to banish suspicions, and to restore that cordiality which was at once the evidence and pledge of a friendly union. Genl. Pinckney then suggested, that as official copies of his letters of credence and of Mr. Monroe\u2019s letters of recall had been delivered to M. Delacroix, the determination of the Directory should have been communicated immediately to him (Genl. Pinckney) that he might, without delay, transmit the same as from the Executive of the French Republic to the Government of the U. States. He also desired to be informed whether it was the intention of the Directory that he should immediately quit the territories of the French Republic; or whether he & his family might stay until he heard from his government.\nThis letter Genl. Pinckney sent by his Secretary to M. Delacroix, who opened and read it in Major Rutledge\u2019s presence. When he had finished, he desired Major Rutledge to return to Genl. Pinckney as his answer, That the Executive Directory knew of no minister plenipotentiary from the United States, since the presentation of Mr. Monroe\u2019s letters of recall; and that the Executive Directory had charged him to notify to Mr. Monroe, that they would not acknowledge nor receive another minister plenipotentiary from the United States, until the injuries stated to the American Government had been redressed: which notification the Directory relied on Mr. Monroe\u2019s imparting to his own government, as well as communicating to Genl. Pinckney. As to the second subject of Genl. Pinckney\u2019s letter, (whether the Directory intended that he should quit the territories of the Republic, or stay till he heard from his government) M. Delacroix said he could return no answer until he had laid it before the Executive Directory. Major Rutledge asked if Genl. Pinckney should expect an answer. M. Delacroix replied, that the intentions of the Directory should be signified either to him or to Mr. Monroe.\nOn the 15th of December, M. Giraudet called upon Genl. Pinckney, & said he was chief secretary in the department of foreign affairs: that he came on the part of the Minister of foreign affairs, to signify to him, that with respect to his letter to M. Delacroix, he could not directly communicate with Genl. Pinckney, but only with Mr. Monroe, as such direct communication would be acknowledging Genl. P. as Minister, when the Directory had determined not to receive him: that as to the other part of his letter, relative to his remaining there, he supposed Genl. P. was acquainted with the local laws of France relating to strangers. Genl. Pinckney answered that he was not. M. Giraudet then said there was a decree forbidding all strangers to remain in Paris without particular permission, which as the Directory did not grant to General Pinckney, the general law would of course operate. To this Genl. P. answered, that he could not conceive that the having of a direct communication with him would involve the consequence that had been mentioned. Had Mr. Monroe died before his arrival, the information that they would not acknowledge him must have been communicated to Genl. P. himself; and that Mr. Monroe having received his letters of recall, could not now act officially, any more than if he had ceased to exist. That with regard to the law of France relating to strangers, it did not apply to the requisition in his letter, which was to be informed whether it was the intention of the Directory that he should quit France, or be allowed to stay till he heard from his government.\nMr. Giraudet said he rather imagined it was the intention of the Directory that Genl. Pinckney should quit the territories of the Republic; but as it admitted of a doubt, he would mention it to the minister, and communicate the result in the evening. Genl. Pinckney then further desired to be informed, if obliged to quit the Republic, in what time he must depart, as his baggage had not yet arrived from Bourdeaux: adding, that he meant not to ask any personal favour, but to have the intention of the Directory clearly expressed, in relation to him in the public character in which he came to France. M. Giraudet said he would do what he desired; and departed. In the evening he returned, and said, That in answer to the doubt entertained at the former meeting, the Minister (Delacroix) could only answer, that he had understood the Directory to mean, that Genl. Pi[n]ckney was to quit, not Paris only, but the territories of the French Republic. That as to the time in which it was necessary to depart, the Minister would not designate it; but he would have another communication with the Directory; and that their intentions should be made known in a more explicit manner on both points. M. Giraudet then said he must inform Mr. Pinckney, that in all probability M. Delacroix would not be the organ thro\u2019 which he would receive the answer, as the Minister of police was the officer under whose department his case would come. To this Genl. Pinckney replied, That M. Delacroix & the Directory had received the official copy of his letter of credence: That it was in the power of the Directory to receive him or not; but they could not divest themselves of their knowledge of the public character in which he came to France: That in that character he was entitled to the protection of the law of nations, whether the Directory received him or not. That if they permitted him to stay till he heard from his government, he was under the protection of that law: and if they ordered him to quit the territories of the Republic, still he was entitled to letters of safe-conduct and passports for his journey. Genl. Pinckney closed this conversation with M. Giraudet, with desiring him to inform M. Delacroix, that he requested that whatever further passed might be in writing, that no mistakes might happen by verbal communications, and that he might know explicitly the intentions of the Directory.\nAfter this, ten days having elapsed without any communication from M. Delacroix, and complaints having been received by Genl. Pinckney of inconveniences to which american citizens in France were subjected, for want of passports signed by their minister: he thought it his duty, tho\u2019 not acknowledged by the French Government, to endeavour to remedy this grievance. For americans coming from the territories of a power at war with the Republic, on arriving in its ports, were thrown into confinement, unless they could give security for their good behaviour, until they could obtain passports from our minister at Paris\u2014after being countersigned by the minister of foreign affairs. Genl. Pinckney therefore directed his secretary, Major Rutledge, to wait upon M. Delacroix, to represent this subject, and to obtain from him, unofficially, the determination of the Directory concerning his residence or departure from the territory of the Republic. Accordingly, on the 26th of December, Major Rutledge waited on M. Delacroix, and mentioned the situation of the American citizens lately arrived in France, who had been thrown into prison; where they remained, for want of passports, which could not now be obtained, there being no acknowledged minister from the U. States. General Pinckney therefore wished to be informed to what authority he should refer them for relief. M. Delacroix answered, that an order had been made on this subject; and that in future all petitions on behalf of American Citizens, for passports, should be addressed to the Minister of the General Police: That however, he would charge himself with any which Genl. Pinckney might then have by him, if he preferred the channel of his department. Major Rutledge then asked M. Delacroix if he had heard any thing further from the Directory as to their intentions respecting General Pinckney\u2019s remaining where he was. M. Delacroix answered with marks of great surprize\u2014That he thought he had already explained himself with sufficient clearness on the subject: that he had long since signified to General Pinckney, the impossibility of his staying: that he thought he had exercised much condescension in having been so long silent, which he had been induced to do, by Genl. Pinckney\u2019s having complained of the delay of his baggage, which he supposed must by this time have arrived from Bourdeaux: that, in short, he should be sorry if his further stay should compel him to give information to the minister of the Police.!!! Major Rutledge answered, that if permitted, he would call to M. Delacroix recollection the communication he had made to General Pinckney, thro\u2019 his secretary M. Giraudet. That gentleman had indeed told Genl. Pinckney, that he must consider himself in the light of any common stranger, to whom a card of hospitality was denied, and who was compelled, by the laws respecting foreigners, to withdraw from the territories of the Republic: but General Pinckney had refused to regard himself in any other situation than that in which he had entered France; which was not in a private capacity, but in a public character, which had been officially announced to the Directory: that he was not subject to the law respecting strangers, but was under protection of the law of nations: M. Giraudet then took leave, with a promise to communicate to the Minister of foreign affairs the ground which Mr. Pinckney had taken. In the evening he returned, and said that the Minister would again lay Genl. Pinckney\u2019s letter before the Directory, & that their intentions should be made known to him as soon as possible. Major Rutledge then remarked, that he supposed all this had been faithfully related to him by his Secretary. M. Delacroix answered, That Genl. Pinckney must have mistaken M. Giraudet, as to his intention of again laying Genl. Pinckney\u2019s letter before the Directory. Major Rutledge replied, That this was impossible; for he had been present at both conversations, in which the material parts had passed in English, and been repeated in French. M. Delacroix then said that M. Giraudet had acted without his authority. Major Rutledge answered, That Genl. Pinckney had nevertheless waited until that moment in expectation of hearing from him, agreeably to M. Giraudet\u2019s promise: that the General was very far from intending to dispute the will of the Directory; what he wanted was a communication of that will in writing. M. Delacroix said it had already been given. Major Rutledge desired to know when. M. Delacroix answered, in the notification which he had made, by order of the Directory, to Mr. Monroe: that this contained their sentiments on the point of Mr. Pinckney\u2019s staying; in as much as that his not being received, implied that he should depart. Major Rutledge denied that this was a fair deduction. M. Delacroix insisted that it was. Major Rutledge said it had not so struck Genl. Pinckney, nor any person with whom he had conversed: but however, if such was the construction to be put upon it, he flattered himself that M. Delacroix could have no objection to expressing it upon paper, in order that Genl. Pinckney might have something more substantial than the authority of the word of his secretary, to justify himself to his own government, for quitting a spot to which he had come in obedience to their orders. Here M. Delacroix turned away, with some warmth, and said he should do no such thing: that Genl. Pinckney might make his own deductions\u2014he desired to have no more communications with him. Major Rutledge withdrew.\nThis behaviour of M. Delacroix did not discompose Genl. Pinckney. He considered that he was at the post where his duty required him to remain, until he received orders from his own government how to conduct himself, or until the French government should give him a written order to depart; or send him passports as a minister of his country whom they would not suffer to remain within their territory; or do some other unequivocal act that would justify his going.\nSuch appears to have been the conduct of the French Government; and such the situation of Genl. Pinckney, until some time in January last. If they finally order him to quit France, it will surprize no one. The Directory, it is said, have already sent away thirteen foreign ministers; and a late Emigrant, now in Paris, has assured them, that the United States are not of greater consequence, nor ought to be treated with more respect than Genoa or Geneva. (Genoa is a little bigger than the state of Delaware; and Geneva, almost of as great extent as the little county of Delaware in the state of Pennsylvania; that is, about thirteen miles long and eleven broad.)", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0359", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 31 March 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia Mar. 31. 1797\nDear Sir,\nI have recd. your Letter of March 30th. and I consider it as a great acquisition. It developes the origin of a circumstance which came to my knowledge at the close of the last session which filled my mind with inexpressible surprize. To you I will say but in the most perfect confidence that the President had determined on instituting a Commission, but it would not have been composed as you now propose. I believe no one of the heads of Departments knows of the decision except myself, I had attributed it to Mr. Ames from a casual expression, & I own that by means of my most sincere & urgent expostulations nay supplications, it was postponed.\nI am far from believing, that considering General Pinckneys diplomatic rank, his personal character, & the special objects of his mission, which were specified in his Letters of Credences and communicated to the Directory that there is any just or even specious pretext for his rejection. On the contrary it appears to me that France has insolently rejected a fair & suitable proposition for a discussion and adjustment of the existing disputes\u2014That the national indignity is such, that it must be noticed. There is a point, but where I allow to be uncertain, below which the Government cannot stop without loosing the confidence of the people and producing that despondency, loss of Credit & want of public concert, which would ruin our affairs. I wish we may find that our apathy has not been already carried to a fatal extreme.\nThe plan of measures I would propose is as follows.\n1st. That the President should in his speech to Congress take a view of the complaints of France & of the measures adopted by his predecessor, particularly in the mission of Mr. Pinckney & should give them his decided approbation. That he should intimate but in delicate terms that France has rejected a suitable opportunity for discussion, but that this would not prevent him from persevering in the line of Negociation. That measures would be accordingly pursued for renewing proposals to & entering upon negociations with the Government of France whenever its consent can be obtained.\n2nd. That the President should recommend, and in more than usual terms of confidence, the adoption of the following measures. 1st. an increase of Revenue 2nd. The arming our Vessells for defence with the right of capturing the attacking force. 3d. The equipment of a number of stout merchant Ships & Gallies to defend our Coasts. 4th. The fortification of our Ports. 5th. The enrollment of a Land force, (principally with a view of preventing insurrections of Slaves in the Southern States,) 6th. A power in the Executive to arrest Vessells & persons suspected of intending to cruize against our Trade, or Nations with whom we are at peace.\n3d. A serious and firm call upon Congress for their united and vigorous support of the Executive, with an appeal to the honour generosity & patriotism of the people, in the present critical State of Affairs. My own ideas of the system & intentions of France lead me further in defensive & cautionary measures, that I have proposed but I am sensible of the impolicy of anticipating public opinion.\nOn the subject of negociation, I would ever be ready to meet France & would keep an Agent, or if you please Agents, in Europe ready for that purpose; but I am not willing to admit that the Government has already done less than the occasion required, or that France is justifiable in refusing to recognize Mr. Pinckney. I am also free to declare that I conceive the claims of France to be in any other than the last & most extreme necessity, utterly inadmissible. They in fact require a surrender of National Independence. I would propose to retract nothing.\n   Note I would not refuse a remodification of Treaties if desired.\nThe idea of a Commission consisting of Mr. M. or any man like him, I must own to you is one which I can never adopt without the utmost reluctance. I have no confidence in Mr. M\u2014he has been a frequenter of Mr. Adets political meetings. I have been just informed that Mr. Adet has suggested the idea of sending this Gentleman. We know that the French count upon the support of a party in this Country, and so shameless is the faction grown, that positive proof of a devotion to French views, is with many no injury to a mans popularity. If the government suffers France to dictate what description of men shall be appointed to public trusts, our Country is undone\u2014from that moment, the confidence of all the old fashioned, honourable & virtuous men of the interior Country is irrecoverably lost.\nAnother consequence of not rejecting the interference of France is, that it will encourage other Nations to interfere especially G. Britain, & will moreover countenance the calumny, that a British faction exists. The french say, that Mr. Jay & his friends were in the British interest, & that therefore he was appointed. Will it be safe or proper to appoint a Man known to be of the French party, & thus give to a falshood, the force of argument? If I know any thing of human nature, this will be the effect on the minds of Thousands.\nI have no objection to sendg a man of neutral politicks, at least on party questions, if he be a man of sense, firmness & integrity. General Pinckney is of this description. If a Commission of three is generally prefered, it is a point perhaps not to be contested, though I own it does not strike me agreably. Yet how is the Commission to be composed, must all concur, or will the concurrence of two suffice? In either case mutual confidence will be essential to success. From what was on the point of being done, I presume Mr. C\u2014\u2014to be out of the question. If a man of his principles were to be associated with Mr. M. either nothing would be done or something worse than nothing. Mr. M\u2014\u2014would insist on a submission to France, or would obstruct a settlement & throw the disgrace on the friends of Government. Either result would deliver the Country bound hand & foot to French influence. If nothing was done the obstinacy of the federalists would be complained of, if something was done however humiliating, the responsibility would be divided & all the mischiefs would be attributed to the despera\u27e8te\u27e9 state of affairs induced by the fatal Treaty with G.B.\nYou known that I am accustomed to respect your opinions, & I am not so ignorant of the extent of your influence upon the friends of Government as not to be sensible, that if you are known to favour the sending of a Commission, so the thing must & will be. When the body of both parties concur in a measure individual opinions stand for nothing. In this case what would be the objection against sending Mr. Ingersoll of this City or som\u27e8e\u27e9 such character, to be united with J. Q. Adams or Mr. Murray, & Genl. Pinckney to rendezvous at Amsterdam, until the consent of France to negociate can be obtained. Is it necessary that the mission should procede directly to France, & must Mr. M\u2014\u2014be a member?\nI should be sorry if the friends of the Governt. were to consider me or any of the public officers as desirous of producing a War with France because I should consider this as evidence that our Affairs are desperate. If the public pulse does not beat higher than that of the Government all is over. There ought \u27e8to\u27e9 be a Zeal for strenuous measures, & this Ze\u27e8al\u27e9 ought to be an Engine in the hands of Gov\u27e8ern\u27e9ment for preserving peace. I think I can assure you, that the motion of our Ship cannot be adjusted to a minute Scale, if the present course is attempted to be varied, it will in future be nearly opposite to the present.\nThe present is a moment of apparent tranquillit\u27e8y\u27e9 but I conjecture that it is a Calm which forebodes a hurricane; the Executive will either fin\u27e8d a\u27e9 violent & steady Gale from one point, or be assailed with a Tornado, which will throw every thing into confusion. I predict that no treaty, no compromise, no concession will afford security.\nRevenue is essential, & there will I fear be insuperable objections started by the friends & enemies of Government. Credit has been abused has been exhausted, in senseless speculations.\nHaving no ambition to gratify, no theory or project to support, I shall be ready to aid my Country with my best exertions & shall be happy to receive your opinions, and to know the state of public opinion. No person can exceed me in sincere wishes that what is proper may be done.\nYrs assuredly\nOliv Wolcott Jr.\nA 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-20-02-0360", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [March 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: McHenry, James\n[New York, March, 1797]\nMy Dear Friend\nTake my ideas and weigh them of a proper course of conduct for our administration in the present juncture.\nYou have called Congress\u2014tis well.\nWhen the Senate meets (which I should be glad to see anticipated) send a Commission extraordinary to France. Let it consist of Jefferson or Madison Pinckney & a third very safe man, say Cabot.\nProclaim a Religious solemnity to take place at the Meeting of Congress.\nWhen Congress meet, get them to lay an Embargo with liberty to the executive to grant licenses to depart to Vessels armed or sailing with Convoys.\nIncrease the Revenue vigorously\u2014& provide naval force for Convoys. Purchase a number of Vessels now built the most fit for Sloops of War & Cutters and arm & commission them to serve as Convoys. Grant Qualified letters of marck to your Merchantmen to arm defend themselves & capture those who attack but not to cruise\u2014or attack.\nForm a provisional army of 25000 men. To be engaged eventually & have certain Emoluments. Increase your Cavalry & Artillery in immediate service.\nOr do as much of all this as you can. Make a last effort for peace but be prepared for the worst.\nThe Emperor Paul is at best Equivocal. A successor is apt to differ from a predecessor. He seems to be a Reformer too. Who can say into what scale his weight may be finally thrown?\nIf things shall so turn that Austria is driven to make peace & England left to contend alone\u2014who can guarantee us that France may not sport in this country a proseliting army? Even to get rid of the troops, if it fails, may be no bad thing to the Government of that Country. There is a possible course of things which may subject us even to an internal invasion by France. Our calculations to be solid should contemplate this possibility.\nI know in your administration there is a doubt about a Commission or Envoy extraordinary. I am very sorry for it, because I am sure it is an expedient measure. But perhaps France has said she will receive no Minister till her grievances shall be redressed. Tis hardly possible this can refer to any but a Minister who is to reside. A special extraordinary mission cannot be intended to be excluded\u2014because it is at least necessary to know what measure of redress will satisfy if any is due. But grant she will refuse to hear. Still the great advantage results of shewing in the most glaring light to our people her unreasonableness\u2014of disarming a party of the plea that all has not been done which might be done\u2014of refuting completely the charge that the actual administration desires War with France.\nBut the enemies of the Government desire the measure. Tis the strongest reason for adopting it. This will meet them on their own ground & shut their mouths.\nBut to answer the end a man who will have their confidence must be sent\u2014Jefferson or Madison. To do this & to be safe others must be united, say Pinkney & Cabot. Hence the idea of a Commission.\nI am really my friend anxious that this should be your plan. Depend on it it will unite the double advantage of silencing enemies & satisfying friends.\nI write you this letter on your fidelity. No mortal must see it or know its Contents. Yrs.\nA Hamilton\nJ Mc.Henry 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0001-0001", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Francisco de Miranda, 1 April 1797\nFrom: Miranda, Francisco de\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\na Paris ce 1. avril 1797.\nMon cher et respectable ami,\nC\u2019est depuis quatre ans que je reprends la plume pour vous dire que je suis encore au Nombre des vivans qui restent en france depuis la tyrannie. Voici un Livre qui vient de paraitre sur la R\u00e9volution fran\u00e7aise pas Desodoards. Il contient tous les faits principaux, et indique les Causes, avec Connaissances, Impartialit\u00e9, et mod\u00e9ration \u00e0 mon avis. Et tous Ceux qui Connaissent \u00e0 fonds la r\u00e9volution, m\u2019ont confirm\u00e9 dans cette opinion que j\u2019avais form\u00e9e d\u2019abord en le lisant. Ne manquer pas de le lire imm\u00e9diatement, et de le faire passer apr\u00e8s au nouveau pr\u00e9sident, s\u2019il ne l\u2019a pas lu encore. Mrs Paine et M\u2014\u2014e, qui sont d\u00e9ja partis d\u2019ici pour se rendre ches Vous, ne seront pas peutetre du m\u00e8me-avis; mais je crois qu\u2019ils ont mieux Connu le syst\u00e8me des Jacobins, que celui de la r\u00e9volution fran\u00e7aise. Enfin il est certain, mon ami, que l\u2019ex-President Washington fit une faute bien grave en envoyant ici pour ambassadeurs Mr Morris, et Mr. Monroe, tous deux exager\u00e9s dans un sens Contraire. Il est vrai que le premier est un homme infiniment plus instruit, et bien moins extravagant que l\u2019autre. P\u2014\u2014e est devenu un Marat tout \u00e0 fait\u2014Dieu veuille qu\u2019il ne fasse pas plus de mal au nouveau monde, que l\u2019autre n\u2019en a fait \u00e0 la france.\nAdieu, mon cher ami, continuer \u00e0 soutenir avec Courage la Cause de la Libert\u00e9, que tant de brigands et d\u2019ignorants deshonorent depuis cinq ans, tout en pr\u00e9tendant de l\u2019aimer et de la d\u00e9fendre. Je suis r\u00e9uni ici (et pour cela pers\u00e9cut\u00e9 encore) avec le petit nombre de ceux qui la connaissent et qui la d\u00e9fendent Sinc\u00e9rement; Veuille la Providence nous accorder du Succ\u00e8s pour le bonheur de ces pays ci ainsi que pour la tranquillit\u00e9 des autres, au moins. Donnez moi des nouvelles de nos amis communs Knox, et W. Duer. Faites leur bien des Complimens de ma part, en leur Communiquant la partie de cette lettre\u2014si que Vous jugerez \u00e0 propos, aussi bien que le livre. Je Vous prie de pr\u00e9senter mes respectueux Complimens au gl. Washington\u2014ainsi qu\u2019\u00e0 tous mes amis \u00e0 New York &c. &c.\nYours most sincerely\nF. Miranda.\nP.S. Je viens de Recevoir dans le moment une Lettre de Mr. Monroe, par son Secretaire Mr. Prevost. Le contenue de cette Lettre me fait soup\u00e7oner quelque cabale ou intrigue des Mess. Paine, et M\u2014\u2014e (avec qui je n\u2019ai jamais e\u00fb aucume liaison) ainsi je m\u2019empresse de vous envoier Copie de cette petite Correspondence, pour vous mettre \u00e0 m\u00eame de pouvoire Repondre aux Calomnies qui sont les armes de la Secte Jacobitte.\nAlex: Hamilton, Esqe. at Newyork.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0001-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: John B. Prevost to Francisco de Miranda, [27 March 1797]\nFrom: Prevost, John B.\nTo: Miranda, Francisco de\n[Paris, March 27, 1797]\nSir,\nI have called several times at your lodgings in the rue florentin, but have hitherto been so unfortunate as to find you abroad, may I therefore request you to name Some moment when your leisure will permit you to See me in Paris.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 your humble servant\nJ. B. Prevostof New York.\nSeptedi.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0001-0005", "content": "Title: Enclosure: James Monroe to Francisco de Miranda, 17 March 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Miranda, Francisco de\nParis March 17. 1797.\nSir,\nI was informed by M. Paine that you had some papers of Importance to our governement which you Sometime Since expressed a wish to deposit in my hands. Being on the point of departing for the U. States, I have thought proper to notify you of it, and to assure you that I Shall be happy to take charge of Such papers. M. Prevost who will have the pleasure to deliver you this, will explain to you the nature of M. Paines communication and take charge of such papers as you are pleased to deliver him. With great Respect I have the honor to be your very humble servant\nJa 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0001-0006", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Francisco de Miranda to John B. Prevost, 2 April 1797\nFrom: Miranda, Francisco de\nTo: Prevost, John B.\nR\u00e9ponse.\nA Paris ce 2 avril 1797.\nLe g\u00e9n\u00e9ral Miranda S\u2019empresse d\u2019envoyer \u00e0 monsieur Prevost la r\u00e9sponse \u00e0 la lettre de M. Monroe, que M. Prevost lui a adress\u00e9e\u2014en le priant de vouloir bien la lui faire parvenir.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0001-0007", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Francisco de Miranda to James Monroe, 2 April 1797\nFrom: Miranda, Francisco de\nTo: Monroe, James\na Paris Ce 2 avril 1797.\nMonsieur,\nCe n\u2019est que dans le moment que je re\u00e7ois Votre lettre du 17 mars. Mr. Pr\u00e9vost qui me l\u2019envoie m\u2019explique ainsi l\u2019objet de Votre sollicitude: \u201cthe papers alluded to in the within note (votre lettre) are those which respect a negotiation with Mr. Pitt; confided to Mr. Miranda Some time Since by Messieurs hamilton and Knox, the object of which was to adopt Some effectual measure to liberate South America.\u201d Je puis Vous assurer, monsieur, qu\u2019il n\u2019y a pas un mot de vrai dans tout ce rapport. Mr. Paine, duquel Vous dites le tenir, S\u2019est assur\u00e9ment tromp\u00e9 en prenant pour des n\u00e9gociations quelques notes peut-\u00e8tre qu\u2019il a vues \u00e0 ma Compagne de minilmontant, faites dans le tems de mes Voyages dans les Etats Unis, et qui m\u2019ont \u00e9t\u00e9 donn\u00e9es par ces deux respectables amis quand ils n\u2019etaient que de Simples Citoyens, bien ant\u00e9rieurement \u00e0 leur minist\u00e9re. C\u2019est la seule fois que M Paine ait \u00e9t\u00e9 chez moi, et que nous aions parl\u00e9 (autant que je puis m\u2019en Souvenir) de la situation politique de l\u2019am\u00e9rique du Sud, ma patrie. Et certes, Vous conceves d\u2019abord que si j\u2019eusse eu le Desir, depuis deux ans, de remetre des papiers entre Vos mains, ou de les faire passer en Am\u00e9rique, je n\u2019aurais pas manqu\u00e9 de Vous en pr\u00e9venir, dans les deux seules occasions que j\u2019ai eu l\u2019honneur de Vous voir, en nous rendant des Visites d\u2019honn\u00e8tet\u00e9, \u00e0 ma Sortie des prisons de la tyrannie.\nJe Vous Souhaite un tres heureux Voyage, et voulant profiter de Votre offre g\u00e9n\u00e9reuse, je Vous prie de Vouloir bien Vous charger de pr\u00e9senter mes Complimens respectueux, aux g\u00e9n\u00e9ral Washington\u2014le C. A. hamilton, et le g\u00e9n\u00e9ral knox. Je suis avec parfaite Consideration,\nMonsieur \u2003 Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur\nf. Miranda.\nJames Monroe Esqe.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0002", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [1 April 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n[New York, April 1, 1797]\nMy Dear Sir\nI have received your letter of the 30th. with the statement inclosed. I do not believe that its publication would have any influence upon the question of a rupture with France; but yet, as it seems that those who surround the President are not agreed in the matter\u2014as an opinion is industriously circulated that too much fuel has been added by the publications of the Government\u2014as it is important to disarm a certain party of the weapons of calumny\u2014as it is in general best to avoid inofficial publications of Official matter\u2014as it may be even useful for the sake of impression to reserve the disclosure till the Meeting of Congress, when the accumulation of insult may be the instrument of giving a strong impulse\u2014I rather advise the with-holding of the statement. When Congress meet it will be very useful to have a statement of this kind ready as the abstract of the communications to present to the people a summary view.\nSuch, My Dear Sir, is the infatuation of a great part of our Community that it will be policy in our Government to do a great deal too much to make the idea palpable that Rupture was inevitable.\nAdieu Yrs. truly\nA Hamilton\nIf the statement is published, I would close with the words \u201cJanuary last\u201d in the last Paragrap[h]. The residue will make a good separate news Paper Paragraph. Pray who is the Emigrant alluded to?\nT Pickering 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0003", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Uriah Tracy, 1 April 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Tracy, Uriah\n[New York, April 1, 1797. On April 6, 1797, Tracy wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI thank you for your Letter of the 1st. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0004", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 2 April 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLondon Ap. 2. 1797\nDear Sir,\nAs Mr. Church is the bearer, I refer you to him for what it would take many Pages to relate, and will only say that notwithstanding the injuries we continue to receive from France I still hope, the same policy that has hitherto kept us out of the war, will continue to influence and decide our Government.\nHow the new President will conduct himself in a situation thorny and embarrassing remains to be seen; the first Step is very important, and therefore shd. be deeply and extensively considered.\nEvery thing looks like an active, and to a certain degree, a vigourous campaign: yet with all these appearances of the continuance of the war, Peace may be near: But what will be the consequence of such a Peace as alone can be had at this Time? A late Arret of the Directory gives notice to all french Citizens, that the Treaty of Feb. 1778 between France and the UStates of Amer. has been (of full right,) in virtue of the 2d. article thereof, modified so as to conform to the stipulations contained in the treaty of 1794 between the UStates & G Britain\u2014the arret then proceeds to specify the modification:\n1. all Enemy Goods, and all merchandize \u201cnon suffisament constat\u00e9e neutre,\u201d on board Amer. Vessels shall be lawful Prize; but the vessel shall be released &c.\n2. to the articles of Contraband specified in the treaty of Feby. 1778 shall be added \u201cles bois de construction\u201d &c enumerating the additional articles of Contraband contained in the treaty between the US. & G. Br.\n3. \u201cD\u2019apres l\u2019article 21 du trait\u00e9 de Londres de 19. Nov. 1794, tout individu reconnu Am\u00e9ricain, porteur d\u2019une commission donn\u00e9e par les Ennemis de la france, ainsi que tout marin de cette nation faisant partie des Equipages des Navires ou Vaisseaux ennemis, sera ce seul fait, declar\u00e9 pirate, et trait\u00e9 comme tel, sans qu\u2019il puisse aucun cas, alleguer qu\u2019il y a \u00e9t\u00e9 forc\u00e9 par violence, menace ou autrement.\u201d\n4. According to the Law of 14. feb. 1793, the Regulations of that of ye 21. Octr. 1744, and of that of 26 July 1778, concerning the Trial of neutral Ships & Cargos, shall be observed; and in Consequence thereof, every american Ship shall be a good Prize, on board whereof there shall not be found, un R\u00f4le d\u2019equipage en bonne forme such as is required by the Form annexed to the Treaty of the 6. feb. 1778, the execution of which is hereby required.\n5. respects certain causes of Forfeiture by reason of misconduct in destroying papers, possessing double Papers &c &c.\n6. repeals certain former Regulations.\n7. directs the insertion of the arret in the Bulletin of the Laws &c The third article is a false construction, for obvious purposes, of the analogous article in our Treaty with Engd\u2014the fourth will render all our Ships liable to Capture and if acted upon to condemnation, since no American Vessel has on board her the Document required. In our printed Laws, are also the treaties; and among them those we formed with France\u2014to the coml. Treaty, though the 25. & 27 articles refer to it, there is no model or Form of a Passport. Mr. Jefferson has certified that Treaty to be correct, and a perfect copy, as you will see by his printed certificate in the Law Book.\nI have a copy of the coml. Treaty with France printed in London in 1783, wh. has the Form of a Passport, Role d\u2019Equipage &c annexed. A copy of it I have given to Mr. Church who will shew it to you; by wh. you will see that none of our Vessels are exempt from Capture if this Copy is that referred to in the late Arret\u2014indeed it seems too absurd in some things to be genuine, yet I suspect it is the model or Form referred to & required by the 4th Art. of the arret.\nfarewel yrs &c\nRufus King", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0007", "content": "Title: Deed from Peter Goelet, Robert Morris, and William Popham, [4 April 1797]\nFrom: Goelet, Peter,Morris, Robert,Popham, William\nTo: \n[New York, April 4, 1797]\nPeter GoeletRobert Morris &William Popham Trustees for all theCreditors of Peter Hassenclever andothers under an Attachment &c\u2003\u2003ToAlexander Hamilton\nDeed dated the fourth day of April An: Dom 1797. in Consideration of two thousand four hundred and twenty two pounds thirteen shillings and ten pence for a Tract of Land situate lying and being in the Manor\nof Cosby, on the North side of the Mohawk river, containing Lots from No. 22 to 50 inclusive, contai[n]ing Six thousand seven hundred and fifty five Acres as described in a Map of that part of the Manor of Cosby which lies on the North side of the Mohawk 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0009", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia April 5. 1797\nDear Sir,\nI received your letter of the  and accord with your opinion that the proposed publication of the intelligence from Genl. Pinckney should be omitted. The \u201cemigrant\u201d we conclude to be Perigord, formerly bishop of Autun. Sometime since, I was informed that he left this country with signs of enmity towards it; and the Directory would naturally place great confidence in his opinion: and yet it is so extravagant we may wonder that it should gain any credit. But, as Barras said to Monroe, \u201cThey will not stoop to calculate the consequences of our condescension to our ancient tyrants;\u201d nor, it would seem, of their own atrocities. They are giddy with their successes, and stick at no means which promise to promote their views of domination & plunder.\nI have omitted to answer your letter of Feby. 10. To-day, I have examined Chancellor Livingston\u2019s letter books. On the 25th of March 1783, he wrote to the American Commrs Adams, Franklin, Jay & Laurens, acknowledging the rect. of their letter with the \u201cpreliminary articles.\u201d He tells them that \u201cthe steadiness manifested in not treating without an express acknowledgement of our independence, previous to a treaty, is approved, and it is not doubted but it accelerated that declaration.\u201d Yet you will recollect (as I have stated in my printed letter to Genl. Pinckney) that Count de Vergennes urged Mr. Jay\u2019s negociating with Mr. Oswald without insisting on that previous acknowledgement; and this concurring with other facts inspired Mr. Jay with the suspicions which the Chancellor censures. The grounds of those suspicions were detailed in Mr. Jay\u2019s letter of Septr. 18. of Which the Chancellor acknowledged the receipt on the 30th of December 1782.\nIn the same letter of March 25th 1783, to the Comrs, after informing them that the preliminary articles had been laid before Congress\u2014\u201cthat they had met with their warmest approbation, & been generally seen by the people in the most favourable point of view; and made some comments on the subject; and noticed the British debts which, says he, \u201cno honest man could wish to withhold\u201d\u2014he adds\u2014\u201cBut, gentlemen, tho\u2019 the issue of your treaty has been successful, tho\u2019 I am satisfied that we are much indebted to your firmness & perseverance, to your accurate knowledge of our situation & of our wants for this success, yet I feel no little pain at the distrust manifested in the management of it, particularly in signing the treaty without communicating it to the court of Versailles, till after the signature, and in concealing the separate article from it even when signed. I have examined with the most minute attention all the reasons assigned in your several letters to justify these suspicions. I confess they do not appear to strike me so forcibly as they have done you; and it gives me pain that the character for candor & fidelity to its engagements which should always characterize a great people should have been impeached thereby. The concealment was in my opinion absolutely unnecessary. For had the court of France disapproved the terms you had made after they had been agreed upon, they could not have acted so absurdly as to counteract you at that late day, & thereby put themselves in the power of an enemy who would certainly betray them, & perhaps justify you in making terms for yourselves. The secret article is no otherwise important than as it carries in it the seeds of enmity to the court of Spain, and shews a marked preference for an open enemy.\u201d The Chancellor continues his remarks on the secret article, and expresses his opinion that the same boundary for West Florida should have been stipulated, into whose hands soever it might fall at the conclusion of the war. \u201cI feel (says he) for the embarrassment explanations on this subject must subject you to, when this secret is known to your allies.\u201d He incloses to them his report (or letter) to congress on the manner in which the negociation had been conducted, in regard to the concealment from the Court of Versailles, and the secret article, and the motions to which the communication gave rise in Congress. But while under consideration, letters arrived from Count D\u2019Estaing & the Marquis de la Fayette, containing accounts that preliminaries (I suppose of a general peace) were signed; and the whole affair went over without any decision.\nIn his report to Congress, he reminds them of their reiterated expressions of Confidence in France, and quotes their public resolution of the 4th of Octr. 1782, \u201cThat Congress will not enter into the discussion of any overtures for pacification but in confidence and in concert with his most Christian Majesty.\u201d \u201cYet (says he) it has unfortunately so happened that the ministers of these states have imagined they had sufficient grounds to suspect the sincerity & the court of France, & have not only thought it prudent to agree upon & sign preliminaries with Great Britain, without communicating them till after the signature to the ministers of his most Christian Majesty, but have permitted a separate article to be inserted in their treaty which they still conceal from the court of France.\u201d This he considers as reducing Congress to a most embarrassing situation, either of contradicting all their former professions of confidence in their ally, or of exposing their ministers at the court of France, and too when those ministers have obtained such terms from the court of London as does great honor to them, & at least equals our highest expectations.\u201d The preamble to the provisional articles he supposes to have been framed in England; and all his observations manifest this suspicions of insidious designs in that power. Finally he submits the following resolutions.\n\u201cThat the secretary for foreign affairs be directed to communicate the separate article in the provisional preliminary treaty with Great Britain, to the minister of his most Christian Majesty, in such manner as will best tend to remove any unfavourable impression it may make on the court of France of the sincerity of those states or their ministers.\u201d\n\u201cThat the ministers for negociating peace be informed of this communication, and of the reasons which influenced Congress to make it. That they be instructed to agree that in whatsoever hands West Florida may remain at the conclusion of the war, the United States will be satisfied that the line of north boundary be as described in the said separate article.\u201d\n\u201cThat it is the sense of the U. States in Congress, that the articles agreed upon between the ministers of these states and those of his Britannic Majesty, are not to take place until a peace shall have been actually signed between their most Christian & Britannic Majesties.\u201d\nActually signed\u2014If you turn to the preamble of the provisional articles, you will see that it was declared that the treaty of peace, which the articles were to constitute, was not to be concluded \u201cuntil terms of a peace shall be agreed upon between G.B. & France; and his B.M. shall be ready to conclude such treaty accordingly.\u201d Now, says the Chancellor, \u201cthis preamble is so expressed as to render it very doubtful whether our treaty does not take place the moment France & England have agreed on the terms of their treaty, tho\u2019 France should refuse to sign till her allies were satisfied.\u201d\nAs you have not mentioned the object of your enquiry on this subject, this detail may perhaps be deficient or redundant. In either case you will advise me; and particularly I must request you to acknowledge the receipt of this letter, that I may be sure of its having reached your hands.\nI am dear sir \u2003 very truly yours\nT. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0010", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Loughton Smith, 5 April 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Smith, William Loughton\nNew York, April 5th 97\nI have received My Dear Sir Your letter of the  with your little work accompanying it, which I shall read with the interest I take in the author, the first leisure hour. I have cast my eye over it and like very much the plan.\nOur affairs are indeed very critical. But I am sorry to find that I do not agree with several of my friends. I am clearly of opinion for an extraordinary mission and as clearly that it should embrace Madison. I do not think we ought to construe the declaration of the Directory against receiving a Minister Plenipotentiary as extending to an extraordinary mission pro hac vice. And if it does, it would be no reason with me against it. I would accumulate the proofs of French Violence & demonstrate to all our Citizens that nothing possible has been omitted. That a certain party desires it is with me a strong reason for it\u2014since I would disarm them of all plea that we have not made every possible effort for peace. The idea is a plausible one that as we sent an Envoy Extraordinary to Britain so ought we to send one to France. And plausible ideas are always enough for the multitude.\nThese and other reasons (and principally to avoid Rupture with a political monster which seems destined soon to have no Competitor but England) make me even anxious for an extraordinary mission.\nAnd to produce the desired effect, it seems to me essential that it shall embrace a distinguished character agreeable to France & having the confidence of the adverse party. Hence I think of Madison\u2014but I think of him only as one, because I would not trust him alone. I would unite with him Pinckney & some strong Man from the North, say Cabot, and two of the three should rule.\nWe should then be safe. I need not tell you that I am disposed to make no sacrifices to France. I had rather perish myself and Family than see the Country disgraced. But I would try hard to avoid Rupture & if that cannot be to unite the opinions of all good Citizens of whatever political denomination. This is with me a mighty object.\nI will give you hereafter my ideas of what ought to be done when Congress meet. My plan ever is to combine energy with moderation.\nYrs. Affectly\nA Hamilton\nWm. Smith 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0011", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [5 April 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\n[New York, April 5, 1797]\nDear Sir\nI have received your letter of March 31. I hope nothing in my last was misunderstood. Could it be necessary I would assure you that no one has a stronger convinction than myself of the purity of the motives which direct your public Conduct or of the good sense and judgment by which it is guided. If I have a fear (you will excuse my frankness), it is lest the strength of your feelings, the companions of energy of character, should prevent that pliancy to circumstances which is sometimes indispensable. I beg you only to watch yourself on this score & the public will always find in you an able as well as faithful servant.\nThe situation of our Country My Dear Sir, is singularly Critical. The map of Europe is every way discouraging. There is too much reason to apprehend that the Emperor of Germany in danger from Russia & Prussia, perhaps the Porte, as well as France may be compelled to yield to the views of the latter. England standing alone may be driven to a similar issue. It is certain that great consternation in Court and Country attended the intelligence of Buonapartes last victories. Either to be in rupture with France united with England alone or singly as is possible would be a most unwelcome situation. Divided as we are who can say what would be hazarded by it?\nIn such a situation it appears to me we should rather err on the side of condescention than on the opposite side. We ought to do every thing to avoid rupture, without unworthy sacrifices, and to keep in view as a primary object union at home.\nNo measure can tend more to this than an extraordinary Mission. And it is certain to fulfil the ends proposed it ought to embrace a character in whom France and the Opposition have full Credit. What risk can attend sending Madison if combined as I propose with Pinckney & Cabot or such a man (two deciding). Depend on it Pinckney is a man of honor & loves his Country. Cabot we both know. Besides there ought to be certain leading instructions from which they may not deviate.\nI agree with you that we have nothing to retract\u2014that we ought to risk every thing before we submit to any dishonorable terms. But we may remould our Treaties. We may agree to put France on the same footing as Great Britain by our Treaty with her. We may also liquidate with a view to future wars the import of the mutual gurantee in the Treaty of alliance substituting specific succours & defining the casus f\u0153deris. But this last may or may not be done, though with me it is a favourite object.\nIngersol will not fulfil the object but I had rather have him than do nothing.\nI am clearly of Opinion with You that the President shall come forward to Congress in a manly tone & that Congress shall adopt vigourous defensive measures. Those you propose are proper & some others on which I may write hereafter.\nIf Madison is well couplied I do not think his intrigues can operate as you imagine. Should he advocate dishonorable concessions to France the public opinion will not support. His colleages by address & shewing a disposition to do enough may easily defeat his policy & maintain the public Confidence. Besides that it is possible too much may be taken for granted with regard to Mr. Madison.\nYrs. very truly\nA H\nAfter reading Return me the inclosed.\nOliver Wolcott Jun 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0012", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Uriah Tracy, 6 April 1797\nFrom: Tracy, Uriah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada. 6th. April \u201997\nSir\nI thank you for your Letter of the 1st inst.\u2014but as Johnson of Salisbury teazes to purchase for him the Land, which lies in that Town, in your care, I will thank you to write me or him, whether you mean he should have it.\nYour plan you say respecting our public affairs is to move together till common danger rouse to common Action. I am perfectly in sentiment with you\u2014provided we can rouse before all is lost\u2014And to exhaust attempts at negociation. In this, I agree, if it has not been done already; I have no objection to clothing with full powers, to Treat with France, either of our foreign Ministers, or even keeping Mr Pinckney at Amsterdam, or any other convenient place, for the purpose, as he has all the ordinary & extraordinary powers of the plenipotentiary & Envoy\u2014& let France & the world know we are ready to negociate on any terms of accomodations\u2014the moment the French Governmt are willing to treat us with civility & propriety, but Sir, I am not willing to send an Envoy Extraordinary to France, nor to retract a syllable of our Governmental Acts, nor a single step of the administration; sending an Envoy now would do all this, and more, it would commit the whole of our national dignity, to be trampled upon by that haughty & accursed Nation, & rivet their infamous disorganizing chains on us, beyond even our present disgraceful situation.\nEvery nerve ought to be exerted to induce a preparation for War; This preparation is not only proper, but necessary to our existence as an independent Nation\u2014& if such a Vote cannot be obtained in the House of Representatives, (the Senators there seem to be yet a doubt of) what will be the condition of our Country? We shall be much worse than Colonies to France, we shall be like the little Sister Republics in Europe\u2014oppressed with spoliations & then taxed for the very fraternal piracy. If the Country can be roused to a proper sense of their wrongs, & their National dignity, if we are not so far benumbed with French principles as to have lost a sense of all propriety we shall undoubtedly arm in self defence, & let the French Nation & the World know, we have the discernment & spirit to discover & resent injuries of the most flagrant nature.\nBut if the House of Reps as I much fear they will not only vote to do nothing, but add to this their opinion by a public Vote, that the Governmt has injured France, & we deserve all this, as many of them now talk\u2014Then it is, & in that case only, that I urge a separation.\nThe Southern part of the Union is increasing by frequent importations of foreign scoundrels as well as by those of home manufacture, their country is large & capable of such increase both in population & number of States\u2014that in both houses of Congress, the Northern States will soon be swallowed up, & the name & real character of an American soon be known only as a thing of tradition; add to this the explosion which must sooner or later derive itself from their Slaves, & which must be hastened by such a step of the Government, drawing closer the bands of Amity with the French; all these, & many more painful facts induce me to believe a separation absolutely necessary to preserve an independence in a part, which could not be done united. We are really so different in manners in opinion and in activity & exertion, that the Northern States have been a number of years carrying the Southern on their backs\u2014as the living subjects of Mezentius were doomed each to carry a corpse. In this view of the subject, I cannot be brought to regret a separation; if we must altogether become Colonies or worse to France or Separate, I am for a Separation\u2014if we are, in the Northern States, to be Colonies to France or England, I choose the latter; but I really see no danger of any connection, beyond that of Commerce & Navigation, such as we now have with G Britain, with some additions of a similar kind. An influence of a political kind, cannot be established by the British Nation, and as to the French with the South combating the North in Connection with Britain; allow the worst it is only subjugation to one power, or another, and is that any worse than the situation we shall be in, if my fears are verified, as to the conduct of the House of Reps? French influence must not be increased, it must be diminished. I cannot hesitate a moment between the increase of French influence, & a division of the Union. I can conceive of no possible situation so terrible to this Country, as to admit the French to impose such friendship upon us as they are determined to, unless timely resistance is given. I cannot fear British influence, but had rather risk it, than not to knock off the chains of French fraternity; which are literally the primal curse of Heaven. Pardon me, my Dear Sir, I will not be obstinate, but I must be convinced of my Error, & I will retract. I know the sensible part of our Southern Brethren fear a separation, & I really think a measure, would tend to hinder it. I am Sir, Yrs sincerely,\nUriah T\u27e8racy\u27e9\nCol\u27e8o\u27e9 Hamilt\u27e8on\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0013", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [8 April 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: King, Rufus\n[New York, April 8, 1797]\nI thank you, My Dear Sir, for your letter of the 6th. of February. The intelligence that the Directory have ordered away our Minister is every way unpleasant. It portends too much a formal Rupture as the only alternative to an ignominious submission. Much public feeling has been excited. But the Government, I trust and believe, will continue prudent and do every thing that honor permits towards accommodation. Tis however to be feared that France successful will be too violent and imperious to meet on any admissible ground.\nCongress are called to gether. I can give you no conjecture as to what will be done. Opinions are afloat. My idea is another attempt to pacify by negotiation, vigorous preparation for war, and defensive measures with regard to our Trade. But there never was a period of our affairs in which I could less foresee the course of things.\nI believe there is no danger of want of firmness in the Executive. If he is not ill-advised he will not want prudence. I mean that I believe that he is himself disposed to a prudently firm course.\nYou know the map of our Senate. That of our house of Representatives is not ascertained. A small majority on the right side is counted upon. In Virginia it is understood that Morgan comes in place of Rutherford & Evans in place of Page. The whole result of the Virginia election is not known.\nThe conduct of France has been a very powerful medicine for the political disease of this Country. I think the Community improves in soundness.\nAdieu God bless you\nA Hamilton\nR King 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0016-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Notes on Conduct with Great Britain], [10 April 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Smith, William Loughton\nIt must be acknowleged by all who can comprehend the subject that the present situation of the UStates is in an extreme degree critical, demanding in our public councils a union of the greatest prudence with the greatest firmness. To appreciate rightly the course which ought to be pursued it is an essential preliminary to take an accurate view of the situation.\nThat the preservation of peace is a leading article in the policy of this country has been peculiarly the tenet of the friends of the Government. It is a tenet supported by conclusive reasons. In addition to the general motives to peace which are common to other nations\u2014it is of the utmost consequence to us that our progress to that degree of maturity which puts humanly speaking our fortunes absolutely in our hands shall not be retarded by a premature war.\nBut the state of affairs externally and internally suggests the strongest imaginable auxiliary motives to avoid, if possible, at this time a rupture with France. Externally we behold France most formidably successful\u2014extending too her connections and influence, while the affairs of her remaining enemies decline. The late events in Italy have for the present put that Country intirely in the power of France with all its resources. It was evident that the Emperor had made a violent exertion for the relief of Mantua. The issue has been to him a terrible one. He will probably be able to bring forward new and powerful forces but it is likely to be attended with great difficulty and embarrassment\u2014and there is too much reason to suspect that these new forces will be under the disadvantage, of raw-troops contending with Veterans led by a General who seems to have chained Victory to his cha[i]r. It would seem too that France has awed or seduced Naples into her alliance. And who can say what she may not do as to Venice? Does not every thing seem to promise her the intire command of Italy and its cooperation against the Emperor?\nWhat is the situation of Great Britain? Triumphant at sea but deeply, if not mortally wounded in her vital part, in that which is the vital energy of the Opposition to France\u2014I mean in her pecuniary system. The late measures with regard to the Bank, however vieled, amount to nothing less than a stoppage of payment and an act of bankruptcy in that Institution. The magic which surrounded it, and gave it its principal force exists no longer. Opinion must be injured and with it credit. The consequences are incalculable. An incapacity to afford further subsidies or loans to the Emperor may be inferred with almost moral certainty. Though the great national resources of England and the universal interest in public Credit may arrest and abrige the extent of the evil yet it is scarcely possible that it shall not very much enervate the future efforts against France & it may be expected to fortify extremely the desire of peace in the Nation.\nThe conduct of the present Emperor of Russia is at best equivocal. Having departed from the engagements of his predecessor towards the Emperor it is in the course of calculation that he may be thrown into the opposite scale. What is the King of Prussia about? Nothing friendly to the Emperor of Germany, if we may reason from his conduct for sometime past\u2014though if we were to reason from his solid interest we ought to conclude that he would not be willing to have France for a contiguous neighbour commanding Holland, and the Emperor of Germany so weakened as to be a counterpoise neither to France nor Russia. Yet a crooked policy pursuing some immediate interest seems most likely to be his governing motive.\nAccording to appearances then there is great danger that the Emperor and England may be compelled to subscribe to the conditions of France, or to continue the contest on unequal and ruinous terms. It is true in the shifting scenes of Europe the political hemisphere may quickly wear a totally different aspect, but such as it is, it exhibits every evil omen to the enemies of France.\nTo be involved in a contest with France at this time and under such circumstances would be in the highest degree inauspicious. If the war continues between her and her present enemies the contest can still promise nothing but evil to us without a possibility of Gain. If a sudden peace in Europe takes place and we are left to contend alone the prospect is a most uncomfortable one. France will have large bodies of troops that she will be glad to get rid of and it cannot be doubted that she will be governed by a spirit of domination and Revenge.\nInternally, though our situation in this respect, mends, it is certain that there is a very large party infatuated by a blind devotion to France. Who will guarantee that in a contest so dangerous these men on considerations of ambition fear interest and predilection would not absolutely join France? There is at least enough of danger of this to furnish a strong reason for avoiding if possible rupture.\nIn the South we have a vast body of blacks. We know how successful the French have been in innoculating this description of men and we ought to consider them as the probable auxiliaries of France. Let us add that we may have to contend on the South & West with Spain & all the Savage tribes they can influence.\nThe aggregate of these considerations is little less than awful.\nIn such a state of things large and dispassionate views are indispensible. Neither the suggestion of pride nor timidity ought to guide. There ought to be much cool calculation united with much calm fortitude. The Government ought to be all intellect while the people ought to be all feeling.\nThe result is in my mind that there ought to be 1 a further attempt to negotiate & 2 vigorous preparation for war with an intermediate embargo.\nAs to a further attempt to negotiate\u2014let a Commission extraordinary consisting of three persons be sent to France, and let Jefferson or Madison be at the head of this Commission, perhaps as the Ostensible Minister, but obliged to cooperate with his Colleagues & to conform to the Major opinion. Let General Pinckney be one of the Commission, and let Mr. King or Mr. Cabot or some other able man of the Northern Region be the third. If thought expedient the Com~. May go to Amsterdam & announce their mission by a Courier asking for passports &c.\nLet two leading principles of action be prescribed to these Commissioners. They must not directly or indirectly acknowlege any fault or culpability in the U States\u2014they must not stipulate any succour to France of any kind or in any shape in the present War\u2014they must stipulate nothing inconsistent with any existing treaty with another Power.\nWhat may they do? They may now modify our Treaties with France so as to assimilate the Commercial one with that with Great Britain and so as mutually to do away, or liquidate with an eye to future defensive wars the guarantee contained in the Treaty of alliance, substituting specific succours in defined cases to the general guarantee.\nThis measure will keep open the door of accommodation and give us the chance of favorable events. It will furnish a bridge to the pride of France to retreat. It will give her the motive of endeavouring to strengthen her party by appearing to yield peace to a leader of that party. It will convince the people completely that the Government is at least as solicitous to avoid War with France as it was to avoid it with Great Britain. It will take from the partisans of France the argument that as much has not been done in her case as in that of Great Britain & thus it will contribute, if the measure fails, to the all important end of uniting Opinion at home.\nLet us see the objections to this measure and the answers they admit.\nObjection 1. The conduct of France has been so violent & insulting towards us that we cannot without disgrace make a further Overture for negotiation.\nAnswer. This was the opinion of many with regard to Great Britain when Mr. Jay was sent & in all appearance her conduct was very outrageous. Yet our moderation on that occasion not only averted war but raised the character of the Country abroad. It is true France has gone much further than Great Britain ever did. But on the other hand the state of things, and of opinion, requires greater circumspection in the case of France, than was necessary in that of Great Britain. If we couple this measure with others which will evince that we are in earnest about defending ourselves and repelling aggression, our honor will be saved and our moderation only will be displayed. When also it shall be known that our ministers were prohibited from unworthy concessions, it will be demonstrated that we did nothing more than wave punctilio in favour of peace. It is often too wise by some early condescension to avoid the danger of future humiliation. Our Country is not a military one. Our people are divided. France may present herself to their imaginations as the terrible and invincible conqueror of Europe. Who will answer for their fortitude and exertion under such circumstances? Will it not be prudent to avoid if we can the Experiment by a little condescention now?\nBut this is not all. The measure will tend to unite and fortify & this may ensure that very fortitude which in a different state of things might be wanting. It may beget the noble resolution to die in the last ditch.\n2 Object: The sending of a man unfriendly to the course of our Government & devoted to France may give an opportunity to play into the hands of France & leave greater odium upon the Government for not acceding to inadmissible terms of accommodation. He may be a medium of Cabal between France and the party rather than the Negotiator of accommodation.\nAnswer. There is perhaps more weight in this than in any other Objection which can be made. But it seems to admit of a satisfactory answer. First. It goes further in ascribing Turpitude to the character in question than perhaps is warrantable. It is far from certain that he would be disposed to make an absolute sacrifice of his country and it is to be remembered that in accepting the appointment with known restrictions he agrees to their reasonableness & engages his reputation upon the issue of success. Considerable securities result from these considerations. But admit the disposition to do what is feared, If he is coupled with men of address a counter game may be played & such a complexion may be given to the thing as may put both him and France intirely in the wrong. All will depend on the characters combined. Pinckney, it may be depended on, is a man of honor & loves his Country. Unite with him a man of skill and an effectual counteraction is provided. Such a man can certainly be found in a case where the Government may command any of its citizens.\n3 Objection. If the measure succeeds under such a man it will strengthen his hands and through him increase the influence of France from which it is of the utmost importance to emancipate the Country.\nAnswer. There will be some evil of this sort. But this must be weighed against the good obtained. That will be the preservation of peace in the most dangerous crisis that can well be imagined. Besides the credit of the measure will at least be divided between the Authors & the Agent. The President and the Government will have a large share. And the poison will carry with it its antidote. Moreover it is morally certain that the course of things in France will furnish every day some new cure to a moral and orderly people like the people of this Country. But this objection such as it is lies against the person not the measure.\n4th Objection. The conduct of France has been such as to free us from the shakles of Treaties which present only nominal advantages to us or such as in future will be real to her (alluding chiefly to the mutual guarantee).\nAnswer. This may be true, but the consequence can only take place in a final Rupture. And this would be to stake perhaps our political existence against a partial incumbrance. Surely it could not be wise to attempt to disengage ourselves from our connection with France by a War with her at such a juncture. It might happen that in the end we might be obliged to consent to be fettered in a much greater degree, and increase rather than diminish the evil for which the rupture was hazarded. Expediency is so clearly against it that it is unnecessary to examine the morality of such a policy.\nObjection 5 The conduct of France leaves no hope that such a measure will be useful or even that the mission will be heared. There will then be pure disgrace without any advantage.\nAnswer. The course of things in France does not authorise us to expect any very steady plan there. Events within and without will govern\u2014and there may exist when the Minister arrives a good disposition to receive and hear him. The refusal to receive a minister Plenipotentiary may mean only an ordinary one to reside & may not extend to an extraordinary one pro hac vice. But suppose the worst, it will tend to the most precious of all things Union at home. The repetition of effort to avoid war and of Insult from France will have the most happy influence upon the Temper of our Country.\nObject 6. The policy of remodifying our Treaty of Alliance is very questionable. It converts a vague into a specific contract, and substitutes precise obligations to such as each party may interpret according to its convenience.\nAnswer. This is not an essential part of the plan & may be rejected if thought inexpedient.\nBut considering the Treaty of alliance as the price, no less than the instrument of the assistance from France, morality, which is most consistent with good policy, requires it should be paid. The genuine meaning of that alliance, as to the obligation of the U States, seems to be that when France is really & truly engaged in a defensive war & her West India possessions are attacked the U States ought to assist in their defence with their whole force. In future the U States will not have the excuse of inability. They are becoming dayly a powerful nation. They must then either evade their obligation, or as often as France is engaged in a defensive war with a maritime power, take part with her with their whole force. Hence they may be exposed to frequent wars. The denial of their duty besides the guilt & disgrace of broken faith may not avoid that consequence, for as it would be a just so it might be the actual cause of War with the ally.\nThe vagueness of the Obligation as a source of reciprocal Controversy is in itself an evil which it would be important to get rid of.\nSpecific succours by either party to the other would not necessarily have the effect of involving the Giver in War. It is settled that such succours in consequence of a Treaty antecedent to the War are not a cause of War.\nIt would therefore seem to be a great point to the UStates to convert its obligation into that of a specific succour to be defined & thus lessen the danger of a quarrel either with France or its enemies and likewise the evils of a general War.\nIt is bad to be under obligations which it will be a violation of good faith not to perform & which it will certainly compromit the peace of the Country to perform.\nIn addition to the reasons already given for pacificatory measures are these cogent ones. The plan of the Government and of the F\u0153deral party has been to avoid becoming a party in the present War. If any measure it has taken is either the cause or pretext of a War with France, the end will be lost. The credit of preserving peace will not exist. The wisdom of the plan pursued will be questionned. The confidence in the Government will be shaken. The adverse party will acquire the Reputation & the influence of superior foresight. The evil avoided will be forgotten. The evil incurred will be felt. The doubt entertained by many of the justifiableness of the Treaty with G B in respect to France may increase with suffering and danger\u2014& the management of Affairs may be thrown into the hands of the opposite party by the Voice of the people & the Government & the Country sacrificed to France.\nHence it is all important to avoid War if we can\u2014if we cannot to strengthen as much as possible the Opinion that it proceeds from the Unreasonableness of France.\nAs to preparation for War they ought in my opinion to consist of these particulars.\nI \u2003 Revenue, which ought to go as far as not to be really oppressive. A large sum may be raised within this limit. The objects may be hereafter designated.\nII \u2003 A loan of five Millions of Dollars on the basis of that Revenue. This may be put on a footing which will ensure its gradual, yet timely success.\nIII \u2003 The completion of the three frigates with all possible speed & the purchase of Twenty ships the most fit to be armed and equipped as Cutters & Sloops of War. These will serve to guard our Trade against the Pickeroons of France in the West Indies which are chiefly dangerous. They are to be used in the first instance merely as convoys with instructions purely defensive\u2014prohibitted from cruising for prizes or from attacking, or from capturing except when attacked.\nIV \u2003 Instructions to our Minister in Great Britain, if the Negotiation fails, to endeavour to purchase from Great Britain or obtain on a loan Two ships of the line & three frigates. It will be her interest to do this as she has more ships than she can well man & our men employed in them will increase the force to be employed against the common enemy. This may be the most expeditious mode to augment our navy.\nV \u2003 To grant Commissions to such of our Merchantmen as choose to take them authorising them to arm and defend themselves but not to cruise and not to capture unless attacked.\nVI \u2003 To lay a general Embargo with authority to The President to grant licenses to sail, if the Vessels go themselves armed or with Convoys either of our own or of any foreign Nation. This will serve our Vessels and our seamen without arresting our Trade. In a short time, it will go on as usual under protection.\nVI \u2003 To raise upon the Establishment some additional Artillery and Two thousand additional Cavalry. These will be useful guards against the Insurrection of the Southern Negroes\u2014and they will be a most precious arm in case of Invasion. Cavalry will be of infinite importance as auxiliary to new against veteran Troops.\nVII \u2003 The establishment of a provisional army of Twenty thousand infantry. They may be engaged to serve if a War breaks out with any foreign power, and may receive certain emoluments in the mean time\u2014cloaths, full wages when they assemble to exercise, a dollar \u214c Month at other times. This corps must be regularly organised & officered by the United States. The Officers to take rank with those of the establishment. Its advantage will be to have a body of men at a small expence ready for emergencies. The chance of not being employed will facilitate the obtaining of the men on moderate terms.\nThere may be a disposition to rely wholly on the Militia on three grounds\u2014the supposed improbability of an Invasion\u2014the belief that Militia are sufficient\u2014the Expence in the first instance.\nThose who may think an Invasion improbable ought to remember that it is not long since there was a general Opinion the U States was in no danger of War. They see how difficult it has been and is to avoid one. They ought to suspect that the present opinion that there is no danger of invasion may be as chimerical as that other which experience proves to be false.\nIf France can transport her troops here what is to hinder an invasion? Will she not be very likely to imagine that numerous partisans will join her standard so as to enable her to effect a Revolution & place us more completely under her influence? What if the corps destined to this service be lost? Will it not be to get rid of an incumbrance rather than to sustain a loss? While the War with Great Britain continues it will be difficult though not impossible to throw any considerable Corps into our Country. But if the War with G Britain should end there is no longer any thing to hinder. It is then an event so much in the compass of possibility that it ought to enter seriously into our calculations by anticipation. The situation of Europe is so extraordinary that the most improbable enterprizes in ordinary times become now probable.\nShould an invasion take place, though the Militia & after raised troops may finally rescue us, yet there will be no comparison in the expence and evils with or without such a corps prepared beforehand as the trunk of our Military force.\nVIII \u2003 Fortification of our Principal Ports. This ought seriously to be attended to but it is a source of expence not requited beyond the utility to embrace more than the principal port in each state.\nIn addition to these measures it may be proper by some religious solemnity to impress seriously the minds of the People. A philosopher may regard the present course of things in Europe as some great providential dispensation. A Christian can hardly view it in any other light. Both these descriptions of persons must approve a national appeal to Heaven for protection. The politician will consider this as an important mean of influencing Opinion, and will think it a valuable resource in a contest with France to set the Religious Ideas of his Countrymen in active Competition with the Atheistical tenets of their enemies. This is an advantage which we shall be very unskilful, if we do not improve to the utmost. And the impulse cannot be too early given. I am persuaded a day of humiliation and prayer besides being very proper would be extremely useful.\nPerhaps attempts to engage the good offices, not the mediation, of some other foreign powers may be useful. In this light Spain Holland & Prussia present themselves. This however is a very delicate point.\nBut we have a further object in the Mission\u2014to obtain compensation and redress for the Spoliations on our Trade. This is an object which our Government ought not to lose sight of. Here however it may be expedient to facilitate the matter by allowing as an offset to France some of her gratuities during the late War. It is useful to get rid of obligations as fast and as fully as we can; for we see the compensation hitherto claimed is nothing less than the sacrifice of our Independence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0017", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [12 April 1797]\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nI thank you for your Letter of April 5th. & enclose Mr. Kings Letter. I presume that the British Comrs. under the 6th. Article (for Debts) will contend for a similar construction respecting cases determined in our Courts. Is there any ground on which the principle can be opposed?\nAre we to consider the British Credit as at an end, if so what effects, will it probably produce here?\nYour further opinions respecting the course to be pursued by France, will be very acceptable.\nSincerely yours\nOliv Wolcott Jr\nA 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0019", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [13 April 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\n[New York, April 13, 1797]\nMy Dear Sir\nThe post of today brought me a letter from you. I am just informed that an order is come to the Custom House not to clear out any Vessel if armed, unless destined for the East Indies. Under the present circumstances I very much doubt the expediency of this measure. The excesses of France justify passiveness in the Government and its inability to protect the Merchants required that it should leave them to protect themselves. Nor do I fear that it would tend to Rupture with France, if such be not her determination otherwise.\nThe legality of the prohibition cannot be defended. It must stand on its necessity. It would I think have been enough to require security that the vessel is not to be employed to cruise against any of the belligerent powers. Perhaps even now where vessels have been armed previous to the receipt of the prohibition, it is just and adviseable to except them on the condition of such security. Think of this promptly. The general measure may be further considered at leisure. Nor am I prepared to say that having been taken it ought to be revoked.\nI will send you shortly some remarks in reply to Questions you propose. Adieu. Yrs\nA HApril 13. 1797\nOl Wolcott Jun 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0022", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Girard, 17 April 1797\nFrom: Girard, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, April 17, 1797. \u201cAs I wish to have the Suit against Armstrong & Barnwall Brought to an end, I wrote to Capn Briggs at New London to be ready for this next court. I received: Last saturday his answer was that tho\u2019, he was just from Sea, that he was forced to Sett off immediately for Jeremie.\u2026 Pray what and how Shall I do? It is indispensable for you to take the properest means So as to get said Capn or his new deposition for the Court in Jully, I cannot Loss such a Sum my ciricumstances dont allow me to make an abandon of it, But my generosity will make the greatest acknowlegement for your Troubles; and if a commission of 10 \u214c Ct. is not Adequate with or to your time, I Shall add great deal more. The capital is 48 or 4900 Drs. but the damages & interests Brings that sum to above 8000 Drs.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0024", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] 19 April 1797.\nMy dear H.\nI enclose you a further request on the subject of the paper communicated to you in my last, that you may have the whole before you and that you may aid me with your talents and experience.\nIt strikes me that, it will be proper for the Pres. to state to Congress the species of defensive force necessary for the occasion, and consider it an essential attribute of negociations I had given him in writing the kind & the quantity & expence of the force I conceived indispensably requisite and am very happy to find that I have met in every thing but quantity your ideas.\nWould it be disadvantagious to the U.S. to propose to France a new commercial treaty considering the exist, com. treaty as null which should comprise in it every article of the B. treaty that can be made applicable to the Trade of the two countries. Would not this serve to silence Amer. clamours whether adopted or refused.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0025", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 20 April 1797\nFrom: Boudinot, Elisha\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew Ark [New Jersey] April 20, 1797. \u201cI wrote you a few days ago relative to my business with F. \u2026 and as I have not heard any thing from you on the subject, I take it for granted they have shuffled as usual, if so, please to order the writ to be issued at once\u2014and in order to give you no further trouble of negociating with persons so little disposed to the common rules of equity\u2014I have authorized Timothy Green Esqr as my agent in fact\u2014to accomodate the suit if they should be disposed to settle it previous to the trial, but they must not expect the lenient offers that have been made thru\u2019 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0027", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [22 April 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\n[Albany, April 22, 1797]\nThe consideration for the candidates in the better part of the community stands nearly thus. Clarkeson, ver Plank, Fish = Walker, Burrall, Giles, Watson.\nI have thought it better to give you the map of the characters for the information of the President than to draw myself any definitive conclusion. It is not easy to err much in a choice among them.\nI should have mentioned Col Smith among the most prominent but for the late unfortunate circumstances which attend him and which would render his appointment ineligible to such an Office at this time.\nYrs. truly\nA HamiltonApril 22. 1797\nOl Wolcott Jun 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0028", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [23 April 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Albany, April 23, 1797]\nLest my Dear Eliza any circumstance should have prevented your departure before this reaches you, I conclude to drop you a line to tell you your Father is considerably better at the same time considering the delicate state of his health generally I am very desirous you should come up as he is.\nYrs. Most Affec\nAHApril 23. 1797\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0029", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Louis Le Guen, [24 April 1797]\nFrom: Le Guen, Louis\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Albany, April 24, 1797]\nMonsieur\nLes Ev\u00eanements inatandue qui ont Empesch\u00e9s Mr. Burr de se r\u00e9ndre issy \u00e0 temps de Vous Seconder dans mon Affaire, ont Parue Vous d\u00e9sobliger, sa pr\u00e9sance est peu m\u2019estre favorable. N\u00e9amoints, Monsieur, Vos talens, Votre Z\u00e9lle, et L\u2019integrit\u00e9s de Ceux qui doivent Estre mes Juges, ne me Laisse pas le Moindre doute que Vos Efforts ne me feront Obtenir un Jugement favorable. Enconcequ\u2019ence Sy Vous n\u2019av\u00e9s aucu\u2019unes objections, Veuill\u00e9s bien demain pl\u00e9der Ma Cause. Je my trouveraie Sy Vous le Jug\u00e9s Convenable, et En tout dispos\u00e9s \u00e1 m\u00e8 diriger d\u2019apr\u00e8s Vos Sages Conseils\nJ\u2019ay L\u2019honneur d\u2019Estre avec un Entier Devo\u00fbment \u2003 Votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s ob\u00e9issant serviteur\nL. Le Guen\nAlbany 24 avril 1797.\nColonel 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0031", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Brockholst Livingston, 28 April [1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Livingston, Brockholst\n[Albany] April 28 [1797]. \u201cThe situation of General Schuyler & other family circumstances do not permit me to attend Court this day. Will you do me the favour to argue the motion for setting aside the Non suit & granting a new trial on the inclosed case? \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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0032", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 29 April 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLondon Ap. 29. 1797\nDear Sir\nUnless greater attention is given to the procuring of the requisite evidence in the Cases of Capture than has yet been done, we shall ultimately meet with serious Losses, and give occasion to much Complaint.\nThe Sufferers depend on the Government, and the Government on the Sufferers, and thus that wh. shd. be done is omitted. I inclose to you a copy of notes wh. Mr. Gore & I made this morning upon this subject\u2014he has sent a Copy to the Secy. of State\u2014perhaps some Public Notice shd. be given on this subject.\nYrs. &c\nRufus King\nCol. Hamilton\nP.S. We are anxious to hear from Vienna\u2014the last post brings intelligence to the 12. The armistice expired on the next day\u2014if no treaty was concluded, a serious & decisive Battle must have been fought before this Date. Some people Suppose Buona Pane\u2019s situation was critical, and very dangerous. The Check recd. by the French in the Tyrol has enabled a corps of Austrian to gain the Rear of Buona Parte\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0033-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 29 April 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: McHenry, James\n[Albany] April 29. 1797\nDr Sir\nI now send you a cursory answer to certain questions. They are imperfect & probably will come too late. But court avocations and distress in the family have prevented any thing better. General Schuyler has been critically ill though now as I hope out of danger. My Brother in law Mr. Rensselaer has just lost a favourite Daughter one & the Eldest of two Children without a prospect of more. The whole has thrown a gloom upon the family & my health is not the stoutest.\nI shall answer your last by the next post.\nAdieu\nA 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0033-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Answer to Questions Proposed by the President of the U States, [29 April 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: McHenry, James\nTo The first. \u2003 It is difficult to fix the precise point at which indignity or affront from one state to another ceases to be negotiable without absolute humiliation and disgrace. It is for the most part a relative question\u2014relative to the comparitive strength of the parties\u2014the motives for peace or war\u2014the antecedent relations\u2014the circumstances of the moment as well with regard to other nations as to those between whom the question arises. The conduct of France exclusive of the refusal of Mr. Pinckney is no doubt very violent insulting and injurious. The treatment of Mr. Pinckney if it does not pass certainly touches upon the utmost limit of what is tolerable. Yet it is conceived that under all the singular and very extraordinary circumstances of the case further negotiation may be admitted without the absolute humiliation and disgrace which ought perhaps never to be incurred\u2014to avoid which it is probably always wise to put even the political existence of a Nation upon the hazard of the die.\nThe triumphs of France have been such as to confound and astonish mankind. Several of the principal powers of Europe even England herself have found it necessary or expedient in greater or less degrees to submit to some humiliation from France. At the present juncture the course of her affairs & the situation of her enemies more than ever admonishes those who are in danger of becoming so and who are not able to oppose barriers to her progress to temporise. The mind of mankind tired with the suffering, or spectacle, of a war, fatal beyond example, is prepared to see more than usual forbearance in powers not yet parties to it who may be in danger of being involved. It is prepared to view as only prudent what in other circumstances would be deemed dishonorable submission.\nThe U States have the strongest motives to avoid war. They may lose a great deal; they can gain nothing. They may be annoyed much and can annoy comparatively little. Tis even a possible event that they may be left alone to contend with the Conquerors of Europe. When interests so great invite and dangers so great menace, delicacy is called upon to yield a great deal to prudence. And a considerable degree of humiliation may, without ignominy, be encountered to avoid the possibility of much greater and a train of incalculable evils.\nThe former relations of the U States to France\u2014the agency of that power in promoting our revolution\u2014are reasons in the nature of things for not lightly running into a quarrel with\u2014even for bearing and forbearing to a considerable extent. There is perhaps in such a case peculiar dignity in moderation.\nFrance in declining to receive Mr Pinckney has not gone to the ne plus ultra. She has declined to receive a minister till grievances, of which she complains, are redressed. She has not absolutely ordered away a minister as the preliminary to war. She has mingled some qualifications. It is not even clear that she means to say she will not receive an extraordinary minister. This leaves some vacant ground between her act and rupture. The U States may occupy it by a further attempt at negotiation. This further attempt seems to be that which must carry us to the point beyond which we cannot go.\nBesides the object of explanation to satisfy France, we have the most serious grievances to complain of and of which to seek redress. This last will be a principal object of an extraordinary mission. It will not be to make submissions but to explain and to demand reparation. This double object contains a great salvo for the national honor.\nWe have just seen in the case of Sweden the negotiation in some way or other of a similar insult. Though the refusal of our minister, as being more pretextless is more offensive, yet the forbearance of Sweden is a precedent of some force for us.\nAs to our own Country\u2014There is a general and strong desire of peace\u2014and with a considerable party still a particular repugnance to war with France. The state of public opinion is not likely to consider a farther attempt at negotiation as too humiliating. It may be safely taken for granted that it will approve such an attempt as prudent\u2014& that at home it will have no other effect than to lay the foundation for great Union and Constancy, in case of failure.\nBut to preserve character abroad\u2014and esteem for the Government at home, it is essential that the idea of further negotiation be accompanied by measures that shall demonstrate a spirit of resistance in case of failure\u2014that shall yield present protection\u2014and promise future security.\nWith this adjunct, it is believed that the Government in pursuing the plan for further negotiation will raise rather than depress the character of the Nation abroad & will preserve the dignity of the American mind & the esteem of the American people.\nThe enunciation of one measure by the Executive ought therefore to be accompanied with a decisive recommendation of the other course. In doing this however it will be wise to avoid all expressions that may look like menacing France with what we intend to do. The attempt to negotiate must be put upon the foot of an appeal to her justice and friendship. The recommendation of preparatory & defensive precautions must be put on the foot of present necessity in reference to the actual & ruinous depredations on our Trade and the possibility of future dangers which it may not be in our power to avert.\nTo the second\u2014It will be expedient to declare to France that if there be any thing in the Treaty with G Britain which France is desirous of incorporating in the Treaty with her\u2014The U States are ready to do so\u2014having no wish to give to any other power privileges which France may not equally enjoy on the same terms. This general offer seems the most unexceptionable & will stop as well the mouth of France as of her partisans among ourselves. The duration of privileges should also be in both cases the same.\nTo the third. \u2003 It does not occur that it will be expedient to propose the abolition of any of the articles of our Treaties with France further than may be implied in the above general offer. To propose the abolition of things inconvenient to us would confirm the suspicion that we were disposed to narrow the privileges of France and would do harm there and here. The defining of some of the stipulations according to our practice upon them would be desireable if obtainable, but it is better to leave them as they are than define the other way. And the probability is that the definition would end in the last way which might compromit us with other powers. The only thing that can be done with advantage is to propose to liquidate the meaning and effect of the mutual Guarantee in the Treaty of Alliance. That Guarantee is now general. The obligation it imposes on France towards us is essentially nominal in future, because our sovereignty and independence can hardly again come in question. That which it lays upon us would expose us to general war with the enemy of France as often as in a purely defensive war her West India posessions should be attacked. This is a great evil. The alternative in such a case is to chicane our engagements and risk war with France for not performing them\u2014or to perform them, if called upon, and encounter war with her enemies. It would be a great point gained to reduce this general guarantee to a treaty of mutual specific definite succour,\n   A definite succour is not a cause of War, if previously stipulated.\n excluding the present war and definining the casus f\u0153deris to be that case in which the first act of actual hostility by sea or land is committed against the ally\u2014without reference to antecedent motives and causes which are ever vague & complicated.\nTo the Fourth\u2014If an amicable course of negotiation should take place modifications in this Convention may be proposed. Not having it by me the desireable alterations do not occur further than the restraining the mutual right of jurisdiction in questions between the citizens of either power to cases between the Officers & Crews of Vessels. Beyond this it works ill\u2014establishes an imperium in imperio, extends foreign influence & indirectly injures our own Citizens & preventing efficacious justice between French Citizens who are often their debtors &c. Particularly it is ill to insert foreign jurisdiction in our country.\nTo the fifth\u2014It does not appear expedient to propose or agree to such new articles. In general it is wisest neither to give nor take peculiar privileges\u2014but equalize our commercial system with all nations. Indeed it will be very difficult to adjust such new articles without interference with other Treaties. The only method of favouring France is to stipulate that certain articles if her production or manufacture not common to Great Britain which enter largely into our supplies should be admitted without duty or on light duties to be specified. This applies principally to her brandies and wines; but even then they must lie on the same footing if coming through G Britain as if coming directly from France. Yet the essential & ultimate benefit would accrue to France as favouring the vent and consumption in our country of her peculiar commodities. But all this is far better avoided. The diminution of our Revenue and jealousies in other powers will be certain evils for which France will & can give no real equivalent.\nTo the 6th. \u2003 What was done in the case of Great Britain will be a good precedent for this case.\nTo the seventh. \u2003 The terms of the remonstrances against spoliations should be mild and calm without offensive epithects, but serious and depicting strongly the extent of the evil. They should suppose the West India constructions to be abuses of the Orders of the directory; but they should notice that these were so vague and indefinite in themselves as to be naturally liable to abuse. They should urge a revocation of these orders and compensation for the injuries they have produced as due from the good faith Justice and Friendship of France to the violated rights of the U States and their Citizens\u2014and to restoration of cordial harmony between the two nations, which must otherwise suffer a deep and perhaps incurable wound.\nTo the 8th. \u2003 This is answered in the answer to the seventh.\nTo the 9th. \u2003 This claim of our Citizens ought to be noticed and urged as a great and serious one having from the motives of the individuals in the greatest number of cases a title to peculiar attention. Yet the whole ought to be managed as not to compromit the Government for the ultimate vindication of this claim. It is very questionable whether it be not such a one (as far as credit was voluntary) as that those who gave it ought finally to be left to the honor of the Government to which they trusted.\nTo the 10th. \u2003 This is answered in the Affirmative in the answer to the seventh Question. There is no solid distinction between captures and seizures by private vessels or public Vessels. The Government which gave the Commission to cruise is liable in both cases. This observation has reference to those depredations which result from vague orders of the Government or the abusive constructions of its Agents intrusted with local jurisdictions as Governors Commissioners &c.\nTo the 11th. \u2003 A Commission like that with England ought to be agreed to as a very happy issue out of the embarrassment.\nTo the 12th. \u2003 This is answered in the answer to the second question. The equivalent privileges in the French East India Trade will be the analogous compensation though not of equal extent. But situated as we are with France, it seems proper to be content with less. If privileges in her West India Trade could be obtained it would be desireable. But this ought not to be a sine qua non. A limitation of the duration of a new Treaty if made is a great desideratum.\nTo the 13th. \u2003 It scarcely seems adviseable to offer the project of such a new Treaty. It opens at once all the cards. It is better to deal in generals. This will leave less in the power of France or her partisans.\nTo the 14. \u2003 It is conceived most adviseable to follow former precedent in this respect, which may avoid much delay and embarrassment. In the exercise of this branch of Executive Power, it will be found the best course to reduce the Cooperation of the Senate to the appointment of the Negotiator and the ultimate fiat or Negative. Much has been done to this end & it will not be expedient to relinquish the ground which has been gained.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0034", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 29 April 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia April 29. 1797.\nDear Sir,\nIn contemplating the idea suggested by you, of arming the merchant vessels of the United States for Defence only, a difficulty at once presented. This measure is incompatible with the right of a belligerent power to visit and examine neutral vessels, to ascertain whether they have on board contraband goods\u2014&, where a treaty does not alter the law of nations, whether they are laden with enemies\u2019 goods\u2014to see, indeed, whether under neutral colours, they are such, or enemies. The answer suggested to myself is this\u2014That the power at war who has discarded treaties & the laws of nations, avowedly & practically, is not entitled to corresponding rights\u2014rights relating to the same subject, under such treaties and laws; and consequently that American vessels, if allowed to be defensively armed, are not to submit to any such visits. Vessels of a neutral nation under convoy of the armed ships of such nation, I take it are not subject to such visits: and our armed merchant vessels would be their own convoy. I do not know where this question is treated of in books; you probably can inform me. The arming our merchant vessels, tho\u2019 only for defence, will be zealously opposed in the House of Representatives, on the above ground, that, as well by treaty as the law of nations, the French have a right to visit our vessels; and because of the danger of its leading to open war.\nOn the subject of a Commission Extraordinary to the French Republic, much difficulty occurs. To give a better prospect of success to this measure, you observe that a man agreeable to them should go; and you name two persons, either of whom you would advise to be joined with Mr. Pinckney & another on whose attachment to the system of our government, as established & administered, perfect reliance may be placed. But in the first place, would either of the two you name consent to go? You certainly reckon on Genl. Pinckney\u2019s inviolable integrity and federal attachments. Will not the man whom you name as agreeable to the French see that his hands will be tied? If you place any confidence in either of the two, that if commissioned he will faithfully consult and firmly persist in measures which the rights and neutral condition of our country demand without suffering his choice, his passions or his prejudices in favour of France and from hatred to G.B. to sacrifice any of our rights or interest to the former, why name a third Commissioner, of principles directly opposed, to check and effectually controul him? I should be inclined to think that neither of the two would under such a view of the case, accept the appointment; and one of them perhaps would from his present station deem it improper.\nWould not the Directory also see such a commission constituted as you propose, in the same point of view? And would they not say that ostensibly there was an intention to manifest a particular respect and attention to them, while in reality we meant no such thing? Or do you consider Genl. Pinckney as a neutral character, in the politics of our country? And by appointing two associates of opposite characters, enable him to hold the balance? This is the most favourable light in which I can view the proposition. But when we consider the asperity of the parties here, and that the two characters named have been considered among the leaders\u2014that probably neither has a confidence in the other\u2014that your friend in particular will perhaps fear to disclose his sentiments on the most interesting questions lest they should be betrayed to the French; is there a well grounded hope that the mission would be successful?\nOn the organization of a provisional army, to receive certain compensations but not full pay, I shoud be glad to receive your ideas a little in detail. The propriety of increasing our artillery establishment is clear, & I should imagine not difficult to obtain. I have my doubts of the cavalry. The militia corps of horse are already composed, generally speaking, of the best man and best horses in the country. But they need discipline. I much doubt, unless the danger of a war should appear more certain than at present, whether even a provisional army will be granted: if not, perhaps a much larger army of select militia might be agreed to; the corps to be composed of volunteers or draughts of young men, from the general militia, and completely organized. The militia system to be improved.\nOn these several subjects and any others relating to our French connections, I shall be happy to receive your communications, as early as your leisure will admit.\nI am most sincerely & respectfully yours.\nT. Pickering\nP.S. What if General Pinckney were to be appointed Envoy Extraordinary, or even Ambassador, with fresh instructions relative to the subjects of complaint? The Directory have said they will not receive another Minister Plenipotentiary, until &c. They refused to receive the Charg\u00e9 d\u2019Affaires of Sweden, sent to announce the young King\u2019s ascending the throne, because at other courts the same thing had been done by accredited ministers. And they have made it a subject of serious complaint (as J.Q. Adams was well informed at the Hague) against Denmark, because that court omitted to announce to the Directory the death of the old Queen Dowager! He remarks that they are seeking for pretences of quarrel with all the neutral commercial nations: their great object being to insist on measures to be adopted by neutrals, to injure or destroy the commerce of Britain. If a commission extraordinary should be appointed, what should you think of Mr. Barlow for a member? He has managed the negociations with Algiers with great ability, address, and zeal for the interest of his country. Having been formerly elected a member of the French Convention, he may be deemed of sufficient respectability. He is even admitted, I take it, to French citizenship. His talents are unquestionable. I should sooner confide in him than in Mr. M. The other person named by you, I consider as out of the question, because of his station. Mr. Barlow has no personal antipathies & resentments to gratify, resentments engendered in the collision of parties at home.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0036", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Loughton Smith, 1 May 1797\nFrom: Smith, William Loughton\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilad. May 1. 97.\nDear sir\nI shod. sooner have acknowledged the receipt of your interesting communication, had I not been informed of your Journey to Albany.\nI coincide perfectly in opinion with you as to the expediency of measures of defence, & an extraordy. mission. But I see very considerable difficulty in the measure of a Commission, & still greater in its\u2019 including Jefferson & Madison. From the former plan I foresee embarassment & encreased expence, without any benefit. If the majority of the Commrs. be anti-gallicans, the party will not be gratified; we shall place an enemy in the Commission, without acquiring their support. If the majority be gallicans, we give up the Game. There are serious constitutional objections against Jefferson, as Commisr.\u2014& Madison has done so much to prostrate this Country at the feet of France, that I fear his appointmt. would appear humiliating & give disgust to our Friends. I doubt also whether either of them would go on this business, unless as Sole Envoy; certainly not, unless as Senior Commissr. & this would be harsh to Pinckney, who has conducted himself well. From these considerations I have been induced to think the most dignified & safe mode of doing this business would be to Send Pinckney a new Commission either as Envoy or Ambassador Extraordy.: he is near at hand, he is unexcept[iona]ble. to all parties, the French have no personal objections to him, the Jacobins of most of the Southern states have great confidence in him, & he has made great sacrifices to go on a mission which has hitherto been attended with nothing but mortification. He is waiting at Amsterdam the orders of the Executive, probably expecting the Commission of Envoy Extraordy.\u2014it is not improbable too that any thing like Slight to him may alienate more friends than would be acquired by adding to the mission one of the other party. I have lately met with a Report of the Comrs. of public safety in April 95, which was adopted by the Convention, on the subject of the different grades of Ministers, wherein it is Stated \u201cthat the Sending of an Ambassador is peculiarly agreable to Republics & a particular mark of respect.\u201d This report preceded the reception of De Stael as Ambassador Extraordy. from Sweden: I have shewn the Secy. of state the Report, & the Commission of De Stael: Perhaps it may be thought expedient to send a Com. of Am. Extra. to Gl. Pinckney, & to give weight & importance to the Mission to add, in the Character of Secretary to the Embassy, some character, above the common class of private Secretaries; this last point is however only a suggestion of my own; this practise is generally followd. in Europe.\nI have shewn your letter to Tracy & to Wolcott & McHenry, all of whom applied for the perusal of it & were much pleased with every part, except the Commission: this idea does not seem to coincide with the opinions of any of our friends here.\nI leave town tomorrow for a Jaunt of a few days to Lancaster York &ca on my return I hope to hear from you & remain\nDear Sir \u2003 Very sincerely Yours\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0037", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Hamilton, 2 May 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, William\nDuplicate\nAlbany State of New YorkMay the 2d. 1797\nMy Dear Sir\nSome days since I received with great pleasure your letter of the 10th. of March. The mark, it affords, of your kind attention, and the particular account it gives me of so many relations in Scotland are extremely gratifying to me. You no doubt have understood that my fathers affairs at a very early day went to wreck; so as to have rendered his situation during the greatest part of his life far from eligible. This state of things occasionned a separation between him and me, when I was very young, and threw me upon the bounty of my mothers relations, some of whom were then wealthy, though by vicissitudes to which human affairs are so liable, they have been since much reduced and broken up. Myself at about sixteen came to this Country. Having always had a strong propensity to literary pursuits, by a course of steady and laborious exertion, I was able, by the age of Ninteen to qualify myself for the degree of Batchelor of Arts in the College of New York, and to lay a foundation, by preparatory study, for the future profession of the law.\nThe American Revolution supervened. My principles led me to take part in it. At nineteen I entered into the American army as Captain of Artillery. Shortly after, I became by his invitation Aide De Camp to General Washington, in which station, I served till the commencement of that Campaign which ended with the seige of York, in Virginia, and the Capture of Cornwallis\u2019s Army. This Campaign I made at the head of a corps of light infantry, with which I was present at the seige of York and engaged in some interesting operations.\nAt the period of the peace with Great Britain, I found myself a member of Congress by appointment of the legislature of this state.\nAfter the peace, I settled in the City of New York in the practice of the law; and was in a very lucrative course of practice, when the derangement of our public affairs, by the feebleness of the general confederation, drew me again reluctantly into public life. I became a member of the Convention which framed the present Constitution of the U States; and having taken part in this measure, I conceived myself to be under an obligation to lend my aid towards putting the machine in some regular motion. Hence I did not hesitate to accept the offer of President Washington to undertake the office of Secretary of the Treasury.\nIn that office, I met with many intrinsic difficulties, and many artificial ones proceeding from passions, not very worthy, common to human nature, and which act with peculiar force in republics. The object, however, was effected, of establishing public credit and introducing order into the finances.\nPublic Office in this Country has few attractions. The pecuniary emolument is so inconsiderable as too amount to a sacrifice to any man who can employ his time with advantage in any liberal profession. The opportunity of doing good, from the jealousy of power and the spirit of faction, is too small in any station to warrant a long continuance of private sacrifices. The enterprises of party had so far succeeded as materially to weaken the necessary influence and energy of the Executive Authority, and so far diminish the power of doing good in that department as greatly to take the motives which a virtuous man might have for making sacrifices. The prospect was even bad for gratifying in future the love of Fame, if that passion was to be the spring of action.\nThe Union of these motives, with the reflections of prudence in relation to a growing family, determined me as soon as my plan had attained a certain maturity to withdraw from Office. This I did by a resignation about two years since; when I resumed the profession of the law in the City of New York under every advantage I could desire.\nIt is a pleasing reflection to me that since the commencement of my connection with General Washington to the present time, I have possessed a flattering share of his confidence and friendship.\nHaving given you a brief sketch of my political career, I proceed to some further family details.\nIn the year 1780 I married the second daughter of General Schuyler, a Gentleman of one of the best families of this Country; of large fortune and no less personal and public consequence. It is impossible to be happier than I am in a wife and I have five Children, four sons and a daughter, the eldest a son somewhat passed fifteen, who all promise well, as far as their years permit and yield me much satisfaction. Though I have been too much in public life to be wealthy, my situation is extremely comfortable and leaves me nothing to wish but a continuance of health. With this blessing, the profits of my profession and other prospects authorise an expectation of such addition to my resources as will render the eve of life, easy and agreeable; so far as may depend on this consideration.\nIt is now several months since I have heared from my father who continued at the Island of St Vincents. My anxiety at this silence would be greater than it is, were it not for the considerable interruption and precariousness of intercourse, which is produced by the War.\nI have strongly pressed the old Gentleman to come to reside with me, which would afford him every enjoyment of which his advanced age is capable. But he has declined it on the ground that the advice of his Physicians leads him to fear that the change of Climate would be fatal to him. The next thing for me is, in proportion to my means to endeavour to increase his comforts where he is.\nIt will give me the greatest pleasure to receive your son Robert at my house in New York and still more to be of use to him; to which end my recommendation and interest will not be wanting, and, I hope, not unavailing. It is my intention to embrace the Opening which your letter affords me to extend intercourse with my relations in your Country, which will be a new source of satisfaction 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0039", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Mann and Isaac Parker, 6 May 1797\nFrom: Mann, Oliver,Parker, Isaac\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Boston, May 6, 1797. On June 28, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Mann and Parker: \u201cYour letter of the 6th of May last by making a circuit to Albany did not reach me in due time.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0040", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [11 May 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n[New York, May 11, 1797]\nMy Dear Sir\nOn my return here I found your letter of the 29th . The sitting of a Court of Chancery and important business there have unavoidably delayed a reply. Now, it must be much more cursory than I could wish.\nAs to the mission, in some shape or other, the more I have reflected upon it, the more has it appeared to me indispensable. To accomplish, with certainty, a principal object of it\u2014the silencing of Jacobin criticism and promoting union among ourselves\u2014it is very material to engage in it a person who will have the Jacobin confidence. Else, if France should still refuse to receive, or if receiving, the mission should prove unsuccessful\u2014it will be said that this was because a suitable Agent was not employed. Hence my mind was led to Jefferson or Madison. But as it would be unsafe to trust either alone, the idea of associates occurs as an essential part of the plan. This likewise is an expedient for saving Mr. Pinckneys feelings.\nBut will either of them go on this footing? If offered and they refuse, they will put themselves in the wrong. For on so great an emergency they cannot justifiably decline the service without a good reason & it would not be a good reason for refusal that there was to be a commission. The refusal too if it happened would furnish a reply to Jacobin clamour. It was offered to your leaders and they would not act.\nI confide in Pinckneys integrity & foederal attachments. Why then name a third? Because 1 two may disagree and there may be inaction 2 Though I have the confidence I mention\u2014I think Pinckney has had too much French leaning to consider him in conjunction with Jefferson or Madison as perfectly safe. A third on whom perfect reliance could be placed would secure Pinckney\u2019s cooperation. I do consider him as in some sort a middle character.\nAs to the two Gentlemen named (Jefferson & Madison) it may be fairly observed to either of them that the combination of characters is essential to combine the confidence of the Country & to render the result whatever it may be acceptable. It may also be observed that delicacy to Mr. Pinckney dictates this course\u2014not to exclude him after what has happened. To Mr. Pinckney the state of parties here may also be pleaded.\nThe French Directory may also be made to understand indirectly that the association has proceeded from a desire in the Executive to unit Confidence in the mission and secure its success at home.\nI should not despair that in such a crisis men of opposite politics might agree. I verily believe that Jefferson Pinckney & King would agree. There might be a joint commission for action, and a separate Commission to Jefferson as Envoy or Ambassador extraordinary for representation. I miscalculate if Jefferson will not be anxious for peace. I only fear that alone he would give too much for it.\nIf this plan is thought liable to too strong objections, the next best thing is to send the Commission of Ambassador Extraordinary to Pinckney & send him also some clever fellow as secretary of embassy.\nBut I repeat it with extreme solicitude\u2014another mission is absolutely indispensable.\nOn the subject of permitting our vessels to arm there is some difficulty. You are right in the idea that Merchant vessels under the convoy of Ships of War are exempt from search. But I know no book where it is to be found. Yet I have so constantly understood it to be the usage that I venture to rely upon it. But I believe the privilege is confined to Public ships of war & could not according to usage be transferred to private armed Vessels. The measure must therefore be justified by the extremity.\nMoreover\u2014I understand no other consequence as resulting from the being armed than that it exposes the vessel to confiscation for resisting a search. It is no breach of neutrality to permit the being armed.\nBut I would avoid the formation of a Commission and would substitute some Permit, perhaps to be signed by the head of a department. This should be united with great precautions to prevent abuse by cruising by d[r]iving contraband trade by transfer to foreigners.\nAt all events our Trade must have protection. For our whole mercantile Capital will else be destroyed our seamen lost & our country involved in extreme distress.\nAs to a provisional army\u2014I reason thus. No plan of a militia, which is not the equivalent, in other words which is not under a positive engagement to constitute a permanent army in case of invasion will be worth any thing. For we want a stable force created beforehand to oppose to the first torrent, which with mere militia, would involve incalculable dangers and calamities. Hence as a substitute for a standing army I offer a provisional one. It would be composed thus. The Officers to be appointed by the United States & rank with those of the establishment\u2014to receive some pay till called into actual service say half a third or a fourth. Those employed to recruit to be fully paid.\nThe men to be regularly inlisted upon condition not to be called into actual service except in case of Invasion & then to serve during the war. To receive a uniform coat, & a dollar perhaps two dollars per Month when not in the field\u2014to be obliged to assemble for exercise so may days in the year & then to have full pay and rations. When called into actual service to have the same compensations &c with the establishment, in short to become part of it. To be armed by the U States To be liable from the beginning to the articles of War.\nI think such a corps from the certainty of advantage & the uncertainty of service might be engaged sooner than a standing force & with precautions in the enlistment would be a solid resource in case of need.\nI am much attached to the idea of a large corps of efficient Cavalry; & I cannot allow this character to Militia. It is all important to an undisciplined against a disciplined army. It is a species of force not easy to be brought by an invader\u2014by which his supplies may be cut off & his activity extremely checked. Were I to command an undisciplined army, I should prefer half the force with a good corps of cavalry to twice the force without one.\nYrs. truly\nA HMay 11.\nT Pickering 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0042", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 13 May 1797\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nHartford, May 13, 1797. \u201cA Mr Johnston who holds Mr Churches Land shewed me a letter from Mr Tracy dated last April in which he says. \u2018Col Hamilton says Col Wadsworth has the sole disposal of the Land in Salisbury:\u2019 Mr Johnston came to me to finish the business.\u2026 I believe Johnston would take a quit claim & risk the Title & secure the payment according to the inclosed appraisement.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0043", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 May 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia 14th May 1797.\nMy dear H.\nI received your letters and papers. I added to them, but changed nothing, for the train of ideas in both ran in the same channel and embraced the same objects.\nThe speech extenuates nought\u2014recommends proper measures\u2014promises a fresh attempt at negotiation\u2014and declares the principles by which administration mean to be governed, in other words that the President will follow the principles of the late administration.\nIt is not perhaps precisely such a speech as you would have written\u2014a little too plain. It may however be better fitted on that account for the occasion.\nYour affectionate\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0045", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 May 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilad. 15 May 1797\nMy dear H.\nI wrote you a line yesterday acknowleging the receipt of your late letters from Albany.\nI expect that there will be a quorum of both branches to-day.\nIt appears that the news of the Emp. of Germ. having signified his intention to make peace was unfounded. Had it even been so, it ought to have augmented our endeavours to meet hostility.\nIt is probable that a new character will be given Pinckney and a Secry to the Mission.\nYours\nJ McH", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0046", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Scott, 16 May 1797\nFrom: Scott, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSt. Mildred\u2019s Court, Mansion House [London], May 16, 1797. \u201c\u2026 I beg leave to trouble you with Power of Atty from Mr. Hodgson to you accompanied with a Letter by Invoice of Goods to enable you to recover \u00a3247.15 of Mr. Bn. Bakewell of your Town who I understand is a very honest man.\u2026 I am trustee of Hodgson the Constituent who has also failed.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0048", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 22 May 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Morris, Robert\n[New York, May 22, 1797. On May 23, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour letter of yesterday is arrived.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0051", "content": "Title: Th\u00e9ophile Cazenove to Egbert Benson and Alexander Hamilton, 29 May 1797\nFrom: Cazenove, Th\u00e9ophile\nTo: Benson, Egbert,Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, May 29, 1797. \u201cThe enclosed extract of a Letter lately received from General Schuyler will create much uneasiness amongst the Dutch proprietors who have obtained the faculty to hold their Lands in the state of New York \u2019till the 11th. April 1803. A Law passed in the last Session extends that faculty \u2019till 1816. provided the Dutch Proprietors shall interest themselves as stockholders or money lenders in the Western Canal Company for an amount of 250,000, Dollars. I send herewith also a copy of the letter from the managers of the Western Canal Company to Mr. Busti. It would be needless to observe how hard & disadvantageous to my friends the conditions offered to them, are. If as Moneylenders at the low rate of 3 \u214c ct. the mortgage offered is of a nature which will make an execution, most impossible & certainly fruitless\u2014If as Stockholders, they will be only so to appearance\u2014in short the meaning of the proposals translated in plain words is, \u2018You shall loose the 250/m Dollars if the undertaking of the Company does not Succeed. And if they Succeed, You shall have 3 \u214c ct. of Your money.\u2019 \u2026 I hope the Indian title for the Genesee Lands will be obtained this Year, but for more than a part cannot be expected. In the actual state of things both here & in Europe it is not only possible but it is probable that neither exertions nor moderate prices will procure the Sale of all the Lands in the possession of our Dutch friends, at least not at a price equal to the risks, cares & casualties to which the proprietors are Submitted nor proportioned to the long credit the Sale of such a quantity of acres of Land will require.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0052", "content": "Title: Jacob Mark and Company to John B. Church, Alexander Hamilton, and John Laurance, 30 May 1797\nFrom: Jacob Mark and Company\nTo: Church, John B.,Hamilton, Alexander,Laurance, John\nNew York 30 May 1797\nGentlemen,\nWe are sorry to find that owing to the embarrassed situation of the Land You purchased from us last Year so great an inconvenience and loss shou\u2019d arise to You as well as ourselves in being retarded in the settlement; and as we are particularly anxious to remove the most distant hard thought from You towards us, we think it proper to make You such proposals as are not only founded on fair and honorable principals but which will certainly be for Your Particular interest to accept. Should You not think proper to come into the measures proposed, then be kind enough to set a price on Your Part of the Land at which You will sell, as the persons to whom we may Sell it, will not take short of the whole.\nDo neither of the proposed measures meet Your ideas we then beg You will not take it amiss in us to act in Such manner as circumstances may require.\nWe propose\n1. To sell You our one fourth undivided Interest in Townships No. 21 & 15 which according to the surveyors return (together 42314\u00bc acres) contains 10578 \u00bd acres at 2 dollars and 25 cents per acre.\n2. The Amount thereof being Drs. 23801. 62/100 to be given in endorsed Notes payable on the\n1st. July next D\n1st. October\u2003\u201c\n1st. December \u201c\n3. The two Notes which we hold Signed by Messrs. Laurance & Hamilton payable in December 1797 & 1798 to be made payable to J Mark & Co. or order.\n4. The notes not to be delivered to us till a discharge of the mortgage on the two townships is fully produced.\nYou will oblige us by signifying to us Your decision on the above as speedily as possible.\nWe are with the greatest esteem \u2003 Gentlemen \u2003 Your most obedt. servts\nJ. Mark & Co.\nAlexr. Hamilton\nEsqrs\nJohn Lawrance\nJ: B. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0053", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Laurance, 1 June 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Laurance, John\n[New York, June 1, 1797. On June 3, 1797, Laurance wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have received 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0055", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 2 June 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada. June 2d. 1797\nDear Sir\nYour letter of yesterday is this moment recd and I take my pen upon the first impulse to tell you not to be uneasy, I will pay you every farthing principal & interest, have patience for my measures to operate & rely yourself with Confidence. The Nature of your debt ties me at all events & it shall be paid. As to Mr Church\u2019s Security how can it be doubted. I told you before that Mr Marshall is in treaty for the Land at Two Dollrs \u214c Acre & writes for the Papers I wrote to you for. I beg you to send them as Speedily as possible. I think they will enab\u27e8le\u27e9 me to pay him off long before the time stipulated.\nI am to be sure disagreeably situated, but my affairs are retrievable if I could get the Common aid of Common times and I will struggle hard. Keep All this to Yourself. I will address you again by & by. But send me the Papers written for.\nYours Sincerely\nRobt Morris\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0056", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Laurance, 3 June 1797\nFrom: Laurance, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia June 3d 1797\nMy dear Sir\nI have received your letter of the first Instant, with a Copy of a Letter from J Mark & Co. We gave for the Land about one dollar and seventy eight Cents per acre, since which, we have paid for surveying it, into Lots, near 2 Cents per Acre, to these sums must be added the Interest on the Money we have paid, which, I suppose, will make the price, at present, near 2 dollars per acre.\nTownship No 21, exclusive of its situation for large compact settlements, is a very valuable tract of Land, with regard to its Soil and Timbers, and must command a very good Price, whenever we deem it adviseable to commence Settlements. The Country about it, is settling very fast, and it must soon be, much in demand. The other Township, although the quality, in general, is not so good as the first, is well situated, for Settlement, and the great road to Oswego, will pass through it, in the course of this Summer.\nWhat they mean by acting as Circumstances may require I know not, but I should be on my guard respecting them\u2014J Mark at least. I cannot buy at present, and I am not willing to sell, but should I be induced to sell the money must be paid, immediately, and the price greater than they mention. If J Mark had made his payment on the Mortgage to Mr. Gilchrist, at the time he was to have done it, We should not have been embarrassed; but it is difficult to go on and settle, when we are liable to be disturbed by the proprietors of the Mortgage. It may be well to converse with them to know what their Views are. I conjecture part of the Money, they ought to have paid Gilchrist in December last, comes due, in this Month, and the residue in November next and they must raise money to meet those new Engagements, being negotiable ones\u2014That the offer to us is to obtain our Notes for this purpose.\nThis is a Letter on business. For Intelligence I refer you to the public Prints. They detail what has passed in the Legislature.\nYours, very sincerely\nJohn Laurance\nColonel 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0058", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 6 June 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, June 6, 1797. On June 8, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott: \u201cI have received your two letters of the 6th and 7.\u201d Letter of June 6 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0060", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Williams, 7 June 1797\nFrom: Williams, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia 7th June 1797\nSr.\nWe shall be this day be engaged on the Subject of Regulating the Arming of Merchantmen. A dificualty ariseth with me respecting the Construction of our Treaty with France. Our Vessels will Claim a right as the Treaty with France expresseth. The French will exact the Decree of 2d March last\u2014hence both will be Authorized by their respective Nations and which will be diametrically Oposite each other.\nAgain: Victor Hughs has declared all American Vessels Taken Armed shall be treated as Pirates.\nThus while on the One hand our Commerce Suffers\u2014and on the other its Susceptible of commencing a misunderstanding which will probably lead to a War\u2014which ought to be avoided. No talk of Embargo\u2014only giving the Executive the Power in case of Emergency.\nWe shall direct the completion of Fortification but believe will only order the Frigates finished and probably Manned.\nDo not believe we shall purchase Vessels for War or Order Convoys.\nAs it (in my Opinion) behoves us to Act with caution til we learn the Event of the Negociation, I am at present for pursuing the same measures as in the year 1794. Should the Negociation fail and France not be Satisfied with being put on an Equal footing with Other Nations\u2014We shall be Unanimous in our Opposition.\nAny remarks on these subjects or any other will be thankfully received \u2003 By Your Humble Servt\nJohn Williams\nColo. Hamilton.\nI am told the Lt. Governor is in New York and Mrs. Van Rensselaer is very unwell if so please make my Complts. respectful 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0061", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 7 June 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, June 7, 1797. On June 8, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott: \u201cI have received your two letters of the 6th and 7.\u201d Letter of June 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0062", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [8 June 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: King, Rufus\n[New York, June 8, 1797]\nI thank, you My Dear Sir, for two letters lately received from you the last by Mr. Church. I feel very guilty for my negligence. But how can I help it?\nThe public prints will inform you of the course of public proceedings hitherto. You will perceive that the general plan is analogous to what was done in the case of Great Britain, though there are faults in the detail. Some people cannot learn that the only force which befits a Government is in the thought and action not in the words and many reverse this golden rule. I fear we shall do ourselves no honor in the result and we shall remain at the mercy of events without those efficient preparations which are demanded by so precarious a situation and which not provoking war would put us in condition to meet it. All the consolation I can give is that the public temper of this Country mends dayly & that there is no final danger of our submitting tamely to the yoke of France\nYrs. Affecly\nThe bearer of this is Mr. Fleming a young American of good connection & as far as I have learnt good character.\nR King 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0063", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [8 June 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\n[New York, June 8, 1797]\nDr. Sir\nI have received your two letters of the 6th & 7. The last announces to me no more than I feared. Nor do I believe any sufficient external impulse can be given to save us from disgrace. This however will be thought of.\nI regret that you appear remote from the idea of a house tax simply without combining the land. I do not differ from your general principle. The truth is a solid one, that the sound state of the political \u0153conomy depends in a great degree on a general repartition of taxes on taxable property by some equal rule. But it is very important to relax in theory so as to accomplish as much as may be practicable. I despair of a general land tax without actual war. I fear the idea of it keeps men back from the augmentation of revenue by other means which they might be willing to adopt. The idea of a house tax alone is not so formidable. If placed upon a footing which would evince practicability & moderation in the sum I think it might succeed. Now 1000000 of Dollars computing the number of houses at 600 000 would be an average of about a dollar & a half. The tax would be very low on the worst houses & could not be high on the best. This idea would smooth a great deal.\nAs to the circumstance of the habitations of the Southern negroes, I see no insuperable difficulty in applying ratios to them which would tend to individual Equity. As between the states the quotaprinciple would make this point unimportance.\nAs to the inequality in certain states, I believe on the plan suggested there could be no general tax which in fact would operate more equally. The idea of equalization by embracing lands does not much engage my confidence. Besides that this may be an after object & we are to gain points successively.\nAs to the productiveness of the stamp tax with the items I suggest it is difficult in the first instance to judge. But I am persuaded it would go far towards the point aimed. There cannot be much fewer than 3000000 of hats consumed in a Year in this Country; at an average of 8 Cents \u214c hat this would be 240 000 Dollars\u2014a large proportion of the 500 000. If law proceedings can be included directly or indirectly the produce will be very considerable. I think you mistake when you say these taxes in England are inconsiderable in proportion. According to my recollection the reverse is the truth.\nAdieu \u2003 Yrs.\nA 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0064", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 10 June 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada. June 10 1797\nAlexander Hamilton Esqre n york\nDear Sir\nI hold ten Shares in the Western Canal Navigation of new york on which there has been paid $1070, and a Call of $25 \u214c Share was due the 1st May last & remains to be paid with 6 \u214c Ct Interest from that time. I don\u2019t know what State of Credit these Shares stand at present, but am confident they will be a most productive property hereafter. If you will take these Shares credit me for the amot I have paid & you make the Payment now due & answer such other Calls as the managers may make, you shall have them in part Payment of what I owe you. Mr Church begins already to threaten me with harsh measures but I hope to disarm him.\nWith great Esteem \u2003 I am Dr Sir \u2003 Yrs\nRM", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0066", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elihu Chauncey Goodrich, 12 June 1797\nFrom: Goodrich, Elihu Chauncey\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nClaverack [New York] June 12, 1797. \u201cScarcity of Money (at this time) is such that I cannot without a very material Injury to my property and Credit raise the amount which you as attorney for Mr. James Bryson have received against Me as Endorser of a Note.\u2026 However previous to the first day of November next it will undoubtedly be in my power without much inconvenience to make the full payment\u2014request you therefore to delay issuing any Execution untill the said 1st day of November.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0067", "content": "Title: Account with John Barker Church, [15 June 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander,Church, John Barker\nTo: \n[New York, June 15, 1797]\n    John B Church Esquire in Account with Alexander Hamilton\n    June\n    To Cash paid expences of my Clerk to Philadelphia to attend to execution of your Mortgage by Robert Morris\n    April\n    By Ballance of Account rendered this day\n    To paid J Laurance your proportion of expence of surveys\n    Aug\n    By this sum received of A Woodruff on account of Carney\u2019s debt\n    July\n    To your half the purchase money of Eight lots in the City of N York bought of\n    October\n    By this sum received on account of Kinlocks Bond\n    I. Riley\n    By this sum received of Doctor Romayne\n    half expence of searching records for mortgages and Judgments\n    Decr.\n    By this sum received of R Morris\n    By this sum received of Wm Cooper in two payments on account of Holkers Debt\n    August\n    To paid City tax on your lot broad Way\n    To paid for cleaning whitewashing & painting your house\n    March\n    To paid Robinson Carpenter for fencing your lot\n    May\n    To Cash paid yourself\n    To ditto paid price of Negro Woman\n    June\n    To paid for coal per Order\n    To Cash paid yourself\n    Ballance due J: B Church\n    From the above Ballance deductions are to be made on two Accounts\n    House Rent paid more than received about\n    Interest creditted from the supposition of a ballance which did not exist owing to a double credit of a sum received from Wadsworth, whole sum creditted \u00a3329.9.04\u2014excess about\nE. E. New York June 15. 1797\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0068", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 16 June 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nNew York June 16. 1797\nMy Dear Sir\nThis will be delivered to you by Mr. John Lytton a kinsman of mine. He was born to a handsome fortune\u2014but adversity in Trade has ruined him, insomuch that he is under the necessity of endeavouring to protect himself from too severe creditors by taking whatever benefit the laws of Connecticut will allow him. As he is a worthy man (besides being my relation) I recommend him to your advice and good offices. He will be glad to find employment as a Clerk, till he can obtain a discharge, and as he has been regularly bred to business and writes a good hand I have no doubt he would give satisfaction. If you can recommend him to employment you will oblige me. I am under obligations to a part of his family which interest me the more in his affairs. When discharged I must endeavour to bring him forward into some line of business to which he is adapted.\nYrs. truly\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0070", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Thompson, [22 June 1797]\nFrom: Thompson, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Bombay, June 22, 1797]\nDear Sir\nNeither remoteness of Situation, nor lapse of time can efface from my Recollection the Obligations which I was under to you in the earlier part of my Life. That I have not before acknowledged them you are freely at liberty to attribute to any Cause\u2014but want of Gratitude\u2014for whatever may be my Vices Ingratitude cannot be included in the Catalogue. You may believe me when I assure you that wherever I have been Situated or whatever had been my prospects I have uniformly entertained the same grateful Sense of your liberality.\nNo Occurrence in life could afford me a more sensible pleasure than that of having it in my power to make you a suitable Return. This however I can never expect, as the most I can hope for is to have an opportunity of Reimbursing you such pecuniary Advances as you have made or ought to have received on my Account. To effect this Object I have anxiously looked for an opportunity from this side of India, but without Success; there being little intercourse with America direct from hence and the Communication via China has been by the diabolical Treaty of Commerce put an end to, and the ignorance of your Correspondent in England has prevented me from availing myself of that Channel.\nI have embraced the present opportunity of Addressing you, as I am led to hope the Ship may again return to Bombay; but even if she should not, you will particularly oblige me by informing me of the Amount which I am in your Debt\u2014Upon the Receipt of which I will find means of making an adequate Remittance. It matters not to what part of India the Ship is bound by which you write. If the Captain sends the letter to the Post Office, it will come safe to hand if address\u2019d to me in Bombay.\nI am \u2003 Sir \u2003 with profound Respect \u2003 Your most Obedt. Humble Servant\nJames Thompson\nBombay22d. June 1797.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0072", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Simeon DeWitt, 28 June 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: DeWitt, Simeon\nNew York, June 28, 1797. \u201cI am applied to, to examine the Title to a tract of land described in the extract A, which is inclosed. It appears from the papers put into my hands, that a Map of the intire tract patented to John W Watkins the 25 of June 1794 as surveyed is on file in your office. By the extract from the patent, which is also herewith, it is found that a number of tracts comprehended within the exterior lines of the tract patented to Watkins are excepted and reserved. The Question is whether the North West quarter or section of township No. 8 is wholly free from these exceptions and reservations or is affected by them. It is presumed that the map and survey in your Office will enable you to answer it.\u2026 Give me leave also to trouble you with an Inquiry concerning the Class rights described in the Extract B. These class rights appear to have been conveyed by John Carpenter of Goshen to one Benjamin Barton and by the latter to Elisha Boudinot of New Ark, but the Evidences of the Class rights, whatever they are, do not accompany the Conveyances. You will perhaps be able to inform me from the files of your Office how the matter is situated.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0073", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Mann and Isaac Parker, 28 June 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Mann, Oliver,Parker, Isaac\nNew York, June 28, 1797. \u201cYour letter of the 6th of May last by making a circuit to Albany did not reach me in due time\u2014which is the principal cause of this late reply. The idea of there having been property lodged in my hands towards satisfaction of the notes surprized me, as nothing of the kind ever took place, nor do I recollect or believe that the expectation of it was ever suggested to me. My memory of what passed with Mr. Isaac Parker amounts simply to this\u2014that he desired me to stay proceedings until further order and such further order I never received. Mr. Lowel, who sent me the notes, some time after this direction had been given me by Mr. Parker passed through this City. I mentioned to him the direction received and how the affair then stood; but he gave no further direction.\u2026 Since the receipt of your last I have inquired concerning Messrs Edward & Elias Parker. The answer I get is that one of those Gentleman is dead and that the other some time since quitted this City having left no property behind. Concluding that all further pursuit here would be useless I shall send this letter with the Notes under cover to Mr. Lowel who will do with them as he finds right.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0074", "content": "Title: Tract Granted by Robert Morris within the Genesee Lands, [June 1797]\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: \n[New York, June, 1797]\nA\n27 February 1793\nDeed from R Morris & Wife to Herman LeRoy & others called 1000000 (but by bounds)\nA2\n20 of July 1793\nDitto to ditto (called 800000 as before)\nA3No.\n                    Two adjoining Tracts\n                    The most Western & bounding on thelakes with a meridian line for the Eastern boundary\nA6\nMortgage\nEastern & extendg Westward to the point of triangle of Le Roy & Bayard\nA7\nMortgage of same tract for a further purpose\n20 of July 1793\nfor three Tracts the one the SouthEastern Corner of the whole Dutch tracts\u2014\nanother \u2003for 54.000 acres\ncalled\nanother \u2003for 46 000\nB\nFrom R M to Le Roy & Bayard their own \u200380 000\n5 of April 1797\nFrom Cottringer to R Morris adjoining to Watson\n6 of April 1797\u2014\nFrom Morris to Craigie Same tract except the Genessee flats\nFrom Morris to S Ogden adjoining the lake (granted or to be granted) 50000 acres except Genessee Flats with covenant to give equal quantity of upland.\nFrom\nto A Hamilton 100 000May 4, 1797\nfrom Morris to Harrison", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0075", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 2 July 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada July 2d. 1797\nDear Sir\nI cannot account for your not having Answered the letter of which the preceeding is a Copy, in any other way than by supposing it did not get to your hands, it was written so long since as the 23d of May last & sent by Post, and is of so important a nature that I waited with Anxiety supposing however that the papers were preparing and that you delayed writing untill they were ready. I am become more Anxious now from the rigour of Mr Church. I pray of you for that Justice to which I am on this occasion entitled, & beg that you will comply with the requests contained in that letter. As I suppose it would not be agreable to you to appear against Mr Church I must apply to other Counsel to oppose his proceedings untill I can pay him the interests which I will do as soon as possible.\nI am Dr Sir \u2003 Your Obedt Servt\nRobt Morris\nAlexr Hamilton EsqrNew 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0077", "content": "Title: Th\u00e9ophile Cazenove to Egbert Benson and Alexander Hamilton, 5 July 1797\nFrom: Cazenove, Th\u00e9ophile\nTo: Benson, Egbert,Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, July 5, 1797. States: \u201cMr. Benson\u2019s absence retarding the answer upon my letter of the 29 May, which answer I have sollicited from your friendship, permit me to add to that letter some observations relative to the same Subject.\u201d Asks if the Holland Land Company \u201cis allowed to sell at 10 & 12 years credit;\u2026 will She be allowed to hold the mortgage upon the Land as a pledge for the payment?\u201d Also asks: \u201cWhat will be the consequences if the purchasers are not able to pay at the expiration of 10 or 12 years\u2014and if then, the mortgaged lands, Sold under execution, does not produce the amount due? Will the Holland Compy. in such a case, be authorised to retake the land, & to hold that property\u2014or must the land be sold at cash for any price and the Holld. Compy. loose the defficit, having only for that defficit, a claim against a purchaser not able to fulfill his engagements?\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0078-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, 5 July 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Monroe, James\nNew York July 5th 1797\nSir\nIn a pamphlet lately published entitled \u201cNo V of the History of the United States for 1796 &c\u201d are sundry papers respecting the affair of Reynolds, in which you once had an agency, accompanied with these among other comments\u2014\u201cThey (certain attacks on Mr Monroe) are ungrateful, because he displayed on an occasion that will be mentioned immediately, the greatest lenity to Mr. Alexander Hamilton, the prime mover of the Federal Party. When some of the Papers which are now to be laid before the world were submitted to the Secretary; when he was informed that they were to be communicated to President Washington, he entreated in the most anxious tone of deprecation, that the measure might be suspended. Mr Monroe was one of the three Gentlemen who agreed to this delay. They gave their consent to it on his express promise of a guarded behaviour in future, and because he attached to the suppression of these papers a mysterious degree of solicitude which they feeling no personal resentment against the Individual, were unwilling to augment\u201d (Page 204 & 205). It is also suggested (Page 206) that I made \u201ca volunteer acknowledgement of Seduction\u201d and it must be understood from the context that this acknowlegement was made to the same three Gentlemen.\nThe peculiar nature of this transaction renders it impossible that you should not recollect it in all its parts and that your own declarations to me at the time contradicts absolutely the construction which the Editor of the Pamphlet puts upon the affair.\nI think myself entitled to ask from your candour and justice a declaration equivalent to that which was made me at the time in the presence of Mr Wolcott by yourself and the two other Gentlemen, accompanied by a contradiction of the Representations in the comments cited above. And I shall rely upon your delicacy that the manner of doing it will be such as one Gentleman has a right to expect from another\u2014especially as you must be sensible that the present appearance of the Papers is contrary to the course which was understood between us to be proper and includes a dishonourable infidelity somewhere. I am far from attributing it to either of the three Gentlemen; yet the suspicion naturally falls on some Agent made use of by them.\nI send you the copy of a memorandum of the substance of your declaration made by me the morning after our Interview.\nWith consideration I have the honour to be \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your very obed serv\nA Hamilton\nP.s. I must beg the favour of expedition in your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0078-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: [Declaration of Messrs. Monroe Mughlenburgh and Venable], [5 July 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Monroe, James\n\u201cThat they regretted the trouble and uneasiness which they had occasionned to me in consequence of the Representations made to them\u2014That they were perfectly satisfied with the explanation I had given and that there was nothing in the transaction which ought to affect my character as a public Officer or lessen the public Confidence in my 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0079", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, 5 July 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Muhlenberg, Frederick A. C.\n[Philadelphia, July 5, 1797. On July 10, 1797, Muhlenberg wrote to Hamilton: \u201cYour letter of the 5th inst did not reach me time enough.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0080", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Olive, 5 July 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Olive, Nicholas\nNew York, July 5, 1797. Acknowledges receipt of papers sent by Olive which \u201crelate to transactions with Mr. Constable.\u201d States that he is already \u201cgenerally engaged for Mr. Constable, and would not in case of controversy act adversely to him for another.\u2026 But perhaps it may be most advisable for you as an Agent to confide the interest of your friend to some person free from any engagement to Mr. Constable.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0081", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham B. Venable, 5 July 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Venable, Abraham B.\n[Philadelphia, July 5, 1797. On July 9, 1797, Venable wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have received your letter of the fifth instant by the hands of Mr. Wolcott.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0082", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Fenno, [6 July 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Fenno, John\n[New York, July 6, 1797]\nMr. Fenno,\nI have seen in your paper of 27th June past, the advertisement of a new publication, being No. V of the History of the United States for 1796, and containing these paragraphs:\n\u201cThis number likewise contains some singular and authentic papers relative to Mr. Alexander Hamilton, late Secretary of the Treasury. No greater proof can be given of the value which is attached to their suppression than the following anecdote:\u201d\n\u201cDuring the late canvas for the election of a President, Webster in his Minerva gave a hint that Mr. Hamilton would be an adviseable candidate. A person in this city who chanced to see this newspaper, wrote immediately to a correspondent in New-York. The letter desired him to put himself in Mr. Hamilton\u2019s way, and inform him that if Webster should in future print a single paragraph on that head, the papers referred to were instantly to be laid before the world. The message was delivered to Mr. Hamilton and the Minerva became silent.\u201d\nI have also, since, seen the pamphlet, No. V. mentioned in the advertisement.\nI think it proper to take an early opportunity to declare, that the anecdote stated in the above paragraph is wholly false, and that I never received any such intimation as is thereby pretended from any person whatever. As to the papers contained in the pamphlet, from a cursory perusal, I take them to be authentic. But the solution of them is simply this\u2014They were the contrivance of two of the most profligate men in the world to obtain their liberation from imprisonment for a serious crime by the favor of party spirit. For this purpose recourse was had to Messrs James Monroe, Senator, Frederick A. Muhlenbergh, Speaker, and Abraham Venable, a Member of the House of Representatives, two of these gentlemen my known political opponents. A full explanation took place between them and myself in the presence of Oliver Wolcott, jun. Esq. the present Secretary of the Treasury, in which by written documents I convinced them of the falshood of the accusation. They declared themselves perfectly satisfied with the explanation, and expressed their regret at the necessity which had been occasioned to me of making it. It is my intention shortly to place the subject more precisely before the public.\nAlexander Hamilton.\nNew-York, July 6, 1797", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0083", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Walker, 6 July 1797\nFrom: Walker, Benjamin\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nFort Schuyler [New York] July 6, 1797. \u201cI will thank to advise what is best to be done to bring the business with Colo Smith to a conclusion\u2014it was referred to Judge Lewis and John Murray as Arbitrators. The former kept the papers a long time and then, Mr Murray informed me, he declined Acting. The arbitration bonds expired and Mr James Smith got a new one executed by his brother extending the time to October. Still Mr Lewis was inserted as the Arbitrator tho\u2019 I informed Mr Smith what Mr Murray had told me of his having declined. As Colo Smith was then gone no one knew where the matter rested. Now, they say Mr Lewis will be in Town the 20th of this month. I will attend to it\u2014or if not that they will appoint Mr Lawrance or Mr Harrison. I have no objection to any man of character but such as are Creditors or connected in the affairs of Colo Smith these must certainly be objected to the Arbitrators must be perfectly indifferent as to the event. Mr Lawrence I am pretty sure is a Creditor. I dont know if Mr Harrison is or not but I think he declined once before from their whole proceeding. Refusing to appoint such Men as will attend to it &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0084", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 7 July 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhila. July 7th. 1797\nDr. Sir\nI send you the residue of the pamph[l]et. I am astonished at the villany of Munroe\u2014a more base, false, & malignant suggestion than is contained in his Note of Jany 2d 1793. was never uttered.\nI am yrs\nOliv Wolcott Jr\nA 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0085", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 7 July 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhila. July 7th. 1797\nMy Dr. Sir.\nI have recd. your Letter with the enclosures. By what I last sent you, you will see the perfidy of at least Munroe.\nI will attend to your request as soon as possible, but all my time this day will be taken up, and perhaps tomorrow.\nyrs.\nOliv Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0087", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham B. Venable, 9 July 1797\nFrom: Venable, Abraham B.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia July 9th. 1797\nSir\nI have received your letter of the fifth instant by the hands of Mr Wolcott.\nI had heard of the pamphlet you mentioned some days before, but had not read it. I am intirely ignorant of the Editor, and of the means by which he procured the papers alluded to.\nI have had nothing to do with the transaction since the interview with you, I do not possess a copy of the papers at present, nor have I at any time had the possession of any of them, I avoided taking a copy because I feared that the greatest care which I could exercise in keeping them safely, might be defeated by some accident and that some person or other might improperly obtain an inspection of them. I have indeavoured to recollect what passed at the close of the interview which took place with respect to this transaction, it was said I believe by us in general terms, that we were Satisfyed with the explanation that had been given, that we regreted the necessity we had been Subjected to in being obliged to make the enquiry, as well as the trouble and anxiety it had occasioned you, and on your part you admitted in general terms that the business as presented to us bore such a doubtful aspect as to justify the inquiry, and that the manner had been satisfactory to you.\nI have now to express my Surprise at the contents of a letter published yesterday in Fennos paper, in which you indeavour to impute to party motives, the part which I have had in this business, and indeavour to connect me with the releasement of persons, committed as you say for serious crimes. Clingman had been released before I heard of the business, and Reynolds on the very day I received the first intimation of it, arrangements having been previously made for that purpose, by those who had interested themselves to bring it about. So that no application was made to me on that subject, either directly or indirectly the object being intirely accomplished by other means, and before I was informed of their confinement; If you will take the trouble to examine the transaction you will find this statement correct, and you cannot be insensible of the injury you do me when you say, this was an attempt to release themselves from imprisonment by favor of party spirit, and that I was one of the persons resorted to on that ground. I appeal to your candour, and ask you if any part of my conduct in this whole business has justifyed such an imputation.\nThis having been a joint business & Mr Monroe being now in New York, I must avoid Saying any thing more on this Subject untill I can see him and Mr Mughlenberg together, which I hope will be in the present week.\nI am Sir \u2003 Hble Sert\nAbm B. Venable", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0089", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, [10 July 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Monroe, James\n[New York, July 10, 1797]\nMr. Hamilton requests an interview with Mr. Monroe at any hour tomorrow forenoon which may be convenient to him. Particular reasons will induce him to bring with him a friend to be present at what may pass. Mr. Monroe, if he pleases, may have another.\nMonday July 10. 1797", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0091", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, 10 July 1797\nFrom: Muhlenberg, Frederick A. C.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilada. July 10th. 1797\nSir\nAs I do not reside in the City at present, Your Letter of the 5th. inst did not reach me time enough to answer by Saturdays post. Whilst I lament the publication of the papers respecting the Affair of Reynolds (of which I hope I need not assure you that I had neither Knowledge or Agency, for I never saw them since the Affair took place, nor was I ever furnished with a Copy) I do not hesitate to declare that I regretted the Trouble and Uneasiness this Business had occasioned, & that I was perfectly satisfied with the Explanation you gave at the same time permit me to remind You of Your Declaration also made in the presence of Mr. Wolcot that the Information & Letters in our possession justified the Suspicions we entertained before Your Explanation took place, and that our conduct towards You in this Business was satisfactory. Having no Share or Agency whatever in the publication or Comments You are pleased to cite I must beg to be excused from making any Remarks thereon. Were I to undertake to contradict the many Absurdities & falsehoods which I see published on a Variety of Subjects which heretofore came under my Notice, it would require more time than I am willing to sacrifice. I have the honor to be\nSir \u2003 Your obdt. humble Servt.\nFredk A C Muhlenberg\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0093", "content": "Title: David Gelston\u2019s Account of an Interview between Alexander Hamilton and James Monroe, 11 July 1797\nFrom: Gelston, David,Hamilton, Alexander,Monroe, James\nTo: \n[New York] Tuesday Morning July 11th. 1797\nMinutes of an Interview between Colo. Monroe and Colo. Hamilton at Colo. M\u2019s. lodgings in the presence of Mr Church & myself. Colo. Hamilton came about 10 oClk in the morning introduced Mr Church as his brother in law. Colo. H. appeared very much agitated upon his entrance into the room, and observed the cause or motives of this meeting being he presumed pretty well understood, he went into a detail of circumstances at considerable length upon a former meeting at Philada. between Mr Muhlenberg Mr. Venable and Colo. M. after considerable time being spent in the detail Colo. M. asked what all that meant & said if you wish me to tell you any thing relating to the business all this history is unnecessary. Col. H said he should come to the point directly\u2014some warmth appeared in both Gentln & some explanation took place Colo. M then began with declaring it was merely accidental his knowing any thing about the business at first he had been informed that one Reynolds from Virginia was in Gaol, he called merely to aid a man that might be in distress, but found it was a Reynolds from NYork and observed that after the meeting alluded to at Philada he sealed up his copy of the papers mentioned and sent or delivered them to his Friend in Virginia\u2014he had no intention of publishing them & declared upon his honor that he knew nothing of their publication until he arrived in Philada from Europe and was sorry to find they were published. Colo. H. observed that as he had written to Colo. M. Mr Muhlenburgh & Mr. Venable he expected an immediate answer to so important a subject in which his character the peace & reputation of his Family were so deeply interested. Colo. M replied that if he Colo. H would be temperate or quiet for a moment or some such word he would answer him candidly\u2014that he recd his Colo. H.\u2019s letter at 10 oClock at Night, that he had determined to leave Philada next Morng & actually did leave it for NYork, that immediately at a late hour that night after receiving the letter he went to Mr. Venables quarters that it was impossible to meet Mr. Muhlenberg & Mr. V. & that as at the meeting before alluded to they were all present (upon which Mr. C. took out of his pocket two pamphlets in which was a statement signed by Mr Muhlenburgh Mr Venable & Colo Monroe) and all had signed it that he thought it most proper for them all to meet & return a joint answer to Colo. H.s letter which he meant to do on his return from Philada. Colo. M then observed if he Colo. H. wished him to give a relation of the facts & circumstances individually as they appeared to him, he would do it then. Colo H. said he should like to hear it, Colo. M then proceeded upon a history of the business printed in the pamphlets and said that the packet of papers before alluded to he yet believed remained sealed with his friend in Virginia and after getting through Colo. H. said this as your representation is totally false (as nearly as I recollect the expression) upon which the Gentlemen both instantly rose Colo. M. rising first and saying do you say I represented falsely, you are a Scoundrel. Colo. H. said I will meet you like a Gentleman Colo. M Said I am ready get your pistols, both said we shall not or it will not be settled any other way. Mr C & my self rising at the same moment put our selves between them Mr. C. repeating Gentlemen Gentlemen be moderate or some such word to appease them, we all sat down & the two Gentn, Colo. M. & Colo. H. soon got moderate, I observed however very clearly to my mind that Colo. H. appeared extremely agitated & Colo. M. appeared soon to get quite cool and repeated his intire ignorance of the publication & his surprize to find it published, observing to Colo. H. if he would not be so warm & intemperate he would explain everything he Knew of the business & how it appeared to him. I then addressed my self to Colo. H. and said if he pleased I would make a proposition he said by all means. I then observed as Colo. M. had satisfied him as to that part of the business which related to the publication of the pamphlets, and as the other part was a transaction of the three Gentlemen before alluded to whether it would not be much the best way to let the whole affair rest until Colo. M returned to Philada. and a meeting could be had with Mr. V & Mr. Muhlenburgh & a joint letter or answer given as Colo M. had proposed. Colo. H. made some answer in a word or two which I understood as not disapproving the mode I proposed, but what I cannot recollect with precision. I observed a silence & addressed my self to Mr. C. with observing perhaps my proposition ought to have been made or would have been made with more propriety to him than to Colo. H & repeated the same thing over again to Mr. C. who after asking Colo. M when he should return to Philada. he Colo. M. answerd on friday at farthest Mr C. then replied that as they Mr. C. & Colo. H. would go on saturday and as the business could be finished on Sunday he thought it would be much the best way. the Gentlemen all rose Mr. C observing that as there would be an explanation by all three Gentlemen (vizt.) Mr V. Mr M. & Colo M that any warmth or unguarded expressions that had happened during the interview should be buried and considered as tho\u2019 it never had happened. Colo. M. said in that respect I shall be governed by Colo. H\u2019s conduct. Colo H said he thought that any intemperate expressions should be forgotten to which Colo. M. agreed.\nDavid Gelston\nthe Interview continued about an hour or a little over myself being present through the whole.\nN. York 11th July 1797", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0094", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 12 July 1797\nFrom: Church, John B.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, July 12, 1797. On July 13, 1797, Church wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI wrote you a few Lines hastily Yesterday at the Post Office.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0095", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 13 July 1797\nFrom: Church, John B.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York July 13: 1797\nMy dear Sir\nI wrote you a few Lines hastily Yesterday at the Post Office just as the Post was setting out I am this Instant Return\u2019d from your House, Eliza is well she Put into my Hand the Newspaper with James Thomsonn Callender\u2019s Letter to you, but it makes not the least Impression on her, only that she considers the whole Knot of those opposed to you to be \u27e8Scoundrels\u27e9, the Postman brought to your House whilst I was there a Letter which as I saw was from Mr Wolcott, I took, the Liberty to open, it contained the inclos\u2019d Certificate, he mentions his Intention of setting out for New York this Day, but I suppose you saw him last Night, and that he will therefore postpone his Journey. Francis has been with me this Morning he pretends that he has Papers in the Hands of his Brother at Philadelphia which will be useful to you, and as he was very desirous to see you at Phila. I thought it was best to suffer him to set out, I imagine he will be with you before you Receive this Letter, he told me that Giles, Maddison and Finlay had frequent Meetings at his Brothers House and that they used a variety of Perswasions to prevail on him to accuse you of being concern\u2019d with Reynolds in Speculation of Certificates altho he repeatedly assur\u2019d them that it was not true, yet they were dispos\u2019d to go every Length for the Purpose of injuring your Character. I suppose Munroe will be at Philadelphia tomorrow, and I think from what I observed Yesterday that he is inclin\u2019d to be very generous and that he is much embarrass\u2019d how to get out of the Scrape in which he has involv\u2019d himself, I told him that Muhlenberg & Venable had both written to you but I did not communicate any part of the Contents of their Letters. I Receiv\u2019d a Letter Yesterday from Mr Cox coverg a Copy of a Deed from Westcott to him for 73 Patents of Land of which 17 & \u00bd Tracts are my Property to be drawn by Lot which he says cannot be done untill some Gentlemen to whom they have sold a Part of the Lands (who are now absent from Philadelphia) Return there and offering to execute a Deed for my undivided Interest, but I wish if possible to have the Patents out of his Hands. My Angelica is not very well\u2014she complains that her Throat is a little sore, I hope it will not be of long Duration. I think from the present Appearances you will not be long detain\u2019d at Philadelphia, but be able to Return on Sunday or Monday. Adieu I am ever sincerely\nYours\nJ B 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0098", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Dexter, 17 July 1797\nFrom: Dexter, Samuel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, July 17, 1797. Asks advice concerning notes he endorsed for James Greenleaf for which Greenleaf provided encumbered lands in upstate New York as security. Encloses fifty dollars as a retainer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0099", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Fenno, [17\u201322 July 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Fenno, John\n[Philadelphia, July 17\u201322, 1797]\nMr. Fenno\nIt has been a general maxim with me, to leave the evidence of my conduct and character to answer the calumnies which party spirit is so incessantly busied in heaping upon me; nor should I have deviated from this course in the present instance, had it not been, that the names of three citizens of political and personal importance in the community appeared to give sanction to the slander. But for this, indeed, I should have been intirely careless about it, relying on those internal characters of falsehood in the story, which could escape no discerning eye. It is necessary to suppose me, not only merely unprincipled but a fool, to imagine that I could not have found better means of gratifying a criminal avarice, and could have stooped to employ such vile instruments for such insignificant ends. When I determined to take notice of the slander, it was my intention, if the sanction of those names could not be taken away by the explicit declaration of the Gentlemen concerned\u2014to place before the public an exact detail of the affair in all its circumstances, accompanied with the written documents which explain unequivocally its true nature. But as such a disclosure would exhibit some features, which delicacy desires to suppress, and as I have obtained from the Gentlemen concerned a full testimony, that they were convinced by the evidence laid before them of the falsehood of the charge brought against me, and a disavoval of the implication contained in the ambiguous phraze of their Memorandum No. V in these words \u201cWe left him under an impression our suspicions were removed\u201d\u2014I have concluded to dispense with the proposed detail, and instead of it, to present to the public the documents at foot. No. 1 & 2 are answers to my letter to Messrs. Mughlenberg Monroe and Venable published in No. VI of the History of the U States for 1796. The rest speak for themselves. But in addition to this, I have resolved to place in the hands of my friend  a particular narrative of the affair and the original papers which support it, with permission to communicate them to respectable men of whatever political party on whose delicacy reliance may be placed.\nA HPhiladelphia July  1797", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0100", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Monroe and Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, 17 July 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James,Muhlenberg, Frederick A. C.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhila. July 17. 1797.\nSir\nIt was our wish to have given a joint answer with Mr. Venable to your favor of the 5th. instant concerning the publication of the proceedings in an enquiry in which we were jointly engaged with him in 1792, respecting an affair between yourself & Mr. Reynolds & into which, from the circumstances attending it, we deemed it our duty to enquire. His departure however for Virginia precludes the posibility of so doing at present. We nevertheless readily give such explanation upon that point as we are now able to give; the original papers having been deposited in the hands of a respectable character in Virga. soon after the transaction took place, & where they now are.\nWe think proper to observe that as we had no agency in or knowledge of the publication of these papers till they appeard, so of course we could have none in the comments that were made on them.\nBut you particularly wish to know what the impression was which yr. explanation of that affair made on our minds, in the interview we had with you upon that subject at your own house, as stated in the paper no. 5 of the publication referred to; and to which we readily reply, that the impression which we left on your mind as stated in that number, was that which rested on our own, and which was that the explanation of the nature of yr. connection with Reynolds which you then gave, removed the suspicions we had before entertained of your being connected with him in speculation. Had not this been the case we shod. certainly not have left that impression on your mind, nor shod. we have desisted from the plan we had contemplated in the inquiry, of laying the papers before the President of the U States.\nWe presume that the papers to which our signatures are annexed are in all cases correct. Tis proper however to observe that as the notes contained in no. 5. were intended only as memoranda of the explanation which you gave us in that interview, as likewise of the information which was afterwards given us by Mr. Clingham on the same subject, and without a view to any particular use, they were entered concisely and without form. This is sufficiently obvious from the difference which appears in that respect, between the papers which preceded our interview & those contained in no. 5 of the publication.\nWe cannot conclude this letter without expressing our surprise at the contents of a paper in the gazette of the U States of the 8th. instant, which states that the proceedings in the inquiry in question, were the contrivance of two very profligate men who sought to obtain their liberation from prison by the favor of party spirit. You will readily recollect that one of these men Mr. Clingham was never imprisoned for any crime alledged against him by the department of the Treasury; & that the other Mr. Reynolds was upon the point of being released and was actually released & without our solicitation or even wish by virtue of an agreement made with him by that department before the enquiry began. We feel too very sensibly the injustice of the intimation that any of us were influenc\u2019d by party spirit, because we well know that such was not the case: nor can we otherwise than be the more surprised that such an intimation shod. now be given, since we well remember that our conduct upon that occasion excited yr. sensibility, and obtained from you an unequivocal acknowledgement of our candor.\nwith consideration we are Sir yr. most obt. & very humble servants\nFredk A C Muhlenberg\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0101", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe and Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, [17 July 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Monroe, James,Muhlenberg, Frederick A. C.\n[Philadelphia, July 17, 1797]\nGentlemen\nI have your letter of this date. It gives me pleasure to receive your explanation of the ambiguous phraze in the paper No V., published with your signatures and that of Mr Venable, and your confirmation of the fact, that my explanation had been satisfactory to you.\nYou express your surprise at the contents of a paper in the Gazette of the U. States of the 8 instant. If you will review that paper with care, you will find, that what is said about party spirit refers to the view with which the accusation was instituted by Reynolds and Clingman, not to that with which the enquiry was entered into by you. They sought, by the favor of party Spirit, to obtain liberation from prison\u2014but though they may have rested their hopes on this ground it is not said nor in my opinion implied, that you in making the Inquiry were actuated by that spirit. I cannot however alter my opinion, that they were influenced by the motive ascribed to them. For though, as you observe, Clingman was not in prison (and so far my memory has erred) and though it may be true, that Reynolds was released before the enquiry began by virtue of an agreement with the Treasury Department (that is the Comptroller of the Treasury) for a reason of public utility which has been explained to you. Yet it will be observed that Clingman, as well as Reynolds was actually under a prosecution for the same offence and that it appears by No. 1. of the papers under your signatures, that for a period of more than three Weeks, while Clingman was in the act of soliciting the \u201caid and friendship of Mr Mughlenburgh on behalf of himself and Reynolds to get them released or discharged from the prosecution\u201d he Clingman frequently dropped hints to Mr Mughlenburgh, that Reynolds had it in his power very materially to injure the Secretary of the Treasury, and that Reynolds knew several very improper transactions of his; and at last went so far as to state that Reynolds said he had it in his power to hang the Secretary of the Treasury who was deeply concerned in Speculation.\u201d From this it appears, that the suggestions to my prejudice were early made and were connected with the endeavour to obtain relief through Mr Mughlenburgh. I derive from all this a confirmation of my opinion, founded on the general nature of the proceeding, that Reynolds & Clingman, knowing the existence in Congress of a party hostile to my conduct in administration, and that the news papers devoted to it, frequently contained insinuations of my being concerned in improper speculations, formed upon that basis the plan of conciliating the favour and aid of that party towards getting rid of the prosecution by accusing me of Speculation. This is what I meant in the publication alluded to and what I must always believe.\nWith this explanation, you will be sensible that there is nothing in the publication inconsistent with my declaration to you at closing our interview. It is very true, that after the full and unqualified expressions which came from you together with Mr Venable, differing in terms but agreeing in substance, of your entire satisfaction with the explanation I had given, and that there was nothing in the affair of the nature suggested; accompanied with expressions of regret at the trouble and anxiety occasioned to me\u2014and when (as I recollect it) some one of the Gentlemen expressed a hope that the manner of conducting the enquiry had appeared to me fair & liberal\u2014I replied in substance, that though I had been displeased wtih the mode of introducing the subject to me (which you will remember I manifested at the time in very lively terms) yet that in other respects I was satisfied with and sensible to the candour with which I had been treated. And this was the sincere impression of my mind.\nWith Consideration \u2003 I am Gentlemen \u2003 Your Most Obed & humble Servant\nAlex HamiltonPhiladelphia July 17. 1797\nTo Fred: A Mughlenberg  & James Monroe \nEsquires", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0102", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, [17 July 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Monroe, James\n[Philadelphia, July 17, 1797]\nSir\nI send herewith an answer to the joint letter of Mr. Mughlenberg and yourself. It appears to me on reflection requisite to have some explanation on the note of January 2. 1793 with your signature and It may be inferred, from the attention to record the information of Clingman therein stated after what had passed between us, that you meant to give credit and sanction to the suggestion that the defence set up by me was an imposition. You will, I doubt not, be sensible of the propriety of my requesting you to explain yourself on this point also.\nI remain with consideration \u2003 Sir Yr. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0103", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Monroe, 17 July 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhila. July 17. 1797.\nSir\nIt is impossible for me to trace back at this moment, occupied as I am with other concerns, all the impressions of my mind at the different periods at which the memoranda were made in the publication to which you refer in your favor of today, but I well remember that in entering the one which bears my single signature, altho\u2019 I was surprised at the communication given, yet I neither meant to give or imply any opinion of my own as to its contents. I simply entered the communication as I recd it, reserving to myself the liberty to form an opinion upon it at such future time as I found convenient, paying due regard to all the circumstances connected with it. I am Sir with consideratn. yr. very humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0105", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Monroe, 18 July 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhila. July 18. 1797.\nSir\nI can only observe that in entering the note which bears my single signature I did not convey or mean to convey any opinion of my own, as to the faith which was due to it, but left it to stand on its own merits reserving to myself the right to judge of it, as upon any fact afterwards communicated according to its import & authenticity.\nwith due respect I am Sir yr. very humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0107", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, 20 July 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Monroe, James\n[Philadelphia] July 20. 1797\nSir\nIn my last letter to you I proposed a simple and direct question, to which I had hoped an answer equally simple and direct. That which I have received, though amounting, if I understand it, to an answer in the negative, is conceived in such circuitous terms as may leave an obscurity upon the point which ought not to have remained. In this situation, I feel it proper to tell you frankly my impression of the matter.\nThe having any communication with Clingman, after that with me, receiving from him and recording information depending on the mere veracity of a man undeniably guilty of subornation of perjury, and one whom the very documents which he himself produced to you shewed sufficiently to be the accomplice of a vindictive attempt upon me,\n   See the letter from Reynolds to Clingman in which he declares that he will have satisfaction of me at all events & that he trusts only to Clingman.\n leaving it in a situation where by possibility, it might rise up at a future and remote day to inculpate me, without the possibility perhaps from the lapse of time of establishing the refutation, and all this without my privity or knowlege, was in my opinion in a high degree indelicate and improper. To have given or intended to give the least sanction or credit after all that was known to you, to the mere assertion of either of the three persons Clingman Reynolds or his wife would have betrayed a disposition towards me which if it appeared to exist would merit epithets the severest that I could apply.\nWith consideration I am \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your very humble serv\nA Hamilton\nJames Monroe 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0108", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [21 July 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Philadelphia, July 21, 1797]\nMy avocation here my darling Eliza must detain me beyond the departure of the Mail stage but I expect certainly to leave town in the stage of tomorrow morning and still expect to reach New York tomorrow. Love to Angelica & Church. I shall return full freighted with it for My dear Brunettes\nAdieu", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0109", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Monroe, 21 July 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhila. July 21. 1797.\nSir\nYour favor of yesterday (to use your own language) gives an indelicate and improper coloring to the topic to which it refers. I will endeavor in a few words to place the points in discussion where they ought to stand.\nIt was never our intention other than to fulfill our duty to the publick, in our enquiry into your conduct, and with delicacy & propriety to yourself, nor have we done otherwise.\nIn this truth, in respect to the enquiry, & to our conduct upon that occasion, you have so often assented, that nothing need now be said on that point. In short I shod. have considered myself as highly criminal, advised as I was of your conduct, had I not united in the enquiry into it, for what offense can be more reprehensible in an officer charged with the finances of his country, than to be engaged in speculation? And what other officer who had reason to suspect this could justify himself for failing to examine into the truth of the charge? We did so. Apprized you of what we had done. Heared yr. explanation and were satisfied with it. It is proper to observe that in the expln. you gave, you admitted all the facts upon which our opinion was founded, but yet accounted for them, and for your connection with Reynolds, on another principle. Tis proper also to observe that we admitted your explanation upon the faith of your own statment, and upon the documents you presented, tho\u2019 I do not recollect they were proved or that proof was required of them.\nYou will remember that in this interview in wh. we acknowledged ourselves satisfied with the explanation you gave, we did not bind ourselves not to hear further information on the subject, or even not to proceed further in case we found it our duty so to do. This wod. have been improper, because subsequent facts might be disclosed which might change our opinion, and in which case it wod. be our duty to proceed further. And with respect to Mr. Clingman we thought it highly proper to hear what he had to say, because we had before heard him on the subject, and because you had acknowledged all his previous information to be true, and because he was a party and had a right to be heard on it. You will observe by the entry that we did not seek him, nor even apprize him of the expln. recd. from you. on the contrary that he sought us and in consequence of information recd. from Mr. Wolcott.\nThe subject is now before the publick and I repeat to you what I have said before, that I do not wish any opinion of my own to be understood as conveyed in the entry which bears my single signature: because when I entered it I had no opinion upon it, as sufficiently appears by my subsequent conduct, having never acted upon it, and deposited the papers with a friend when I left my country, in whose hands they still are. Whether the imputations against you as to speculation, are well or ill founded, depends upon the facts & circumstances which appear against you & upon yr. defense. If you shew that they are ill founded, I shall be contented, for I have never undertaken to accuse you since our interview, nor do I now give any opinion on it, reserving to myself the liberty to form one, after I see your defense: being resolved however so far as depends on me, not to bar the door to free enquiry as to the merits of the case in either view.\nThis contains a just state of this affr. so far as I remember it, which I presume will be satisfactory to you; and to which I shall only add that as on the one hand I shall always be ready to do justice to the claims of any one upon me, so I shall always be equally prepared to vindicate my conduct and character against the attacks of any one who may assail them. with due\nrespect I am Sir yr. obt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0111", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 24 July 1797\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia July 24. 1797\nDear Hamilton,\nIn compliance with your request I waited upon Mr. Monroe, on saturday morning, and delivered your letter to him\u2014telling him, at the same time, that, in consequence of Mrs. Hamilton being in the last stage of pregnancy, you were under the necessity of going immediately to New York, but would return to Philadelphia in about a fortnight.\nHaving read the letter, he said \u201cit is very well, I shall attend to Colonel Hamilton\u2019s movements\u2014I mean to go to Virginia about the last of next week, but expect to return shortly to Philadelphia.\u201d A conversation ensued which was prefaced on my part by the observation \u201cthat, as I was not authorised by Colonel Hamilton to any thing more than the delivery of the letter, and the verbal communication, which stated the necessity of your going immediately to New York, on account of Mrs. H\u2019s situation, and your intention to return to Philadelphia in about a fortnight, no conclusions affecting Colonel Hamilton, shoud be drawn from what I might say in the conversation.\u201d From this conversation I drew the following inferences.\nThat Mr. Monroe thought the correspondence which had passed between you and him, since your visit to Philadelphia, should be withdrawn\u2014and destroyed\u2014but that he wished not to be considered as making the proposal to withdraw it.\nThat if a letter was addressed by you to Mr. Muhlenberg, Mr. Venable, and Mr. Monroe putting the question whether they meant to offer any opinion upon, or to annex any sanction to, the last paper given in by Clingman, he, Mr. Monroe, had no doubt they would say that they neither meant to give any opinion, nor to annex any sanction to that paper, as, he said, must naturally be inferred from their not having acted upon it, which duty would have required of them had they annexed any sanction to the paper.\nThat he, Mr Monroe, had never intended to become your accuser, nor was he now so disposed.\nThat his letters to you, in your late correspondence, had been respectful\u2014and that yours to him he thought had been much otherwise.\nThese inferences, which I think correctly drawn, from the substance of such part of the conversation, as, considering the limitation which I had assigned to any of its conclusions compromitting you, I think myself at liberty to repeat.\nAnd, indeed, my dear Hamilton, unless there are very strong reasons to press you on the subject of publishing, I wish it could be postponed until we meet, which meeting I will facilitate by any means you may point out.\nI am really of opinion that better effects may result from a declaration on the part of Messrs. Monroe, Muhlenberg, and Venable that they annexed no sanction to Clingman\u2019s last paper, and from the obvious inference that they did not believe it, since if they had believed it, considering their original disposition towards you, they would have acted upon it, than from entering into a detailed publication, which although it might fully satisfy all impartial men, (who by the way are already satisfied) would only furnish fresh pabulum for the virulent invective and abuse of faction to feed on.\nIn any determination I think it will be best to suspend the publication until Mr. Monroe returns from Virginia, more especially as your gauntlet is now before him.\nLet me repeat that your friends and every impartial Man are convinced of your purity as a public Officer\u2014and no one among them can suppose that you are called on to furnish the Presbyterian pulpits with subject matter of declamation, however irrelevant, against the best political interests of our country.\nLet me know that you have received this letter and believe me\nWith sincere affection and esteem \u2003 Your faithful friend and servant\nW Jackson\nColonel 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0112", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 25 July 1797\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia July 25. 1797\nDear Hamilton,\nIn consequence of a conversation with Dr McHenry, to whom I shewed my letter to you of yesterday, I believed it proper to see Mr. Monroe this morning. He says he shall write to you tomorrow. His letter will form a better rule for further proceeding than any thing I have said, or can say.\nMy letter of yesterday was too late for the mail, and will be received at the same time with this. But Mr. Monroes determination to write to you himself does away with the necessity of that letter, and, was it not already in the post office, I would not trouble you with it.\nI am most sincerely \u2003 Your faithful & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0114", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, 28 July 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Monroe, James\nNew York July 28. 1797\nSir\nYour letter of the 25 instant reached me yesterday.\nWithout attempting to analize the precise import of your expressions, in that particular, and really at a loss for your meaning when you appeal to my knowlege of a determination to which you say you should firmly adhere, I shall observe, in relation of the idea of my desiring to make the affair personal between us, that it would be no less unworthy of me to seek than to shew such an issue. It was my earnest wish to have experienced a conduct on your part, such as was in my opinion due to me, to yourself and to justice. Thinking, as I did on the coolest reflection, that this had not been the case, I did not hesitate to convey to you the impressions which I entertained, prepared for any consequences to which it might lead.\nNevertheless, it would have been agreeable to me to have found in your last letter sufficient cause for relinquishing those impressions. But I cannot say that I do. The idea is every way inadmissible that Clingman\u2019s last miserable contrivance should have had weight to shake, though not absolutely change the opinion which my explanation had produced; and that having such an effect it should have been recorded and preserved in secret without the slightest intimation to me. There was a vast difference between what might have been proper before and after my explanation; though I am not disposed to admit that the attention which was paid to such characters, ever before, would have been justifiable had it not been for the notes in my handwriting.\nBut the subject is too disgusting to leave me any inclination to prolong this discussion of it. The public explanation to which I am driven must decide, as far as public opinion is concerned, between us. Painful as the appeal will be in one respect, I know that in the principal point, it must completely answer my purpose.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0115", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, [28 July 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\n[New York, July 28, 1797]\nMy Dear Wadsworth\nI regretted much, that I did not find you here.\nI know you have seen the late publications, in which the affair of Reynold\u2019s is revived. I should have taken no notice of them had not the names of Mughlenberg Monroe & Venable given them an artificial importance. But I thought under this circumstance, I could not but attend to them. The affair has so turned that I am obliged to publish every thing.\nBut from the lapse of time I am somewhat embarrassed to prove Mrs. Reynold\u2019s hand writing. Thinking it probable, as she was a great scribbler you must have received some notes from her when she applied to you for assistance, I send you one of her notes to me and if your recollection serves would be much obliged to you to return it with your affidavit annexed\u2014\u201cThat you received letters from Mrs. Reynolds, conceived yourself to be acquainted with her hand writing & that you verily believe this letter to be of her hand writing.\u201d\nIf your memory does not serve you then return the letter alone to me. If I remember right I never knew of your agency towards procuring Reynold\u2019s relief, till after he was discharged. If your memory stands in the same way, I will thank you to add a declaration to this effect.\nDont neglect me nor lose time.\nYrs. truly\nJ Wadsworth Es", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0116", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Jones, [29 July 1797]\nFrom: Jones, Edward\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, July 29, 1797. On July 30, 1797, Jones wrote to Hamilton and referred to \u201cmy letter of yesterday.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0117", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Jones, 30 July 1797\nFrom: Jones, Edward\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia July 30th. 1797\nDear Sir,\nIn my letter of yesterday, I mentioned an interview which I was to have with a person on the subject of the Conspirators. This interview has taken place. The person alluded to proves to be a Mr. Folwell by profession a printer, and whose character I am told stands sufficiently fair to give weight to his testimony. The facts which he offers to substantiate are as follows\u2014The improper conduct of Mrs. R\u2014\u2014 whilst a lodger at his Mothers house\u2014her Confession to him that her husband wished her to prostitute herself for money\u2014her sending for him after she had assumed the Name of Clingman and telling among other things, that she had married Clingman before she had been divorced from Reynolds\u2014in short if we were to pursue the clue which Folwell can furnish, we might obtain a very curious history of the means employed by those Caitiffs to levy contributions on the public\u2014but as our time will not permit us to extend our enquiries, it will be best to content ourselves with such facts as come within his own knowledge.\nFolwell does not wish it to appear as if he had volunteered this business\u2014he therefore requests that you would address him a line, stating that you had been informed of his being acquainted with some circumstances relative to Reynolds & his Wife, and requesting that he would make oath to what he knew\u2014this you can do without mentioning my name or that of Fenno.\nThe moment I cast my eyes on the Copies of the original documents of the proceedings of the famous Committee of enquiry I was enabled to account for their publication, admitting that the originals have not been resorted to\u2014the fact is, they were transcribed by one of Beckley\u2019s Clerks, who has very probably been directed to retain Copies of them.\nSince writing the above, Mr. Folwell called on me and put into my possession the enclosed sheets, which upon a careful perusal I find to contain the most important information. You will observe by his letter to you on the back of this last sheet, that he wishes you to throw his communication into a better form, preserving however as much as possible the style, that the production may appear to be his own. This task I would have undertaken myself, but my health forbids the attempt. I have pledged myself to Mr. Folwell, that the rough draught shall be returned\u2014you will therefore transmit it to me as soon as you have extracted everything useful to yourself. Preserve at all events, the anecdote of Mrs. R\u2019s application to Govr. Mifflin & Secretary Dallas. Now that I mention Mifflin\u2019s name, it is proper to inform you, he does not wish to recollect the fact referred to him in your publication\u2014it has therefore been struck out.\nJust as I was going to close this long Epistle, Folwell called on me with a letter signed M. Clingman a copy whereof is enclosed. This letter proves two important facts\u2014first\u2014her hand writing\u2014Second, her connection with Clingman. Altho the motives which have governed Folwell in making these disclosures are highly disinterested\u2014I should much approve of some means being adopted to convince him of your sense of the service he has rendered to you. The mode is submitted to yourself. He appears to possess a wish, that his communications might be cloathed in language favorable to his talents as a Writer\u2014it is but reasonable therefore that he should be gratified\u2014it is his desire also that his information may be published in the shape of a letter.\nWith esteem \u2003 I am \u2003 Dr Sir \u2003 Yours &c\nE. Jones\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0118", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 31 July 1797\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia July 31. 1797\nDear Hamilton,\nYour letter to Mr. Monroe, which I received under cover on Saturday last, was delivered to him on that day\u2014he said he should not leave Philadelphia until thursday, and gave me to understand that he would write to you.\nIt appears to me that your publication must go on, as Mr. M did not seem willing to grant the certificate, and I confess I should be unwilling to recommend any compromise short of that.\nI am sincerely \u2003 Your faithful & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0119", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James Monroe, 31 July 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhila. July 31. 1797.\nSir\nYour letter of the 28th which I have recd. claims a short answer.\nI have always stated to you that I had no wish to do you a personal injury. The several explanations wh. I have made accorded with truth & my ideas of propriety. Therefore I need not repeat them.\nIf these do not yield you satisfaction I can give no other, unless called on in a way which always for the illustration of truth, I wish to avoid, but which I am ever ready to meet. This is what I meant by that part of my letter which you say you do not understand. With due respect I am\nYr. humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0120", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 2 August 1797\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nHartford August 2d 1797\nDear Sir\nyour favor of the 28th July arrived late last evening. I have not the least knowledge of Mrs. Reynolds\u2019s hand writing nor do I remember ever to have recd a line from her if I did they were destroyed but a letter or two for you which by Your request I returned to her or destroyed. The first time I ever saw or heared of her She came to my lodgings one Morning\u2014and stated the Situation of her husband and desired me to apply to You Mr Woolcott & General Mifflin for his Liberation told me she was the Wife of Reynolds the Sister of Col DuBois. I told her I knew her husband. that his Character was bad and no interference of mind would be proper nor could it suceed: at this moment John Vaughn came in on a Visit & supposeing me engaged offered to retire. I told him to stay the Lady was going she then said she wished to say something in private. Mr. V took leave. And she immediately fell into a flood of Tears and told me a long storey about her application to You for Money when in distress in her husbands Absence & that it ended in a amour & was discovered by her husband from a letter she had written to you which fell into his hands. I told her I would see Mr. Woolcott & G Mifflin The next Morning I told Mr. Woolcott what had passed he then related the transaction for which Clingn & Reys had been committed. I then went to Mifflin and told him I came at ye request of Mrs. Reynolds. he imediately told me that she had told him the Story of the amour. I imediately left him went to Mrs Reynolds and told her who I had seen that all interference on my part was at an end that in my Opinion her husband must undergo a trial. She then mention the transaction of Baron Glaubeck would be brot into View and be injurious to You. I told her it was fortunate that I knew more about Glaubecks affair than any body and it could not injure you or Any body else. A Mr. Clingman whom I had never seen before and seemed to have been sent for was present part of the time. From this interview I was fully confirmed in my Opinion before formed that the whole business was a combination among them to Swindle you. Mrs Reynolds called on me again and urged me deliver letters to You. You refused to receive them & desired me to return letters for You or destroy them I do not know which. I rec\u2019d several Messages from her and again went to her house told her you would hold no correspondence with her and gave her my Opinion as at first that her husband must undergo a trial. I can not be particular as to time & date and I do not remember that I ever knew how he was liberated untill I lately saw Mr Woolcott. I certainly never considered myselfe as having any agency in procureing Reynolds\u2019s relief nor do I remember ever to have had any conversation with You on the subject untill after your meeting with the Mess Munroe Melenburg & Venables. and had supposed Reynolds to have been \u27e8released\u27e9 by their influence he was \u27e8ashamed\u27e9 to have been so \u27e8\u2013\u27e9 after an Explanation with you. I am sorry you have found it necessary to publish any thing for it will be easy to invent new Calumnies & you may be kept continualy employed in answring. be Assured it never will be in the power of your enemies to give the public an opinion that you have Speculated in ye funds, nor do they expect it: I should have replied by this days Post\u2014but the Mail arrives here at nine at night & goes out at Two in the Morning.\nI am D sir truly yours\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0122", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Egbert Benson, 4 August 1797\nFrom: Benson, Egbert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York] August 4, 1797. \u201cI take the first leisure moment to write to you on the Subject you mentioned to Me on Tuesday last, as to the Probability, whether after the Expiration of the seven Years granted by the first Law, the Legislature would prolong the Term for which the Dutch Gentlemen might hold the Lands they have purchased in our State? For four successive Sessions of the Legislature my Endeavours were unceasing, and yet nothing more could be effected than in the first Instance than a privilege for seven Years only, and that afterwards extended for thirteen Years more on Condition that the Purchasers would advance a Sum on Loan for the western Canal. Both these Bills passed the Assembly with great Difficulty, and without meaning to make a Merit of it with these Gentlemen, I will venture to say and which I am perswaded You will readily beleive, that much is to be attributed to my personal Influence with many of the Members.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0124", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, 4 August 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Monroe, James\nNew York Aug 4. 1797\nSir\nIn my opinion the idea of a personal affair between us ought not to have found a place in your letters or it ought to have assumed a more positive shape. In the state to which our correspondence had brought the question, it lay with you to make the option whether such an issue should take place. If what you have said be intended as an advance towards it, it is incumbent upon me not to decline it. On the supposition that it is so intended I have authorised Major Jackson to communicate with you and to settle time and place.\nI am Sir \u2003 Your Humble servant\nJames Monroe 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0125", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 5 August 1797\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia August 5. 1797\nMy dear Sir,\nImmediately on the receipt of your Letter this morning, I waited on Colonel Monroe and observing that \u201cColonel Hamilton considering your letter as an overture to a personal meeting, has directed me to deliver this letter from him to you\u2014and I have further to inform you that I am prepared to give effect to the purpose of his letter.\u201d\nMr. Monroe received the letter, and then asked me if it was a challenge. I told him that propriety, in every relation, forbad me to say that I was the Bearer of a challenge\u2014the letter would explain its purport. He then returned the letter to me, and said he would consult a friend.\nI desired him to attend the message, which I would repeat, as stated within the inverted commas, On which he requested me to lay down the letter, and as soon as he had consulted with his friend, he would give an answer either to you or myself. Here we parted. By to-morrow\u2019s post I may be able to give you the result of his determination.\nI have delivered the other paper to Mr. Jones.\nAccept my congratulations on the birth of your Son\u2014and always believe me\nAffectionately yours\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0126", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6[\u201310] August 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear sir\nNo satisfactory Opinion can yet be formed concerning the termination of the negotiations for Peace. Even those who are supposed to have the best information are without confidence\u2014on the one Hand peace may be concluded sooner than any one thinks probable, on the other the negotiations at Lisle and montebello may be suddenly broken off, and France again engaged with austria as well as England. A great Struggle in which all Europe think themselves interested, exists between the two Councils and a majority of the Directory, for it is well understood that almost every question is decided in this latter Body by three against two. If the councils prevail, peace is believed to be more probable\u2014if the war continues Denmark, and the neighbouring free Cities, Portugal, perhaps Switzerland, and even Greece as well as the whole of Italy will be revolutionized. I wish I could write to you with the same freedom as we could converse: how far the new order of things is to extend, which are still to be overturned, and who are to be spared, is a subject concerning which we may amuse ourselves with Conjectures; it would be a consolation, could we any where discover a mind of adequate foresight and authority, to influence, combine, and apply to their proper and legitimate uses, the dispositions, and the means, which unquestionably exist, to resist and baffle the monstruous Force, which overturns, and will continue to lay waste every Country against which it bends its energies\u2014paradoxical as it may appear, the People are less wrong than their Governments, which every where seem to be destitute of both wisdom and courage. I cannot except even the Government of this Country, which possessing the command of the Resources of the Richest nation in Europe, with a clear and distinct view of the total insecurity of any compromise with their Enemy, still dismount and lower the national Spirit and Courage by fruitless and repeated Efforts to restore Peace. Men are mortal, and by a Law to which they are subject, can exist but for a limited time. Societies are exempt from this Law, and there is nothing in their nature that limits their improvement, or Duration; still the Analogy is but too strict, and we seem to be doomed to witness, if not to suffer in, the Dissolution of the present social organization.\nFarewell, when I am able to give you a gayer prospect, I will write to you again.\nYours very sincerely\nPS. 10 Aug. a very short time will ascertain who are to rule in Fr\u2014the armies are loud and publish their sentiments with great Boldness\u2014it wd. not be surprizing shd. they try their hands and give another Constitution to the imperishable Republic. The negotiations at Lisle are suspended in Effect (tho in form they continue) and will continue so till the Parties decide which shall govern.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0128", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 7 August 1797\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, August 7. 1797\nDear Hamilton,\nI have informed Mr. Dawson, who called on me yesterday, on the part of Mr. Monroe, that, as you had expressly told Mr. M in one of your letters, that you thought the motives of his conduct towards you had been \u201cmalignant and dishonorable,\u201d I had advised you against throwing the affair into a more formal challenge, it resting, in my opinion, with Mr. Monroe either to submit to, or to resent these expressions.\nI am always \u2003 Your faithful affectionate friend\nW Jackson\nThis letter has been shewn to Mr. Dawson.\nW. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0129", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 7 August 1797\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, August 7. 1797\nDear Hamilton\nMr. Dawson (of Virginia) called upon me yesterday morning to shew to me a letter from Mr. Monroe to you, wherein he says \u201cthat if you considered his last letter as a challenge, he will frankly acknowledge that you were mistaken\u2014that he meant not to give but to be prepared to receive one\u2014that he admits, if any one has been injured in the correspondence between you, it has been you\u2014and, if your letter was intended as a direct challenge, Colonel Burr is charged with his answer.\u201d\nI hold it to be a duty to say something on the subject of this letter, and to offer my opinion on the manner of treating it.\nIt is certainly a question of feeling which of you is to consider yourself as the Party injured by the correspondence\u2014and Mr. Monroe may possibly think you the injured party\u2014or, by saying so, he may endeavor to extort a direct challenge: But it by no means appears to me that you are the Person injured by the correspondence\u2014injured you may be by his conduct\u2014but there is not a word in his correspondence, since I became acquainted with it, which will bear that construction, or that calls for a direct challenge from you. On the other hand I declare it to be an opinion, growing out of my sense of propriety, that the man, whose sense of injury is not to be awakened by being told (as you have expressly told Mr Monroe) that the motives to his conduct have been \u201cmalignant and dishonorable\u201d and whose resentment, after such indignity, is not to be excited by a proposal to settle the time and place of a personal meeting, is not a Person to whom I would offer a direct defiance, which might be accepted or which might be used to other purposes.\nUnder this impression of your situation, I am free to advise you to decline giving a direct challenge to Mr. Monroe\u2014and to wait the effect of your publication, which will, I doubt not, be the removal of any opinion, if any such has been formed, against your official conduct.\nI am, most sincerely \u2003 My dear Hamilton \u2003 Your faithful and affectionate friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0132", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Jackson, 11 August 1797\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia August 11. 1797\nDear Sir,\nI have received your letter, without date, enclosing the copies of Mr. Monroes two last letters to you, which I have delivered to Mr. Jones\u2014to whom I have shewn your letter.\nHe is surprised that you should not have received a packet containing some interesting documents, among others Folwell\u2019s testimony, which he forwarded to you under the Comptroller\u2019s frank. I am no less surprised that you should not have acknowledged the receipt of my two last letters, one of which, expressing my advice to you on Mr. Monroes last letter, I had shewn to his friend Mr. Dawson\u2014a copy of this letter, which is a short one, I must request you to transmit to me, as I mean to annex it to the certificate which I shall give to Mr. Jones.\nI applaud your decision on Monroe\u2019s last letter, and congratulate you on the recent evidence received through Folwell, a duplicate of which Mr. Jones will forward tomorrow.\nI am always \u2003 Your faithful affectionate friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0134", "content": "Title: Certificate by James Monroe, [16 August 1797]\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, August 16, 1797]\nI hereby certify that it was not my intention to give any sanction to, or opinion of my own, as to the entry which bears my single signature, in the papers containing an enquiry into Colo. Hamiltons conduct, by messrs. Muhlenburg Venable & myself in 1792, but that I meant it to stand on the credit of Mr. Clingman only upon whose application the entry was made. Phila. Augt. 16. 1797.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0135", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, [17 August 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: McHenry, James\n[New York, August 17, 1797]\nMy Dr Sir\nInclosed are some papers, which were sent me shortly after my return to this City from Philadelphia but which from Mrs. Hamilton\u2019s situation hurry of business &c have been forgotten. If there is any thing to be said to my correspondent you will enable me as speedily as possible to say it. I send you the 100 Dollars you sent me and a further sum to reimburse some money paid for me by Lewis.\nYrs affectly\nA HamiltonAug. 17. 1797\nJs. Mc. Henry 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0136", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 August 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhilad. 19 Augt. 1797.\nMy dear Sir\nI have received this morning your letter of the 17th inst.\nMr Jones is without your letter of the 4th to Mr Monroe, and the want of it delays the publication.\nWith respect to the papers inclosed to you by Mr. Tillery. I wrote to McKee on the 25th of July ulto.\n\u201cI will state to you briefly the difficulty which prevents any final determination at present on the two propositions which respect the house of Panton Leslie & Co. and what I think that house may reasonably look forward to.\u201d\n\u201cAs the assumption of their Indian debts or compensation for them in land would require the consent of Congress, it would be to hazard a great deal too much to make any promise to them founded on its being obtainable. In a case so circumstanced it is proper that they should understand the difficulty and be convinced that the President has no authority to conclude such an engagement or make it binding on the U.S. In giving them this information you will mention how very sensible I am of the good offices which they have it in their power to render, and that whatever favour they can ask that can be granted by the President will not be refused. It would be easy I should conceive to afford them such indulgences as would greatly facilitate the effectual and prompt collection of their debts within our Indian nations and this is what I think they may ask and reasonably look forward to.\u201d\n\u201cConsidering how infinitely precious the friendship of the U.S. is to Spain I can only ascribe the late conduct of some of her officers to an influence which controuls their better judgment. War is not desired by the U.S. They will shun it if possible, and sure I am Spain ought carefully to avoid forcing them into it. My last accounts from Natches is up to the 19 May. Then every thing was seemingly quiet.\u201d\nYours affectionately\nJames McHenry\nP.S. There was no money in your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0138-0002", "content": "Title: Printed Version of the \u201cReynolds Pamphlet\u201d, 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \nThe spirit of jacobinism, if not entirely a new spirit, has at least been cloathed with a more gigantic body and armed with more powerful weapons than it ever before possessed. It is perhaps not too much to say, that it threatens more extensive and complicated mischiefs to the world than have hitherto flowed from the three great scourges of mankind, War, Pestilence and Famine. To what point it will ultimately lead society, it is impossible for human foresight to pronounce; but there is just ground to apprehend that its progress may be marked with calamities of which the dreadful incidents of the French revolution afford a very faint image. Incessantly busied in undermining all the props of public security and private happiness, it seems to threaten the political and moral world with a complete overthrow.\nA principal engine, by which this spirit endeavours to accomplish its purposes is that of calumny. It is essential to its success that the influence of men of upright principles, disposed and able to resist its enterprises, shall be at all events destroyed. Not content with traducing their best efforts for the public good, with misrepresenting their purest motives, with inferring criminality from actions innocent or laudable, the most direct falshoods are invented and propagated, with undaunted effrontery and unrelenting perseverance. Lies often detected and refuted are still revived and repeated, in the hope that the refutation may have been forgotten or that the frequency and boldness of accusation may supply the place of truth and proof. The most profligate men are encouraged, probably bribed, certainly with patronage if not with money, to become informers and accusers. And when tales, which their characters alone ought to discredit, are refuted by evidence and facts which oblige the patrons of them to abandon their support, they still continue in corroding whispers to wear away the reputations which they could not directly subvert. If, luckily for the conspirators against honest fame, any little foible or folly can be traced out in one, whom they desire to persecute, it becomes at once in their hands a two-edged sword, by which to wound the public character and stab the private felicity of the person. With such men, nothing is sacred. Even the peace of an unoffending and amiable wife is a welcome repast to their insatiate fury against the husband.\nIn the gratification of this baleful spirit, we not only hear the jacobin news-papers continually ring with odious insinuations and charges against many of our most virtuous citizens; but, not satisfied with this, a measure new in this country has been lately adopted to give greater efficacy to the system of defamation\u2014periodical pamphlets issue from the same presses, full freighted with misrepresentation and falshood, artfully calculated to hold up the opponents of the Faction to the jealousy and distrust of the present generation and if possible, to transmit their names with dishonor to posterity. Even the great and multiplied services, the tried and rarely equalled virtues of a Washington, can secure no exemption.\nHow then can I, with pretensions every way inferior expect to escape? And if truly this be, as every appearance indicates, a conspiracy of vice against virtue, ought I not rather to be flattered, that I have been so long and so peculiarly an object of persecution? Ought I to regret, if there be any thing about me, so formidable to the Faction as to have made me worthy to be distinguished by the plentytude of its rancour and venom?\nIt is certain that I have had a pretty copious experience of its malignity. For the honor of human nature, it is to be hoped that the examples are not numerous of men so greatly calumniated and persecuted, as I have been, with so little cause.\nI dare appeal to my immediate fellow citizens of whatever political party for the truth of the assertion, that no man ever carried into public life a more unblemished pecuniary reputation, than that with which I undertook the office of Secretary of the Treasury; a character marked by an indifference to the acquisition of property rather than an avidity for it.\nWith such a character, however natural it was to expect criticism and opposition, as to the political principles which I might manifest or be supposed to entertain, as to the wisdom or expediency of the plans, which I might propose, or as to the skill, care or diligence with which the business of my department might be executed, it was not natural to expect nor did I expect that my fidelity or integrity in a pecuniary sense would ever be called in question.\nBut on his head a mortifying disappointment has been experienced. Without the slightest foundation, I have been repeatedly held up to the suspicions of the world as a man directed in his administration by the most sordid views; who did not scruple to sacrifice the public to his private interest, his duty and honor to the sinister accumulation of wealth.\nMerely because I retained an opinion once common to me and the most influencial of those who opposed me, That the public debt ought to be provided for on the basis of the contract upon which it was created, I have been wickedly accused with wantonly increasing the public burthen many millions, in order to promote a stockjobbing interest of myself and friends.\nMerely because a member of the House of Representatives entertained a different idea from me, as to the legal effect of appropriation laws, and did not understand accounts, I was exposed to the imputation of having committed a deliberate and criminal violation of the laws and to the suspicion of being a defaulter for millions; so as to have been driven to the painful necessity of calling for a formal and solemn inquiry.\nThe inquiry took place. It was conducted by a committee of fifteen members of the House of Representatives\u2014a majority of them either my decided political enemies or inclined against me, some of them the most active and intelligent of my opponents, without a single man, who being known to be friendly to me, possessed also such knowledge and experience of public affairs as would enable him to counteract injurious intrigues. Mr. Giles of Virginia who had commenced the attack was of the committee.\nThe officers and books of the treasury were examined. The transactions between the several banks and the treasury were scrutinized. Even my private accounts with those institutions were laid open to the committee; and every possible facility given to the inquiry. The result was a complete demonstration that the suspicions which had been entertained were groundless.\nThose which had taken the fastest hold were, that the public monies had been made subservient to loans, discounts and accommodations to myself and friends. The committee in reference to this point reported thus: \u201cIt appears from the affidavits of the Cashier and several officers of the bank of the United States and several of the directors, the Cashier, and other officers of the bank of NewYork, that the Secretary of the Treasury never has either directly or indirectly, for himself or any other person, procured any discount or credit from either of the said banks upon the basis of any public monies which at any time have been deposited therein under his direction: And the committee are satisfied, that no monies of the United States, whether before or after they have passed to the credit of the Treasurer have ever been directly or indirectly used for or applied to any purposes but those of the government, except so far as all monies deposited in a bank are concerned in the general operations thereof.\u201d\nThe report, which I have always understood was unanimous, contains in other respects, with considerable detail the materials of a complete exculpation. My enemies, finding no handle for their malice, abandoned the pursuit.\nYet unwilling to leave any ambiguity upon the point, when I determined to resign my office, I gave early previous notice of it to the House of Representatives, for the declared purpose of affording an opportunity for legislative crimination, if any ground for it had been discovered. Not the least step towards it was taken. From which I have a right to infer the universal conviction of the House, that no cause existed, and to consider the result as a complete vindication.\nOn another occasion, a worthless man of the name of Fraunces found encouragement to bring forward to the House of Representatives a formal charge against me of unfaithful conduct in office. A Committee of the House was appointed to inquire, consisting in this case also, partly of some of my most intelligent and active enemies. The issue was an unanimous exculpation of me as will appear by the following extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives of the 19th of February 1794.\n\u201cThe House resumed the consideration of the report of the Committee, to whom was referred the memorial of Andrew G. Fraunces: whereupon,\n\u201cResolved, That the reasons assigned by the secretary of the treasury, for refusing payment of the warrants referred to in the memorial, are fully sufficient to justify his conduct; and that in the whole course of this transaction, the secretary and other officers of the treasury, have acted a meritorious part towards the public.\u201d\n\u201cResolved, That the charge exhibited in the memorial, against the secretary of the treasury, relative to the purchase of the pension of Baron de Glaubeck is wholly illiberal and groundless\n   Would it be believed after all this, that Mr. Jefferson Vice President of the United States would write to this Fraunces friendly letters? Yet such is the fact as will be seen in the Appendix, Nos. XLIV & XLV.\nWas it not to have been expected that these repeated demonstrations of the injustice of the accusations hazarded against me would have abashed the enterprise of my calumniators? However natural such an expectation may seem, it would betray an ignorance of the true character of the Jacobin system. It is a maxim deeply ingrafted in that dark system, that no character, however upright, is a match for constantly reiterated attacks, however false. It is well understood by its disciples, that every calumny makes some proselites and even retains some; since justification seldom circulates as rapidly and as widely as slander. The number of those who from doubt proceed to suspicion and thence to belief of imputed guilt is continually augmenting; and the public mind fatigued at length with resistance to the calumnies which eternally assail it, is apt in the end to sit down with the opinion that a person so often accused cannot be entirely innocent.\nRelying upon this weakness of human nature, the Jacobin Scandal-Club though often defeated constantly return to the charge. Old calumnies are served up a-fresh and every pretext is seized to add to the catalogue. The person whom they seek to blacken, by dint of repeated strokes of their brush, becomes a demon in their own eyes, though he might be pure and bright as an angel but for the daubing of those wizard painters.\nOf all the vile attempts which have been made to injure my character that which has been lately revived in No. V and VI, of the history of the United States for 1796 is the most vile. This it will be impossible for any intelligent, I will not say candid, man to doubt, when he shall have accompanied me through the examination.\nI owe perhaps to my friends an apology for condescending to give a public explanation. A just pride with reluctance stoops to a formal vindication against so despicable a contrivance and is inclined rather to oppose to it the uniform evidence of an upright character. This would be my conduct on the present occasion, did not the tale seem to derive a sanction from the names of three men of some weight and consequence in the society: a circumstance, which I trust will excuse me for paying attention to a slander that without this prop, would defeat itself by intrinsic circumstances of absurdity and malice.\nThe charge against me is a connection with one James Reynolds for purposes of improper pecuniary speculation. My real crime is an amorous connection with his wife, for a considerable time with his privity and connivance, if not originally brought on by a combination between the husband and wife with the design to extort money from me.\nThis confession is not made without a blush. I cannot be the apologist of any vice because the ardour of passion may have made it mine. I can never cease to condemn myself for the pang, which it may inflict in a bosom eminently intitled to all my gratitude, fidelity and love. But that bosom will approve, that even at so great an expence, I should effectually wipe away a more serious stain from a name, which it cherishes with no less elevation than tenderness. The public too will I trust excuse the confession. The necessity of it to my defence against a more heinous charge could alone have extorted from me so painful an indecorum.\nBefore I proceed to an exhibition of the positive proof which repels the charge, I shall analize the documents from which it is deduced, and I am mistaken if with discerning and candid minds more would be necessary. But I desire to obviate the suspicions of the most suspicious.\nThe first reflection which occurs on a perusal of the documents is that it is morally impossible I should have been foolish as well as depraved enough to employ so vile an instrument as Reynolds for such insignificant ends, as are indicated by different parts of the story itself. My enemies to be sure have kindly pourtrayed me as another Chartres on the score of moral principle. But they have been ever bountiful in ascribing to me talents. It has suited their purpose to exaggerate such as I may possess, and to attribute to them an influence to which they are not intitled. But the present accusation imputes to me as much folly as wickedness. All the documents shew, and it is otherwise matter of notoriety, that Reynolds was an obscure, unimportant and profligate man. Nothing could be more weak, because nothing could be more unsafe than to make use of such an instrument; to use him too without any intermediate agent more worthy of confidence who might keep me out of sight, to write him numerous letters recording the objects of the improper connection (for this is pretended and that the letters were afterwards burnt at my request) to unbosom myself to him with a prodigality of confidence, by very unnecessarily telling him, as he alleges, of a connection in speculation between myself and Mr. Duer. It is very extraordinary, if the head of the money department of a country, being unprincipled enough to sacrifice his trust and his integrity, could not have contrived objects of profit sufficiently large to have engaged the co-operation of men of far greater importance than Reynolds, and with whom there could have been due safety, and should have been driven to the necessity of unkennelling such a reptile to be the instrument of his cupidity.\nBut, moreover, the scale of the concern with Reynolds, such as it is presented, is contemptibly narrow for a rapacious speculating secretary of the treasury. Clingman, Reynolds and his wife were manifestly in very close confidence with each other. It seems there was a free communication of secrets. Yet in clubbing their different items of information as to the supplies of money which Reynolds received from me, what do they amount to? Clingman states, that Mrs. Reynolds told him, that at a certain time her husband had received from me upwards of eleven hundred dollars. A note is produced which shews that at one time fifty dollars were sent to him, and another note is produced, by which and the information of Reynolds himself through Clingman, it appears that at another time 300 dollars were asked and refused. Another sum of 200 dollars is spoken of by Clingman as having been furnished to Reynolds at some other time. What a scale of speculation is this for the head of a public treasury, for one who in the very publication that brings forward the charge is represented as having procured to be funded at forty millions a debt which ought to have been discharged at ten or fifteen millions for the criminal purpose of enriching himself and his friends? He must have been a clumsy knave, if he did not secure enough of this excess of twenty five or thirty millions, to have taken away all inducement to risk his character in such bad hands and in so huckstering a way\u2014or to have enabled him, if he did employ such an agent, to do it with more means and to better purpose. It is curious, that this rapacious secretary should at one time have furnished his speculating agent with the paltry sum of fifty dollars, at another, have refused him the inconsiderable sum of 300 dollars, declaring upon his honor that it was not in his power to furnish it. This declaration was true or not; if the last the refusal ill comports with the idea of a speculating connection\u2014if the first, it is very singular that the head of the treasury engaged without scruple in schemes of profit should have been destitute of so small a sum. But if we suppose this officer to be living upon an inadequate salary, without any collateral pursuits of gain, the appearances then are simple and intelligible enough, applying to them the true key.\nIt appears that Reynolds and Clingman were detected by the then comptroller of the treasury, in the odious crime of suborning a witness to commit perjury, for the purpose of obtaining letters of administration on the estate of a person who was living in order to receive a small sum of money due to him from the treasury. It is certainly extraordinary that the confidential agent of the head of that department should have been in circumstances to induce a resort to so miserable an expedient. It is odd, if there was a speculating connection, that it was not more profitable both to the secretary and to his agent than are indicated by the circumstances disclosed.\nIt is also a remarkable and very instructive fact, that notwithstanding the great confidence and intimacy, which subsisted between Clingman, Reynolds and his wife, and which continued till after the period of the liberation of the two former from the prosecution against them, neither of them has ever specified the objects of the pretended connection in speculation between Reynolds and me. The pretext that the letters which contained the evidence were destroyed is no answer. They could not have been forgotten and might have been disclosed from memory. The total omission of this could only have proceeded from the consideration that detail might have led to detection. The destruction of letters besides is a fiction, which is refuted not only by the general improbability, that I should put myself upon paper with so despicable a person on a subject which might expose me to infamy, but by the evidence of extreme caution on my part in this particular, resulting from the laconic and disguised form of the notes which are produced. They prove incontestibly that there was an unwillingness to trust Reynolds with my hand writing. The true reason was, that I apprehended he might make use of it to impress upon others the belief of some pecuniary connection with me, and besides implicating my character might render it the engine of a false credit, or turn it to some other sinister use. Hence the disguise; for my conduct in admitting at once and without hesitation that the notes were from me proves that it was never my intention by the expedient of disguising my hand to shelter myself from any serious inquiry.\nThe accusation against me was never heard of \u2019till Clingman and Reynolds were under prosecution by the treasury for an infamous crime. It will be seen by the document No. 1 (a) that during the endeavours of Clingman to obtain relief, through the interposition of Mr. Mughlenberg, he made to the latter the communication of my pretended criminality. It will be further seen by document No. 2 [(a)] that Reynolds had while in prison conveyed to the ears of Messrs. Monroe and Venable that he could give intelligence of my being concerned in speculation, and that he also supposed that he was kept in prison by a design on my part to oppress him and drive him away. And by his letter to Clingman of the 13 of December, after he was released from prison, it also appears that he was actuated by a spirit of revenge against me; for he declares that he will have satisfaction from me at all events; adding, as addressed to Clingman, \u201cAnd you only I trust.\u201d\nThree important inferences flow from these circumstances\u2014one that the accusation against me was an auxiliary to the efforts of Clingman and Reynolds to get released from a disgraceful prosecution\u2014another that there was a vindicative spirit against me at least on the part of Reynolds\u2014the third, that he confided in Clingman as a coadjutor in the plan of vengeance. These circumstances, according to every estimate of the credit due to accusers, ought to destroy their testimony. To what credit are persons intitled, who in telling a story are governed by the double motive of escaping from disgrace and punishment and of gratifying revenge? As to Mrs. Reynolds, if she was not an accomplice, as it is too probable she was, her situation would naturally subject her to the will of her husband. But enough besides will appear in the sequel to shew that her testimony merits no attention.\nThe letter which has been just cited deserves a more particular attention. As it was produced by Clingman, there is a chasm of three lines, which lines are manifestly essential to explain the sense. It may be inferred from the context, that these deficient lines would unfold the cause of the resentment which is expressed. \u2018Twas from them that might have been learnt the true nature of the transaction. The expunging of them is a violent presumption that they would have contradicted the purpose for which the letter was produced. A witness offering such a mutilated piece descredits himself. The mutilation is alone satisfactory proof of contrivance and imposition. The manner of accounting for it is frivolous.\nThe words of the letter are strong\u2014satisfaction is to be had at all events, per fas et nefas, and Clingman is the chosen confidential agent of the laudable plan of vengeance. It must be confessed he was not wanting in his part.\nReynolds, as will be seen by No. II (a) alleges that a merchant came to him and offered as a volunteer to be his bail, who he suspected had been instigated to it by me, and after being decoyed to the place the merchant wished to carry him to, he refused being his bail, unless he would deposit a sum of money to some considerable amount which he could not do and was in consequence committed to prison. Clingman (No. IV a) tells the same story in substance though with some difference in form leaving to be implied what Reynolds expresses and naming Henry Seckel as the merchant. The deposition of this respectable citizen (No. XXIII) gives the lie to both, and shews that he was in fact the agent of Clingman, from motives of good will to him, as his former book-keeper, that he never had any communication with me concerning either of them till after they were both in custody, that when he came as a messenger to me from one of them, I not only declined interposing in their behalf, but informed Mr. Seckel that they had been guilty of a crime and advised him to have nothing to do with them.\nThis single fact goes far to invalidate the whole story. It shews p[l]ainly the disregard of truth and the malice by which the parties were actuated. Other important inferences are to be drawn from the transaction. Had I been conscious that I had any thing to fear from Reynolds of the nature which has been pretended, should I have warned Mr. Seckel against having any thing to do with them? Should I not rather have encouraged him to have come to their assistance? Should I not have been eager to promote their liberation? But this is not the only instance, in which I acted a contrary part. Clingman testifies in No. V. that I would not permit Fraunces a clerk in my office to become their bail, but signified to him that if he did it, he must quit the department.\nClingman states in No. IV. (a) that my note in answer to Reynolds\u2019 application for a loan towards a subscription to the Lancaster Turnpike was in his possession from about the time it was written (June 1792.) This circumstance, apparently trivial, is very explanatory. To what end had Clingman the custody of this note all that time if it was not part of a project to lay the foundation for some false accusation?\nIt appears from No. V. that Fraunces had said, or was stated to have said, something to my prejudice. If my memory serves me aright, it was that he had been my agent in some speculations. When Fraunces was interrogated concerning it, he absolutely denied that he had said any thing of the kind. The charge which this same Fraunces afterwards preferred against me to the House of Representatives, and the fate of it, have been already mentioned. It is illustrative of the nature of the combination which was formed against me.\nThere are other features in the documents which are relied upon to constitute the charge against me, that are of a nature to corroborate the inference to be drawn from the particulars which have been noticed. But there is no need to be over minute. I am much mistaken if the view which has been taken of the subject is not sufficient, without any thing further, to establish my innocence with every discerning and fair mind.\nI proceed in the next place to offer a frank and plain solution of the enigma, by giving a history of the origin and progress of my connection with Mrs. Reynolds, of its discovery, real and pretended by the husband, and of the disagreeable embarrassments to which it exposed me. This history will be supported by the letters of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, which leave no room for doubt of the principal facts, and at the same time explain with precision the objects of the little notes from me which have been published, shewing clearly that such of them as have related to money had no reference to any concern in speculation. As the situation which will be disclosed, will fully explain every ambiguous appearance, and meet satisfactorily the written documents, nothing more can be requisite to my justification. For frail indeed will be the tenure by which the most blameless man will hold his reputation, if the assertions of three of the most abandoned characters in the community, two of them stigmatized by the discrediting crime which has been mentioned, are sufficient to blast it. The business of accusation would soon become in such a case, a regular trade, and men\u2019s reputations would be bought and sold like any marketable commodity.\nSome time in the summer of the year 1791 a woman called at my house in the city of Philadelphia and asked to speak with me in private. I attended her into a room apart from the family. With a seeming air of affliction she informed that she was a daughter of a Mr. Lewis, sister to a Mr. G. Livingston of the State of New-York, and wife to a Mr. Reynolds whose father was in the Commissary Department during the war with Great Britain, that her husband, who for a long time had treated her very cruelly, had lately left her, to live with another woman, and in so destitute a condition, that though desirous of returning to her friends she had not the means\u2014that knowing I was a citizen of New-York, she had taken the liberty to apply to my humanity for assistance.\nI replied, that her situation was a very interesting one\u2014that I was disposed to afford her assistance to convey her to her friends, but this at the moment not being convenient to me (which was the fact) I must request the place of her residence, to which I should bring or send a small supply of money. She told me the street and the number of the house where she lodged. In the evening I put a bank-bill in my pocket and went to the house. I inquired for Mrs. Reynolds and was shewn up stairs, at the head of which she met me and conducted me into a bed room. I took the bill out of my pocket and gave it to her. Some conversation ensued from which it was quickly apparent that other than pecuniary consolation would be acceptable.\nAfter this, I had frequent meetings with her, most of them at my own house; Mrs. Hamilton with her children being absent on a visit to her father. In the course of a short time, she mentioned to me that her husband had solicited a reconciliation, and affected to consult me about it. I advised to it, and was soon after informed by her that it had taken place. She told me besides that her husband had been engaged in speculation, and she believed could give information respecting the conduct of some persons in the department which would be useful. I sent for Reynolds who came to me accordingly.\nIn the course of our interview, he confessed that he had obtained a list of claims from a person in my department which he had made use of in his speculations. I invited him, by the expectation of my friendship and good offices, to disclose the person. After some affectation of scruple, he pretended to yield, and ascribed the infidelity to Mr. Duer from whom he said he had obtained the list in New-York, while he (Duer) was in the department.\nAs Mr. Duer had resigned his office some time before the seat of government was removed to Philadelphia; this discovery, if it had been true, was not very important\u2014yet it was the interest of my passions to appear to set value upon it, and to continue the expectation of friendship and good offices. Mr. Reynolds told me he was going to Virginia, and on his return would point out something in which I could serve him. I do not know but he said something about employment in a public office.\nOn his return he asked employment as a clerk in the treasury department. The knowledge I had acquired of him was decisive against such a request. I parried it by telling him, what was true, that there was no vacancy in my immediate office, and that the appointment of clerks in the other branches of the department was left to the chiefs of the respective branches. Reynolds alleged, as Clingman relates No. IV (a) as a topic of complaint against me that I had promised him employment and had disappointed him. The situation with the wife would naturally incline me to conciliate this man. It is possible I may have used vague expressions which raised expectation; but the more I learned of the person, the more inadmissible his employment in a public office became. Some material reflections will occur here to a discerning mind. Could I have preferred my private gratification to the public interest, should I not have found the employment he desired for a man, whom it was so convenient to me, on my own statement, to lay under obligations. Had I had any such connection with him, as he has since pretended, is it likely that he would have wanted other employment? Or is it likely that wanting it, I should have hazarded his resentment by a persevering refusal? This little circumstance shews at once the delicacy of my conduct, in its public relations, and the impossibility of my having had the connection pretended with Reynolds.\nThe intercourse with Mrs. Reynolds, in the mean time, continued; and, though various reflections, (in which a further knowledge of Reynolds\u2019 character and the suspicion of some concert between the husband and wife bore a part) induced me to wish a cessation of it; yet her conduct, made it extremely difficult to disentangle myself. All the appearances of violent attachment, and of agonizing distress at the idea of a relinquishment, were played off with a most imposing art. This, though it did not make me entirely the dupe of the plot, yet kept me in a state of irresolution. My sensibility, perhaps my vanity, admitted the possibility of a real fondness; and led me to adopt the plan of a gradual discontinuance rather than of a sudden interruption, as least calculated to give pain, if a real partiality existed.\nMrs. Reynolds, on the other hand, employed every effort to keep up my attention and visits. Her pen was freely employed, and her letters were filled with those tender and pathetic effusions which would have been natural to a woman truly fond and neglected.\nOne day, I received a letter from her, which is in the appendix (No. I. b) intimating a discovery by her husband. It was matter of doubt with me whether there had been really a discovery by accident, or whether the time for the catastrophe of the plot was arrived.\nThe same day, being the 15th of December 1791, I received from Mr. Reynolds the letter (No. II. b) by which he informs me of the detection of his wife in the act of writing a letter to me, and that he had obtained from her a discovery of her connection with me, suggesting that it was the consequence of an undue advantage taken of her distress.\nIn 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.\nHe in substance repeated the topics contained in his letter, and concluded as he had done there, that he was resolved to have satisfaction.\nI replied that he knew best what evidence he had of the alleged connection between me and his wife, that I neither admitted nor denied it\u2014that if he knew of any injury I had done him, intitling him to satisfaction, it lay with him to name it.\nHe travelled over the same ground as before, and again concluded with the same vague claim of satisfaction, but without specifying the kind, which would content him. It was easy to understand that he wanted money, and to prevent an explosion, I resolved to gratify him. But willing to manage his delicacy, if he had any, I reminded him that I had at our first interview made him a promise of service, that I was disposed to do it as far as might be proper, and in my power, and requested him to consider in what manner I could do it, and to write to me. He withdrew with a promise of compliance.\nTwo days after, the 17th of December, he wrote me the letter (No. III. b). The evident drift of this letter is to exaggerate the injury done by me, to make a display of sensibility and to magnify the atonement, which was to be required. It however comes to no conclusion, but proposes a meeting at the George Tavern, or at some other place more agreeable to me, which I should name.\nOn receipt of this letter, I called upon Reynolds, and assuming a decisive tone, told him, that I was tired of his indecision, and insisted upon his declaring to me explicitly what it was he aimed at. He again promised to explain by letter.\nOn the 19th, I received the promised letter (No. IV. b) the essence of which is that he was willing to take a thousand dollars as the plaister of his wounded honor.\nI determined to give it to him, and did so in two payments, as per receipts (No. V and VI) dated the 22d of December and 3d of January. It is a little remarkable, that an avaricious speculating secretary of the treasury should have been so straitened for money as to be obliged to satisfy an engagement of this sort by two different payments!\nOn the 17th of January, I received the letter No. V. by which Reynolds invites me to renew my visits to his wife. He had before requested that I would see her no more. The motive to this step appears in the conclusion of the letter, \u201cI rely upon your befriending me, if there should any thing offer that should be to my advantage, as you express a wish to befriend me.\u201d Is the pre-existence of a speculating connection reconcileable with this mode of expression?\nIf I recollect rightly, I did not immediately accept the invitation, nor \u2019till after I had received several very importunate letters from Mrs. Reynolds\u2014See her letters No. VIII, (b) IX, X.\nOn the 24th of March following, I received a letter from Reynolds, No. XI, and on the same day one from his wife, No. XII. These letters will further illustrate the obliging co-operation of the husband with his wife to aliment and keep alive my connection with her.\nThe letters from Reynolds, No. XIII to XVI, are an additional comment upon the same plan. It was a persevering scheme to spare no pains to levy contributions upon my passions on the one hand, and upon my apprehensions of discovery on the other. It is probably to No. XIV that my note, in these words, was an answer; \u201cTo-morrow what is requested will be done. \u2019Twill hardly be possible to-day.\u201d The letter presses for the loan which is asked for to-day. A scarcity of cash, which was not very uncommon, is believed to have modelled the reply.\nThe letter No. XVII is a master-piece. The husband there forbids my future visits to his wife, chiefly because I was careful to avoid publicity. It was probably necessary to the project of some deeper treason against me that I should be seen at the house. Hence was it contrived, with all the caution on my part to avoid it, that Clingman should occasionally see me.\nThe interdiction was every way welcome, and was I believe, strictly observed. On the second of June following, I received the letter No. XVIII, from Mrs. Reynolds, which proves that it was not her plan yet to let me off. It was probably the prelude to the letter from Reynolds, No. XIX, soliciting a loan of 300 dollars towards a subscription to the Lancaster Turnpike. Clingman\u2019s statement, No. IV [(a)], admits, on the information of Reynolds, that to this letter the following note from me was an answer\u2014\u201cIt is utterly out of my power I assure you \u2019pon my honour to comply with your request. Your note is returned.\u201d The letter itself demonstrates, that here was no concern in speculation on my part\u2014that the money is asked as a favour and as a loan, to be reimbursed simply and without profit in less than a fortnight. My answer shews that even the loan was refused.\nThe letter No. XX, from Reynolds, explains the object of my note in these words, \u201cInclosed are 50 dollars, they could not be sent sooner,\u201d proving that this sum also was begged for in a very apologetic stile as a mere loan.\nThe letters of the 24th and 30th of August, No. XXI and XXII, furnish the key to the affair of the 200 dollars mentioned by Clingman in No. IV, shewing that this sum likewise was asked by way of loan, towards furnishing a small boarding-house which Reynolds and his wife were or pretended to be about to set up.\nThese letters collectively, furnish a complete elucidation of the nature of my transactions with Reynolds. They resolve them into an amorous connection with his wife, detected, or pretended to be detected by the husband, imposing on me the necessity of a pecuniary composition with him, and leaving me afterwards under a duress for fear of disclosure, which was the instrument of levying upon me from time to time forced loans. They apply directly to this state of things, the notes which Reynolds was so careful to preserve, and which had been employed to excite suspicion.\nFour, and the principal of these notes have been not only generally, but particularly explained\u2014I shall briefly notice the remaining two.\n\u201cMy dear Sir, I expected to have heard the day after I had the pleasure of seeing you.\u201d This fragment, if truly part of a letter to Reynolds, denotes nothing more than a disposition to be civil to a man, whom, as I said before, it was the interest of my passions to conciliate. But I verily believe it was not part of a letter to him, because I do not believe that I ever addressed him in such a stile. It may very well have been part of a letter to some other person, procured by means of which I am ignorant, or it may have been the beginning of an intended letter, torn off, thrown into the chimney in my office, which was a common practice, and there or after it had been swept out picked up by Reynolds or some coadjutor of his. There appears to have been more than one clerk in the department some how connected with him.\nThe endeavour shewn by the letter No. XVII, to induce me to render my visits to Mrs. Reynolds more public, and the great care with which my little notes were preserved, justify the belief that at a period, before it was attempted, the idea of implicating me in some accusation, with a view to the advantage of the accusers, was entertained. Hence the motive to pick up and preserve any fragment which might favour the idea of friendly or confidential correspondence.\n2dly. \u201cThe person Mr. Reynolds inquired for on Friday waited for him all the evening at his house from a little after seven. Mr. R. may see him at any time to-day or to-morrow between the hours of two and three.\u201d\nMrs. Reynolds more than once communicated to me, that Reynolds would occasionally relapse into discontent to his situation\u2014would treat her very ill\u2014hint at the assassination of me\u2014and more openly threaten, by way of revenge, to inform Mrs. Hamilton\u2014all this naturally gave some uneasiness. I could not be absolutely certain whether it was artifice or reality. In the workings of human inconsistency, it was very possible, that the same man might be corrupt enough to compound for his wife\u2019s chastity and yet have sensibility enough to be restless in the situation and to hate the cause of it.\nReflections like these induced me for some time to use palliatives with the ill humours which were announced to me. Reynolds had called upon me in one of these discontented moods real or pretended. I was unwilling to provoke him by the appearance of neglect\u2014and having failed to be at home at the hour he had been permitted to call, I wrote her the above note to obviate an ill impression.\nThe foregoing narrative and the remarks accompanying it have prepared the way for a perusal of the letters themselves. The more attention is used in this, the more entire will be the satisfaction which they will afford.\nIt has been seen that an explanation on the subject was had cotemporarily that is in December 1792, with three members of Congress\u2014F. A. Muhlenberg, J. Monroe, and A. Venable. It is proper that the circumstances of this transaction should be accurately understood.\nThe manner in which Mr. Muhlenberg became engaged in the affair is fully set forth in the document (No. I. a). It is not equally clear how the two other gentlemen came to embark in it. The phraseology, in reference to this point in the close of (No. I. [(a)]) and beginning of (No. II. [(a)]) is rather equivocal. The gentlemen, if they please, can explain it.\nBut on the morning of the 15th of December 1792, the above mentioned gentlemen presented themselves at my office. Mr. Muhlenberg was then speaker. He introduced the subject by observing to me, that they had discovered a very improper connection between me and a Mr. Reynolds: extremely hurt by this mode of introduction, I arrested the progress of the discourse by giving way to very strong expressions of indignation. The gentlemen explained, telling me in substance that I had misapprehended them\u2014that they did not intend to take the fact for established\u2014that their meaning was to apprise me that unsought by them, information had been given them of an improper pecuniary connection between Mr. Reynolds and myself; that they had thought it their duty to pursue it and had become possessed of some documents of a suspicious complexion\u2014that they had contemplated the laying the matter before the President, but before they did this, they thought it right to apprise me of the affair and to afford an opportunity of explanation; declaring at the same time that their agency in the matter was influenced solely by a sense of public duty and by no motive of personal ill will. If my memory be correct, the notes from me in a disguised hand were now shewn to me which without a moment\u2019s hesitation I acknowledged to be mine.\nI replied, that the affair was now put upon a different footing\u2014that I always stood ready to meet fair inquiry with frank communication\u2014that it happened, in the present instance, to be in my power by written documents to remove all doubt as to the real nature of the business, and fully to convince, that nothing of the kind imputed to me did in fact exist. The same evening at my house was by mutual consent appointed for an explanation.\nI immediately after saw Mr. Wolcott, and for the first time informed him of the affair and of the interview just had; and delivering into his hands for perusal the documents of which I was possessed, I engaged him to be present at the intended explanation in the evening.\nIn the evening the proposed meeting took place, and Mr. Wolcott according to my request attended. The information, which had been received to that time, from Clingman, Reynolds and his wife was communicated to me and the notes were I think again exhibited.\nI stated in explanation, the circumstances of my affair with Mrs. Reynolds and the consequences of it and in confirmation produced the documents (No. I. b, to XXII.) One or more of the gentlemen (Mr. Wolcott\u2019s certificate No. XXIV, mentions one, Mr. Venable, but I think the same may be said of Mr. Muhlenberg) was struck with so much conviction, before I had gotten through the communication that they delicately urged me to discontinue it as unnecessary. I insisted upon going through the whole and did so. The result was a full and unequivocal acknowlegement on the part of the three gentlemen of perfect satisfaction with the explanation and expressions of regret at the trouble and embarrassment which had been occasioned to me. Mr. Muhlenberg and Mr. Venable, in particular manifested a degree of sensibility on the occasion. Mr. Monroe was more cold but intirely explicit.\nOne of the gentlemen, I think, expressed a hope that I also was satisfied with their conduct in conducting the inquiry. I answered, that they knew I had been hurt at the opening of the affair\u2014that this excepted, I was satisfied with their conduct and considered myself as having been treated with candor or with fairness and liberality, I do not now pretend to recollect the exact terms. I took the next morning a memorandum of the substance of what was said to me, which will be seen by a copy of it transmitted in a letter to each of the gentlemen No. XXV.\nI deny absolutely, as alleged by the editor of the publication in question, that I intreated a suspension of the communication to the President, or that from the beginning to the end of the inquiry, I asked any favour or indulgence whatever, and that I discovered any symptom different from that of a proud consciousness of innocence.\nSome days after the explanation I wrote to the three gentlemen the letter No. XXVI already published. That letter evinces the light in which I considered myself as standing in their view.\nI received from Mr. Muhlenberg and Mr. Monroe in answer the letters No. XXVII and XXVIII.\nThus the affair remained \u2019till the pamphlets No. V and VI of the history of the U. States for 1796 appeared; with the exception of some dark whispers which were communicated to me by a friend in Virginia, and to which I replied by a statement of what had passed.\nWhen I saw No. V though it was evidence of a base infidelity somewhere, yet firmly believing that nothing more than a want of due care was chargeable upon either of the three gentlemen who had made the inquiry, I immediately wrote to each of them a letter of which No. XXV is a copy in full confidence that their answer would put the whole business at rest. I ventured to believe, from the appearances on their part at closing our former interview on the subject, that their answers would have been both cordial and explicit.\nI acknowledge that I was astonished when I came to read in the pamphlet No. VI the conclusion of the document No. V, containing the equivocal phrase \u201cWe left him under an impression our suspicions were removed,\u201d which seemed to imply that this had been a mere piece of management, and that the impression given me had not been reciprocal. The appearance of duplicity incensed me; but resolving to proceed with caution and moderation, I thought the first proper step was to inquire of the gentlemen whether the paper was genuine. A letter was written for this purpose the copy of which I have mislaid.\nI afterwards received from Messrs. Muhlenberg and Venable the letters No. XXIX, XXX, and XXXI.\nReceiving no answer from Mr. Monroe, and hearing of his arrival at New-York I called upon him. The issue of the interview was that an answer was to be given by him, in conjunction with Mr. Muhlenberg and Mr. Venable on his return to Philadelphia, he thinking that as the agency had been joint it was most proper the answer should be joint, and informing me that Mr. Venable had told him he would wait his return.\nI came to Philadelphia accordingly to bring the affair to a close; but on my arrival I found Mr. Venable had left the city for Virginia.\nMr. Monroe reached Philadelphia according to his appointment. And the morning following wrote me the note No. XXXII. While this note was on its way to my lodgings I was on my way to his. I had a conversation with him from which we separated with a repetition of the assurance in the note. In the course of the interviews with Mr. Monroe, the equivoque in document No. V, (a) and the paper of January 2d, 1793, under his signature were noticed.\nI received the day following the letter No. XXXIII, to which I returned the answer No. XXXIV,\u2014accompanied with the letter No. XXXV. which was succeeded by the letters No. XXXVI\u2014XXXVII\u2014XXXVIII\u2014XXXIX\u2014XL. In due time the sequel of the correspondence will appear.\nThough extremely disagreeable to me, for very obvious reasons, I at length determined in order that no cloud whatever might be left on the affair, to publish the documents which had been communicated to Messrs. Monroe, Muhlenberg and Venable, all which will be seen in the appendix from No. I, (b) to No. XXII, inclusively.\nThe information from Clingman of the 2d January 1793, to which the signature of Mr. Monroe is annexed, seems to require an observation or two in addition to what is contained in my letter to him No. XXXIX.\nClingman first suggests that he had been apprized of my vindication through Mr. Wolcott a day or two after it had been communicated. It did not occur to me to inquire of Mr. Wolcott on this point, and he being now absent from Philadelphia, I cannot do it at this moment. Though I can have no doubt of the friendly intention of Mr. Wolcott, if the suggestion of Clingman in this particular be taken as true; yet from the condition of secrecy which was annexed to my communication, there is the strongest reason to conclude it is not true. If not true, there is besides but one of two solutions, either that he obtained the information from one of the three gentlemen who made the inquiry, which would have been a very dishonourable act in the party, or that he conjectured what my defence was from what he before knew it truly could be. For there is the highest probability, that through Reynolds and his wife, and as an accomplice, he was privy to the whole affair. This last method of accounting for his knowledge would be conclusive on the sincerity and genuineness of the defence.\nBut the turn which Clingman gives to the matter must necessarily fall to the ground. It is, that Mrs. Reynolds denied her amorous connection with me, and represented the suggestion of it as a mere contrivance between her husband and myself to cover me, alleging that there had been a fabrication of letters and receipts to countenance it. The plain answer is, that Mrs. Reynolds\u2019 own letters contradict absolutely this artful explanation of hers; if indeed she ever made it, of which Clingman\u2019s assertion is no evidence whatever. These letters are proved by the affidavit No. XLI, though it will easily be conceived that the proof of them was rendered no easy matter by a lapse of near five years. They shew explicitly the connection with her, the discovery of it by her husband and the pains she took to prolong it when I evidently wished to get rid of it. This cuts up, by the root, the pretence of a contrivance between the husband and myself to fabricate the evidences of it.\nThe variety of shapes which this woman could assume was endless. In a conversation between her and a gentleman whom I am not at liberty publicly to name, she made a voluntary confession of her belief and even knowledge, that I was innocent of all that had been laid to my charge by Reynolds or any other person of her acquaintance, spoke of me in exalted terms of esteem and respect, declared in the most solemn manner her extreme unhappiness lest I should suppose her accessary to the trouble which had been given me on that account, and expressed her fear that the resentment of Mr. Reynolds on a particular score, might have urged him to improper lengths of revenge\u2014appearing at the same time extremely agitated and unhappy. With the gentleman who gives this information, I have never been in any relation personal or political that could be supposed to bias him. His name would evince that he is an impartial witness. And though I am not permitted to make a public use of it, I am permitted to refer any gentleman to the perusal of his letter in the hands of William Bingham, Esquire; who is also so obliging as to permit me to deposit with him for similar inspection all the original papers which are contained in the appendix to this narrative. The letter from the gentleman above alluded to has been already shewn to Mr. Monroe.\nLet me now, in the last place, recur to some comments, in which the hireling editors of the pamphlets No. V and VI has thought fit to indulge himself.\nThe first of them is that the soft language of one of my notes addressed to a man in the habit of threatening me with disgrace, is incompatible with the idea of innocence. The threats alluded to must be those of being able to hang the Secretary of the Treasury. How does it appear that Reynolds was in such a habit? No otherwise than by the declaration of Reynolds and Clingman. If the assertions of these men are to condemn me, there is an end of the question. There is no need, by elaborate deductions from parts of their assertions, to endeavour to establish what their assertions collectively affirm in express terms. If they are worthy of credit I am guilty; if they are not, all wire-drawn inferences from parts of their story are mere artifice and nonsense. But no man, not as debauched as themselves, will believe them, independent of the positive disproof of their story in the written documents.\nAs to the affair of threats (except those in Reynolds letters respecting the connection with his wife, which it will be perceived were very gentle for the occasion) not the least idea of the sort ever reached me \u2019till after the imprisonment of Reynolds. Mr. Wolcott\u2019s certificate shews my conduct in that case\u2014notwithstanding the powerful motives I may be presumed to have had to desire the liberation of Reynolds, on account of my situation with his wife, I cautioned Mr. Wolcott not to facilitate his liberation, till the affair of the threat was satisfactorily cleared up. The solemn denial of it in Reynold\u2019s letter No. XLII was considered by Mr. Wolcott as sufficient. This is a further proof, that though in respect to my situation with his wife, I was somewhat in Reynolds\u2019s power. I was not disposed to make any improper concession to the apprehension of his resentment.\nAs the threats intimated in his letters, the nature of the cause will shew that the soft tone of my note was not only compatible with them, but a natural consequence of them.\nBut it is observed that the dread of the disclosure of an amorous connection was not a sufficient cause for my humility, and that I had nothing to lose as to my reputation for chastity concerning which the world had fixed a previous opinion.\nI shall not enter into the question what was the previous opinion entertained of me in this particular\u2014nor how well founded, if it was indeed such as it is represented to have been. It is sufficient to say that there is a wide difference between vague rumours and suspicions and the evidence of a positive fact\u2014no man not indelicately unprincipled, with the state of manners in this country, would be willing to have a conjugal infidelity fixed upon him with positive certainty. He would know that it would justly injure him with a considerable and respectable portion of the society\u2014and especially no man, tender of the happiness of an excellent wife could without extreme pain look forward to the affliction which she might endure from the disclosure, especially a public disclosure, of the fact. Those best acquainted with the interior of my domestic life will best appreciate the force of such a consideration upon me.\nThe truth was, that in both relations and especially the last, I dreaded extremely a disclosure\u2014and was willing to make large sacrifices to avoid it. It is true, that from the acquiescence of Reynolds, I had strong ties upon his secrecy, but how could I rely upon any tie upon so base a character. How could I know, but that from moment to moment he might, at the expence of his own disgrace, become the mercenary of a party, with whom to blast my character in any way is a favorite object!\nStrong inferences are attempted to be drawn from the release of Clingman and Reynolds with the consent of the Treasury, from the want of communicativeness of Reynolds while in prison\u2014from the subsequent disappearance of Reynolds and his wife, and from their not having been produced by me in order to be confronted at the time of the explanation.\nAs to the first, it was emphatically the transaction of Mr. Wolcott the then Comptroller of the Treasury, and was bottomed upon a very adequate motive\u2014and one as appears from the document No. I, (a) early contemplated in this light by that officer. It was certainly of more consequence to the public to detect and expel from the bosom of the Treasury Department an unfaithful Clerk to prevent future and extensive mischief, than to disgrace and punish two worthless individuals. Besides that a powerful influence foreign to me was exerted to procure indulgence to them\u2014that of Mr. Muhlenberg and Col. Burr\u2014that of Col. Wadsworth, which though insidiously placed to my account was to the best of my recollection utterly unknown to me at the time, and according to the confession of Mrs. Reynolds herself, was put in motion by her entreaty. Candid men will derive strong evidence of my innocence and delicacy, from the reflection, that under circumstances so peculiar, the culprits were compelled to give a real and substantial equivalent for the relief which they obtained from a department, over which I presided.\nThe backwardness of Reynolds to enter into detail, while in jail, was an argument of nothing but that conscious of his inability to communicate any particulars which could be supported, he found it more convenient to deal in generals, and to keep up appearances by giving promises for the future.\nAs to the disappearance of the parties after the liberation, how am I answerable for it? Is it not presumable, that the instance discovered at the Treasury was not the only offence of the kind of which they were guilty? After one detection, is it not very probable that Reynolds fled to avoid detection in other cases? But exclusive of this, it is known and might easily be proved, that Reynolds was considerably in debt! What more natural for him than to fly from his creditors after having been once exposed by confinement for such a crime? Moreover, atrocious as his conduct had been towards me, was it not natural for him to fear that my resentment might be excited at the discovery of it, and that it might have been deemed a sufficient reason for retracting the indulgence, which was shewn by withdrawing the prosecution and for recommending it?\nOne or all of these considerations will explain the disappearance of Reynolds without imputing it to me as a method of getting rid of a dangerous witness.\nThat disappearance rendered it impracticable, if it had been desired to bring him forward to be confronted. As to Clingman it was not pretended that he knew any thing of what was charged upon me, otherwise than by the notes which he produced, and the information of Reynolds and his wife. As to Mrs. Reynolds, she in fact appears by Clingman\u2019s last story to have remained, and to have been accessible through him, by the gentlemen who had undertaken the inquiry. If they supposed it necessary to the elucidation of the affair, why did not they bring her forward? There can be no doubt of the sufficiency of Clingman\u2019s influence, for this purpose, when it is understood that Mrs. Reynolds and he afterwards lived together as man and wife. But to what purpose the confronting? What would it have availed the elucidation of truth, if Reynolds and his wife had impudently made allegations which I denied. Relative character and the written documents must still determine These could decide without it, and they were relied upon. But could it be expected, that I should so debase myself as to think it necessary to my vindication to be confronted with a person such as Reynolds? Could I have borne to suffer my veracity to be exposed to the humiliating competition?\nFor what?\u2014why, it is said, to tear up the last twig of jealousy\u2014but when I knew that I possessed written documents which were decisive, how could I foresee that any twig of jealousy would remain? When the proofs I did produce to the gentlemen were admitted by them to be completely satisfactory, and by some of them to be more than sufficient, how could I dream of the expediency of producing more\u2014how could I imagine that every twig of jealousy was not plucked up?\nIf after the recent confessions of the gentlemen themselves, it could be useful to fortify the proof of the full conviction, my explanation had wrought, I might appeal to the total silence concerning this charge, when at a subsequent period, in the year 1793, there was such an active legislative persecution of me. It might not even perhaps be difficult to establish, that it came under the eye of Mr. Giles, and that he discarded it as the plain case of a private amour unconnected with any thing that was the proper subject of a public attack.\nThus has my desire to destroy this slander, completely, led me to a more copious and particular examination of it, than I am sure was necessary. The bare perusal of the letters from Reynolds and his wife is sufficient to convince my greatest enemy that there is nothing worse in the affair than an irregular and indelicate amour. For this, I bow to the just censure which it merits. I have paid pretty severely for the folly and can never recollect it without disgust and self condemnation. It might seem affectation to say more.\nTo unfold more clearly the malicious intent, by which the present revival of the affair must have been influenced\u2014I shall annex an affidavit of Mr. Webster tending to confirm my declaration of the utter falsehood of the assertion, that a menace of publishing the papers which have been published had arrested the progress of an attempt to hold me up as a candidate for the office of President. Does this editor imagine that he will escape the just odium which awaits him by the miserable subterfuge of saying that he had the information from a respectable citizen of New-York? Till he names the author the inevitable inference must be that he has fabricated the tale.\nAlexander Hamilton.\nPhiladelphia, July, 1797.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0138-0011", "content": "Title: Appendix No. XLI: From Mary Williams, 21 July 1797\nFrom: Williams, Mary\nTo: \nCity of Philadelphia, ss.\nMary Williams of the City aforesaid Boarding House Keeper maketh Oath that She is acquainted with Mrs. M. Reynolds formerly reputed to be the Wife of Mr. James Reynolds that her acquaintance commenced by the said Mrs. Reynolds calling upon her to obtain admission as a lodger which the Deponent declined that afterwards the Deponent frequently saw the said Mrs. Reynolds and also frequently saw her write that from this she the Deponent conceives herself to be well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Mrs. Reynolds and is well satisfied that the hand writing of the letters hereunto annexed numbered I\u2014VIII\u2014IX\u2014X\u2014XII\u2014XIII is of the proper hand writing of the said Mrs. Reynolds to identify which letters the more particularly this Deponent hath upon each of them endorsed her name.\nSworn this XXIst day of July MDCCXCVII.before me\nMary Williams\nRobert Wharton\n\u2003One of the Aldermen of the\n\u2003City 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0138-0013", "content": "Title: Appendix No. XLIII: From Noah Webster, Junior, 13 July 1797\nFrom: Webster, Noah, Jr.\nTo: \nHaving seen in a pamphlet published in Philadelphia entitled \u201cThe History of the United States No. 5.\u201d a paragraph to the following Effect:\n\u201cDuring the late Canvass for the Election of a President, Webster in his Minerva, gave a Hint that Mr. Hamilton would be an adviseable Candidate. A person in this City who chanced to see this News-Paper, wrote immediately to a Correspondent in NewYork. The letter desired him to put himself in the way of Mr. Hamilton and inform him that, if Webster should in future print a single paragraph on the Head, the papers referred to were instantly to be laid before the World. The Message was delivered to Mr. Hamilton and the Minerva became silent.\u201d\nI declare that the Contents of the foregoing paragraph, as far as they relate to myself, are totally false. I never entertained an idea that Mr. Hamilton was a Candidate for the Presidency or VicePresidency at the late Election. I never uttered, wrote or published a Hint or Suggestion of the kind; nor did I ever receive from Mr. Hamilton or any other person either directly or indirectly, any Hint or Communication to discontinue any notice or Suggestions on that subject. I have examined the Minerva for several Months previous to the late Election, and I cannot find a Suggestion published in that paper, of Mr. Hamilton\u2019s being a Candidate as aforesaid, either from any Correspondent or republished from any other paper; nor have I the least knowledge what the suggestions in the foregoing paragraph allude to.\nMy own idea uniformly was, that Mr. Adams and Mr. Pinckney were the only Candidates supported by Mr. Hamilton and the friends of our Government in general.\nSworn the 13th, July 1797.before me Abm. Skinner N. P.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0138-0015", "content": "Title: Appendix No. XLV: From Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nPhiladelphia, June 28, 1797.\nSir,\nI know well that you were a clerk in the Treasury Department while I was in the office of Secretary of State; but as I had no relation with the interior affairs of that office, I had no opportunity of being acquainted with you personally, except the single occasion on which you called me. The length of time you were in the office affords the best presumption in your favour, and the particular misunderstanding which happened to you with your principals may account for your not having obtained from them those certificates of character which I am not able to supply. I doubt not however that a knowledge of your conduct wherever you establish yourself will soon render all certificates unnecessary, and I sincerely wish you may obtain employment which may evince and reward good conduct.\nI am, Sir, \u2003 Your very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0138-0016", "content": "Title: Appendixes Nos. XLVI\u2013LII: Letters from various authors, 22 July 1797\u20139 August 1797\nFrom: \nTo: \nXLVI\nTo James Monroe\nXLVII\nFrom James Monroe\nXLVIII\nTo James Monroe\nXLIX\nFrom James Monroe\nL\nTo James Monroe\nAugust 4, 1797\nLI\nFrom James Monroe\nAugust 6, 1797\nLII\nTo James Monroe\nAugust 9, 1797\nN. B. It may be proper to observe that in addition to the original letters from Mrs. Reynolds, there are in the hands of the gentleman with whom the papers are deposited, two original letters from her, one addressed to Mr. R. Folwell\u2014the other to a Mrs. Miller, and both of them signed Maria Clingman, in the former of which she mentions the circumstance of her being married to Clingman.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0139", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, [27 August 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n[New York, August 27, 1797]\nDr Sir\nSometime since I received the inclosed being directions concerning measures requisite to be pursued to obtain indemnification in cases of Captures by British Cruisers. I laid it by in haste & have since overlooked it. I do not recollect to have seen it in the news papers & yet it appeared to me necessary that it should be so. As it came to me from some one of our public characters in London, I presume you must have received the Equivalent. I am curious to know if this has been the case & if any thing has been done upon it. After perusal & making such use as you may think proper you will oblige me by returning it.\nYrs. truly\nCol 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0140", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 August 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nNew York Aug 28. 1797\nMy Dear Sir\nThe receipt two days since of your letter of the 21 instant gave me sincere pleasure. The token of your regard, which it announces, is very precious to me, and will always be rememberd as it ought to be.\nMrs. Hamilton has lately added another boy to our Stock. She and the Child are both well. She desires to be affectionately remembered to Mrs. Washington & yourself.\nWe have nothing new here more than our papers contain; but are anxiously looking forward to a further developement of the negotiations in Europe with an ardent desire for general accommodation. It is at the same time agreeable to observe that the public mind is adopting more and more sentiments truly American and free from foreign tincture.\nI beg my best respects to Mrs. Washington, and that you will always be assured of the most respectful & affectionate attachment of Dr. Sir\nYr obliged & very Obed serv\nA HamiltonAug 28. 1797\nGeorge Washington 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0142", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Spencer, 30 August 1797\nFrom: Spencer, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlbany, August 30, 1797. Asks Hamilton to examine the validity of the title to various tracts of land owned by Spencer lying between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0143", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Isaac Parker, [31 August 1797]\nFrom: Parker, Isaac\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Castine, District of Maine, August 31, 1797]\nHonble Alexander Hamilton Esqr.\nPlease to deliver Doctor Oliver Mann or his order two notes of Hand lodged with you by John Lowell Jr. Esq for collection, signed by Edward & Elias Parker for $750 each\u2014in which notes my name is mentioned.\nIsaac ParkerCastine 31. August 1797.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0145", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Meade Randolph, 3 September 1797\nFrom: Randolph, David Meade\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNewport [Virginia] September 3, 1797. \u201cI have witnessed the decease of Majr. Lindsay, the collector of Norfolk in Virginia; and feel myself greatly interested in the appointment of his successor. Mr. Francis S. Taylor, the bearer, I have had a personal acquaintance with several years, and in addition to the high character whh. I know him to support, he has acted as deputy in the office for some time\u2014until his qualifications for other business, and the small pittance afforded him in that office, induced him to resign\u2014since which period, possessing the confidence of the Collector, and understanding the business better, he has had the superintendance of the same\u2014and that too from no other consideration, than friendship for the deceased.\u2026 This application to you for an exertion of your influence, I hope will be pardoned.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0146", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Williams, 3 September 1797\nFrom: Williams, Jonathan\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMount Pleasant [near Philadelphia] September 3, 1797. \u201cI took the Liberty when I saw you last in New York to intimate a wish to be employed in the treasury department, and you were so kind as to offer your aid in this respect whenever a specific object should be pointed out. The Death of D Way having left a vacancy in the mint, I have been induced to make application to be appointed Treasurer in that Department. I hope I do not presume too far on your friendship to flatter myself that you will take occasion to serve me in such way as to you may seem best.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0147", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [8 September 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\n[New York, September 8, 1797]\nMy Dr. Sir\nI have received the inclosed letter which I send to you with only this remark that I have a good opinion of the writer. I know that the pretensions of the person recommended will be weighed in an equal scale & will have all the attention to which they are intitled.\nYrs. truly\nO Wolcott Jun 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0148", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 9 September 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLondon. Sat. Sep. 9. 1797\nDear Sir\nWe have this day accounts from Paris, which tho~ very important and interesting, are not unexpected. The Breach between the Councils and the directory has for some time destroyed all Prospect of a reconciliation between them; and either an organized civil war, in consequence of the different sides adopted by the several armies, or a Measure like that which has happened, had become inevitable\u2014the march of the unreducable divisions of the army into the interior, the removal of Generals in whom they did not confide, the various messages in the stile of manifestoes addressed to the councils, and the sending for General Jourdan, who commanded the army of the Rhine, to Paris, and putting his army in the interim of his absence under Hoche, are now explained.\nAugereau who had been called from Italy for the purpose, upon the alarm Cannon being fired on the morning of the 4th. instant, marched his Troops and surrounded without opposition the Place of sitting of the Council of 500; he then proceeded to arrest Pichegru, and a considerable number of the other most influential Members of that Council, on the charge of a royalist conspiracy; having for its object the Massacre of three of the Directory, to make way for successors who would place Louis XVIII on the Throne of France. Carnot say the same accts. has fled, and Barthelemy say others is also arrested. I do not give you this account as authentic, tho I have little doubt that it is so, as far at least as it states an attack of the Directory upon the Council of 500. If the consequence of this proceeding was confined to France, it would be less the Subject of regret tho\u2019 all must deplore the sanguinary scenes so frequently there exhibited; but in reference to the pending Negotiations, and the Return of Peace, this Transaction is very important. The two Councils who in this respect are supposed to have faithfully represented their Constituents desired Peace with sincerity: the Directory most certainly differed from them in their inclinations on this Subject\u2014if the Directory overwhelm the Councils, the war must and will continue. But how will the armies, how will the nation conduct on this Occasion. I fear there is little consolation to the friends of humanity from \u27e8the dou\u27e9bt wh. for a moment exists on these points. The nation are nothing\u2014the Armies are most probably deceived\u2014and the Directory will triumph.\nAdieu \u2003 yrs &c\nR King\nP. S. If I do not forget names a majority of the Comee. to whom Pastorets Speech on our affairs was referred, are among the members now arrested. You will readily see how mischievous to us this success of the Directory may and probably will 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0149", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 9 September 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nHills near Philada. Septr. 9th. 1797\nDear Sir\nI have received your favour of the 29th. with the Papers enclosed therewith and should have acknowledged the receipt of them immediately but that I observed you had inserted a larger Sum as the bala. of my Note than I thought could be due thereon & lest you may not have kept a regular acct of the payments I have made on that account I wrote Mr Cottringer to make an extract from My Books & you will find it herein. I wish I could remit you the balance, but that is not yet in my power, I hope it may [be] soon.\nI was much disappointed at not seeing you when in Philada. I went thither on purpose one Sunday Morning & sent my Son Charles to every place I could think of to bring you to dine with us, but he was unsuccessful and I regretted it much & more so afterwards when I found you had departed without giving me a call at this place.\nI am most truly your obedt. Servant\nRobt Morris\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0151", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Dexter, 16 September 1797\nFrom: Dexter, Samuel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nCharlestown, Massachusetts, September 16, 1797. \u201cMore than two Months ago I handed to a young gentleman in your Office (a student I presume) a letter directed to you containing a lengthy detail of my concern in Onondago Land & requesting your opinion as soon as possible. I also enclosed fifty Dollars, not as a stimulus to your friendship, but to quiet my own feelings. Having heard nothing from you I have been apprehensive that the letter with its enclosures had been mislaid.\u2026 If you are eno\u2019 at leisure, will you now answer my former letter, & also acquaint me with \u2026 what my prospects are? It is a business that interests me as deeply as any concern meerly pecuniary can do.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0152", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [18\u201319 September 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Hartford, September 18\u201319, 1797]\nI have received only one letter from my beloved Eliza since I left the city. I am very anxious to hear further and especially to know that my beloved Philip is recovered.\nMy health continues pretty good\u2014but I am excessively engaged with our cause. I impatiently wish it at an end that I may return to the fond bosom of my Eliza.\nIf our Dear Angelica is returned remember me affectionately to her.\nAdieu my beloved and assure yourself always of my tenderest affection.\nIn great haste\nAHTuesday 18th Sepr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0153", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 2 October 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nHills near Philada. Octr. 2d. 1797\nDear Sir\nI cannot help feeling some chagrin when I find you constantly treating the debt I owe you as if you were in danger of loosing it, because I wish to stand higher in your confidence than it seems is the case. I have assured you that you should not loose and I am happy to see my way clear to effect the payment pretty soon, perhaps some influen\u27e8ce o\u27e9n your part over those who are to pay may \u27e8b\u27e9e necessary, and as soon as I receive a Copy of the Treaty made with the Indians I will write again and explain myself on this point in the mean while I am as ever Dr Sir\nYour Obedt hble servt.\nRobt Morris\nAlexr Hamilton EsqrNew 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0155", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 5 October 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Morris, Robert\n[New York, October 5, 1797. On October 27, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton and referred to \u201cyour last letter dated the 5th 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0157", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Th\u00e9ophile Cazenove, 14 October 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cazenove, Th\u00e9ophile\nNew York, October 14, 1797. States: \u201cThe question of interest on the contract with Mr Morris of the 24th of December 1792 is not free from difficulty and doubt. I however think it the better opinion that interest is payable until the 24th of December 1795 and no longer.\u201d Gives reasons for this opinion.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0158", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Th\u00e9ophile Cazenove, [14 October 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cazenove, Th\u00e9ophile\n[New York, October 14, 1797.] Answers Cazenove\u2019s letters of May 29 and July 5, 1797, concerning ownership of lands in New York State by aliens.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0159", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Ross, 16 October 1797\nFrom: Ross, David\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBladensburgh [Maryland] Octr. 16th. 1797\nDear Sir\nThe subject of the letter I alluded to in my last, did not relate to Colo. Mercer but to a public assertion of a letter of yours, being seen in one of the West India Islands in favour of a change of our Government to Monarchy. I had concluded you had agreed with me in sentiment that nothing Co. Mercer could say was worth your notice after I had furnished you with Capt. Campbells & my answer to a piece of his, filed in the Printing Office at Annapolis & which he suffered to pass unnoticed: & I had put it in that point of view the only time I heard the subject mentioned, that is, the close of your corrispondence with him. I still think the same. If you can make up your mind to determine in favor of my opinion it would be right to put it in my power to ascertain it, if the subject should ever again be introduced, as he has yet some political friends in this Neighbourhood & you of course some political enemies.\nMr. Monroes application for the reasons of his recall, was a surprize, it being so directly in opposition to the principles of our Government; but this surprize has vanished when it is found by your Publication that he thinks nothing of sacrificing the happiness of a private family, to his Party-views: for if he should be able to show he was not a voluntary means of the Publication yet his conduct in obliging you to answer it or admit yourself a dishonest man will ever be sufficient to condemn him & prevent his being considered as a man of honour even if he had not evaded as he has done your charges of Malignancy & dishonour. This is the general sentiment here & I may with truth say universal with the friends of Government so far as has come to my knowledge.\nYour Publication has also confirmed impressions made here by a private letter of Mr. Jefferson, since his being Vice President, which does not approve of the change in our Representation it being in favor of Government & addressed to one, in a district that elected a federal member & who was opposed to his election; and this has done away the hopes some had from his Speech as V-President, that he meant to support the measures of the Executive\u2014or at least would have restrained any observations on that representation that has been its support.\nLittle is to be expected from Partizans, but with those who are yet open to conviction, your Publication is thought will have a happy influence & prevent their rallying round any other Standard than that of their own Government.\nI am Dr Sir \u2003 Your friend & obedt. Servt.\nDavid Ross\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0161", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Morris, 27 October 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlexander Hamilton EsqrNew York\nHills [near Philadelphia] October 27th 1797\nDear Sir\nIn my last letter to you I said I saw the means of discharging my debt to you in consequence of the purchase made of the Indians and that your influence might be usefull in the recovery of the money, it is thus; Doctor Craigie in Co with Watson & Greenleaf purchased of Mr Saml. Ogden with my consent 100000 acres of Genesee land for which they paid, except $12500 Watson and Greenleaf were half and Doctr Craigie half, unfortunately at the solicitation of Greenleaf when he was settling accounts with Mr Watson I released the latter of his responsibility and took Greenleaf\u2019s Bond for their half. Doctor Craigie is to pay me the other half in specie or in certain Bonds which he then held of mine those Bonds I have satisfied by a sale of lands to him since; therefore he is to pay me $6250 in specie in 60 days after the Indian title is acquired to the 100000 Acres of land, that title was acquired on the 15th day of September last being the date of the Indian Deed of conveyance for the whole Country of which that 100000 Acres is a part and none of the Indian reservations are near it. I wrote to Mr Craigie last Week and enclosed a Copy of the instructions I gave for the survey and sent that letter open under cover to his relation and Agent Mr Seth Johnston of New York but have not heard from either of them. I do not Know of or suspect any demur to this payment unless they or either of them should have possessed themselves of some of the notes in circulation on which unfortunately my Name is. I think you have influence with both these Gentln and in your last letter dated the 5th inst. you promise the exertion of it. I request that you will apply to them upon this subject as if the debt was assigned to you and prevail on them to pay without any attempt at defalcation. If they agree I will send you an order or assignment as you may think best, you had best in your first application only to mention that you are to receive this Money & hear what they have to say, if they agree to pay all is well, if they make any objections I will send you the papers on which the debt rests. There are two orders in the hands of Mr Hazlehurst amount to about \u00a3500 to \u00a3600 which I am to get up or they will stop the Amot. these I expect to obtain in time. I shall await your Answer and remain \u2003 Dr Sir yrs\nRM", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0162", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from James T. Callender, [29 October 1797]\nFrom: Callender, James Thomson\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, October 29, 1797]\nSir\nI have perused your observations on the history of 1796. As the facts which you there bring forward, and the conclusions which you attempt to draw from them, do not appear Satisfactory to me, I intend introducing a reply to them in a volume upon your administration, that I am now engaged in writing. My object in this letter is, to request that you will give an order to a friend of mine and myself to inspect the papers lodged with Mr. Bingham, that I may judge what credit is due to them. Such an order, I conceive from your own words in the Observations, to be necessary to obtain a perusal of them; and if they appear to be genuine, I Shall be as ready to confess my conviction to the public, as I was to declare my former opinion, I hope that there is nothing improper in this application. I am Sure that I have no personal enmity at you, nor any pleasure in giving you uneasiness. The freedom which I take with all parties ought to have convinced you that I am the \u201chireling\u201d of none.\nWith sincere admiration of your Superior talents, \u2003 I am Sir Your most obedt servt.\nJas Thomson CallenderCorner of Walnut andeleventh Street\nPhiladelphiaOctr. 29. 1797\nP.S. The treatment which I have got from Some of your friends, while I was writing defences of your right to attend the western army, and in Such a guarded and candid Stile that I have no reason at this time to disavow them, was of a nature so monstrous that they left me no terms to keep with them, and when I began to search I did find what I had not expected. If an answer is to come to this letter, I would think it a favour to Send it soon, as I mean in a few days to print a prospectus of my new Volume. I have always Spoke of your talents as of the highest class. This was a tribute that I Could not help paying.\nPermit me to State one palpable mistake, as I Judge it to be. In No. 5 of the documents you tell of visiting her at Inskeep\u2019s. The George never was a house of that sort. Inquiry was made at the time, and it was affirmed that neither Mrs. R. nor you ever had been there. Besides, in the letters there is no trace of Such a thing. I tell You honestly and as a friend, that this has an air of inconsistency; and I would gladly, if you can give me a reconcilement of it, save you the trouble of inserting one in your Second pamphlet; for that you must come out again I firmly believe. I might mention other things, but perhaps have already Stretched my letter to a disagreeable length.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0164", "content": "Title: Conversation with Robert Liston, [28 October 1797]\nFrom: Liston, Robert,Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[New York, October, 1797]\n\u201cIt remains to be considered whether His Majesty\u2019s Service might not reap considerable advantage from a general stipulation for the restitution of deserters in nearly the same terms with those employed in the French Treaty. Our friends in this Country think it would, and they strongly advise that an article of that tenour should be concluded. Among the number of these is Colonel Hamilton of New York, who expressed to me his opinion that we ought carefully to avoid urging the American Ministry to any stipulations which might add strength to that imputation of partiality to Great Britain which has of late been cast upon them by the Democratic Party.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0165-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Robert Morris to John B. Church, 1 November 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Church, John B.\nJohn B. Church Esqre New York\nHills near Philada Novr 1st 1797\nSir\nI informed you some time since that I was in Treaty for money to pay the interest due to you, it so happened that I could not bring the agreement to a close before the Citizens of Philadelphia began to disperse on account of the Yellow fever, and since they did so, it has been next to impossible to get any business done. They are now returning to their homes and I shall renew my negotiations and doubt not but in a short time I shall be able to secure the money to pay the interest due as well as that which is coming due. Under this expectation I request your patience for a little longer time and you shall hear from me again I hope with the remittance. I shall not object to pay interest for the delay of the payment which ought to have been made on the 1st Jany last.\nYrs.\nRM", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0167", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen Van Rensselaer, 8 November 1797\nFrom: Van Rensselaer, Stephen\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nAlbany, November 8, 1797. \u201cI take the liberty of sending for your examination & opinion a Deed which was given to me by Mr. Hoffman as an indemnification against any losses I might sustain by reason of my endorsement for him. The security is ample if the instrument is valid. I wish it not to be made public unless it may be necessary for my security. I however submit this to your discretion. I shall be happy to hear from you on this subject.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0170", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 20 November 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Morris, Robert\n[New York, November 20, 1797. On November 23, 1797, Morris wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have this minute received your favour of the 20th 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0171", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [20 November 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\n[New York, November 20, 1797]\nDr Sir\nGive me leave to remind you of your promise to send me the documents and information which authenticate the situation of Mr. Beaumarchais as to the unaccounted for Million.\nAllow me also to mention to you another point. I hear there is a plan among the Directors of the Bank to transfer the management of their concerns from the House of Cazenove to that of Baring. When the arrangement was originally upon the Tapis, I felt some preference to the House of Baring as of more known solidity. But after its having taken a different course I should regret a change unless upon grounds which I am persuaded do not exist\u2014circumstances of insecurity in the conduct or affairs of the existing Agents. I verily believe they unite prudence & solidity. The change might, without cause, injure their credit and do them positive harm. It was one thing to have entrusted them in the first instance. It is another to recall that trust; which neither Justice nor the Reputation of the Bank will countenance but for valid reasons of change of Opinion. My friendship for Mr. Cazenove the Father corresponds with my sense of Propriety, to induce the wish that you may see fit to exert your influence in every proper way to prevent a change.\nYrs Affectly\nO Wolcott Junr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0173", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Condy, 22 November 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Condy, Jeremiah\n[New York, November 22, 1797. Hamilton endorsed the letter Condy wrote to him on November 21, 1797: \u201cAns 22 Nov.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0175", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Ezekiel Gilbert, 30 November 1797\nFrom: Gilbert, Ezekiel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nHudson [New York] November 30, 1797. \u201cI took Occasion Some weeks ago, at the Desire of Doctor Benton, to enclose a Copy of a Note for 5000 Dols given him by Pierpoint Edwards Esqr of New Haven, with an Intimation that in case Mr Edwards could be taken within New York, Dr Benton\u2019s wish was that you would issue process and pursue the suit for him. Not having heard from you, the Doctor requests me to gain some Information from you, and your Advise respecting the 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0177", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Elisha Boudinot, 4 December 1797\nFrom: Boudinot, Elisha\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew Ark [New Jersey] December 4, 1797. \u201cI am anxious to consult you relative to a particular friend & connection of mine\u2014Mr. Griffith a gentleman of the bar in this State.\u2026 He has had several severe fits of sickness.\u2026 This has induced him to think of moving into a City, if practicable.\u2026 As I know of no Gentleman in the City whose candor on this subject I would put so much confidence in as yours and none who I would choose to lay under obligations to, but yourself\u2014I have therefore taken the liberty of asking your friendly advice on the occasion\u2014whether under your rules, he could get admittance at your bar and whether you know of any Gentleman who would like to connect himself with him.\u2026 I only mention that he was not only in full practice as a lawyer\u2014was surrogate of the County but within a year has published a book on the office of a Justice of the peace\u2014Exrs &c which has gone thro\u2019 two editions already.\u2026 I will, if the weather permits call on you to morrow with him.\u2026 Independant of the particular business which interests him\u2014I should like to introduce (as if by accident) the conversation he has lately had with Tench Coxe, who dined with him\u2014Justifying himself for his conduct. This Janus (enter nos) will not be in office many days.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0179", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Mathieu Dumas, 8 December 1797\nFrom: Dumas, Mathieu\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLehmKuhl [Holstein] 8 Xbre. 1797\nMonsieur\nUn intervalle de 17 ann\u00e9es \u00e9coul\u00e9es depuis l\u2019\u00e9poque ou J\u2019eus l\u2019avantage de faire votre Connoissance, et des occasions plus fr\u00e9quentes de la cultiver pendant la Campagne de 1781, n\u2019en a point affaibli le souvenir. Les orages de la r\u00e9volution fran\u00e7aise, nos efforts pour Conqu\u00e9rir et fixer notre libert\u00e9, nos malheurs m\u00eame m\u2019ont souvent ramen\u00e9 vers ces temps heureux ou nous concourions a achever la r\u00e9volution am\u00e9ricaine, ou nous appercevions l\u2019aurore des prosperit\u00e9s auxquelles vous aves e\u00fb depuis tant de part, et comme Citoyen, et comme homme public.\nje n\u2019ose me flatter que Vous m\u2019ay\u00e9s distingu\u00e9 dans cette foule de personnes que la Confiance de leurs concitoyens a mis dans une f\u00fbneste ou p\u00e9rilleuse \u00e9vidence; mais j\u2019ai cette Confiance que si dans les d\u00e9bats auxquels j\u2019ai d\u00fb prendre part, mes opinions m\u2019ont retrac\u00e9 quelquefois \u00e0 Votre pens\u00e9e, Vous y aur\u00e9s retrouv\u00e9 les principes que dans ma jeunesse, j\u2019allai puiser pr\u00e8s de Vous \u00e0 leur Veritable Source. la place que Vous m\u2019aur\u00e9s v\u00fb occuper sur les nouvelles tables de proscription Confirmera sans doute ce jugement favorable.\nDepuis long temps je me proposais d\u2019avoir l\u2019honneur de Vous \u00e9crire, je dois Vous solliciter pour une affaire qui m\u2019interesse personellement, et du succ\u00e9s de laquelle dependent le sort futur de mes enfants, la r\u00e9paration de ma fortune deux fois renvers\u00e9e. Je ne pouvais commencer cette Correspondance sous un auspice plus favorable que celui de ma r\u00e9union avec notre ami commun Le Gal. Lafayette que je suis ven\u00fb joindre ici apr\u00e9s sa r\u00e9surrection du tombeau d\u2019olmuttz.\nVous Conoiss\u00e9s monsieur, Les r\u00e9clamations constantes et jusqu\u2019\u00e0 pr\u00e9sent infructueuses de Mr. de beaumarchais, tant aupr\u00e9s du gouvernement qu\u2019aupr\u00e9s de l\u2019\u00e9tat de Virginie en particulier: Je vois par les derni\u00e8res correspondances que l\u2019acte de justice que Vous av\u00e9s exerc\u00e9 comme ministre ne vous permet pas d\u2019en poursuivre Vous m\u00eame la Consequence naturelle, et trop differee, mais vous av\u00e9s fait esp\u00e9rer \u00e0 beaumarchais par Le canal de ses amis MMrs Chevalier & Rainetaux de Newyork que Vous emploiri\u00e9s Vos bons offices aupr\u00e9s de Mr. Le ministre des finances: L\u2019opposition qu\u2019a mis Mr. Walcot, et son d\u00e9lai \u00e0 faire rechercher et produire la preuve que beau marchais a re\u00e7u un fort a-compte, arr\u00eate la Conclusion de son proc\u00e9s avec l\u2019\u00e9tat de Virginie. Ce proc\u00e9s d\u00e9j\u00e0 jug\u00e9 favorablement pour nous a la cour de la Chancellerie ne peut \u00eatre termin\u00e9 \u00e0 la Cour d\u2019appel ou la Cause a \u00e9t\u00e9 \u00e9voqu\u00e9e, que lorsque cette opposition, qui n\u2019a accun fondement, aura \u00e9t\u00e9 lev\u00e9e.\nMon beau-fr\u00eare Edouard delar\u00fbe (l\u2019un des aides-de camp du g\u00e9n\u00e9ral Lafayette) a \u00e9pous\u00e9 la fille unique de Mr. de beaumarchais L\u2019un de mes plus anciens amis; sa fortune en europe a \u00e9t\u00e9 avec La mienne presque d\u00e9truite par les sequestres les confiscations: telle est la communaut\u00e9 d\u2019int\u00e9ret qui \u00e9xiste entre nous, que Le payement des cr\u00e9ances d\u2019amerique, cr\u00e9ances si bien prouv\u00e9es, si sacr\u00e9es par leur origine, est aujourdhuy la seule esp\u00e9rance des deux familles.\nJ\u2019ajoutterai que dans l\u2019etat pr\u00e9sent des affaires si ce payement s\u2019effect\u00fbait; de quelque nature que fussent les valeurs et Les termes, nous ne songerions pas \u00e0 deplacer notre fortune, mais bien plutot \u00e0 en aller jouir en bons et vieux am\u00e9ricains d\u2019adoption, sur la terre natale de la libert\u00e9, ou je serais tr\u00e9s heureux de Vous revoir.\nVeuill\u00e9s bien offrir mon hommage respectueux \u00e0 Madame hamilton & \u00e0 Madame Church, et recevoir celui de L\u2019estime la plus constante, et du plus sinc\u00e9re d\u00e9vouement.\nMathieu Dumas\nP. S. Si Vous av\u00e9s la bont\u00e9 de me r\u00e9pondre veuill\u00e9s bien addresser Votre lettre \u00e0 Mr. Elias funck, ch\u00e9s MMs Bellamy, Ricc\u00e9 & Co. a hambourg.\nJ\u2019ai prefer\u00e9 de Vous \u00e9crire en fran\u00e7ais n\u2019ayant point oubli\u00e9 la perfection et L\u2019aimable pr\u00e9f\u00e9rence avec lesquelles Vous parli\u00e9s notre langue, mais je n\u2019ai pas enti\u00e8rement perdu l\u2019usage de la langue am\u00e9ricaine.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0180", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 8 December 1797\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLehmKuhl. holstein. Xber the 8th. 1797\nmy dear hamilton\nAs my former letters have already given, and you shall in posterior ones find a regular account of every thing relating to me, give me leave to-day to confine myself to one very interesting object, which being highly momentous to the future welfare of gal. dumas, & his brother, cannot be considered as foreign to me, & has of course a right to your attention.\nDumas himself has during the war deservedly obtained your personal friendship and regard. He continued, on his return to france to be confidentially & honourably employed down to the time when on the ruins of the bastille, we founded a popular government. There also dumas entered into a course of important services to our cause, among which I Shall only mention the first & the last viz that to him I am under great obligations from the organisation of the national guards, & that on the overthrow of the national constitution in 1792, being at that time one of the ablest members of the legislative body, he Conducted himself with a firmness So Conspicuous & persevering, that it not only exposed him to the greatest dangers, but forced a tribute of praises from the very enemies whom it had been his duty to resist.\nWhen liberty began to revive in france, the nomination of dumas to the council of elders, was one of the first effects of the restored freedom of elections, as in that third & the ensuing one you may (among Some Choices which from a Spirit of indignation against the jacobins were in the other extreme very bad) you may, say I, find the names of several strenuous friends to liberty & legal order who had miraculously escaped the Snare & the axe of tyrannical anarchy.\nTo these honest Senators in both houses, fully impressed with the rights of national Sovereignity, & the religion of a civic oath, it had become a Sacred obligation to Support the republican Constitution of the third year. Some did it from duty\u2014others from inclination & I would have been among the latter\u2014all who were my personal friends, whatever be the motive, did it in earnest whether others have, or have not acted otherwise, it has nothing to do with the object of this letter. Nor is it necessary with you who have read the arguments pro & con the revolution of the 18th fructidor to expatiate on the nature of those measures. Suffice it to say that one of its consequences whas to throw dumas into the same country where you know that we have found it convenient & even necessary on account of our, & particularly my wife\u2019s health, to fix our winter quarters.\nHis brother delar\u00fbe, my aide de camp in the national guards one of the cleverest & best young men I ever knew, has married beaumarchais\u2019s daughter\u2014both he & his brother in law are to divide between themselves the payement of the Sums which in the united States are d\u00fce to the young lady\u2019s father. I have for twenty years often heard, yet I know very little of that affair\u2014this I am told that on the one part of it, the States of Virginia have favourably decided, & that on the other article the two brothers are willing to abide by the decision which you as a minister have given. I do not presume to discuss, much less to decide in this business\u2014but I am bound by friendship to interest myself in the welfare of dumas, & his brother, the more So as the faithfull good Will of both, & the exertions of the former in my behalf during my captivity entitle them to my gratitude.\nMy most affectionate respects wait on Mrs. hamilton & Mrs. Church\u2014remember me most friendly to their father her husband, & all your families\u2014adieu, my dear hamilton.\nyour affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0181", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Laurance, 10 December 1797\nFrom: Laurance, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia Dec 10 1797\nMy dear sir\nI have sent our Friend R Lennox 2000 Dollars on account of the obligation given by us to J Mark payable this Month. I have remitted the Sum on Condition it is Credited on the Mortgage of J Mark to R Gilchrist and indorsed on the Note as being so. My intention was, to have paid also, 2000 Dollars more, without any determination on the Interest I shall eventually hold in the purchase, but because I could have done it: but in addition to the Sums I have paid for T Cooper I had a Note from Ogden Hoffman Indorsed by his Father, for that amount. This Note I supposed would be paid but it was protested the 14th of November and now lies unpaid at the Branch Bank.\nI have paid, on the purchase from J Mark, before the remittance to R Lennox upwards of 10.100 Dollars, exclusive of Interest on the same from 9 Jany 1796 and the present remittance will make my payment in full, or very near it: provided your Interest and mine are equal, but not so, if I am to take the quantity you suppose: however if that Note had been paid I should have applied the Money that way, which would have exceeded my Share. You offered me a Loan of 1500 Dollars in case I took the quantity you supposed I ought to take. I hope therefore you will not be embarrassed, in making such payment as will satisfy Mr Lennox. I am confident he will be very well disposed to grant any indulgence that may not be unreasonable. I am satisfied the question of Interest, between us, should remain open; for I am not indisposed to hold the Interest you think I ought to take, but the heavy payments I have made for T Cooper added to the disappointment of payment of the Note from Messrs Hoffmans have drained me of nearly all my active Funds, and money from the Country, although I have much due to me, is very tardy in its progress. Pry how are the affairs of Ogden Hoffman and his Father circumstanced? I have proposed Ogden an arrangement but have not heard from him. If he can\u2019t make it, and can make any with you, so that the produce of the Note can come into your hands to be applied to the payment of R Lennox to be credited on the Mortgage and indorsed on the Note aforesaid as being so, I shall be well satisfied, leaving the question of Interest, in the purchase from J Mark still open between us. It may be in your power to do it, as I have understood some Friends meant to come forward with a Loan to extricate Ogden & his Father. The Note lies under protest in the Branch Bank is for 2000 Dollars with Interest from 14 Novr last and charge of protest.\nI am \u2003 My dear sir \u2003 very sincerely yours\nJohn Laurance\nCol 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0182", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 10 December 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, December 10, 1797. Wolcott endorsed the letter Hamilton wrote to him on November 20, 1797: \u201cansd. Decr. 10.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0183", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, [11 December 1797]\nFrom: Duer, William\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, December 11, 1797]\nDear Sir,\nI was in hopes not to have troubled you again on any Subject of a Pecuniary, but my Necessities constrain me to sollicit the Loan of Fifteen Dollars. In the Course of three or four Months I shall have it in my Power to reimburse this, and the former Advances you was so obliging to make me. I know you have use for all your Profession brings in, but Necessity constrains me to borrow out of your small Stock.\nI am Dear Sir, Your Affectionate Humble servt.\nW Duer.\nNew York Dec. 11th. 1797", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0184", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Ferrers, 12 December 1797\nFrom: Ferrers, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, December 12, 1797. \u201cThe Friendly attention with which you have at all times received any application from me, has encouraged me to assure myself, that you will not think me troublesome, in requesting from you a piece of information.\u2026 Having been inform\u2019d that Mr. Bayard the Agent from the United States in England, intends to return in the Spring, I am desirous of knowing if any other Appointment will be made on the Business of British Captures in his Stead.\u2026 The purport of the application I now trouble you, with is to request you will procure for me, through the Secretary of State, the information I have mention\u2019d, and to favour me also with your Friendly opinion, as it respects the propriety of such an application on my part, which will be received and attended to, with the utmost respect.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-21-02-0186", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Morris, 26 December 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Morris, Robert\n[New York, December 26, 1797. On January 17, 1798, Morris wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have been a long time possessed of your letter of the 26 Decemr.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0455", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [13 April 1797]\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia, April 13, 1797. On April 22, 1797, Hamilton wrote to Wolcott and referred to \u201cyour letter of the 13th 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0456", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 22 April 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nAlbany April 22. 1797\nDear Sir\nMy absence from New York to attend the Court here has put it out of my power to answer sooner your letter of the 13th instant.\nThe characters which occur to me as proper to be considered for Collector are these\u2014\nBenjamin Walker\u2014This Gentleman you know as well as I do. He is every way qualified and fit, and had he remained in the place of naval officer he might, qualified as he is, have looked to that of Collector almost as a matter of course\u2014but the having quit the former terminates the pretension on that score. He stands a candidate at large. As such however, he equals any in the requisites for the Office, and has the peculiar advantage of Experience in relation to it. But you ought to be apprised that from his engagements in certain agencies from abroad &c, he has for a long time executed the naval office chiefly by deputy\u2014and if he should be concluded upon for the other it ought to be well understood that his intire personal attention is expected and the relinquishment of his agencies, for I suspect they will not harmonize.\nMatthew Clarkeson. This is among the worthiest and best esteemed of our Citizens. Till his appointment to the Office he now holds he has had little familiarity with accounts, but I should believe his attention and care, upon principle, would ensure a good execution of the Office & his personal qualities would render his appointment peculiarly acceptable. I believe however he is connected in Trade\u2014& I do not know that he would relinquish it for the Office.\nNicholas Fish. I have a perfectly good opinion of this Gentleman who is also very generally esteemed and according to my ideas of him, he would execute the Office as well as any man & there is no circumstance in his situation against it. I presume he would prefer it to that which he now holds.\nYou however who have had the conduct of both these Gentlemen in their present Offices more immediately under your eye in different capacities, can from thence judge what that conduct promises in the other Office. There is I know always inconvenience in the change of a man who is in the train of a particular office. But there is also the motive (of no small consequence) of encouraging men to accept offices of less eligibility by the expectation of better when they occur.\nAquila Giles. There are few whom I should have preferred before this Gentleman, had I not been lately told that there have been some delays in bringing forward monies which came into his hands as Marshall. You probably have more light on this subject than me and can appreciate the force of the objection. He is however less a man of business than some others.\nGulian ver Plank (now President of the Bank of New York). He is a man of superior mental endowments to any of those who have been named & of superior acquirements. His moral character is of the most estimable sort. His habits have not led to a familiarity with accounts\u2014& he is supposed not much addicted to labour. But I think he would upon principle apply himself closely to a good execution of whatever he should undertake. He is a man of moderate fortune & has no particular pursuit\u2014so that I think he might be willing to accept though I am not certain.\nJonathan Burrall (now Cashier of the office of Discount). According to my opinion no man would be better qualified or more faithful. He is respectably connected in our state by marriage\u2014and well esteemed though not of important standing in our community. He would however be an acceptable appointment.\nJames Watson\u2014would no doubt be well qualified & there is every ground of confidence in his fidelity. He affords the public the security of a good fortune. It must however not be omitted that by something in his character, by too much fondness for office, by some marks of indecision & temporising in lesser matters, he is far less well esteemed in our community than the other characters who have been named.\nFor qualifications relative to the Office I should prefer Walker Fish Burrall & Watson.\nThe consideration for the candidates in the better part of the community stands nearly thus. Clarkeson, ver Plank, Fish = Walker, Burrall, Giles, Watson.\nI have thought it better to give you this map of Characters for the information of the President than to draw myself any definitive conclusion. It is not easy to err much in a choice among them.\nI should have mentioned Col Smith among the most prominent but for the late unfortunate circumstances which attend him and which would render his appointment ineligible to such an Office at this time.\nYrs truly\nA Hamilton\nOl Wolcott Jun 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0457", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Troup, [20 June 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Troup, Robert\n[June 20, 1797. The description of this letter in the dealer\u2019s catalogue reads: \u201con legal matters.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0461-0001", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Tench Coxe, [23 August 1797]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Coxe, Tench\n[New York, August 23, 1797]\nSir\nI enclose you a letter from Mr Church. I must add to it my earnest request that you will exert yourself to complete the business which is the subject of it. The punctuality of his temper occasions to me no small embarrassment in reference to a delay which appears to him extraordinary. I shall receive much pleasure from the knowlege that the affair is closed.\nWith consideration \u2003 I am Sir \u2003 Yr Obed serv\nA Hamilton\nTench 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0461-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: John B. Church to Tench Coxe, 19 August 1797\nFrom: \nTo: \nAlbany Augt. 19: 1797\nSir\nI imagine this Letter will find you return\u2019d to Philadelphia. I am much disappointed and regret that I was obliged to quit New York before I received an Account of your having arranged with Mr. Anthony the Division of the Lands. I have received a Letter from him that he fears he shall not be able to effect it with you, and that I must repair to Philadelphia in Person to procure a Settlement; I hope you will be so good as to complete this Business immediately with him and spare me the Trouble of a Journey there which would at present be exceedingly inconvenient to me and as I hope that by this Time every Obstacle to a Settlement is removed I flatter myself you will not put me to the Trouble of a Journey which I should take with regret. I am very respectfully Sir \u2003 Your mo: obedt hum Servt.\nJ B Church\nI shall return to N York in a few Days, and hope to receive an Acot of the Settlement of this Business.\nTench Coxe Exqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0462", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 26 August 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Philadelphia] August 26th 1797\nSir\nI wrote yesterday to Mr. Church, & now trouble you with this from a presumption that he is yet absent. My letter gives some information, which as it regards his Pennsa. property, it may be well for you to see immediately. I therefore recommend your attention opening my letter to him. I have just recd. Mr. Church\u2019s of the 19th. & yours of the 23d or 25th. In regard to the division of the tracts to give him a separate title for his interest of 17\u00be tracts in Patterson & Co\u2019s Concerne, I want it for him to that amount & for myself for the amot. of my 18\u00be Tracts as much as possible. Whenever Messrs. Whelen & those concerned with him are in Town I will attend to it on a minutes notice, and it can be drawn by lot in an hour. Mr. Whelen is to give me Notice when they are here. At this time the prospect of them being soon in town is bad, as you may presume, when I tell you that from my office windows I can see ten houses that are shut up, between them & Mr. E. Tilghman\u2019s on Chestnut Street alone, & that I shall be this Evening without a servant in my house, the two left me by Mrs. Coxe being gone on acct. of the disorder. My Clerk, who is yet with me, will proceed in all things in his power as to the papers, that are wanted in lieu of the regular details, which by preceeding papers were furnished before. The tax lists made up for the safety of the property have furnished the means of a correct & detailed document, which I had the pleasure to enclose yesterday, in the letter refered to above.\nA similar part shall be furnished for the other part upon a division.\nThe draughts or plats, now in hand, will give another view of the same property, and shall be sent on when done. If I can stand my ground in the City I shall make progress in my public & private business, and a full share of my attention shall be paid to a methodical & complete exhibit of the property founded upon my former informations, & upon such knowledge of the precise local situation of the lands, as I occasionally obtain.\nOur Town is much alarmed, & a little touched with putrid fever in some cases, I believe, contagious.\nNo Physician, Student of Physick, Apothecary, Sexton or Grave digger has died so far as I am informed.\nWith consideration \u2003 I am Sir \u2003 yr. obedt. Servt.\nThe Offices of the Secy. comptr. Audr. & Regr. are moved to the Green House at Gray\u2019s Ferry. Mr. Francis has moved up to Twelfth Street permanently. His office is near Mr. Meredith & I remain, as heretofore. The Atty, Genl. I saw in Town this day, & the Secy. of State & War yesterday & the day before. Very various Views are taken of our Situation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0463", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Th\u00e9ophile Cazenove, October\u2013December 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Cazenove, Th\u00e9ophile\nNew York, October\u2013December, 1797. Proposes the forms which should be used for investing the one-hundred thousand dollars which Robert Morris had agreed to pay to the Seneca Indians for their lands in Ontario County, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0464", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Stoughton, [11 November 1797]\nFrom: Stoughton, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, November 11, 1797. On June 25, 1803, Stoughton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI had the honor to write you on this Subject the 11th. Novre. 1797. accompanying a Statement of Facts, copy of our Articles, and my claims.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0001-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 January 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n9. Clear & very cold\u2014wind in the same place. Went to the Theatre, for the first time this Season. The Child of Nature & The Lock & Key were performed. [2]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0002-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 February 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n20. Cloudy with a little rain in the forenoon\u2014variable afterwards. Wind So. West. Mercury 39. Another third of the Penna. Reps. dined here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0002-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 February 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n22. Rain in the Night cloudy forenoon with the Wind at East\u2014afterwards at S. W. clear & very fine. Went in the evening to an elegant entertainmt. given on my birth night. Mery. 38.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0002-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 February 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. Clear & pleasant forenoon. Wind brisk at So. Wt. lowerg. aftds. W. at So. Et. Mer. 36. The last third of the Pennsa. Assembly dined with 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0002-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 February 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n26. Clear & cold all day Wind at No. Wt. & Mercury 19. All the Military & Naval Officer[s] dined with me yesterd. Mercury at 19 degs.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0002", "content": "Title: February [1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1. Wind No. Easterly in the Morning\u2014So. Westerly afterwards and raining more or less all day. Mercury at 34 in the morning.\n2. A good deal of rain fell last [night]. Cloudy Morning but clear & very pleasant afterwards. Wind westerly. Mercury 42.\n3. Much such a day as yesterday but rather cooler. Wind same place. Mer. 30.\n4. Wind at So. West\u2014weather pleasant. Mercury at 32 in the morning.\n5. Clear & pleasant with the Wind Westerly. Mery. 28. Morn.\n6. Fine Rain most part of the day. Wind So. Wt. Mer: 48. Went to the Play of Columbus in the evening.\n   Columbus; or a World Discovered, a historical play, was presented at the New Theatre at six o\u2019clock this evening \u201cby particular desire.\u201d Also on the bill was a farce called Barnaby Brittle; or a Wife at Her Wit\u2019s End. The production of Columbus was an unusually ambitious one. The theater had been closed for several days before the first performance on 30 Jan., \u201con account of the extensive preparations\u201d necessary for the new scenery, machinery, and decorations. Included in the production were a representation of a storm, an earthquake, a volcano eruption, and \u201ca procession of indians and the first Landing of columbus\u201d (Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 23 Jan. and 6 Feb. 1797).\n7. Clear & cool. Wind at No. Wt. Mercury 34 in the Morn.\n8. Clear & pleasant but Cool. Wind westerly. Mercury at 26.\n9. Cloudy all day. Wind Southerly. Mercury 34.\n10. Morning Rainy & stormy afterwards\u2014Wind at So. Wt. Mercury at 50 in the Morn.\n11. Clear after the morning & Wind Westerly Mer: 35.\n12. Clear & pleasant. Wind Westerly\u2014Mercury at 35.\n13. Cloudy morning, and fine rain all day afterwards. Wind Easterly\u2014Mery. 38.\n14. Fine Rain\u2014Wind in the same quarter. Mercury 38.\n15. Cloudy forenoon with flakes of Snow\u2014clear afterwards. Wind Westerly. Mercury 34. Large Compy.\n16. Clear & pleasant. Wind Westerly. Mercury at 28. Large company dined here.\n17. Wind still westerly. Cloudy forenoon & rainy afternoon & Night. Mercury at 38. A very crouded drawing Room.\n   a very crouded drawing room: That the drawing room, or levee, was particularly crowded on this day was undoubtedly the result of a rumor that this was to be Mrs. Washington\u2019s last levee before the Washingtons retired to Mount Vernon. John Adams was to be inaugurated as the new president on 4 Mar., and GW\u2019s last weeks in office were marked by a hectic round of visits and addresses from various groups including congressmen, merchants, the Pennsylvania governor and legislature, the Society of the Cincinnati, and army officers. There were also elaborate dinners and entertainments given in his honor. The Washingtons themselves on 3 Mar. gave a farewell dinner followed by Mrs. Washington\u2019s last drawing room. On 4 Mar. at noon GW attended the inauguration of the new president.\n18. Heavy morning & variable all day\u2014Wind West. Mercury at 30. One third of the Pennsylvania Ho. of Representatives dined here.\n   Jacob Hiltzheimer, one of the members of the Pennsylvania legislature, listed in his diary Speaker George Latimer and 20 other members as present. \u201cOur Speaker sat between the President and his lady, and I on the left of the President\u201d (HILTZHEIMERJacob Cox Parsons, ed. Extracts from the Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer, of Philadelphia. 1765\u20131798. Philadelphia, 1893., 240).\n19. Clear, Wind Westerly in the Morning but cloudy afterwards. Mer: 30. Went to church.\n20. Cloudy with a little rain in the forenoon\u2014variable afterwards. Wind So. West. Mercury 39. Another third of the Penna. Reps. dined here.\n21. Wind westerly & remarkably pleasant in the forenoon\u2014but lowering afterwards. Mery. at 30.\n22. Rain in the Night cloudy forenoon with the Wind at East\u2014afterwards at S. W. clear & very fine. Went in the evening to an elegant entertainmt. given on my birth night. Mery. 38.\n   The \u201celegant entertainment\u201d took place at Ricketts\u2019s Amphitheatre and was followed by dinner and a ball \u201cwhich for Splendour, Taste and Elegance, was, perhaps, never excelled by any similar Entertainment in the United States.\u201d This entertainment was the culmination of a whole day of celebration which had begun by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannon (Claypoole\u2019s Adv. [Philadelphia], 23 Feb. 1797). See the description of the events of the day in MCREEGriffith J. McRee. Life and Correspondence of James Iredell, One of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. 2 vols. New York, 1857\u201358., 2:493.\n23. Clear & pleasant forenoon. Wind brisk at So. Wt. lowerg. aftds. W. at So. Et. Mer. 36. The last third of the Pennsa. Assembly dined with me.\n24. Rain fell last Night & a little this Morng. Cloudy until afternoon Wind Westerly. Mery. 50.\n25. Wind pretty fresh from the No. W. and cool with lowering clouds towards evening\u2014Mercury 32.\n26. Clear & cold all day Wind at No. Wt. & Mercury 19. All the Military & Naval Officer[s] dined with me yesterd. Mercury at 19 degs.\n27. Wind at So. Et. & lowering but no fall, Mer: 36. Went to the theatre in the Evening.\n   Playing at the New Theatre were a comedy, The Way to Get Married; a farce, Animal Magnetism; and \u201ca new Pantomime Ballet Dance ... called Dermot & Kathleen,\u201d composed by Mrs. Byrne, a member of the theater company (Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 27 Feb. 1797; SCHARF [1]J. Thomas Scharf and Thompson Westcott. History of Philadelphia. 1609\u20131884. 3 vols. Philadelphia, 1884., 2:971).\n28. Wind variable and grt. appearances all day of Snow. Mer. 35. Went to Mrs. Grattons concer[t] in the Evening.\n   \u201cMrs. Grattan Respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of the City, that the 5th ladies\u2019 concert will be on tuesday, the 28th day of February, at the Assembly-Room.\u201d The concert was to begin at 6:30, and \u201cat half past eight, the music will attend for the ball.\u201d The program, part instrumental and part vocal, consisted of selections by Haydn, Handel, and others. Mrs. Grattan was among the vocalists. This was the same Mrs. Grattan who opened a linen and muslin warehouse on North Sixth Street (Gaz. of the U.S. [Philadelphia], 28 Feb. 1797).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0003-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 March 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n9. Wind changed to No. Wt. blew very hard & turned very cold. Mer. at 28. Left Phila. on my return to Mt. Vernon\u2014dined at Chester & lodged 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0003-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 March 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n15. Recd. the Compliments of the Citizens of George Town as I had done the day before of those of the City of Washington. Stopped in Alexa. & got to Mt. V. to dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0003-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 March 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n27. A little rain fell last Night. Wind Southerly in the Morning & violently all day afterwards & night from No. Wt. Omitted to enter the Acct. of the Weather & Occurrences the remainder of 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0005", "content": "Title: May\u20141797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1. Went to Alexandria to settle some matters at the Bank. Day warm\u2014wind at So. Wt.\n   matters at the bank: \u201cTo Cash recd. from the Bank of Alexa. dividend on 10 Sh:\u2014100 Dollrs.\u201d (GW\u2019s Cash Memoranda, 29 Sept. 1794\u201317 Aug. 1797, RPJCB).\n2. Blew violently hard all day from the No. Wt. & grew very Cold.\n3. A frost in the morning\u2014Weather variable & cold. Wind So. Wt. & fresh.\n4. Warm, with very little Wd. and that So. Wt.\n5. Warm in the forenoon with the wind at So. Wt. Rain in the Afternoon. Went to Alexa. on business. Retd. in the afternoon.\n   on business: GW had \u201cDinner &ca.\u201d at Gadsby\u2019s tavern today (GW\u2019s Cash Memoranda, 29 Sept. 1794\u201317 Aug. 1797, RPJCB).\n6. Warm with the Wind at So. Et.\u2014but not hot.\n7. Wind, after the morning very fresh from the N. W. & turning very cold.\n8. Wind No., a little Easterly and Cool with a shower of Rain abt. 1 Oclock & squally.\n9. Disagreeably cool\u2014tho\u2019 the Wind was shifting to the Southward.\n10. Very pleasant\u2014warm & clear.\n11. Brisk So. Westerly Wind & warm.\n12. Wind in the same quarter but not so much of it but very warm.\n13. Wind No. Westerly and much cooler with appearances of Rain.\n14. Wind at No. Et. & rather Cool\u2014indeed quite so.\n15. Very pleasant, & but little wind\u2014that however was from the No. Et.\n16. Wind No. Easterly, & then to the westward of No. but not much of it. Appearances of Rain but none fell.\n17. Wind Easterly all day and pretty fresh & cool.\n18. Very cloudy all day with the Wind at So. Et. Showers with thunder & lightening in the afternoon.\n19. Wind at No. Et. & cloudy all day with moderate Rain from \u00bd after 10 until near two.\n20. Wind from the So. Et. with appearances of Rain but none fell\u2014very warm.\n21. Wind more Southerly with great appearances of Rain but none fell here.\n22d. Morning rather cooler but warm afterwards with but little wind.\n23. Wind Easterly & rather Cool.\n24. Wind Southerly and warm with appearances of Rain but none fell.\n25. Very brisk Southerly wind & still great appearances of Rain but none fell here.\n26. Wind at No. W. & fresh in the morning, but less of it & at So. Wt. in the Afternn. Cool till evening.\n27. Wind at So. Wt. Clear and warm all day. In the evening Sultry.\n28. Wind in the forepart of the day very high, from the No. W. and cold.\n29. Clear & rather Cool with but little Wind.\n30. Cloudy & much like rain all day with the Wind at No. Et. In the afternoon & night a little rain fell.\n31. Wind at No. Wt. and cool.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0007-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 July 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n22. Warm morning & cloudy with very fine Showers from 11 Oclock in the Morning until near 3 oclock wetting the grd. thoroughly. Mery. 80.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0007", "content": "Title: July [1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1. Warm with variable Wind\u2014sometimes East & sometimes West of So. M. 80.\n2. Wind Southerly with a slight Shower 2 Oclock. Mer. 88 before the Rain.\n3. Clear in the forenoon with a slight shower for a few minutes about 2 Oclock; afternoon Wind Southerly Mer. 81.\n4. Wind Westerly all day with appearances of Rain but none fell. Mercury at 81.\n5. Cool in the morning with the Wind at No. Wt.\u2014calm afterwards. Mery. 79.\n6. Clear until the Afternoon with but little wind then hazy clouds with the Wind at So. Et. Mer. 80.\n7. Heavy morning with Rain more or less from 7 in the Morning until 2 Oclock in the afternoon but very moderate. Wind So. Easterly\u2014Mer. 74.\n8. Clear after the morning & warm. Wind Southerly Mer. 82.\n9. Wind pretty fresh from No. Wt. all day. Weather clear and Mercury at 82.\n10. Clear with the Wind Southerly. Mery. at 84.\n11. Wind at No. Wt. all day a little rain having fallen in the Night but not on my Farms. M. 81.\n12. Little or no wind. Mercury at 83.\n13. Calm and clear all day\u2014Mery. at 85.\n14. Very little wind and clear\u2014Mery. 91.\n15. Last Night extremely warm\u2014clear & calm\u2014Mer. 88.\n16. Very warm with the Wind at So. Mer. 90. Fine Rain in the Afternoon\u2014suff[icien]t to wet the g[round].\n17. Appearances of Rain most part of the day but none fell\u2014pleasant. Went up to the Fedl. City.\n18. Warm with appearances of Rain in the Afternoon\u2014but none fell. In the City all day.\n19. Went by the bridge at the little falls to the Gt. Falls & returned home in the Afternoon.\n   bridge at the little falls: Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant\u2019s original plan for the Federal City called for a bridge over the Potomac River at Little Falls and one over the Eastern Branch (Anacostia River). In 1791 the Georgetown Bridge Company was chartered and subscriptions taken. On 1 July 1795 the company\u2019s books were opened for 400 shares at $200 per share. Timothy Palmer was to undertake the erection of the bridge at Little Falls. The bridge, which opened for use on 3 July 1797, was a \u201cwooden roofed-in structure\u201d with high stone and iron abutments (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., 1:243, 491\u201392; National Intelligencer [Washington], 16 Mar. 1808; Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 12 Aug. 1797).\n20. Clear & warm. Mercury at 83.\n21. Much such a day as yesterday\u2014M. 83.\n22. Warm morning & cloudy with very fine Showers from 11 Oclock in the Morning until near 3 oclock wetting the grd. thoroughly. Mery. 80.\n23. Cloudy forenoon but clear afterwards\u2014but little Wind. Mer. 81.\n24. Clear & warm\u2014Wind Southerly. A little rain in the Night. M. 85.\n25. Great appea[ra]nces of Rain in the morning clear & warm afterwards\u2014Mer. 83.\n26. Clear all day with but little wind and that So. Mer. 84.\n27. Wind Southerly & warm. A fine rain about 3 Oclock for an hour. Mercury 81.\n28. Mercury at 82. Clear forenoon but Showers in the Afternoon.\n29. Clear all day\u2014Wind Easterly. Mer. 79.\n30. Mercy. 79\u2014A Slight Shower abt. 2 Oclock rather cool afterwds.\n31. Mercury at 76. Wind Easterly\u2014and frequent Showers of Rain in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0008-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 August 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n5. Warm & sultry in the forepart of the day with great appearances afterwards & a slight Shower in the evening\u2014Mer. 85. Doctr. Stuart & daughter Nancy came here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0008-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 August 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n7. Appearances of Rain until 10 Oclock & a sprinkle at Night. Mer. 76. Dr. Stuart & daughter returned home. I went to the annual Meeting of the Potk. Co. at George town. Dined at the Union tavern & lodged at Mr. Thos. Peter\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0008-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 August 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n17. Wind inclining to the Westward\u2014Mer. 73. Weather clear. Went with the family to Alexa. Dined with Mr. Potts. Doctr. Stuart came home with us 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0008-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 August 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. Very little wind rather inclining to the Westward. Mer. 80. Mr. Richd. Randolph & Mr. Carter Beverly came to dinner & Captn. Blackburn & lady in the Afternoon. Clouds but no 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0008-0031", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 31 August 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n31. Appearances of rain in the Morning\u2014clear & warm afterwards. Mer. at 84. Genl. Spotswoods family & ours dined with Mr. Ludwell Lee. And Mr. Nichs. Fitzhugh & his wife came here to dinner & Mr. Lawe. Lewis 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0008", "content": "Title: August [1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1. Wind Southerly\u2014heavy shower in the afternoon & much rain fell in the Night. Mer. 78. Mr. Bolling & Mr. L. Washington of King George came here.\n   Robert Bolling (born c.1759) of Centre Hill, Petersburg, was the son of Robert Bolling (1730\u20131775) and Mary Tabb Bolling of Bollingbrook. He married in 1796 his third wife, Sally Washington, daughter of Lawrence Washington of Chotank. Bolling had served in the Virginia militia during the Revolution (DAVIDSONNora F. M. Davidson. \u201cRevolutionary Services of Robert Bolling, of Petersburg.\u201d Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 12 (1904\u20135): 154\u201356., 154\u201356; Va. Mag., 4 [1897], 330\u201331). l. washington of king george: probably Bolling\u2019s brother-in-law, Lawrence Washington, Jr. (see entry for 27 July 1785).\n2. Wind Easterly. Showers in the Morng. & Afternoon. Mer. 77. B. & W. went away.\n3. Raining more or less from 10 Oclock\u2014M. 77.\n4. Wind at So. Et. & Easterly\u2014appearances of Rain but none fell. Warm Mer. 85. Mrs. Peake & Miss Evelin dined here.\n   miss evelin: GW undoubtedly means Fanny Edelen (see entries for 28 Dec. 1771 and 7 Nov. 1785). Mrs. Peake is probably Humphrey Peake\u2019s widow, Mary Stonestreet Peake.\n5. Warm & sultry in the forepart of the day with great appearances afterwards & a slight Shower in the evening\u2014Mer. 85. Doctr. Stuart & daughter Nancy came here.\n   Dr. David Stuart (see entry for 3 Jan. 1785) was appointed by GW as one of the three original commissioners for the Federal City but resigned that office in Sept. 1794. The settlement of a long-standing dispute with Robert Alexander (see entry for 27 Mar. 1788) over the nearby Abingdon property\n(see entry for 12 Mar. 1785) had necessitated the Stuart family\u2019s removal from there about 1792. They were at this time living at Hope Park, a 2,000-acre estate about 10 miles west of Abingdon in a more isolated area of Fairfax County. Stuart\u2019s daughter Ann Calvert (Nancy) Stuart was about 14 years old at this time.\n6. Showery in the morning & cloudy most part of the day. Mer. 76. Wind at No. Et.\n7. Appearances of Rain until 10 Oclock & a sprinkle at Night. Mer. 76. Dr. Stuart & daughter returned home. I went to the annual Meeting of the Potk. Co. at George town. Dined at the Union tavern & lodged at Mr. Thos. Peter\u2019s.\n   potk. co.: Work on building locks and clearing the Potomac River and its tributaries for navigation had been under way for more than a decade. When money was plentiful, the work progressed rapidly, with the employment of many Irish and German indentured servants and hired laborers; but from 1788 until the present year, funds for the work on the river gradually became harder to procure. Efforts were largely bent on obtaining enough money to complete the locks at Great Falls, the only part of the Potomac River at which a portage was still necessary. There were repeated calls on shareholders for additional contributions; the legislatures of Maryland and Virginia were petitioned at various times for the sale of more shares to be added to the capital stock; attempts were made to force delinquent subscribers to pay their quotas. Despite all efforts to raise money, funds were at this time entirely exhausted. At the 1797 annual meeting in Georgetown the shareholders of the Potowmack Company found it necessary to agree to sell the indentures of the servants and discharge the company\u2019s laborers. Among the attempts to raise more money was an order to the directors to sell or mortgage all shares belonging to the company; to open the books for 30 additional shares at \u00a3130 each; to petition the Virginia and Maryland legislatures for permission to collect tolls at Great Falls; and \u201cto mortgage the tolls for the amount of $16,000, all monies to be applied to the works at Great Falls\u201d (BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 95). For further information on the activities of the Potowmack Company during the period 1788 to 1797, see BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 82\u2013100 and 169\u201371.\n   The Union Tavern, built in 1796 by the subscription of a number of Georgetown citizens, was a three-story brick structure located at the corner of Washington (30th) and Bridge (M) streets. It boasted an elegant assembly, or ball, room which was a favorite accommodation for birthday balls and other social assemblies (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., 1:280; EBERLEIN & HUBBARDHarold Donaldson Eberlein and Cortlandt Van Dyke Hubbard. Historic Houses of George-Town & Washington City. Richmond, Va., 1958., 10\u201312).\n8. Returned home to dinner. Drizling at times until one Oclock\u2014clear afterwds. Mer. 75. Wind No. W. in the Aftern.\n9. No rain, but appearances of it in the afternoon. Wind Northerly\u2014Mer. 73.\n10. Clear & cool all day with the wind varying from No. Wt. to No. Et. Mery. at 70. Miss Fanny Henley came.\n   Frances (Fanny) Henley (b. 1779) was the eldest child of Martha Washington\u2019s sister Elizabeth and her second husband, Leonard Henley, of James City County. Fanny later became the third wife of Tobias Lear.\n11. Morning & evening cloudy but no rain\u2014Wind shifting from No. Et. to So. Wt.\u2014Mer. 73.\n12. Fair until evening, when it began to rain moderately. Wind at So. West & Mer. 79. Genl. Lee, Lady & daughter came.\n   genl. lee: Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee\u2019s first wife, Matilda, died in 1790 and in 1793 Lee married Anne Hill Carter (1773\u20131829), daughter of Charles Carter of Shirley and his second wife, Anne Butler Moore Carter. The daughter who accompanied the Lees was Lucy Grymes Lee (1786\u20131860), a child of Lee\u2019s first marriage.\n13. Wind rather variable with Showers in the afternoon. Mer. 79. General \u27e8L.\u27e9 & ca. went away & Mr. Bourne and Mr. Lear came.\n   mer.: GW has inadvertently written \u201cMer.\u201d twice in the MS. Mr. Bourne may be Sylvanus Bourne, who was vice-consul in Amsterdam about 1794 and in June 1797 was appointed consul general to the Batavian Republic. A notice in the Alexandria newspaper on 7 Nov. stated that he and his wife \u201csailed from Chester on Sunday last, in the ship Phoenix, for Amsterdam\u201d (Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 7 Nov. 1797).\n   Tobias Lear, whose second wife, Fanny Bassett Washington Lear, had died in late Mar. 1796, seems to have been living in Washington City. Lear, now a merchant in the Federal City, was also president of the Potowmack Company and was on his way to the Great Falls on company business (Lear to GW, 16 Aug. 1797, DLC:GW). Lear wrote GW a few weeks later that he was resolved to take up residence in the fall at Walnut Tree Farm, a section of Clifton\u2019s Neck which GW had given to Fanny and George Augustine Washington in 1787 (see entry for 10 Feb. 1787). There he would take up farming and direct the studies of his \u201cCharming boys\u201d\u2014Fanny Lear\u2019s two orphan sons, George Fayette Washington (1790\u20131867) and Charles Augustine Washington (b. 1791), and his own child, Benjamin Lincoln Lear (c.1791\u20131832), the son of his first wife, Mary Long Lear. He had hoped to rent GW\u2019s adjacent River Farm for the coming year, but the season was too far advanced and GW had already made other arrangements to farm the land himself (Lear to GW, 8 Sept. 1797, DLC:GW; GW to Lear, 11 Sept. 1797, NN: Washington Papers).\n14. Wind at No. Wt. & Cool all day. Mer. 70. Mr. Bourne & Mr. Lear went away & Mr. Ferdd. Fairfax came.\n   Ferdinando Fairfax (see entry for 31 May 1769) inherited from his uncle George William Fairfax in 1787 all his property, including the Belvoir estate in Fairfax County and tracts of land in Berkeley (later in Jefferson) County. Ferdinando\u2019s home, Shannon Hill, on the Shenandoah River was about halfway between Key\u2019s ferry and Snickers\u2019 ferry. During this visit to Mount Vernon, Fairfax discussed with GW the possibility of hiring one of GW\u2019s jackasses to stand at Shannon Hill for the season and of GW\u2019s purchasing or hiring a cook to replace one who had recently run away (Ferdinando Fairfax to GW, 22 Aug. 1797 and 2 Mar. 1798, DLC:GW).\n15. Clear & Cool\u2014wind at No. W. Mer. 71. Mr. Fairfax went away.\n16. Clear wind varying from No. W. to S. W. Mer. 73.\n17. Wind inclining to the Westward\u2014Mer. 73. Weather clear. Went with the family to Alexa. Dined with Mr. Potts. Doctr. Stuart came home with us in the evening.\n   Mr. Potts is John Potts, Jr., formerly of Pottsgrove (Pottstown), Pa. (see entry for 11 Sept. 1785).\n18. Wind Southerly\u2014Clear\u2014Mer. at 79. Doctr. Stuart went away.\n19. Wind Southerly all day. Mer. at 82. Some app[earanc]e of Rain.\n20. But little wind & that variable. Weather clear. Mer. 79.\n21. Clear with little or no wind. Mer. at 80.\n22. Clear & warm. Wind small & variable. Mer. 79.\n23. Very little wind rather inclining to the Westward. Mer. 80. Mr. Richd. Randolph & Mr. Carter Beverly came to dinner & Captn. Blackburn & lady in the Afternoon. Clouds but no R.\n   Richard Randolph, Jr. (c.1758\u20131799), of Curles in Henrico County was married to Maria Beverley Randolph (1764\u20131824), daughter of Robert Beverley (1740\u20131800) and Maria Carter Beverley (1745\u20131817) of Blandfield. Randolph\u2019s brother-in-law, Carter Beverley (1774\u20131844), was a justice of Culpeper County. captn. blackburn & lady: Richard Scott Blackburn (died c.1804\u20135), the eldest son of Thomas and Christian Scott Blackburn of Rippon Lodge near Dumfries, had been appointed to a captaincy in the United\nStates Army in 1794. Earlier, in 1790\u201391, he served one term in the Virginia House of Delegates. Blackburn was married first to Judith Ball and then, sometime after Oct. 1796, to Ann Blause (c.1760\u2013c.1804).\n24. The latter Gentn. & lady went away after breakfast & the former after dinner. Calm. Mer. at 80.\n25. Very warm with but little Wind in the forenoon\u2014Mer. at 82. Mr. Wilson & Mrs. Ramsay\u2014Mr. & Mrs. Potts & two daughters dined here.\n   Mr. Wilson is William Wilson, merchant, of Alexandria (see entry for 17 April 1785). Mrs. Ramsay is Mrs. Elizabeth Ramsay, mother of Eliza Ramsay Potts and widow of Patrick Ramsay, a Scottish merchant of Blandford, Prince George County. At the beginning of the Revolution, Patrick Ramsay returned with his family to Glasgow, where he died. His widow and children came back to America in the 1780s and settled in Alexandria (SLAUGHTER [3]Philip Slaughter. A History of Bristol Parish, Va., with Genealogies of Families Connected Therewith, and Historical Illustrations. Richmond, 1879., 211). William Wilson may have been married to one of Mrs. Ramsay\u2019s daughters (deed of Elizabeth Ramsay to John Potts, Jr., and William Wilson, Fairfax County Deeds, Book T\u20131, 7\u201311, Vi Microfilm; WMQThe William and Mary Quarterly: A Magazine of Early American History. Williamsburg, Va., 1st ser., 14 [1905\u20136], 211\u201313). John Potts, Jr., and his wife, Eliza Ramsay Potts (see entry for 18 Nov. 1787), had at least three daughters: Sophia W., Anna, and W. D. Potts (SLAUGHTER [3]Philip Slaughter. A History of Bristol Parish, Va., with Genealogies of Families Connected Therewith, and Historical Illustrations. Richmond, 1879., 211).\n26. Mrs. Washington dined here and in the afternoon Genl. & Mrs. Spotswood\u2014Captn. Spotswood Miss Spotswood & Miss Thornton came. But little wind & great appearances of Rain. Mer. 81.\n   Mrs. Washington is undoubtedly Lund Washington\u2019s widow, Elizabeth Foote Washington, of nearby Hayfield.\n   Alexander Spotswood of New Post and Nottingham, both in Spotsylvania County, and his wife, Elizabeth Washington Spotswood, were accompanied by two of their children and a niece; Capt. John Augustine Spotswood, a son, was captain of a schooner probably involved in the West Indies trade (see entry for 30 April 1785; John A. Spotswood\u2019s statement of his property, 1798, DLC:GW). Miss Spotswood was probably the eldest daughter, Mary; Miss Thornton was one of the four daughters of Mrs. Spotswood\u2019s sister Jane Washington Thornton (born c.1752) and her husband, Col. John Thornton, son of Col. Francis Thornton (d. 1784) of Society Hill.\n27. Clear, with the wind at No. W. all day. Mer. at 78.\n28. Clear\u2014Mercury at 80. Wind Southerly.\n29. Clear\u2014Wind Southerly. M. at 80. Mr. Bushd. Washington Mr. Fieldg. Lewis & Wife and Miss Dade dined here & went away afterwards.\n   Bushrod Washington had moved his law practice from Alexandria to Richmond in 1790. Fielding Lewis, Jr., was married to Nancy Alexander, daughter of Gerard and Mary Dent Alexander of Fairfax County. The Miss Dade who accompanies the Lewises is undoubtedly one of Mrs. Lewis\u2019s relatives; there were numerous marriages between the Alexander and Dade families over several generations.\n30. Clear, with the Wind, tho little of it Southerly. Mercury 80. Ludwell Lee Esqr. & Lady & Miss Armistead dined here.\n   Richard Henry Lee\u2019s eldest son, Ludwell Lee (1760\u20131836), served in the Virginia House of Delegates 1787\u201390 and was now speaker of the Virginia Senate. His first wife, Flora Lee, had died, and he was married again on 30 May 1797 to Elizabeth (Betsey) Armistead, daughter of Bowles and Mary Fontaine Armistead. The Miss Armistead who appears with the Lees is undoubtedly one of the bride\u2019s sisters.\n31. Appearances of rain in the Morning\u2014clear & warm afterwards. Mer. at 84. Genl. Spotswoods family & ours dined with Mr. Ludwell Lee. And Mr. Nichs. Fitzhugh & his wife came here to dinner & Mr. Lawe. Lewis in the evening.\n   dined with mr. ludwell lee: at Shuter\u2019s (Shooter\u2019s) Hill, Lee\u2019s home just outside Alexandria. Nicholas Fitzhugh (1764\u20131814), one of 14 children of Henry Fitzhugh (1723\u20131783) of Bedford and Sarah Battaile Fitzhugh (1731\u20131783), lived at Ravensworth in Fairfax County. He served in the House of Delegates 1790\u201391 and 1800\u20133, and then was appointed judge of the United States circuit court for the district of Washington. He married in 1788 Sarah Ashton, daughter of Burdett Ashton and his wife, Ann Washington Ashton, GW\u2019s niece.\n   Lawrence Lewis, son of GW\u2019s sister Betty, had been invited by GW to reside at Mount Vernon to help with the entertainment of the many guests. GW informed Lewis, however, that he would \u201cexpect no Services from you for which pecuniary compensation will be made. I have already as many on wages as are sufficient to carry on my business and more indeed than I can find means to pay, conveniently. As both your Aunt and I are in the decline of life, and regular in our habits, especially in our hours of rising & going to bed; I require some person (fit & proper) to ease me of the trouble of entertaining company; particularly of Nights, as it is my inclination to retire (and unless prevented by very particular company, always do retire) either to bed, or to my study, soon after candle light. In taking these duties (which hospitality obliges one to bestow on company) off my hands, it would render me a very acceptable service, and for a little time only, to come, an hour in the day, now and then, devoted to the recording of some Papers which time would not allow me to complete before I left Philadelphia, would also be acceptable\u201d (4 Aug. 1797, ViMtvL).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0009-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 September 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n3. A sprinkle of rain for a few minutes\u2014Wind at No. Wt. Mer. at 79. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzhugh went away after breakfast & Mr. Lear came to dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0009-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 September 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n15. Great appearances of R. with light drippings in the forenoon\u2014Mer. 78. In the Afternoon abt. 6 Oclock it began a sober rain & cond. till 11 Ock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0009-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 September 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n26. Clear in the forenoon lowering afterwards & turning cold. Wind brisk from the No. Wt. The Attorney Genl. Lee & Lady & Mrs. Edmund Lee dined here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0009-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 September 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n29. A very thick & heavy fog with appearances [of rain] but none fell. But little wind & that at No. Wt. Mer. 65. Col. Gilpin & Mr. Hartshorne dined here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0010-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 October 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n2. Clear, warm & pleasant. Mer. at 66. Mr. Carter & Mr. Fitzhugh went away & Mr. Washington & Mr. Foot came to dinr. & returned afterwards.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0010-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 October 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n7. Calm, clear & warm in the forenoon with appearances of Rain afterwds. Mer. 66. Mr. La Colombe & a Doctr. Flood came here\nto Dinner. The last returned. Mr. T. Peter & Mrs. Peter came in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0010-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 October 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n16. Clear & moderate with but little Wind\u2014Mer. 55. Mr. Macdonald & Mr. Rich went away after breakfast. Mrs. Nichols & Mr. Nichols & wife & Doctr. Stuart came to Din. The 3 first returnd after 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0010-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 October 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n24. Constant Rain from 8 in the Morning until 4 in the aftern. with the Wind at No. Et. then No. W. Mer. 42. Spanish Minister & Mr. Barry came to dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0010-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 October 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n25. Wind moderately from So. Wt.\u2014clear. Mer. at 52. The above gentlemn. went away after breakfast & Mrs. Craik & two sons & Mr. & Mrs. Harrison came to dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0010-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 October 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n30. Wind brisk from No. Wt. & cold. Mer. at 54. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast. Mr. Cottineau & Lady, Mr. Rosseau & Lady, the Visct. D\u2019Orleans, & Mr. De Colbert came to Dinner & returned to Alexa. afterwards. A Mr. Stockton from N. Jerseys came in the afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0010-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 31 October 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n31. Wind still at No. Wt. but moderate. Mer. at 55. Mr. Stockton went away after breakfast and Mr. Ford & Lady & a Mr. Richards came to dinner & proceeded on their Journey to So. Cara. afterwards.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0010", "content": "Title: October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1. Began raining in the Night and contind. to do so, more or less, until Noon\u2014when the Wind got to the Westward & cleard\u2014Mer. 63.\n2. Clear, warm & pleasant. Mer. at 66. Mr. Carter & Mr. Fitzhugh went away & Mr. Washington & Mr. Foot came to dinr. & returned afterwards.\n   Mr. Washington undoubtedly is Lawrence Washington (1740\u20131799) of nearby Belmont, brother of GW\u2019s cousin and wartime manager, Lund Washington (see entries for 10 Mar. and 27 July 1785). mr. foot: probably William Hayward Foote, usually called Hayward Foote. He was the son of Richard Foote (d. 1779) and Margaret Foote and was the nephew of both Catherine Foote Washington, Lawrence\u2019s wife, and Elizabeth Foote Washington, the widow of Lund Washington. Elizabeth Washington called Hayward Foote her \u201cadopted son\u201d; he evidently lived with her and helped her manage the farm after Lund\u2019s death (Fairfax County Wills, Book K\u20131, Vi Microfilm; Lund Washington\u2019s Account Book, MdAN).\n3. Clear & very warm. Wind Southerly\u2014Mer. at 68. Doctr. Stuart came hear to Dinner. Washington Custis came home.\n   George Washington Parke Custis was home after an unsuccessful year at the College of New Jersey at Princeton. His academic career was distinctly checkered and caused GW much concern. During the early years of the presidency, GW had sent the boy to a small private school in New York run by Patrick Murdoch (HAMILTON [2]Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961\u201387., 7:25\u201326n). When the seat of government was moved to Philadelphia he enrolled young Custis at the \u201cCollege, Academy and Charitable School\u201d associated with the University of Pennsylvania. Even at this early date there was dissatisfaction with his progress (DECATURStephen Decatur, Jr. Private Affairs of George Washington: From the Records and Accounts of Tobias Lear, Esquire, his Secretary. Boston, 1933., 102, 169\u201370, 219\u201320). In 1796 young Custis matriculated at Princeton and, armed with much good advice from his grandfather, seemed for a time to be doing well. GW\u2019s letters to him during the fall and early winter are full of\nadmonitions to exert himself in his studies and avoid bad habits; Custis\u2019s replies give repeated assurances of his good intentions and progress (see CUSTISGeorge Washington Parke Custis. Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington. New York, 1860., 73\u201383). Soon after Custis\u2019s return to Princeton from his spring vacation, however, GW received a letter from the president of the college, Samuel Stanhope Smith (1750\u20131819), which, GW wrote Smith, \u201cfilled my mind (as you naturally supposed it would) with extreme disquietude. From his infancy I have discovered an almost unconquerable disposition to indolence in everything that did not tend to his amusements; and have exhorted him in the most parental and friendly manner often, to devote his time to more useful pursuits\u201d (GW to Smith, 24 May 1797, CUSTISGeorge Washington Parke Custis. Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington. New York, 1860., 83\u201384). Custis himself a few days later wrote GW a letter full of apologies and promises for improved conduct, and GW replied that he would \u201cnot only heartily forgive, but will forget also, and bury in oblivion all that has passed\u201d (Custis to GW, 29 May 1797, and GW to Custis, 4 June 1797, CUSTISGeorge Washington Parke Custis. Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington. New York, 1860., 84\u201387). However, despite much good advice from GW and frequent assurances of good conduct from Custis during the next few months, Washington Custis\u2019s homecoming on 3 Oct. marked the end of his schooling at Princeton. On 9 Oct., GW wrote Smith, acknowledging several recent letters regarding Custis\u2019s deportment. GW expressed regret at \u201cthe conduct and behaviour of Young Custis\u201d and made arrangements to pay his grandson\u2019s outstanding accounts at Princeton (DLC:GW).\n4. A Shower of Rain in the Morning & the wind very high from No. Wt. afterwards\u2014Mer. at 65. Mr. B. Bassett & Mrs. Dunbar & Mr. McCarty came to dinner. The latter returned afterwards.\n   Mrs. Dunbar may be Elizabeth Thornton Dunbar, wife of Robert Dunbar, a Scots merchant of Falmouth. She was a sister of Charles Washington\u2019s wife, Mildred Thornton Washington. Mr. McCarty is Daniel McCarty, Jr. (1759\u20131801), son of GW\u2019s former neighbor Daniel McCarty of Mount Air. The younger McCarty had served in the Revolution as a lieutenant in Grayson\u2019s Additional Continental Regiment. He was now living at his grandfather Denis McCarty\u2019s old home, Cedar Grove, and was married to Sarah Eilbeck Mason McCarty, daughter of Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall. McCarty was interested in moving west and tried to negotiate with GW for an exchange of his Loudoun County Sugar Lands for GW\u2019s Kanawha lands, but he decided that he would prefer to have property in the Louisiana area. For the correspondence regarding the negotiations, see Daniel McCarty, Jr., to GW, 2 and 6 Nov. 1797 and 19 Sept. 1798, DLC:GW; GW to McCarty, 30 Oct. 1797, ViMtvL; GW to McCarty, 3 and 13 Nov. 1797, NN: Washington Papers.\n5. Clear & very pleasant with but little Wind\u2014Mer. at 62. Mr. Basset & Mrs. Dunbar wt. away after breakfast.\n6. Warm & pleasant. Wind So. Mer. 65.\n7. Calm, clear & warm in the forenoon with appearances of Rain afterwds. Mer. 66. Mr. La Colombe & a Doctr. Flood came here\nto Dinner. The last returned. Mr. T. Peter & Mrs. Peter came in the Afternoon.\n   Louis Saint Ange Morel, chevalier de La Colombe (1755\u2013c.1800), had come with Lafayette to America in 1777 as an aide-de-camp. He was later made a captain of the King\u2019s Dragoons and retired as a major in 1783. He also served in the French army in France, becoming colonel of an infantry regiment in 1791 and aide to the commander-in-chief, Lafayette, in 1792. He was arrested and imprisoned, but in 1794 escaped and came to the United States. Except for a brief return to France he lived in the United States the rest of his life (CONTENSONBaron Ludovic Guy Marie du Bessey de Contenson.  La Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 des Cincinnati de France et la guerre d\u2019Am\u00e9rique, 1778\u20131783. Paris, 1934., 197). George Washington Lafayette, during the early part of his exile in the United States, probably stayed in La Colombe\u2019s home (George Cabot to GW, 16 Sept. 1795, DLC:GW). Dr. Flood may be William Pinckard Flood, son of Dr. William Flood and nephew of Dr. Nicholas Flood of Richmond County. William Pinckard Flood was married in 1793 to Ann Peyton (Nancy) Washington and probably resided in King George County.\n8. Clear, brisk Southerly Wind. Mer. 65. Mrs. Stuart & two of her daughters came to dinner as did Mr. Lear. Mr. La Tombe went awy.\n   mr. la tombe: GW means Louis Saint Ange Morel, chevalier de La Colombe, who came on the previous day. He has confused the name with that of Philippe Andr\u00e9 Joseph de L\u00e9tombe, the current French minister plenipotentiary to the United States.\n9. Wind brisk from the No. Wt. & turning cold\u2014Mer. 64. Mr. Lear & Mr. Peter went awy.\n10. The Wind continuing at No. Wt. it brew colder\u2014Mer. at 58.\n11. Wind at No. Wt. & fresh after the Morning. Mer. at 56\u2014Mrs. Stuart & Daughters & Mrs. Peters went after breakfast.\n12. Cold & frosty Morning, Mer. 54. Mr. G. W. La Fayette & Mr. Frestal left this for Geo. Town to take the stage for New York to embark for France. I accompanied them to the Fedl. City.\n   Young George Washington Motier Lafayette had received reports from correspondents in Hamburg that his father, together with his mother and sisters who had voluntarily joined him in prison, had been released from Olm\u00fctz and were on their way to Paris. GW was unable to persuade him to wait until the reports were confirmed. He and his tutor, Felix Frestal, sailed from New York for Havre de Grace on 25 Oct. on the brig Clio. Definite word of the release of the Lafayette family reached GW several weeks later (GW to chevalier de La Colombe, 3 Dec. 1797, DLC:GW; Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtvL). There followed two years of exile for the Lafayette family in Hamburg, Holstein, and Holland (GOTTSCHALKLouis Gottschalk, ed. The Letters of Lafayette to Washington, 1777\u20131799. 1944. Reprint. Philadelphia, 1976., xxiii).\n13. I returned home to dinner. Captn. Huie dined here & went away afterwards. Mer. at 5\u27e8 \u27e9. Wind Southerly.\n   Captain Huie may be Capt. James Huie of the Dumfries firm of Smith, Huie, Alexander & Co. (Fitzpatrick, DiariesJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Diaries of George Washington, 1748\u20131799. 4 vols. Boston and New York, 1925., 4:261, n.3).\n14. Great appearances of Rain\u2014but none fell. Wind Southerly\u2014Mer. 54. Mr. McDonald & Mr. Rich Birth. Com. came to dinner. Christopher set out for Lebanon.\n   mr. mcdonald & mr. rich: Thomas Macdonald and Henry Pye Rich, British commissioners under Article VI of the Jay Treaty. Article VI provided that the United States make full compensation for losses owed to British merchants and others \u201cin all such Cases where full Compensation for such losses and damages cannot, for whatever reason be actually obtained had and received by the said Creditors in the ordinary course of Justice\u201d (BEMIS [2]Samuel Flagg Bemis. The Diplomacy of the American Revolution. 1935. Reprint. Bloomington, Ind., and London, 1967., 460). Five commissioners were to be appointed; two British, two American, and the fifth by \u201cunanimous voice of the other Four\u201d (BEMIS [2]Samuel Flagg Bemis. The Diplomacy of the American Revolution. 1935. Reprint. Bloomington, Ind., and London, 1967., 461). The four commissioners met at Philadelphia and, after much disagreement, were forced to appoint the fifth member by lot. This choice fell upon an Englishman, and since the principles subsequently laid down by the commission majority proved unacceptable to the Americans, the commission disbanded. A compromise was finally reached in 1802 by which the United States agreed to pay the British government a lump sum of \u00a3600,000 sterling in three annual installments (BEMIS [2]Samuel Flagg Bemis. The Diplomacy of the American Revolution. 1935. Reprint. Bloomington, Ind., and London, 1967., 438\u201339).\n   In August Thomas Macdonald wrote from Philadelphia informing GW that he was forwarding him a volume of reports sent by the British Board of Agriculture and entrusted to his care by Sir John Sinclair. He informed GW of the proceedings of the commission, stating his belief that an honorable agreement could be reached. He expressed the hope that he and his colleague Rich would be able to pay their respects to GW at Mount Vernon (19 Aug. 1797, DLC:GW). GW replied on 29 Aug. thanking him for the reports and assuring Macdonald that he and Rich would be welcome at Mount Vernon (DLC:GW). christopher: GW\u2019s body servant, Christopher (sometimes called Christopher Sheels), was \u201con Monday last . . . Bit by a Small Dog belonging to a Lady in my house, then as was supposed a little diseased. And Yesternight died (I do think) in a State of madness. As soon as the Boy . . . was Bit application was made to a medical Gentleman in Alexandria who has cut out so far as He could, the place Bit, applyed Ointment to keep it open, And put the Boy under a Course of Mercury\u201d (GW to William Henry Stoy, 14 Oct. 1797, WRITINGSJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745\u20131799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931\u201344., 37:581). GW, upon hearing of the miraculous cures performed in such cases by Dr. William Henry Stoy (1726\u20131801) of Lebanon, Pa., sent Christopher to him for further treatment. Stoy wrote GW on 19 Oct. that the servant was in no further danger since he had taken his medicine (DLC:GW). Stoy\u2019s remedy consisted of \u201cone ounce of the herb, red chickweed, four ounces of theriac and one quart of beer, all well digested, the dose being a wine glassful\u201d (KELLY [2]Howard A. Kelly and Walter L. Burrage. American Medical Biographies. Baltimore, 1920., 1177). Christopher survived Dr. Stoy\u2019s treatment and lived to attend GW during his final illness and death.\n15. Clear & pleasant calm in the morning\u2014wind at No. Wt. afterwds. Mer. at 58. Mr. Potts & Mr. Keith dined here & returned.\n   James Keith became a director of the Potowmack Company in 1793 (see entry for 15 Aug. 1786).\n16. Clear & moderate with but little Wind\u2014Mer. 55. Mr. Macdonald & Mr. Rich went away after breakfast. Mrs. Nichols & Mr. Nichols & wife & Doctr. Stuart came to Din. The 3 first returnd after it.\n17. Clear and pleasant. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast. Mr. Law & Cap: Turner came in the Aftern. Mer.\u201458.\n   cap: turner: probably Thomas Turner (1772-1839) of King George County.\n18. Clear & pleasant\u2014Wind West. Mer. 61. Mr. Law & Cap. Turner went away after breakfast & Mr. Geo. Calvert came to Dinnr.\n19. Calm & very pleasant\u2014M. 58.\n20. Cloudy morning with the wind at No. Et. Abt. Noon it began to Rain & contd. to do so more or less all day. Mer. at 56.\n21. Wind still at No. Et. & misting all day. Mer. at 56. Mr. Calvert went away after breakfast.\n22. Clear all day. Wind at No. Wt. M. 57. Mr. Potts & wife & Mr. Smith & wife & Mr. Lear dined here.\n   Mr. Smith may be Augustine Jaquelin Smith (1774\u20131830), son of Augustine Smith (1739\u20131774). Augustine Jaquelin Smith represented Fairfax County in the Virginia legislature 1796\u201398 and 1821\u201322. In 1796 he was married to Susannah Taylor, the daughter of Jesse Taylor, Sr., of Alexandria.\n23. Very clear & pleasant\u2014M. 56. Went with the family to dine with Mr. Potts in Alexandria.\n24. Constant Rain from 8 in the Morning until 4 in the aftern. with the Wind at No. Et. then No. W. Mer. 42. Spanish Minister & Mr. Barry came to dinner.\n   spanish minister: Don Carlos Martinez de Yrujo y Tacon, later marqu\u00e9s de casa, (1763\u20131824) came to America as Spanish minister in 1796, succeeding Don Jos\u00e9 de\n      J\u00e1udenes. In a previous visit, before his official reception, Yrujo  spent two days at Mount Vernon at GW\u2019s invitation, and GW described him at that time as \u201ca young man, very free and easy in his manners; professes to be well disposed towards the United States; and as far as a judgment can be formed on so short an acquaintance, appears to be well informed\u201d (GW to Timothy Pickering, 4 July 1796, MHi: Pickering Papers). In 1798 Yrujo married Sally McKean, daughter of the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.\n   Mr. Barry was James Barry, an Irishman and a partner of Thomas Law in the East India trade. Barry had earlier acted as Spanish agent and Portuguese consul for the states of Maryland and Virginia. He was a heavy investor in lands in the new Federal City (O\u2019BRIENMichael J. O\u2019Brien. George Washington\u2019s Associations with the Irish. New York, 1937., 141\u201343). Barry had attempted to aid Yrujo in obtaining from the commissioners of the District of Columbia a site in the Federal City to put up housing for the Spanish representative, and GW had written the commissioners urging them to accommodate Yrujo. He thought such a move might persuade other countries to follow suit and thus stimulate the growth of the city (GW to Commissioners, 18 Sept. 1796, DLC:GW).\n25. Wind moderately from So. Wt.\u2014clear. Mer. at 52. The above gentlemn. went away after breakfast & Mrs. Craik & two sons & Mr. & Mrs. Harrison came to dinner.\n   Mrs. Mariamne Ewell Craik, wife of Dr. James Craik, had three sons living at this time\u2014James, Jr., William, and George Washington Craik; Adam Craik died in 1792. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were Mrs. Craik\u2019s son-in-law and daughter, Richard and Ann (Nancy) Craik Harrison, who were married in 1791 (see entry for 14 Oct. 1773).\n27. Clear & pleasant\u2014Wind Southerly\u2014Mer. 56. Mrs. Crk. &ca. went away before dinner.\n28. Lowering in the Morning, but clear & pleasant afterwards. Wind Southerly. Mer. at 60.\n29. Clear & pleasant tho\u2019 cool Wind getting to the No. Wt. Mer. at 55. Doctr. Stuart came to dinner.\n30. Wind brisk from No. Wt. & cold. Mer. at 54. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast. Mr. Cottineau & Lady, Mr. Rosseau & Lady, the Visct. D\u2019Orleans, & Mr. De Colbert came to Dinner & returned to Alexa. afterwards. A Mr. Stockton from N. Jerseys came in the afternoon.\n   mr. cottineau & lady: Denis Nicholas Cottineau de Kerloguen (c.1745\u20131808) was a Breton officer who had served with the Continental navy during the Revolution. He had commanded the United States frigate Pallas, serving under John Paul Jones\u2019s command during the fight between the Bonhomme Richard and Serapis, and had himself fought and captured the Countess of\nScarborough in the same battle. After the Revolution, Cottineau returned to his plantations in Saint Domingue but was forced to flee because of the insurrection there. He settled in Philadelphia and for a time became a shareholder and settler at the French Royalist colony of Azilum on the Susquehanna River. Later, he moved to Savannah. Although Cottineau was not qualified for membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, he had been made an honorary member of the Pennsylvania Society in 1795. Cottineau was married to Luce Moquet, a sister of Jean B\u00e9rard de Moquet, marquis de Montalet (HUMEEdgar Erskine Hume, ed. General Washington\u2019s Correspondence concerning the Society of the Cincinnati. Baltimore, 1941., 412; MOREAU DE SAINT-M\u00c9RYM\u00e9d\u00e9ric-Louis-\u00c9lie Moreau de Saint-M\u00e9ry. Description Topographique, Physique, Civile, Politique, et Historique de la Partie Fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019Isle Saint-Domingue. Edited by Blanche Maurel and \u00c9tienne Taillemite. 3 vols. Paris, 1958., 3:1470; Cottineau to GW, 7 Sept. 1788, HUMEEdgar Erskine Hume, ed. General Washington\u2019s Correspondence concerning the Society of the Cincinnati. Baltimore, 1941., 335\u201337; chevalier d\u2019Annemours to GW, 15 Feb. 1789, HUMEEdgar Erskine Hume, ed. General Washington\u2019s Correspondence concerning the Society of the Cincinnati. Baltimore, 1941., 340\u201342). mr. rosseau & lady: Fitzpatrick says this is Jean Rosseau, a volunteer on the Bonhomme Richard (Fitzpatrick, DiariesJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Diaries of George Washington, 1748\u20131799. 4 vols. Boston and New York, 1925., 4:263). visct. d\u2019orleans: GW may mean Louis Philippe, duc d\u2019Orleans (1773\u20131850) or one of his brothers, Antoine Philippe d\u2019Orleans, duc de Montpensier (1775\u20131807), or Louis Charles d\u2019Orleans, comte de Beaujolais (1779\u20131808). The three Princes of the Blood were in exile in America and had visited GW at Mount Vernon for four days in April 1797, before starting on a three-month tour through the wilderness of Tennessee, Kentucky, western Virginia, and Pennsylvania. GW had at that time given them letters of introduction and a map of the roads they were to follow on their journey. The duc d\u2019Orleans in 1830 became King Louis Philippe of France (see LOUIS-PHILIPPE [1]Louis-Philippe, Memoirs, 1773\u20131793. Translated by John Hardman. New York and London, 1977., xxi-xxxiii, and LOUIS-PHILIPPE [2]Suzanne D\u2019Huart, ed. Louis-Philippe, Journal de Mon Voyage d\u2019Am\u00e9rique. Paris, 1976.). mr. de colbert: This is probably \u00c9douard Charles Victurnien Colbert, chevalier de Maulevrier (1758\u20131820). Colbert later became comte de Maulevrier. He entered the French navy in 1774 and served in America during the Revolution. At the beginning of the French Revolution he commanded a French vessel, but he lost his command and was eventually forced to flee France. He spent a part of his exile in America, returning to France in 1814 at the restoration of the Bourbons (BIOG. UNIVERSELLEBiographie Universelle Ancienne et Moderne . . .. 45 vols. Paris, 1843\u201365., 8:562).\n31. Wind still at No. Wt. but moderate. Mer. at 55. Mr. Stockton went away after breakfast and Mr. Ford & Lady & a Mr. Richards came to dinner & proceeded on their Journey to So. Cara. afterwards.\n   Mr. Ford may be Timothy Ford (1762\u20131830), formerly of New Jersey. He served briefly in GW\u2019s bodyguard during the Revolution and later studied law under Robert Morris. In 1785 he moved to Charleston, S.C., where he was a member of the legislature and a trustee of the College of Charleston. He was married first in 1793 to Sarah Amelia DeSaussure and later to Mary Magdalen Prioleau. mr. richards: GW may mean a member of the prominent Richardson family of 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 November 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n5. Clear in the forenoon & raing. afterwards until Sun down by showers\u2014when the Wind came out strong & cold at No. Wt. & the Mer. fell from 72 to 52 degrees.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 November 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n10. Wind at No. Et. & great appearances of a fall of weather but it held up. Mer. at 46. Dr. Keith & a Mrs. Forest came to dinner & stayed all night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 November 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n11. A thick heavy fog all day but no rain till night, when it began to rain very fast. Mer. at 50. Mr. Keith &ca. went away & Mrs. Ratcliff & Son came to Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 November 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 13. Clear, calm & remarkably fine & pleasant\u2014Mer. 55 a 65. The British Envoy Mr. Liston & his Lady\u2014Mr. Marchant & his lady & her Son Mr. Brown and Mr. Athill Speaker of the Assembly of Antigua came to Dinner as did a Doctr. Pinckard. The last went afterwards.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 November 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n14. Remarkable fine morning but lowering & windy from No. W. in the afternoon. Mer. 58 & 42. Mrs. Ramsay, Mr. & Mrs. Potts Mr. Wilson, Mr. Harrison & Da[ughter] & son dined here. In the afternoon Majr. Pinckney & Lady 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 November 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 16. Very hard frost\u2014Wind at No. wt. & clear. Mer. at . All the Compy. above mentd. went away & Mr. B. Bassett came to dinner & a Mr. Augs. Woodward came 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 November 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n20. Wind shifting to No. Easterly, it grew cold & threatned Snow. Mer. from 32 to 42. Mr. White went away & I went to Alexandria & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 November 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n26. Wind fresh from No. West all day & clear. Mr. Russel went away after breakfast. Mr. Lear came to dinner & Mr. & Mrs. Law 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0011", "content": "Title: November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1. Calm, clear & extremely pleasant. Mer. at 60.\n2. Calm, clear & pleasant as yesterday\u2014Mer. at 60. Mr. Thomson Mason & Lady and Mrs. Nichols dined here.\n   Thomson Mason (1759\u20131820), son of Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall, lived at Hollin Hall, just north of GW\u2019s River Farm. The house had been built on land given Thomson by his father. He was a justice of Fairfax County and later served as a state senator (1800\u20134) and a delegate (1808\u20139) from Fairfax to the Virginia General Assembly. Mason married in 1784 Sarah McCarty Chichester, daughter of GW\u2019s neighbor Richard Chichester.\n3. Calm, Clear & pleasant\u2014Mer. at .\n4. Cloudy Morning, drisling afterwards until Night when it rained closely. Mer. 70.\n5. Clear in the forenoon & raing. afterwards until Sun down by showers\u2014when the Wind came out strong & cold at No. Wt. & the Mer. fell from 72 to 52 degrees.\n6. Variable in wind & weather Mer. Cold. 42. Wind in the afternoon at No. Wt.\n7. Cold Morning\u2014ground froze Wind at No. Wt. Morng. Southerly afterwards. Cold 41 deg[ree]s.\n8. More moderate\u2014wind still at No. Wt. clear. Mer. 48.\n9. Calm, clear & remarkably pleasant. Mer. 52.\n10. Wind at No. Et. & great appearances of a fall of weather but it held up. Mer. at 46. Dr. Keith & a Mrs. Forest came to dinner & stayed all night.\n   dr. keith: GW may mean James Keith. He calls the man \u201cMr. Keith\u201d when he leaves Mount Vernon on the next day.\n11. A thick heavy fog all day but no rain till night, when it began to rain very fast. Mer. at 50. Mr. Keith &ca. went away & Mrs. Ratcliff & Son came to Dinner.\n   mrs. ratcliff: may be either Louisiana (Lucian) Bowling Ratcliff, wife of Richard Ratcliff (Ratcliffe; c.1750\u20131825), or her daughter-in-law, the wife of Richard\u2019s son John Ratcliff (b. 1766). Richard Ratcliff was a justice and coroner of Fairfax County, served as a commissioner of the tax, and was deputy sheriff for Fairfax. John Ratcliff was a merchant in Alexandria.\n12. Raining all the forenoon with a strong So. Et. Wind. Clear afterwards\u2014Mer. 55.\n13. Clear, calm & remarkably fine & pleasant\u2014Mer. 55 a 65. The British Envoy Mr. Liston & his Lady\u2014Mr. Marchant & his lady & her Son Mr. Brown and Mr. Athill Speaker of the Assembly of Antigua came to Dinner as did a Doctr. Pinckard. The last went afterwards.\n   Robert Liston (1743\u20131836) served as British minister and ambassador at several important posts before being appointed in 1796 as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the United States. He served in this capacity until 1800. In Feb. 1796, just before coming to this country, he married Henrietta Marchant, \u201cdaughter of the late Nathaniel M. esq. of Antigua\u201d (Gentleman\u2019s Mag., 66 [1796], 254). Nelly Custis characterized Mrs. Liston as having \u201ckind & friendly manners\u201d and seemed fond of her, but she refused an invitation to spend part of the winter with the Listons in Philadelphia because of her reluctance to leave Mount Vernon and especially her grandmother (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtvL). mr. marchant: Mrs. Liston\u2019s brother, Dr. Nathaniel M. Marchant (d. 1804) of Antigua. His wife was Mary Marchant. According to Nelly Custis, Mrs. Marchant was \u201ca sweet beautiful engaging Woman, her husband very pleasing & entertaining. I am really sorry that his health is so very precarious. . . . Mr. Brown is a very genteel young man, I am sorry he has left Philadelphia, as I am sure the Belles will feel his loss\u2014he was in my opinion one of the most elegant & pleasing young men last Winter\u201d (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtvL). Mr. Brown was Frank Brown, Mrs. Marchant\u2019s son of a former marriage. Mr. Athill is James Athill, speaker of the Antigua legislature (information from Mrs. Alexandra Lee Levin, Baltimore, Md.; Fitzpatrick, DiariesJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Diaries of George Washington, 1748\u20131799. 4 vols. Boston and New York, 1925., 4:263). Nelly Custis thought him \u201ca sensible agreeable man.\u201d The Listons were to accompany the Marchant family and Mr. Athill by water as far as Norfolk, from whence the Marchants, Brown, and Athill were to embark for Antigua (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtvL).\n14. Remarkable fine morning but lowering & windy from No. W. in the afternoon. Mer. 58 & 42. Mrs. Ramsay, Mr. & Mrs. Potts Mr. Wilson, Mr. Harrison & Da[ughter] & son dined here. In the afternoon Majr. Pinckney & Lady arrived.\n   Maj. Thomas Pinckney (1750\u20131828), of South Carolina, was the son of Charles and Eliza Lucas Pinckney and brother of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. Reared and educated in England, Pinckney attended the Inner Temple and was admitted to the bar in 1774. He returned to America and served in the Continental Army, receiving a promotion to major of the 1st South Carolina Regiment in 1778. From 1792 to 1796 he served as minister to Great Britain and from 1794 to 1795 was in Spain as special commissioner and envoy to settle the outstanding differences between the United States and Spain. In 1796 Pinckney was the Federalist candidate for vice-president. At the present time he was a member of the House of Representatives from South Carolina. Pinckney\u2019s first wife, Elizabeth Motte Pinckney, had died while he was in England, and on 19 Oct. 1797 he had married her sister, Frances Motte Middleton, widow of John Middleton. The Pinckneys were undoubtedly on their way to Philadelphia for the new session of Congress.\n15. Cold & windy with a little Snow just to whiten the grd. in the morning\u2014clear afterwards. Mer.\u201438 & 48.\n16. Very hard frost\u2014Wind at No. wt. & clear. Mer. at . All the Compy. above mentd. went away & Mr. B. Bassett came to dinner & a Mr. Augs. Woodward came in the Evening.\n   Augustus Woodward, of Greenbrier Court House, stopped at Mount Vernon on his way to Philadelphia with a \u201cdraft\u201d from George Alderson, sheriff of Kanawha County, for taxes due for the years 1791\u201396 on four tracts of GW\u2019s land lying on the Kanawha River in Kanawha County (Alderson\u2019s draft to GW, Aug. 1797, NjMoHP). Since his knowledge of the county\u2019s tax laws was sketchy, GW declined to pay until he could make further inquiry. Woodward informed him that the necessary information could be obtained from the treasury or auditor\u2019s office in Richmond, and GW requested his nephew Bushrod Washington, then living in Richmond, to investigate (GW to Bushrod Washington, 18 Dec. 1797, DLC:GW). On 9 Jan. 1798 Bushrod informed his uncle that Sheriff Alderson was substantially correct, but that some of these lands and two lots in Berkeley County had also been returned for nonpayment of 1788 taxes and 1795 taxes, respectively, \u201cwith a view under a late Law, of subjecting them to forfeiture and future appropriation by any other person, or to be sold by the public.\u201d This, he urged GW, was the more urgent matter, and payment should be made at the treasury or the auditor\u2019s office promptly. The taxes due for the last six years should be paid directly to the \u201cSheriff or Collector of the County where the Lands lie\u201d (ViMtvL). Woodward stopped at Mount Vernon on 14\u201315 Jan. 1798 on his way home from Philadelphia and received the full amount of the taxes requested by the sheriff of Kanawha County. GW sent the amount due at the auditor\u2019s office promptly to Bushrod Washington for payment (GW to Bushrod Washington, 19 Jan. 1798, DLC:GW). See also GW to Bushrod Washington, 30 Jan. and 7 Feb. 1798, DLC:GW; Bushrod Washington to GW, 1 Feb. 1798, ViMtvL; schedule of GW\u2019s western lands, Jan. 1798, DLC:GW.\n17. Snowing very fast from So. Et. until 9 Oclock when it ceased\u2014grd. covered abt. 2 Inchs. Mer. 44. 36.\n18. Very pleasant, & clear after the morning. Wind moderate Mer. 48 & 42. Mr. Woodford went.\n   mr. woodford: GW means Augustus Woodward, who came on 16 Nov.\n19. Clear & very pleasant\u2014Wd. Southerly. Mer. 50 & 44\u2014Mr. White came.\n   Mr. White is Alexander White, commissioner of the Federal City (see entry for 31 Dec. 1789).\n20. Wind shifting to No. Easterly, it grew cold & threatned Snow. Mer. from 32 to 42. Mr. White went away & I went to Alexandria & returned.\n21. A little Snow in the morning with a very heavy sleet all day.\nMer. from 36 to 48. A Mr. Lister introduced by Mr. Robt. Morris came here dined & returned.\n   Robert Morris wrote GW that Daniel Lister was \u201can English young Gentn.\u201d on a tour of the United States and \u201ccould not return contentedly without seeing the Saviour of this country, Thus you see that your well earned Fame subjects your time & attention to be taxed by Strangers\u201d (6 Nov. 1797, DLC:GW).\n22. Misting, & at times raining all day. The sleet was so heavy as to break down all the Willow Trees. Mer. 48 & 34.\n23. Such a day as yesterday but more rain. Mer. as above. Mr. Bassett & Fanny Henly went away.\n   Mr. Bassett is probably Burwell Bassett, Jr. He wrote GW from Richmond three days later indicating that he had recently talked to GW about a cook and housekeeper for Mount Vernon (DLC:GW). fanny henly: Nelly Custis wrote a friend, \u201cMy cousin left me this morning for her Home. I regret the loss of her society much, as she was great company for me, she is an affectionate amiable girl\u201d (Eleanor Parke Custis to Elizabeth Bordley, 23 Nov. 1797, ViMtvL).\n24. Clear & cold. Wd. at No. Wt. Mer. as above\u2014A Mr. Welch from Greenbrier dined here.\n   James Welch of Rockingham County, now living in Greenbrier County, arrived at Mount Vernon armed with a cautious letter of introduction from Daniel Morgan. He had no money but had a grandiose scheme for leasing GW\u2019s 23,000 acres of land on the Kanawha River and dividing it into small farms for sublease. On 29 Nov., Welch submitted a definite proposition for leasing the land with an option to buy. GW wrote Dr. James Craik in Alexandria to try to find out more about him before carrying negotiations any further (COOKRoy Bird Cook. Washington\u2019s Western Lands. Strasburg, Va., 1930., 71\u201373; PRUSSINGEugene E. Prussing. The Estate of George Washington, Deceased. Boston, 1927., 119, 464\u201365).\n25. Moderate with the Wind Southerly\u2014Mer. 41 a 49. Mr. Russel came here abt. 9 Oclock A.M.\n   mr. russel: probably William Russell (1740\u20131818), a merchant and reformer of Birmingham, Eng., who engaged in an export trade from Birmingham and Sheffield to Russia, Spain, and the United States. In 1795 he came to the United States to clear up matters dealing with his American trade and to check on a family estate in Maryland. He stayed for five years. On 8 Sept. 1798 Russell wrote GW from Middletown, Conn., thanking him for the hospitality shown him at Mount Vernon and promising to send the ram and the recently completed chaff machine he had promised as soon as appropriate shipping could be had (DLC:GW). Owing to various delays, the sheep and the chaff machine did not arrive until May 1799. Russell also sent GW a gift of a new type of hoe and a new implement called a ground borer, designed for digging fence post holes but which could be put to military use making\n\t   chevaux-de-frise (GW to Russell, 28 Sept. 1798, 6 Jan. and 26 May 1799, and Russell to GW, 11 May 1799, DLC:GW; Russell to GW, 20 Dec. 1798, ViMtvL).\n26. Wind fresh from No. West all day & clear. Mr. Russel went away after breakfast. Mr. Lear came to dinner & Mr. & Mrs. Law at Night.\n27. Wind in the same place & cold. Mer.  No acct. taken.\n28. Wind still at No. Wt. & cold. Mer. neglected again.\n29. Wind in the same quarter & equally cold and spewing frost. Mer. 22 a 32.\n30. Wind & weather as yesterday\u2014Mer. 24 a 34.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0012-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 December 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 30. Just such a day as yesterday\u2014Mer. 20 to 40. Mrs. Washington came here and Mr. Wm. Dandridge to do business for me in the way of writing.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-06-02-0006-0012", "content": "Title: [December 1797]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1. More moderate\u2014wind still at No. Wt. Mer. 29 & standing there.\n2. Wind at So. Wt.\u2014raining and misting all day. Mer. from 32 to 33. Doctr. Fendall came in the afternoon.\n3. Wind hard and cold all day from No. Wt. Mer.\u2014From 28 to 18.\n4. Excessively Cold wind in the same quarter\u2014Mer. 10 to 18. All the creeks & great part of the River froze.\n5. Wind shifted Southerly but still very cold. Mery. as above.\n6. Mer. 18\u201332. River all most closed. Mrs. Forbes our House keeper arrived here this day. Wd. South.\n   The steady stream of visitors to Mount Vernon put quite a strain on Mrs. Washington. There was no steward or housekeeper at Mount Vernon, and to make matters worse, their slave cook, Hercules, had run away sometime in the early fall. GW wrote several friends requesting them to help him find either a housekeeper or a steward and a cook, either slave or for hire. He also inserted an advertisement in the newspaper for a housekeeper \u201ccompetent to all the duties of that office in a large family\u2014for such, one hundred and fifty dollars per annum will be allowed. OR In place of a house-keeper,\na household steward, well acquainted with the duties of a Butler, and skilled in the art of cookery (the manual part of which would not be required of him) would be employed at the above, or greater wages, if his qualifications entitled him to them\u201d (Columbian Mirror [Alexandria], 12 Aug. 1797). The choice fell upon Mrs. Eleanor Forbes, a 50\u2013year-old English widow who had served as housekeeper for Robert Brooke during his term as governor of Virginia. Mrs. Forbes was, according to Brooke, \u201cactive & Spirited in the execution of her business\u2014sober & honest\u2014well acquainted with Cookery & . . . capable of ordering & setting out a table . . . her appearance is decent & respectable & such is her general deportment\u201d (Bushrod Washington to GW, 8 Nov. 1797, ViMtvL). Mrs. Forbes was due to come to Mount Vernon immediately but was unable to come until December (GW to Bushrod Washington, 22 Nov. 1797, DLC:GW; Bushrod Washington to GW, 8 and 26 Nov. 1797, ViMtvL). She proved satisfactory and remained at Mount Vernon until after GW\u2019s death.\n7. Wind Southerly but still cold. Mer. from 26 to 32. Doctr. Fendall went away, & Docr. Stuart came.\n   Dr. Benjamin Fendall of Cedar Hill in Charles County, Md., was a dentist. He probably came to see Mrs. Washington, who was to have some new teeth made. GW wrote Dr. Fendall several months later, \u201cMrs. Washington has been long in expectation of receiving what you took away unfinished, and was to have completed and sent to her; and prays that it may be done with out further delay, as she is in want of them, & must apply elsewhere if not done\u201d (6 Mar. 1798, DLC:GW). Over a year later Fendall wrote GW that he had been able to finish Mrs. Washington\u2019s teeth and was sending them by a servant. Whether these are the same ones GW had inquired about is not known. Fendall wrote, \u201cThey are\u2014as nearly as I can now recollect, like the old ones\u2014as there are so many ways, to make, & shape Teeth\u2014\u2019twoud be almost impossible, to make \u2019em, exactly alike\u2014after some time, without having the old ones present. The Model, I took, has, also, by accident, sustain\u2019d some injury. I am extremely sorry, indeed, yr. Lady has been obliged to wait so long owing to my long absence from home and my Illness after I had arriv\u2019d at Cedar-Hill\u201d (10 Aug. 1799, DLC:GW).\n8. Lowering, but moderate\u2014Wind Southerly. Mer. 32.\n9. Wind cold again from the No. Wt. Mer. 24 a . Mr. Law & family & Doc. Stuart went away after breakfast & Mr. Welch came to Dinner & returned afterwards.\n   James Welch had come to Mount Vernon to deliver his final proposal for the Kanawha lands. There had been correspondence back and forth since his original proposal on 29 Nov., and GW had received some rather disquieting reports about Welch. However, Welch\u2019s offer of his 99,995\u2013acre tract on Elk River in Randolph County (now W.Va.) to be held in trust by GW as security for payment induced GW to agree to Welch\u2019s latest proposal. He wrote James Keith the next day to draw up the necessary papers. Welch was to have a 30\u2013year-lease on GW\u2019s four tracts of land on the\nKanawha River \u201cto commence on the 1st. day of January next (1798) at the Rent of $5,000 for the first year . . . for $8,000 the next year, and from thence untill the expiration of the 30 yrs. for $11,143 annually, and for 99 years thereafter on an annual Rent of $22,286\u201d (GW to Keith, 10 Dec. 1797, DLC:GW). If he so desired, Welch was to have the right to purchase the land in fee simple in four yearly installments beginning in 1804. The land was to be divided into tenements of 50 to 300 acres, with the usual specifications regarding improving the land (PRUSSINGEugene E. Prussing. The Estate of George Washington, Deceased. Boston, 1927., 119\u201320, 466\u201371).\n10. Wind variable\u2014Mer. 26 a . Mr. Burwell came to dinner.\n   Mr. Burwell is probably either Lewis Burwell, Jr., son of Col. Lewis Burwell (1716\u20131784) of Kingsmill, or Lewis Burwell (1764\u20131834) of Richmond, son of Lewis Burwell (1737\u20131779) of Fairfield, Gloucester County.\n11. Calm & pleasant\u2014Wind Southerly\u2014Mer. 28 a 34. Mr. Burwell went away after breakfast & a son of Colo. D. Henley came to dinner.\n   Col. David Henley was at this time War Department agent to the Southwest Territory. He and his wife Sarah Hesilrige Henley (d. 1786) had two sons, Arthur Hesilrige Henley (b. 1782) and David Henley (b. 1784). For information on the Henley family, see WYMANThomas Bellows Wyman. The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown, in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1629\u20131818. 2 vols. Boston, 1879., 1:493\u201394.\n12. Lowering Morning, but fine afternoon, Mer. 32 a 42. Mr. Henley went up to Alex. Revd. Mr. Fairfax dined he\u27e8re\u27e9.\n   Late in 1789 Bryan Fairfax had been ordained a minister in the Episcopal church, and on 15 Mar. 1790 he was inducted as rector of Fairfax Parish. He served as rector for only two years, retiring on 16 July 1792. In 1790 he moved his residence from Towlston Grange to Mount Eagle, a home he built on 329 acres he had purchased near Alexandria. There is some evidence that GW may have named Fairfax\u2019s new residence (KILMERKenton Kilmer and Donald Sweig. The Fairfax Family in Fairfax County: A Brief History. Fairfax, Va., 1975., 39\u201342).\n13. Soft & moderate\u2014Wind Southerly. Mer. 42. a 46. Mr. Lear dined here & Mr. Lawe. Lewis returned.\n14. Just such a day as the preceeding one. Mer. 46 a 52.\n15. Little or no Wind in the forenoon brisk So. Easterly & constant Rain afternoon. Mer. 38 a 50.\n16. Wind at No. Wt. but not very hard or cold. Mer. 26 a 40.\n17. Moderate with very little wind Mer. from 30 to 34. Gen. Huntingdon came to dinner.\n   gen. huntingdon: Maj. Gen. Jedediah Huntington (see entry for 18 Oct. 1789, n.3) had recently built a home in New London, Conn., which he called Mount Vernon (CROFUTFlorence S. Marcy Crofut. Guide to the History and the Historic Sites of Connecticut. 2 vols. New Haven, 1937., 2:729).\n18. Wind shifted to No. Wt. in the Night & grew cold. Mer. from 18 to 32. Went up to Alex. & finished my business w. Mr. Welch.\n   GW and James Welch signed the papers drawn up by James Keith for the Kanawha lands (PRUSSINGEugene E. Prussing. The Estate of George Washington, Deceased. Boston, 1927., 471). See entry for 24 Nov. 1797.\n19. Wind got to the Southward again but was very cold not with standing. Mer. 26 to 34. Genl. Huntingdon went away after breakfast.\n20. Wind Southerly in the Morng. with appearances of Snow No. Wt. in the afternn. & Cold Mer. 28 a 38. Doctr. Stuart came to Dinn.\n21. Very cold\u2014Wind at No. W. Mer. 9 a 28. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast.\n22. Very cold Wind fresh at No. Wt. Mer. 8 a .\n23. Wind in the same quarter but not so hard. Mer. 10 a 26.\n24. Calm but still cold. Mer. 8 a 28.\n25. Appearance for Snow in the Morning but clear afterwards & moderate\u2014Mer. 24 a 32. Mr. W. Dandridge came.\n   William Dandridge was a son of Martha Washington\u2019s brother Bartholomew Dandridge (1737\u20131785) and Mary Burbidge Dandridge (d. 1809). Young Dandridge had purchased garden seeds for GW at Georgetown (GW\u2019s Cash Memoranda, 1 Sept. 1797\u201320 Feb. 1799, RPJCB).\n26. Cloudy morning, & rainy afternoon\u2014wind at So. Et. as it was yesterday. Mer. 32 a 36. Mr. Dandridge went away.\n27. Clear\u2014wind having got to No. Wt. again. Mer. 20 to 25. Mr. Lear & Mr. W. Dandridge came to dinner.\n28. Clear with but little Wind. Mer. from 15 to 34. Mr. Lear went away after breakfast. Began to fill my Ice house.\n29. Clear with very little wind. Mer. from 20 to 41.\n30. Just such a day as yesterday\u2014Mer. 20 to 40. Mrs. Washington came here and Mr. Wm. Dandridge to do business for me in the way of writing.\n   William Dandridge probably did not stay long at Mount Vernon. The only mentions of him in the accounts after this date are an entry for $25 on 3 Feb. 1798, \u201cBy Cash given to Mr. Wm. Dandridge,\u201d and a similar entry on 11 April (GW\u2019s Cash Memoranda, 1 Sept. 1797\u201320 Feb. 1799, RPJCB). GW probably did not approve of the young man\u2019s requests for such sizable sums of money in so short a time after his employment.\n31. Clear & pleasant all day with but little Wind. Mer. at 30 or thereabouts.\n   GW has written this last entry for 1797 on a page inadvertently headed \u201cJanuary.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Hill, 4 March 1797\nFrom: Hill, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhilad[elphi]a March 4th 1797\nI should derive particular satisfaction from General Washington\u2019s acceptance of a brace of Turkish pistols of curious workmanship now intrusted to a young gentleman with that view.\nThey once form\u2019d part of the military equipage of Field Mareschal Count Lowenthal and descended to a worthy grandson who a few weeks before he died handed them to me. A Sense of personal obligation and his having actually accomplishd the best & greatest designs are motives of gratitude that would impel me to make the General a more precious tender.\nBut seeing the right intention captivates, & is prosper\u2019d by, a noble mind, may not these things in your possession serve as honest signs of an early attachment that in the course of above forty-years-experience became fixed & inviolably maintain\u2019d by, Sir Your most obedt hble servt\nHenry Hill", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0002", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Matthias Slough, 4 March 1797\nFrom: Slough, Matthias\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear & most Hond Sir\nLancaster [Pa.] 4th March 1797\nI have your most Esteemed favour of the 27th February by Mr Root now before me, and have the Honour of mentioning to you in Reply that Root also Delivered me the horse you were pleased to return which is, as I mentioned in my last, no manner of Disapointment to me, Their being an Imediate purchaser for him, That I now inclose the ballance remaining in my hands amounting to one Hundred Sixty two and two thirds Dollars as p[er] Account Stated & Inclosed which I hope will prove Satisfactory. The Inhabitants of this Brorugh Sincerely regret their not having the Honour of once more Seeing you here, But as their\nDisapointment will Tend to your Ease and happyness they Chearfully Submit, I hope you have had it in your power to procure Such horses or mares as will without Difficulty take you to your Wished for retreat which You will I trust do me the Honour to believe None more Cordially prays for than My Dear Sir Your most Obediant & most Humble Servant\nMatthias Slough", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0003", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson, 5 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fergusson, Elizabeth Graeme\nMadam,\nPhiladelphia 5th March 1797.\nThe multiplicity of business which occurred in the course of the last Session, particularly in the latter part of it, placed it entirely out of my power to attend to matters of private concern. This reason, I hope, you will have the goodness to accept as an apology for my delay in acknowledging the receipt of your very polite and obliging favour of the 16th of January, at an earlier period\u2014& even now, being not less occupied in preparing to leave this City, I perceive the necessity of asking further forgiveness for this laconic epistle. I have, however, conversed freely on the subject of your letter with our mutual friend Mr Boudinot, who will inform you fully of the circumstances under which I find myself relative to your request. To his information therefore, I beg leave to refer you.\nI cannot conclude however, without offering you my sincere thanks for the honor you intended me, for the enclosures accompanying your letter, and for the favourable and flattering sentiments which you have expressed for me therein. To which permit me to add assurances of the high esteem and regard with which I have the honor to be, Madam, Your Most Obedient and Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0004", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Ball, 6 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ball, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia 6th Mar: 1797\nEnclosed is the copy of a letter I wrote to you in answer to yours from Lancaster, & to that place directed it supposing your residence to be in that County. This letter will be directed to the care of the Postmaster in Fredericksburgh, but as you are not particular in designating the place at which you are to be found, it may not, any more than the former, find its way to you.\nThe receipt of your letter of the 16th ulto should have had an earlier acknowledgment, had not the business of the Session pressed heavily upon me towards the close of it. I am\u2014Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0005", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Ellsworth, 6 March 1797\nFrom: Ellsworth, Oliver\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nAs preperation for your departure will not conveniently admit of your receiving any more visits, you will suffer me in this manner, to bid you a most respectful and most cordial, farewell. With the same ardour that I have sought the felecity and glory of your Administration: do I now implore for you in repose, those sublime pleasures from a review of the past and perspective of the future, which a life of Patriotism eminently entitles and quallifies, to enjoy. I can not wish, Sir, that your happiness may be compleat without being permitted to extend the same wish to Mrs Washington. With high consideration, I have the honor to be, Sir your obedient humble Servant\nOliver Ellsworth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0008", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 6 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Powel, Elizabeth Willing\nMy dear Madam,\nMonday 6th of March 1797.\nMy Coach horses, having performed (faithfully & well) all the duties I have required of them, they are sent to you, agreeably to my promise; hoping they will be as serviceable to whomsoever they are committed, as they have been to me; and it is my wish that they may meet with a continuance of their former kind usage.\nAs every moment of our time while we remain in this City, will be closely employed in packing up; and as taking formal leave is not among the most pleasant circumstances of one\u2019s life, we embrace this mode of bidding you adieu, until we shall have the pleasure of seeing you at Mount Vernon; which we hope for and shall expect.\nIn this farewell, I am cordially [joined] by Mrs Washington and Nelly Custis, who, with me, entreat you to be assured of the great esteem, and affectionate regard we bear you. To add anything more particular, as it respects myself, would be unnecessary; and therefore I shall conclude with wishing that you may be perfectly happy, and that I have the honor to be Your most Obedt\u2014obliged\u2014and Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0009", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati, 6 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rhode Island Society of the Cincinnati\nGentlemen\nPhiladelphia 6th March 1797.\nFor your affectionate Address on my retireing from public life, I beg you to accept my grateful acknowledgments; And be assured, that no circumstance can tend more to sweeten the few remaining years of my life, than the pleasing remembrance of my services having been approved by those who have participated in the arduous struggle to establish our Independence, or to regulate the important Era of our civil affairs. In bidding you adieu, I pray that the best of Heavens blessings may rest upon 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0011", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Madame Bacler Van Berckel, 6 March 1797\nFrom: Van Berckel, Bacler (Madame)\nTo: Washington, George\nMonsieur\nBloomsbery pres Trenton ce 6 Mars 1797\nQuoi que Les Circonstances m\u2019aient Empech\u00e9e de participer a toutes Les fettes publiques, ou Se Sont manifest\u00e9 a La fois deux Sentiments bien diffirent; La joise de votre naissance et Le regr\u00e9s de votre retra\u00efte, croyes Monsieur que je n\u2019ai pas moins \u00e9t\u00e9 affect\u00e9e des m\u00e8me Sensations, et quoi qu\u2019Etrangere et Sans interet personnel au dernier de ces Evenements important, il m\u2019est impossible de ne Le pas voir avec peine et regr\u00e9 pour Le payis ou je suis venu chercher un azil; permet\u00e9 moi, Monsieur de placer icy les remerciments bien sincere des honnetet\u00e9s que Jai recue de vous et de Madame Washington, c\u2019est avec bien de La peine que je me vois a present Sans L\u2019espoir de me revoir dans votre societe, Le charme que j\u2019y ai trouv\u00e9 me rendroit presqu\u2019ass\u00e9 Egoiste pour m\u2019Empecher de vous feliciter Sur Le repos dont vous alles jouir dans le Sein de votre famille a L\u2019ombre des Lauries si justement merit\u00e9, mais qui peut ne pas jouir de tous ce qui peut Contribuer au bonheur d\u2019un homme qui n\u2019a pas balanc\u00e9 a Le Sacrifier pour Le bien etre de Son payis, je fais donc des voeux bien sinceres pour vous jouisies dans votre retraite d\u2019un bonheur aussi Constant que la gloire que Vous ont acquis Vos traveaux public.\nCest dans ces Sentiments, que je vous prie de me croire avec ma respectueuse Veneration Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeisante Servante\nPr \u27e8S.\u27e9 van Berckel n\u00e9e Bacler\nP.S. L\u2019absence de Mr van Berckel depuis trois mois a Seule que le priver de l\u2019honneur de vous faire Son Cour mais Connoisant Ses Sentiments je vous prie d\u2019en recevoir les abasances.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0012", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 6 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia 6th Mar. 1797\nYour favor of the 27th Ulto reached me in the forenoon, & the Salmon in the afternoon of the 3d instant; and merit, & receive, my particular thanks. The latter regaled a number of Gentlemen at an entertainment given by the Merchants of this City on the 4th.\n   I shall thank you (when re-published) for the refutation of the impudent forgeries of letters, carrying my signature, which Mr Bache has taken so much pains to impose on the public as genuine productions\u2014This man has celebrity in a certain way\u2014for His calumnies are to be exceeded only by his Impudence, and both stand unrivalled. Mrs Washington unites with me in every good wish for you, Mrs Wadsworth & family and\u2014I am Dr Sir\u2014Yr obt & affec[tionat]e Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. On the 8th I expect to commence my journey for Mount Vernon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0013", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 7 March 1797\nFrom: Boudinot, Elias\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia 7th March 1797\nI send herewith the Seal you was pleased to commit to my Care\u2014The time has been scarcely sufficient for the purpose.\nThe Letter to Mrs Ferguson has been forwarded with one from myself, in the manner you requested.\nAs I may not have the pleasure of seeing you again before you leave the City, permit me once more to express my most affectionate wishes for your health & happiness, and most devoutly to pray, that your retirement may prove as consolatory to your declining Age, as your active life has been essential to your grateful Country.\nMrs Boudinot & the Ladies of my family, unite with me in the most respectful Salutation to yourself, Mrs Washington & Miss Custos, expressive of our best wishes for a pleasant & prosperous Journey. I have the honor to be with the most perfect Esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt & very Hble \u27e8Servt\u27e9\nElias Boudinot", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0016", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 8 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.\nMy Dear Sir,\nPhiladelphia 8th March 1797\nYour conduct during a six Years residence in my family, having been such as to meet my full approbation & believing that a declaration to this effect would be satisfactory to yourself & justice requiring it from me, I make it with pleasure. And in full confidence that the principles of honor, integrity & benevolence wch I have reason to believe have hitherto guided your steps will still continue to mark your conduct, I have only to add a wish that you may lose no opportunity of making such advances in useful acquirements, as may benefit yourself your friends and mankind. And I am led to anticipate an accomplishment of this wish when I consider the manner in which you have hitherto improved such occasions as have offered themselves to you.\nThe cares of life on which you are now entering will present new Scenes & frequent opportunities for the improvement of a mind desirous of obtaining useful knowledge, but I am sure you will never forget, that without Virtue & without integrity, the finest talents & the most briliant accomplishments can never gain the respect or conciliate the Esteem of the truly valuable part of mankind. Wishing you health happiness and prosperity, in all your laudable undertakings I remain Your Sincere friend & Affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0017", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 9 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nMy dear Sir,\n Chester [Pa.] 9th. March, 1797.\nThus far we have arrived safe, but found it disagreeably cold.\nTo give the greater surety to the large looking Glasses, and such other articles as are liable to be injured by the jolting of a dray; be so good as to have taken down by hand, and stowed where they will not be trod on; or tossed about in the Vessel\u2019s hold.\nThe grate (from Mr. Morris\u2019s) pray have packed first in some of the old Carpeting to keep it from scratching. The bedstead which Nelly Custis slept on belongs (Mrs. Washington says) to me. Let this and the trundle under it be sent in the Vessel.\nI question whether enough of the small hooks were got;\u2014desire Mr. Dandridge to get a couple of dozen more, like the two he took out of my Room yesterday,\u2014and he was to have got me small awls, but I believe did not do it. I wish it to be done.\nMr. Hill told me he had done something (but what I do not recollect) with the livery clothes; I pray you to enquire and know they are sent around.\nMr. Slough of Lancaster had 600 dollars sent him to buy Horses:\u00a3160 of which was expended. The balance after deducting incidental expences I expected to have recd. before I left Philadelphia; but did not, and forgot to mention it.\nThe newly published Pamphlets, pray purchase, and bring with you for me; Mr. Dandridge knows what I already have. Desire Peter Porcupine\u2019s Gazette to be sent to me (as a Subscriber).\nIf there be means left after I have fairly and honorable discharged all the claims upon myself let Mr. Dandridge (if he should have occasion for it) have to the amount of 200 or two hundred & fifty Dollars, to provide such necessaries as he may require for his voyage to be returned when convenient to him.\nWhen the point at which the Vessel can sail is ascertained; advise me of it by letter. I wish you & all with you, every thing you wish yourselves\u2014and am Sincerely & Affectionately Yrs.\nP.S. On one side I am called upon to remember the Parrot, on the other to remember the dog. For my own part I should not pine much if both were forgot.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0018", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Arthur Fenner, 10 March 1797\nFrom: Fenner, Arthur\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nProvidence [R.I.] March 10th 1797\nThe General Assembly, which convened at East Greenwich on the twenty-seventh of February, having continued in Session until the Night before last, I had not the Opportunity of transmitting the inclosed Address. I have now the Pleasure of doing it, and of\nassuring you that I am, with every Sentiment of Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your most obedient, and Most humble Servant\nA. Fenner", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0019", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 10 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nMy dear Sir,\n Head of Elk [Md.] 10th. of March 1797\nWe arrived at this place to dinner and shall remain all night. To morrow we shall proceed but slowly.\nAs I have missed the Post of this afternoon, and another does not happen until Monday it is probable this letter will not reach your hands in time. If the case however should be otherwise, and you have means to accomplish it, let me request you to provide for me as usual new Carpeting as will cover the floor of my blue Parlour. That it may accord with the furniture it ought to have a good deal of blue in it;\u2014and if Wilton is not much dearer than Scotch Carpeting\u2014I would prefer the former. All the old Carpeting (belonging to me) I would have sent;\u2014and Mrs. Washington requests that you would add the Bellows and the Vessels (Iron & Tin) in which the ashes are carried out. If two pair of new Bellows were added to the old, (and of a better kind) it would be desirable.\nI pray you to desire Mr. Kitt to make all the enquiry he can after Hercules, and send him round in the Vessel if he can be discovered & apprehended. I am always & Affectionately Yrs.\nP.S. The parlour is about 18 foot Square\u2014a suitable border if to be had, should accompany the Carpeting. Pray get me of those Thermometers that tells the state of the Mercury within the 24 hours\u2014Doctor Priestly or Mr. Madison can tell where it is to be had. Perhaps the old one if no thing better, may do to present to Mr. Snowden, according to his letter to me left with 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0020", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 11\u201313 March 1797\nFrom: Powel, Elizabeth Willing\nTo: Washington, George\nMy very dear Sir\nPhila. 11 [\u201313] th March 1797\nLike a true Woman (as you will think) in the Moment of Exultation, and on the first Impulse (for you know we are never supposed to act Systematically or from attentive Consideration,[)] I take up my Pen to address you, as you have given me a complete Triumph on the Subject of all others on which you have I suppose thought me most deficient, and most opposite to yourself; and what is still more charming\u2014your Candor shall preside as Judge, nay you shall pass Sentence on yourself, and I will not appeal from your Decision. Suppose I should prove incontestably that you have without Design put into my Possession the love Letters of a Lady addressed to you under the most solemn Sanction; & a large Packet too. What will the Goddess of Prudence and Circumspection say to her favorite Son and Votary for his dereliction of Principles to which he has hitherto made such serious Sacrifices.\nWas the Taste of your Sex predominant in your Breast; and did the Love of Variety so preponderate, that because you had never blundered as President, was you determined to try its Delights as a private Gentleman; but to keep you no longer in Suspense, tho\u2019 I know that your Nerves are not as irritable as a fine Ladies, yet I will with the Generosity of my Sex relieve you, by telling you\u2014that upon opening one of the Drawers of your writing Desk I found a large Bundle of Letters from Mrs Washington bound up and labled with your usual Accuracy. Mr Lear was present, I immediately desired him to take Charge of the Package which he declined\u2014alleging that he thought it was safer in my Hands, at least for some Time\u2014at first I urged it; but finding him Inflexible as I suppose from Motives of Delicacy I sealed them up And I trust it is unnecessary for me to add that they will be keept Inviolably until I deliver them to him or to your Order. As Mr Lear has been connected both with you and Mrs Washington, and as it is probable that some family Circumstances may have been mingled into her Communications to you, to save his Feelings I have sealed the Package with Three Seals bearing the Impression of my blessed Friends Arms, such as that I myself use. Should Mrs Washington appear to have any unpleasant Sensations on this Subject you will I am certain remove them by reminding her\u2014that tho\u2019 Curiosity is supposed to be a prominent feature of the female Mind, yet it will ever be powerfully counteracted when opposed by native Delicacy, or sense of Honor, and I trust a pious Education.\nI shall my good Sir give to Mr Lear 245 Dollars which I find was the first Cost of the writing Desk. In my Estimation its Value is not in the least diminished by your use of it; nor from its having been the Repository of those valuable Documents that originated with you during your wise and peaceful Administration for Eight Years. I am sensible many true & handsome Compliments might be paid to you on this Occasion; but as they have been resounded with Elegance & Sincerity through the Whole Continent, and will be re-echoed by Posterity, as you must be conscious they are just and as you are not a Man of Vanity, I will not in my blundering Way attempt a Theme that I feel myself totally inadequate to, as Blundering would not have to me even the Charm of variety to recommend it.\nAnd now let me return you Thanks for your Tributes of Affection. Mr Lear has sent me in your Name a Pair of Lamps & Brackets\nwith the Appendages. From you they are acceptable tho from no other Being out of my own Family would I receive a pecuniary Favor, nor did I want any inanimate Memento to bring you to my Recollection. I most sincerely hope to hear that you are all well and safely arrived at Mount Vernon long before you will receive this Scrawl. Be pleased to present my best Wishes to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis. Truly & affectionately I have the Honor to be, Sir Your most Obedt & Obliged\nEliza. Powel\nN.B. March 13th Mr Lear dined with me Yesterday. I desired him not to mention the Circumstance alluded to in the first \u27e8Para\u27e9-graph of this Letter, therefore Mrs W. need not be informed of it unless you choose to tell her yourself. E.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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0021", "content": "Title: Address of Baltimore City Council, 12 March 1797\nFrom: Baltimore City Council\nTo: Washington, George\nTo partake of the prosperity arising from your unwearied attention to the Welfare of our Country\u2014To admire that firmness which has never been disconcerted in the greatest difficulties, and which has acquired vigor in proportion to the exigency. To feel that honorable ascendancy you have obtained in the well founded opinion of your fellow Citizens by a Wise administration, and the exercise of the virtues of Private life, and to suppress our admiration and acknowledgment would be wanting to our own individual sensations and the just expectation of those we represent.\nPermit therefore the Mayor & City Council of Baltimore amongst the first exercise of their Corporate Capacity to gratify themselves and their Constituents in the sincere expression of regret for your retirement. Their lively gratitude for your public services. Their affectionate attachment to your private Character. Their heartfelt farewell to your person & family, and their unceasing solicitude for your temporal & eternal happiness. In behalf of the Corporation of the City of Baltimore\nJas Calhoun Mayor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0022", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 12 March 1797\nFrom: Carter, Landon\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCleve 12 March 1797\nYour favr of the 27th ulmo came to hand three days ago just when I was puting into the Office a Letter of congratulation to meet you at your assylum from the Labors of a weighty Trust. Abstracted from self I can withdraw from an high Idea of the importance of our Loss and am capable of exulting in the calm delights of the Man I love and whom e\u2019er long I may have permission to call by the closer name of Friend. When retired to the peaceful quiet of Mt Vernon\u2014I mean when absolutely so\u2014I will benefit by the indulgent expression of wellcome uttered in one of your Letters; there to testify my warm attachment.\nA letter from Mr James Anderson was inclosed which I have answered conformable to its\u2019 contents. The correctness of that\nPerson bespeaks him a man adapted to business and I hope you will have that satisfaction in him which I have longed after in vain For incorrectness has been the stumbling block to my eager desire to improve and complete a Plan that has the fairest prospects.\nI dont know how you will approve my increasing your expence in the transportation of the Pease but I conceive them safer in bags; which too will afterwards be useful on your Farm: I have in pursuance of these Ideas purchased Bags for the Occasion. I am Dear Sir with most true regard and very respectfully Your most Obt Hble servt\nL. Carter\nP.S. I had writen to Mr A. on the first Plan of yr Waggon & first qty ordered\u2014present Letter to him alluded to, is to the late plan & increased qty to 40 \u27e8bus.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0023", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 12 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nMy dear Sir,\nBaltimore, 12th. Mar. 1797.\nAs I ride on matters occur to me and I shall take the chance of mentioning them to you before you may have left Philadelphia. A boat was bespoke, but no direction given either for the payment or mode of getting it round. My credit is at stake as it respects the first, and my interest as it regards the second, and I shall be obliged to you for seeing how both can be promoted.\nIt is incumbent on me also to pay rent up to the time the house is surrendered, and to see that it is made clean and delivered up in good order. I have several times mentioned this to Mr. Dandridge and pressed it upon Mr. Kitt;\u2014& trust it will be done. The furniture belonging to the public ought to have been well cleaned, as well as the Rooms before they were turned over to the President\u2019s order, with the Papers.\nLet me request the favour of you to purchase for me half a dozen pair of the best kind of White Silk stockings (not those with gores but) to be large, and with small clocks (I think they are called) I want the same number of raw silk, for boot stockings; large and strong.\nIn my last from Elkton I mentioned the want of a Carpet for my parlour at Mount Vernon;\u2014and observed that as the furniture was blue, the ground or principal flowers in it ought to be blue also;\u2014& that if Wilton Carpeting was not much dearer than Scotch I should prefer it. Mrs. Washington says there is a kind different from both much in use (Russia) if not dearer or but little more so than the former I would have it got. The Room is about 18 feet Square, and the Carpet should have a suitable border if to be had. This letter may get to your hands on Tuesday morning and on the Post of Wednesday a line or two informing when the goods will be on board, & the Vessel will sail, will be very agreeable to My dear Sir Your Affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0024", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Fitzgerald and James Craik, 13 March 1797\nFrom: Fitzgerald, John,Craik, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nAlexandria Monday afternoon [13 March 1797]\nA number of the Inhabitants of this town & its Vicinity wish to have the pleasure of meeting you on your entrance into the State & escorting you to Mt Vernon[.] As they flatter themselves that this token of their sincere affection & esteem will not meet your disapprobation, they have dispatched the bearer & request you will let them know at what time you will probably cross the ferry that they may regulate themselves accordingly. We have the honor to be your mo. Obedt Servts\nJohn Fitzgerald\nJames 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0025", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Pendleton, 13 March 1797\nFrom: Pendleton, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCaroline [County] March 13 1797\nHowever as a citizen I may depricate the consequences of your retirement from the helm of our political barque in the present lowering season, yet as your friend I sincerely congratulate you on having eased your body and mind of that heavy and anxious weight, & returned to a tranquil private life with both in full vigor enabling you to enjoy the sweets of domestic ease and social converse, exempt from the apathy usually produced by old age and mental decay. Long, long may you continue to enjoy, without allay this state of domestic and social pleasure, & be always happy.\nThis being intended as my annual tribute to friendship, I have only to add that the prospect of our growing, or rather should-be growing, Crops of wheat is very unfavourable [.] I am with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and friendship, Dr Sir your affecte & most Obt Servant\nEdmund 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0026", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nCity of Washington 14th Mar. 1797.\nThe pressure of business in the last days of my administration, occasioned my dispatching the enclosed Instrument to the Commissioners of this City without the Seal of the United States (as certified); and I should not have known it wanted this evidence, had not those Gentlemen (upon my arrival here) informed me of the omission.\nI now forward it for the purpose of having this defect remedied; and request the favor of you to return it to the Commissioners with the Seal annexed. with great & sincere regard, I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0027", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Erskine, 15 March 1797\nFrom: Erskine, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nLondon March 15th 1797\nI have taken the liberty to introduce your August & immortal name in a short sentence (see Page 58) which is to be found in the Book I send to you. I have a large acquaintance amongst the most valuable & exalted classes of men; but you are the only\nHuman being for whome I ever felt an aweful reverence. I sincerely pray God to grant a long and serene evening to a life so gloriously devoted to the universal happiness of the world.\nT. Erskine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0028", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 15 March 1797\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir,\nPhilada March 15th 1797.\nI have before me your respected favers of the 9th, 10th & 12th inst. which have been received in due course. The directions contained in these several letters shall be duly attended to & the articles therein mentioned, forwarded.\nWe have been fortunate in getting the things on board the Vessel without any injury and they are well stowed. A few more are to\ngo down this morning (if rain should not prevent) which will complete her lading, and tomorrow, if wind & weather permit, she will probably sail. There will still remain a few articles which cannot be put on board this Vessel; but will be sent by another which will sail early next week.\nThe House is now preparing for the President, and he proposes to come in on Monday next, when I presume everything will be in as good order as it can be put.\nThe furniture of the Green Drawing Room & other Articles sold at Auction went off very low indeed. The numbers attending the Auction was considerable; but they were disappointed in an expectation which they had formed that the Painting, P\u27e8r\u27e9ints &c. were to have been sold. The Lustres\u2014Stoves & other fixtures in the House will be taken by the President at cost or a fair valuation. There is nothing to be sold of the public furniture.\nIt is my intention to tarry in this place through the present week, in which time I trust that everything respecting the House, furniture &c. will be settled & closed\u2014when I shall go on to the Potomac & take on with me all the accounts &c. belonging to you.\nWe are all well here, and Mr Dandridge unites in offering his best respects to all at Mt Vernon with\u2014my dear Sir, Your respectful & affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0030", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Francis Peyton, Jr., 20 March 1797\nFrom: Peyton, Francis Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nAlexandria 20th March 1797\nI am directed by the Council of this Town, to solicit the honor of your company, with the Gentlemen of your family, to dine with the Citizens of Alexandria, at Gadsby\u2019s tavern on thursday next at two oclock.\nIf the time proposed should not meet your convenience I should be happy to know at what time you can favour us with your presence. I am Sir with respect Yr Ob. Servt\nFrancis Peyton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0031", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nDepartment of State [Philadelphia] March 21. 1797.\nOn the 18th I was honoured with your letter of the 14th covering an instrument directing the transfer of the streets and public lots in the City of Washington from Messrs Beall & Gantt to the Commissioners for that city: The seal of the United States has been affixed to it; and by to-morrow\u2019s mail I shall send it to the Commissioners, as you desire.\nDr Edwards has handed me the inclosed printed paper addressed to you by Sir John Sinclair; and says he expects some further communications to be forwarded to you, from the same quarter.\nWe have yet no official intelligence concerning General Pinckney. I am with great & sincere respect Sir, your most obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0032", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 21 March 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nWashington 21 st March 1797.\nI received whilst at Baltimore from Genl Swan 10 Pounds of the Chiccorry or Succourry Grass seed, just from England, fresh, & I believe of excellent Quality. His request to me was to distribute it among those most likely to ensure its propagation; & to forward one half of the whole Quantity to Mount Vernon. You will be pleased to say to whose Care at Alexandria I shall address it.\nThe vast Croud of Visitors I found in Brydons Rooms waiting to pay their Respects to you  convinced me I cou\u2019d not more agreeably shew my Respect to you than by leaving you to the pleasure of your own Reflections after the fatigues of the Mayor Corporation & innumerable other Visitors. I have the honor to be with sentiments of perfect Respect Sir Yr mo. obt servt\nGusts Scott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0034", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Turberville, 22 March 1797\nFrom: Turberville, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nHiccary Hill 22nd March 1797\nSometime between the years 1740 & 1758, a Richard Magraw, of Fairfax County, Sold a Tract of Land, Containing 296 Acres, to\nMajor Lawrance Washington of Mount Vernon, Which land, the Said Magraw, took up as waste land, in the year 1740 as by the proprietors Deed Specifies. The Land was adjoining to the Land taken up by Colo. Wm Fairfax, of Belvoir in the name of Anne Fairfax his Daughter Who intermarried with Major Lawrance Washington. at his death, by his Will his Executors were directed to Sell that 296 Acres, to be applied to the payment of his Debts. Colo. George Lee Who intermarried with Mrs Ann Washington Widow to Major Washington Purchased the Said land from the Executors; You Sir (as the Only one living). At the death of Colo. George Lee, his Eldest Son George Fairfax Lee inherit\u2019d the Land, and I purchased it of him. We have been in Peaceable and Quiet possession of the land untill the year 1794 when I then Sold the Land to a Peirce Bailey of Loudoun, but upon Examination There\u2019s no Deed from Magraw to Maj. Washington in any Records in this State. Tho\u2019 the Original propriators Deed was amongst Majr Washingtons papers, (as I Suppose) for it was amongst Colo. George Lees; When I bought the Land, but no Deed from Magraw; and by some means the Executors Deed to Colo. George Lee had never been proven, all the Witnesses to that Deed are Dead except, Mrs Hannah Washington of Bushfield[,] Mr Bryan Fairfax and Mrs Mary Lee Widow of Mr Thomas Ludwell Lee[.] The Deed is now at Dumfries District Office proven by Mrs Washington and Mr Bryan Fairfax, and Mrs Lee has attended but would not Swear that her name on the Deed was her hand Writing and so it Stands for farther prooff. Mr Peirce Bailey not finding any Deed from Magaw to Washington nor the Executors Deed fully proven to George Lee He sued my Bond, and has got a Judgment vs me for double the Sum I Sold him the land for. My Lawyers tell me that as the Deed has not been Recorded from Magraw to Majr Washington if any person Can Prove that there ever was Such a Deed Which there Surely was, That, That proof Will be Sufficient to give a good Title, As I am inform\u2019d you lived with Majr Washington about the time the Purchase was made expect you Can recollect Something about it, if So I Shou\u2019d be Particularly Obliged by your leting me hear from You before the (may) District Court As I have appeal\u2019d from Fairfax Court to the District Court and [it] will Come on in May.\nI hope you will excuse my Freedom in troubleing you with this Letter. nothing but the Probability of my loosing \u00a3600 Would\nhave urged me to give you any trouble on my Account and am yr Most Obt Humle Sert\nJohn Turberville", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0035", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 March 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nPhilad[elphia] 24 March 1797.\nOnce more at home, and I flatter myself recovered from the fatigues of your journey. You have witnessed on your route the great affection and attachment of the people and the sound part of the community, which is still visible in every company I go into, and which I am persuaded will not diminish, though the external marks of it may gradually be less strongly expressessed. This is the least reward you could have received, or the country could have given. It is nevertheless a precious one.\nLetters have arrived yesterday from Mr Pinckney dated 5 Jany Paris. He has been refused, as stated in the enclosed paper. De la Croix in a letter to Mr Munroe acknowleging his recall, informs him that no minister Plenipotentiary will be received by the Republic till such time as the grievances complained of shall be redressed. Mr Pinckney wrote after this to De la Croix: had a verbal answer by his secretary, repeating his refusal, and the propriety to avoid inconveniences of his departure. In short on the part of the \u27e8Directorial\u27e9 minister every step is insulting, and the form of the rejection passing thro\u2019 Mr Munroe not the least so. Mr P. notwithstanding thought his duty required that he should not leave the territory of France, without a written order or orders from the Govern, of the U.S. Thus things were situated on the 5th of last January.\nI presume Congress must be called and that immediately; and that it may also be expedient in the mean while, to direct Mr Pinckney, to make another effort, such as may not commit the dignity of the U.S. and if unsuccessful retire to Hamburg or some other place to wait events or a better disposition on the part of France. I send my sincere respects and affection to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis. Adieu\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0036", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Bingham, 25 March 1797\nFrom: Bingham, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nPhiladelphia March 25th 1797\nAmongst the Number that experience the Hospitalities of Mount Vernon, there are none whose personal Merit (independent of their Education, their Rank & Pretensions) more deservedly entitle them to this attention, than my Friends Mons\u2019 d\u2019Orleans, Mons\u2019 de Montpensier & Mons\u2019 de Beaujolois.\nYour previous Acquaintance with these Gentlemen, renders it unnecessary to recommend them more pointedly to your Notice & Civilities.\nThey intend, after paying their Respects to you & Mrs Washington, to make a Short Excursion to the Westward. I have the Honor to be with Respect Sir Your obed. hble servt\nWm Bingham", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0037", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 25 March 1797\nFrom: Custis, George Washington Parke\nTo: Washington, George\nDearest Sir\nNassau Hall [Princeton, N.J.]Ma[rch] 25th [1797]\nA letter from my Sister this morning informed me of your safe arrival at Mount Vernon, which has hitherto prevented me from writing\u2014I congratulate you on a thing so ardently wished for by\nall those interested in your welfare\u2014The marks of approbation and esteem manifested in the manners of the different States thro which you passed must have been highly gratifying and satisfactory, and the pleasure received on reaching the destined haven must have rendered your happiness consummate.\nThe different studies I have passed through during the Winter, I am now reveiwing, and the evident good effects resulting from an attention to them at first are now conspicuous; the examination will come on in a fortnight, and immediately after, the Vacation will commence\u2014The money you were so Kind as to transmit for the bearing of my expences I shall receive at my departure, and keep regular accoumpts of all expenditures\u2014I shall set off the next day and pass through Philadelphia without stopping by which mean I shall have about 20 days to stay at home, my anxiety to attain which will preponderate against all other considerations\u2014The Roman History I have finished reveiwed and am perfect, translating French has become pretty familiar, and the great deal of writing attending which has probably improved my hand, I have read a great many good authors, this winter and have paid particular attention to Hume, have obtained a tolerable idea of Geography, and Sir injustice to myself, and my own endeavours I think I have spent my time in no wise to be complained. Arithmetic I must confess I have not made as much progress in as could be expected owing to a variety of circumstances, and the superficial manner in which I first imbibed the principles but the ensuing summer shall make up the deficiency and then I hope I shall have no cause to complain of myself\u2014If Sir by staying in Philadelphia I could do any thing you might wish; I will do it, or any thing else with pleasure as for myself I have no desire to delay a moment\u2014I now conclude by wishing you health and happiness\u2014Remember me to all family and beleive me Sincerely Yours\nG. W. P. Custis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0038", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 25 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\ndear Sir,\nMount Vernon 25th Mar. 1797\nYour letter of the 20th instt, with the Bill of lading for the Goods in the Sloop Salem, and another letter of the 15th are both received; and I hope this will find you safely arrived in the Federal City.\nI have got Painters at work in order to prepare my rooms for the furniture which is expected; but I find I have begun at the wrong end, for some joiners work (of the deficiency of which I was ignorant before it was examined) ought to have preceeded theirs, as the fixing of the chimney pieces ought also to do. the first I have engaged, but cannot, on enquiry, find that a skilful hand is to be had in Alexandria to execute the latter. I would thank you therefore for engaging one, if to be had in the Federal City or George town, to be here on Monday or tuesday at farthest as my work will be at a stand without. To prevent imposition, and to avoid disputes, I would prefer employing the artisan by the day. The work immediately foreseen, and which must be done without delay, is, to refix the Marble chimney piece in the Parlour which is almost falling out; to fix the New one (expected from Philadelphia) in the small dining room; to remove the one now there into what is called the School room; to fix the Grate which is coming round in the large dining room; and to give some repairs to the steps; which (like most things else I have looked into since I have been at home) are sadly out of repair.\n\u2019Tis possible either of the Commissioners or Captn Hoban could point out a proper character, as they have had to do with the best workmen; and tis possible, but I do not think it very probable, that Cornelius (my old Servant) might be competent to it. two things however are necessary\u2014viz.\u2014Skill & dispatch. Our best regards are presented to all with you\u2014and I am Your sincere friend and \u27e8affect\u27e9ionate Servant\nGo: Washington\nP.S. If Cornelius had knowledge in practice or theory sufficient for the job, I should be disposed to give him a preference; first because I am acquainted with his temper and industry; and 2dly because I foresee many other things in his line that must be done as fast as I can accomplish them; by engageing a workman upon moderate terms, make Bricks or raise stone, and procure lime.\nThe Winds have been favorable for Captn Elkins, but we see nothing of his Sloop yet. As soon as it arrives I will let you know, as it would be very pleasing to me, to have you here at that time. Yrs &c. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0040", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Spotswood, 26 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Spotswood, Alexander\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 26th Mar. 1797\nYour letter of the 22d instant has been received, by which I find you have fixed the commencement of your journey to Kentucky to the 3d of next month. Although some passages in your letter lead me to conclude that mine to you of the first of Feby had got to hand, yet, as you have not acknowledged the receipt of it, I am left in doubt, and having a press copy thereof by me, I forward a duplicate from that.\nTo the Sentiments contained therein, relative to my land on rough creek, I have nothing to add. I thank you sincerely for your kind congratulations on my return to this place; and with every good wish, in which Mrs Washington unites for your prosperous journey and safe return; and with best regards for Mrs Spotswood and the family\u2014I am\u2014Your affecte friend and 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0041", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Gillis, 28 March 1797\nFrom: Gillis, James\nTo: Washington, George\nMost respected Brother\nAlex[andri]a March 28th 1797\nBrothers Ramsay & Marsteller wait upon You with a Copy of an address which has been prepared by the unanimous desire of the Antient York Masons of Lodge No. 22. It is their earnest request that You will partake of a Dinner with them and that You will please appoint the time most convenient for You to attend. I am most beloved Brother Your most Obedt hble Servt\nJames Gillis. M[aster]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0043", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Fay, 30 March 1797\nFrom: Fay, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York 30th March 1797\nYour letter of the 19th Ulto enclosing proposals for selling your Virginia Lands, came duly to hand, I have deferrd any reply until I gained an opportunity to consult several of my friends who proposed being concerned with me in the purchase; we have considered your proposals, and we find several obstacles in the way of closing with them. we should find much difficulty in making the first advances. The Interest required to be paid, we doubt would consume the growth of the property before we could bring it into productive cultivation, and we are not sufficiently acquainted with the Situation and quality, to decide how far we should be Warranted to pay the price you propose, taking the whole together, under all these circumstances we have concluded to relinquish the Idea of purchasing, and more especially as we agree with you respecting the disgrace of Land Jobbing in Europe.\nWe shall however send persons to that Country the present Season, to View Lands which we already own, when we shall probably look at yours also, and if on being more particularly acquainted, we should judge your offers advantageous, and your Lands should remain unsold, we shall wait on you for the purpose of concluding a Contract, in the meantime do not require you to refuse any other opportunity which may offer for Selling. I am Most respectfully, and affectionately your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0046", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Priscilla Beale, 2 April 1797\nFrom: Beale, Priscilla\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nApril 2d 1797\nI have been called on repeatedly by Mr Hezekiah Veach your Collector for the Rents Due you I have Long since sent some wheat to Baltimore for the Purpose of paying you the Rents due you. But when I sent it there wheat had fallen in Consequence of which I stowed it for a better markett. since Then I have been Afflicted with a very sick Family. one of my sons have been Down with the Consumtion for some time and I Expect will Expire Every day\nalso most all my family Lies Very much afflicted Col. Deakins advised me to notice you of my situation and Request you to wright to Mr H. Veach whatever price You thought Just & Equeateble To take for the Tobacco as I Cant make it on the Land I must pay you in Money when wheat was up I was so situated that I Could not send for my money at Baltimore which is for you and no other purpose your honor will please to wright to Mr Veach not Distress as I mean you Shall be paid shortly I am sir with Rept your mos. Hbl. St\nPriscilla Beale", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0047", "content": "Title: Farm Reports, 2\u20138 April 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\nEditorial Note\nWhen in November 1785 GW himself took over for a few months the direct, day-to-day supervision of his several farms at Mount Vernon, he\ndevised the general format for the weekly reports that successive farm managers thereafter followed. The reports of the farm manager were based upon the reports that the overseers of the individual farms made to him each week and often included reports from the head carpenter, the miller, and others. See the editor\u2019s note in Farm Reports, 26 Nov. 1785\u201316 April 1786. For the most part, the editors of GW\u2019s Papers have not included the Farm Reports in the printed volumes. All surviving farm reports appear in CD-ROM:GW. James Anderson\u2019s reports of 2\u20138, 9\u201315, 16\u201322, and 23\u201329 April 1797 are printed here because in April 1797 GW \u201cOmitted keeping any Acct. of the Weather and Occurrences\u201d (DiariesDonald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976\u201379., 6:241); his diaries are otherwise complete from the beginning of 1797 until 13 Dec. 1799, the day before his death.\n               A Meteoroligical Account of the Weather kept at Mount Vernon\n                  Mansionhouse for the Work of 8 hands Amount \u214c Week\n                  By Waggon hauling Hay to Mansion house\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Plank to Fishhouse, & Sand to Mansion 1 & Rails 1\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 going for Corn & Oats 1 & Wood to House 1 day\n                  \u2007\u2007 3 Horse Cart at Alexria for Seine 1 & Hauling wood 4 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 do Hauling Meal & Bran from the Mill\n                  \u2007\u2007 2 Horse Cart hauling manure\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Fishing by Hauling the Seine\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Joe pruning of Trees\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Gunner Cuting wood\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Anthony making Lime Mortar\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick\u2003James Sick by a sore leg\n                  Ditchers for the Amount of the Work of 4 Men \u214c Week\n                  By Hauling the Seine\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 with the Boat at Alexandria\nStock, one Stud Horse, 3 Stud Jacks, & 3 do Young Jacks\u201410 Asses\u20146 Horses, 9 Mules Working & 16 do unbroke & 16 Cows 3 Calves\u201410 Wedders 4 Ews & 4 Lambs\u2014Decrease 1 Wedder killed\u2014And one calf sold the Butcher. And one Calf dead.\n                  River Farm, for the work of 27 Hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  by ploughing, Harrowing, & Seeding of Oats, & Flax\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Corn to Mill 1, & Rolling clove ground 2 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling of Old wood, & trash, out of the way\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Cuting of Corn Stalks, & carrying them of the Wheat\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Thrashing of Oats, When it Rained\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling of the Seine at the Landing\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Working in the Garden at Mansion\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Attending upon the Stock\nStock 12 Horses & 11 Mules, 83 Cattle & 15 Calves\u2014196 Sheep & 76 Lambs One Mare had a Colt which instantly died.\n                  Corn sent to Mill\n                  do sent to Mansion\n                  Oats sent to Mansion\n                  Clover seed sowed\n                  Mudyhole for the Work of 14 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By Hauling Corn to, & Meal from the Mill\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Rolling of Wheat & Oats\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Ploughing 25 & Nathan in the Kitchen 6\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Picking up Corn Stalks\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 fencing 12 & Burning of Brush 4 days\n                  \u2007\u2007 Shelling Corn when Raining\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick\u2003Gabriel 3, & 3 Women in Child bed 18 days\nStock 7 Horses & 4 Mules, 33 Cattle & 2 Calves 49 Sheep & 18 Lambs\n                  Corn sent to Mill\n                  Doguerun for the Work of 16 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By Hauling Wood from new Ground 6 & Mauling Rails 4 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Ploughing 25, fencing 10 days & Grubing in Mill Swamp 4 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Grubing new Ground 4, And cleaning up do 9 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Joe at Hauling the Seine 1 day & Grubing in new Ground 6 days\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick\u2003Dick 4, Judith 4, Liney 2, And Lucey 2 days\n                  [By] Cleaning of Stables, & Shelling Corn, when it rained\nStock 5 Horses, & 8 Mules 67 Cattle & 6 Calves 136 Sheep & 41 Lambs Increase 3 Calves.\n                  Corn sent to the Mill\n                  Union Farm for the Work of 22 hands Amt. \u214c Week\n                  By ploughing for Corn, And harrowing\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Spreading manure, And filling up Gullys\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Cleaning of Wheat 5 & cleaning out the Stables 20 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Carting Manure, & Hauling Rails\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling of Slope from the Distillery to Jas Andersons\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Sowing of Flax, & Grass seeds\nStock 15 Horses 6 mules 66 Cattle 2 Calves 111 Sheep, 46 Lambs Decrease 1 fatted Steer Sent to Alexandria for the Butcher\n                  Corn sent to Mill\n                  Flour as on 1st April\u2003Superfine\n                  \u27e8Deduce\u27e9 Sent to the House\n                  Ship Stuff Distilleed 697\n                  Cooper for the work of 2 Men & boy, Amot. \u214c week\n                  By Coopering Fish Barrels & Tubs at Fish house\n                  \u2007\u2007 Making, & Hooping Pails in the Shop\n                  \u2007\u2007 Making Flour Barrels\n                  \u2007\u2007 Working on the Mill Race\n                  Miller Ben for one Weeks Work Amot.\n                  By working on the Mill Race\n                  Spinners, Sewers & Knitters for the Work of 15 Women Amounting to \u214c Week\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Caroline Working in the House\nLame Peter knitting 2 pair Stockings 6\n                  Gardeners for the work of 4 Men Amounting \u214c week to\n                  By cleaning & planting in the Garden\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 George working in the Kitchen\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick\u2003Peter from River Farm\n                  Carpenters for the work of 7 Men Amot. \u214c week to\n                  By repairing of the fishhouse &a\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Repairing of Mansion house\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Going in the Boat after Salt to Alexria\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Working in the Shop in the time of Rain, Making of 2 pair plough \u27e8Rims\u27e9, Hewing \u27e8Cart\u27e9 & plough \u27e8Sheft\u27e9 &c.\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Isacc, & Joe, repairing of the Fish Boat\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Making of 2 ploughs for Union Farm, & assisting in repairing the Mansion house\n                  \u2007\u2007 Davie in the Cooper Shop\n                  \u2007\u2007 Decrease Christopher in the House\n                  Bricklayers for the work of 2 Men Amot. \u214c week\n                  Tom Davis & Muckles hauling of the Seine\n               A General view on the Stock on all the Farms\n                  James Anderson\n                  Mill & Distillery\n                  James Anderson\n                  Mill & Distillery", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0048", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 2 April 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Henry Jr.\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 2 Aprl 1797\nIf this letter should happen to find you in Philadelphia, the intention of it is to bring you acquainted with the situation of Messrs Reed & Ford\u2019s engagement to transfer (after the 28th of March) seventy shares in the Bank of Columbia on your account for my benefit.\nOn my way home, I placed their obligation in the hands of a Gentleman within the District of Columbia, for the purpose of\nhaving this transfer made. The following extract of his letter to me was received on friday last, but not in time to forward it by the Post of next morning, although I instantly wrote, & took the chance of a letters getting to Messrs Reed & Ford by the Mail of that day; & now enclose a duplicate\u2014open for your perusal before it is delivered.\n\u201cInclosed is Reed & Fords obligation wch you left with me, but on application to one of the Officers in the Bank to transfer to you the shares in question, he informed me it could not be done without a power of Attorney from them to some person in this town to make the transfer. It is suspected by some persons here, they have failed, and to day I was told by a Director they had no shares in the Bank of Columbia; Perhaps you may think it advisable to write on immediately that you may secure yourself in this business.\u201d\nThis business, my good Sir, you will recollect well, was not of my seeking; that it was not agreeable to me to be paid in that way (because it was the money I wanted)\u2014and that it was to accomodate you, under strong assurances that the obligation of Reed and Ford was as good as the Bank &ca &ca that I yielded to the measure. How far this assertion was well founded, may, (while you are on the Spot) be worthy of enquiry; as my confidence in, and disposition to oblige you, has involved this result.\nI would fain hope that that part of the extract which relates to the failure, is without foundation; and for the honor of honest men, & fair dealing, I also hope it will not be found that they have been selling property to which they had no right, & of wch they were not possess\u2019d. At any rate I shall lose what I ought not, & what I should not, if the money had been properly paid for from my unacquaintedness in these matters and from the motives mentioned before I have allow\u2019d forty dollars a share when at the time, and now, the money (if I had been disposed to apply it so) would have procured these shares at thirty three dollars each by which means in twenty eight hundred dollars I sustain a loss of 490\u2014besides loosing the interest on the former sum from the 24th of February until the transfer is made. I am Dear Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0050", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 3 April 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon [3 April 1797]\nMr Lear informs me the President has declined, finally, to take any part of the furniture in the Green drawing room\u2014and that you will be requested to have the lustre in the middle of it packed up & sent round to this place.\nIf the latter should not have taken place before this letter reaches your hands, let it be sent to Mrs Morris, who I beg will receive it as a present; and to whom I will write so soon as you inform me of its having happened, assigning the reason why it was not done before. Let me know the results of this direction as soon as you can.\nI wish you a pleasant Passage in which your aunt joins, and the full fruition of all your reasonable and proper wishes; being your sincere friend and affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0051", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 3 April 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McHenry, James\nPrivate \nDear Sir,Mount Vernon 3d April 1797     \nYour letter of the 24th Ulto has been duly received, and I thank you for the information given in it: Let me pray you to have the goodness to communicate to me occasionally, such matters as are interesting, and not contrary to the rules of your official duty to disclose. We get so many details in the Gazettes, and of such different complexions, that it is impossible to know what credence to give to any of them.\nThe conduct of the French government is so much beyond calculation, and so unaccountable upon any principle of justice, or even to that sort of policy which is familiar to plain understanding, that I shall not now puzzle my brains in attempting to develope their motives to it.\nWe got home without accident, and found the Roads drier, and better than I ever travelled them at that Season of the year. The attentions we met with on our journey were very flattering, and to some whose minds are differently formed from mine would have been highly relished; but I avoided in every instance where I had any previous knowledge of the intention, & could by earnest entreaties prevail, all parade or escorts. Mrs Washington took a violent cold in Philadelphia, which hangs upon her still, but not as bad as it did.\nI find myself in the situation, nearly, of a young beginner, for although I have not houses to build (except one, which I must erect for the accomodation & security of my Military, Civil & private Papers, which are voluminous and may be interesting) yet I have not one, or scarcely any thing else about me that does not require considerable repairs. In a word, I am already surrounded by Joiners, Masons, Painters &ca &ca and such is my anxiety to get out of their hands, that I have scarcely a room to put a friend into, or to set in myself, without the Music of hammers, or the odoriferous smell of Paint.\nI will make no apology for putting the enclosed under cover to\nyou. If General Lee should have left Philadelphia, let me request the favor of you to open the letter to him and cause the one under that cover to be delivered to Messrs Reed & Ford, by a person who you can inform me with certainly has done so, that I may know to what cause to ascribe (should it happen) any delay in their answer, and add, if you please, whether there be any cause to suspect a failure of these Gentlemen.\nYou will readily perceive that what is said of them, and what I write to Genl Lee is of a private nature, and not to be mentioned unless the reports respecting Reed & Ford are facts of notoriety. Mrs Washington & Miss Custis are thankful for your kind remembrance of them, and join me in best regards for Mrs McHenry & yourself with Dear Sir Your sincere friend and 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0052", "content": "Title: GW to Bartholomew Dandridge, 5 April 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Dandridge, Bartholomew\nLetter not found: GW to Bartholomew Dandridge, 5 April 1797. On 8 April Dandridge wrote GW: \u201cAbout 2 o\u2019Clock your letter of the 5th was put into my hands.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0053", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hatfield, 5 April 1797\nFrom: Hatfield, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia April 5. 1797\nBeing impressed with your ardent desire to promote the Arts, and Sciences, in America; Allow me Sir to address you on the subject of establishing a Manufactory of Cotton in the City of Washington. I have conversed on the practicability of it, with several respectable Gentlemen, who feel anxious that a manufacture may be introduced there.\nOn the first proposal of the Columbianum for the promotion of Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, and Engraving; the idea sudgested itself to me that this Manufacture would be accepted as a collateral branch of the fine Arts. From a confidance I feel, in\nyour having (every opportunity) proposed Schools of Arts, and establishments of Manufactures; I hope you will not consider me intruding on your time by proposing what I sincerely wish may tend to the Welfare of the City. It is a Manufacture which is itself, divided into Various Branches, and consequently will require a capital beyond the general extent of an individual\u2014I have in New York a quantity of Machinery, of the most modern construction to facilitate labour; and if necessary funds would be appropriated, I should consider it a duty to introduce this in the Federal City only.\nThe Manufacture I trust I am generally acquainted with, and should be happy to be an active character in prosecuting so valuable (and what would necessarily attract the attention, not only of those interested in the City, but of the disinterested) for the welfare of it. One great object would be, to employ the young Children, who are now, (if I may be allowed the expression) an incumberance on every Plantation.\nFrom a small alteration in the Machinery a Sail Cloth Manufactory may be applied, as occasion requires, which eventually may be an object of the most mature consideration to the United States. The plan of an establishment, if it is concurrent with your sentiments, would no doubt, be immediately adopted. I am with the greatest regard your obedient Hum. Sert\nThos Hatfield", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0055", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia April 5. 1797.\nOf the letters received from Mr King, those which I forwarded this morning were addressed to General Washington: two others, one addressed to the President of the U.S., and one to G.W. President of the U.S., I retained, under the idea that they were official, and presented them to Mr Adams: but he was inclined to think them intended for you personally; and therefore I now do myself the honor to inclose them. If they are official, you will have the goodness to return them. With great respect I am your most obt servt\nTimothy Pickering\nP.S. Genl Pinckney has been refused by the Directory, with the marks of indignity indicated by the public papers; and about the 28th of Jany (after they recd the news of Buonoparte\u2019s last fatal\nsuccess) they ordered him to leave France. He was to set out for Amsterdam on the 31st where he will wait for instructions.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0057", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 6 April 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia 6 April 1797.\nI have received to-day your letter of the 3d inst. which contained the agreeable account of your safe arrival at home, and the objects with which you are surrounded. I am not sorry to hear that you have found so immediate employment; for altho\u2019 I wish the hammering business was over and the smell of the oil gone I do not think either so great an enemy to happiness as having nothing to do. I very well remember, that before you brought me back into public life I always experienced somewhat of restlessness in the interval between dropping one pursuit and finding out another.\nI have seen Gen. Lee, and have no reason to suppose from his information that any thing has happened to affect the house of Reed & Ford. I shall however make further inquiry and advise you accordingly.\nI have got the Plate, images, two large Coolers & three small ones in one of my rooms, where they can remain till a fit opportunity offers to dispose of them or send them down.\nMr Lear had not received the deeds from Richmond when here, but expected them very soon. I believe every thing has been conducted fairly and as it ought to have been.\nAnd now for a little news which I wish were of a better kind, or less unpleasant.\nBy Mr Kings last letter, it appears \u201cthat Mr Pinckney had received an order from the directory to leave Paris on the 28 of Jany and that he left it on the 30th.\u201d This is the last official information. About an hour since Mr Vaughan told me that the Birds of London had received a packet from Mr Pinckney dated (I think) the\n21 Febry Paris, containing letters for his friends in Charles town to be forwarded; that he concluded from thence that Mr Pinkney had not left Paris, at that date. I am Dr Sir most sincerely and affectionately yours\nJames McHenry\nMr Murray Mrs Murray & Mr Dandridge sail on Sunday in the freinds for Amsterdam direct.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0058", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 6 April 1797\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonorable Sir,\nBerkeley Cy Marsh FarmApril 6th 1797\nMy Father Sold me 2100 Acres Land Lying in the Knaway River\u20142000 of which was to be Conveyed by Colo. William Branaugh\u2014which I am Told is done. As Far as I am informed I expect you may give up Colo. W. Branaughs His Bond that he gave you for the Conveyance of the 2000 acres Land as I have before wrote you\u2014In the execution of the devetion of the Lands I expended 50/\u2014which my Father Told me you were to Pay\u2014Notwithstanding he had given up your Bond to pay expences I am Sir your Very Humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0059", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson (of Scotland), 7 April 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\nSir,\nMount Vernon 7th Aprl 1797\nA few days since, through the Channel of our Minister in London, I was favoured with the receipt of your third volume of Essays relating to Agriculture & rural Affairs for which I pray you to accept my best thanks.\nI am once more seated under my own Vine and fig tree, and hope to spend the remainder of my days\u2014which in the ordinary course of things (being in my Sixty sixth year) cannot be many\u2014in peaceful retirement, making political pursuits yield to the more rational amusement of cultivating the Earth.\nTo do this in the small way, I find I shall need a Gardener in October next\u2014the time of the one I now have terminating the 10th of that month and no inclination on my part to employ him any longer. You have not only skilful persons of this profession in Scotland, but generally speaking, they are more orderly & industrious, than those of most other nations; and besides the dissimilitude of climate between the Southern & middle parts of Scotland, and the middle States of this Country, is not great. These considerations have induced me to turn my eyes that way; presuming that the emigration of men in that line are not under governmental restraints.\nMy present Manager (Mr James Anderson, an honest, industrious and judicious Scotchman five years since from the County of Fife) has Written to a Mr Foreman and to a Mr Harper (whose\nplaces of residence and professions, together with what was formerly his own, are to be found in his memorandum enclosed)\u2014to procure, & send me a Gardener. He thinks it is much in the power of Mr Harper, who according to his account has been several years principal Gardener to Lord Murray, to do this; but I have desired him to request them, to consult and advise with you on this Subject before any agreement is entered into as I shall place more confidence in a Gardener who is approved by you, than by them alone without this check. For taking the liberty of requesting this favor of you, and for the trouble it must necessarily give I shall rely on your goodness and usual complaisance for a pardon.\nI would prefer a single man to a married one, but shall not object to the latter if he has no children, or no more than one, or at most two; and his wife would undertake to superintend my Spinners, & if required a small dairy at the Mansion house (where the Gardens are). The man ought to be a good Kitchen and Nursery Gardener; to have some knowledge of a Green & hot house, and how to raise things in hot beds. He would have two or three labourers under him, but not placed there with a view to exempt him from manual labour. He would be furnished with a good apartment, convenient to his work, to reside in; and would have an ample allowance of good Provisions with fuel, and if a single man, with his washing also.\nMy Manager conceives that such a character, with the assurances here given, might be had for twenty guineas pr Annum: but if he should be mistaken in this, and a well recommended Gardener could be engaged for twenty five guineas a year, I would allow the latter sum and pay his or their passage (as the case may be) provided he (or they) would enter into articles with you (or some other in my behalf) to remain with me three years\u2014four would be still better\u2014without which, that is for a single year only, I would not encounter the expence of the passage, & run the hazard of being left to seek another at the end of it. Both of us would be placed on surer ground by the longest term; while one, or the other, perhaps both ultimately might be incommoded by the short\u27e8er\u27e9.\nYou would do me a particular favor by acknowledging the receipt of this letter as soon as convenient after it gets to your hands informing me of the prospect of succeeding, for I shall be without\na Gardener in October, and cannot engage one here permanently until I know the result of my application with you. With great esteem & regard I am Sir Yr obliged & Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Upon second thoughts, it appears best that the letters of my Manager to Messrs Foreman & Harper shd pass under cover with this letter open to you that you may know precisely what is requested of them and give your advice 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0060", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 8 April 1797\nFrom: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir,\nPhilad[elphi]a 8 April 1797\nThe Letter which you were pleased to write to me of the 3d inst. was not put into my hands \u2019till late on thursday evening, which prevented my answering it on friday morng as by some new arrangement the Mail for Alexa. is closed at \u00bd past 7 in the morning.\nThe Lustre was taken down, well packed, and (with the Boat awning, Sail, &ca) put on board the Tryal, Capt. Hand, who sailed early on Monday last. As the lustre was gone, I have not mentioned it to Mrs Morris. I have enquired of James relative to the Grate. He asserts that he gave the Key into Mr Kitt\u2019s hands, which is all that can be learnt relative to it. If this was really the case I think it probable it will be found in some of the boxes which were sent round. James say\u2019s that brick dust finely powdered is what he used for cleaning the Grate, it must be put on a piece of soft sheep skin leather & rubbed regularly every day.\nIn the moment of my departure I pray you my dr Sir, to accept,& to be assured of unfeigned gratitude for the various testimonies of generous approbation which you have manifested towards me in many instances, & particularly for those which you have lately afforded. I shall always recollect them with lively sensibility. Today the ship in which Mr Murray goes will leave Philada & tomorrow morning we follow, & go on board at New Castle. Be pleased to remember me to my Aunt in terms of sincere affection & accept with her my thanks for your good wishes of a pleasant passage; being with prayers for your health & happiness & with real respect & attachment my d. Sir, Yr obliged hble Servt\nB. Dandridge\nP.S. 11 o\u2019Clock P.M.\nAbout 2 o\u2019Clock your letter of the 5th was put into my hands, & I candidly declare it has not been possible for me to make any\nenquiries relative to a steward for you. It has rained incessently all day, & I have scarcely had time to dine. We embark tomorrow morning nevertheless. I have seen John, & he says that the servants saddles were brot from Mount Vernon last summer, all that were here, were sent round. B.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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0061", "content": "Title: Farm Reports, 9\u201315 April 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\n               A Meteorological Account of the Weather kept at Mount Vernon\n                  *began Planting Corn on River Farm\n                  14\u2007all the Farms planting at\n                  Mansion house for the work of 8 hands \u214c Week\n                  By one waggon hauling Rails 3 Corn 1 & Hay 2 days\n                  \u2007\u2007 3 Horse Cart hauling Lime 1 & wood 5 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Picking up Stones off Clover Lotts\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Planting Potatoes 3 & Lucern & St foine 3 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Attending the Stone Mason\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Joe Trimming Trees\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling of the Seine\nStock 1 Stud Horse 3 Stud Jacks 3 Youn[g] do\u20147 Horses 10 Asses\u20149 working & 16 unbroke Mules, 16 Cows & 3 Calves 9 Wedders 4 Ews & 4 Lambs, Decreased one Wedder killed.\n                  Ditchers for the work of 4 Men Amot. \u214c week\n                  By Hauling of the Seine\n                  River Farm for the Work of 27 Hands Amounting \u214c week to\n                  By ploughing & planting Corn\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Cleaning wheat & Hauling do & Cheat & Corn to Mill\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Rails 6 days Weeding & Manuring Thorns 4\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Raking weeds & dead Grass from off the Clover\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Peter in the Garden at Mansionhouse\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Attending to Stock\n                  \u2007\u2007 Stoped By one days Rain\nStock 12 Horses 11 Mules & 1 Mule foal\u201483 Cattle & 14 Calves 196 Sheep & 75 Lambs Decreased 1 Lamb Sent to the Mansionhouse.\n                  Wheat sent to Mill\n                  Mudy hole for the work of 14 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By a Cart at the Mill 1 and hauling Rails 4 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Ploughing 28 & cuting down Corn Stalks 5 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Burning Brush & clearing of Ground\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Planting & covering of Corn\n                  \u2007\u2007 Shelled Corn when Stoped by Rain\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick\u2003Darcus, Letty, And Amie in Child bed each 6 days\n                  \u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007 Molly otherwise Sick\nStock 7 Horses 4 Mules 33 Cattle & Calves 49 Sheep and 19 Lambs Increased one Lamb.\n                  Corn sent to Mill\n                  Doguerun for the Work of 16 hands Amot.\n                  By Ploughing 30 & Planting Corn 24 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 By Hauling wood to Distillery 1 & Manure 5 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Cleaning the Meadow 7 fixing Gate \u27e8Barrs\u27e9 1 day\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Shelling Corn & cleaning Stable when it rained\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 cleaning of new Ground\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Joe hauling the Seine\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick\u2003Joe 1 Lucey 1 Judah 3 & Cartor Jack 3 & Sarah 4 days\nStock 5 Horses 9 Mules 135 Sheep 41 Lambs, 67 Cattle & 6 Calves Decreased 1 Sheep found dead\u2014Increase one Mule from Mansion house.\n                  Union Farm for the work of 22 hands Amot. \u214c week\n                  By ploughing for Corn 48 & planting Corn 35 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Filling up Gullys 20 & cleaning of Meadow 20 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Slope 3 & Hauling Manure 3 days\nStock 15 Horses, & 6 Mules, 65 Cattle & 2 Calves 111 Sheep & 33 Lambs\u2014Decrease one Cow died\u2014And de[c]reased 13 Lambs entered by Mistake in last Weeks report.\n                  Carpenters for the work of 7 Men \u214c week\n                  By Hewing of Timber for a wheat Machine\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 repairing Gates at River Farm\n                  \u2007\u2007 Isacc & Joe working in the Shop, making of Ploughs & repairing Mansionhouse\n                  \u2007\u2007 Davie in Coopers Shop\n                  \u2007\u2007 Christopher in the House\n                  Brick Layers for the Work of 2 Men \u214c week\n                  By Tom Davis & Muckles hauling Seine\n                  John Neale assisting, & attending the same\n                  Spinners, Sewers & Knitters for the Work of 15 Women amounting to\nBy Matilda Spinning\n6 lb. Tow Yarn\n\u2009\"\u2007 Delia Spinning\n6 lb. do\n\u2009\"\u2007 Annie Spining\n5 lb. do\n\u2009\"\u2007 Delphia Spinning\n3\u00bd do\n\u2009\"\u2007 Judith\n4 lb.\u2003Stocking Yarn\n\u2009\"\u2007 Kitty\n   2\u2003\u2003\u2007Sewing thread\n\u2009\"\u2007 Betsey Davis\nSewing 9 Shirts\n\u2009\"\u2007 Alsey\nSewing 9 do\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Lame Alley Knitting 2 pair Stockings\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Lucey Knitting 1 pair do\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Dolsey Spinning 4 lb. Tow Yarn 4 in the House 2\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Caroline in the house\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Charlotte in Child bed\n                  \u2007\u2007 Lame Peter knitting 2 pair Stockings\n                  Gardeners for the work of 4 Men \u214c Week\n                  By planting & cleaning in the Vineyard\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 planting & cleaning in the Gardens\n                  \u2007\u2007 James Anderson & serts &ca\n                  Superfine Flour packed on hand formerly\n                  Fine flour packed on hand formerly\n                  Ship Stuff delivered\n                  off this for the House\n                  Coopers for the work of 3 hands Amounting \u214c Week\n                  By Trimming Pork & Beef Barrels at Mansion house 2\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 dressing Fish Barrel Staves 10 & making flour Barrels 6\n                  Working on the Mill Race\n                  Working in the Mill\n               a General View of the Stock on the Estate of Mount Vernon 15 April 1797\n                  James Anderson\n                  James 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0062", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Lewis, 9 April 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lewis, George\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 9th April 1797\nYour letter of the 31st Ult. from Culpeper County, came to my hands late at night on the 5th instt; and the enclosure for your brother Fielding was sent to him early next morning.\nThe melancholy occasion of your writing has filled me with inexpressable concern. The debt of nature however sooner or later must be paid by us all, and although the seperation from our nearest relatives is a heart rending circumstance, reason religeon & Philosophy, teach us to bear it with resignation; while time alone can ameliorate, & soften the pangs we experience at parting.\nIt must have been a consoling circumstance to my deceased Sister, that so many of her friends were about her. I find myself almost in the situation of a New beginner, so much does my houses, and every thing about them, stand in need of repairs. What with Joiners, Painters, Glasiers, &ca &ca I have scarcely a room to go into at present, that is free from one, or other of them. But the inside will soon be done, tho\u2019 it will require a good deal of time to make good the decays which I am every day discovering in the out buildings & Inclosures.\nThis leads me to ask if you know of a good House Joiner (white or black) that could be hired by the year, or month, & on what terms. I want one who is capable of making a well finished pannel Door, Sash, & Wainscot; and who could be relied on for his sobriety & diligence.\nAt any time, and at all times, we should be very glad to see you & Mrs Lewis at this place; and with best regards to you both, in which your Aunt joins\u2014I am Dear Sir, Your sincere friend, and Affectionate Uncle\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0063", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Eager Howard, 10 April 1797\nFrom: Howard, John Eager\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBelvidere, near Baltimore 10th April 1797\nSince my return home Mr Gough has been generally in the Country at his farm which prevented my making enquiries of him respecting his cattle, until a few days ago. He at present has but one to dispose of that he would recommend to you\u2014a young bull about nine months old, which he says will weigh at eighteen months, a thousand weight\u2014I presume he means alive. But I am apprehensive you will think the price, two hundred dollars, too much.\nSome of our farmers have greatly improved their breed of cattle by purchasing bull calves of him, and we have young farmers who are eager to purchase, many of them before they have the means of taking proper care of them, however there is such a demand for his cattle that he can always get his price for them.\nIn the course of the summer he will have a number of calves, the best of which at five or six months old, sell at about a hundred dollars.\nI shall have great pleasure in rendering any service in this or any other way, and with my best wishes for your health I have the Honor to be, with the highest respect Yr Obedt Servt\nJohn 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0065", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 10 April 1797\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhilad[elphi]a April 10th 1797\nI forwarded by Post the letter mentiond in the annexed from Mr Parish, under a Blank Cover to your address (being then hurried). You will judge wether the Contents of the annexed will be any gratification to Mr La Fayette to whom I pray my Compts. Mrs Morris & Maria desire their best & affectionate regards to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis. We were happy in the Company of Master Custis yesterday He is astonishingly improved and is a manly fine Fellow. I pray to be also presented to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis and that you will ever consider me as most sincerely attached to you & yours\nRobt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0066", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 April 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 10th April 1797\nYour favor of the 5th instt with its enclosures, and also one of prior date, forwarding (at the request of Doctr Edwards) a Pamphlet from Sir John Sinclair have come duly to hand. For your kindness in sending these, & particularly for the information given in your letter of the 5th I feel myself very much obliged.\nThe conduct of the French Directory towards General Pinckney is, I believe, unexampled, of course has baffled all calculation: how\nfar it has come up to, or exceeded the expectation of their partisans among us remains to be developed, and the approaching Session of Congress will make the discovery. The good humour, and friendly disposition of the Dey of Algiers, are pleasing circumstances; and if of duration, would be very fortunate ones for the Commerce of these United States. My complimts (in wch Mrs Washington unites) are offered to Mrs Pickering & the family\u2014& with sincerity & truth I am always Yr affe.\nG.W\u2014\u2014n\nP.S. The Buckles of which you make mention are from Colo. Humphreys 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0067", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Smith, 10 April 1797\nFrom: Smith, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nVienna [Md.] 10 Apl 1797\nHerewith You will receive by Capt. Walter the different kinds of plank agreable to Your Memo. forwarded to me by Mr Henry from Philadelphia\u2014the quantity of Inch plank has fallen a little short of what was expected.\nThe only reason that can be assign\u2019d for the Vessel not being with you in the first week of this month, there was some dificulty arose in carting the plank to the landing.\nThe cost and freight you have Stated as below\u2014in Maryland Currancy dollars at 7/6 each. I have the Honor to be Your most Obt & very Hble Servant\nAlexr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0068", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 April 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 11. 1797.\nI have the honor to inclose another letter from Colo. Humphreys which came in some of his late letters from Lisbon, & which among a mass of dispatches was overlooked.\nI have yet met with no private conveyance for the case with the buckles mentioned in my last.\nA letter of January 12 th reed this day from Mr Adams at the Hague, contains his conjectures on the motives of the extraordinary conduct of the French toward the U.S. He thinks it is but a new experiment, by terror, to gain that controul over them which the intrigues of her ministers and agents here have failed to accomplish; and now chiefly for the purpose of distressing the trade of Great Britain, and producing a diversion against her. But a Government directed by no principle, will suit its measures to circumstances and events; and as these are uncertain, so her conduct cannot be estimated. With perfect respect, I am Sir your most obt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0069", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 15 April 1797\nFrom: Lee, Henry Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\ndear sir\nG[eorge]town [Md.] 15th april [1797]\nOn reaching this place I called on Mr Lingan to whom R. & F. referred me.\nThe inclosed paper shews the determination to transfer 41 shares\u2014letters are daily expected from R. & F. which will lead to the transfer of the ballance.\nAs my election comes on next monday  I fear my hurry will be such as to compel me to \u27e8pass\u27e9 you & therefore I do now that by letr which I meant to have done personally. most respy 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0070", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Lewis, 15 April 1797\nFrom: Lewis, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir\nFredericksburg 15th April 1797\nYour favor of the 9th Inst, was taken from the office by my Brother John, and only handed me on thursday evening, too late for friday\u2019s mail, since then I have been makeing every exertion in my power, to procure for you such a workeman as you wishd, and am sorry to say without effect.\nthe blacks in this neighbourhood are generally hired in the fall for the year, and there times will not expire untill the first of the next year, otherwise I could readily have furnished you with one. I can hear of no white man but what has a family, an incumberance I expect you would not wish\u2014Its not improbable, but Colo. Ball may have such workemen as may answer your purpose. he had such when he left this place. they did some little work for me, and I found them industrious, sober, and well disposed, I would advise you to send immediately to him, for on recollection I think Colo. Ball when at my house early in last month was observing, that his workemen for want of employ in there profession, was then at work in the crop.\nIf this should be the case, I have not a doubt, but you may get them. I shall again make further inquiry, and should I find one to your wish will give you immediate information.\nMrs Lewis unites with me in thanks for your kind invitation, at any time to see you, I can assure you its an invitation that we have not waited for\u2014on the contrary we have ever had a wish to visit you and my Aunt, but Mrs Lewis\u2019s ill state of health for many years past, and considerably increased of late has prevented it on her part, and be assured on my own it shall and will always afford me singular satisfaction to visit you and my Aunt at all times\u2014and so soon as I can adjust some matters that are incumbent on me at this time, I promise myself the pleasure of visiting you at Mount Vernon. Mrs Lewis joins me in best wishes to you and my Aunt, and accept the sincere esteem of Yr Affectionate Nephew\nG: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0071", "content": "Title: Farm Reports, 16\u201322 April 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\n               A Meteoroligical Account of the Weather kept at Mount Vernon\n                  Mansion house for the Work of 8 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  Waggon hauling 2 & plank 1 day & \u27e8pea\u27e9 Brush 1 day\n                  3 Horse Cart hauling Wood 4 & plank 1, & at Town after Smiths Tools &ca 1 day\n                  2 Horse Cart hauling Wood\n                  Picking up Stones 4\u2003Heaping dung 4\u2003Curing fish 4 days\n                  Anthony Attending the Stone Mason\n                  Loading Hay, & Manure\n                  Joe Curing of Fish\n                  Hauling the Seine\n                  Ditchers for the Work of 4 Men Amounting to \u214c W.\n                  By Hauling the Seine 12 cuting wood 4 & fencing 2\nStock 1 Stud Horse 3 Stud Jacks 3 Young do, 7 Horses, 9 Working & 16 unbroke Mules, 10 Asses, 16 Cows & 3 Calves\u201412 Sheep 4 Lambs decreased one Wedder killed.\n                  River Farm for the work of 27 hands Amounting \u214c Week\n                  By ploughing & planting of Corn\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Corn to Mill 1 & Hauling Hay from Doguerun 1 day\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Rails 3, Cuting, mauling & Hewing Rails 14 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Marking, Casterating of Calves, Pigs, & Lambs\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Agnes gone to Doctor & attending to the Stock\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Attending to Stock 6 & Easter Holydays 27 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Fishing 12 & Peter in the Garden 6 days\nStock 12 Horses, & 12 Mules 83 Cattle & 14 Calves 195 Sheep and 82 Lambs. Decreased 1 Sheep Missing Increased 7 Lambs\u2014of the Lambs there are 44 Ews & 38 Lambs, Marked & Casterated.\n                  Oats sent to Mansion\n                  Mudy hole for the Work of 13 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By Carting Rails 4 And at Mill 1 day\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Ploughing 20, Planting, & covering Corn 6 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Repairing the Mill Race\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 fencing 4, Hauling the Seine 6 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Easter Holy days 13 & Decreased Nathan in the House 6\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick, Amie, & Letty in Child bed each 5 days\nStock 7 Horses & 4 Mules, 33 Cattle & 3 Calves 49 Sheep & 19 Lambs.\n                  Doguerun for the Work of 16 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By Easter Holy days 16 & ploughing 18 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Working on the Mill Race 8, Planting Corn 14 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Mending of the outline Post & Rail fence\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Seine 5 & cleaning the Meadow 6 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Puting up Post & Rail fences\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hoeing round the Stumps in new Ground\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Shelling Corn 1 & Carting Wood, & Manure 5 days\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick, Sall twine 3, & Sarah with Sore fingers 4 days\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sillar Attending her Sick Children\nStock 4 Horses 1 Colt & 9 Mules, one Mule Colt 67 Cattle & 7 Calves 134 Sheep & 41 Lambs Increase 1 Horse & one Mule Colt & 1 Calf Decreased 1 Sheep found dead.\n                  Union Farm for the work of 22 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By ploughing for Corn 32 working on the Old Mill Race 17 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Planting of Corn 22, Cleaning of the Meadow 9 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Manure, & Distillery Slope\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling of the Seine 10, & 2 Women carrying fish\nStock 15 Horses 6 Mules 65 Cattle 2 Calves 111 Sheep & 33 Lambs.\n                  Carpenters for the Work of 6 Men Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By Hewing Timber for the Wheat Machine\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 unloading of Plank & Stacking of do\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling of the Seine\n                  \u2007\u2007 Davie in the Coopers Shop &ca\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Isacc fixing of the two Horse Cart & ploughs\n                  Bricklayers for the work of 2 men Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By Hauling of the Seine\n                  \u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007 John Neale Assisting, & Attending on the above work.\n                  Jas Anderson & Serts\n                  Fishing landing\n                  Cooper Miller & Boys\n                  Corn fed to Sows & pigs\n                  Ship Stuff Distilled 202\u00bd lb.\n                  Superfine flour as formerly 216 fine 68 Medlings\n                  Off this to the house\n                  Coopers for the work of 3 hands Amot. \u214c week to\n                  By Making Pails for the Mansion house\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Making flour Barrels\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling of the Seine\n                  Miller Ben for the Work of 1 man \u214c Week\n                  By Working on the Mill Race 1 & Holyday 1\n                  Gardeners for the Work of 4 Men Amot. \u214c Week to\n                  By cuting of Bean \u27e8Stuks\u27e9\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 clearing & planting in the Vineyard & Gardens\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 George, & Peter working at the house each 2 days\n                  Spinners Sewers & Kniters for the Work of 15 Women \u214c week\n                  By Matilda spining 5 lb. Tow Yarn\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Betsey Davis Sewing 8 Shirts, And Alsey 8 Shirts 5 each\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Lame Alley Knitting one pair Stockings\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Lucey knitting one pair do\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Sall winding of Yarn\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Dolsey & Caroline Working in the House 5 days each\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Charlotte in Child bed\n                  \u2007\u2007 Keeping of the Holydays\n                  \u2007\u2007 Lame Peter Knitting 1 pair Stockings 5 days\n               A General view of the whole Stock on Mount Vernon\n                  James Anderson\n                  Mill & Distillrey\n                  James 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0072", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1797\nFrom: Heath, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nRoxbury [Mass.] April 17th 1797\nWhen you first ascended the highest seat in the Government of the United States, I could not but address you on an event so auspicious to our Country\u2014Perhaps you might then think that I was pressing myself into notice or seeking for a place\u2014But be assured my honorable Friend, that my heart is now as much attached to you on your retreat from Public Life, as when you Commenced a Career, which from experience I knew, would be advantageous to your Country.\nThe present situation of the United States is critical, and embarrassing, but it is presumed that the wisdom of her Government is Sufficient to extricate her, with the Blessing of Heaven, from her difficulties, without either the shedding of Blood, or the prostitution of honour.\nI am now arrived at Threescore years of age, and I know that my glass is nearly run. I am looking back on those Scenes through which I have been called to pass, and frequently turn over the numerous orders which I had the honor to receive from you when under your immediate Command, and the manner in which they were Executed.\nFrom the Commencement of the American war to this time, I have kept a daily Journal, now swelled to some thousand pages\u2014from this Journal I am now writing memoirs containing Anecdotes, Details of skirmishes, Battles, and other military events during the war. This with the public, and private business incumbent on me engrosses my time.\nHeaven only knows whether I shall ever have another opportunity, or the honour of again writing to you\u2014be that as it may, my ardent wishes for your health and happiness, will follow you in your retirement, and be commensurate with my existance in life.\nI pray you be pleased to present my best respects to your amiable Lady, with every wish a grateful heart can express, for her health and prosperity.\nAnd now my great and honoured friend, may that kind Providence which has so often Shielded you when in danger, Still hold you in his holy Keeping\u2014Guild the evening of your Days with every necessary comfort and consolation for many years to come and at last receive you to the everlasting reward of the faithful. I have\nthe honor to be with every Sentiment of respect Sir your most humble Servant\nW. Heath", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0073", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 April 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia Apl 19th 1797\nI intended to have availed myself before this time of the permission you was pleased to give me, at a moment which I shall never forget; but indisposition & an uncommon pressure of business have prevented.\nThe last accounts from France mention that General Pinckney had gone to Amsterdam in consequence of orders from the Directory. The treatment he recd was rude and insolent in the highest degree; the directory however continue to profess friendship for the American people.\nThe American stocks rose in England in consequence of the late disorder in the affairs of the Bank: this I consider as a bad omen for British Credit; indeed there is but little reason to doubt, that a national bankruptcy in some form or other is unavoidable.\nNothing new is observable in our domestic affairs, except that there is reason to believe that the aggressions of France will tend to unite the people\u2014the last publications from the Department of State have been very useful.\nThe plan of measures to be recommended to Congress is not yet entirely settled, I presume however, that an increase of naval force for the protection of our coasts & Commerce, permission to the Merchants to arm for defence; the improvement of fortifications, the enrollment of a force with a view principally to the Blacks in the most Southern States, and the increase of Revenue, will be deemed adviseable.\nThere will I presume be no question about the expediency of keeping a Minister in Europe properly authorised to open negociations, whenever the consent of France can be obtained.\nThe times are indeed critical, & there is no doubt but France intends & expects to be able to establish a political influence in this Country. I trust however that they will find themselves mistaken, & that the kind providence which has hitherto protected this Country, will guard its liberty & independence. With the most sincere respects to Mrs Washington & cordial wishes for your happiness, I remain your most obedt & grateful servt\nOliv. Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0075", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 April 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia April 21. 1797\nTo-day a Jerseyman called on me to enquire whether I knew of any agent of yours in this city, who could receive money for you. He said Colo. Israel Shrieve had formerly purchased some land of you at Red-Stone, which the Colo. sold to the Enquirer\u2019s brother, in whose behalf he had come to pay two hundred pounds.\nNot knowing of any such agent, I told the man I would inform you of his application, and in about two weeks could give him an answer. You will be pleased to favour me with the requisite information. I am with great respect Sir your most obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0076", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Charles Cole Claiborne, 22 April 1797\nFrom: Claiborne, William Charles Cole\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nKnoxville, Tennessee, April 22d 1797\nPermit an individual from a remote part of America, to address you, an individual little known in public Life, and whose personal Acquaintance with you is very confined: The freedom I thus take illy-becomes me; but when I recollect, that the Character I write to, is the great friend of Mankind, his Goodness to pardon an honest intention is my best excuse.\nThe object of this Letter, is to request of you Sir, a favour the granting of which, will high ten the obligations which in common with every Citizen of the United States, you have already laid me under. I presume it has not escaped your recollection, that communications\nfrom several of my Friends in Virginia, were forwarded to you, soliciting for me, the Appointment of District Judge in this State\u2014The honor however was reserved for another character, and here give me leave to remark, that your choice fell upon a person, whose private Life is amiable, and in whose public conduct, Wisdom, firmness and fidelity are conspicuous traits; I come now to mention the favour I have to ask; it is Sir, that you will forward the Letters I above alluded to, to your worthy Successor in office; they may aid me in attaint[ing] some other Appointment under the Federal Authority, which may hereafter be desirable. The Confidence reposed in me, by my Friends, gives rise to the most pleasing sensations, and cannot fail to excite my utmost emulation. The primary object of my Life is, to be useful to my Country. \u201cBorn Sir\u201d at a period, when every American Breast palpitated for freedom, I became early attached to civil Liberty (which to you is so much indebted) and was instructed to lisp the Names of the Patriots of my Country with veneration and respect. Annimated by their example, I shall labour to acquire the esteem of the present, and of after Ages for good and virtuous Actions. The Federal Government which (under your wise Administration) has reflected prosperity over every part of this extensive Continent, I sincerely admire and that no encroachment may be made on its principles is among my greatest wishes: It gives me pleasure to add, that the great bulk of the people of this State, are attached to the Union, and that attachment your last friendly advice will perpetuate. The peace with the Indians, which previous to your retirement from office was so happily affected, still exists\u2014I believe it is the wish of a great majority of the Citizens, to preserve it inviolate, and altho\u2019 a few depredations have of late been committed on both sides, I trust an open rupture will be avoided. The Commissioners for extending the boundary Line between the United States, and the Cherokee Nation, have proceeded on their duty; some little discontent seems to prevail among the people, from a supposition, that on the extension of the Line, many will be found settled on Indian Lands, and that an immediate removal will ensue; But I hope and wish their Conduct may be marked with prudence.\nI have given you this general statement of Politicks in this State, thinking it may be acceptable, as I am well assured, that the prosperity and Happiness of your Country, will be essential to the enjoyment of your remaining years. Should you think proper to\nacknowledge the receipt of this Letter, the honor done me will be gratefully remembered.\nI cannot conclude without expressing a fervent wish, that in the tranquil Scenes of retirement, your future Life may be one continued Scene of Felicity, and that your Successor in Office, by pursuing your virtuous example, may be the Dispenser of Peace and Happiness to the People. Accept Sir of my sincere and respectful attachment. I have the honor to be, Your mo: Obet & ve[r]y Humble Servt\nWilliam Charles Cole Claiborne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0077", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 22 April 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Scott, Gustavus\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 22nd Apl 1797\nI should not have taken the liberty of giving you the trouble wch the enclosures must occasion, but for the request of Genl Lee who left this yesterday and is implicated in the business to which they relate.\nMessrs Reed & Fords obligation, paid me by Genl Lee to discharge\nin part a debt he owed me, the letter of the latter with Mr Lingans note (all of which are enclosed) will be sufficient I presume, to enable you to obtain the transfer promised by Messrs Lingan & Smith of 41 Shares; but it may not be amiss notwithstanding to add that as there seems to be delay & difficulty on the part of Messrs Reed & Ford in a matter where in my opinion none ought to exist, it excite suspicions not very favourable\u2014for those Gentlemen, which makes me anxious to know what I have to depend upon, especially as I requested them immediately after the 28th of march to fulfil their Obligation without ever having reed an acknowledgment of my letter except in a verbal message (which I did not understand,) through Genl Lee; I will not however add more on this Subject at present, than to beg the favor of hearing from you relative to the transfer of the 41 Shares. With great Esteem & regard I am dear Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0079", "content": "Title: Farm Reports, 23\u201329 April 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\n               A Meteorological Account of the Weather kept at Mount Vernon\n                  Mansionhouse for the Work of 8 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  Waggon hauling Hay to Town 1 & do to Mansionhouse 2 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007\u2009 Timber for Carpenters 1 & Rails 2 days\n                  3 Horse Cart\u2014Hauling Wood to Mansion 4 & Manure to C. lott 2\n                  2 Horse Cart, hauling Manure to Clover Lott\n                  At Mill 1 day & Hauling Salt to Fish house 1 day\n                  Picking up Stones, 10 & Scattering Manure on Clover Lott 4\n                  Joe curing of Fish\n                  Hauling of the Seine 6 & cuting of Wood, Gunner 4\n                  Ditchers for the work of 4 Men Amot. \u214c Week to\n                  By cuting Wood Dundey 4 & picking up Stones 2 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling of the Seine\nStock 1 Stud horse 3 do Jacks 3 do Young Jacks 10 Asses, 7 Horses 9 Working & 9 unbroken Mules, 15 Cows & 4 Calves 10 Sheep & 4 Lambs Decreased 7 Mules sent to Union Farm 1 Sheep killed for the House And one Ewe Killed by a Young Mule\u2014Increase 1 Calf from one of the Cows.\n                  Union Farm for the Work of 22 hands Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By ploughing for Corn 48 & cleaning Ditches 20 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Planting of Corn 40 & Hauling of the Seine 12 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Manure 4, & hauling Slope from Distillery 2 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Lucretia curing of Fish at the Fish house\nStock 15 Horses 13 Mules 61 Cattle, Decrease 4 Cows & 4 Calves sent to Jas Andersons House\u2014111 Sheep & 35 Lambs increase 2 Lambs And increased 2 Calves And 7 Mules from Mansion house.\n                  Planted this Week\n                  Sent of do to Mansion\n                  River Farm for the Work of 27 hands \u214c Week\n                  By ploughing 50 & planting Corn, & covering do 58 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Corn to Mill 1 & Rails & posts 5 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Making of Post & Rail fences 24 Peter in the Garden 6 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Fishing 12 And Attending to Stock 6 days\nStock 11 Horses & 11 Mules 83 Cattle & 15 Calves 195 Sheep & 82 Lambs, And 2 Mule Colts Decreased 1 large black Mare one of the brood Mares died\u2014Said to have done no duty for 16 Mos. past And Increased 1 Mule Colt.\n                  Mudy hole for the work of 13 hands \u214c Week\n                  By Hauling Corn to Mill 1 & Rails 2 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Ploughing 24, Planting & Covering Corn 30 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Fishing 6 days & Sackey Shelling Corn 3 days\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick\u2003Sackey 3 Amie in Childbed 6 Darcus in do 4 & Letty 2 days\nStock 7 Horses 4 Mules, 33 Cattle 3 Calves, 49 Sheep & 19 Lambs.\n                  planted this week\n                  Doguerun for the work of 16 hands \u214c Week\n                  By Ploughing 22 days, Planting & Covering Corn 16 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hoeing round the Stumps in Corn field\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Hauling Wood to Distillery 1 Hay to Stables 1 & Manure 4 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Cuting a drain thro Corn field\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Joe Hauling Seine 6, long Jack curing Fish 2 days\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Planting pease 6 & cleaning Meadow 6 days\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick Ben 3 Kitty 3 days & Sillar Nursing Her Sick Children 4 day\nStock 4 Horses, 9 Mules & 1 Mule Colt 67 Cattle & 7 Calves, 134 Sheep & 41 Lambs.\n                  planted this week\n                  all the Corn planted on this Farm.\n                  Jas Anderson & Serts\n                  Cooper Miller & Boys\nThe reason why so small a quantity of flour is charged to the House is that one Barrel returned laked 15 lb. flour.\n                  Flour on hand formerly packed this Week\n                  Ship Stuff to the Still 581\u00bd lb.\n                  Cooper Tom & Boy for the Work of 2 Men Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By cuting Hoop poles & coopering Tubs & Barrels at the Fish house & heading do\n                  Miller Ben for the Work of one Man \u214c Week\n                  By Working in the Mill\n                  Gardiners for the Work of 4 Men Amot. \u214c Week to\n                  By cleaning, & planting in the Garden, & Vineyard\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Working at Sundries in, and about the House\n                  Spinners Sewers & Knitters for the work of 14 Women\nBy Delia Spinning\n6 lb. Tow Yarn\n\u2009\"\u2007 Betsey Davis\n5 lb. Flax Yarn\n   \u2009\"\u2007 Annie\n5 lb. do\n   \u2009\"\u2007 Dolsey\n5 lb. do\n   \u2009\"\u2007 Delphia\n2\u00bd lb. do\n   \u2009\"\u2007 Judith\n4 lb. Stocking Yarn\n   \u2009\"\u2007 Kitty\n4 lb. Shoemakers thread\n\u2009\"\u2007 Lame Alley, knitting\n   \u20072 pairs of Stockings\n\u2009\"\u2007 Lucey knitting\n   \u20071 pair of Do\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Caroline working in the House\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Alsey working in the House\n                  \u2007\u2007 Sick\u2003Matilda 6 & Charlotte in Child bed 6 days\n                  Lame Peter knitting 2 pairs stockings\u20036 days\n                  Bricklayers for the work of 2 men \u214c week\n                  By Tom Davis & Muckles Hauling the Seine\n                  Carpenters for the Work of 6 Men Amot. \u214c Week\n                  By Hewing of Timber for the Wheat Machine\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Making 2 Posts & hanging a Gate thereto at Mudyhole\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Taking to pieces Packing Boxes & taking out the Nails\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Unloading a Schooner of Oyster Shells\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Isacc, preparing Ploughing \u27e8Sheft\u27e9 and assisting in making of a Cupboard to hold China & taking to p[i]eces Boxes\n                  \u2009\"\u2007 Davie at the Coopers Shop\nJohn Neale attending & assisting in the above things\u201429 April 1796\nJohn Neale says 6 Mos. of the time He ingaged for is Run.\n               A View of the Whole Stock on the Estate of Mount Vernon\n                  Distillery & Mill\n                  Distillery & Mill\nThe Calf which is now Stated to Mill & Distillery being Weaned, & at Union Farm shall be Stated to that \u27e8a/c\u27e9 Calves.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0080", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 23 April 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir.\nGeo[rge] Town [Md.] 23d April 1797.\nI have the Honor of your favor of the 22d Instt with the Inclosures. In this and in every other Instance within my small Powers it will give me infinite pleasure to obey your Commands.\nI will wait on Messrs Lingham and Smith this day & if no unforeseen difficulties occur close the business tomorrow. & forward a Certificate of the Transfer by the earliest Mail after the Transfer is made. I have the honor to be with sentiments of perfect Respect dr sir Yr mo. obt servt\nGusts Scott\nThe servant having waited longer than I expected I have recd from Capt. Linghan an answer to my note which I enclose.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0081", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Ball, 24 April 1797\nFrom: Ball, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sr\nApril 24\u20141797\u2014Lancaster Court-House\nUpon considering the writing more attentively, which pass\u2019d between us, respecting the land\u2014I think a part of it meterially improper\u2014and I am confident when I state some facts you will think with me\u2014the writing says I shall pay six Pr centum upon the purchase money from 1789 untill the whole is discharged.\nYour letter to Geo: Fitzhugh states that your terms are eight hundred pounds with interest from the time you purchased the land untill final payment\u2014Your letter to me, that I should have it upon the same terms\u2014The legal interest for money in this State allways was and still is five Pr centum, more by the laws of this cuntry is demed usury & subject the party receiving\u2014to much penalty\u2014the last Assembly pass\u2019d a law making money worth six Pr centum\u2014but the operation of that law is suspended untill the first day of May\u2014Now as I thought when I wished to become a purchaser\u2014and still think, considering the thing as you stated in your letters\u2014that the interest should be legal\u2014that is you should have 5 Pr centum from your purchase untill May 1797\u2014and then as the law directs Six Pr c. untill final payment.\nNot wishing to deviate from the Spirit of my contract and scorning to avail of any advantage arriseing from it\u2014I submit What I have stated to your consideration\u2014and however hard it may press\nupon me in my strated circumstance\u2014should you not apprehend the think as I do I shall patiently acquiese\u2014a line by post  to \u27e8the\u27e9 Lancaster Court House in answer to this will give satisfaction to your Most Obet, and very Humble st\nGeo. Ball", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0082", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joshua Humphreys, 24 April 1797\nFrom: Humphreys, Joshua\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Apl 24. 1797\nBefore you left this City you mentioned you wanted a pump for raising water about sixty feet, if you have not one provided and will please to give me the height the water must be raised, the quantity to be delivered, and also the use it is to be applied to, I will endeavour to find out and transmitt to you the best plan for having one made, and what the cost will be.\nThe Frigate U. States will be Launched either the last of this month or the begining of the next. I am with the greatest Esteem & Respect\nJoshua 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0083", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Paul Revere et al., 24 April 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Revere, Paul\nBrothers,\nMount Vernon 24th April 1797\nI am sorry that the enclosed answer to the Affectionate Address of the Grand lodge of Ancient, Free and accepted Masons, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts\u2014transmitted under your Signatures\u2014should appear so much out of season; but from the lapse of time between the date & reception of the Address (from what cause I know not) it was not to be avoided, and is offered as an apology for the delay. With brotherly 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0087", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 25 April 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Washington, George\nDr sir,\nGeo[rge] Town [Md.] 25th April 1797.\nI have the pleasure of enclosing a Certificate of the Transfere of the 41 shares promised by Messrs Linghan & Smith; which is all the evidence necessary of your being the Holder of the Shares. Whilst at Bank I took an Opportunity of exam[in]ing the Stock book to see whether these Gentn held any more Stock than has been transfered to you: finding no Stock in their own Names I have investigated the fact whether they held in the Name of any other Person. the Result is most clearly that they do not, & that 20 of the 41 shares now transfered have been bought since the date of their Engagements to you.\nMr Smith Who is their Agent here is Treasurer of the Bridge Company, & consequently well known to me. I sent for him & have had Conversation with him on this subject. These Gentn have 3 or 4000 $ due them in this Place 12 Months hence and he has written to them to know whether he shall buy the Residue of the 70 shares out of these funds in his hands; to which Letter he expects an answer by this days mail.\nI have indorsed on the Obligation that 41 shares have been transfered, & given to Mr Smith an Acknowledgment of this fact for his Justification. I retain this Obligation hoping through Smiths influence with them to be able to obtain the Residue of the shares for you in a short time. If I fail the Paper shall be forwarded or be delivered to Mr Lear as you may please to direct. I think it probable the Residue of the shares may be obtained in a Week or two as Smith seems anxious to support the honor of his Principals. I am with sentiments of perfect Respect Dr Sir Yr mo. obt Servt\nGusts Scott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0088", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Trumbull, 25 April 1797\nFrom: Trumbull, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n29 Berner\u2019s Street London, April 25th 1797\nThe Letter which you did me the Honour to write to me on the 12 th of January came to my hands some days ago, together with its enclosures: The Letter for Mr John Carey was conveyed to him as\nsoon as I could learn his place of residence. I beg leave to return my thanks to Mrs Washington, for the Honor of her Letter, and for the very flattering sentiments she has been pleased to express towards me.\nFor Her Happiness as well as your\u2019s, I shall ever offer my most sincere Vows: and I earnestly hope that you may long enjoy in Health, that Domestic Ease, and calm tranquillity of retirement which must be so grateful to you, after so many years of anxiety and fatigue; and derive from the contemplation of the Happiness and Glory of your Country, the best reward of those toils which have so eminently contributed to their establishment. I have the Honor to be, with the highest Respect, sir, Your most obedient & Grateful 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0089", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rufus King, 26 April 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nLondon Apl 26, 1797\nAs I forward several copies of the news Paper that contained the advertisement concerning your suit in the Chancery of Virginia, though a Ship in which one of them was sent, has been carried into France I hope some others arrived safe and in Season \u2014Every one is anxious to hear from Vienna, the latest accounts from which, leaving it uncertain whether we are to expect the news of a Great Battle, or of a sudden & separate peace between France and austria\u2014England wants Peace, and seeks it with Sincerity\u2014The\nCountry is weary with the war, and appears to despair of any advantage to be expected from its continuance\u2014It is understood that Mr Hammond, who has been sent to Vienna to join in a negotiation for a General Peace, is authorised to give up points on which Lord Malmesbury firmly insisted: thence it is hoped, should not the Necessity of the Empero[r]s situation compel him to make a separat Peace, that the joint negotiation may produce a general one \u2014General Pinckney is still at amsterdam and our intercourse and affairs with France remain in the embarrassed situation in which they have been for some months past\u2014The late Arret of March will prove vexatious to our Commerce, if it is executed in all its provisions: there is some reason to hope that the most unreasonable of these Regulations may be reconsidered and rendered more just: Sir John Sinclair sent me a few Copies of the inclosed printed Paper, with a request that I would transmet one of them to you. With perfect Consideration I have the Honor to be Dear sir Yr ob. & faithful Servt\nRufus King", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0090", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Patrick McCarty, 26 April 1797\nFrom: McCarty, Patrick\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nCity of Washington April 26th 1797\nAccording to Your directions I have Enquired in George town about the Stoves but there is no Such things in it, when You Send for them be Particular in Getting the pipes to them, as they Seldom have any Made but Such as have an open flew behind to Go into the Chimney. I am Sir with the Greatest respect Your Obedt Servt\nPatk McCarty", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0091", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Gilpin, 27 April 1797\nFrom: Gilpin, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir,\nAlexandria April 27th 1797\nA Servant of yours a few days ago request\u2019d to be inform\u2019d if there was any Vessell at Alexandria bound for Philadelphia there was no Vessell then at this Town bound to Philadelphia, but Capt. Ellwood is now here his packet will Sail for that plaece in a few days.\nI made enquiry for a joiner as you desired I found Several that would have taken some 5 and others 6/ \u214c day but on enquiry they had not a compleat Sett of tools and if employed must have been dependant on some person for them, I find that good men are hired here at 6 and 7/ and they find their board, I am Sir with great Esteem your most obedient, Hume Servt\nGeorge Gilpin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0092", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Miles King, 27 April 1797\nFrom: King, Miles\nTo: Washington, George\nWorthy Sir\nHampton April 27th 1797\nFrom my Early Acquaintance with you I have taken the liberty of Addressing you in an Appointment of Importance to my large and growing Family\u2014having Spent Upwards of Twenty Years in the Service of my Country and Eighteen Years in the Assembly of Virginia Acquainted with business being all my life in the Merchantile line and knowing the Duty of the office which I Wish to gett, my Aid in Convention to Establish the Present Government and my Friendship for good Order & good Government will I hope plead in my favour[.] I have this Moment heard the Collector of Norfolk Cannot live many days and by his Death the Office will be Vacant, I must request the favour of you sir if Consistent with your Own Opinion of me that you will be pleased to Write to the President of the United States in my favour & Aid me and my Family in the Appointment when the Office becomes Vacant, My Friend Colo. Cary has been long Acquainted and Will be my Security for the faithfull discharge of the Dutys of the office, in Short I can gett a recommendation from every County in Virginia was it Necessary having an Extensive Acquaintance\u2014One Word sir from you will do the business, if Mr Jefferson was at Philadelphia he would render me every Assistance as I am Well Acquainted with him, my Brother John King was Collector to the day of his Death and Executed the Dutys of that Office with great Satisfaction, As the Office is of great Importance I expect there will be many Applications for it. Your Aid Sir will Oblige an Old servant of the Public\u2014I am with great respect Your Most Obedient Servant\nMiles King\nThis is the first Appointment I ever Askd for\u2014and Should not do it now if it was not for a large 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0098", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Enoch Edwards, 1 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Edwards, Enoch\nSir,\nMount Vernon 1st May 1797\n   No good opportunity \u2019till now, afforded by Mr Craik, has offered to return the Pamphlets you were so obliging as to send me by Mr Jefferson. I now do it with thanks for the perusal of them. and with compliments to Mrs Edwards am Sir Your Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0099", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Mary White Morris, 1 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Morris, Mary White\nMy dear Madam,\nMount Vernon 1st May 1797.\nThe lustre which stood suspended in our large Drawing Room in Philadelphia, I pray you to accept from Mrs Washington and me, as a small testimony of our affectionate regard for you, Mr Morris & family.\nTo bring it from Philadelphia, and then to send it back, carries with it an appearance so singular, as to require explanation\u2014the following, though uninteresting, & may appear tedious in detail, will give it.\nIt was intimated to me that, if the President took the house in which I lived, that he wou\u2019d be glad (in case I was disposed to part with it) to take the Furniture of the two largest Rooms also. Part of both I had intended to sell; the residue, in my own mind, I had designated for other purposes; but to cull the best, and offer him the rest, I conceived would be indelicate, & therefore with the exception of the Pictures, all of which were fancy pieces of my own chusing, I made a tender of the whole; at such reduced prices as he, or any other, should adjudge them to be the worse for wear. The expectation of his taking them, and the pressure of many matters previous to my departure, caused me to leave the City without giving precise directions relative to the disposition of the furniture of these Rooms, beyond the offer that had been made of them to the President; of course, when in the last moment, he declined taking them, it rested on the judgment of Mr Lear & Mr Dandridge to dispose of them in the manner they conceived best; and the lustre was accordingly packed up to be sent to this place.\nThe moment the account of it reached me, I wrote to Mr Dandridge to stop the shipment, and to send it to your house as the harbinger of this letter; but the Vessel unluckily, had Sailed a day\nor two before the order reached him. I hope however, from the external appearance of the package (for I have not opened it) it will be received without injury.\nMrs Washington unites with me in every good wish for you, Mr Morris and the family; and we beg to be presented in respectful terms to Bishop White and his family. Nelly Custis and her brother are in the Federal City, or they wd I am sure join us cordially in offering their best regards. With sentiments of the most perfect esteem and attachment, I have the honor to be My dear Madam Your most obliged, and affectionate Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. The case with the Lustre, will go on board Capt. Ellwood; who is, I am informed, now in the Port of Alexandria.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0100", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Herbert, 2 May 1797\nFrom: Herbert, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nAlexandria 2d May 1797\nOn looking over mr Lears Account in the Bank Books, this morning, I find that He has Drawn the Money for Smiths Note, & that he has only Ninety Eight Dollars, at this Time in Bank. I Am\u2014With great respect & regard\u2014Dr Sir\u2014yr Most Hble Servt\nWm Herbert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0101", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 2 May 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia May 2nd 1797\nI embrace the earliest opportunity to transmit a Copy of the documents refered to in the Presidents Speech. We hear nothing further that is interesting.\nIt is remarkable that all the foreign Nations with whom we have public intercource bring forward their claims for Gratitude, even the Spaniard contends for his Share. With perfect respect & attachment I remain Dear Sir, your obedt servt\nOliv. Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0103", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McAlpin, 7 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McAlpin, James\nSir\nMount Vernon 7th May 1797\nMr Custis will present you with an order for Cloaths, &ca which please to have made according to his directions\u2014and the amount of cost shall be paid on demand.\nFinding I shall have occasion for an Agent to do such little matters as I shall want in Philadelphia, I shall soon appoint one, who will be instructed to pay your Account.\nBy depending on you to procure the dozen pieces of Nankeens I required, I have got none, nor a particle of trimmings for the\nCloth (except livery lace) altho\u2019 you have charged, & recd at 5d., for 88 Scanes of Silk. I am Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0104", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Mary White Morris, 9 May 1797\nFrom: Morris, Mary White\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir\nPhiladelphia 9th May 1797\nI do most Chearfully accept from your self and Mrs Washington, as a testimony of so valued a Regard for me, Mr Morris, & my family, the Lustre you have Presented me With, a gift in it Self so hansome will nevertheless to us all Derive its greatest merit as coming from such valued Friends, as an affectionate Remembrance, and give it in our Eyes Estimation, and value, very Superior to that of the artist Skill.\nYou have not, neither has Mrs Washington an Idea how much I miss your Removeall from hence, It has not only deprived me of the Sosiety of two most valued Friends, But that at a time too, the most Unfortunate to lose such neighbours, When I have less Inclination than Ever to go furthur from home.\nI Participated with Mrs Washington In Her Happiness\u2014to find in Master Custis such Improvement as we here Considered Him to have made when he favourd us with a call on his Way to Mount Vernon.\nMy brother & Mrs White most gratefully acknowledge yours and\nMrs Washingtons Remembrance and desire their Best wishes and Regards, may unite with those of Mine, Mr Morris, & my family, to your self, Mrs Washington, and Miss Custis\u2014For Happiness Perpetuall. Adeiu My dear sir & beleive me With sentiments of the most affectionate Regard Sincerely Yours\nMary 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0108", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 May 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir.\nPhiladelphia 14 May 1797.\nI think it probable that there will be a house of representatives to-morrow and perhaps a Senate on tuesday, the speech of course will be on Wednesday.\nThe speech will state the circumstances which have induced to the call of Congress; express a sincere desire that accommodation may take place; inform, that a fresh attempt will be made to endeavour to effectuate the object; recommend in the mean while, as indispensible to the immediate protection of our trade, and to guard against an unsuccessful issue, the equipment of the frigates and other vessels of war to serve as convoys, and a restricted permission for merchantmen to arm and act in their own defence who may sail without convoy; an increase of artillerists & Cavalry, and an arrangement for a provisional or incidental force. It then notices the principles which will govern his administration, with which if not altered you will be entirely satisfied.\nI inclose you an abstract of the treatment of Mr Pinckney, since the date of which there has been a letter from him from Amsterdam refering to two which are yet to arrive. The letter from Amsterdam\ncontains the information, that he reced the written order for leaving France the day after the account of Buonaparte\u2019s victory had reached Paris.\nMr Craik has informed me that you dined lately at the old Docters, and looked very well; indeed better than when here. God send that you may long look well and enjoy good health, and that nothing that is to happen may be of such a nature as to disturb your consoling privacy and retirement. France however is playing a great game, and has views perhaps little less extensive than those which opened upon the Roman Republic, and deluged so great a portion of the world with blood. She does not appoint pro consuls over the countries she conquers, but she does what is as effectual, she permits them to creat themselves into republics and governs them by their own passions, or she annexes them to her own territory and governs them in Paris. Adieu most sincerely & affecty\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0109", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McAlpin, 15 May 1797\nFrom: McAlpin, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia 15th May 1797\nI received your much esteemed favor of the 7th Inst. \u214c Mr Custis on Wednesday last\u2014also an Order for Cloths &c. which was compleated on Saturday, and delivered to him.\nIn your letter you mention your depending on me for procuring one Dozn peices Nankeen & trimmings for the Cloths, this as well as the other part of the order which I received from Mr Dandridge, was punctualy executed by me, and pack\u2019d up with my own Hands in two parsells and deliverd to him at your late Dwelling House in this City, \u27e8as\u27e9 The Nankeens & trimmings with 2 peices \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 fustin were in One parcell am led to \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 must\nnot have been put in the Way Bill and Consequently lost, as Mr Dandridge was very particular about them and exemined them in my store before they were pack\u2019d.\nThe remainder of the Lace which I have had made is now ready and which I will forward with the first opportunity. I am Sir, Your Most Obdt humle Servt\nJames McAlpin\nN.B. I have to inform you that John Cline your old Servant is now in Town conciving it to be my duty to let you know this so that you may have an opportunity of acting as you think 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0110", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Stephen Milburn, 15 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Milburn, Stephen\nSir\nMount Vernon 15th May 1797\nHaving in a great measure given up the idea of Renting my Farms (from an apprehension that I could not dispose of the whole of them, & that unless I did this my objects wd not be answered) I was not as explicit as I might have been in my answers to some of the questions you asked on friday last.\nRevolving on the matter since, & believing if I wait until an offer is made for the whole\u2014I may not rent them at all, I have come to a determination to inform you, that if upon examining & approval of what is called my River Farm (shewn you from the front of my house) you may have it at the Rent I had fixed on the whole; to wit 1 1/2 bushels of Wheat pr Acre; provided we can settle the terms of the lease to mutual Satisfaction. In that case, you may obtain possession as soon as matters can be so arranged as to suit the convenience of us both. And as it would require a pretty considerable sum of money to stock so large a farm I could ease you of the advance by furnishing you with a part or the whole of the Stock & implements thereon at a reasonable valuation the agregate amt of which to be passed into a Bond well secured carrying interest until discharged. To be more explicit before you have seen & examined the farm would be unnecessary & therefore I shall only request, that you would let me know your determination as soon as it is\nformed as consequent measures must be taken on my part if an agreement is likely to ensue. I am Sir Yr Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0111", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon May 15th 1797\nI thank you for the information contained in your letter of the 19th Ulto; and infer from it, with pleasure, that you must be better, if not quite recovered of the indisposition of which you complained, by your being enabled to write. To know this however would give me satisfaction as I entertain an affectionate regard for you.\nVarious conjectures have been formed relatively to the causes which have induced the President to convene the Congress at this season of the year; among others that of laying an Embargo, is supposed by some to be in contemplation\u2014whether with, or without foundation, you who are acting on the great theatre have the best means of judging. For myself, having turned aside from the broad walks of political, into the narrow paths of private life I shall leave it with those whose duty it is, to consider subjects of this sort; and (as every good citizen ought to do) conform to whatsoever the ruling Powers shall decide. To make, & sell a little flour annually; to repair houses (going fast to ruin)\u2014to build one for the security of my Papers of a public nature and to amuse myself in Agricultural and rural pursuits will constitute employment for the few years I have to remain on this terrestrial Globe. If to these I\ncould now & then meet the friends whom I esteem, it would fill the measure & add zest to my enjoyments but if ever this happens it must be under my own Vine & Fig tree, as I do not think it probable that I shall go beyond the radius of 20 miles from them.\nTo detail matters of private concern, would be as improper as it would be uninteresting, and therefore upon the principle I have adopted, it will never be in my power to make adequate returns for your kind communications; which I wish may be continued when you are at leisure, and at liberty; for there is so little dependence on News paper publications which take whatever complexion the Editors please to give them that persons at a distance, & who have no other means of information, are often times at a loss to form an opinion on the most important occurrances. Mrs Washington & Nelly Custis unite with me in cordial remembrance of Mrs Wolcott & yourself & with much sincerity I remain Affectly 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0113", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 May 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia May 16. 1797.\nI have made inquiry concerning Colo. Biddle. He is apparently wealthy, at this time, and is building a large house: but he has failed, I am told, three times, and once after paying away, in the course of a year, of the money of his honest creditors, about six thousand pounds to usurers, in enormous interest.\nYou doubtless take some Philadelphia papers: but lest at this interesting moment yours should be stopped, by eager curiosity, on their way, I do myself the pleasure to inclose the President\u2019s Speech delivered this day to Congress: and am, with sincere respect your obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0114", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 18 May 1797\nFrom: Carter, Landon\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nCleve 18th May 1797\nIn pursuance to a conversation I had with you at Mt Vernon I have proceeded as near as I could your wish upon the occasion. I postponed the thing thus long because I thought a personal enquiery would be preferrable to an epistolary one. Upon a question to your Nephew George L. if he had any probable chance of accomodating you, he assured me that he had no prospect at all and advised me to engage that person I had in view.\nI am yesterday returned from the Neighborhood of the Joiner I spoke to you about. I sent for him & took his terms down with his signature to the mem[orandu]m which I now inclose. The next day a Letter was han[d]ed me directed to you which I was told by the bearer was written by him. I therefore took the liberty to open\nit with a view to discover what had induced the supernumerary statement which I perceive has arisen from mistake. I send it you with the aforesd mem[orandu]m.\nWhen I recommended this man I had been favrd with report of his being a very good joiner & have still from those who say they know him the same report. But a low voice I have heard intimate that he is not an high rate joiner\u2014One of my informants Mr Charles Carter son to the Worthy resident at Shirley \u2014calls the man a tolerable house joiner equall to a single story house\u2014make a good sash & lay a good floor. Upon interogating him on the word tolerable\u2014Mr Carter said he meant that the tolerable joiner was one who worked unknowing the principles of Architecture.\nThus far I thought it fit I should particularise that the much esteemed Man I wished to serve might judge for himself on all the ground I could stretch out before him. There is a risque in employing these folks, we must run; and I confess it is one I would have risqu\u2019d myself if I had not changed my arrangement: All concur to speak of him as a wellbehaved, sober, industrious, man. He lives at the Ferry opposite Hobshole if you should wish to send for him. At any rate I shall be obliged to you to write your determination that I may give him as early intimation as possible.\nYour penetration will need no help to suppose a small tincture of the Coxcomb from the inclosed. He dresses, is smart &c. but you will be adequate to such things. I have the honor to be Sir with every degree of respect & high estimation your very obt & mo. hmle servt\nLandon 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0116", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 18 May 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nPhil[adelphi]a May 18. 1797\nI have had the pleasure to receive your favour of May 15th\u2014and while I rejoice that you enjoy that repose & tranquillity so richly earned by a life of services and benefits for mankind, the reflection, that he who so long directed public opinion, and whose council at this time would possess and deserve universal confidence, is a private Citizen, encites mixed emotions, which I am unable to describe. In what concerns public duties at this interesting crisis, all are satisfied, who are friends to our Country, that the principles of your administration must be supported. The Presidents speech to Congress which I enclose, will prove his conviction how important this principle is esteemed, and the measures which he deems necessary to be pursued.\nI have just reed private Letters from London dated in March\u2014Gold & Silver no longer have any general circulation in the British dominions, and the government as well as private Bankers, Manufacturers & projectors are throwing into circulation (among an ignorant people liable to be defrauded) all sorts of small paper Notes, under pretence of supplying the want of shillings & other small money.\nThe Bank of England, discounts for paper liberally, & its notes circulate in consequence of a general combination; a present relief is afforded by this delusive opiate\u2014but there are symptoms of an incipient depreciation.\nGenl Pinckny was ordered to leave Paris, the day after Buonaparte\u2019s last victories were known, he was addressed by the style of Anglo American by which the Citizens of the United States are said to be now distinguished from the French Colonists\u2014France has required of Hamburgh Bremen & Denmark to suspend all Commerce with Gr. Br.\u2014these powers have made no treaties with England during the present War, though our Treaty is made the pretext\nfor the aggressions of France\u2014The truth is France means to destroy Gr. Br. by assailing her Commerce with all Nations.\nA Letter from Colo. John Trumbull to me, has these expressions, \u201cThe present is the most eventful period of human history, & Europe in my opinion is destined sooner probably than we are aware to be involved in one vast conflagration, what is past is but the burning of a single house.\u201d\nI forgot to mention, that Spain & Holland, have complained of our Treaty with England, the Dutch respect this Country, but neither the Dutch nor Spaniards have any political will.\nBut though the French are tremenduous in Europe, they would be to us, a contemptible foe, if we were but united & just to ourselves\u2014what censure can be too severe upon those who have invited the assaults of a foreign power, & who foster internal divisions!!\nThe situation of those who have any concern with public affairs, is disagreable; a consciousness, of pure intentions, is indeed almost the whole reward now remaining.\nMrs Wolcott joins me in presenting to yourself Mrs Washington & Miss Custis, her cordial respects. For myself, duty & inclination concur in proferring expressions of the most lasting attachment From, Dear Sir, your most obedt servant\nOliv. Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0117", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Reed & Forde, 19 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Reed & Forde\nGent[leme]n\nMount Vernon 19th May 1797\nYour letter of the 20th Ult. came duly to hand, and through the medium of a friend in George Town to whom I sent it & who made application to Mr Walter Smith for the fulfilment of your obligations, I have obtaind followg result.\n\u201cI have seen Mr Smith and had conversation with him respecting Messrs Reed & Ford, and the probability of their producing the residue of the shares due to you. They intimate in their correspondence no idea of obtaining them any other way than by their\nfunds in this place due 11 or 12 months hence. How far their earlier necessities may compel them to part with these I know not; but Mercantile men who depend upon such distant resources for immediate purchases cannot I think be much in cash, or they have no just ideas of Mercantile punctuality.\u201d\nLet me hope Gentlemen, that the case is otherwise, in a word let me find that you do not mean to trifle with me, in this business. I had no idea that I was buying shares in the Bank of Columbia (contrary too to my wishes) of which you were not possessed, I have as I informed you in my former letter, sustained a loss by receiving these shares in payment of 490 dollars in the receipt of 2800 for the 70 you obligated yourself to transfer, a greater  cannot submit to willingly, nor to the withholding of the remaining 29 shares any longer.\nYour answer  as soon as convenient, letting me know in decisive terms what I am to expect will oblige Gentlemen Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0118", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 20 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Heath, William\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 20th May 1797.\nYour kind and friendly letter of the 17th Ulto has been duly received, and I beg you to accept my sincere thanks for the affectionate sentiments you have been pleas\u2019d to express for me, therein.\nI can assure you, Sir, I never ascribed a motive to the letter you wrote me, on my Election to the Chair of Government, so unworthy of you as to suppose it was written with a view of: \u201cPressing yourself into notice, or seeking for a Place.\u201d On the contrary, I was led to believe that domestic enjoyments in rural pursuits, had more charms for you, and were more congenial to your inclination, than could be found in any appointment that would draw you from home.\nI hope, as you do, that notwithstanding our Political horison is\nmuch overcast, the wisdom, temper and firmness of the Government (supported by the great mass of the People) will dispel the threatning clouds, and that all will end without shedding of Blood. To me, this is so demonstrable, that not a particle of doubt would dwell on my mind relative thereto if our Citizens would advocate their own cause instead of that of any other Nation under the Sun; that is, instead of being Frenchmen, or Englishmen in Politics\u2014they would be Americans\u2014indignant at every attempt of either of these\u2014or any other Power to establish an influence in our Councils, or that should presume to sow the Seeds of distrust, or disunion among ourselves. No policy, in my opinion, can be more clearly demonstrated than that we should do justice to all but have no political connexion with any of the European Powers, beyond those which result from, and serve to regulate our Commerce with them. Our own experience soon will (if it has not done so already) convince us that disinterested favours, or friendship from any Nation whatsoever, is too novel to be calculated upon; and that there will always be found a wide difference between the words and actions of any of them.\nIt gives me great pleasure to hear from yourself, that you are writing Memoirs of those transactions which passed under your notice during the Revolutionary War. Having always understood that you were exact, & copious in noting occurrences at the time they happened; a work of this kind will, from the ability, and candour with which I am persuaded they were taken, be uncommonly correct, & interesting.\nWhether you mean to publish them at your own expence, or by subscription, is not intimated in your letter: if the latter, I pray you to consider me as a Subscriber\u2014and in any event, as a purchaser of your production. That you may enjoy health to complete the Work to your entire satisfaction, I ardently pray; and that you may live afterwards to hear it applauded (as I doubt not it will be) I as sincerely wish. If I should live to see it published I shall read it with great avidity.\nRetired from noise myself, and the responsibility attached to public employments my hours will glide smoothly away\u2014My best wishes however for the prosperity of our country, will always have the first place in my affections; while to repair buildings (gone much to ruin) and to cultivate my farms (which require close attention) will occupy the few years (perhaps days) I may be a sojourner\nhere, as I am now in the 66th year of my peregrination through life. Mrs Washington is very thankful for your kind remembrance of her, and joins cordially with me in a tender of best regards for you. With assurances of great esteem I remain Dear Sir Your most Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0119", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Neil, 21 May 1797\nFrom: Neil, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPortsmouth New Hampshire 21 st May 1797.\nYour Excellency will justly think this address a piece of presumption, the nature of the business will I hope, plead an apology. Born near Belfast in the North of Ireland and bred a manufacturer of Linen, at fifty years of age I embarked for America (through the advice of a Son of mine resident in Boston) & brought a large family with me. My fortune at that time, which was eighteen months ago, amounted to fifteen hundred pounds sterling. My original design upon my arrival was to settle in Hartford Connecticut, whither I went from Boston to look for a house & other accomodations. There I found Business very dull & little encouragement for strangers. I then by advice of my friends came to this place, & have resided here ever since. The property I brought with me was chiefly vested in Linens, the article I was most skilled in, those I opened for Sale here, but found little demand, this country being supplied principally with their own manufactures, altho very coarse & very mean indeed. Having a large family, I found it necessary to devise some means for their support & opened a Store for Sale of Groceries & West India Goods, in conducting which I am at present employed.\nThis being a business different from what I was bred to in Ireland, I do not feel so happy as when at my old business, which brings me to the request intended by this very bold epistle.\nShould your Excellency think it an object worth your attention to encourage the Linen manufacture on any of your estates, I should think myself very much honoured by having an opportunity of attempting it under your Excellencys patronage by which I do not mean any pecuniary aid, but a suitable settlement of houses with a proportionate quantity of land in a place where Boys & Girls\ncould be employed at a moderate expence. Great towns or cities are unfavourable for manufacturing, provisions being always high. It will naturally occur to your Exy that I should make application to the Legislature of this State, the reason I have not done so is this, I see from the length & severity of the winters here that this country is not favourable for manufacturing & that Workmen must remain unemployed during 3 or 4 months in this year. Should this proposal strike your Exy as worth encouragement, it would be easy to bring over a number of Tradesmen in that line from Ireland, the civil commotions there having set a great many people idle. I did not choose to trouble your Exy sooner on this subject, (altho 18 months in the country) being convinced of the great impropriety of troubling you on so small a matter, while officially employed in presiding over the affairs of this vast continent. Should this epistle be noticed, I feel very confident of being able to give satisfaction in point of Character & experience. All this is submitted under the hope that your Excelly with your usual goodness will forgive the liberty taken by your Exys most obedt & very hble Servant\nWilliam Neil", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0121", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 22 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Custis, George Washington Parke\nDear Washington\nMount Vernon 22d May 1797\nHaving heard nothing from you, or of you, since you left the Federal City, but hoping you got safe to Princeton, the sole intention\nof this letter is to cover the enclosed. The one from your Sister will, I presume, detail the little occurences which have happened since you left us. and the other arrived after your departure\u2014We are much in the same situation as when you left 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0122", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Hartshorne, 24 May 1797\nFrom: Hartshorne, William\nTo: Washington, George\nRespected Friend\nAlexandria 5th Mo. 24th 1797\nThe deed thou enclosed to me for 15 Shares in the Potomack Company has been recorded and is now enclosed for which thy account is charged one dollar. I am Respectfully Thy friend\nWm Hartshorne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0124", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Dockery, 25 May 1797\nFrom: Dockery, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nHond Sr\nState of N. Carolina Richmond County25th May 1797\nYou may think strange to see the enclosed, but I beg your patience, to view what comes from my trembling hand, being in the 80th year of my age; and having a \u27e8turn\u27e9 from my youth, to a Military\nlife, I made use of the first opportunity which offered in the year 1746 leaving a beloved wife, & dear young daughter to keep house, while I thought to distinguish my self before the walls of Quebec. But before two years ended, the war broke & I returned home empty of.\u00a0.\u00a0. &c. In the year 1755 (as it did not sute me to take the field) I became a recruiting officer impowered by Govr Sharpe. & during that war I sent a number of Men to differant places from Queen Anns County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where I was born & then lived. By this means I got information from one Hendrix of the battle & the commander at the great Medows From which time a Spark of Love took place in my heart for the Great W\u2014\u2014n, and has for more than 20 years past been blown up to a flame, tho never haveing had an opportunity of communicating of it, for I concluded that one in your station ought not to be hindered one moment from the great task you had taken either in the field or Cabinet! But as you are now returned to rest, I make free to inform you, that for some Months or years after Your Victory at York over his Lordship, I had it in contemplation to send you some of my baird to help to pad your Sadle, thinking my self would be much honored to have the Father of my liberty (under God) Mounted on my gray-hairs, \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 the above reasons, I omitted the matter till now & as I presume you and \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 prepare for greater matters, I mean, for removing from time to Eternity \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 to send the enclosed to help to fill the Pillow that may be put under \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 head after Death! Your acceptance thereof will be very Satisfactory, & that we may have a Joyfull resurrection & that word of promise in Pauls Epistle to the Phil. 3d Chap. 21 Ver. to be \u27e8mad\u27e9 sure to us is the desire & shall be the prayer of Hond Sr yr unknown friend & unworthy Servt\nTho. Dockery\nN.B. It would be endless to numerate my afflictions in the time of war, being three times taken prisoner & twice three times plundered! My Body, mind, & Estate all suffered: yet the \u27e8illegible\u27e9 held me up Viz. that I was never one moment or hour in despair of liberty in the Enemy Bless the Lord o my Soul therefor!\nT.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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0125", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 28th May 1797\nThe business I shall have to transact in Philadelphia will, more than probable, be of so piddling & trifling a nature, as to produce more trouble, than profit from the Commission, to whomsoever undertakes it. Notwithstanding (this being premised) as it has always been done by you, while I was not myself in Philadelphia as a Resident[,] I could not think of applying to another without first enquiring whether it would be agreeable to you to engage in it on the usual terms or not.\nIf you answer in the affirmative, the first thing I should require of you would be to receive the Interest of my certificates at the Treasury, or Bank of the United States; amounting to about one hundred dollars pr quarter; one of which became due the 31st of Mar. last, and the rest will be so in succession: and (as I am not acquainted with the form) that you would send a Power of Attorney for me to execute, thereby enabling you to do this. From this fund I would then ask you to send the things mentioned in the enclosed Memorandum. I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0127", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 29 May 1797\nFrom: Custis, George Washington Parke\nTo: Washington, George\nDearest Sir\nNassau Hall[Princeton, N.J.] 29th May [1797]\nWords cannot express my present sensations, a heart overflowing with joy at the success of conscience over disposition is all I\nhave to give\u2014Dearest Sir did you but know the effect your letter has produced it would give you as consummate pleasure, as my former one did pain\u2014My very soul tortured with the sting of conscience at length called reason to its aid and happy for me triumphed, the conflict was long doubtfull till at length I obtained the victory over myself and now return like the prodigal Son a sincere penitent\u2014That I shall ever recompence you for the trouble I have occasioned is beyond my hope, however I will now make the grand exertion I will now shew all is not lost and that your Grandson shall once more deserve your favour, & Could you but see how happy I now am you would soon forget all that is past and let my future conduct prove the truth of my assertions\u2014Good God how just your letter but alas we are poor weak creatures and never beleive till we feel Ah\u2014could I but beleive this would again restore your peace of mind & my happiness would be compleat my time appears now to me full \u27e8short\u27e9 I shall seize the present moment and may God grant I may be a pleasure to my friends, family, and self I cannot say too much on this subject. I wait for your letter which I can allmost read allready\u2014That I have abused such goodness is shocking that I shall ever do it again I will risk my life and confiding dearest Sir in your equity and hither to kind affection I subscribe myself with the sincerest and most heartfelt joy\nG. W. P. Custis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0128", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 29 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 29th May 1797\nI am indebted to you for several unacknowledged letters, but ne\u2019er mind that; go on, as if you had them. You are at the source of information & can find many things to relate, while I have nothing to say that could either inform, or amuse a Secretary of War in Philadelphia.\nTo tell him that I begin my diurnal course with the Sun; that if my hirelings are not in their places at that time I send them messages\nexpressive of my sorrow for their indisposition\u2014then having put these wheels in motion, I examine the state of things farther; and the more they are probed, the deeper I find the wounds are, which my buildings have sustained by an absence, and neglect of eight years. By the time I have accomplished these matters, breakfast (a little after seven oclock, about the time I presume you are taking leave of Mrs McHenry) is ready. This over, I mount my horse and ride round my farms, which employs me until it is time to dress for dinner; at which I rarely miss seeing strange faces\u2014come, as they say, out of respect to me. Pray, would not the word curiosity answer as well? and how different this, from having a few social friends at a cheerful board? The usual time of sitting at Table\u2014a walk\u2014and Tea\u2014brings me within the dawn of Candlelight; previous to which, if not prevented by company, I resolve, that as soon as the glimmering taper, supplies the place of the great luminary, I will retire to my writing Table and acknowledge the letters I have received; but when the lights are brought, I feel tired, and disinclined to engage in this work, conceiving that the next night will do as well; the next comes, and with it the same causes for postponement, & effect; and so on.\nThis will account for your letters remaining so long unacknowledged\u2014and having given you the history of a day, it will serve for a year; and I am persuaded you will not require a second edition of it: but it may strike you, that in this detail no mention is made of any portion of time allotted for reading; the remark would be just, for I have not looked into \u27e8a\u27e9 book since I came home, nor shall be able to do it until I have discharged my workmen; probably not before the nights grow longer; when, possibly, I may be looking in doomsday book.\nOn the score of the plated ware in your possession I will say something in a future letter. At present I shall only add that I am always 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0129", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 29 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 29th May 1797\nI have received your letter of the 18th instant with its enclosures, and thank you for both.\nThe President has, in my opinion, placed matters upon their true ground in his speech to Congress. The crisis calls for an unequivocal expression of the public mind, and the Speech will, mediately, or immediately, bring this about. Things ought not, indeed can not remain longer in their present state; and it is time the People should be thoroughly acquainted with the political situation of this country, and the causes which have produced it, that they may either give active & effectual support to those to whom they have entrusted the Administration of the government (if they approve the principles on which they have acted); or sanction the conduct of their opposers, who have endeavoured to bring about a change, by embarrassing all its measures\u2014not even short of foreign means.\nWe are waiting with no small degree of solicitude for the answer of the House of Representatives, that an opinion may be formed from its complexion, of the temper of that body since its renovation.\nThus much for our own affairs, which, maugre the dessolating scenes of Europe, might continue in the most happy, flourishing & prosperous train, if the harmony of the Union was not endangered by the internal disturbers of its Peace. With respect to the Nations of Europe, their situation appears so awful, that nothing short of omnipotence can predict the issue, although every humane mind must feel for the miseries they endure. Our course is plain; those who run may read it. Theirs is so bewildered & dark, so entangled & embarrassed, and so obviously under the influence of Intrigue, that one would suppose, if any thing could open the eyes of our misled citizens, the deplorable situation of those people could not fail to accomplish it.\nOn the first of next month, there ought to be deposited in the Bank of Pennsylva. on my acct, for the land I sold to Colo. Matthew Ritchie, the sum of 3469 20/100 Dollars; and for other land sold Colo. Israel Shreve \u00a3720 Pennsa Curry. Of the latter sum \u00a3200 I presume is actually paid into that Bank, as Colo. Pickering was kind\nenough to inform me that some Jersey man (who had bought part of the Land from Shreve) was enquiring of him, if I had any agent in Philada authorised to receive money; In answer, I requested he might be directed to deposit the same in the beforementioned Bank.\nAnd now, my good Sir, let me ask, if these Sums should be lodged there, agreeably to contract, whether in the course of business you could make it convenient to the Treasury, to receive them at that Bank, and give me a draught on the Bank of Alexandria, or on the Collector of that Port for the amount thereof? If you answer in the affirmative, let me request the further favour of asking you for the form of such an order on the Bank of Pennsa as would enable you to effect this Exchange. With sincere & affecte regard 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0130", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Charles Cole Claiborne, 30 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Claiborne, William Charles Cole\nSir,\nMount Vernon 30th May 1797\nYour letter of the 22d Ult. has been duly received, and I pray you to accept my thanks for the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to express for me, and of my Administration of the Government. If all our Citizens were actuated by the principles you profess, it would much promote the happiness and prosperity of our Country.\nI have not unpacked the Papers yet, which I brought from Philadelphia; but I may venture before hand to pronounce, that the letters you enquire after were left with others of a similar nature for the information of my Successor; If, however, I should be mistaken in this, they shall, when found, be transmitted to you; as it is my determination not to interefere\u2014directly or indirectly\u2014in recommendation to 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0131", "content": "Title: From George Washington to St. George Tucker, 30 May 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tucker, St. George\nSir,\nMount Vernon 30th May 1797.\nYour favor of the 24th Ulto, from Winchester, came duly to hand; but presuming you were on a Circuit, I have allowed time for the completion, to offer you my acknowledgment of its receipt.\nMy Sollicitude for the establishment of a National University in this Country, has been great, and unceasing; but as the sentiments of the Legislature have not been in unison therewith, I had postponed the further consideration of the subject to a moment of more leizure (than has lately been my lot) to see if I could devise some Plan by which my wishes could be carried into effect.\nIn this situation your Essay found me, and as every aid, in a measure so interesting & important, will be thankfully received, your thoughts could not fail of being acceptable to Sir, Your Most Obedt and Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0133", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 31 May 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia May 31 st 1797\nI have the pleasure to acknowledge your favour by the Alexandria mail of May 26th. On applying to the Bank of Pensylvania I was told that no monies had been lodged on your account, by Colo. Shreve or any other person\u2014on shewing your Letter to Mr James Ross, he paid me on account of Colo. Ritchie 3409 20/100 Dollars which I now remit in four Treasury drafts on Mr Fitzgerald endorsed in your favour. Mr Ross desires me to request your Receipt & Certificate that this sum has been endorsed on the bond remaining in your possession\u2014if it is sent to me, I will deliver it to Mr Ross\u2014In any future time I shall be happy to have it in my power to render similar services.\nThe House have not agreed on a reply to the Presidents speech\u2014It is certain that there is a small majority favourably disposed to the measures of the government; the opposition are aiming to effect two points\u20141st an indirect disapprobation of past measures, & 2d an intimation that the operation of existing Treaties is unfavourable to France, it is not difficult to see, that the drift of the leading men, is to criminate this Country & justify France. From present appearances it is probable that Mr Dayton & some neutral characters will incorporate in the address an incorrect though perhaps not a very important amendment.\nThe Presidents speech is so far as I am informed generally approved\u2014The Senate appears to be firm\u2014all the matters recommended\nare referred to Committees, except that respecting further Revenue.\nWe hear nothing from Europe since I wrote last, except that Cadiz is closely blockaded by a British fleet. With a respectful remembrance of Mrs Washington, I remain Dear Sir, your obedient servant\nOliv. Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0134", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Landon Carter, 2 June 1797\nFrom: Carter, Charles Landon\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nFredericksb[ur]g June 2d 1797\nWith diffidence I now address you, in consequence of having failed, after my first Voyage from China, to return the two hundred Dollars you favored me with the Loan of\u2014Be assured, Dr Sir, that I left goods unsold, at the time of my Departure from Philadelphia the second Voyage, & directed that the money arising therefrom should be paid to you, but, the Integrity of my Agent did not prove to be so uncorrupted as I had flattered myself\u2014I have, at this late period, sent by Mr G. Lewis the sum of two hundred Dollars with interest thereon from the 18th March 1795 to the 1st June 1797. That sum has laid the foundation of a pretty fortune, for which I shall ever feel myself indebted to you.\nTo convince you, that I am gratefully impressed with a sense of your goodness, suffice it to say, that at the time I made application\nto you, I had been refused a loan of the same sum by a very near Relation\u2014My Mother joins me in thanks & good wishes for yr wellfare. I am with great respect Dr Sir Yr Obt Servant\nCharles L. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0135", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Callohill Mennis, 2 June 1797\nFrom: Mennis, Callohill\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nSoldier\u2019s-rest, Bedford county, 2d June 1797\nSuch a length of time having elapsed since I had the pleasure of seeing you last, that I shou\u2019d not be in the least surprised, if you\nhad entirely forgotten that you ever had such an officer as myself under your command in the late continental army. But were I to be assured that I still lived in the remembrance of my old commander, the reflection wou\u2019d communicate to me the most pleasing & agreeable sensations imaginable.\nYet highly as I honor & venerate your person & character, Sir, and as much as I conceive myself to be bound to you in gratitude in common with every real American, for the eminent services which you have rendered our country, both as a consummate general and as an enlightened statesman, and also as much as I wish at all times to hear of your tranquillity & happiness, I shou\u2019d scarcely have taken the liberty of troubling you with a perusal of this letter, were it not that I had a favour to solicit of you in behalf of a particular friend; and perhaps the present situation of our affairs may be a sufficient apology for my doing so. In thus applying myself to you, I shou\u2019d naturally have approached you with a kind of awe & diffidence, were I not assured that the name of an old soldier, and the recollection of the many dangers which such as he have shared with you in the glorious struggle for liberty, intitled him to draw towards you with a manly confidence of meeting with an ingenuous friend.\nAs there appears at present to be the great probability (which Heaven avert!) of our entering into a war with the republick of France, I wou\u2019d beg leave to recommend to your patronage Mr Hum[phre]y Brooke, son of the late Col. Robert Brooke, of the county of King-William, a young gentleman of merit & abilities, and one who has been always firmly attached to the government & constitution of his country. He is very desirous of entering into the service of the United States in the capacity of captain of marines, on board one of the frigates to be fitted out by congress. I flatter myself, Sir, that the young gentleman will upon every proper occasion support the character of an American officer with becoming dignity & spirit; and that any steps which you may please to take in recommending him to the notice of the executive will ever be most gratefully acknowledged by him, as it ever will be by, Illustrious Sir, Your most obt servt\nCallohill Mennis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0136", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 4 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Custis, George Washington Parke\nDear Washington,\nMount Vernon 4th June 1797\nYour letter of the 29th Ulto came to hand by the Post of Friday, and eased my mind of many unpleasant Sensations, and reflections on your account. It has indeed done more, it has filled it with pleasure, more easy to be conceived than expressed; and if your sorrow, and repentence for the disquietudes occasioned by the preceeding letter, and your resolution to abandon the ideas which were therein expressed, are sincere, I shall not only heartily forgive, but will forget also, and bury in oblivion, all that has passed.\nAs a testimony of my disposition to do this; of the hope I had conceived that reflection would overcome an indolent habit, or bad advice; and (to be candid, I ought to add) because I was ashamed to make known the contents of your letter, announcing your indisposition to continue your studies; not a hint, respecting this matter, has been given to any of your friends in this quarter, altho\u2019 Doctr Stuart & your mother (with their Children) left this on thursday last, after a stay of a week, and both Mr Law & Mr Peter have been here, since the receipt of it. In a word, your Grandmama, sister & myself, are all who are acquainted therewith.\nYou must not suffer the resolution you have recently entered into, to operate as the mere result of a momentary impulse; occasioned by the letters received from hence. This resolution should be founded on sober reflection, and a thorough conviction of your error; and be maintained, & strengthened, by frequent and deliberate reflection on the subject: otherwise it will be as wavering as the Wind, and become the sport of conflicting passions; which will occassion such a lassitude in your exertions, as to render your studies of little avail. To insure permanency, think seriously of the advantages which are to be derived, on the one hand, from the steady pursuit of a course of study, to be marked out by your Preceptor,\nwhose Judgment, experience and acknowledged abilities, enables him to direct them; and, on the other hand, revolve as seriously on the consequences which would inevitably result from an indisposition to this measure; or from an idle habit & hankering after unprofitable amusements at your time of life (before you have acquired that erudition & knowledge; which would be found beneficial in every walk of life\u2014I use the word before, because it is not my wish that, having gone through the essentials, you should be deprived of any rational amusement afterwards)\u2014or lastly, from dissipation in such company as it is most likely you would under such circumstances keep\u2014who, but too often mistake ribaldry for wit, and rioting, swearing, intoxication and gambling, for manliness.\nThese things are not without momentary charms to young minds, susceptable of any impression before the judgment in some measure is formed, and reason begins to preponderate. It is on this ground, as well as on account of the intrinsic advantages which you yourself would experience hereafter from it that I am desirous of keeping you to your Studies. And if such characters as I have described have been, or should be found instrumental, either by their advice or example, in giving your mind a wrong biass, shun them as you would do a pestilence, for be assured it is not with such qualities as these you ought to be allied, or with those who possess them to have any friendship.\nThese sentiments are dictated by the purest regard for your welfare, and from an earnest desire to promote your true happiness; in which all your friends feel an interest, and would be much gratified to see accomplished; while it wd contribute, in an eminent degree to your respectibility, in the eyes of others.\nYour endeavours to fulfil these reasonable wishes of your friends, cannot fail of restoring you to all the attentions, protection and affection of one, who ever has been, and will continue to be Your sincere 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0137", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Reed & Forde, 5 June 1797\nFrom: Reed & Forde\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhilad[elphi]a June 5. 1797\nWe duely received your communication of the 19th and in consequence shall immediately take the necessary means to have the balance of the Columbia Shares transferd to your order, at furthest they shall be sent from this in all next week if not previously obtaind at George Town. We consider\u2019d that we held as many shares in the Columbia Bank as would have compleated your quantity but there has been some error, we have in the hands of Mr Smith some Notes at long dates which we wishd to realise by the purchase of Shares but did not depend on them solely to furnish them as your friend at George Town supposes. You maintain \u27e8that\u27e9 you were compel\u2019d to take these Shares [contra] ry to your wishes and at a high price [we] had neither interest or concern in the Sale made to you, if the purchase was unfortunate to you we fear the Sale will be much more So to us for the notes we received for the 70 you held & upwards of 300 more have become very doubtfull. We trust you will have no further trouble in this business & are Yr Hbe servts\nReed & Forde", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0142", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 8 June 1797\nFrom: Biddle, Clement\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhilad[elphia] June 8. 1797.\nBy Mr W. Bowie of Georgetown, who Undertakes to forward them, I have sent you the Unguent delamere and Smiths Comparative view of the Constitutions\u2019\u2014The picture frames are in forwardness and shall come by the first Opportunity by Water. I am very respectfully Your most Obedt & very huml. servt\nClement Biddle\nMorse\u2019s Gazetteer is not yet published but daily expected here from 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0143", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 8 June 1797\nFrom: Custis, George Washington Parke\nTo: Washington, George\nDearest Sir\nNassau Hall [Princeton, N.J.]June 8 [1797]\nWith a heart oerflowing with gratitude, love, and joy, I return you thanks for your favour of the 4th ultimo, and could my words do justice to my feelings I would paint them in their highest tints, but words communicate ideas not sensations! Your letter fraught with what reason, prudence, and affection, only can dictate, is engraven on my mind, and taken root in a soil, which I shall cultivate and which I hope in God may become fruitfull, and Dearest Sir while I look up to that Providence which has preserved me in the late contest with the passions, and which has enabled me to do that which will redound to my honour permit me to make this humble confession, sanctioned by reason and mature deliberation viz. That if in any way or by any mean I depart from your direction or guardianship\u2014Let me suffer as I and such an unprudent act deserve\u2014Unfortunately man never will beleive untill convinced perhaps too late, by his own situation. That your letter and the directions therein contained were merely from the purest motives I cannot admit a doubt from one unto whom I have looked up to for support on earth and from whom I have experienced unbounded generosity[.] These things I am aware of, And let my endeavours to recompence be as great as yours to serve is all I can hope for, and what my conscience tells me I shall attain.\nDuring my recess from College I was by no means idle, having with Doctor Smith compleatly studied the use of the Globes and got a pretty tolerable insight into geography\u2014The course he means to pursue this summer privately I do not know except Priestleys elements of Natural History which I shall begin immediately\u2014together with Smiths Constitutions.\nI have at length obtained a room to myself and shall take for a room mate a Mr Cassius Lee son of Richard Henry a young man lately arrived from the Eastward where he has been pursuing his studies privately; he is of an amiable disposition and very well informed \u2014I shall have an opportunity of giving you better information concerning him when he has resided with me some time, as yet he is perfectly agreable and very engaging\u2014The Roman\nhistory my class are now studying and as I am very well acquainted with it from having previously studied it with the Doctor, of course have some time for reading which I shall employ accordingly.\nAccept Sir my sincere thanks, for not having revealed my situation to my family, no doubt it was most prudent\u2014I had written to Mrs Law and given her some idea of the thing, supposing she might have gotten wind of it, and will in future endeavour to obliterate it from the memory of every one.\nThe things with which you commisioned me to obtain I accordingly provided, and suppose you have the accounts now for adjustments They are perfectly suitable and reasonable I hope. I am now in perfect health tho the summer is more disagreable for every thing I shall take particular care in eating fruit and drinking water as I have seen so many fatal instances of intemperance in both\u2014June passes now very pleasantly as the Country affords many inducements to agreable recreation.\nI now conclude with expressing what I allways have had nearest my heart, a desire of your esteem & be assured nought shall be wanting on my part for the obtaining of the same, and may That great Parent of the Universe prolong your days is the sincere prayer of your ever affectionate\nG. W. P. Custis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0145", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 9 June 1797\nFrom: Sinclair, John\nTo: Washington, George\nWhitehall [London] 9th June 1797\nSir John Sinclair presents his best respects to General Washington, & has the pleasure of sending him by the hands of the gallant Kosciusko the remainder of the Agricultural Surveys.\nIf General Washington should want any to complete his sett Sir John begs to know the deficient Counties, and he will take particular care to send them to America, for though those Reports are merely to be considered as printed manuscripts for correction, and additional observations, yet they contain a great Mass of valuable Matter, & are the first instance of a whole Country being completed in that Stile\u2014It is therefore worth while to have a complete sett, or two of the original Surveys of Old England preserved in America.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0146", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Henley, 11 June 1797\nFrom: Henley, David\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nKnoxville State of TennesseeJune 11\u20141797\nAfter the arduous task of presiding over the government of the United States, you are I trust and hope returned to the bosom of your ancient seat, there to solace yourself upon the noblest of reflections, of having snatched America from the tyranny and oppression of the Brittish sceptre, raising her to empire, establishing her government, and afterwards shielding it from foreign and domestick violence.\nThese mighty deeds has filled me with respect and reverence towards you, the lustre thereof however does not so far dazzel my mind, as to loose sight of your friendship and notice to me, and I\nrequest you will deign to accept of my sincere thanks of the attention shewn me in the early part of life. And in offering them I would be mindfull also of the kindness and civilities of your Lady, to whom I must request you will also be pleased to tender them, and be assured that whilst memory lasts I shall ever hold you both in reverence and gratitude.\nThe politicks of this State seem to be as yet unsettled, the runing of the boundary line creates much uneasiness, which I hope will be got over by the wise and judicious conduct of the Commissioners the honorable Mr Hawkins and General Pickens. These gentlemen are now upon the Cumberland upon that duty.\nA few days since Mr Byers factor for the United States, intercepted an extraordinary letter of Governor Blounts to Cary one of the interpreters, as I am sensible you are informed of the proceedings of that gentleman in the administration of the government of this Country, and as you are pointed out in the letter, and as the family I am informed have been violent in their speeches against Your administration I have inclosed a Copy of the letter for your perusal. Tho I am sensible you take no pleasure in the misfortunes of your enemies, Yet it gives me satisfaction in detecting those vices, which your virtues have exposed. I am Dear Sir with great respect Your Hum. Servt\nDavid 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0147", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 12 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fitzgerald, John\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 12th June 1797\nIf you have had leizure to examine my unimproved lot in Alexa., more attentively, and have digested any plan in your own mind for an advantageous division of it, I would thank you for the result, as I wish to fix on a Plan.\nI was informed, when in Town last, that Mr Voss (I think the name is) would give 18d. a sqr. yard for the earth to make bricks\u2014& that he would not deface, or injure the lot in doing so. What is your opinion on this point?\nMr Anderson has engaged me in a distillery, on a small scale, and is very desirous of encreasing it: assuring me from his own experience in this country, & in Europe, that I shall find my acct in it, particularly in the benefits my stock would derive from it. The thing is new to me, in toto; but in a distillery of another kind (Molasses) you must have a good general knowledge of its profits, & whether a ready sale of the Spirit\u27e8s\u27e9 is to be calculated on from grain (principally to be raised on my own Farms) and the offal of my Mill. I, therefore, have taken the liberty of asking your opinion on the proposition of Mr Anderson. Such a house as he requires, and everything except the Stills, I could provide at a small expenditure. With very great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0148", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Fitzgerald, 12 June 1797\nFrom: Fitzgerald, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nAlexandria Monday 5 oClock P.M.[12 June 1797]\nI am this moment honor\u2019d by the receipt of your letter of this date. I have had some doubts respecting the most advantageous mode of laying off your lott & have this day advised with Mr Keith about it\u2014We agree in Opinion & I will do myself the pleasure of forwarding to you a Sketch of it as soon as I return from Loudoun which I expect will be on Saturday or Sunday next.\nI am fully of opinion that if Mr Voss will give 18d. a square Yard for the Clay he should be indulged in the purchase, binding him to use it in a certain time say 18 Months or at most 2 years & also that he should not dig deeper than the surfaces of the different Streets, & it might be well to insert in the agreement that he should first & in a limited time use the earth from Prince Street to the alley as that part will be most in demand & would immediately rent.\nAs I have no doubt but Mr Anderson understands the Distillation of Spirit from Grain I cannot hesitate in my Opinion that it might be carried on to great advantage on your Estate\u2014considering that the Grain will be chiefly if not entirely raised on your land & the amazing benefit your Stock of Cattle & Hoggs will receive\u27e8.\u27e9 as to a Sale of the Whiskey there can be no doubt if the Quantity was ten times as much as he can make provided it is of a good Quality. With unalterable attachment & respect I am Dear Sir Your mo. Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0149", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 12 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 12th June 1797\nYour favour of the 6th instt came by the last Post; and I find by my unacknowledged letters, that I am indebted to you also for your letters of the 27th of April, & 16th Ulto.\nFor the Mellon, and other seeds which you were so obliging as to send me, I thank you; and when the Barbary Wheat is received, much attention shall be given to the cultivation of it. The Buckles sent by Colo. Humphreys, were delivered Safe by Mrs Harrison; and in a little time I shall take the liberty of committing to your care, to be forwarded to Europe, a few letters in answer to those you have had the goodness to send me, under your covers. The Paper herewith sent, I now request the favor of you to present with my best respects to the President of the United States. It belongs to the files of his office, and is the original of what you put the Seal of your Office to, at my request, since I left Philadelphia.\nI had some hope that the late conduct of our Great and Magnanimous Allies, would have produced but one sentiment in the Representatives of the People; I could not be otherwise than disappointed therefore (in a degree, for there are some, I fear, who under all circumstances are resolved to support their measures) at the opposition by so great a minority to the Reported Address. But so it has been\u2014and so it will be\u2014whilst men are actuated by different motives & views. It is to be hoped, notwithstanding, that even those who are so tenacious of the honor, dignity & interest of our good friends, will not be averse from guarding against their enmity, by the adoption of such means as will enable the Executive to defend the country against a continuation of the outrages it has sustained on our Commerce. This being the most effectual, if not the only means to obtain their friendship or forbearance. If Justice is lacking on our part, render it. On the other hand, let our own rights be claimed, & maintained, with a dignified firmness. No just offence can be taken at this conduct by France, whilst it must be approved by all the rest of the world. Mrs Washington joins me in best regards to Mrs Pickering and yourself\u2014and with very great esteem I am always, sincerely & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0151", "content": "Title: To George Washington from B. N. M., 13 June 1797\nFrom: B. N. M.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPrince Edward [County] 13th June 1797\nHaving always had the strongest conviction of the many noble Virtues with which Heaven has endowed you, and particularly the Generosity of your Disposition I am induced to communicate to you, a short history of myself as a necessary Introduction to a request I shall presume to make. Born of Reputable parents who tho\u2019 in moderate Circumstances, have exerted themselves to procure me an Education, I have after the usual course of private Instruction spent some time at college\u2014But unfortunately my more than affectionate father had contracted a British Debt, which honour & conscience obliged him to discharge & consequently his resources have not been sufficient to continue me at college\u2014Anxious to do the best in my power for an honorable support, I removed to an unhealthy part of the State & taught a School; my business was just enough to support upon decently\u2014and having\nbeen some years before attached to an amiable Woman, who had every accomplishment but a large Estate\u2014I married\u2014In a short time both my wife & myself were seized with sickness under which she laboured about 10 months & expired leaving behind a lovely Infant who has lately left me to deplore the loss of both\u2014My Indisposition has continued till about 3 Months ago\u2014since which Time I have been recovering and am now thro the blessing of Providence in good Health\u2014But my losses during the Time of Sickness, application to Phisicians, relinquishment of my business, and the numerous expences incident to those who reside in a populous City\u2014have conspired to plunge me into Embarrassments which I am now unable (without assistance) to surmount.\nMy Debts with costs of suit &c., amount to nearly \u00a3200. And I am unable to raise the twentieth part of that Sum. Since the return of my health I have been engaged in the study of the Law & hope in a few months to acquire a license to practice. But in the mean time Executions are out against my body for I have no Effects.\nNow Sir I have only to request after this candid account of my situation that you will afford me some assistance. I have been always determined rather to solicit the assistance of the Virtuous, than to abandon my Integrity or despond under difficulties.\nIf you could (provided you deem my request worthy your notice) grant some assistance I hope heaven will reward the deed; and be assured my exertions shall be used to prove myself not unworthy the favour. A Bank note enclosed in a letter and directed To B. N. M. To care of the Post master at Prince Edward Courthouse & conveyed by post will be perhaps the most adviseable method. Modesty imposes silence as to my name, But be assured when I have the happiness to prove myself worthy of the favour that shall not be denied.\nI write in haste\u2014expecting the Sherrif. But would just observe that should you deem my request impertinent you may consign the letter to oblivion. But should you think of granting your aid\u2014it shall always command my grateful acknowledgements. I beg leave after wishing you all the Happiness your retirement can afford together with your worthy lady to subscribe with every sentiment of respect your hule 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0153", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jacob Van Vleck, 14 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Van Vleck, Jacob\nRevd Sir,\nMount Vernon 14 June 1797\nIt is with regret I find myself under the necessity of being an apologist for others.\nUntil lately I had no other expectation, or wish, than that the two misses (my nieces and cousin to each other) were preparin for their journey to the establishment at Bethlehem. But I am informed that one of them (Maria Washington) on whose acct the first application was made, is in very declining health (in short that she is in a consumption) and therefore adjudged by her Aunt, with whom she lives, to be unfit for the change which had been contemplated\n\u2014and as a principal inducement to the other\u2019s (daughter to Colo. Ball) going, was that they might continue together, I have been advised (both living at a considerable distance from me) that, under the circumstances I have related, it is not intended now, to send either.\nI hope, as it always appeared to me that your consent to admit these girls at the time you did, the School being full\u2014was matter of favour, for which I felt the obligation, that no inconvenience will result from the change which has taken plac\u27e8e.\u27e9 With very great esteem & respect I am\u2014Revd Sir, Yr obedit & Obliged Hble Ser\u27e8vt\u27e9\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0155", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 15 June 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia 15 June 1797\nI have been very much occupied since I had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 29th of May, and even now am very far from being a man of leisure.\nFrom the late events in Europe, there is ground for beleiving that England will be forced to accept of terms of peace, unless indeed France inebriated with victory, should require cessions which even the spirit of opposition would revolt at. Should Canada be among her demands and yielded, our situation would become extremely critical. You will see by the inclosed what use she has made of Spain, and can conjecture as well as any one whether she means to let us alone even should she make peace with England\u2014without Canada. Her internal practices upon our people go on as usual; and it seems to be the determination of a part of Congress to do nothing, which whether they foresee the effects of such conduct or not, must work in favour of her projects and to our disadvantage.\nI pray god to keep you in health and that you may long injoy retirement and tranquility. Your affectionate\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0156", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 June 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nPhila[delphia] June 15th 1797\nMr Ross was out of town when I recd your favour of the 7th instant otherwise I should have immediatly answered it\u2014I have delivered to him, your Receipt.\nOn enquiring at the Bank of Pensylvania this day, I find that no money has been deposited there on your account. Mr Ross says he will receive & prosecute Colo. Shreve\u2019s bond, if you desire it.\nWe have not much other news than appears in the papers, of national importance: Germany is disorganized, & the affairs of England appear to be tending to some eventful crisis\u2014The French depradations on our Commerce in Europe are increasing\u2014by annulling the validity of Passports granted by our Ministers it is intended to prevent our Citizens from going to France, to pursue their claims\u2014Some of the French cruizers have treated our people with extreme barbarity\u2014Instances have happened of men being tortured with thumb screws to induce declarations injurious to their employers\u2014Congress will do but little this session; as the danger increases, a disposition to inaction appears unfortunately to prevail.\nMrs Wolcott joins me in presenting her most respectful regards, to yourself Mrs Washington & Miss Custis. I am with every sentiment of defference & attachment Dr Sir your obedt servt\nOliv. Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0159", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 18 June 1797\nFrom: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir,\nThe Hague 18 June 1797.\nAfter a very disagreeable and tedious passage of eight weeks from the Delaware, I was landed in Europe, with Mr & Mrs Murray, on the 7th instant, at the mouth of the Texel. We got on shore in the afternoon, & the next day pursued our journey by land towards Amsterdam, where we arrived on the 9th\u2014Several vessels which left Philadelphia after our departure had arrived here ten days before us, and of course the coming of Mr Murray was expected. We have every where been receiv\u2019d with much kindness. Mr Adams was at Amsterdam when we got there, & accompanied us to this place. Mr Murray has waited in an informal way on the Minister for foreign affairs, and tomorrow is appointed for the formal delivery of his credentials to the President of the National Assembly. I had much pleasure in meeting at Amsterdam Mr & Mrs Marshall who had arrived a few days before us from London. Mrs Marshall has two sons & made many kind enquiries concerning Mrs Wn & yourself. at the Hague we found Genl & Mrs Pinckney, who are well & enquired also particularly concerning you. Mr Adams will leave this soon for London, where I believe he is to be united to Miss Johnson & from thence proceed to Lisbon. Be pleased to offer my affectionate regards to my aunt & my best wishes to the family at M. Vernon. With grateful & continued remembrance of your repeated kindnesses, I remain, with sincere respect & attachment Yr oblig\u2019d hble Servt\nB. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0161", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 19 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Scott, Gustavus\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 19th June 17\u27e897\u27e9\nYour favor of the \u27e816th Inst.\u27e9 enclosing the letter of Mr Walt\u27e8er Smith,\u27e9 to you, has been received. \u27e8If Messrs Reed\u27e9 and Ford trifle much lo\u27e8nger with me\u27e9 in the transfer of the \u27e8deficient shares,\u27e9their conduct shall \u27e8be exposed in the\u27e9 light it deserves.\nNothing I more \u27e8wish than to\u27e9 improve the Breed of my Cattl\u27e8e and Sheeps\u27e9 and to affect the former, had c\u27e8aused en\u27e9quiry to be made of Mr Gough if \u27e8he had\u27e9 any young Bulls (of his English \u27e8breed)\u27e9 for Sale: the result was, that he had \u27e8only\u27e9 one (except calves) of about eight m\u27e8onths\u27e9 old; for which he asked 200 dollars. Thinking this high, for one so young, I \u27e8have\u27e9 authorised Mr Peter to buy Mr Thre\u27e8lkalds\u27e9 at \u00a375, as he is of sufficient age.\nI thank you for your in\u27e8timati\u27e9on to Colo. Lloyd (& since to his So\u27e8n) of what\u27e9 you supposed my wishes we\u27e8re but not\u27e9 knowing on what terms th\u27e8ey proposed to\u27e9 supply me\u2014I am at a loss \u27e8for the prelimi\u27e9nary steps on my part. If these Gen\u27e8tle\u27e9men intended the calf as a present \u27e8wch\u27e9 costs my feelings more, always, th\u27e8an any\u27e9 sum would do my purse; writi\u27e8ng, to Colo.\u27e9 Ramsay (whom I should prefer \u27e8to the other\u27e9 Gentleman you have named) \u27e8wou\u2019d have\u27e9 the appearance of a sti\u27e8mula, which I\u27e9 should wish to avoid: \u27e8And on the other\u27e9 hand if I am to posse\u27e8ss him as a Common\u27e9purchaser, I should li\u27e8ke to know before\u27e9 hand, what sum I am to p\u27e8ay. If you can\u27e9 give me further inform\u27e8ation on this\u27e9 head it would oblige, Dear Sir Your Most Obed\u27e8t &\u27e9 Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0162", "content": "Title: Clement Biddle to GW, 20 June 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Biddle, Clement\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: Clement Biddle to GW, 20 June 1797. On 3 July GW wrote Biddle and referred to \u201cyour favor of the 20th 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0163", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Anderson (of Scotland), 21 June 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\nHonoured Sir\nEdinburgh 21st June 1797\nI am favoured with your letter of the 7th April last, and lose not one moment in acknowledging the receipt of it. I have forwarded the letters inclosed in it\u2014with a request that the persons to whom they are addressed, to communicate with me on the subject. I shall use my best endeavours to find out a person who will suit you\u2014and I hope I shall be able soon to write to you in a satisfactory way on that head\u2014tho\u2019 I am not without doubts as to the amount of the wages\u2014that article having started amazingly within a few years past in this country.\nI beg leave to join in heart felt gratulations on your happy retirement from the turbulent scene of public life. I hope you will long be permitted to enjoy that peaceful tranquillity which the good alone know how to prise or to enjoy. It will add to my comfort if\nI can indulge the idea of having in any way been aiding in promoting it.\nI shall be in this place for only ten days or a fortnight from this date, during which time I hope to get your business finished\u2014after that I propose to take up my residence for the remainder of my life, some where in the neighbourhood of London, where I have already five sons\u2014Two more, who will go thither nearly as soon as myself\u2014one son in India, and one daughter, are all that are left to me of thirteen children\u2014all of which were suckled by their mother\u2014A woman who was an honour to human nature\u2014She is in Heaven\u2014and with her, my attachment to any local situation is altogether dissolved. Her children, I have the happiness to think, are not likely to disgrace her memory\u2014and, I shall feel a comfort in being near them. It is rather singular in this country that out of such a family, there is not one of them bred up either in the army or navy, in the church or at the bar, and that I have never had occasion to solicit a single favour (farther than common civilities) either on their account or my own. They have been blessed with good health, and a spirit of independance\u2014and they have had the good fortune to find that fidelity and industry, are the best friends that ever they could have relied upon. With these dispositions of mind, my heart feels a glow of Gratitude to heaven at seeing them rising into respectability, which gives to the evening of my day, a degree of tranquillity that is highly pleasing. I have now given up with [any] kind of business for the remainder of life\u2014and on a moderate income, above the fear of want, and below the temptations which wealth and power so necessarily engender, I shall have no other inducement to action but those which the heart and the social affections shall produce\u2014The more active these shall prove, the more pleasing\u27e8.\u27e9 I have not yet fixed where I shall take up my place of rest\u2014but any letter with which you shall be pleased to honour me will find me, if directed to the care of Mr A. Anderson No. 35 Leadenhall street London.\nAs I hope to have the honour of addressing you again in a very short time, I shall not enter into particulars at present\u2014farther than barely to take notice, that in regard to the former business you communicated to me, things begin to wear a more favourable aspect than at the time I last wrote to you\u2014This country at present enjoys a state of prosperity much higher than it ever did at any\nformer period. Its affluence is immense, and the effects of that will soon be felt by a diffusion of it to a much wider extent than is at present suspected\u2014I know that this account is directly contradictory of the common statements, but these, I also know, to be exceedingly fallacious. The stability of our government, and the energy of the people, will soon astonish all nations\u2014Nothing can be immediately done; but the time is not far distant when it may. Our late internal struggles will be productive of very blessed effects\u2014That the struggles of America may terminate in a similar manner is the sincere wish of my heart! and that nothing may ever disturb the tranquillity of your peaceful retreat is the sincere prayer of Sir, your Much obliged\u2014and sincerely respectful Hul. Servt\nJas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0164", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Anderson, 21 June 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nMt Vernon 21 June 1797\nYour letter of 18th gave me much Satisfaction every alteration which You think well of will be attended to in the Planing & executeing the Improvement of Your Estate.\nAnd as much Grass seeds as possable saved for every purpose proposed.\nYour Excellency\u2019s approbation and mark thereof in allowing me \u00a3140 Hire is very agreable for this & future times.\nIt will please me better than any share, for some reasons besides those mentioned by Your Excellency. & will prevent the most distant Idea (I hope) of Grudge\u2014And I flatter myself that my best endeavours, shall always be directed for Your Interests And whenever they are otherwise, or that I slacken in my Industry I would then be unworthy of continuing in Your Service.\nThe expence of fixing a house for a Distillery 3 more Stills & a Boiler will be nearly thus 3 stills & one Boiler something about 520 Doll[ar]s Additional Mash Tubs \u2014We have already one Stove which I bought and will do And the mash Tubs purchased are good as well as every other thing.\nThe Building of a Still house a small malting house & Still, I could not well estimate\u2014Our own people will do the whole excepting\nseting up the Stills, A Strong Cellar must be at hand to Lodge the Spirits in\u2014And if such a Work be\u2019s carryd on, the constant Milling of Wheat, Buying Wheat &ca.\nI then must move to the place of Action, as the most of the business will be done at that particular Spot.\nBut this could be done after the work is set fully agoing.\nI do think if Mr Stewart will Stay, He can be trusted sooner than many others. And am Satisfied Billy may do at the House and J. Cash do both Union & Doguerun Farms at \u00a360.\nMr Neale refuses staying unless his hire is made larger\u2014My opinion is rather than do so I\u2019d have none\u2014Isaac may have, as at present the charge of the Shop\u2014And James the charge of that without doors\u2014where only 3 & Himself are constantly at work\u2014It will rather increase my labour pursuing these alterations, But that will never be any objection where a saving can be made.\nAnd by this there would be loped off \u00a3126 besides the finding of 3 familys\u2014which might be nearly.\nMy views are not directed by any particular dislike at any of them\u2014Who all obey, & are rather oblidging But in one Hand, I would wish not only to see Your Estate improved but Also to see some handsome profit made. Being with the most sincere esteem Your Excellencys Most Obdt Humble Set\nJas Anderson\na State of the Distillery is herewith handed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0165", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 22 June 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nWashington 22d June 1797\nI am sorry I was not more full in my Letter respecting Mr Lloyds Bull. It certainly never was intended that you Shoud pay any thing for him. On the contrary both the late and present Mr Lloyd expressed much satisfaction in being able to contribute to the improvement of the Breed of Cattle. The late Collo. Lloyd sold no Calves of his Bakewell Breed but gave many To his friends: And I beleive none more freely than the one destined for you. Had I not been perfectly asurd of this I shou\u2019d have never mentioned the subject to you. The Reason of my mentioning Collo. Ramsey or Genl Swan was that Some person at Baltimore might receive the Bull on his arrival, lest any difficulty shou\u2019d occur on his arrival there. I did not ask [for] a grown Bull but a Calf & expect one will be forwarded about 8 or 10 Months old, & probably not remarkably well raised: So that he wou\u2019d not be fit for immediate use.\nI had hoped a \u27e8Train\u27e9 was laid to rid you of Reed & Ford, but I much fear Nothing can be done with them. Col[umbi]a Shares are not to be had at 32 Dollars, & by the time they get into a humour to give 32$ they may rise to 34$. I have a Letter from Walter Smith since my last to you, but it holds out no new Hope of bringing these Gentlemen to a proper Sense of Justice. My affairs will compell me to be at Phila. next Week, & if by a personal Interview or any other way I can clear you of the Incumbrance of these Swindlers\nit will give me much pleasure. I think of setting off on Monday & shall probably be a Week at Phila. I have the honor to be with sentiments of perfect Respect Dr Sir Your mo. obt servt\nGusts Scott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0166", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 23 June 1797\nFrom: Spotswood, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir\nLexington State of Kentucky June 23d 1797\nHaveing already wrote you respecting your lands purchased of general Lee, Laying on Rough Creek\u2014shall now only observe, that I arrived on them with the gentlemen, mutually chosen by Lee and myself, to Vallue the Same; on the 25 of may after traceing the lines so as to Keep us within the bounds of the two tracks; we proceeded to Traverse the Same, and found the two tracts to consist of as follows\u20141st Rolling land\u20142d\u2014Very Hilly land runing up into points\u20143d\u2014Ridges Runing out from the creek\u20144th\u2014much flat land grown up with Cane\u20145. very high land with much Hurtleberry land[.] The first described land lays well for the plow. & very rich, but I beleive no great quantity. the 2d d[itt]o poor\u2014here the Setlers Say is much iron ore, and very rich but of this I am no Judge\u20143d (Ridges) the whole of them do not contain more than 60 acrees\u2014very rich & lays well for the plow\u2014and Surrounded with the flat Caney land which is immensly rich, but every year flooded with the back water from 18 Inches to 2\u00bd feet deep which is of great advantage to the land by leaveing every year a rich coat of Manure\u2014& no disadvantage to the farmer, as the water comeing on gradually and going of as gradual will never Take away fences\u2014and returning to the creek from whence it comes\nby the 20 of March, gives the farmer full time to prepare for his crop\u2014the last described land\u2014has very Steep hill Sides, on arriveing at the Top, it becomes ridgey\u2014the Valleys between each ridge is Narrow\u2014on the Top of the ridges, fields may be got from 40 to 50 acrees of good farming land\u2014the assents & decents from ridge to ridge is gradual, (as far as I saw & examined) this land was Vallued at one dollar pr Acree\u2014it is thought here to be of no great Vallue; but with us would be deemed champion land.\nhad woodrows Survey been in the sale from Lee to me\u2014I beleive the land would have been Vallued to 10/ pr Acree; it is a most Valluable situation for a mill, and (if yours) will render your lands Valluable\u2014but not until the Country about it is Settled; which I am inclined to think will not be the case shortly, as the Country around is held in very large Surveys\u2014belonging cheifly to Such as will not (I am Told) Sell immediatly.\nThis Mill Seat is claimed, by a Mr Hite in this Country, who Says, Andrew woodrow\u2014Sold the warrant to his father 12 yrs ago. One \u27e8Stevens\u27e9 near Bairds Town Tells me, that he Claims 2600 acrees out of yr two tracts Bought of Lee\u2014he Says the warrants that first obtained these lands, was early laid in 1783\u2014(before his)\u2014but afterwards, the entry was withdrawn, and the warrant laid over again on the land\u2014which then made his the oldest Entry\u2014but for this, I only have his word\u2014however, on examining the auditors Books in Virginia, this bussiness will be explained \u2014The land is well Timbered\u2014The assembly here in there last Session, released all the condemned lands\u2014Colo. Marshall informs me he has pd yr Taxes to 1796 \u2014please to present me affectionately to Mrs Washington & beleive me dr sr to be with much Esteem & affectionate regard yrs Sincerely\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0167", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Dumas, 24 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Dumas, Gabriel-Mathieu (Guillaume-Mathieu), comte de\nSir,\nMount Vernon 24th June 1797\nThrough the medium of General Pinckney, I was honoured with your letter of the 24th of January, accompanying your Pamphlet on the Military and Political situation of France. For both, I pray you to accept my best acknowledgments & thanks. That you should have given me a place in your remembrance, is equally flattering & grateful to my feelings; as I could but esteem you while I had an opportunity of being acquainted with your merits, in our Revolutionary War.\nFor want of a competent knowledge of the French language I cannot, in reading your treatise on the above subjects, do complete justice to the sentiments it contains; but I know enough to be persuaded of its merits, and to wish that they may contribute to the restoration of that Peace & harmony\u2014whatever the motives may be for carrying on the war, which is so congenial to the feelings of humanity.\nThat it may (if not sooner accomplished) be the means of restoring our mutual friend Fayette, and his family to their liberty, health & the confidence of their country, is my ardent wish; as it also is that all his friends would exert themselves to effect it: the first if no more. His son (with a Mr Frestal, who appears to have\nbeen his Mentor) are, and have been residents in my family since their arrival in this country, except in the first moments of it, and a modest, sensible, & well disposed youth he is.\nI am very glad to hear that my old friend & acquaintance Genl Rochambeau is alive, & in the enjoyment of tolerable good health. It is some years since I had the honor to receive a letter from him; but if it should fall in your way, at any time, to recall me to his remembrance by the presentation of my best regards for him, and which I pray you to accept also yourself, it would oblige me.\nThis letter will be presented to you by Genl Marshall, one of our compatriots in the American war, & now a joint Envoy with General Pinckney & Mr Dana  (all of whom I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance as men of honour & worth) appointed for the purpose of adjusting the differences which exist\u2014unfortunately\u2014between our two Nations; & which no man more sincerely regrets than I do; or who more devoutly wishes to have them accomodated upon principles of equity & justice. I have the honour to be Sir Your most Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0168", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 24 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon 24 June 1797.\nTo learn from your favor of the 25th of January that you were well, gave me singular pleasure; but as I had left Philadelphia before your letters dated in Paris had been received at the Secretary of States Office, and not having seen Mr Horry yet, I have only such accounts as have been given to the Public, of the treatment you met with from the French Directory. So extraordinary indeed it is, as to require no comment; nor shall I add any thing more on the subject than that your conduct on the occasion is universally approved: that it deserves to be so, is my decided opinion.\nI had nothing more in view by giving you a genuine copy of the intercepted letter from me to Gouvr Morris, than to enable you, if a spurious one should be exhibited for insidious purposes, to place the correspondence in its true light. If the matter sleeps, I have no wish to awaken it. Should it, however, be brought before the public, it will, prima faci\u00e6, carry along with it the mark of private intercourse; but if the case were otherwise, there is no sentiment expressed, that I have a disposition to retract.\nI am much obliged to General Dumas for the Pamphlet he had the goodness to send, and for his kind remembrance of me. I recollect\nhim well, as an Officer of high estimation in the French Army, that served in this country, and hope he, & others, friends to the oppressed, & distressed Fayette, will use their exertions to obtain the release of him, & his family, from the ignominious treatment which has been inflicted with so much rigour on one hand, & borne with so much fortitude on the other.\nFrom the proper Department you will, no doubt, be informed of every thing that is interesting for you, as a public character, to know, & from your friends & connections to the Southward you will I am persuaded, receive all such as concerns you as a private one. As for myself I am now seated in the shade of my vine & Fig tree, and altho\u2019 I look with regret on many transactions which do not comport with my ideas, I shall notwithstanding \u201cview them in the calm lights of mild philosophy\u201d\u2014persuaded, if any great crisis should occur, to require it, that the good sense and spirit of the major part of the people of this country, will direct them properly.\nThe occupation of my time\u2014unimportant indeed to all but myself\u2014is not spent in idleness, for an absence of eight years (except short occasional visits which allowed me no leisure to inspect matters accurately), has so deranged my private concerns\u2014and committed such depredations on my buildings, and all around them, that I have found as much occasion for workmen of various kinds, and as close employment in looking after them as if I had commenced a new establishment altogether.\nThis letter will be handed to you by Genl Marshall, who with Mr \u27e8illegible\u27e9 joint Envoys with yourself, to try if the difference between France & America, can be amicably adjusted. You will find him well worthy of your friendship & confidence. He is a firm friend, upon true principles to his country\u2014sensible & discreet.\nI pray you to present my best respects to Mrs & Miss Pinckney, in which Mrs Washington joins me, and that you would be assured, always, of the sincere and affectionate regard of Dear Sir Your Obediant 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0169", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 24 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Scott, Gustavus\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 24th June [17]97.\nYour favor of the 22d Inst. was received by the Post of last night, and by Monday\u2019s Mail I will request the favour of Colo. Ramsay to receive, & notify me, of the arrival of any Calf Mr Lloyd may be so good as to forward to Baltimore, on my account.\nBy the last letter of Reed and Ford, to me, I had an assurance, that under any circumstance the deficient shares should be transferred by this time; if then, before you set out for Philadelphia it should be convenient for you to know whether they have taken effectual measures for this purpose, it would oblige me. If this is done, the matter, as it respects them, will be closed: on the contrary, if you would be so good while in Philadelphia to let those Gentlemen know that their obligation is in your hand\u27e8s\u27e9 and that I cannot let the matter rest upon the event of their buying the shares under the Market price, & that I must do my self justice if they will not, it would add to the obligations you have already conferred on me in this business. With great esteem & regard I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0171", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Quincy Adams, 25 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 25th June 1797\nYour favour of the 11th of Feb: and a duplicate thereof, have been duly received; and I pray you to accept my best thanks for the trouble you have had in tracing to its origen, the history of the Sword which came to my hands last year, in the manner communicated in a former letter. As it is more than probable you will have left Holland before this letter can be received, I shall give you no further trouble in the affair than merely to inform you that I have never seen, or heard more of Alte than the account given of him in your letter of the above mentioned date.\nI am now, as you supposed the case would be when you then wrote, seated under my Vine & Fig-tree; where, while I am permitted\nto enjoy the shade of it, my vows will be continually offered for the welfare & prosperity of our country; and for the support, ease & honor of the Gentleman to whom the Administration of its concerns are entrusted. I have expressed to him my sentiments, & wishes that you may be induced to continue in the Diplomatic line, and these sentimts and wishes, are the result of the fullest conviction of its utility, as it relates to the public interest.\nFor the kind expressions which you have extended to me; and the approbation of those sentiments I took the liberty of submitting to my countrymen, in my late Valedictory, I have a grateful sense; and thank you for communicating them; as the approbation of good & virtuous men is the most pleasing reward my mind is susceptible of, for any Services it has been in my power to render my Country. With great truth & sincerity, I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Affecte 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0172", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Rufus King, 25 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: King, Rufus\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 25th June\u20141797.\nI have been honoured with your letters of the 12th of Novr of the last, and 6th of Feby & 26th of April in the present year; and feel myself much obliged by your kind & prompt attention to the publication of the Decree of the High Court of Chancery, of the State of Virginia: the evidence of which you were pleased to forward in the London Gazettes.\nAs you will have the Political situation of this country transmitted to you from the proper Department; and, no doubt, will be informed of the causes wch have produced it, and which create a continual opposition to the Administration, detailed with more accuracy by such of your friends as are at, or near, the fountain of intelligence, than I could do, I shall say but little more on the subject of Politics, than that matters are pretty much in the train you left them; and that it is my firm belief, that no occurrence or event of whatsoever kind or nature it may be, will change the sentiments, or (which perhaps would be more correct) the conduct of some characters amongst us. However much to be regretted this is, by those who think differently, yet, having taken my seat in the shade of my Vine & Fig tree, I shall endeavour to view things in the \u201cCalm lights of mild Philosop[h]y.\u201d Persuaded that if ever a crisis should arise to call forth the good sense & spirit of the People, no dificiency in either, will be found.\nFor the interesting details you have had the goodness to communicate in your several letters, I pray you to accept my thanks. it is reported, and with a confidence which gives it a currency, that the preliminaries of Peace between France & Austria are actually signed. For the sake of humanity, I hope it is true, but it is an accomodation of the differences between the former & Great Britain that is to produce harmony in this Country; for nothing short of that, while there is a Party determined to advocate French measures\nunder all circumstances, & to withdraw this country from that strict Neutrality which its policy adopted, & the Administration has adhered to, can effect this purpose.\nLet me ask the favor of you to present me in respectful terms to Mrs King, and that you would be assured of the great esteem & regard with which I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. The expence of publishing the Decree has not been transmitted; but shall be paid whenever it is made known to G. W\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0173", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 25 June 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir.\nRock Hill [Md.] 25th June 1797.\nI had the honor of your favor of the 24th Instt by Mr Peter; your Letter to Collo. Ramsey I will take with me to Phila. and deliver to him on my Return Home; as I shall go by the Way of Lancaster and return by Baltimore. In the mean time there can be no danger of any Inconvenience arising from the delay, as I was to give Mr Lloyd notice to what place to forward the Calf; which I shall do from Phila.\nNothing like a disposition, to do the thing that is right, had transpired from Messrs Reed & Ford after the arrival of the Mail on Friday Evening: to be ascertained of the fact I called on Mr Smith on friday Evening. I did not indeed find him at Home but received this information from his brother a young Gentleman Who writes in the Bank; and who woud not speak so confidently without good Ground.\nI shall certainly wait on Reed and Ford whilst at Phila. but I must confess I have little hope of doing any good. Men who have so long persisted in Wrong are not easily taken out of the Tract. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Dr Sir Yr mo. obt servt\nGusts Scott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0174", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Booker, 26 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Booker, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 26th June 1797\nFrom the good report I have had of your improved threshing machine, I am desirous of getting one or two of them erected; and as expeditiously as possible.\nThe Scantling for two, upon the Plan of Mr Jefferson & others, of the Scotch machine, had been got before I received the account of yours; and may, I presume, be appropriated to the latter. The purpose therefore of this letter, is to know if you would undertake to erect mine; or, if your other engagements should present your personal attendance, whether a person in whose knowledge & skill in the matter, you cd place entire confidence, could be sent; or, lastly, whether you could spare time to make me a visit for the purpose of directing my own Carpenters (six or 7 in number, & some of them competent to follow any direction) to proceed to the execution, and for which due compensation would be made you.\nI must beg the favour of a speedy answer (by Post to Alexandria) that I may know what I have to rely on\u2014for if I cannot have them erected upon your plan in a short time, I shall \u27e8proceed\u27e9 upon the one I had at first contemplated, so desirous am I of getting my Wheat out early. I am\u2014Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0177", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 26 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Humphreys, David\nMy dear Humphreys,\nMount Vernon 26th June 1797\nSince I did myself the pleasure of writing to you by Captain OBrian, I have been favoured with your letters of the first of Jany and 18th of Feby. The last in date, was the first received; but neither came to hand until long after I had left the Chair of Government, & was seated in the shade of my own Vine & Fig-tree.\nThe testimony of your politeness and friendship to Mrs Washington and myself, which accompanied the latter, are accepted with the same cordiality and chearfulness, with which I am sure\nthey were presented. Presents however, to me, are of all things the most painful; but when I am so well satisfied of the motives which dictated yours, my scruples are removed; and I receive the Buckles (which are indeed very elegant) as a token of your regard & attachment; & willkeep, & wear them occasionally, for your sake.\nAs the Gazettes of this Country are transmitted from the Department of State to all our Diplomatic characters, abroad, you will, of course, have perceived, that the measure, advised by you, relative to the disavowal of the forged letters, (attempted to be imposed on the public as written by me in 1776) had been previously adopted; without any of the accompaniments contained in your draught, wch was received long after the publication of it.\nI am clearly in sentiment with you, that every man who is in the vigour of life, ought to serve his country in whatsoever line it requires, and he is fit for; it was not my intention therefore to persuade you to withdraw your services whilst inclination, & the calls of your country demanded your services; but the desire of a companion in my latter days, in whom I could confide, might have induced me to express myself too strongly on the occasion. The change however, which I presume has \u2019ere this taken place in your domestic concerns, would, of itself, have annihilated every hope of having you as an inmate, if the circumstance had been known at the time.\nOn this event, which I persuade myself will be fortunate & happy for you, I offer my congratulations with all the sincerity & warmth you can desire; and if ever you should bring Mrs Humphreys to the U. States, no roof will afford her & you a more welcome reception than this, while we are the Inhabitants of it.\nTo the Department of State, and the Gazettes which will be transmitted from thence, I shall refer you for the political State of our affairs; but in one word I might have added, that nothing short of a general Peace in Europe will produce tranquillity in this country, for reasons which are obvious to every well informed, or observant man, among us. I have a confidence however, in that Providence, which has shielded the U. States from the Evils which have threatned them hitherto: and as I believe the major part of the people of this country are well affected to the Constitution, & government of it, I rest satisfied that if ever a crisis should arise to call forth the sense of the Community it will be strong in support of the honor & dignity of the Nation. Therefore, however much I regret the opposition which has for its object the embarrassment\nof the administration, I shall view things in the \u201cCalm lights of Mild Philosophy\u201d and endeavour to finish my course in retirement & ease.\nAn absence from home of eight years, except short occasional visits to it (which allowed no time to investigate, or look into the real state of my private concerns) has very much deranged them; and occasioned such depredations upon buildings, and all things around them, as to make the expence of repairs almost as great, and the employment of attending to Workmen, almost as much, as if I had commenced an entire new establishment.\nThe Public buildings in the Federal City go on well: one wing of the Capitol (with which Congress might make a very good shift) and the Presidents house, will be covered in this autumn, or to speak more correctly perhaps, the latter is now receiving its cover, & the former will be ready for it by that epoch. An elegant bridge is thrown over the Potomac at the little Falls, and the navigation of the River above it will be completed, nearly, this season; through which an immensity of Produce must flow to the Shipping Ports thereon. Alexandria you would scarcely know; so much has it increased since you was there; two entire Streets where Shallops then laded & unladed are extended into the River, & some of the best buildings in the Town erected on them. What were the Commons, are now all inclosed, and many good houses placed on them. As my circle is now small, my information will be, of course, contracted; as Alexandria & the federal City will, probably, be the extent of my perambulations. If you have entered the matrimonial list, I pray you to present me in respectful terms to your lady, and at all times, & under all circumstances, that you would believe me to be, as I really am, My dear Sir Your most Obedient and Affectionate Servant\nGo: Washington\nP.S. The Seal of this Letter being black is occasioned by the death of my only Sister, Mrs Lewis late of Fredericksburgh.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0178", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 26 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Peters, Richard\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 26th June 1797\nUntil last week, I had no suspicion that the Hessian fly was among my Wheat; but upon examination I found there were many. They have come too late, this year, however, to do me much damage; but as I view them as the harbingers of those who will visit me next year, I would guard, as far as it may be in my power, against the threatned evil.\nPermit me therefore to ask, if from your own experience, or from that of others on whom you can rely it is ascertained whether Rye or Barley (winter or Summer) is liable to this calamity? In the country above me, the Wheat, I am informed, is entirely destroyed (in places) by this fly; and from the appearances of them among mine, It is but too probable it would be the case with me next year, if I do not substitute other grain in its place. But What grain is the important question. Are oats affected by these flies?\nWhere this calamity has not visited the Wheat, the grain is remarkably fine, and the quantity not to be complained of. Present me, if you please, in respectful terms to Mrs Peters, and add thereto the compliments of Mrs Washington. With great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Affecte Hble Servt.\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Is there any truth in the observation that the yellow bearded Wheat will resist the injury which the common wheat sustains from the above named fly?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0179", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 28 June 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 28th June 1797\nI now, as intimated in my last, take the liberty of committing the letters herewith sent to your care. The one for Genl Marshall contains others for France.\nWill you permit me to remind you of the copying machine\u2014the Journals & Laws\u2014which you were so good as to promise you would have the first repaired, an[d] all sent to me. My compliments, in which Mrs Washington joins are offered to Mrs Pickering &ca and I am Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0180", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 30 June 1797\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nRichmond June 30th 1797\nI have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 26th Instant covering one for Mr William Booker; and on conferring with his Freind & immediate correspondent in this place, learn that he will probably return to his residence, about 18 Miles from hence, being now engaged abroad in building Machines, about Sunday or Monday next. I have placed your letter under cover of a few lines from myself, requesting that he will, at all events, let me see him. the letters will be lodged at his House tomorrow.\nI am confident that unless he be under ingagements which he\ncannot possibly get over, he will immediately attend you; and that, in any event, he will embrace the first opportunity he can seize, of doing so. I expect that in five or six days it will be in my power to forward you the most certain information on the subject, daily experience so fully manifests the advantages of those threshing machines, that Mr Booker is, I believe constantly receiving applications for his personal attendance on the building of them, and I am apprehensive he is under many engagements, but have no doubt of his making an exertion to attend you.\nSince General Marshall left this, I have seen the operation of a Machine lately built by Mr Booker for me, in this Country and of another for a neighbour; in both experiments my expectations & wishes have been fully satisfied; indeed I believe there has been no instance of a failure where Mr Booker has attended the building; and I have been informed of successful experiments in the hands of other artists.\nI shall, at all times, take great pleasure in rendering you any services in my power, having the Honor to be with the most sincere and unalterable attachment Dear Sir Your Affectionate Humble servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0183", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Carter, Jr., 2 July 1797\nFrom: Carter, Charles Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCulpeper July 2d 1797\nI am favoured with yr letter of the 26th ult. indicating a desire of engaging Mr Booker as Superintendant or Builder of yr threshing\nMachine\u2014Mr Booker has not yet arrived in this neighbourhood, but is expected with confidence in the course of a fort night\u2014his engagements in this branch of business (I am told) will carry him as far as Fauquier, and I conjecture that it will not be difficult to prevail on him to extend his ride to Mount Vernon\u2014I shall however refrain from making him any overtures on this subject without further advice from you\u2014The enclosed Bill was given by him to Mr Pollards Manager for his government in providing the Scantling for his Machine\u2014it may perhaps afford a hint to any person, whom you may engage in this business, and in the event of yr employing Mr Booker, be a mean of forwarding the work, by enabling yr people to prepare the Scantling \u2014This part of the country has been visited by an uncommon drought, which has occasiond a total failure of our Meadows, & placed our corn in jeopardy\u2014The wheat has against all calculation resisted its effects, & yeilded a better crop, than we have been accustomed to reap for several years\u2014offer our affectionate respects to Mrs Washington & beleive me with every sentiment of esteem & regard yr Most Ob. Sert\nChas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0184", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Ross, 2 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ross, James\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 2d July 1797.\nI have been in continual expectation of hearing that Colo. Shreve had deposited the amount of his second instalment in the Bank of Pennsylvania, agreeably to contract; but as a month has elapsed since it ought to have been done, and no account of a payment there, and as it has been usual with him to offer these in driblets\u2014by any body\u2014at any time\u2014& in any manner\u2014regardless of his obligation; thereby depriving me of the advantage of counting upon the money at the period when it becomes due\n(which was a principal inducement to the Sale) I have enclosed you his Bond, with a request that you would put it in suit, or take such other measures to obtain payment at his cost, as you shall deem expedient. Below is the sums which have actually been recd on the Instalments. My best respect are presented to Mrs Ross, & with very great esteem & regard\u2014I am always Dr Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0185", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 3d July 1797\nI presume my letter, enclosing the Power of Attorney, had reached your hands before your favor of the 20th Ulto was dispatched, altho\u2019 the rect thereof was not acknowledged; and that the latter has enabled you to draw the interest of my Certificates at the Bank. Presuming on this, the letter to Mr McAlpan is sent, and open for yr perusal.\nMr Morse having sent me his American Gazetteer, supercedes the necessity of your purchasing one for me. The Keys sent by Mr Aikens are returned, being too large, and of course useless to me, although they may be otherwise to him. With esteem I am Dear Sir Yr Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. When paid, please to send McAlpins acct 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0187", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Henley, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henley, David\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 3d July 1797.\nYour letter of the 11th Ulto from Knoxville has been duly received, and for the kind & affectionate sentiments expressed therein towards Mrs Washington & myself, we pray you to accept our best acknowledgments, and an assurance of our esteem & regard for you. Should you ever pass, or repass this road, we should be glad to have an opportunity of repeating them to you in person, at this retreat of ours from the bustling scenes of public life.\nThe interscepted letter, of which you were at the trouble to send me a copy, if genuine, is really an abomination; disgraceful to the Author; and to be regretted, that among us, a man in high trust, and a responsible station, should be found, so debased in his principles as to write it. With respect to the sentiment which relates to\nme, as late President of the United States, I hold it, as I shall do the Author, if he uttered it, in the most sovereign contempt; but such an attempt as is therein exhibited to poison the minds of the Indians, and destroy the utility and influence of the Agents employed by Government for the express purpose of preserving Peace & harmony with the Indians, and this too for the avowed design of facilitating a Plan which he is unwilling, or ashamed to express; and more than probable from the complexion of the letter, is of an injurious nature to the Country, deserves an epithet which he can be at no loss to apply.\nI hope the original letter, if it carries the marks of genuineness, has been carefully preserved and forwarded to the proper department, that the person guilty of such atrocious conduct may be held to public view in the light he ought to be considered by every honest man, & friend to his Ctry. With great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0188", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McAlpin, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McAlpin, James\nSir,\nMount Vernon 3d July 1797.\nIf you will present your account of the things furnished young Mr Custis (on his return to College in May last) to Colo. Clemt Biddle, he will pay you the amount thereof.\nI thank you for the information repecting John Cline, but shall give myself no further concern about him, for it was always my intention to have given him his freedom (as I did by the other Servants under similar circumstances) when I retired from Public life had he remained with me. I wish you well, and am Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0189", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 July 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia 3 July 1797\nYou will hardly stand in need of the inclosed paper to convince you of its writers principles altho\u2019 it may be necessary as a proof of his criminal intentions. It is to be laid before Congress to-day. There are some circumstances that would induce a belief that there is more of French in the plot than British; altho\u2019 Chisholm actually had conversation last winter with the British minister on the subject. I expect more information from Tenessee. The plot of our enemy thickens and the storm in all probability will soon burst. Your affectionate\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0190", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Peters, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBelmont [Pa.] July 3d 1797\nI am extremely sorry to find by your Favour of the 26th of June that the Fly extends its Ravages this Year so generally. All our Wheat is either much injured or totally destroyed by it in this Quarter & it is so in every Part of this State, on this Side the Mountains. Delaware & Maryland are in the same Situation. Thus this Insect is defeating French Spoliations, by taking away the Subject of them. This will answer the Purpose of an Embargo, without implicating our Government.\nMy early Virginia Wheat is less injured than any other. I have about half a Crop. The Rye in the same Field is excellent. Yet a few Stalks are affected by the Fly. I have always percieved this in Fly Seasons. But it has been my Belief & Experience that Rye will withstand\ntheir Attacks. The bearded Wheat (the yellow Bearded) is generally thought safe. A Neighbor of mine has as fine a Field of it as ever I saw; not the least injured by the Fly, tho\u2019 the adjacent Fields of other Wheat are not worth reaping. I sewed yellow-bearded Wheat many Years, & had little Loss from the Fly; but suffered much from Mildew. So that I prefer this Wheat to any other on this former Account, tho\u2019 I do not think it the best Species of that Grain. Late sowing avoids the Fly, but risques the Mildew. So that here is Scylla & Charybidis. I have a small Patch of common Wheat, sowed after Potatoes in November, in rich Ground, prodigiously fine. If it escapes Mildew, & I believe it will, I shall have 30 Bushells to the Acre.\nSummer Barley is so uncertain a Crop that I sow little of it, but always have some. I have seen the Fly in it, but not so as to damage it materially. I have also percieved it in Winter Barley. This Grain however will bear late sowing, & must have strong Land well tilled, & therefore is a comparatively safe Crop. I never saw the Fly in Oats. But I have heard of its being in this Grain in small Numbers.\nI shall sow little Wheat, & that chiefly for Experiment, this Year. I will try the early Virginia sown late & the yellow bearded. Rye & Winter Barley shall be the great Proportion of my Crops.\nThe Fly stole a March on us this Year. We had no appearances of it the last Harvest. I wish we could intermit sowing Wheat entirely for a Year or two, that there might be no Pabulum for these Vermin. I know they will attack this Grain & even Grass, such as Timothy if they have no Wheat to feed on, but by no Means in so destructive a Degree. I have troubled you with my experience & Intentions as to my own farming, that you may see my Opinion on the Enquiries you have been pleased to make.\nI have just returned from an Excursion thro\u2019 the northern Part of this State, whither I went to look over some of my Lands which I had too long overlooked. This led me to visit many Quarters of the Country & I found their Crops very bad, but the People much mended in their political opinions\u2014in French Affairs particularly. Our people will have to give a Tone to our Government (tho\u2019 the Direction ought to be the reverse) if Matters should come to a Crisis. But I trust Time, & our old Friend Good Fortune, will Dissipate the Clouds which now lower over us. Our State has long had the Misfortune of being misrepresented by those who do not speak the public Opinion. But there is a Lassitude among the People too\ngenerally. We have drank so deep of Prosperity, that we are like honest Gentlemen after a Debauch. We are now cross sick & feeble, but ready for another Feast. If it is set again before us, tho\u2019 it may not be quite so plentiful, we shall go on jovially & get drunk & sick again.\nMrs Peters joins in the most affectionate & respectful Return of your & Mrs Washington\u2019s kind remembrance of us. You are both very often in our thoughts & always in our Hearts. I am most truly & respectfully your obedt Servant\nRichard Peters\nIf my Neighbor\u2019s Crop of bearded Wheat turns out as well as it now promises shall I secure you some of the Wheat for Seed?\nI wish some Experiments were tried to see which would destroy or drive off these Vermin. But I scarcely believe it possible.\nAs the Fly will go a great Way towards Starving the French Islands, I wish the Directory would turn their Resentments against it & Spare us. In this they would shew quite as much Sense & more Justice. Their Philosophers would be better employed in finding out the Means of extirpating this Insect, than in rooting out everything heretofore deemed Sacred & valuable among Mankind. I question however if it be a European Production; & I do not wish the practical French Philosophers to begin any more of their experiments here. I have talked with a number of Hessians & other Germans, & they never knew or heard of this Fly in their Country. I know not how we came to call it the Hessian Fly. Perhaps because we then hated the Hessians; as all the Nations of Europe who hate one another (& that is pretty general) cast off the opprobrium of another Scourge. The French call it \u201cMal de Naples\u201d & the Italians Mal francoise. I fancy they, among other Victims, have suffered lately as much by the new Mal francoise, as ever they did by their old Acquaintance the Mal de Naples.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0192", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 3 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 3d July 1797.\nNot believing that Congress would adjourn as soon as some expected; and hoping that Colo. Shreve would not lay me under the necessity of putting his Judgment Bond in suit, I have forborne until now, to send it to Mr Ross for that purpose. But as I believe he is one of that description of men who have very little idea of punctuality; and as my wants require all my resources, I have now forwarded it under cover to you: but request that you would be so good before the letter which encloses it is handed to Mr Ross, to enquire at the Bank of Pennsylvania if Shreve, or any one in his behalf, has deposited therein for my use the sum of about two thousand dollars. In case this is done, I pray you to return to me my letter to Mr Ross. If there be no deposit, then to give, or send it to that Gentleman by a safe conveyance.\nBy the public Gazettes, two things seem to be certain: Preliminaries\nbetween France & Austria of Peace, and a dangerous Crisis in England. A third however is necessary to give tranquillity to this Country, and that is actual Peace between the latter & France. Whether that would produce harmony is at least problematical, for I am sure \u27e8the\u27e9 views of some among us would not be promoted by such an event.\nThe letter for Colo. Biddle I would thank you for sending to him. present me, & the family to Mrs Wolcott, and be assured always of the esteem & friendship of Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0193", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Buchan, 4 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Buchan, eleventh earl of (David Stuart Erskine; 1742-1829)\nMy Lord,\nMount Vernon 4 July 1797.\nUnder cover from Mr Cambbell of New York, about the time of my bidding adieu to the Walks of public life, I had the honour to receive your Lordships letter of the 1st of July 1796 from Kirkhill.\nCongress being then near the close of an important Session, many matters of a public, and some of private concern (preparatory to the change which was on the eve of taking place) engrossed so much of my time and attention as to induce me to suspend the acknowledgement of all letters not of a public nature, or requiring immediate answers, under an idea that when I should be fixed in my retreat abundant leizure would be afforded to discharge all my epistolary obligations. In this however I have found myself mistaken, for at no period have I been more closely employed, than within the three months I have been at home, in repairing the ravages which an eight years absence (except occasional short visits which were inadequate to investigation) have produced on my Farms, buildings, and every thing around them.\nI have taken the liberty of troubling your Lordship with these details to avoid the imputation of being inattentive to your favours; which I should be unwilling to incur, and ungrateful if I deserved to be so charged.\nAt the age of 65 I am recommencing my Agricultural pursuits & rural amusements; which at all times have been the most pleasing\noccupation of my life, and most congenial with my temper, notwithstanding a small proportion of it has been spent in this way.\nI was not sanguine in my hope of obtaining tenants from Great Britain, for my Farms of the estate on which I reside, although the experiment was made. It appeared to me more probable that Capitalists, and such as would answer my purposes would rather become Proprietors than tenants; although the latter, in reality, might prove the best medium to attain the former; experience having shewn, in many instances, that some by making precipitate purchases, have made injudicious establishments; while others, by holding off too long, have expended their means\u2014when small\u2014before they had decided on the part of the Country, or on the plan to be adopted.\nIt was my constant endeavour whilst I had the honour to Administer the Government of these United States, to preserve them in Peace and friendship with all the World. Humanity, interest and policy all combined to dictate the measure; and I have reasons to believe that the Gentleman who has succeeded to the Chair of State will pursue a similar policy; and if to stop the further effusion of human blood; the expenditure of National wealth; and the cries, & distresses of fatherless children & Widows made so by the most destructive Sword that has ever been drawn in modern times, are sufficient inducements for returning it to the Scabbard, a general Peace must surely be at hand. Be these things however as they may, as my glass is nearly run, I shall endeavour in the shade of my Vine & Fig tree to view things in the \u201cCalm lights of mild Philosophy.\u201d With Mrs Washington\u2019s compliments to Lady Buchan to which I beg leave respectfully to add mine, I am Your Lordships Most obedient, obliged, & Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0194", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 4 July 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhila. 4 July 1797.\nI do myself the pleasure of enclosing you a Line recd last Night from Messrs Reed and Ford. When I return I shall call on Mr Linghan and Know how far the Contents of these Genlns Letter may be depended upon. I have the honor to be with sentiments of perfect Respect Dr Sir Yr mo. obt Servt\nGusts Scott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0195", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Philip Freneau and Alexander Menut, 5 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Freneau, Philip,Menut, Alexander\nGentn\nMount Vernon 5th July 1797\nDeclining by public notification to receive any of the Gazettes of United States after the first of March last (unless particularly ordered) I presumed the design of sending the \u201cTime piece\u201d was to discover whether I was inclined to become a Subscriber or not.\nUnder this persuasion I expected after a lapse of sufficient time to assertain this fact that every succeeding paper would be the last; but as they are still continued, I have to offer you my thanks for those which have been forwarded and to request that no more\nmay be sent; having no disposition to engage in Politics and receiving all the news (foreign & domestic) from the Gazettes at the seat of the Government I require nothing more. I am Gentn Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0196", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Booker, 7 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Booker, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 7th July 1797\nYour letter of the 3d instant from Richmond was recd by the last Post, and I embrace tomorrow\u2019s Mail, the first since its arrival, to thank you for your attention to my request; to inform you that I shall be much pleased to see you here between the 20th & 27th according to promise; and that the Scantling got for the old, shall either be accomodated to the new Thrashing Machine, or other provided by the time above mentioned: and will have the Iron, and every thing else ready to avoid delay which cannot well happen as I have half a dozn Carpenters, & Blacksmiths of my own.\nShould any thing happen (wch I hope will not) to prevent you from being here at the appointed time, be so good as to inform Yr Most Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0197", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 7 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 7th July 1797.\nBy the last Post I was favoured with your letter of the 3d instant and thank you for its enclosure, although, on the same day, I had, myself, transmitd a copy thereof to the Secretary of State.\nI had doubted a while, whether to forward it to your Office or that of State, but finally resolved to send it to the latter, as it seemed more properly I thought, to belong to that Department.\nIf the letter (intercepted by Mr Byers) is a genuine one, and the Gentleman\u2019s hand writing is not easily mistaken, or counterfeited, what excuse can a late Governor & present Senator of the U.S., or his friends for him, offer for such Nefarious conduct? The defence must be curious, and will, I have no doubt, be conducted with as much effrontery as art. I hope, notwithstanding, if the fact is proved, that the author will receive all the Punishment which the Constitution and Laws of this Country can inflict; and thereafter be held in detestation by all good men. To seek private emolument at the expence of Public Peace\u2014perhaps at the expence of many innocent lives: and to aim a stroke at the reputation of a virtuous character, hazarding his health\u2014probably life\u2014to promote tranquility between the Indians and our frontier Inhabitants; and by destroying his influence, & well earned good name among the former, to render him incapable of serving his Country and this forsooth because he may be a stumbling block in the way of a plan which he has in contemplation, is a crime of so deep a dye as no epithet can convey an adequate idea of to my mind. A poor wretch stealing the worth of a shilling, possibly to buy bread, would be hung, or confined to hard labour; and here, a plan (at which I can only guess) is on foot to defraud the public of its rights; deprive Citizens perhaps (in its consequences) of their lives; to stigmatise characters; and ultimately to produce War, with all its concomitants, wch will, more than probable, meet with advocates.\nBut as you inform me that the matter would be laid before Congress, as on monday last, I shall wait (with some degree of impatience I confess) to learn the result. Always, I remain Your Affection[at]e frd\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0198", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Marshall, 7 July 1797\nFrom: Marshall, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 7th [17]97\nI have had the pleasure of receiving from Mr Pickering your letter to me inclosing others for France, intrusted to my care, to the delivery of which I shall be particularly attentive.\nReceive Sir my warm & grateful acknowledgements for the polite &, allow me to add, friendly wishes which you express concerning myself as well as for the honor of being mentiond in your letters.\nI expect to embark in the course of the next week in the Grace for Amsterdam there to join Genl Pinckney & thence to proceed, if we be permitted to proceed, to Paris. Mr Gerry, if he accepts the appointment, which is not yet certain, he having requested some short time for deliberation, will follow. Claypoles papers by the mail of today exhibit the case of Mr Blount. Opinions here are as various on this subject as on every other\u2014not with respect to Mr Blount\u2014all concur in giving him up, but with respect to the object of the scheme, the means of execution & the degree of crime or indiscretion attach\u2019d to different foreign ministers. It is by some conjecturd that Mr Blount himself gave to the Spanish Minister the inteligence on which was founded his application to the Government of the United States. I remain Sir with the most respectful attachment Your Obedt Servt\nJ. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0199", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 7 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 7th July 1797\nYour letter of the 1st instant was brought to me by the last Post. The Journals of the 1st 2d & 3d Sessions of the first Congress, I have, & no later. These are in folio\u2014one volume of the Senate, and another of the House of Representatives. If no complete set can be had, either in folio or octavo, it would be useless to obtain a copy of what I now possess: but if they are to be continued in the latter, and an entire set could be had of that size, it would be prefered on account of uniformity.\nPlease to accompany the copying Press with the account of cost, & the amt shall be transmitted in Ba[n]k notes. With great esteem & regard I remain\u2014Dear Sir Your Obedient & Affecte 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0200", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Washington, 7 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Uncle\nCha[rle]s Town July 7th 1797.\nHaveing been for two years past particular unfortunate in Loseing all my Crop of small grain, Induces me to solicit a favor of you[.] the Last year I should have made Two Thousands Bushels of Wheat but was unlucky enough to get a man to stack for me who was not acquainted with the business and there came a wet spell of Weather, and I Lost all to about Two hundred bushls. That Loss I should by great exertion I would have got over without Selling my Land; which my Father was good enough to give me when I became of Age but I was Oblige to become responsible for all his debts which I could, had I been Lucky I would have made enough from my crops to have discharg\u2019d them all but meeting with a second Loss of my Wheat owing to the hesian fly which destroyed my present Crop. And this being a Bad time to make sale of my Land urges me to Apply to you for the Loan of a sum of Money such a one as you can conveniently spare which I will most sertainly return as soon as I can make sale of some property to advantage, for was I to sell at this time it would entirely ruin me, I tried some time\nago to part with a few Lotts I had in Chas Town to pay a debt due Doct. S[t]ueart but they would not sell. I Am in hopes when you find that it has not been by desipation or Extravagance on my part that has been the cause of my Misfortunes it will be an Appology for my request, for was I a charactor of that description I am well Assure\u2019d I should not be countenanced by you. Believe your Affectionate Nephew\nSaml 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0202", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 9 July 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir.\nPhiladelphia 9th July 1797.\nYesterday after hearing councel the Senate expelled Mr Blount. Mr Tazewell voted against his expulsion upon very frivolous ground. The affair makes a good deal of noise I mean talk without the plot or project being understood.\nYou will see by the inclosed reports to the President the further disclosure of French projects. It would seem as if nothing short of a dismemberment of the union, and having a part of it under\nFrench protection would satisfy the Directory. After gaining this point, at which I am sure they aim France will then play for the whole.\nMr Boardley put into my hands the other day the annexed little work which he requested me to send you, excusing himself from doing it least it might be thought to require a letter of thanks which he did not wish to expose you to for such a trifle. I have not had time to read it. I pray my sincere respects to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis and to be beleived what I am your affectionate\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0203", "content": "Title: Clement Biddle to GW, 10 July 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Biddle, Clement\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: Clement Biddle to GW, 10 July 1797. On 14 Aug. GW wrote Biddle: \u201cI have delayed until now, to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 10th & 25th 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0204", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 10 July 1797\nFrom: Carrington, Edward\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nRichmond July 10th 1797\nBy this evenings Mail I had the Honor to receive yours of the 7th Instant covering one for Mr Booker who is now somewhere on the south side of James River in the line of his business. He was apprised, before he left this, of the probability a letter from you arriving by this Mail, and will certainly put himself in the way receiving it.\nIn the mean time I can assure you of his considering it as his duty, from what he wrote, to be in readiness for such a call as I understand your letter to contain; and you may rely on his attending you within the periods he mentioned, if health permits. I have the Honor to be with affection & Dear Sir Your Most Obt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0206", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Goodloe Harper, 10 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Harper, Robert Goodloe\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 10th July 1797\nBy the last Post I was honoured with your \u201cobservations on the dispute between the United States and France\u201d and for your polite attention in sending them to me I pray you to accept my best acknowledgments.\nBeing on the point of celebrating Harvest [at] home, I must be allowed, as a Farmer, to make every other matter yield to the accomplishment thereof; that being over, the Pamphlet, I am persuaded, will be read with edification and pleasure by Dear Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0207", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 10 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon 10th. July 1797.\nIf nothing happens more than I foresee to prevent it,\u2014I propose to be in the Federal City on Monday or Tuesday in next week; but it will depend on your being there. I request therefore to be informed by the Post if this will be the case; or whether business at that time will call you from it.\nWhen that far I shall extend my ride to the little and great falls of the River,\u2014at the last of which I have not been these eight or nine Years. I am Your Affectionate", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0208", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John William Bronaugh, 11 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Bronaugh, John William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 11th July 1797.\nEnclosed you will receive a copy of the courses and distances of my tract of 7276 acres of Land on the Great Kanhawa, adjoining Poketallico Creek.\nI am obliged to you for giving me the offer of 2000 Acres of your Land in that quarter, but my own want of money induced me to sell two tracts of near 5000 Acres in the Counties of Washington and Fayette in the State of Pennsylvania for much less than the real value of them.\u2014but\nIf you are going to the Kanhawa, and it should fall readily in your way to do it, I would thank you for information, when you return, of the situation, or rather circumstances, under which my Lands on that River are, for I am totally in the dark respecting them. I am\u2014Sir\u2014Yr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0210", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 12 July 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nPhiladelphia July 12th 1797\nI have recd your Letter of the third instant no monies have been deposited by Colo. Shreve, I shall accordingly transmit your Letter to Mr Ross; he went out of Town unexpectedly.\nI hear that my fathers health is declining, and shall set out for Connecticut to morrow. We have no news\u2014Genl Marshall will sail this week. I am ever with perfect deference your obedt servt\nOliver Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0213", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 15 July 1797\nFrom: Sinclair, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBoard of Agriculture, Whitehall [London] 15th July 1797.\nI have the Honor to inclose a Copy of my address to the Board of Agriculture, delivered at the close of our late Session, from which you will perceive the present State of our Pursuits in the great Cause of Agriculture. I hope it will have the good fortune of meeting with your approbation.\nI also have the pleasure of herewith Sending the remainder of The original Surveys according to the plan first undertaken, which completes that part of our design.\nI am persuaded that these communications, though not So complete as they will yet be rendered, will not be unacceptable to one, whose Zeal for Improvement is So well known, and universally acknowledged.\nAny information upon these important Subjects from America will be thankfully received by the Board. I have the honor to be, with great respect and regard. Your most faithful and obedient Servant\nJohn Sinclair\nN.B. I hope that the plan of establishing a Board of Agriculture in America, is not abandoned. Do you think that the American Virginia forward wheat, would answer in England. A Sample of it would be extremely acceptable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0214", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Strickland, 15 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Strickland, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 15th July 1797\nI have been honored with Yours of the 30th of May and 5th of Septr of last Year.\nAs the first was in part an ansr to a letter I took the liberty of writing to you and the latter arrived in the middle of an important Session of Congress wch became more interesting as it drew more nearer to its close in as much as it was limitted by the Constitution to the 3d of March, and on that day was to give political dissolution to the house of representatives, a third part of the Senate, and the chief Magistrate of the United States, I postponed from the pressure of business occasioned thereby the acknowledgment of all private letters, which did not require immediate answers until I should be seated under my own vine and fig Tree where I supposed I should have abundant leisure to discharge all my Epistolary obligations. In this however I have hitherto found myself mistaken, for at no period have I been more closely employed in\nrepairing the ravages of an eight years absence except short occasional visits which allowed no time for that investigation which since my reestablishment here I have found my Buildings, Gardens, and every thing appertaining to them, so much required\u2014Engaging Workmen of different sorts, providing for & looking after them, together with the necessary attention to my farms, have occupied all my time since I have been at home.\nUnimportant as these details must be to you, an apology in my estimation seemed necessary for suffering so interesting a letter as Yours of the 5th of September to remain so long unacknowledged. And I could offer none better than the facts which occasioned it.\nI was far from entertaining sanguine hopes of success in my attempt to procure tenants from Great Britain, but being desirous of rendering the evening of my life as tranquil and free from care as the nature of things would admit I was willing to make the Experiment.\nYour observation with respect to occupiers & proprietors of land has great weight, and being congenial with my own Ideas on the Subject was one reason, though I did not believe it wou\u2019d be so considered, why I offered my Farms to be let: Instances have occured and do occur daily to prove that capitalists from Europe have injured themselves by precipitate purchases, of Freehold Estates immediately upon their arrival in this Country, while others have lessened their means in exploreing states and places in search of locations; whereas if on advantageous terms they could have been first Seated as tenants, they wou\u2019d have had time and opportunities [(]for the propensity to become holders of Lands themselves shou\u2019d continue) for making advantageous purchases. But it is so natural for man to wish to be the absolute Lord and master of what he holds in occupancy, that his true interest is often made to yield to a false ambition. Among these the Emigrants from the New England States may be classed and will account in part for their migration to the Westward. Conviction of these things having left little hope of obtaining such Tenants as would answer my purposes, I have had it in contemplation ever since I returned home to turn my farms to Grazing principally, as fast as I can cover the fields sufficiently with Grass\u2014Labour & of course expence will be considerably diminished by this change, the nett profit as great and my attention less divided, whilst the fields will be improving.\nYour Strictures on the Agriculture of this Country are but too\njust\u2014it is indeed wretched\u2014but a leading if not the primary cause of its being so is that instead of improving a little ground well we attempt much and do it ill; a half a third or even a fourth of what we mangle well wrought and properly dressed wou\u2019d produce more than the whole under our system (if it deserves that epithet) of management yet  such is the force of habit that we cannot depart from it. The consequence of which is that we ruin the lands that are already cleared and either cut down more wood if we have it, or emigrate into the Western Country. I have endeavoured both in a public and private character to encourage the establishment of Boards of agriculture in this Country but hitherto in Vain; and what is still more extraordinary and scarsely to be believed I have endeavoured ineffectually to discard the pernicious practice just mentioned from my own Estate; but in my absence, pretexts of one kind or another have always been paramount to orders. Since the first Establishment of the National Board of Agriculture in Great Britain, I have considered it as one of the most valuable Institutions of Modern times; and conducted with so much ability and zeal as it appears to be under the auspices of Sir John Sinclair, must be productive of great advantages to the Nation and to mankind in General.\nMy System of agriculture is what you have described, and I am persuaded was I to farm it on a large scale, would be improved by the alteration You have proposed; at the same time I must observe that I have not found Oats so great an exhauster as they are represented to be\u2014but in my system the[y] follow wheat too closely to be proper, and the rotation will undergo a change in this, and perhaps in some other respects.\nThe Vetch of Europe has not succeeded with me; our frosts in winter & droughts in summer, are too severe for them. how far the mountain or wild Pea would answer as  a substitute by cultivation, is difficult to decide, because I believe no trial has been made of them and because their spontaneous growth is in Rich lands only: that they are nutricious in a great Degree in their wild state admits of no doubt.\nSpring Barley (such as we grow in this Country) has thriven no better with me than Vetches. The result of an Experiment made with a little of the True sort might be interesting. Of the field Peas of England (different kinds) I have more than once tried but not with encouragment to proceed; for among other discouragements\nthey are perforated by a bug which eats out the kernal\u27e8.\u27e9 From the cultivation of the common black eye Peas, I have more hope and am trying them this year both as a Crop & for plowing in as a manure but the severe drought under which we labour at present may render the Experiment inconclusive. It has in a manner destroyed my oats; and bids fa[i]r to do so by my Indian Corn.\nThe practice of plowing in Buck Wheat twice in the season, as a fertilizer is not new to me. It is what I have practiced\u2014or I ought to have said rather\u2014attempted to practice, the last two or three years, but like most things else in my absence, it has been so badly executed\u2014that is the turning in of the pl[an]ts has been so illy timed as to give no results; I am not discouraged however by these failures, for if pulverizing the soil, by fallowing and turning in vegetable substances for manure are proper preparatives for the Crop that is to follow; there can be no question, that a double portion of the latter, without an increase of the plowing must be highly beneficial. I am in the Act of making another experiment of this sort, and shall myself attend to the operation which however may again prove abortive from the cause I have mentioned\u2014vizt the drought.\nThe lightness of our oats is attributed more than it ought to be to the unfitness of the climate of the middle states. That this may be the case in part and nearer the sea board in a greater degree, I will not controvert; but it is a well known fact that no country produces better Oats than those that grow on the Allegany mountains immediately Westward of us\u2014I have heard it affirmed that they weigh upwards of 50 lbs. the Winchester bushel. this may be occasioned by the fertility of the soil, and the attraction of moisture by the mountains\u2014but another reason and a powerful one too, may be assigned for the inferiority of ours, namely that we are not choice in our seeds & do not change them as we ought.\nThe seeds you were so obliging as to give me, shared the same fate that Colo. Wadsworths did; and as I believe seeds from England generally will do, if they are put into the hole of the Vessel\u27e8.\u27e9 for this reason, I always made it a point, whilst I was in the habit of importing seeds to request my merchants and the masters of Vessels by which they were sent, to keep them from the heat thereof.\nYou make a distinction and no doubt a just one between what in England is call\u2019d Barley, and Big or Beer, if there be none of the true Barley in this Country\u2014it is not for us without Experience\nto pronounce upon the Growth of it; and therefore, as noticed in a former part of this letter it might be interesting to ascertain whether our climate & soil would produce it to advantage. No doubt as your observations while you were in the United States appear to have been extensive & accurate it did not escape You, that both Winter and Spring Barley are cultivated among us; the latter is considered as an uncertain Crop\u2014So. of New York and I have found it so on my farms\u2014of the latter I have not made sufficient Trial to hazard an opinion of Success. About Philadelphia it succeeds well.\nThe cassia cham\u0153crista, or Eastern Shore Bean as it is denominated here, has obtained a higher reputation than it deserves; and like most things unnaturally puffed sinks into disrepute. Ten or more Years ago led away by exagerated accounts of its fertilizing quality, I was induced to give a very high price for some of the seed, and attending to the growth in all its Stages, I found that my own fields which had been uncultivated for two or three years, abounded with the same plants; without perceiving any of those advantages which had been attributed to them.\nI am not surprized that our mode of fencing shd be disgusting to an European eye; happy wou\u2019d it have been for us if it had appeared so in our own Eyes; for no sort of fencing is more expensive or wasteful of timber. I have been endeavouring for Years to substitute live fences in place of them, but my long absences from home has in this as in every thing else, flustrated all my plans that required time and particular attention to effect it. I shall now (although it is too late in the day for me to see the result) begin in good earnest to Ditch and hedge; the latter I am attempting with various things but believe none will be found better than cedar; althoug[h] I have several kinds of white thorn growing spontaniously on my own Grounds. Rollers I have been in the constant use of many years in the way you mention, and find considerable benefit in passing them over my winter grain in the spring as soon as the ground will admit a hoof on it. I use them also on spring grain and grass seeds, after sowing and sometimes before, to reduce the clods when the ground is rough. My clover generally is sown with spring Grain; but where the ground is not too stiff & binding it succeeds very well on wheat, sown on a light snow in February, or beginning of March, it sinks with the Snow and takes good root; and orchard Grass of all others is, in my opinion the best mixture\nwith clover: it blooms precisely at the same time[\u2014] rises quick again after cutting\u2014stands thick\u2014yields well\u2014and both horses and cattle are fond of it\u2014green or in hay. alone, unless it is sown very thick it is apt to form tussocks; if of this or any other seeds I can procure, you shou\u2019d be in want, I shall have great pleasure in furnishing them.\nI should have been very happy in forming an acquaintance with the Gentleman of whom you speak so highly (Mr Smith of Ross Hall) but unless he has been introduced on a Public day and among strangers, unaccompanied by any expression to catch the attention I have not yet had that pleasure to see him: nor have I heard more of Mr Parsons than what is mention\u2019d of him in your letter. Your sentiments of these Gentlemen, or others, or giving letters of Introduction to any of Your acquaintance, requires no apology, as I shall always be happy in shewing civility to whomsoever you may recommend.\nFor the detailed account of Your observations on the Husbandry of these United States, and your reflection theron, I feel myself much obliged; and shall at all times be thankful for any suggestions on agricultural subjects, you may find leizure and inclination to favor me with, as the remainder of my life (which in the common course of things Now in my 66th Year, cannot be of long continuance) will be devoted wholy to rural & agricultural pursuits.\nMrs Washington feels the obligation of your polite remembrance of her\u2014and Mr & Mrs Law, who went from hence Yesterday, have added a daughter to their stock, and are all in good health. For the trouble you took in going to Hull, to see if any of the Emigrants who were on the point of sailing from thence to America, would ansr my purposes as tenants and for Your very kind and friendly offer of rendering me services, I pray you to accept my sincere thanks, and an assurance of the Esteem and regard with which I am Sir Your Most Obedient & Obliged 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0216", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 17 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pearce, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 17th July 1797\nMy Overseers at Union and Dogue run Farms endeavouring to play the same game they did last year\u2014that is\u2014to raise their wages; but as I am fully resolved not to do it (especially as the price of produce is reduced a hundred prCt) I am induced to ask you\u2014as Clark who engaged with Mr Craik is dead, & expectation from that quarter is at an end\u2014if you could recommend a person whom you know would suit me, for Union farm?\nIt is not impossible but that I may reduce the hands at Union farm & place it and Dogue run Farm under the same Overlooker: but even in this case, I will not give more than Sixty pounds wages with the usual allowances of Provisions.\nI shall insist upon a Dairies being attended to by the Overseers wife, and that Fowls shall be raised for my Table, and that nothing\nshall be sold from the Farms for their benefit; as the wages, with the allowances of Provisions, is all the man & his wife have to expect.\nI would thank you for acknowledging the receipt of this letter by the Post, as soon as it gets to hand, that I may be certain of its safe arrival: and as soon after as possible, let me know (without absolutely engaging any one) what dependence I could place on your getting a good man, with, or without a wife, but not too large a family. It is necessary I should hear from you soon on this subject, as some are offering, & the season for engaging good overseers is at hand.\nI hope to hear your health is restored to you, and that your crops have been, and are likely to be, good. My Crop of Wheat is as good as I had any reason to expect; but the Hessian fly began just before the harvest to cut it down. Next year I expect their attack will be formidable & severe. Could there be any dependance on purchasing three or 4 hundred bushels of Rye in your Neighbourhood, and at what price? I wish you & family well and am your friend & Hble Servant\nGo: Washington\nP.S. The drought is, and has been extremely severe upon us: Corn not half leg high what will be the consequence I know 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0217", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 19 July 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Washington, George\nDr sir,\nWashington 19th July 1797.\nI do myself the pleasure of inclosing you a Certificate of a Transferr of 29 Shares of Columbia Stock. Your Letter to Collo. Ramsey has been forwarded, and I at the same time wrote to Mr Lloyd respecting the young Bakewell. Probably Mr Lloyd is out on a summers Excursion as I have yet received no answer. With sentiments of perfect Regard and Respect I am Dr sir Your mo. obt servt\nGusts Scott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0218", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 19 July 1797\nFrom: Sinclair, John\nTo: Washington, George\nPrivate Sir.\nWhitehall [London] 19th July\u20141797\nI beg to return you my best acknowledgements, for the trouble you had the goodness to take, in writing so long a letter, respecting the state of the different provinces in America, and where a European was likely to settle to the best advantage. When I took the liberty of writing you on that subject, I was in a very indifferent state of health, and our public prospects were extremely gloomy indeed. They are not yet much mended, but my health being much better, I feel less despondency than I did at that time. There is no saying however, but that circumstances may render it necessary for me, to avail myself of the obliging hints, which your attention & friendship to a brother farmer, induced you to draw up.\nI am now on the Eve of setting out for the northern parts of England, where my regiment on this establishment is quartered. I have another at Corke, but have not been able to visit my Irish Battalion, since it was embodied in Scotland, and indeed I find it difficult to manage two corps, in addition to so many other avocations.\nI intrusted Dr Edwards, with some printed papers, regarding the present state of Denmark, Sweden, and Russia, which were to be destroyed after you had perused them. They would give some idea of the real situation of those interesting Countries, Russia in particular.\nIf in any particular I can be of the smallest use to you, in this part of the world, you may command the best services, of your faithful and obedient Servant\nJohn Sinclair", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0219", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Ludwell Lee, 20 July 1797\nFrom: Lee, Ludwell\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nShuters hill 20th July 1797\nThe Cook I wish to dispose of, is at present under inoculation\u2014As soon as he recovers, & is perfectly out of the way of communicating the disorder, he shall come down to Mount Vernon\u2014You are perfectly welcome to keep him, till you have had a satisfactory trial of him\u2014If he pleases you, I am sure we shall not disagree about his price.\nI have here about fifty bushels of Rye, but it is not yet cleaned from the chaff\u2014I will have it done tho immediately, & if you can make it convenient, to send for it, about the middle or latter end of next week, it shall be ready for you, at the Cash price of Rye in Alexandria. With the highest sentiments of respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt Servant\nLudwell 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0221", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 21 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 21st July 1797\nI again take the liberty of requesting that the letters herewith sent may accompany your dispatches to Mr King \u2014who I also hope will have the goodness to excuse the trouble I give him in this business, to insure the safety of the dispatches.\nI hope I shall not have occasion to give either of you much more trouble in this way, as correspondencies of this sort were not of my seeking, and I have no disposition to keep them up, except with Sir John Sinclair (President of the National Board of Agriculture) on agricultural subjects.\nOne of the last productions of this Gentleman I transmit to you, with a request that if the Plan of establishing a similar Board in these United States should be re-entered upon at the next Session of Congress, you would be kind enough to lay it before the Committee which may be appointed for the purpose of preparing that business \u2014I am always your Obedt & Affecte 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0222", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 22 July 1797\nFrom: Spotswood, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir\nNewpost July 22d 1797\nI arrived at home on the 19th inst. and now repeat the 3d time my information to you of yr Rough creek lands.\nOn the 25 of may I got on the lands, with a Surveyor, and the gentlemen, appointed by Lee & myself to Vallue the Same\u2014after traceing the lines so as to keep us within the bounds of the land;\nwe proceeded to traverse the two tracts and found them to consist of as follows; 1st Rooling land\u2014laying well for the plow, finely timbered, and extreemly Rich\u2014(Second) much Broken land runing into high points\u2014Said by the inhabitants to contain much & rich Iron Ore, but not being a Judge of this mettle can form no Judgement\u20143d\u2014Ridges Runing out from the creek & Surrounded by a large quantity of Flatt land grown up with cane\u2014The ridges lay fine for the plow\u2014and very rich\u2014the flat land immensly Rich, but Subject to be flooded by back water from the creek\u2014which I think makes it more Valluable, because every flood manures it so highly, by the rich Sediment which it leaves\u2014that will ensure its lasting forever\u2014and otherways can be of no dis-advantage to the farmer\u2014because the deepest part of the water does not exceed three feet, which comeing on gradually & going of in the Same manner, will never carry any fence\u27e8ing\u27e9 away\u2014and the waters subsideing always by the 20th of March gives the farmer full time to prepare for his crop\u2014(Fourth) very high land consisting of Ridges. the Sides of which next to the creek very Steep & Rocky\u2014but the Tops of many of the Ridges are level, & where fields may be got from 30 to 50\u2014acrees\u2014of fine farming land\u2014Such as will bring from 40 to 50 bushles of corn to the acree and from 25 to 30\u2014bushles of wheat\u2014on this last described land, there is much of it grown up with Hurtleberry bushes, but I think good farming land\u2014the Vallue put on this land is one dollar pr Acree\u2014and which I think it is Richly worth\u2014Andrew woodrows 300 acree Survey is very Valluable, on Acct of the fine Mill Seat that it includes; and which I understood from Majr Lewis he had bought for you\u2014but one Hight an old Setler in Kentucky claims it\u2014assureing me that his father purchased the warrant from Andrew Woodrow ten yrs ago \u2014One Steevens tells me, that he owns 2600 acrees of the 5000 acrees you bought of Lee\u2014his claim he Says is founded in this way\u2014the first warrant laid on the land, and entry made, was earlier than his location & entry\u2014but afterwards the first entry was withdrawn, the warrant laid over, and a new entry made, by which his location & entry became the oldest\u2014However this I suppose may be Known, by Sending all the papers to Kentucky and compareing them with Stevenses\u2014If I can render you any Service in enquireing into this bussiness; youl please to forward me yr Instructions, & I will with pleasure, Take the trouble of[f] yr hands\u2014by assertaining, as early as possible, the Validity of Stevenses\nclaim \u2014we all Join in Affectionate love to you Mrs Washington and Miss custice & am evr yr Sincerely obdt frd\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0223", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 23 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Custis, George Washington Parke\nDear Washington,\nMount Vernon 23d July 1797.\nYour letter of the 14th instt has been duly received, and gives us pleasure to hear that you enjoy good health, & are progressing well in your Studies.\nFar be it from me to discourage your Correspondence with Doctor Stuart, Mr Law, Mr Lear or Mr Lewis; or indeed with any others, as well disposed and capable as I believe they are, to give you specimens of correct writing, proper subjects, and if it were necessary, good advice.\nWith respect to your Epistolary amusements, generally, I had nothing further in view in the caution I gave you, than not to let them interfere with your studies, which were of more interesting concern; & with regard to Mr Lewis, I only meant that no suggestions of his, if he had proceeded to give them, were to be interposed to the course pointed out by Doctr Smith, or suffered to weaken you[r] confidence therein. Mr Lewis was educated at Yale College, and as is natural, may be prejudiced in favour of the mode pursued at that Seminary; but no College has turned out better Scholars, or more estimable characters, than Nassau; nor is there any one whose President is thot more capable than Doctr Smith to direct a system of education, for which reason, if Mr Lewis, or any other, was to prescribe a different course from the one you are engaged in, by the direction of Doctr Smith, thereby occasioning doubts in your own mind, it would give me\nconcern. Upon the Plan you propose to conduct your correspondencies none of the evils I was fearful of can happen, while advantages may result: for composition like other things, is made more perfect by practice, attention, & just criticisms thereon.\nI do not hear you mention any thing of Geography, or Mathematics as parts of your Study: both these are necessary branches of useful knowledge, nor ought you to let your knowledge of the Latin language, & gramatical rules escape you. And the French language is now so universal, and so necessary with Foreigners, or in a foreign country, that I think you would be injudicious not make yourself master of it.\nYou certainly do not observe the degree of heat by Farenheits Thermometer, or it must be in a very hot exposure if you do; for at no time this summer has the Mercury been above 90, or at most 91 at this place; and I should think Princeton must be as cool at least as Mount Vernon, being nearly two degrees North of it.\nYour Mamma went from hence (with your Sister Nelly) to Hope Park on Wednesday, and as well as usual. Your Sister Law & child were well on that day; and Mr Mrs & Eleanor Peter, are all well at this place now; and having many others in the house (among whom are Mr Volney & Mr Willm Morris) I shall only add that I am sincerely & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0224", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 23 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 23d July 97\nEnclosed is the certificate of the hundred shares of Stock in the Bank of Columbia, given to Mr Tobias Lear the 6th of April 1796 and transferred by him to me the 18th instant. A certificate thereof I pray you to transmit me by the Post\u2014or other safe conveyance\u2014With esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0225", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 23 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Peters, Richard\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 23rd July 1797.\nReceive my thanks for the information given in your letter of the 3d of July, and for the offer you have obligingly made, of procuring for me, seed of the Yellow bearded Wheat.\nInfluenced by the opinion, which prevailed some years since that that kind of Wheat would resist the Hessian fly, I then procured seed of it, & have kept my self in stock ever since, to make use of it upon a larger scale, if occasion shd render it necessary. And so well persuaded as I am that the attack of this insect will be severe next year, I shall reduce, considerably, my seeding of Wheat the coming Autumn; and fill the deficiency with Rye, principally. Of Wheat, however, I shall sow three kinds: The early, or May Wheat, as it is called here, in a small proportion; and the residue of the Yellow bearded, and a very fine white (also forward) wheat which I obtained last Fall from the Mountains.\nSoon after I wrote you last, the Rust siezed my Wheat straw, and a good deal injured the latter grain. And a severe drought, which we have laboured under since April, until this day week, has rendered our Crop of Oats extremely short; & rendered our Meadows scarcely worth cutting: and till now, by a second fine rain yesterday, left us little hope of making Indian Corn. Present me & Mrs Washington in affectionate terms to Mrs Peters, and be assured of the sincere esteem & regard of Dear Sir Your Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0226", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 24 July 1797\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia 24 July 1797\nMr Monroe has lately demanded in a letter to the secretary of state an explanation of the letter of recall which was sent to him in France. That an inconvenient unwise and pernicious precedent might not be set his request has been denied and consequently that affair stands on the original grounds.\nI did not retain a copy of the opinion which I had the honor to give on this measure and supposing it might be of use to me I applied to the Secretary of state for it by whom I am informed it is not in his office. Being concise and perfectly satisfactory to my conscience and judgment then and yet, it is desirable to possess it that it may be used as occasion may require and therefore if you can readily turn to it and procure a copy to be made, I shall deem it a great favor to send a copy as soon as it may be convenient.\nMr Monroe I am told is preparing for the press, and complains of the act of dismissal in the most vehement terms. In a private character I shall not scruple to give him my reasons justifying the act and submit them to him and our country. In doing this I shall find it not amiss to mention some matters that I believe are not extant in the opinion which was sent you.\nWhether the mission of conciliation will succeed is very uncertain. There are simptoms in france of returning justice benevolence and peace: If there be not peace our country must & will blame the french faction that within our bowels is working the calamities and miseries of their country. With the most sincere esteem I am very respectfully your affectionate and obedient humble Servant\nCharles Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0227", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lawrence Lewis, 24 July 1797\nFrom: Lewis, Lawrence\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir,\nFauquier County July 24th 1797\nI return you my sincere thanks for the kind invitation I received when last at Mount Vernon, to make it my home and that whilest there my services would be acceptable\u2014This invitation was the more pleasing to me from a desire of being serviceable to you and from a hope in fulfiling those duties assigned me I should derive some improvement by them.\nUn-tutored in almost every branch of business, I can only promise a ready and willing obedience to any instruction or command you may please to give.\nI should have been with you ere this, but for the unavoidable detention by my Servant\u2019s runing away, and, that at a time when I was nearly ready for my departure\u2014I have been ever since in pursuit of him without success\u2014The uncertainty of getting a Servant, or my runaway, will probably detain me untill the 25th of August; but not a moment longer than is unavoidable. With sincere regard for my Aunt, and family I remain your affectionate Nephew\nLawrence 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0228", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 24 July 1797\nFrom: Pearce, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nHopewell [Md.] July 24th 1797\nI have Received your Letter of the 17th Instant and I will do every thing In my power to git you a proper Person as overseer for Union farm\u2014but at this time I do not know of any one that would\nanswear your purpose that Is uningaged. but I will spare no paines In Looking out For such a One. I am sorrey to heare that poor Mr Clark is Dead. If he had Lived he would have made you a good Overseer.\nMr Scoone the person who I ingaged Last year for Union Farm Is dead also\u2014he was taken Ill a few days after he agreed with me. and that was the Reason I never heard from him; he had a Long Severe spell\u2014but he got over that and appeared to be as well as ever. and this spring he applyed to me again and I had agreed with him Conditionally; provided you wanted one and Intended to have wrote to you on the subject\u2014but he was taken Suddenly Ill\u2014and died In a few hours\u2014this was unluckey as he was a first Rate farmer and a sober and I beleive very honest man\u2014and he said he had a wish to have been Imployed In your Service\u2014he had managed for Genll Lloyd for Several years with a Great deal of Creddit.\nI should have thought that Viliott and Cash ought to have Been Satisfied with the wages they Receve, if you would keep them at the same, without wanting them Raised. for they are as high as they ought to Expect.\nI am Glad to Heare your Crop of wheat is good. I was affraid It would have Been Ingured By the Long drougth we had Last fall and some of It In the Corn Ground was eat by some kind of Insect. which must have Lessened the crop In some degree.\nI should be Glad to know how the fallows at Union & Dogue Run farms turned out. and wheather that peice of Land that was Trench ploughed turned out better wheat than the other part of the field.\nI am Sorrey to hear the hesian fly has Reached you as they are a great enemy to wheat and no good Crops can be Raised whare they are\u2014I am sorrey Likewise to hear the Drought Has been So Severe as to Injure your Crops of Corn, thare has been a Long Dry spell of weather here till with In this two days past we have had some good Raines and I now hope we Shall have some Seasonable weather which If we do we shall I Hope have tollarable Crops of Corn.\nwith respect to my Crops they are as good as I Expected For the prospect for wheat was bad and In order to help out with that\u2014I sowed a Large Crop of Oats & flax which are very good\u2014My Crop of wheat will not yield me more than Six Bushels for one. It was\nhurt Last fall by the fly and we had a good deal of the scab and Rust which hope to lessen The Crop; but Crops of wheat are better here this year than they have been for these three years past.\nI have my Health very Little Better than I had Last year\u2014and all Last winter I suffered Very much with the Rheumatism\u2014but since the warm weather I have got better of that. but I have a bad pain and Soreness In my Breast which seemes to Increase on me I know not how it will end\u2014My Eldest Daughter Nancey Is still In bad health The Rest of my family are well.\nI Sent you a small Bag of the Rye Grass seed Last Spring and wrote a note to Mr Anderson but I Never Heard wheather you got It or not.\nThare Is no Rye of any account Raised In this place But I will make Inquerey and if any is to be had I will Inform you thareof.\nI Hope your Self Mrs Washington & family are In good Health. I am With the Greatest Respect Sir your Humble Servt\nWilliam 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0229", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 24 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Bushrod\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 24th July 1797.\nWe shall be very glad to see you & Mrs Washington here on thursday next, and my Chariot shall meet you at Colchester at 3 Oclock on that day.\nBy your Fixing on that hour for its being there, I presume you did not intend to be here at dinner (it being the hour at which we dine) of course shall niether expect or wait for you.\nMrs Washington joins me in best regards for you & Mrs Washington & Compliments to Colo. Blackburn and family. I am sincerely & affectly 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0232", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 26 July 1797\nFrom: Lee, Henry Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir\nAlexandria] 26th July [1797]\nIn reply to your letr by your servt this evening, I can only say, that my recollection of the lands sold to you, authorizes me to consider every fair attempt to wrest your title to them as the result of error\u2014In Kentucky, I am told, too often are efforts of another sort made to deprive real owners of their property.\nI know that all the money due on the purchase of the lands you hold thro me has been paid & that my title from Doctor Skinner is unimpeachable\u2014I will endeavor to collect full information on this subject & then again write to you \u2014most respy & aflfy yrs\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0233", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Moses Jenkins, 27 July 1797\nFrom: Jenkins, Moses\nTo: Washington, George\nHonrd Sir\nJuly the 27th 1797\nI Gladly Embrace an Opportunity of writing to Your Excellency on a Subject of as Great Importance as any thing Ever yet Comprehended By Mortal Man That is the Glory of God & the Redemption & Salvation of mankind; I am A Union Minister. & I Do Sincerely Beleive that if all human Inventions was Laid Aside, that it would be Imposible that any more than one party Could Exist in the Church of Christ I am A Native of Amarica Born in the State of Pennyslvania in the Year of Our Lord 1768 And has traveled through part of Six of the States of America Viz. Pennsylvania Jersey Dalaware Maryland Virginia & North Carolinia & has preached the Doctrine of Union & Reconciliation & Still Continues in the Sam\u27e8e\u27e9 Beleif that if human Inventions was Laid Aside that Only One party Could Exist in the Christian Church.\nI Desire your Approbation if your Excellency permit The \u27e8Free\u27e9 Preveledge of Preaching in the Church Most Convenient to your present Residence. & am the Earnest well wisher of Souls, a Friend to the Cause of God: In whose presence I Wish your Happiness Abundantly in time & to all Eternity.\nMoses 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0237", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Israel Shreve, 30 July 1797\nFrom: Shreve, Israel\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General,\nWashingtons Bottoms 30th July 1797\nI receivd a Letter from the Hon: James Ross dated at Philadelphia the 14th of Last month informing me that no money had been paid into the Bank of Pennsylvania, towards the Enstallment due to you the first of June Last, which gave me great pain, as I fully Expected the whole Sum was paid in, by a Mr Reuel Sayre & Isaac Sparks, Said Sayres, Brother & Sparks were in New Jersey and\nEngaged to pay in the whole Sum. I Expected to have been punctual in every payment after the Bogal Jos: Sayre & Jno: Loyed made Last year they Called upon your Excellency with money in their Pockets Sufficient to make up the Enstalment then due and the Arerages of Rents then behind, and more than a hundred Pounds to Spare, which was all Due to me and agreeble to their Contract to have been paid into the Bank of Pennsylvania previous to the first of June, these people Carried their Money home to Penns Valey 150 miles from me and never Wrote or Sent any Sort of word untill the 4th of September Last when part of the money was Brought to me, this Business being So conducted, I was Determined to be ready this year But have again been Deceived, these people Say that the officers of the Bank of Pennsylvania have more than Once refused to receive their money[.] I will Give your Exelly a short state of my Situation at this time I hold 813 Acres of the Land I Bought of you, the Residue I have Sold and Bound myself to make titles when the whole of the money is paid, for which I have their Bonds upon Interest for \u00a32700 becomeing due So as to Answeer my payment to you, said Sparks has removed out a few days ago, and paid me 700 Dollars. 500 Dollars is Lodged with a Certain Major John Barker in Philadelphia, if your Excellency will be pleased to receive the Interest up to the first of June for the whole Sum yet behind, I will do Every thing in my power to Make up the Installment with the Interest up untill paid, I Acknowledge the Bargain is Good on my Side[.] Just as I Bought Land took a rise here Occationed by the floud of Money the Militia Army Brought into the Country, Land now is more of a Drug money has gone Scarce\u2014although I have not been So punctual as I Ought to have been, I do Beg your Excellence to forbear and not Sue me, which is next to Death with me, It not only Distroys a mans Credit, But Accumelates loss and every way Distructive to a man, that wishes to pay without the Rigor of the Law, all the money I have paid has been without Borrowing any, the 500 Dollars is directed to be paid into Mr Wolcots hands who I am informed by Mr Ross is Appointed to do Business for you in Philadelphia.\nI am no Speculator or Land Jobber, I held Lands at the Miami Settlement but Judge Symmes being a man not by any means to be depended upon, I have made but Little by them, there has been Considerable improvements made upon the Land here Since I Bought it, I have Cleard more than 50 Acres on the place where\nG: Simpson Lived, the other people has made great Improvements the 813 Acres My Stock &c. and Little more is my all I have a Large famaly to Support and Attend to It as much [as I] Can I have a fine harvest well in this Season, with your Excellencys Goodness and forbearance I hope to make up this payment, and I think in future I will take upon me to See that the Money Shall be ready upon the day, I Should be glad if your Excellency would Condesend to write to me, the 700 Dollars I have with what I can Collect I will Send to Mr Wolcott. I am dear General with unfeigned regard Your Excys Most Obedt Servt\nIsrael Shreve", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0240", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 31 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Charles\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 31st July 1797\nYour letter of the 24th Inst. came to hand by last Post. The demand of Mr Monroe is no more than another card played in the same game. The moment I can get at my Papers (for having no convenient place yet to arrange them, they remain in an indigested mass) I will send you a copy of that which you require.\nA Lady of my acquaintance (who lives at a distance from hence) being under some apprehension of an approaching Cancer, has written several times without obtaining satisfactory information, to know if the Nephew of Doctr Tate (his name I am unacquainted with) still lives in Philadelphia\u2014in what part of the City\u2014and\nwhether his applications for Cancerous complaints are attended with the success his Uncles were.\nIf it is not too much trouble you will oblige me, and in a more especial manner the Lady by solving the foregoing questions. Let the information be the entire subject of a letter, that I may send it with or without your signature to the person, for whose satisfaction it is required.\nSeveral late publications in France, speak a language which it is presumed was not expected by some of its advocates here; And considering the characters from whence it proceeds and the changes which have taken Place in their late actions, auger something more favorable, than was to be expected from the conduct of the Directory, of that Country. With Great Esteem & regard I am always Your Affece 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0241", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 31 July 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 31st July 1797\nYour favor of the 25th was received by the last Post.\nMr Monroe\u2019s application is nothing more than a continuation of the old game, in a new form; and as I presume he means to play\nit with all the advantages that are to be derived from his auxiliaries here I will thank you for the whole of what will come before the public\u2014now, or then, according to circumstances.\nI would thank you also for forwarding the letter herewith sent by the first conveyance to Mr King, and the duplicate by some other Vessel.\nI hear with much pleasure that the Public sentiment in France towards these U.S. is not in unison with the Directory. It would be to be regretted on every account if it was. Yours always & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0242", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Searson, 2 August 1797\nFrom: Searson, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelp[hi]a Augt 2nd 1797\nHaving a Poetical turn from my youth, And having Wrote Some Rural, Romantic and, said to be pleasing Poems in Europe, for which got good Encouragement, And Revisiting this Country last year, form\u2019d a Plan of Publishing by Subscription, some Essays of American Affairs, Previous to which (And your Resignation of the first Station on this Continent) I did my Self the Honor to wait on you Sir, at your House in this City, where you were So Condescending as to give me your Countenance of approbation And Accept of One of my Poems, I beleive on Down Hill. I Obtaind near Eleven hundred subscribers, the Clergy and Professors of the College, the Spanish & Portuguese, Ambassadors, & English minister being of the Number, at the low price of half a Dollar unbound but bound & Letter\u2019d on the back, three quarters of a Dollar, did I know of Conveyance would do my Self the Honor of Transmitting one neatly bound for your Excellency at Mount Vernon, as that Beautiful Seat is mentiond in the Poem. From my long absence from America \u27e8(\u27e9tho many years an Inhabitant And mercht in this City) am Almost become a stranger. And as the Business of my Poem will soon be over, & being in no Sure prospect of Employment, and which I am known to be Capable of either in a Public office, Private Tuition or Master of a Public school, and Can be well Recommended from this City as well as from Europe, Have to\nSolicit my friends favour, Should Any vacancy, (I mean a Decent one) offer should be ever Grateful for the favour\u2014Perhaps most Worthy Sir, Something of this Sort might lie in your Way from your Humane & Benevolent Disposition, to Oblige an Honest man Under the misfortunes of Life. Gratitude the most sincere and lasting should not be Wanting\u2014Should I be favour\u2019d with a Line in Answr it may be directed to the Care of the Post office. I have the Honor to Subscribe my Self Your Excellency\u2019s Most Devoted & Obedient Hble servt\nJno. Searson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0243", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Anderson (of Scotland), 3 August 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\nHonoured sir\nEdinburgh 3d Augt 1797\nI wrote to you by post on the 21t June last acknowledging the receipt of your favour of the 7th April, with the inclosures respecting a gardener, which I hope you have received. I have by the assistance of Mr Harper and Mr Foreman at last succeded in finding a Gardener for you whom I have engaged this day, and who will, I hope, afford you satisfaction. He will be the bearer of this. His name is William Spence, and tho\u2019 his personal appearance is not such as to prepossess me much in his favour, yet the character I have received of him from all the persons he has served is such as to overcome the little reluctance I should have felt to engage him. Another person was very well recommended by Mr Harper\u2014but besides that he was at a distance so as not to admit of a personal\ninterview, I found that he expected much higher wages than you was willing to allow, and that he could not be disengaged from his present place till marti[n]mass. From these considerations I thought it was best to close with the present man, as I found him not only free, but actually intending to set out to America just now whether he had been so lucky as to hear of this place or not.\nThe terms on which I have engaged him, are that he is to be bound for four years\u2014three years certain and the fourth conditional if neither of the parties shall give the other notice of his intention to part Six months previous to the commencement of that year\u2014The wages to be Twenty guineas a year certain for the first three years, and twenty five guineas for the fourth\u2014and five guineas a year more if he shall give entire satisfaction to you\u2014by leaving this sum optional, I think it will be an inducement for him to exert himself the more\u2014and as the highest is as little as is almost ever allowed here, I think we must have taken a bad hand if we had attempted to beat it down. In the legal agreement, a copy of which he carries with him, you will find all the other stipulations you mentioned, unless it be the article washing, which has been omitted for the following reason.\nI found upon enquiry that William had been lately married, and had no children\u2014but his wife did not think herself qualified to superintend spinners, and knitters as you propose, these articles not being usual operations in the neighbourhood of Carlisle, where she was born\u2014concerning a dairy she had no difficulty\u2014At the first I was startled about this circumstance, and being afraid that he might have connected himself with some improper woman who might lead him to ruin, I would not conclude till I should see her in person and converse with her. I found her a plain unaffected country girl, with a principle of conscience that pleased me. She shrunk back from the idea of engaging to do the smallest thing that she knew not perfectly\u2014she seems to have got a proper education, tho\u2019 perhaps rather better than her situation would seem to indicate\u2014Plain needlework she understands\u2014washing and doing up cloaths she knows a little of cooking, and is upon the whole, such a person as I think may prove useful in your situation in many respects. If she be as attentive, and as well founded in her moral principles as I suppose, she may perhaps be soon capable of assisting your spinners &c. tho\u2019 she will not undertake to do it at first\u2014I found that before I saw her, her husband and she had concerted\nthat she should be left at New York or Philadelphia, at each of which places she has some relations, till he should see how she could be properly disposed of with you\u2014for her inability to superintend the spinners seemed to her to be an insuperable objection to her going there\u2014I strongly objected to the separating of man and wife and I doubt not you will find no difficulty in accommodating them properly. In the mean while I consented to her proposal of paying her own passage over, as she could not think of burthening you with an expence that might prove unnecessary to you\u2014and also to her remaining a short time at one of the places above named till her husband shall adjust matters with you respecting her, and find a place for her reception, which I doubt not you will not find difficult. I stipulated only for the payment of his passage to New York (seven guineas) from whence he will probably find a passage by sea for Virginia, no ships for southern ports being at present either in the forth or Clyde\u2014He said he hoped his travelling charges, at a reasonable rate, would be allowed to him from new york by you\u2014but I said I had no authority to say so\u2014so that it is entirely at your option\u2014Had we engaged any one who was not at any rate going out, all these charges must of course have been allowed\u2014Both persons have discovered a liberality respecting pecuniary matters which has pleased me\u2014and I shall be anxious to know if they shall afford you satisfaction, and continue to please\u2014I hope he will arrive about the time your present gardener leaves you, tho\u2019 I should rather wish he were gone before William\u2019s arrival, for obvious reasons.\nI reckon it fortunate that I happened to be in this part of the country when your letter reached this place for I have now changed my residence to the neighborhood of London, where my family now chiefly resides. I remained here somewhat longer than I should otherwise have done, to get this matter finished\u2014Now that it is done, I shall set out in a few days. I use the freedom to embrace this opportunity of sending for you, some additions that have been made to the two first volumes of the essays on agriculture, chiefly respecting the draining of land, of which I beg your acceptance, as without them the former editions will not be compleat.\nI have some prospect, when I reach London of perhaps doing something respecting the sale of your lands, and shall not fail to write to you on that subject as soon as I can. Nothing can prove a higher gratification to me than to be in any respect servicable to\nyou\u2014I have the honour to be with the utmost respect, Sir, your most Hle Servt\nJas Anderson\nP.S. Mr Spence has paid the passage out of his own money (Seven guineas) which you will please repay to him. He brings along with him a copy of the indenture\u2014The stamped copy remains in the hands of Mr John \u27e8Macnall\u27e9 writer to the Signet Edinh to be forthcoming if required.\nMr Foreman is to write by this opportunity to Mr Anderson He is to provide all the articles desired, and will forward them at the proper season.\nAny letters you shall please to honour me with will be forwarded if addressed to me at No. \u27e835\u27e9 Leadenhall street London.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0244", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 4 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Charles\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 4th Augt 1797.\nAgreeably to my promise I have looked among those parcels which I conceived most likely to produce the Paper of which you required a copy, without the desired effect. How to account for it I am at a loss unless Mr Lear & Mr Dandridge (whom I employed to seperate & Pack up my files) may have left it, with papers of a similar nature, which I also miss, with those designed for my Successor in Office.\nI have not, nor is it in my power as yet, to open all my packages; because I have no place to put them at this moment in a seperate State. When I do this, if I find the opinion you have given, in a certain case, among them a copy of it shall be transmitted to you\u2014With great esteem & regard\u2014I am Your obedt and affece\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0245", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lawrence Lewis, 4 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lewis, Lawrence\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 4th Augt 1797.\nYour letter of the 24th Ulto has been received, and I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Servant; but it is my opinion these elopements will be much more, before they are less frequent; and that the persons making them should never be retained, if they are recovered, as they are sure to contaminate and discontent others. I wish from my Soul that the Legislature of this State could see the policy of a gradual abolition of Slavery; It might prevt much future mischief.\nWhenever it is convenient to you to make this place your home, I shall be glad to see you at it for that purpose; and that there may be no misunderstanding in the matter, I shall inform you before hand, that you, servant (if you bring one) and horses, will fare in all respects as We, & mine do; but that I shall expect no Services from you for which pecuniary compensation will be made. I have already as many on wages as are sufficient to carry on my business, and more indeed than I can find means to pay, conveniently. As both your Aunt and I are in the decline of life, and regular in our habits, especially in our hour of rising & going to bed, I require some person (fit & Proper) to ease me of the trouble of entertaining company; particularly of Nights, as it is my inclination to retire (and unless prevented by very particular company, always do retire) either to bed, or to my study, soon after candle light. In taking these duties (which hospitality obliges one to bestow on company) off my hands, it would render me a very acceptable Service. And for a little time only, to come, an hour in the day, now and then, devoted to the recording of some Papers which time would not allow me to complete before I left Philadelphia, would also be acceptable. Besides these, I know nothing at present, that would require any portion of your time, or attention: both of which, if you have inclination for it, might be devoted to Reading, as I have a great many instructive Books, on many subjects, as well as amusing ones; or, they might be employed in sporting, there being much \u27e8ga\u27e9me of all sorts here; or in riding, & viewing the management of my farms, from whence something useful may \u27e8be\u27e9 drawn, as I think Mr Anderson in many things could give you useful lessons and a better insight into husbandry than your opportunities have, Hitherto, presented to you.\nI do not mean however, that any of these things should restrain you from attending to your own affairs, or restrain you from visiting your friends at pleasure; all I have in view by making this communication is to guard against misconception on either side. Your Aunt unites with me in best regards for you, and I am your sincere friend and Affectionate Uncle\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0246", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Archibald McClean, 4 August 1797\nFrom: McClean, Archibald\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria 4th August 1797\nHaving been appointed administrator to the estate of Mrs Kirk deceased, relict of James Kirk esqr. late of this town, I am desirous of settling the accounts as speedily as possible. Mrs Kirk, before her death, informed me that a bond had been lodged with you to satisfy a debt due you from Mr Kirk\u2019s estate, and that there is still a balance of said bond remaining in your hand. As I have not met with any papers of hers from which I could procure accurate information on the subject, I request the favour of you, sir, to transmit me a particular statement of the matter. Please do it by this day week, as I expect to leave town then & shall not return for some time. With respect yours &c.\nArchd McClean", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0247", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 4th Augt 1797.\nIn a late letter from the Attorney General (Lee) he has requested a copy of the opinion he gave relative to the recall of Mr Monroe. Among the Packages most likely (as I conceived) to produce it, I have searched for the Original in vain; nor among these do I find the opinions of the Heads of Departments on various other subjects. How to account for this I am unable, unless the bundle containing them, which I once put into your h[an]ds for a particular purpose, was never returned; or left by Mr Lear and Mr Dandridge (who were employed in seperating & packing up my Papers) by mistake among the files which were intended for my Successor in Office.\nI have not yet opened all my packages of Papers, nor can I do it until I have provided some place in which they can be deposited with safety\u2014but I pray you to let me know whether the bundle I have alluded to was returned, or not, by you. Your answer may save a further search, and some anxiety. With very great esteem & regard I remain 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0248", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 6 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Newenham, Edward\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 6th August 1797\nI am so much your debtor in the epistolary way, that it would upbraid me too severely was I to go into a particular acknowledgment of the receipt of all the letters with which you have honoured me in the course of the last two or three years\u2014and avoiding this accustomed mode, I scarcely know how to begin my letter to you, or what apology to make for so long a silence.\nAs honesty however (in every transaction of life) is, in my estimation, the best policy, I shall frankly declare to you, that soon after I entered upon the duties of my late public station, I found that the \u27e8many duties\u27e9 thereof allowed no leisure for the indulgence\nof private correspondencies; and having made it an invariable rule through life, to discharge every trust I engaged in, in behalf of the public, to the utmost of my judgment & abilities, I did not hesitate long in determining to relinquish the latter. I supposed too, that when I should quit the arduous duties attached to the Presidency of this Country and return to the walks of private life, that I should have found abundant leisure to discharge all my epistolary obligations; but here also I have, hitherto, been disappointed; for my long absence from home (except in short occasional visits, which allowed no opportunities to look into the state of my personal concerns, & buildings) has so deranged matters which related thereto, and has committed such depredations thereon, as at no period have I found closer employment than in the last few months since I have been at home, to repair the damages: and this will continue to be the case for sometime to come.\nI am now seated in the shade of my own Vine & Fig tree, and shall devote the remainder of a life\u2014nearly worn out to such agricultural and rural amusements as will afford employment for myself, and cannot, or ought not, to give offence to anyone\u2014offering while I am on this theatre, my sincere vows that the ravages of War, and the turbulance of passions may yield their sceptres to Peace and tranquillity, that the world may enjoy repose.\nHaving withdrawn myself from the scenes of political life, Politics will no\u27e8t\u27e9 be the theme for my letters; and having little to relate from the the humbler, & placid walks into which I am now entered, that would be interesting or amusing to a person who is engaged in important matters, I shall only add that I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0249", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Ludwell Lee, 7 August 1797\nFrom: Lee, Ludwell\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nShooters hill 7th Augst 1797\nThe Bearer of this, is the Cook you wrote concerning\u2014You are welcome to make such trial of him, as may be satisfactory to\nMrs Washington & yourself\u2014it will give me pleasure should he answer your wishes.\nI have spoken to Mr George Lee to mention your want of Rye to the farmers in our neighborhood tho I fear it will be hard to procure as the number of distilleries in the upper Country, give Rye a value, too great for any distant carriage\u2014With the highest respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr most obedt Servt\nLudwell 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0250", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsay, 7 August 1797\nFrom: Ramsay, Nathaniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore Augt 7th 1797\nI have the pleasure to inform you that the Calf you expected from the Eastern Shore arrived yesterday. It is a beautifull formed Animal and well grown Calf, but not near as large as some I have seen of Mr Gough\u2019s raising at the same Age. It is said to be about five months old. The person who brought it over, says there was no particular pains taken with it, and that it had only the common fare of the Stock. Mr Gough takes great pains to force the Growth of those Calves he intends for Market, and often gives them the Milk of two Cows by which means they are so very fat when about four or five months old that they will weigh nearly as much as they do when double that Age, and removed from that manner of keeping\u27e8.\u27e9 Your Calf runs in a very good pasture and I will endeavor to have him learned to lick a little Indian Meal and Salt, and rendered a little more gentle, for he is now very wild. I think you had better not remove him untill you can have cooler weather. We have been extremely wet and extremely warm for some weeks past, but fortunately the City continues very healthy. I am with great respect your Humble servant\nNat. Ramsay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0251", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia August 9 1797.\nI put one of your letters for Mr King and the four before received (for Sr John Sinclair & others) on board a vessel bound to London, & which was to have sailed last Sunday or monday; but the continued rainy weather has detained her.\nMr Monroe has anticipated me in furnishg you, by his publication in the news-papers, the correspondence between us on the subject of his demanding the reasons of his recall. After such a solemn demand, so zealously maintained\u2014and after such professions of candour\u2014I did not imagine he would have had the folly to avow, as in his last letter, that he in fact wanted no information on this point: proving, what I supposed was his real object at first, that he made the demand in order to be denied. I kept a table ready for him in my office during a week, while I expected him to review his correspondence with the department: but he has never called, altho\u2019 he stated this as necessary for his information in his intended vindication. I have the honor to be with great respect sir, Your most obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0252", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 10 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nDepartment of State [Philadelphia] August 10 1797.\nYour letter of the 4th did not come to hand till this day. I lose no time to relieve you from your apprehensions relative to the papers in question. I have the two bundles you left with me; and among them I find the opinion of the Attorney General on Mr Monroe\u2019s recall, of which I will let him take a copy; and then restore the original to its place.\nI will take a safe opportunity to convey the two files of papers to your hands. I am with great respect Sir your most obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0253", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 11 August 1797\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nPhiladelphia 11th august 1797\nOn the 9th I had the honor to receive your letter of the 4th instant, since which Col. Pickering has found the opinion which was the subject of my former letter; which will enable me to attain a copy without giving you any further trouble.\nIf Col. Pickering has written to you as he intended he probably has informed you that the prospect of peace between France and Great Britain continues to brighten, a negotiation being agreed upon, with dispositions apparently sincere on both sides for terminating the war. This event if accompanied with a love of peace in the people of France, will probably give a successful issue to the mission of our envoys. With the sincerest esteem & regard I remain your very affectionate & obedient humble servant\nCharles Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0254", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Ramsay, 11 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ramsay, Nathaniel\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 11th Augt 1797.\nYour favours of the 20th Ulto and 7th instant have both been received\u2014the last yesterday.\nIf nothing happens to prevent it, I will dispatch a light Cart (not being disposed to lead the calf the whole distance this warm weather) for Mr Lloyds present; and two or three sheep from Mr Gough, if he has of the sort I want, to dispose of. The Cart will leave this on Monday, and probably be at Baltimore on Tuesday.\nIn the meantime, if you should perchance see Mr Gough, you would do me a favour to ask if he has [any] of the Cape sheep to dispose of, that he would recommend for breeding from, the broad tail Sheep is the kind I want. If he has, a ram, and one or two ewe Lambs of his best I would take, at his own price. If he has none, my Cart would have no occasion to proceed there.\nFor your kind attention to my late request I pray you to accept my thanks\u2014and with great esteem & regard\u2014I am, Dr Sir Yr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0255", "content": "Title: Clement Biddle to GW, 12 August 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Biddle, Clement\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: Clement Biddle to GW, 12 Aug. 1797. On 21 Aug. GW wrote Biddle: \u201cI have received your letter of the 12th.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0256", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Harry Dorsey Gough, 13 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gough, Henry (Harry) Dorsey\nSir,\nMount Vernon 13 Augt 1797\nHaving occasion to send a light carriage to Baltimore, I have directed the person (Mr Jno. Anderson son of my Manager) who has charge of it, to call upon you & get a ram, and two ewe lambs of the Cape (broad tail) sheep, if you have any to dispose of, & such as you would recommend for breeding.\nI want them on account of the mutton, and if the ram was of the size & age to serve a score or more ewes this season, it would be desirable. If Mr Anderson succeeds in his application for these sheep, the cost of them shall be paid to your order on demand. I am\u2014Sir Your most obedient and Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0257", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Ramsay, 13 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ramsay, Nathaniel\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 13th Augt 1797.\nThe bearer, Mr Jno. Anderson, son of my Manager (with a light carriage) is sent for the calf from the Eastern shore, and the sheep mentioned in my last, if Mr Gough has them to spare. If you have not seen that Gentleman, and learnt that Andersons going to him would be fruitless, he is directed to proceed with the letter of which he is possessed, for Mr Gough.\nI would thank you for causing the enclosed advertisement to be inserted three times with the interval of a week between each, the expence of which I will pay the Printer as soon as it is made known to me. Mrs Washington is greatly distressed and fateigued from the want of such a character as I am inviting.\nDoes the Baltimore Telegraph come under the description of a\nDemocratic Paper? or what is its character & reputation? With great esteem\u2014I remain Dr Sir\u2014Yr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0259", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 14 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 14th Augt 1797.\nNot having anything to communicate of sufficient moment to give you the trouble of receiving a letter from me, I have delayed until now, to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 10th & 25th Ulto.\nWhen I left Philadelphia, Mr Lear & Mr Dandridge who remained, were directed to dispose of my Household furniture (such parts I mean as were not packed for a removal to this place) but from some misapprehension the Ornaments of my dining Table, & some Plated bottle Coolers, were not disposed of as was expected; but left in the care of Mr McHenry (Secretary of War) subject to future orders, when they came away.\nI have now to request that you will receive these from him, and if you can, to dispose of them (one of the Coolers excepted, concerning which I will write to you sometime hence) on the best terms you can. It is not probable that any one, unless the Presidt or any of the foreign Ministers should be so disposed, would take the whole[.] of course to retail them, would be the most likely means of getting them off.\nThe articles you will receive, if I mistake not, will consist of two four bottle Coolers\u2014A Platteau in nine pieces. three large groups with glasses over them, two Vases, and twelve small single figures of Porcelain.\nThe Invoice of the Platteaux I am unable, at present, to come at; but that of the figures is enclosed, as is the one which contains the Cost of the Coolers which were never used\u2014there being four, originally, and two were found sufficient to answer my purposes. I do not expect, notwithstanding they are new, that the one offered for Sale will fetch the cost, and the other thing\u27e8s\u27e9 I am certain will fall much below it, as they have not only been used, but the Porcelain in some of its nicest parts, is injured. Although I have not\nbeen able to find the cost of the Platteaux I have a memorandum which informs me that they stand me in 486 Livres in Paris exclusive of all the subsequent charges of transportation from thence to Havre\u2014freight Insurance duty &ca &ca.\nI send the Invoices for the satisfaction of yourself, and any who may be inclined to purchase\u2014when this purpose is answered they may be returned to me.\nWill you be so good as to ask Mr Dobson if there are no more Volumes of the American Edition of the Encyclop\u00e6dia out\u2014the 16th is the last I have received\u2014and inform him at the same time, that it is my wish that my second sett (for I subscribed for two setts to encourage his undertaking the work) was neatly bound and sent to me, having given away the sett in boards. With esteem & regard\u2014I am Yr obed. \u27e8st\u27e9\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0261", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 14 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 14th Augt 1797.\nIt is a little out of time, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th ulto; but \u201cbetter late than never.\u201d and one object in doing it, is to pray you to thank Mr Bordly in my name, for the work he had the goodness to send me, through the channel of your conveyance.\nI presume the affair of Mr Blount will lye dormant until the Committee of Congress make a Report at the ensuing Session. It will be to be regretted, much, if this business is not probed to the bottom. That Government may not sleep or be forgotten in the mean time, I perceive Mr Monroe has opened a Battery against it; but if his subsequent fire does no more injury than the first, his Artillery will recoil upon himself.\nIt had escaped me, until reminded by a reperusal of some of your first letters, that my Table ornaments & Coolers were in your possession. Not for the value of the thing, but as a token of my friendship, and as a remembrancer of it, I ask you, Colonel Pickering & Mr Wolcott to accept, each, one of the two* bottle Coolers\u2014\nthe other articles I pray you to have carefully packed (the Porcelain in fine Saw dust) and sent to Colo. Biddle, who will be directed what to do with them\u2014& will pay the cost of packing.\nWhat is the character of Porcupine\u2019s Gazette? I had thoughts when I left Philadelphia, of ordering it to be sent to me; then again, I thought it best not to do it; and altho\u2019 I should like to see both his & Bache\u2019s, the latter may, under all circumstances, be the best decision, I mean not subscribing to either of them.\nMrs Washington & Miss Custis thanks you for your kind remembrance of them, and unite with me in best regards for Mrs McHenry, yourself and family. With much truth I am Your Sincere friend and affectionate Servant\nGo: Washington\n*I think there are three of them.\nP.S. I shall rely on you to present the Coolers in my name to the Gentlemen abovementd.\nSince writing the letter which encloses this scrap, I have determined to let the Table ornaments and large Coolers go into the hands of Colo. Clement Biddle unpacked, to see if he can dispose of them; and I pray you to cause them to be delivered in that manner accordingly.\n14th Augt 1797.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0262", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 14 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pearce, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 14th Augt 1797.\nYour letter of the 24th of July has been received, and I thank you for your ready compliance with my request; but recollecting how I was served last year, I must remind you that the season will\nnot allow me to wait long for your decisive answer\u2014especially too, as persons are now applying in this quarter.\nI must repeat in this, what I said, or meant to say in my last\u2014that is\u2014that I do not wish you to enter into any engagement that will be binding on me; but to make enquiry for such an Overseer as you know would suit me; know precisely the lowest terms \u27e8on\u27e9 which he could be obtained for Uni[on farm]: and give me as speedy notice th[ereon a]s is in your power. Mr Anderso[n seems] to think that one man may Overloo[k bo]th Union & Dogue run Farms for the wages [of] Sixty pounds, but whether this would be more eligable than two at about \u00a370 or \u00a375 between them is questionably, as there are few Negros who will work unless there be a constant eye on them\u2014or who will not slight it if there is not this eye.\nThe fallow fields at Union and Dogue run farms looked well at Harvest; and I believe will yield well, but the Hession fly had made an attack upon the latter which had injured it in some degree. Next year I expect this attack will be much more formidable, which is one reason why I propose to encrease my seeding with Rye, considerably this Fall. I perceived no difference between the French plowed part & the parts adjoining from hence the inference is that it was attended with no advantage; in the last Crop at least.\nWe have been as wet latterly as we were dry before; which to me, has produced both good & evil. My Corn is much amended by it, but my [ha]y ruined; and I have had wheat inj[ured in] the Stack. I am glad to hear that [your cr]op has, and promises to be, tolerable \u27e8mutilated\u27e9\u2014But am sorry that your own, & daught[er] Nancys indispositions continue.\nA small bag of rye-grass seeds came here without any letter. We guessed from whence it came, but was not certain until sometime after, when your letter announced it. For sending it I thank you, and if several bushels of the Seed could be purchased & sent to me, I would with pleasure pay the cost to your order. Mrs Washington & the rest of \u27e8the\u27e9 family are as usual\u2014and I am your friend and 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0263", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 16 August 1797\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir,\nWashington August 16th 1797\nI was yesterday at the Great Falls, when Frederick informed me that he could calculate with certainty upon getting two hundred bushels of Rye, and perhaps more, from 4/6 to 5/ pr bushl. The farmers will begin to get it out in a few days, and as soon as there may be enough received to make it an object to send for it, he will give me information thereof. I am, my dear Sir, most respectfully & affectionately Your obliged & sincere friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0265", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Harry Dorsey Gough, 17 August 1797\nFrom: Gough, Henry (Harry) Dorsey\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPerry Hall [Md.], 17th August 1797\u2014\nI had the Honor to receive this morning your Letter by Mr John Anderson. I wish it was in my power to send the Sheep you desire; some few years ago I took much Delight in that part of my Stock and brought it to great perfection, but they have unfortunately been since deseased and so much degenerated that I would not recommend their introduction on your Farm.\nI flatter myself that you will excuse the liberty I take in presenting you with a Bull Calf of my improved Breed He has been for some time past marked as yours and I am very happy that Mr Anderson affords so good an opportunity of sending him to Mount Vernon. I am Sir with the greatest respect Your Obt Hbl. Servt\nH. D. Gough", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0266", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsay, 17 August 1797\nFrom: Ramsay, Nathaniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nBalt[im]o[re] 17th Augt 1797\nYour letter by Mr Anderson I received Yesterday Afternoon, before which I had sufficiently ascertained that the sheep you mentioned could be had of Mr Gough, Your Carriage therefore proceeded immediately on. Colo. Howard shewed me a letter a few days agoe in which Mr Gough expressed a wish to present you with one of his Bull Calves and requesting his advice as to the best mode of having it sent, Colo. Howard immediately returned him an Answer, that in all probability your people and Cart would be at his Seat in a few days in quest of the Sheep. So you may expect your Drove to be increased. Your Advertisement will I expect appear in tomorrows paper of Yundt & Brown which paper has the most extensive circulation.\nThe Telegraphe of this City was set on foot about three years ago with the avowed design of introducing into business two young Irishmen who had some relations and several acquaintances in this place. The property in the Paper was divided into six shares, one of which only was held by the Printers\u27e8.\u27e9 At least three of the other five were pretty violent Democrats, and of Course the Paper soon after its appearance partook of that Complexon. And became in a great degree a Copiest of the Aurora. One of the Partners is a French man who served as a Lieutenat or Captain in Polaskai\u2019s Legion who married here, and is supposed to have acquired a considerable fortune by trade. An other of the Partners is a Gentleman not many years from Ireland and when there, was an active Officer in the Corps of Irish Volunteers. You can easily make an estimate of their Politics and moderation. It cannot have escaped your Notice that almost all the Emigrants from Ireland (having as I suppose been realy oppressed by Government) appear to esteem all governments as a Tyrany. The Telegra[p]he at first gave great offence to many of its supporters, several struck their names off the list of subscribers, and many more intimated their intention of so doing, It is supposed however of late, to have become much more Moderate and Candid. Wheat has sold here within a week past as high as 13/6 but it was of an extraordinary quality, about 12/6 I beleive may be rec[k]oned the general Market price. Flour is pretty brisk at 8 1/2 Dollars.\nIt will ever afford me the greatest pleasure to be honored with\nany commands from you, and I hope you will without hesitation at all times employ me to render you any little services here which may be in my power. I am with great respect Your Obedient Humble servant\nNat. Ramsay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0267", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 18 August 1797\nFrom: Deakins, William Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nGeo[rge] Town August 18th 1797\nSince I had the pleasure of seeing you I have made enquiry for Rye & find no Quantity can be had at a reasonable Price our Farmers Ask one Dollar \u214c Bushel & cannot engage to deliver it sooner than the Middle of October. I have therefore declined to make any engagements for it\u2014I set out for the Allegany to day & will make one more \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 to get you the Genuin Glade Oats. I am with Great Respect Dear Sir Your Obt Servt\nWill. Deakins 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0268", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Ramsay, 18 August 1797\nFrom: Ramsay, Nathaniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAugust 18th 1797\nThe letter which accompanis this was wrote yesterday before your Cart had returned from Mr Gough\u2019s. The Calf which was drove in from his House was so very much fatigued and his feet appeared so sore that I have recomme[n]ded it to Mr Anderson to give it one days rest, and its being in the same pasture with the\nother one will make them somewhat acquainted, and perhaps drive better together. The Eastern Shore Calf will I expect perform the Journey without any inconveniency. The other Just coming from such abundance of Milk will I expect be more effected. There is great difference you will perceive in their Seize and weight a Certificate of which Mr Anderson carries with him, but I apprehend there will not be the same difference three month hence should you have the Curiosity to weigh them. The small one has not fell off the least since he came here but on the contrary has improved, altho\u2019 has, or would, eat nothing but Grass. I send you some of the latest papers one of which has your Advertisement insirted in it. I am &c. &c. &c.\nNat. Ramsay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0269", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Macdonald, 19 August 1797\nFrom: Macdonald, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia 19 Augt 1797\nIt gave me pleasure to be made the bearer of a volume of Reports from the British Board of Agriculture, to be presented to you on the part of the Board, and which was delivered to me for that purpose by Sir John Sinclair, with the enclosed letter\u2014As it was only just finished at the Press when I left London, it was sent me in loose sheets which have been bound up here\u2014Coll Innes who left town on Thursday will have the honor of delivering it.\nMy Colleague Mr Rich & myself, on arriving here in quality of his Majesties Commissioners under the sixth Article of the Treaty between Great Britain and the United States, had the satisfaction of finding (what indeed we had Anticipated) that we should have to Act with two Gentlemen of the first respectability under your appointment\u2014With the Consciousness of intending well, we therefore encourage the hope that the Board, now Constituted by the Appointment of a man of just and honourable principles as fifth Commissioner, will not only do justice, but do it in a manner which may give satisfaction to both Countries\u2014And if this shall be the result, an obstacle in the way of perfect harmony between them, more pernicious I beleive in its operation than many may have conceived, will be removed for ever.\nOur amiable and able Colleague and friend Coll Innes will give you an account of our proceedings\u2014but I am sorry to say that we have not as yet been enabled to make much use of our time\u2014Those who will probably be very impatient after they Come before us, have hitherto delayed to present their claims; and therefore Coll Innes\u2019s absence for some weeks which seems absolutely necessary for his health will not be attended with any inconvenience to our business\u2014we shall however certainly refrain from doing any thing material till his return.\nIf Mr Rich & I make any excursion in the interval, it will be to have the honor of paying our respects at Mount Vernon\u2014we shall do so, whenever it may happen, with other feelings than those of mere Compliment. With highest Consideration & respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant\nThos Macdonald", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0270", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Augt 19 1797.\nAfter messages without number, Mr Anthony has brought me your copying press with the new brass rollers, for which he has charged ten dollars more than he at first mentioned as the probable price. The reason he assigns, is the greater weight of brass,\nincreasing the founders bill to twenty one dollars. I have paid him, and inclose his receipt for $35, after endeavouring to reduce his demand.\nThe journals of congress are neatly bound as well as the laws, and are ready to be forwarded by the first conveyance: I suppose the best will be by water, which I shall enquire for.\nSome gentleman in France (I suspect it may be Thomas Adams, who went to the Hague as secretary to his brother John) has written from Paris a letter to his friend in Boston, representing a material change in the French Government toward the U. States, and mentioning the opinion formed by the first advocates (or lawyers) in Paris on the printed letter to General Pinckney which last January was laid before Congress, vindicating the Government of the U. States against Mr Adet\u2019s accusations. The extract from the letter you must have seen published in the Philadelphia papers of the present week, as copied from the Boston papers. Presuming it to have been written by Mr T. Adams, I rely on the correctness of its information. What he says of opinions formed and effects produced by the printed letter to Genl Pinckney is confirmed by the General himself, in a letter dated at the Hague the 5th of June, of which I have the pleasure to inclose an extract.\nThe same letter also countenances the report of the expected dismission of a number of the French ministers, for their peculations & corrupt practices. He particularly mentions the ministers of finance and marine, whose transactions are undergoing a severe scrutiny. A member of the Council of 500 has denounced the Minister of marine for a contract with a commercial house at Nantes for 60,000 quintals of wheat at 21 livres a quintal, for which the money was paid at the public treasury, where the contract and receipt were lodged. Afterwards, the Minister agreed to take only 40,000 quintals, the contractors paying the price of the other 20,000 quintals to the Minister\u2019s private Cashier. This is the charge, which is under investigation. A pretty speculation! the 20,000 quintals, at 21 livres, amount to 70,000 French crowns!\nIt cannot be true that General Pinckney was invited to Paris\u2014if he had told it to the captain of the vessel arrived at Alexandria, the General certainly would have suspended his dinner (for the newspaper says it was at dinner with the captain that he mentioned it) to have dropped me one line on so material a fact. It was by this same Alexandria vessel that I recd the General\u2019s letter of June 5.\nWith regard to the disposition of the legislature, General Pinckney says what I have added to the inclosed extract.\nI am informed that Genl Kosiuski arrived here last evening. I am very respectfully Sir, Yr obt Servant\nT. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0272", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Anthony Heusler, 20 August 1797\nFrom: Heusler, Anthony\nTo: Washington, George\nSir!\nBaltimore 20th August 1797.\nAgreable to your Exelencies ordre I have the honnour to informe you that I am rady to go into your service, and Dew not pretant to pointe out to you anny new Rouls, but will satisfay my self white the same apointements as your other Gardner Injoire now, only white that Tiferance, to Recive frome your Exelencies an Ecquivalent of the amaunte of seele mad Yearly which will not bee any more. I Iam persuaded that your Generosity will provid so fare for me as to be able to Leave white my familie, and to give an Aducation to my Children. I on my side will neglecte Nothing in ordre to provide for your table as plentifuly as will be necessarie. your Exelencies will bleas to give your ordrs to me what time I Cane Come, mean time I have the honnour to be white Due Respect your Exelencise Most obediant humble Servant\nant: heusler.\nBleas to Directe to Man: Heuisler Nurserie & seeds man 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0273", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Searson, 20 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Searson, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 20th Augt 1797.\nYour letter of the 2d instt came duly to hand, and I wish with all my heart you could meet with such employment as your talents are suited to; but if you cannot obtain this in Philadelphia where your character is best known, it is not likely you would succeed better where you are less acquainted, and in places less populous. There is none within my view, in this quarter, in any of the lines to which you allude; and if you look for any thing in a public way you are already in the best situation to make the application with a prospect of Success, as the President will, unquestionably, require the best testimonials that can be obtained of your fitness for Office, and these can only be had from those to whom you are known. If you are pleased to send one of your Poems to me Colo. Biddle will receive, pay, and forward it\u2014to Sir\u2014Yr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0275", "content": "Title: George Washington Parke Custis to GW, 21 August 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Custis, George Washington Parke\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: George Washington Parke Custis to GW, 21 Aug. 1797. On 29 Aug. GW wrote \u201cYour letter of the 21st Instt came to hand.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0276", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon 21st Augt 1797\nNot for any intrinsic value the thing possesses, but as a token of my sincere regard and friendship for you, and as a remembrancer of me; I pray you to accept a Wine cooler for four bottles, which Coll Biddle is directed to forward from Philadelphia (where with other articles it was left) together with this letter, to your address.\nIt is one of four, which I imported in the early part of my late Administration of the Government; two only of which were ever used.\nI pray you to present my best wishes, in which Mrs Washington joins me, to Mrs Hamilton & the family; and that you would be persuaded, that with every sentiment of the highest regard, I remain your sincere friend, and Affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0277", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Longworth, 21 August 1797\nFrom: Longworth, David\nTo: Washington, George\nNo. 66 Nassau Street New York Augt 21 1797\nPerhaps your Excellency will be disposed to pardon, & think it a laudable ambition, which has stimulated me to endeavor to make my publication appear worthy your patronage\u2014The whole of the materials & execution of the edition of Telemachus, now presented you, are entire american, my mode of hot pressing is on an entire new principle from that practised in Europe\u2014under these considerations I pray your Excellency to view with a favorable eye this attempt to improve the art of printing in this (my native) Country, & to excuse the forwardness of one who has taken this opportunity of usurping the honor of subscribing himself your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient & Most Humble Servt\nDavid Longworth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0278", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Ferdinando Fairfax, 22 August 1797\nFrom: Fairfax, Ferdinando\nTo: Washington, George\nRespected Sir,\nShannon-hill 22d Aug: 1797.\nUpon more particular Inquiry respecting the Cook of whom I was speaking to you, he is said to possess some ill qualities that might probably disqualify him for your Service; therefore it wou\u2019d not be adviseable to calculate on getting him, if you can be otherwise supplied with a good Cook. My near neighbour Mr Robt Baylor (at whose house Mr Payton Gwynn, his master, stay\u2019d, when up the Country) tells me that Dishonesty was the cause of his being first sold from Shirley; and that is a quality not often corrected by time.\nI have only to regret being thus deprived of an opportunity of rendering some service in this business; and make this early communication to prevent suspense.\nWhen you have made your determination, how to dispose of your Jacks, I shall esteem it a favor to be made acquainted with it. To hire for a certain price or for a share of Profits, would suit me; tho, if I could get one of the best, I would rather buy. With great respect I am, Sir, Your hble servt\nFerdno Fairfax", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0279", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 23 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 23rd Augt 1797\nI am extremely sorry to find by your letter of the 17th instant, and the Philadelphia Gazetters of that date, that the Yellow fever has again made its appearance; and devoutly wish that it may soon be removed, from your City.\nYour motive for delaying the sale of my Table furniture is not only good as it respects the yellow fever, but if you think any advantage would result from the measure, it might be delayed until the Assembling of Congress in Philadelphia; as some of the members might incline to become purchasers, if the articles are retailed. Be so good as to ask Mr Simmons what he has done with my old Coach, & make the most you can of it. I will await the publication of all the vols. of the Encyclop\u00e6dia before the sett intended for my use is bound; but could wish to know when this may be expected, as I no longer possess the sett which are in boards. With esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0281", "content": "Title: GW to Alexander Spotswood, 23 August 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Spotswood, Alexander\nLetter not found: GW to Alexander Spotswood, 23 Aug. 1797. On 13 Sept. Spotswood wrote GW: \u201cI got from the post office your favr of the 23d 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0282", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lawrence Augustine Washington, 23 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, Lawrence Augustine\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Uncle\nBerkeley Co[un]ty 23d Augt 1797\nSince I had the pleasure to see you, I have become engaged to be married to a young lady near Winchester. Her name is Wood. The daughter of Mr Robt Wood. She has been brought up in the habit of domestic \u0153conomy & industry & to consider the true excellence of a farmers wife to consist in a minute attention to the \u0153conomy of her family & a continued reguard to her husbands\ndomestic interests. Tis unnecessary to add that I think her withall beautiful & of an amiable disposition.\nCould your occupations permit and your inclination induce you nothing would afford me greater happiness, than to see you & family at the Wedding. It happens on the 6th of Novr next. I\u2019ll thank you to write me by post whether I am to expect the pleasure I so much wish or not. I remain with sentiments of the truest respect & reguard Dr Uncle your affe. Nephew\nLaw[renc]e 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0283", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 24 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Augt 24 1797.\nI have to-day delivered to the Attorney General, in one packet, the two bundles of papers of reports & opinions of the Heads of Departments &c. which you left in my hands. I have delivered him another packet from Sir John Sinclair, which I received to-day from General Kosciusko; and now inclose the General\u2019s letter to you, with another which was under the \u27e8string\u27e9 of the packet from Sir John Sinclair.\nYour journals and acts of Congress in one box, and the copying press in another, with the press board and lever tied together, are sent to Mr Hodgdon who will put them on board a packet near his store, which is a constant trader between this city and Alexandria, & which it was expected would sail this day. I will write by tomorrow\u2019s\npost to Colo. Fitzgerald, inform him of the name of the vessel & her master, and desire him to receive into his own care the articles on board for you.\nThe citizens are many of them alarmed about the contagious fever, and numbers are moving out of town. Mr Wolcott and family have been some time in Connecticut, his father, the Governor has been dangerously ill, and his time of life renders his recovery doubtful. Mr McHenry will move his family to-morrow or next day to Downing\u2019s town, on the Lancaster road. I shall also move, if appearances are not more favorable, in a few days. My situation in Arch street is at present very safe, except from accidents. I have the honor to be with great respect, sir, your most obt servt\nTimothy Pickering\nP.S. The vessel\u2019s name is the Harmony, a sloop\u2014Elwood master.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0284", "content": "Title: GW to James Craik, 26 August 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Craik, James\nLetter not found: GW to James Craik, 26 Aug. 1797. On 28 Aug. Craik wrote GW: \u201cYour favour of the 26th Instant was handed me by Mr [James] Anderson.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0285", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Vans Murray, 26 August 1797\nFrom: Murray, William Vans\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nThe Hague 26 Augt 1797\nThough I did myself the honour of writing very lately to you, the pleasing event of which a letter this morning from Hamburgh gives a prospect, induces me rather to trespass upon your patience than to omit for a moment the intelligence that there is every reason to expect the liberation of M. Fayette.\nI will extract part of Mr Williams\u2019s (the Consul\u2019s) letter of 22d Augt \u2014he says that \u201cMr Childs who left this (Hamburgh) yesterday, on his way to Paris may have had the pleasure of informing you that the Marquis Fayette & his companions will soon be on\ntheir route hither. The Emperor has ordered their release provided the necessary steps be taken here to convey them off the territory of the Empire to Holland or America, eight days after their arrival at Hamburgh. The Imperial minister received instructions for that purpose which he communicated to me. I am not authorised to do anything for the Marquis officially, but Mr Childs will inform you that he, Mr Jay & myself agreed to make the arrangements & provide him & his family with a passage & every necessary, if wanted. I waited on the minister yesterday, & mentioned measures we are ready to take, which, with a similar offer from Mr Parish, will, no doubt, procure an immediate release. The Marquis will probably proceed by the shortest route to Holland. His friends appear to wish it. They expect perhaps, he will soon have leave to enter France, & recover his property. But if he concluds to go to America, & the State of his health will not admit of his embarking immediately, he will no doubt, have all the indulgence he desires, & be permitted to reside at Altona. I shall render him every service in my power &c.\u201d\nShould it be in any way within my reach to render services to M. Fayette I shall seize upon the occasion both out of respect to his virtues & as an opportunity of testifying in a way the most congenial to your feelings my profound and affectionate attachment Sir to you. I am with perfect & most respectful esteem Sir Yr mo. ob. hble Sert\nW. V. Murray\nP.S. It will be pleasing to you Sir to know that a Treaty is agreed upon between Tunis and the U. States\u2014but not signed\u2014owing it is said to the illness of some great man of the court\u2014a sum of about 170,000 Dollars will be wanting\u2014This will be supply\u2019d in Europe.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0287", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 27 August 1797\nFrom: Pearce, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nHopewell Kent County [Md.] Augt 27th 1797\nI have Receved your Letter of the 14th Instant\u2014and I shall always be happy To have It in my Power to Serve you; but as yet, I have not been so fortunate as to Git an overseer for you, for those\nwho would answer your purpose are so very high In thare demands In wages that they are far above what you are willing to Give, for the Lowest that I Can Git one who could be depended on for is \u00a385 this currency & pay the expen[c]e of his Moveing down, which appears to be quite onreasonable, but the high price of Grain some time past has made every one set a high price on their Service of what ever kind, It may be I could have got some to have come for what you are willing to Give, or Less but these were men who I could not safely recommend and I would not Git you one unless it Is one of a well established Charactor, and one who could be fully Relied on, But I will still be on the Look out and if I can meet with one that I think will fully answer your purpose I will agree with him conditionaly and give you notice thereof Imedately.\nYou mention that You have thoughts of puting Union & Dogue Run farms, under one overseer; A very active Industrous man might manage them Both tollarable well But still I beleive an Industrous man on each Farm would more than save the wages of one overseer provided they both did thare duty. For as you observe The Negroes will slight & Neglect thair work unless they are closely attended to.\nI am sorry to hear you have sustained Injury by the wet weather, we had a Long Rainey spell here which will make our crops of corn Tollarable good In General.\nSince I wrote to you Last\u2014I am told that I can get Rye In Queen ans County which is the next adjoining County to where I Live; But they ask a Dollar pr Bushel for It\u2014I have the promise of Rye Grass Seed which I will send down the first opportunity I am Glad you got the Little I sent Last spring It was all I could git then It will help to put you In seed, and I think It will answear to sow your fields at the Mansion house very well for Grass\u2014I am glad to Hear your Self Mrs Washington & Family are well.\nI have Reason to hope I am Giting something better For the pain & soreness In my Breast, Is not so bad as it has been Heretofore. My family are as well as usual. I am with the Greatest Respect Sir your Humble Servt\nWilliam 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0288", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 28 August 1797\nFrom: Craik, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nAugt 28th 1797\nYour favour of the 26th Instant was handed me by Mr Anderson, but from the hurry of business which at that time demanded all my attention I was prevented from answering it untill now\u2014For the Check on the Bank of Alexandria please to accept my warmest Acknowledgements the present of Turnips I receve also with Gratitude.\nIn regard to my Account with you I find upon examination of my Book\u2019s that I had a Settlement with Majr George A. Washington up to the 26th September 1792 for which he had my receipt, and that the last Account which commenced 17th October 1792 remained unpaid untill the 26th Instant\u2014This Statement I think will be found correct upon referring to the Receipt which may be had Amongst Majr Washingtons papers\u2014Mrs Craik uniting in Respectful Complts to Mrs Washington and family I remain Dear Sir your Devoted & affte hume 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0289", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir\nNew York Aug. 28. 1797\nThe receipt two days since of your letter of the 21 instant gave me sincere pleasure. The token of your regard, which it announces, is very precious to me, and will always be remembered as it ought to be.\nMrs Hamilton has lately added another boy to our Stock. She and the child are both well\u2014She desires to be affectionately remembered to Mrs Washington & yourself.\nWe have nothing new here more than our papers contain; but are anxiously looking forward to a further development of the negotiations\nin Europe with an ardent desire for general accommodation. It is at the same time agreeable to observe that the public mood is adopting more and more sentiments truly American and free from foreign tincture. I beg my best respects to Mrs Washington, and that you will always be assured of the most respectful & affectionate attachment of Dr Sir Yr obliged & very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0290", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Parkinson, 28 August 1797\nFrom: Parkinson, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nDoncaster [England] Augt 28. 1797\nHaving for some Time past had an Intention of going to America, which having been intimated to my good Friend Sir John Sinclair Bart, he desired me to write to you, by the first Conveyance to inform you; that he intended reccommending me to you, as an English Farmer, to take one of your Farms, on the Potomac, of which Farms he has sent me the Plans, Conditions &ca. Accordingly I take this the first Opportunity of writing to you to say, that I shall be exceeding glad to be under the Patronage of two such highly respectable Gentlemen, as Sir John & yourself, & shall be extremely so to take one of the Farms (if yet unlet) but before entering into any Agreements whatsoever, I shd wish to see them, which I think prudent, & hope you will coincide in Opinion with me; As I shd be very sorry to enter into any Agreements, which I might not be able to perform. Having a treatise on Agriculture entitled, \u201cthe experienced Farmer,\u201d (a Proposal of which I have taken the Liberty to enclose) which I have got almost in a State of Readiness for the Press; & on Acct of other Business, which I must finish before I leave England it will be March next before I can set off for America. In my intended Work I have the Honour to be encouraged, by the first Men in Agriculture, in this Kingdom, and by the Nobility of the first Rank. The inclosed Proposal is the Heads of the Work, of which when printed Intend to take the Liberty to present you with a few Copies by different Ships, as I have been desired by my worthy Patron Sir John Sinclair.\nIf your Farms shd be all disposed of \u2019ere this reaches you, it\nwd still give me the greatest pleasure to have a Situation near you, if possible\u2014I shall conclude for the present & have Sir the Honour to be your very hble Servt\nRichd Parkinson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0291", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 29 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Custis, George Washington Parke\nDear Washington,\nMount Vernon 29th Augt 1797\nYour letter of the 21st Instt came to hand by the last Post; and, as usual, gave us pleasure to hear that you enjoyed good health; were progressing well in your Studies; and that you were in the Road to promotion.\nSenior class having left, or being on the point of leaving College\u2014some of them with great eclat\u2014ought to prove a strong stimulus to those who remain to acquire equal reputation which is no otherwise to be done than by perseverence & close application: In neither of which I hope you will be found deficient.\nNot knowing the precise time that the Vacation commences, I have put under cover with this letter to Doctr Smith, Forty dollars to defray the expences of your Journey; and both your Grandmama & myself desire, that you will not think of doing it by Water, as the passage may not only be very tedious but subject to a variety of accidents to which a journey by Land is exempt: and as the Yellow fever is announced from authority to be in Philadelphia, we enjoin it on you strictly to pursue the rout, and the directions which you may receive from the President of the College, to avoid the inconveniencies, & consequences which a different conduct might involve you & others in.\nAlthough I persuade myself that there is no occasion for the admonition, yet, I exhort you to come with a mind stedfastly resolved to return precisely at the time allotted; that it may be guarded against those ideas and allurements, wch unbend it from study, & cause reluctance to return to it again\u2014better remain where you are than suffer impression of this sort to be imbibed from a visit, however desirous that visit may be to you, and pleasing to your friends, who will prefer, infinitely, your permanent good, to temporary gratifications\u2014but I shall make all fears of this sort yield to a firm persuation that every day convinces you more and\nmore of the propriety & necessity of devoting your youthful days in the acquirement of that knowledge which will be advantageous, grateful\u2014and pleasing to you in maturer years; and may be the foundation of your usefulness here & happiness hereafter.\nYour Grandmama (who is prevented writing to you by General Spotswood & family\u2019s being here) has been a good deal indisposed by swelling on one side of her face, but is now much better\u2014The rest of the family within doors, are all well; and all unite in best regards for you\u2014with your sincere friend and 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0292", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Ludwell Lee, 29 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Ludwell\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 29th Augt 1797\nGeneral Spotswood, Mrs Miss & Captn Spotswood, and Miss Thornton of Culpeper (all relations I believe of yours) are now here. They, Mrs Washington and myself, would be glad to see you, Mrs Lee Miss Armistead & any others of your family, at Dinner tomorrow. With esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0295", "content": "Title: Clement Biddle to GW, 30 August 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Biddle, Clement\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: Clement Biddle to GW, 30 Aug. 1797. On 6 Sept. GW wrote Biddle: \u201cYour favor of the 30th Ult. was 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0296", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Goodhue, 30 August 1797\nFrom: Goodhue, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nMy most respected and Dear Sir\nSalem [Mass.]30th Augst 1797\nI am fearfull you may have thought me unmindfull of my pleasing obligation to see you supply\u2019d with Cod fish, but be assured I shall never be forgetfull of the honour and interest I feel in executing any commands you may ever impose\u2014on my return from Congress in March I apply\u2019d to Mr Daniel Sargent of Boston who is the most reputed person for procuring the best of fish who informed me it could not be had till about this time, and he has with the highest satifaction sent me two quintals of the first quality, which I now forward you by Capt. Silver to whom you may pay for it agreably to the enclosed bill if convenient\u2014I enclose a recipe for Cooking it &c. agreably to your desire and hope it may answer your wishes, should the two quintals be more then you should want for a yearly supply in future you\u2019l please to inform me\u2014the price is like everything else at this time unusualy high tho\u2019 the difference in quality always causes a great proportionate difference in price.\nBy the various accounts from Europe We have the pleasing expectation, that the mania of disorder and disorganization which has been so severe a scourge to that part of the World and exposed us to the most emminent hazzard is abating, and a dawn of right reason in France seems to manifest itself in such a manner as presages\nthe most happy consequences to Mankind, but from whence We can more particularly console ourselves is from a reflection that an encreasing knowledge of our true interest and an attachment to our Government is visible throughout our Country\u2014that you may be happy enough to live to see faction and foreign influence extinct among us is the fervent prayer of him who prides himself in being ever yours with the utmost respect and affection\nB. Goodhue", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0297", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 August 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Augt 30 1797\nThe immediate publication of Govr Blount\u2019s letter to Carey, after the receipt of the copy sent you by Colo. Henley seemed to render of little consequence this copy, which, however, I return, agreeably to your request on its transmission.\nTo morrow I move my family and office to Trenton. Not that I think the danger of the contagious fever in any measure considerable: but persons are occasionally taken with it in different quarters of this city; and there is certainly some risk; and as the places of the scattered patients are now studiously concealed by their friends & the physicians, we know not where the danger lurks. Such concealments are the consequences of the forcible removals to the Hospital, which doubtless have caused the death of some that otherwise might have recovered. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir you most obt servt\nTimothy Pickering\nP.S. The proof that at present the fever has not much extended is, the small number of deaths (or rather burials) which are reported by the Clergymen & sextons\u2014this being less, of all diseases combined, than has frequently happened in former years, when no contagious fever was 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0298", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Burgess Ball, Sr., 31 August 1797\nFrom: Ball, Burgess Sr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir,\nBerkeley [County] 31st Aug: 1797\nThis will be handed to you by Capt. Washington. I have lately been apply\u2019d to by Mr Chs Carter (who was a Fellow Student with my Son Burges who died with the Fever in Philadelphia) for a Ballance due him for monies paid for my Son. Since his application I\u2019ve found a Letter of his acknowledging the rect of money from Mr Dandridge, & mentioning that \u201che had then paid off the last Accot.\u201d I think in the year 94 I drew an order on you for 25 dollars. I shall be obliged to you if you\u2019ll send me by Capt. W: the Rect, or a Memdm thereof, as I\u2019ve reason to think the young Gent, inclines to impose upon me. I came here abt ten days ago wth my Family, in hopes to receive some benifit from the change of Air, but, I find my Health worse; and as the Weather is so dry, I\u2019m going to try if I can get any from the Sulphur Springs. Fanny goes Home for a few days to see how things are going on there. There has been a dry spell on the Corn, and without rain very soon, the Crops will be greatly curtail\u2019d. The Old Lady here has been very sick, but is mending a little. With best Wishes for you & yours, I am Dr sir Yr Affect. Hbe servt\nB: Ball", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0299", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 31 August 1797\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir and ever-respected Friend\nSt Neots Hunt[ingdon]s[hire, England]Augt 31. 1797\nI have enjoyed peculiar pleasure in looking over Fenno\u2019s Gazettes from last Sepr to June 14th 1797: for I have noticed how\nrespectfully & cordially the several States, in their legislative bodies, cities, towns, societies, & united citizens of different denominations, have acknowledged the benefit of your presidency, during the eight years you was at the head of the American Government: & have expressed their good wishes for the remainder of your days, & your future happiness in the heavenly world.\nWith what heart-felt emotion should I have concurred in the Address presented you on Mar. 3d by the Clergy of the city & vicinity of Philadelphia, & have listened to your answer! Contemplate me as present, & as one of the warmest of the petitioners in imploring the divine blessing upon You in retirement, & your being finally received into happiness & glory, infinitely greater than this world through the atoning virtue of the blood of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.\nA particular friend to gratify his own & his wife\u2019s affection, who was baptized by me about forty years ago, insisted upon my sitting for my likeness, at the time the honorable Mr Jay was negotiating the treaty with Great Britain. The limner executed it with so much exactness, that an engraving was concluded upon, which was so extremely good, that a great number of the prints have been disposed of. To testify my particular respects to Yourself, Dr Rodgers & Mr Hazard, I had three coloured, & forwarded the 29th of last Sepr by the Diana: & had the pleasure of hearing from the last, that what was intended for You was safely delivered by his own hand. Should have been glad to have had it confirmed n your own writing. Probably an answer to my letter of Sepr 29th has miscarried. Should You have omitted writing, I shall place it to the account of your being prevented by multiplicity of business; or having no opportunity of sending when You had leisure. The 20th of Feby I addressed my last letter to You, which went by the Wm Penn, & I conclude was received, as Mr Hazard\u2019s by the same conveyance has been acknowledged. Shall think myself much honoured by a correspondence with You in your present retirement; & should you recollect any way in which I can be of the least service to You, shall embrace the opportunity with much pleasure.\nThough absent from the United States I have the heart of an American, & scarce ever omitted in my private prayers, putting up a petition for the country & the person presiding over it, since the commencement of that period. Though the person is changed, & the petition made for another, yet the first comes into frequent remembrance. May no decays of nature cast a shade upon the lustre\nof your character! Mrs Gordon joins me in most cordial prayers for the best of blessings on Yourself & Lady. Your most affectionate friend & humble servant\nWilliam Gordon\nPray my best respects to Mr & Mrs Lun. Washington, if, as I hope, still living.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0300", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 31 August 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 31 Augt 1797.\nThe last Mail brought me your favour of the 24th instant, covering a letter from General Kosciuszko. And presuming that the Attorney General is on his way to Virginia, I hope to receive, soon, the Packets you committed to his charge. Not knowing where Genl Kosciuszko may be, I pray your care of the enclosed to him, as it is probable his movements will be known to you.\nIt is with extreme regret I hear of the Yellow fever being in Philadelphia; and that so many families will be incommoded by a removal from it. Will it not render the meeting of Congress at that place uncertain? I sincerely hope that you may all escape, by steering clear of the Malady. With great esteem & regard I am always Yr obedt & affecte Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Hearing that Mr Monroe\u2019s production is in the Press, I wd thank you for a copy so soon as it issues from thence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0301", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Israel Shreve, 1 September 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Shreve, Israel\nSir,\nMount Vernon 1st Sepr 1797\n   Your letter of the 30th of July has been received, but not until within the last three days. Your judgment Bond was, long before, sent to Mr Ross to bring suit on. What he has done in the matter I know not.\nTo sue, cannot be more unpleasant and disagreeable to you, than it is to me, but as the want of money, and a punctual payment of it, were the only motives to sell my lands in the Counties of Fayette & Washington, so a disappointment in these must defeat the objects which I had in view, and has been the cause of the prosecution to which I have resorted.\nYou could not be unacquainted with the nature of your contract for the Land in Fayette county, nor with the tenor of your Judgment Bond, given to fulfil it: of course, you must have known the amount of the Sums as they became due \u27e8and\u27e9 that they were to be paid at the Bank of Pennsylvania on a certain day, by Instalments\u2014why then would you trust to others to do your business; and by sending a little money by this, and a little by that man who know not what to do with it when they got to Philadelphia, hazard the disappointments which followed? especially as that mode of payment was purposely guarded against in the contract, as one from whence I could derive no substantial benefit; whereas regular payment in the manner Colo. Richie has made them would have given me (although the land sold low) all the advantages I expected to derive from the Sale of those lands.\nNot knowing what Mr Ross has done in the premises, I know not what further to say in reply to your letter. If the arrearages are paid up, with interest to the time they became due, and the instalments regularly discharged afterwards, agreeably to the conditions of your Bond, it is all I require and all I can wish; for far is it from my desire to embarrass, or injure your character by a Law Suit: but\nif punctuality is not observed on your part a Suit (for the reasons I have already assigned) will be the inevitable consequence. And I do now, in explicit terms declare that it will be of no avail to say that such an one is to pay so much another so much\u2014and so on. I shall have nothing to do with any of them; because I shall expect each years Instalment will, by the time it becomes due be deposited in the Bank of Philadelphia, & made liable to my draught. This is a very simple mode, and what I shall rigidly exact. I have no Agent in Philadelphia to whom I would give the trouble of receiving money, nor do I want partial sums lodged there. The amount of the Instalmts must be known to you, and the times of there becoming due. My appropriations will correspond therewith\u2014nothing short of the whole sums will answer my purposes. I am Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0302", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lawrence Augustine Washington, 3 September 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Lawrence Augustine\nDear Lawrence,\nMount Vernon 3d Sep: 1797.\nYour letter of the 23d of the last, was received on the first day of the present month.\nIn the interesting event which you have announced, I sincerely wish you and the lady who is to be the partner of your future fortunes, all imaginable happiness. To attain which, depends very much upon the parties themselves: and from the character you have drawn of Miss Wood, and from what I have heard of it from others, I think your prospects are fair & pleasing.\nIf any substantial good could result from my becoming a guest at your Wedding, I would make exertions to be there; but as wedding Assemblies are better calculated for those who are coming in to than to those who are going out of life, you must accept the good wishes of your Aunt and myself in place of personal attendance, for I think it not likely that either of us will ever be more than 25 miles from Mount Vernon again, while we are inhabitants of this Terrestrial Globe.\nWe offer our respects to the family with whom you are going to connect yourself, and in a particular manner I desire to be presented to the old lady, Grand Mother of Miss Wood; for whom I\nhave and always had, a very high esteem & regard. present us also to your brother and his family. I remain Your Affectionate Uncle\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0304", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 6 September 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 6th Sep. 1797\nYour favor of the 30th Ult. was received by the last Post. As the Encyclop\u00e6dia might be useful, to have by me (though wanting the last Volume or two) I would if the binding business goes on as usual, request Mr Dobson to have all that are published, neatly bound and sent to me, except the last vole which may be retained as a sample to bind the remainder by. I do not recollect, but suppose the receipts will show, whether he has been paid for both sets I subscribed for, or only one; be this as it may, he shall be satisfied on the delivery.\nI feel very sensibly for the alarm of the Citizens of Philadelphia, and for the calamity brought on that place by the Yellow fever; and devoutly wish the speedy disappearance of it. With great esteem\u2014I am Dr Sir Yr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0305", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rufus King, 6 September 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nLondon Sep. 6 1797\nI have had the honor to receive your Letter of the 15 of June; and having a few minutes before the Mail for New York is dispatched,\nI employ them in sending you inclosed the copy of a Letter that I received a few days past from our Consul at Hamburgh, which announces the approaching release of General La Fayette.\nKnowing the friendship that you have uniformly had for him, and recollecting likewise that his Son is with you, I could not refuse myself the pleasure of making to you this communication. With perfect consideration & Respect I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your ob: & faithful Servt\nRufus King", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0306", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 6 September 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pearce, William\n[Mount Vernon, 6 September 1797]\n.\u00a0.\u00a0. but as the Season is now far advanced, and you have hitherto been unsuccessful, and the wages of those you think good, are besides high; I shall, rather than run a risk of doing worse, engage Cask [Cash], who seems to be a sober, active & obliging man, for the coming year, which will complete my wants. .\u00a0.\u00a0.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0307", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 8 September 1797\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir,\nWashington, September 8th 1797\nSince I had the pleasure to see you last I have contemplated very fully the subject of renting your River Farm, provided you should be disposed to let it upon the terms which I understood you had offered it to a person who was speaking to you on the subject some time ago, which, if I mistake not, was for 1200 bushl Wheat the first year\u201415 or 1600 the second year and 1800 for the succeeding years of the term\u2014and provided also that you consider me, in this business, as you would any person who was a total stranger to you, and let no motives of friendship influence to an indulgence which would not be granted to an indifferent person.\nI have made up my mind and am making my arrangements to take up my residence at the Walnut-tree farm this fall, and with a full idea of pursuing the business of a farmer to the best advantage I can, and at the same time to have my charming boys under my own eye and direction as to their Studies, until they may be fit to be placed at a College or public seminary.\nThus situated I think I can, with the habits of industry which I possess\u2014and the knowledge (tho\u2019 small) which I have of farming, carry on the cultivation of your River farm in the way you have pointed out in your proposals for renting. Another inducement which I have for this is, that I may have useful employment for those Negroes who are in Berkley\u2014and will come into my hands\nat Christmas\u2014and for some superfluous ones which I now have on the Walnut tree farm.\nSuch Horses, Stock & Utensils as are necessary for the farm and now upon it I would take in the way that you mentioned you was willing to let them go with the place, vizt at a valuation, giving security for the amot to be repaid at the expiration of the lease, and interest annually.\nI have not been able to go up the Country This week as I intended; for it is necessary there should be a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Potomac Company in a few days, as they did not make a Board on tuesday last at the falls, and I must put off my journey till after that time. In the meanwhile, if I can be favoured with your answer to this before I go up to the Country, I shall be governed by it in any arrangement I may make with respect to the Negroes when I am there. I have had several applications for the land in Berkley; but none for the Negroes. An answer by the Monday\u2019s mail will be in time.\nFrederick had engaged some part of the Rye which he was to have procured for you; but the persons who were to furnish it were very willing to be off as they could obtain something more than he had engaged to give\u2014he was to give 4/9\u2014and 5/ is now given; he has therefore let them off.\nOn the subject of this letter I trust you will give me your ideas with all that frankness which it would require had the proposal been made by a stranger. With every sentiment of the most respectful & affectionate attachment I have the honor to be, My dear Sir, your obliged & faithful friend\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0308", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 8 September 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Henry Jr.\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 8th Septr 1797\nYour favour of the 27th Ult. with its enclosures, came safe to hand.\nWhen the negociable note for $1000 is paid, and the 30 barrels of Corn are received, the amount of both will be carried to your credit.\nI am told that the present price of Wheat in Alexandria is 8/ but I can fix no price now for what may be delivered 2, 3, 4 or even 6 months hence, or, perhaps, not at all (if you depend upon purchasing) in case of a rise, when there is no obligation to deliver any specific quantity, or at any specified time. All I can say on this subject is, that if you have Wheat of your own to dispose of, or can purchase & deliver it at my Mill, where, with my convenience of Boats & hands, it can be done as expeditiously as at Alexandria\u2014I will allow, at the times of delivery, the full price that is given in cash at the latter place\u2014more I cannot, less I do not wish to do; as the price of my flour must be regulated by the cost of the Wheat.\nYou cannot, I presume, be at a loss for the statement of the acct between us, when you will recollect that $6.666 37/100 was, by agreement, with interest on the whole sum of $20,000 to have been paid me on the first day of december last; and that on the 27th of Feby following, you paid me Seven hundred dollars in cash, & gave me Read & Fords obligation to transfer 70 shares (a month after) in the Bank of Columbia; the value of which you estimated at 40 dollars each, when they were actually selling at that moment in the market, at, or near, 18 prCt under par; by which I actually received no more than about $2300 in lieu of $2800; besides loosing a months interest on the last mentioned sum, for which my receipt was passed.\nAs the payments here mentioned are all I have received, except go Barrels of Corn delivered the  day of last month at 21/8, I presume the object of your request must be to know in what light I view the payment of the 70 shares. I shall therefore frankly declare,\nthat if a disinterested judge is to be found, who will say that I ought, under the circumstances which prevailed at the time, to loose the difference between the nominal and real price of the shares, I will never utter another word upon the subject: if there is not, or if there are no other circumstances of which I am ignorant, I conceive you yourself will not think it reasonable, or just, that I should loose near $500 in the payment of $2800 when my sole motive for receiving those shares at all, was (inconveniently for myself) to accomodate you.\nYou say, you informed me at the time, that the stock was a little under par\u2014& as you have said so, I will admit it; though my hurried situation at that time leaves no trace thereof on my memory; while there are several facts which cannot have escaped yours: namely\u2014that more than once (without urging it ardently) I informed you that I was in want of money to clear me out of Philadelphia, properly; (and was obliged, at last, to leave the City without providing many articles of which my family stood in need); that I had declined receiving [James] Wilsons notes when they were proposed, because I could not depend upon converting them into cash; that the offer of Columbia stock, was late & unexpected\u2014of course, seeing no other prospect of obtaining any part of the Instalment, I took them as an accomodation to you; for it will not be denied that, if I had been disposed to appropriate money to this use, I could, & would have been my own caterer, as I was coming to the City myself; that under these circumstances, hurried & perplexed (at the close of the Session) as I then was, with Executive & Legislative business, & with the necessary attention to the change wch was about to take place in my private concerns, afforded no leisure to enquire into the value of Columbia Bank stock, even if I had attended to your information concerning it, and I should from a cursory enquiry only have been struck with no other idea than what occurs continually at the Bank of Alexandria\u2014viz.\u2014that just before a dividend, the stock is a little above, and just after, a little below its nominal value.\nI have expressed myself thus, because it comports with my ideas of truth, Justice & propriety; but I mean to enter into no contention, or dispute on the subject, being with very great esteem & regard Dear Sir Your Most Obedient and Affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0309", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 September 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nTrenton [N.J.] Sept. 8 1797.\nI have removed my family & office to this place; and we are all very well.\nI have received your letter inclosing $35 for the rollers of your copying press. The workman spoke of the goodness of the rollers: but I tried them and found one not sufficiently true in the turning, and made him put it in his lathe to turn it more exactly. On fixing them in the frame, I got Mr Taylor to make an experiment of their operation, which appeared to be good, producing a fair impression. There were not springs enough to bring the rollers near enough together for your press-board. This I did not know till they were ready to be shipped: and I supposed you had spare springs by you; & if not, that any smith could make them. I have found in the use of the copying press that it was necessary to have the rollers exactly parallel, and that the press-board should be entered at right angles with the rollers. If any difficulty should be found in using yours, and you will be pleased to let me know it, I will give any further explanation which may be needful.\nYour letter to General Kosciusko I sent to Philadelphia with a request to the postmaster to send it to him, as he mentioned to me his intention to take up his residence in the neighbourhood of the city, for the benefit of Dr Rushs medical aid; but if the General should not be found, to return it to me. Yesterday the newspapers announced his intended visit to Genl White at New Brunswick, in this state: if he comes this way, I will ascertain whether he recd your letter.\nMy answer to the rude & insolent letter of the Chevalier de Yrujo, of the 11th of July being long, and a number of copies wanted, I concluded to print it, tho\u2019 it is not to be published, unless it should be laid before Congress, and they should order it. I take the liberty to inclose one copy for your perusal, & the perusal of any of your friends; and am with great respect, Sir, your most obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0310", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John O\u2019Donnell, 9 September 1797\nFrom: O\u2019Donnell, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nBaltimore 9 Sept. 1797.\nI am duly honored with your letter of the 4[t]h inst. and should have made an earlier reply to it, had I not delayed in making such necessary inquiries, as added to my own Knowledge of Anthony Heusler, might enable me more particularly to give you the information request\u2019d respecting him. \u27e8And\u27e9 altho\u2019 he has been my tenant for about 3 years, yet have I been very little indeed acquainted either with him, or his wife, or their several qualifications. However, from what I have myself seen or known of him, I beleive him sober, honest, and industrious. And from what I learn from persons of credit who are more intimately acquainted with him, I have reason to consider the man as well understanding his profession in all its various branches, of moral orderly conduct, and of as much activity as is consistent with his years.\nI scarce have any recollection of his wife. From inquiry I believe her to be industrious, frugal & laborious in her own walk; but I cannot suppose her by any means competent to the duties which would be required of her in your family as an housekeeper. Mr Heusler brought a little property with him into this country. He had to pay out of it for the passages of his family, & trifling\ncould have been the sum afterwards remaining. Yr most obedt humble servant\nJohn ODonnell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0312", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 11 September 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 11th Sepr 1797.\nYour letter of the 8th instant was given to me yesterday by Mr Jno. Bassett.\nIf you had intimated a wish to Lease my River Farm a month or\ntwo ago, all matters might, with ease, have been arranged before this; but as I had heard nothing in that time from the English Farmer who had been in Treaty for it, I had relinquished the idea of letting it next year, & in consequence, have engaged Stuart, Sown the principal part of my Winter Grain, and made all the necessary dispositions for the ensuing Season. I do not therefore, at this moment, see how they can be dispensed with. If upon further reflection, however, on the subject, and a consultation with Mr Anderson, the Measure can be gone into without involving difficulties which cannot be easily surmounted, you shall hear further from me on this subject, and learn more minutely the details of my Plan, and the conditions on which the Farm will be let; for these will be specific, and exacted from the Tenant whomsoever he may be.\nIf that Farm is not Rented next year, there is nearly a moral certainty (if I am alive) it will be so the year after: My object being, to reduce my income to a certainty; and to get relieved in my latter years (if I have any to pass) of the trouble & perplexities incident to such an estate as mine is, from the constitution of it.\nAlthough nothing (except the Rent pr acre) is definitively fixed in my own mind relative to the precise terms on which I propose to lease my Farms, yet, to give you a more comprehensive view of my ideas in this respect, I enclose you a printed advertisement of them; published near two years since\u2014my thoughts upon the subject at that period\u2014and Mr Anderson\u2019s sketch of a lease when application was made for River Farm by the Person before alluded to; that you may gather, from thence, the outlines of my views, and intention; but more particularly, that you might not be under a mistake with regard to the Fisheries (which have always been considered as distinct objects, although they might be united in the same lease)\u2014the slipes of old field without the present fences\u2014and the Woodland; not an acre of which will be suffered to be cleared for the purpose of cultivation\u2014nor a stick carried off the premises for any purpose whatsoever; nor used thereon except in the manner, and for the purposes which are mentioned in one or more of the enclosed Papers.\nAfter perusing the manuscript ones, I beg they may be returned by the Post, as I have no copy of either. With great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Affectionate Ser\u27e8vt\u27e9\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0313", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Searson, 13 September 1797\nFrom: Searson, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York 13th Sepr 1797\nI lately had the Honor of Receiving your Condescending favour of the 20th ult. for which you have my most sincere and Grateful thanks. I wrote some time in the Receiver General\u2019s office in Philadelphia. But the Books for nine years past being Unposted & Regulated, Caus\u2019d some Altercation between the Keeper of the office and the State, had to resign it for want of proper Encouragement. I left Philada 15 days ago, to Evade the Infections, & now prevalent fever of that City. And tho\u2019 I formerly liv\u2019d here for some years tutor in one of the first familys, find my self a Stranger by long absence, and the Vicissitudes of Human affairs. And as some of my Poems remain on hand the subscribers leaving town I waited on the Honorable John Jay the Governor here, who receiv\u2019d me graciously and very Humanely gave me two Dollars for one Bound & letterd on the back. Agreeable to your kind order, (before I left town) I Call\u2019d at Colonel Biddle\u2019s and left a Poem bound, with his young man (himself not being within) who gave me a Dollar for it and for which I most humbly thank you.\nA Clergyman of my Acquaintance in this City of the Church of England, told me the other day, Governor Jay would be the most likely Person to promote me to some Genteel office. I have Indeed some good recommendations both from Ireland and Philada and also Some Genteel Acquaintance and friends Here. Yet Could I have the Honor of a few Lines from your Humane Disposition to Govr Jay I flatter my self Success would Attend it.\nThis City is exceedingly healthy at Present, but a general Complaint of the decrease of Business owing to the ruin of Trade by the French Capturing our Ships. But in Philada the sight was shocking\nto see so many thousands leaving the City, and great part of the City shut up, dreading the fatality of 1793\u2014Pardon most Honorable sir my freedom, And be assured I am with the most Profound Respect & unfeigned Gratitude Your Honors most devoted & Obedt Hble servt\nJohn Searson\nA line would find me, to Care of Mr Hugh Gain printer Hanover Square 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0316", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Marshall, 15 September 1797\nFrom: Marshall, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nThe Hague 15th Septr 1797\nThe flattering evidences I have receiv\u2019d of your favorable opinion, which have made on my mind an impression only to wear out with my being, added to a conviction that you must yet feel a deep interest in all that concerns a country to whose service you have devoted so large a portion of your life, induce me to offer you such occasional communications as, while in europe I may be enabled to make, & induce a hope too that the offer will not be deemd an unacceptable or unwelcome intrusion.\nUntil our arrival in Holland we saw only British & neutral vessels. This added to the blockade of the dutch fleet in the Texel, of the french fleet in Brest & of the Spanish fleet in Cadiz manifests the entire dominion which one nation at present possesses over the seas. By the ships of war which met us we were three times visited & the conduct of those who came on board was such as woud proceed from general orders to pursue a system calculated to conciliate America. Whether this be occasion\u2019d by a sense of justice & the obligations of good faith, or solely by the hope that the perfect contrast which it exhibits to the conduct of France may excite keener sensations at that conduct, its effects on our commerce are the same. The situation of Holland is truely interesting. Tho the face of the country still exhibits a degree of wealth & population perhaps unequald in any other part of Europe, its decline is visible. The great city of Amsterdam is in a state of blockade, More than two thirds of its shipping ly unemployd in port. Other sea ports suffer tho not in so great a degree. In the meantime the requisitions made upon them are enormous. They have just completed the payment of the 100,000,000 of florins (equal to 40,000,000 of dollars) stipulated by treaty; they have sunk, on the first entrance of the French, a very considerable sum in assignats; they made large contributions in specifics; & they pay feed & cloath an army estimated, as I am informd, at near three times its real number. It is supposed that France has by various means drawn from Holland about 60,000,000 of dollars. This had been paid, in addition to the national expenditures by a population of less than 2000,000. Nor, shoud the war continue, can the contributions of Holland stop here. The increasing exigences of France must inevitably increase her demands on those within her reach. Not even peace can place Holland in her former situation. Antwerp will draw from Amsterdam a large portion of that commerce which is the great source of its wealth; for Antwerp possesses, in the existing state of things, advantages which not even weight of capital can entirely surmount. The political divisions of this country & its uncertainty concerning its future destiny must also have their operation. Independent of the grand division between those for & against the stadtholder; between those who favor an indivisible & those who favor a federal republic, there is much contrariety of opinion concerning the essential principles of that indivisible consolidated republic which the influence of France imposes\non the nation. A constitution which I have not read, but which is stated to me to have containd all the great fundamentals of a representative government, & which has been prepard with infinite labor, & has experienc\u2019d an uncommon length of discussion was rejected in the primary assemblies by a majority of nearly five to one of those who voted. The objections do not accompany the decision, but they are said to be to the duration of the constitution which was to remain five years unalterd, to the division of the legislature into two chambers, & to its power of definitive legislation. The substitute wish\u2019d for by its opponents, is a legislature with a single branch having power only to initiate laws which are to derive their force from the sanction of the primary assemblies. I do not know how they woud organize their executive, nor is it material how they woud organize it. A constitution with such a legislature woud live too short a time to make it worth the while to examine the structure of its other parts. It is remarkable that the very men who have rejected the form of government propos\u2019d to them have reelected a great majority of the persons who prepard it & who will probably make from it no essential departure. Those elected are now assembled in convention at this place, but we know not in what manner they are proceeding. It is also worthy of notice that more than two thirds of those intitled to suffrage including perhaps more than four fifths of the property of the nation, & who wishd, as I am told, the adoption of the constitution, withheld their votes on this very interesting question. Many were restrain\u2019d by an unwillingness to take the oath requir\u2019d before a vote cou\u2019d be receiv\u2019d; many, disgusted with the present state of things, have come to the unwise determination of revenging themselves on those whom they charge with having occasion\u2019d it by taking no part whatever in the politics of their country, & many seem to be indifferent to every consideration not immediately connected with their particular employments.\nThe political opinions which have producd the rejection of the constitution, & which, as it woud seem, can only be entertaind by intemperate & ill informd minds, unaccustomd to a union of the theory & practice of liberty, must be associated with a general system which if brought into action will produce the same excesses here which have been so justly deplord in France. The same materials exist tho not in so great a degree. They have their clubs, they have a numerous poor & they have enormous wealth in the\nhands of a minority of the nation. On my remarking this to a very rich & inteligent merchant of Amsterdam, & observing that if one class of men withdrew itself from public duties & offices it woud immediately be succeeded by another which woud acquire a degree of power & influence that might be exercisd to the destruction of those who had retir\u2019d from society, he replied that the remark was just, but that they relied on France for a protection from those evils which she had herself experiencd. That france woud continue to require great supplies from Holland & knew its situation too well to permit it to become the prey of anarchy. That Holland was an artificial country acquird by persevering industry & which coud only be preservd by wealth & order. That confusion & anarchy woud banish a large portion of that wealth, woud dry up its sources & woud entirely disable them from giving France that pecuniary aid she so much needed. That under this impression very many who, tho friends to the revolution, saw with infinite mortification french troops garrison the towns of Holland, woud now see their departure with equal regret. Thus they willingly relinquish national independence for individual safety. What a lesson to those who woud admit foreign influence into the United States!\nYou have observd the storm which has been long gathering in Paris. The thunder bolt has at length been launch\u2019d at the heads of the leading members of the legislature, & has, it is greatly to be feard, involv\u2019d in one common ruin with them, the constitution & liberties of their country.\nThe inclosd papers will furnish some idea of a transaction which may be very interesting to America as well as to France. Complete and impartial details concerning it will not easily be obtaind as the press is no longer free. The journalists who had venturd to censure the proceedings of a majority of the directory are seiz\u2019d, & against about forty of them a sentence of transportation is pronounced. The press is plac\u2019d under the superintendence of a police appointed by & dependent on the executive. It is supposd that all private letters have been seiz\u2019d for inspection.\nFrom some Paris papers it appears that on the first alarm several members of the legislature attempted to assemble in their proper halls which they found closd & guarded by an arm\u2019d force. Sixty or seventy assembled at another place & began to remonstrate against the violence offerd to their body, but fear soon dispersed\nthem. To destroy the possibility of a rallying point the municipal administrations of Paris & the central administration of the seine were immediately suspended & forbidden by an arr\u00eat\u00e9 of the directoire, to assemble themselves together. Many of the administrators of the departments through France elected by the people, had been previously removd & their places filld by persons chosen by the directory. Moreau who commanded the army of the Sambre & the Meuse by which he was deservedly belovd & who was consider\u2019d as attach\u2019d to the fallen party was, as is reported, invited from his army to Paris under the pretext of a personal consultation. We have not heard of his arrival or of his fate. The command of his army during his absence did not, we learn, devolve on the oldest officer but was given to Genl Hoche who also commands the army of the in\u27e8mutilated\u27e9. Carnot is at one time said to have been killd in defending himself from some soldiers who pursued & attempted to take him, at another time he is said to have effected his escape. The fragment of the legislature convokd by the directory at L\u2019odeon & L\u2019ecole de sant\u00e9, hastend to repeal the law for organizing the national guards, & authoriz\u2019d the directory to introduce into Paris as many troops as shoud be judg\u2019d necessary. The same day the liberty of the press was abolish\u2019d by a line, property taken away by another & personal security destroyd by a sentence of transportation against men unheard & untried. All this is stild the triumph of liberty & of the constitution.\nTo give a satisfactory statement of the origin & progress of the contest between the executive & legislative departments woud require more time than coud be devoted to the subject, did I even possess the requisite information, & to you, sir, it woud be unnecessary because I have no doubt of your having receiv\u2019d it through other channels. I shall briefly observe that the controversy has embrac\u2019d a variety of interesting subjects. Since the election of the new third, there were found in both branches of the legislature a majority in favor of moderate measures, &, apparently, wishing sincerely for peace. They have manifested a disposition which threatend a condemnation of the conduct of the directory towards America, a scrutiny into the transactions of Italy, particularly those respecting Venice & Genoa, an enquiry into the disposition of public money & such a regular arrangement of the finances as woud prevent in future those dilapidations which are suspected to have grown out of their disorder. They have sought\ntoo by their laws to ameliorate the situation of those whom terror had driven out of France, & of those priests who had committed no offence. Carnot & Barthelemy two of the directory were with the legislature.\nThe cry of a conspiracy to reestablish royalism was immediately rais\u2019d against them. An envoy was dispatchd to the army of Italy to sound its disposition. It was represented that the legislature was hostile to the armies, that it withheld their pay & subsistence, that by its opposition to the directory it encourag\u2019d Austria & Britain to reject the terms of peace which were offer\u2019d by France & which but for that opposition woud have been accepted, & finally that it had engagd in a conspiracy for the destruction of the constitution & the republic & for the restoration of royalty. At a feast given to the armies of Italy to commemorate their fellow soldiers who had fallen in that country the Generals address\u2019d to them their complaints, plainly spoke of marching to Paris to support the directory against the councils & receivd from them addresses manifesting the willingness of the soldiers to follow them. The armies also addressd the directory & each other, & addresses were dispatchd to different departments. The directory answerd them by the stronge\u27e8st\u27e9 criminations of the legislature. Similar proceedings were had in the army of the interior commanded by Genl Hoche. Detatchments were mov\u2019d within the limits prohibited by the constitution, some of which declard they were marching to Paris \u201cto bring the legislature to reason.\u201d Alarmd at these movements the council of five hundred call\u2019d on the directory for an account of them. The movement of the troops within the constitutional circle was attributed to accident & the discontents of the army to the falts committed by the legislature who were plainly criminated as conspirators against the army & the republic. This message was taken up by Trongon in the council of antients & by Thibideau in the council of five hundred. I hope you have seen their speeches. They are able, & seem to me to have entirely exculpated the legislature. In the mean time the directory employd itself in the removal of the administrators of many of the departments & cantons & replacing those whom the people had elected by others in whom it coud confide, & in the removal generally of such officers both civil & military as coud not be trusted to make room for others on whom it coud rely. The legislature on its part, passd several laws to enforce the constitutional restrictions on the armies & endeavord\nto organize the national guards. On this latter subject especially Pichegru, great & virtuous I beleive in the cabinet as in the field, was indefati[ga]ble. We understand that the day before the law for their organization woud have been carried into execution the decisive blow was struck.\nTo support the general charge of a conspiracy in favor of royalty I know of no particular facts allegd against the arrested members except Pichegru & two or three others. An abridgement of the paper constituting the whole charge against Pichegru will be found in the enclosed supplement. I have seen the paper at full length. The story at large is still more improbable than its abridgement because Pichegru is made in the first moment of conversation to unbosom himself entirely to a perfect stranger who had only told him that he came from the Prince of Cond\u00e9 & coud not exhibit a single line or testimonial of any sort to prove that he had ever seen that Prince or that he was not a spy employ\u2019d by some of the enemies of the General.\nThis story is repeld by Pichegru\u2019s character which has never before been defil\u2019d. Great as were the means he possess\u2019d of personal aggrandizement he retir\u2019d clean handed from the army, without adding a shilling to his private fortune. It is repel\u2019d by his resigning the supreme command, by his numerous victories subsequent to the alledgd treason, by its own extreme absurdity & by the fear which his accusers show of bringing him to trial according to the constitution even before a tribunal they can influence & overawe, or of even permitting him to be heard before that prostrate body which is still term\u2019d the legislature, & which in defiance of the constitution has pronounc\u2019d judgement on him.\nYet this improbable & unsupported tale seems to be receivd as an establishd truth by those who the day before his fall bow\u2019d to him as an idol. I am mortified as a man to learn that even his old army which conquerd under him, which adord him, which partook of his fame & had heretofore not joind their brethren in accusing the legislature, now unite in bestowing on him the heaviest execrations & do not hesitate to pronounce him a traitor of the deepest die.\nWhether this conspiracy be real or not, the wounds inflicted on the constitution by the three directors seem to me to be mortal. In opposition to the express regulations of the constitution the armies have deliberated, the result of their deliberations addressd\nto the directory has been favorably receiv\u2019d, & the legislature since the revolution has superadded its thanks.\nTroops have been marchd within those limits which by the constitution they are forbidden to enter but on the request of the legislature.\nThe directory is forbidden to arrest a member of the legislature unless in the very commission of a criminal act & then he can only be tried by the high court, on which occasion forms calculated to protect his person from violence or the prejudice of the moment are carefully prescribd. Yet it has seizd by a military force about fifty leading members not taken in a criminal act & has not pursued a single step mark\u2019d out by the constitution.\nThe councils can inflict no penalty on their own members other than reprimand, arrest for eight and imprisonment for three days. Yet they have banishd to such place as the directory shall chuse a large portion of their body without the poor formality of hearing a defence.\nThe legislature shall not exercise any judiciary power or pass any retrospective law. Yet it has pronouncd this heavy judgement on others as well as its own members & has taken from individuals property which the law had vested in them.\nThe members of the directory are personally secur\u2019d by the same rules with those of the legislature. Yet three directors have deprivd two of their places, the legislature has then banishd them without a hearing & has proceeded to fill up the alledg\u2019d vacancies. Merlin late minister of justice & Fran\u00e7ois de Neufchatel have been elected.\nThe constitution forbids the house of any man to be enterd in the night. The orders of the constituted authorities can only be executed in the day, Yet many of the members were seiz\u2019d in their beds.\nIndeed sir the constitution has been violated in so many instances that it woud require a pamphlet to detail them. The detail woud be unnecessary for the great principle seems to be introduc\u2019d that the government is to be administerd according to the will of the armies & not according to the will of the nation.\nNecessity, the never to be worn out apology for violence, is alledgd\u2014but coud that necessity go further than to secure the persons of the conspirators? Did it extend to the banishment of the printers & to the slavery of the press? If such a necessity did exist\nit was created by the disposition of the people at large, & it is a truth which requires no demonstration that if a republican form of government cannot be administerd by the general will, it cannot be administerd against that will by an army.\nAfter all the result may not be what is apprehended. France possesses such enormous power, such internal energy, such a vast population that she may possibly spare another million & preserve or reacquire her liberty. Or, the form of the Government being preservd, the independence of the legislature may be gradually recoverd.\nWith their form of Government or revolutions we have certainly no right to intermeddle, but my regrets at the present state of things are increasd by an apprehension that the rights of our country will not be deemd so sacred under the existing system as they woud have been had the legislature preservd its legitimate authority.\nGenl Pinckney (with whom I cannot but be very much pleasd) have waited impatiently for Mr Gerry & shall wait until monday the 18th inst. On that day we set out for Paris.\nThe negotiations with Austria & Britain are still pending & are of very uncertain issue.\nThis letter has extended itself to an unexpected length. I have fatigued you sir & will only add that I remain with sincere & respectful attachment Your Obedt Servt\nJ. Marshall\nI just now learn that fifteen hundred persons have been arrested at [L]yons. That resistance is made at Avignon & that Massena is marching to quel 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0317", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Pearson, 15 September 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pearson, George\nSir,\nMount Vernon in Virginia 15th Septr 1797.\nYour letter of the 12th of May has been received, but not until within these few days: to which you will please to consider the following as a reply.\nHaving been long in public life, and but little in this State for the last five and twenty years; and moreover, having had but very little agency in the Administration of the deceased Colo. Thomas Colvils affairs even antecedant thereto, no consideration short of being the surviving Executor of his Will and the imperious necessity occasioned thereby of bringing matters to a close, could possibly have induced me to resume any Agency therein.\nUnder these circumstances however, I have at all times, of late, when it was in my power, used my best endeavours to have the accounts closed, in order to ascertain the surplus which that Gentleman had bequeathed to the nearest relations of his Mother, of the names of Stott, Wills, Richardson and Catharine Smith, of Durham; or their descendants: and with much difficulty and the aid of a Gentleman (Mr Keith) well acquainted with this sort of business, have accomplished it, as you may see by having recourse to a notification in the London Gazette of December last\u27e8,\u27e9 consequent of a decree of the high Court of Chancery in this State.\nThe persons just named, or those claiming under them, may, perhaps, be disappointed at the smallness of the sum\u2014viz.\u2014nine hundred and thirty two pounds seventeen shillings an[d] seven pence three farthings, estimating dollars at Six shillings; which, upon the final settlement was found to be the surplusage of the Testators estate after his Debts & special legacies were discharged; but if they will advert to the clause of the Will under which they claim, and which was published in England many years ago, there\nought not to be any surprize, as it there appears that the Testator himself was in doubt whether there would be any overplus at all.\nThe reason why that sum (now actually in the Bank of Alexandria) was submitted to the decision and disposition of the Chancellor, was, because there had been so many claims exhibited; of so vague a nature; and some of them accompanied by such unjust and indecent insinuations, that I did not incline to inquire into the merits of the respective claims, or to become responsible for the distribution of the money. All those who have pretensions under the Will to a Share of the before mentioned sum, will now know where to present their proofs; & to receive an order for their proportion of the Devise, having nothing more to do in the matter myself. I am\u2014Sir Your Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0319", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Vans Murray, 17 September 1797\nFrom: Murray, William Vans\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nThe Hague 17 Sep. 1797\nIn the haste of Captain Izard\u2019s departure the copy of a letter of which I spoke was omitted in mine of the date of yesterday\u2014but as he waits at Rotterdam for a wind, the copy which was not quite ready when he left this place, goes under cover in this.\nThe letter as you will see is without place of Date, except the Initial & concluding letters of the word Paris, from whence it came \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 An American of much coolness & reflexion, & though I by no means place implicit confidence in his speculations upon the future, I yet trust his facts, & give much weight to his conjectures. From every thing which I have collected from public men here for two months past & particularly from such as are in strict confidence with the French I have had reason to expect that little was to be hoped from the Justice of France. They all speak of the disposition of that Government not to go to war with the United States\u2014a point which the government of this country \u27e8mutilated\u27e9ing took great pains to ascertain: but they also consider that temper in France as a grace shown us, with which we ought to be satisfy\u2019d\u2014When ever I have suggested the prospect of indemnification for injuries, they have always manifested a surprise that show\u2019d they considered the idea as unjust & extravagant. The baneful error which lies at the bottom of all their opinions respecting us, that America, Government & People are divided into two parties only, British & French, is the point of the hypothesis to which all their other opinions of america relate. My exertions have not been witheld, as ea\u27e8illegible\u27e9 as the combat of an idea so disgraceful in \u27e8illegible\u27e9 its admission as a topic, could be fairly \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 an error which has been too little attended to & which the French & some americans have so long laboured to render an established truth. I hear nothing more Sir of M. La Fayette since my letter to you about a fortnight since. I am with the most faithful attachment & highest respect Dear Sir your most obedient servant\nW. V. Murray", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0321", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 19 September 1797\nFrom: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sr\nRotterdam Sepr 19th 1797\u2014\nYour favour by General Marshall arrived safe, and I was highly flattered by your approbation of my conduct whilst in France. Before I determine on any public measure I always consider in what way it is probable you would act if you were to decide, & govern myself according to what I conceive would be your judgment.\nI am charmed with my Colleague Genl Marshall, and am fortunate enough to agree altogether with him in sentiment. We are\nnow proceeding to Paris; the late extraordinary transactions there, & some intimations we have received render it improper for us to delay our Journey; at the same time we do not mean (without procrastinaton should be very disadvantageous) to open our direct negotiations till Mr Gerry\u2019s arrival. I am by no means sanguine in my expectations with respect to the result of our business. A great many in France are persuaded that we are a divided people, & think that at least one half of the People of America with the Vice President at the head would join them in case of a rupture. I am convinced that is a most erroneous opinion, but to our Country it is, it has been, & I am afraid will be exceedingly prejudicial. I enclo[se] you the last Leyden Gazettes which will give you the account of the arrest of 53 Members of the Legislature with the Director Barthelemy and several other Individuals, and of the Editors & Printers of 32 Journals & other periodical publications, & of their being sentenced by a Law passed by the remaining Members to be transported without trial on a charge of conspiring to establish Royalty. Newspapers & all periodical publications in France are subject for a twelve month to the inspection of the police, but I refer you to the papers for the particulars. Mr John Lusac the learned & excellent Editor of the Leyden Gazette has shewn me many marks of attention & hospitality since I have been in Holland; he highly venerates your Character and I made him happy by permitting a printer to copy your picture, he had many prints of you hung about his house but none of them like. He has written to you by this opportunity & sent you a book of his composing, you would render him very happy by writing him a few lines, & when you consider he was one of the earliest, and has been & is one of the most constant friends of American Liberty & Independance I trust you will notice his letter. Be assured I always am with the greatest sincerity & respect your most affectionate & devoted humble Sert\nCharles Cotesworth Pinckney\nThis will be delivered to you by Capn Izard the Son of Mr Izard our late Senator, he has been studying in the School of Engineers At Metz, & I dare say you will find he has greatly profited 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0324", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Bassett, 23 September 1797\nFrom: Bassett, John\nTo: Washington, George\nEsteemed and honor\u2019d Sir,\nFarmington Septr 23d 1797\nWe arrived here in safety on the 18th Inst. after a pretty sultry Journey from Mount Vernon, which was protracted by the fatigue\nof Mrs Bassett and the Children, that obliged us to lay by a day or two. It was with the deepest regret we left so soon the Company of our good Aunt and yourself. But our sollicitude to return to our domestic Avocations could be restrained only for a few days to discharge our duty and gratify our Affection by paying our respects in person. On our way down I was delighted to hear of a new wheat Machine invented by Mr Thomas Martin residing in the County of King & Queen near Dunkirk, a man long famed for his extraordinary Genius. Leaving Mrs Bassett to repose; I chearfully accepted an invitation to Mr John Woodfords, where one had been built from the model of Mr Martin\u2019s. I found a drum of two feet in Diameter with six Beaters fixed thereon, the wheat was moved forward on a roling Cloath & passed through rolers as it was affixed to these Beaters entierly in the form of Bookers\u2019. But cogg\u2019d wheals & trunnel heads were used, though on a small scale, the largest wheel being perpendicular & only four feet in Diameter. The motion was given by Cranks fixed at each extremity of the Axiles of the Drum, at which two men could work the Machine with as much ease as one could a common wheat fan. The whole work is very simple, easily erected and kept in repair & the prime cost of one could scarcely exceed thirty dollars\u27e8.\u27e9 It is quite portable, it may be carryed a short distance by 3 or 4 hands or may [be] taken to pieces & the whole transported in a small Cart. The powers of it are great, from 60 to 70 Bushels pr day have been got out. Mr Martin has fixed it to a common mill by annexing it to the horns after removing the Stone In which Case it\u2019s powers are increased beyond example. Mr Martin has beat out with a drum only 2\u00bd feet in diameter at the rate of thirty Bushels an hour. Knowing how much you are delighted with any invention of genius especially when so eminently conducive of public good, I have embraced the first leisure moment to convey to you the best information I was able; supposing it might be the earliest that would reach you and in any event would be considered as an evidence of the zeal, with which I would perform any thing that might contribute to your Interest or Amusement. With the sincerest esteem & the most ardent prayers for your health & happiness I am yours\nJohn Bassett", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0325", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Washington Motier Lafayette, 23 September 1797\nFrom: Lafayette, George Washington Motier\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\n[Washington, D.C.] Saturday September the 23. 1797\nI take the opportunity of Mr Lewis\u2019s return to Mount-Vernon to trouble you with a few lines. by letters from France I have had at last the long wished for conformation of my father\u2019s liberation, an old friend of my father\u2019s brought them to me, and I can entertain no more doubts on that article. their arrival in France is not yet mentioned, but the particulars in these private news coincide so perfectly with the late accounts which you have probably seen in the news papers, that I cannot but be certain that they are at last free.\nKnowing that you will participate in my joy as you have in my grief; I hasten with perfect reliance on your usual Kindness to me, to communicate to you those so long expected tidings.\nwe were thinking of returning to Mount-Vernon on Friday next. would it be unconvenient to you to send for us on that day. a party to the great Falls is proposed for one of the first days of next week and I should like very much to see them again.\nall the family here are perfectly well. Mr Frestel joins himself to me to beg of you to present our respects to Mrs Washington, and to believe him to be as well as myself with respect and gratitude your most obedient humble servant\nG. W. Motier Lafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0327", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Langhorne [Peter Carr], 25 September 1797\nFrom: Langhorne, John (Peter Carr)\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWarren, Albemarle County, Sep. 25 1797.\nWhen a man of distinguished worth suffers unmerited calumny, it has the same effect as an eclipse of the sun, which serves only to make it admired the more. While it shines in unvaried light, and splendor, it shines unnoticed; but when it is obscured by some sudden and unexpected darkness, it attracts our attention, and emerges with an unusual and superior eclat. Such will be the only effect you will experience from those unjust aspersions which have been lately thrown upon you. Nothing but truth can possibly last. They will vanish, and leave behind them a more than usual lustre. There is no cause then, why you should distress, or even disturb yourself a moment concerning them. Too impruden[t]ly delicate! is your peace to be broken because there are fools and knaves in the world? is it possible that you may suffer as much from the villainy of others in this respect, as you could do from your own demerit? of what use then is virtue? of what use is the consciousness\nof uniform integrity, if it will not produce the only end both of wisdom and virtue, which is our own proper quiet and happiness? Certainly, under the direction of a right philosophy, it could not fail of producing both. it is in vain to labour, if we refuse to enjoy the fruits, or effects of our industry. Would it not be absurd, after we had cultivated a garden, to deprive ourselves of the enjoyment of its fruits and flowers, because some malicious neighbour had reported that it was over-run with weeds? when we beheld our walks and parterres in order, should we deny ourselves the pleasure they might afford us on account of such a report, impossible, you say! it would be perfectly ridiculous. It is most true: and not less ridiculous, not less unreasonable and absurd would it be, for a virtuous man to forfeit that happiness to which his virtue entitles him, because malevolence has branded him with unjust accusations. Till there shall be a possibility of banishing from human society all envy, all dishonesty, and all ill-nature, it would be unwise to make ourselves miserable about their effects. Let those effects always be confined to the objects from whence they proceed; there it is only that they ought to be, and there it is, generally, that they are productive of misery. Every good man has a right to be happy, in spite of the most villainous machinations; and if they make him otherwise, his philosophy at least is not equal to his virtue. These observations have been made, Sir, in the hope that they might possibly administer some comfort, to a mind, eminently great, and virtuous: not, in the belief, that the calumnies against you, have absolutely disturbed your peace, but in the possibility, that at some time, they might for a moment over-cloud your happiness, which ought to be dear to every good man. I am Sir with the highest sentiments of esteem for your person, and veneration for your character yr very H: servt\nJohn Langhorne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0329", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 28 September 1797\nFrom: Law, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nWashington Septr 28th 1797\nIf you approve of the enclosed plan, you will be kind enough to give it some aid, & with the fostering support of your name no\ndoubt all the Shares will be taken\u2014should you disapprove you will tear it & excuse the liberty I take to which I am prompted by a wish to adopt every means for the promotion of this new Establishment. A good Tavern will answer to the keeper of it & will encourage a Hair dresser Butcher & other useful members of Society to settle around it.\nThe Capitol progresses fast & the Presidents house is covered in\u2014to descend from great inanimate things to small lively ones let me inform you that Eliza & our little girl are in perfect health, but Mr Fayette will inform you more particularly. With affectionate & respectful remembrances to Mrs Washington I remain With Sincere esteem & regard Yr Most Obliged\nThomas Law", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0330", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Francis Walker, 28 September 1797\nFrom: Walker, Francis\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNear Charlottesville Sepr 28 1797\nWill you be so obliging as to give me information respecting the interest my Father held with yourself & Mr Lewis in some lands near Suffolk, & by what title\u2014It has become my duty as Exr to dispose of the part belonging to the estate, which I wish to do, in the way most agreable to you, or perhaps you may wish to purchase \u2014Pardon me Sir for this trouble\u2014Please to accept the most sincere respect & best wishes of Your Obdt Sert\nFras 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0332", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Law, 2 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Law, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 2d Octr 1797\nYour note of the 28th Ult. by Mr Frestal, was received on Friday last.\nMy expences are so great and my resources so small, that it is but little in my power to promote such plans as you advocate. To clear me out of Philadelphia, & to lay in a few necessaries for my\nfamily, I sold two valuable tracts of land in the State of Pennsylvania a short time before I left the City for 22,000 dollars; and since my arrival have sold other lands in Virginia the proceeds of all which (so far at least as hath been received) are nearly expended.\nTo encourage however a Hotel at the Capitol, I authorise you if the plan is likely to succeed, on the terms you have suggested to put my name down to five Shares.\nI am glad to hear that the public buildings progress well. As the period for their accomplishment approaches, there can be little doubt but that private buildings will also advance rapidly; I wish they were in such a state of forwardness as to claim the attention of Congress, if the Calamity which is inflicted on Philadelphia & other Sea port Towns, should render the removal of that body from the present Seat of the Government necessary.\nWe rejoice to hear that Mrs Law and the little Girl are well\u2014We are so\u2014and all Unite With Affecte regards for you & them, With Dear Sir Your Obt & very Hbl. Sert\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0334", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Ross, 2 October 1797\nFrom: Ross, James\nTo: Washington, George\n[Pittsburgh, 2 October 1797]\nThe fever which continues to rage in Philadelph[ia] has made it impossible to get bills of Exchangfe] on that place negotiated here, & a great portion of your money hav[i]ng been paid to me in silve[r] I cannot transmit it immediately but you may be assured that no opportunity will be lost of sendg it forwa[r]d to the Bank of Pennsa. and informing you of its arrival. I hope Col Shreve will in future save you the trouble and delay which his tardy conduct has hitherto occasioned. He is now explicitly warned that the failure of a day will probably be followed by a suit without any notice.\nIn the course of the summer several people have inquired for your Ohio lands, but none of them were of such ability that I could encourage a hope of their offers being accepted. It would appear to me most advisable to cut your large tracts into 200 farms with a front upon the river, in that shape they would sell 25 pt higher than in their present shape, and they would also be with[i]n the reach of a different description of purchasers.\nOur lands in the western parts of Pennsylvania command a good price, but during the last year they have risen very little, owing to the prodigious failures in our Capital which has obstructed the circulation of money. I brought large tracts of land to market.\u2014We also feel the end of an expensive war which, tho it drained the National Treasury, was a source of great wealth to the cultivated part of the western country.\nWith the highest respect I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient, Humble servant,\nJames Ross.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0335", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Coleman Martin, 3 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Martin, Thomas Coleman\nSir,\nMount Vernon 3d Oct. 1797\nI have already erected a thrashing Machine on Mr Bookers plan, and was on the point of putting up one or two more when I received a letter from a Gentleman of my acquaintance informing me that you had invented one which did more execution with less force. This had induced me to suspend the erection of those in Mr Booker\u2019s plan until I can receive better information relative to yours, and this is the cause of my giving you the trouble of receiving this letter and praying you would be so obliging as to give it.\nThe advantage which Mr Booker\u2019s has over the Scotch Machine (which I never saw) lyes, it is said, in being less expensive, & less complex\u2014particularly in the substitution of a band in place of cogs & rounds; which, as I have understood, (with the expence thereof) is the principal objection to the latter.\nNot having heard whether you have obtained a Patent for the invention of your\u2019s, or mean to apply for one, I would not have it understood that my application for information into the principle on which yours act\u2014the power which works it\u2014or the execution\u2014is calculated to deprive you of any benifit which might result in either case.\nThe object of my enquiry is merely to know whether yours (nothing being more interesting to the farmer) is upon a simple plan & not easily put out of order in the hands of ignorant Negros, & careless Overseers; whether cheap, & easily erected; what the execution; and with what force it is worked; together with the manner of working it\u2014and the house proper for its reception.\nIf in these particulars, on a fair comparison with Mr Booker\u2019s, it obtains a preference, I shall certainly, as I am about to provide conveniencies of this sort for getting my grain out of the straw, erect yours instead of his; and whether built by my own People or others, am perfectly willing to allow the Patent fee if it exists, or to stand upon the same footing that others do to avail myself of the best discovery in this, or any other country to effect so valuable an end. Your answer to these queries would very much oblige me as my ulterior measures depend upon them & my want of machines to get my grain out in a clean and expeditious mode pressing. I hope you will have the goodness to excuse the liberty I have herein taken and to believe that I am Sir Your Most Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0336", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Hartshorne, 4 October 1797\nFrom: Hartshorne, William\nTo: Washington, George\nRespected Friend\nAlexandria 10 Mo. 4. 1797\nBy desire of the Subscribers to the Bridge on Duke Street I now enclose the Subscription paper for thy consideration\u2014I am ready to acknowledge that things of this kind should be done by the public without burdening Individuals in this way, but in the present instance this could not be done\u2014Some of the Country Gentlemen have contributed and we therefore take the Liberty to ask the like from thee\u2014the improvement is like to be a good one and we hope will be finished in a week or two\u2014Please return the Subscription paper to me by thy servant when he comes to the post office. I am very Respectfully Thy Friend\nWm Hartshorne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0338", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 6 October 1797\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General,\nHambourg October the 6th 1797\nI am the Happier to Be able to inform You, as I am Sure You Shall Be Happy to Hear that on the 19th September My two friends, family, and Myself Left the olmutz Bastille, and that to Morrow Morning We Shall Be on danish Territory out of the Reach of the Coalitionary Powers\u2014in Vain Would I Attempt, My Beloved General, to Express to You the feelings of My filial Heart, when, at the Moment of this Unexpected Restoration to Liberty and Life, I find Myself Blessed With the opportunity to let you Hear from me. This Heart Has for twenty Years Been known to you\u2014Words, that, Whatever they be, fall So Short of My Sentiments Would Not do justice to What I feel\u2014But You Will Be Sensible of the Affectionate and delightful Emotions With Which I am Now Writing\u2014to You, and I know also it is Not Without Some Emotion that after five Years of a death like Silence from me, You Will Read the first Lines I am at Last Enabled to write \u2014With What Eagerness and pleasure I Would Hasten to fly to Mount Vernon, there to pour out all the Sentiments of Affection, Respect, and Gratitude Which Ever Bound me, and More than ever Bind me to You\u2014Your paternal goodness to My, to Our Son Was not Unexpected But Has Been Most Heartily felt\u2014Your Constant Sollicitude in My Behalf I Have Enjoyed as a welcome Consolation in Captivity, and dont Wonder, My Respected General, that those friendly Exertions Have Not Been able to Operate the difficult Work, Which in Spite of \u27e8illegible\u27e9 and threatening Armies, and Repeated demands from the french Government, it Has Been an affair\nof five Months to Effect, after the Hostilities Had Ceased\u2014But at Last We are out, and I Had the Satisfaction to See the United States take a Part in this Last transaction Where By I am Released With My two friends, and that part of My family Which Was not Under Your immediate protection in the Happy Country where Georges and His excellent friend Have experienced So much kindness\u2014Would to God this family Might for the first time Meet Again at Mount Vernon, and Be Reunited in Your friendly and Paternal Arms\u2014My own Health, altho it is Impaird, Could, I think, tolerably Support a Voyage\u2014My daughters are not ill\u2014But Mrs Lafayette\u2019s Sufferings in this Cruel UnHealthy Captivity Have Had Such a deplorable effect Upon Her, that in the opinion of Every phisician, and Every Man of Sense, it Would Be an Act of Madness to Let Her embark at this Advanced Season of the Year\u2014We shall Retire Somewhere on the danish territory, about Sixty or Seventy English Miles from Hambourg, and there in a Remote Country House Quietly Wait for the Spring\u2014in the Mean While we all Are Burning With impatience to See Georges\u2014it is a Comfort of Which His Mother after So Many afflictions, and in Such a State of Health, is in Great Need\u2014And altho\u2019 I depend the More Upon My Return to America in the Spring as the New Measures taken in france Seem to Remove the probility, and of Course to dispense with the duty which in Some letters to Mde L.f. You Have Pointed out for me, We all wish that Georges Might Return to Europe So as to Be With us as Soon as possible and Before We our Selves Can Begin a Voyage for Which His Company, in Going Back With us, Would at Any Rate Be an Agreable Addition\u2014Such are, My Beloved General, the ideas of people who in their emersion from the tomb, want to gather as Soon as possible all the Happiness that is Within their Reach, which However Cannot be Completed Untill they Enjoy the Blessing to Be With You\u2014I Have flattered Myself that in the present Situation of politics, So painful to me, also particulars are yet Unknown, it Might Be Not Quite Unserviceable to offer You A Safe express to Carry Whatever instructions You, or Some Members of Government Could perhaps think of Sending Over\u2014What Has Been, Can Be, or is wished to Be done I do not know\u2014I am perfectly ignorant of every public, Even of My personal Concerns\u2014I know only that My Heart is just the Same as it Has Ever Been\u2014this letter Will Set out immediately I Hope, My dear General, that in a few days I Can Write More fully\u2014In the Mean While I Beg & Hope You Will Read in My\nHeart those Sentiments So Warmly Grateful, So affectionately devoted which I want Adequate Words to Express But which Have So long Animated this Heart, and Shall Animate it as long as it Can Vibrate\u2014My Best and Most tender Respects to Mrs Washington\u2014My Wife and daughters join in the Same Sentiments of Veneration, love and Gratitude to Her and to You\u2014Adieu, My Beloved and Respected General Your filial and Grateful affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0339", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 6 October 1797\nFrom: Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\nRespected Friend\nCity of Washington Octr 6th 1797\nI have sent the Section of Square No. 21, with an Alteration made by the red Line, which is allowing as much as the Surveyor, on attentively considering the Ground, thinks can be made with propriety. I have directed the general plan of the Levels to be made correspondent.\nI request you will be pleased to accept a Dozen Bottles of what may be truly called The heart of Oak. It is old Spirit that was distill\u2019d upon my own Estate in the Island of Tortola, 28 Years ago, and has obtained the deep colour by standing in Oak Casks ever since. It is as good as a Tincture of Bark, and would be of no disservice to a Virginia Planter in a Dram Fog. My Family join me in most respectful Complts to your Lady & self. I am sir with sincere regard your respectful Friend\nWilliam Thornton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0341", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Foote Washington, 7 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, Elizabeth Foote\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nHay-Field oct. 7th 1797.\nEnclos\u2019d is a memorandum of papers that is required respecting Pearson\u2019s claim against us, how they are to be got from Richmond I know not, without you can get your Nephew Mr Bushrod Washington to procure them. I have not been able to bring Capt. Johnston or Mr Triplett to any agreement as yet\u2014I suspect their intention is that you & myself shall bear the burden\u2014indeed I may say it is more then mere suspicion, I have some reason to think so from what has been said, as there will be an expence incur\u2019d in procuring papers from different offices, & mr Swan requires a hundred Dollars at the first Start, it is but Just they should bear their part, they think that Swan asks too much, I think myself the fee is very extrav[ag]ant, tho\u2019 I do not pretend to know what he ought to have, Law matters is what I know nothing of. I am dear Sir with the highest esteem your very Humble Servant\nEliza Washington\nP.S. After writing the above, I have been confirm\u2019d in what I suspected, having just heard that it is fact, that Triplett & Johnston are determin\u2019d not to be of any expence or trouble, not even in sending to the different offices for the papers that will be necessary\u2014they say that you are So interested in the affair, that there will be nothing left undone to defend the Suit to the uttermost\u2014which is provoking that they should think so, when at the same time if they were to lose their Land it would brake their hearts\u2014\nespecially Triplett it would kill him quite\u2014I understand he intends to pay you a visit the ensuing week. E.W.\nThe Inquisition docking the entail that we have it is apprehended it may be wrong, is the reason why one is wanting from 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0342", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon 8th Octr 1797.\nThe ardent desire which Mr La Fayette feels to embrace his Parents and Sisters in the first moments of their liberation, induces him to set out for New York, or further Eastward, in search of a Passage to France.\nIt was my opinion that he had better have awaited authentic accounts of this event; but his eagerness to see his friends\u2014the fear of a Winter passage\u2014and a conviction that he is under no predicament that would render his reception in France at all embarrassing to him, even if he should be disappointed in meeting his friends there, has prevailed.\nI am sure it is unnecessary that I should recommend him and Mr Frestal to your civilities while they may be detained in New York; or to your aid in procuring them a passage to France: but I will request, if circumstances should call for greater pecuniary means than they possess, that you would be so good as to furnish them, and draw upon me for the amount, & it shall be paid at sight.\nPresent Mrs Washington and myself in the most affectionate manner to Mrs Hamilton\u2014and be assured always of the very high esteem and regard with which I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0343", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tadeusz Ko\u015bciuszko, 8 October 1797\nFrom: Kosciuszko, Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Andrzej Bonawentura\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nElisabeth Towne [N.J.] 8 October [1797]\nI return You my warmest thanks for the Honour You have done me \u2014If the situation of my health would admit my travelling so far, I would immediatly pay you my Respects and my personal Homage; it was my first intention, and I hope I shall at last accomplish it.\nYour High Character, Reputation and the Goodness of Your Heart, may give me the liberty to mention a circumstance concerning me and is this\u2014From the United States, I have not recived neither the procent for Fourteen Years nor the Sum due to me; formely I was independent, but now my only resource is in the Justice of Congress; having lost my Certificate and wyth my Country lost my All\u2014I must Request Sir, You will be so kind to mention my situation to that August Body and entreat, that I may be paid my Just demand; without the trouble of making other Application \u2014With Profound Respect I have the Honour to be Sir your most Humble and Obedient Servant\nKosciuszko", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0345", "content": "Title: William Thornton to GW, 8 October 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: William Thornton to GW, 8 Oct. 1797. On 10 Oct. GW wrote Thornton: \u201cYour favours of the 6th & 8th instant have both 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0346", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Foote Washington, 8 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Elizabeth Foote\nDear Madam\nMount Vernon 8th Octr 1797.\nYour letter of yesterday\u2019s date I have received, and will by tomorrows Post write to my nephew Mr Bushrod Washington (though I fear he is not in Richmond at present) for the Papers contained in the memm you enclosed to me.\nHaving had as little to do with Lawyers as any man of my age I pretend not to be a competent judge of Mr Swan\u2019s demand. I know as little too of his eminence as a Lawyer\u2014but confess I think his demand high! Yet what else can be done? To employ an ignorant bungler, might, in the end, (if Mr Swan is clever in his profession) be more expensive.\nWhat Mr Johnson\u2019s ideas of the business may be, I know not; but conceive you have misjudged those of Mr Tripletts; for he told me at the meeting in Alexandria that although he did not know how to manage the defence, he was quite willing to contribute to the expence of it.\nIf however, he, or Mr Johnson proceeds upon the ground that I am more interested in the issue of the suit than those who have the Land in Possession, they will deceive themselves; for I have very good authority for saying that, I am only liable for the Land I sold\u2014not for the improvemts which have been made on it. And if I chose it, might give myself no trouble or concern in the cause, unless the judgment should be unfavourable to the defendants in the first instance, and I should apply for an appeal to the higher Courts.\nBut knowing as I do, that County Court decisions have some weight on a Jury in the Courts just mentioned, I am ready, and willing to bear a proportion of the expence in the firstinstance; and think the others who are interested, should be brought, before hand, to some explicit declaration of their intention respecting the expence. And Mr Foot, who perhaps has more leisure than I have, had better attempt this. I am\u2014Dear Madam Your Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0347", "content": "Title: GW to William Herbert, 9 October 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Herbert, William\n Letter not found: GW to William Herbert, 9 Oct. 1797. On 9 Oct. Herbert wrote GW: \u201cI received the letter you did me the Honor to Write to me this day.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0348", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Herbert, 9 October 1797\nFrom: Herbert, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nAlexandria 9th October 1797\u2014\nI received the letter you did me the Honor to Write to me this day. Mr La Fayette Shall be Accommodated With the Kind of Gold that he wants.\nThe next Dividend in our Bank, will be declared the first Week in January, & paid in a very few days after\u2014Bank Stock sold lately, at ten \u214c Cent below par, I think the Number of Shares you mention, may be, at this period, purchas\u2019d at the Same price. If you wish to buy any, Inclose me an order on the Bank to the Amount of as many Shares as you want, Calculating each Share at one Hundred & Eighty dollars, & I hope to be Able to procure them for you, in the Course of this Week. Such is the Scarcity of Cash & the Sacrifices that are daily making by Individuals to meet their Engagements \u2014With the Utmost Respect & Esteem I am Dear Sir your Most Hble Servt\nWm Herbert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0349", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Vans Murray, 9 October 1797\nFrom: Murray, William Vans\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nThe Hague 9 Octr 1797.\nThe day before yesterday I recieved a letter from Mr Williams, consul at Hamburgh, in which he informs me that M. La Fayette and his family were expected there on the next day\u2014the Fourth Inst.\u2014That all the family, except Madame la Fayette & one of her daughters, were well; & that they would probably embark in the Ship John, for America, if the health of the ladies permitted. I had written to the general, offering my services & enclosing to him the letter of his son, written in answer to the one which Mr Livingston wrote in March 1796\u2014in which I thought he might perceive both\nthe marks of your goodness to him, & the promise of an ingenuous mind & a good understanding \u2014In that letter I also informed him where & how situated his son was &c. &c.\nThe negociation at Lisle is over\u2014Lord Malmsbury having had orders to quit the Republic upon his declaring that he had no instructions to agree to the Ultimatum of the Directory, which they sent soon after they had executed their plan against the Councils. The Ultimatum, it is said, was that Great Britain should restore all she had conquered from France & her allies & pay for the Ships taken at Toulon\u2014the terms were extrava[ga]nt, and the manner it is said peremptory & offensive\u2014the order being that if Lord M. had not powers to settle such a basis, he must quit France in twenty four hours, that he might go & get them \u2014The day before yesterday I was informed, through a channel upon which I rely, that on the 3d a Secret overture reached the French cabinet proposing to renew the negociation, but to do it Secretly\u2014or to so carry it on. Certain it is, that the Parliament of Great Britain, which was to have met on the 5th, is prorogued, to early next month\u2014This confirms the idea that additional advances will be made immediately towards a fresh negociation, that the issue may be made known against the meeting of Parliament. Indeed scarcely any object short of national independence & their commerce can counterbalance the certain expence which the british nation will have to encounter if the war continue another year\u2014for it appears that near Fifty millions Sterg will be the ensuing estimate-\u2014& an anticipation of twenty years of the Land Tax is contemplated. On the other hand France has properly no Finance\u2014She is perhaps the more terrible on that very account\u2014Her energies proceed less from an organization than a disorganization of means\u2014and as long as the Directory can command hundreds of thousands of troops, and there remains a years pay & clothing in her dominions, or in those of her dependencies & allies, she can carry on a land war\u2014it is a struggle between a man in health, who husbands his muscular efforts, & a man in a convulsion. The Directory certainly are too artful to desire peace with great Britain\u2014France would be a scene of civil war in six months from a general peace. The real crime of the Legislature which has brought ruin upon Sixty Four of them & upon two of the Directory, was the endeavour which they made with sincerety to put a regular government into practice\u2014to reclaim the disorderly habits of the nation\u2014to recall\nall the public bodies to the adoption of principles & system\u2014& especially to sanctify the Doctrines of the public Law of Europe & the law of nations that the ambition of the Executive & of its armies might be checked by public opinion & by the fair controul of the constitution\u2014To accomplish this they seized upon the very first approaches of a general Peace, which they anticipated\u2014& had peace taken place they would have accomplished these great objects or have proved to France that the Republican experiment was impracticable. In these indeavours, the Directory saw that the powers which they had assumed, were threatened; & they exceited the public odium against them\u2014or rather that of the armies\u2014As the councils had pretty strongly intimated their intention of revising the expenditures of certain generals, of those vast treasures with which they had been fairly debited, it was not a difficult thing to rouse those generals & their troops against the councils. Doubtless, Sir, the royalists did join with those moderates\u2014but the moderates were perfectly innocent of the views of these who probably meant to go along with them & intended to direct any events which might occur in a crisis to their favourite object. Throughout America we have seen that the majority of the royalists chose to unite with the Federalists in favour of good government; but the Federalists were untainted with the british feelings of the former royalists, & the revolutionary moderates were unconnected with the prospects of the cidevant nobles.\nThe Dutch Fleet which has been so long in the Texel has at length gone to sea. On the day before yesterday they sailed. Seventeen of the line & eleven inferior Ships with two Dutch Battalions on board compose the fleet. The probability is that the troops are destined for Batavia in India. The French troops leave us here daily\u2014they go to the Rhine. Among the wonders of the day is a new Republic on the Rhine\u2014Bonn\u2014Cologne & Coblentz\u2014The people & their magistrates deny that the Sovereign people have consented\u2014but the French say otherwise. I am with perfect esteem & profound respect faithfully Dear Sir yr mo. obt Sevt\nW. V. Murray.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0350", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Stanhope Smith, 9 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Smith, Samuel Stanhope\nDear & Revd Sir,\nMount Vernon 9 Oct\u27e8r\u27e9 1797.\nI have duly received your several letters of last month; but as an expression of my regret, at the conduct & behaviour of young Custis would avail nothing I shall not trouble you by the attempt.\nI am persuaded that your conduct towards him has been such as friendship inspired, and the duties of your important trust required. And as you have seen, in a degree, what my solicitude, advice & admonition have been, he will have himself only to upbraid for any consequences which may follow\u2014and this perhaps come too late.\nBy Mr la Fayette who is on his way to New York to embark for France, I send you Bank notes to the amount of $100 \u27e8in discharge\u27e9 of the balance of the acct transmitted ($65)\u2014the twenty advanced Mr Custis when he left Princeton and any other unpaid bills which may hereafter appear\u2014And with thanks for your polite attention to, & care of him while he was under your superintendance, I remain with the highest esteem, regard & respect Your Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0351", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 9 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Bushrod\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 9th Octr 1797\nMr Thomas Pearson, heir in tail to Simon Pearson his brother, has brought suit in the Court of this County for the lands which\nthe latter sold to Willm Triplett, George Johnson & myself, five & thirty years ago.\nI understand from Colo. Simms who is Pearsons Lawyer, that his complaint is founded upon some irregularity in the proceedings of the Jury, who met on the land to value the same, pursuant to a Writ of Ad quod damnum. And the examination of the Evidence to prove these irregularities, went (for I attended) to the establishment of two points\u20141st that there was no survey of the premises in presence of the Jury, at the time of their enquiry into the value of the land. and 2\u27e8ly\u27e9 that the said Jury did not explore it sufficiently to ascertain with exactness, what the real value of the land was.\nThis is the amount of Grafton Kirks evidence who was one of the Jurors, and who, from your practice in Fairfax Court you may have learnt is a rare hand at all obsolete claims that depend much on a good Memory.\nAs I shall be ultimately affected in this business if Pearsons claim obtains (having sold my part of the tract (178 acres) to Mr Lund Washington, [)] it behoves me to look into the matter timously. Let me then ask your opinion on the following points?\n1st Does the Law providing for the Docking of Entails, by a Writ of Ad quod damnum, make a Survey in presence of the Jury an essential part of the proceedings?\nThe Writ itself (of which I retained a copy) directing the Sheriff to Summon respectable men of his County for the purpo\u27e8se\u27e9 of ascertaining the value of the land &ca requires no such thing.\n2d Who is to judge of the mode by which a Jury on Oath is to report their opinion of the value of the land, if they are not to do it themselves?\nMr Kirk swears he did not on that day traverse a foot of the land. Why? because says he, living adjoining thereto, I could not be made better acquainted with it than I was; neither did John Askins (another of the Jury men) stir from the house at which they met, on the Land. why again?\u2014because John Askins knew it as well as he did. The rest of the Jurors he acknowledges rode o\u27e8ut\u27e9 but were not gone long enough to go over a quarter part of the land. These, if not the words are the litteral meaning of them, and the Sum of Grafton Kirks Evidence. No tampering with the Jury to under value the land, is even hinted at. And the transfers, devises, & descent to Simon Pearson are admitd to be good, in order to prove\nthat the said Simon held the Land in fee tail, and dying (as they say) without legitimate children, that Thomas Pearson his brother is heir in Tail.\n3d Whether as Simon was lawfully married, and never legally divorced, the Childn by that Woman though begotten (no matter by whom) in the state of Separation from him, is not a bar to the claim of Thomas?\n4th What operation will the act of Assembly of Virginia for Docking all Entails \u27e8pas\u27e9sed many years after the land in dispute was Docked by a Writ of Ad quod damnum, and sold (in 1762), and many years too before the death of Simon Pearson, which only happened last Spring, have on this case? It being understood that the Said Simon conveyed the 178 acres to me with a general Warrantee.\n5th I would ask how far my conveyance of the said land to Mr L. Washington with a General Warrantee also, makes me liable for the buildings as well as the Land, which have been placed thereon? and\n6th Whether I had better interest myself in defending the suit already commenced in this county court, or await the decision there & take it up in the dernier resort if it shd be adv\u27e8erse\u27e9.\nI wish also, as the case in myjudgmt turns upon simple points wch do not require much study or research, to be informed (confidentially) whether, in your opinion, Mr Swans demand for defending the suit is not unreason\u27e8able?\u27e9 viz. $100 in hand, and the like sum at the close of the business?\nYou may think me an unprofitable applicant in asking opinions, & requiring services of you without dousing my money; but pay day may come. If the cause should go to the higher Courts, I shall expect you will appear for me, and Mr Marshall also (if you shd not have quit the practice). If the latter should not be returned in time, say who else had \u27e8I best\u27e9 employ? I beg you will send me, & as soon as you can, certified copies, from the Records in Richmond, of the Papers mentioned in the enclosed. With sincere friendship I remain Your most Affecte Uncle\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Whether Colo. Simms has any thing in petto, I am unable to say\u2014I am told however that he is sanguine\u2014& some add that he is to go snacks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0353", "content": "Title: GW to William Herbert, 10 October 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Herbert, William\nLetter not found: GW to William Herbert, 10 Oct. 1797. On 10 Oct. Herbert wrote GW \u201cIn Answer to your favor of this date.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0354", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Herbert, 10 October 1797\nFrom: Herbert, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\u2014\nAlexandria 10th October 1797\nIn Answer to your favor of this date, I Have to Inform you, that the Notes of the Bank of Columbia are Received as payments here, with equal Currency to our Own.\nAs to the Stability of our Bank, I feel no Difficulty in giving you as my decided opinion, that it is perfectly Safe, this Arises, from the Mode of doing Business, which Requires an Approved Endorser on every Note that is Discounted. Since the first Establishment of it, to this period, there has not been one Dollar of a bad Debt Made. Several failures have taken place in that time, & in every Instance, the debt due to the Bank was first Secured, on the principle that the Innocent Endorser, Who lent his Name merely to Serve his Friend, without any prospect of Reward, Should not Suffer\u2014and so Sensible are All other Creditors of the Justice of this principle, that I never have heard it Objected to, on the Contrary, it has Obtained the Sanction of an Established Custom. When\nMr La Fayette & his Friend Call, things shall be Accommodated to their Satisfaction\u2014I am Very Respectfully Dear Sir your most obedt Hble Servt\nWm Herbert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0355", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Thornton, 10 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Thornton, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 10th Octr 1797.\nYour favours of the 6th & 8th instant have both been received, and I pray you to accept my best thanks for the rare & valuable present you have made me. Being the produce of your own Estate renders it more acceptable, and nothing will add more to the go\u2019vt of it, than your coming sometimes to parcipitate in the taste\u2014fog, or no fog.\nI have no doubt but that the section of Square No. 21 is judiciously designed. It is perfectly agreeable to me. Mrs Washington unites with me in best regards for Mrs Thornton & yourself\u2014& with great esteem I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0356", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Francis Walker, 10 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Walker, Francis\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 10th Oct. 1797\nIn answering your favor of the 28th Ulto which has been duly received\u2014I wish it was in my power to give you more satisfactory information than you will find, in this letter, relative to the lands near Suffolk.\nSome years ago (before, if my memory serves me, I was called to administer the Government of the U. States) Mr John Lewis, as Executor of his father Colo. Fielding Lewiss Will, informed me that the circumstances of that estate required that his father\u2019s interest in the lands wch were bought by him, your father & myself,\nlying as above, should be sold. In reply, I told him that any bargain for it that Doctr Walker & himself would make, I would abide by. Since which I have never heard a tittle from either, on this subject\u2014nor do I know in whose possession, or under what circumstances the lands now are. That they are not sold I am inclined to believe, because the title papers are still in my care, & no application has ever been made for them.\nThese, from a cursory examination, appear to be from.\n                  Jos[ep]h Jones to G.W.\u2014T.W. & F.L. for 2 tracts\nI thank you for offering to sell me your interest in the above lands; but I have no disposition to become the purchaser, having lately sold my share of the Company\u2019s property in the Dismal swamp, and formerly a tract adjoining thereto, held by the deceased Colo. Lewis & myself; I shall be willing, however, at any time, to join you & Mr John Lewis in disposing of them to any other purchaser. With esteem & regard I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0357", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Lewis, 13 October 1797\nFrom: Lewis, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPoint Pleasant October 13th 1797\nThe bearer of this, Mr Thomas Alsbury is a person who has resided in this County for a considerable time. In the wars with the\nsavages he has evinced his bravery, and has experienced their revenge in many instances, they having at one time, plunder\u2019d & afterward burnt his house\u2014He informs me that he has heretofore serve\u2019d in your family, and wishes that the rememberance of him may not be intirely eradicated from your Excellencys Breast, at least that he might not be refus\u2019d the previledge of Leasing a few Acres of Your Excellencys Lands on the Ohio, or Kanhawa, that thereby, with the assistance of his Sons, his steps toward the grave, may fall in a smoother path, than they trode since he had the honour to serve with you\u2014He has supported the character of an honest industrious Citizen while he has resided here, and as such I recommend him to your Excellencys favor\u2014I have the Honor to be with profound respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Most Humble Servant\nThomas 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0358", "content": "Title: GW to Matthias Slough, 14 October 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Slough, Matthias\nLetter not found: GW to Matthias Slough, 14 Oct. 1797. Slough wrote GW on 20 Oct. \u201cto acknoledge the receipt of your Esteemed favour of the 14th Currt.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0359", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 14 October 1797\nFrom: Spotswood, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nNewpost October 14 1797\nI am sorry to inform you, with all my exertions I have not been Able to procure a household Steward. I have applied to three persons either of whoom would have Suited, but I could not prevail on either to Engage.\nMr Hoomes whose assistance I Solicited in this business, has just wrote me word, that his enquieries for a Suitable person, has not been crown\u2019d with Success\u2014nor did he know of any one that he would venture to recommend.\nThe enquieries which I promised to make in Westmoreland is at an end; my Vissit to Mr Washington being put a stop to, In consequence of the yellow feever breaking out in that Neighborhood.\nNext Fryday I shall take the stage to Richmond, my enquieries shall be continued as I proceed, as well as in Richmond, where I shall remain three days\u2014and if I meet with a person, you shall have immediate information, and if his character is Such as you like\u2014I can by letter desire him to come on; Mrs Spotswood & family desire to be remembered Affectionately to Mrs Washington, Miss Custis & Miss Henly as well as Sr Yr Affectionate Hble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0360", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Stoy, 14 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stoy, William\nSir\nMount Vernon 14 Octr 1797\nOn monday last, the bearer was Bit by a Small Dog belonging to a Lady in my house, then as was supposed a little diseased\u2014And Yesternight died (I do think) in a State of Madness\u2014As soon as the Boy (Christopher) was Bit application was made to a medical Gentleman in Alexandria who has cut out so far as He could, the place Bit\u2014applyed Ointment to keep it open, And put the Boy under a Course of mercury.\nBut being informed of Your success in performing cures on \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 And worse cases\u2014has induced me to send Him to You, & put Him under Your care, Trusting You will do every thing in Your Power, to prevent any bad consequences from the Bite, And have at the same time wrote to Mr Slough in Lancaster to pay whatever is Your charge. And whenever the Boy arrives do write me, And your Opinion of Him\u2014for besides the call of Humanity, I am particularly anxious for His cure, He being my own Body servant. The Mercury will be mostly discontinued upon His leaving this place, and untill He reaches You, And am Sir Your\u2019s &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0361", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 15th Octr 1797.\nYour letter of the 28th ulto has been received, and I sincerely regret the continuance of the malady which afflicts the City of Philadelphia, and other Seaport Towns; but hope the frosts which we have lately had, & the approaching cold, will eradicate the disorder.\nThe Season rendering the Room for which I wanted a stove in a manner useless for the purpose it was designed without one, I have procured one in Alexandria. Although it is not altogether such as I wanted, a very good shift can be made with it; and as it supercedes the necessity of those I had written to you for, I have now to request you will decline sending them, or either of them. The other matters you will be so good as to send when an opportunity offers. With esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0362", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Goodhue, 15 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Goodhue, Benjamin\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon\u201415th Oct. 1797\nThe Fish you had the goodness to send me, arrived very safe; and are excellent: for your recollection of that request of mine,\nand the trouble you were at to obtain the best kind, I pray you to accept my grateful thanks.\nThe money, as you desired, was paid to Captn Silver, to the amount of your memorandum of their cost; and they shall be stored, & dressed agreeably to the directions contained in your letter; for giving which I feel myself obliged.\nNo man wishes more devoutly than I that a stop was put to the further effusion of blood; that harmony was restored to all Nations; and that justice was done to ours: but I must confess that my hope of seeing these accomplished, soon, exceed my expectation. The affairs of Europe seem to me to be in so purturbed a state, and the views of the principal Actors so discordant, that it is not easy, on rational principles and fair calculation, to predict events.\nNothing is wanting in ourselves to steer clear of the vortex of misery, which has brought so many of the Nations of Europe to the brink of ruin in this desolating war, but unanimity; and if a steady adherance to the principles which have hitherto directed our councils is unable to effect this, it will nevertheless, I hope, avert the evils which, otherwise might be expected to flow from the persevering opposition which is levelled at our government; and all those who stand forward in support of it. This is my Creed, and I shall believe in it until the contrary is verified, which Heaven avert! Adieu, with very great esteem and regard I remain Dear Sir Your most Obedient and very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0363", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 15 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gordon, William\nRevd Sir,\nMount Vernon 15 Octr 1797.\nYour favour of the 20th of Feb: has been received, and I am indebted to you for many other unacknowledged letters. The truth is, I soon found after entering upon the duties of my late public station, that private correspondencies did not accord with official duties; and being determined to perform the latter to the best of my abilities, I early relinquished the former, when business was not the subject of them.\nIt might be asked, why suffer the letter of the 20th of February (which is of the latter description) to remain unacknowledged after I had, months past, bid adieu to my public walks? The answer is easy; an eight years absence from home (excepting short occasional visits) had so deranged my private affairs; had so despoiled my buildings; and in a word, had thrown my domestic concerns into such disorder, as at no period of my life have I been more engaged than in the last six months, to recover & put them into some tolerable train again.\nWorkmen in most countries, I believe, are necessary plagues; in this where entreaties as well as money must be used to obtain their work, and keep them to their duty they baffle all calculation in the accomplishment of any plan, or repairs they are engaged in; and require more attention to, & looking after, than can well be conceived. Numbers of these, of all descriptions, having been employed by me ever since I came home (to render my situation comfortable the ensuing winter) has allowed me little leisure for other occupations.\nRural employments while I am spared (which in the natural course of things cannot be long) will now take place of toil\u2014responsibility\u2014and the sollicitudes attending the walks of public life; and with vows for the peace, the happiness, & prosperity of a country in whose service the prime of my life hath been spent, and with best wishes for the tranquillity of all Nations, and all men, the scene will close; grateful to that Providence which has directed my steps, & shielded me in the various changes & chances through which I have passed, from my youth to the present moment.\nI scarcely know what you allude to in your letter of the 20th of Feby when you say \u201cI observed in the Philadelphia Papers, mention made of a publication of a volume of your epistles, domestic, confidential & official\u201d unless it be the spurious letters which issued from a certain Press in New York during the War; with a view to destroy the confidence which the army & Community might have had in my political principles; and which have lately been republished with greater avidity & perseverance than ever, by Mr Bache, to answer the same nefarious purpose with the latter.\nI suffered every attack that was made upon my Executive conduct (the one just mentioned among the rest) to pass unnoticed while I remained in public office, well knowing that if the general tenor of it would not stand the test of investigation, a News paper vindication would be of little avail. But as immense pains has been\ntaken by this said Mr Bache, who is no more than the agent or tool of those who are endeavouring to destroy the confidence of the people in the officers of Government (chosen by themselves) to dessiminate these counterfeit letters, I conceived it a piece of justice due to my own character, and to Posterity to disavow them in explicit terms; and this I did in a letter directed to the Secretary of State to be filed in his Office, the day on which I closed my Administration. This letter has since been published in the Gazettes by the head of that Department.\nWith respect to your own request, I can say nothing, so many things are continually given to the public of which I have no previous knowledge\u2014nor time indeed to inspect them if I had been therewith informed\u2014that I may mistake the meaning of it. The late Secretary of State (now Vice President) permitted a Mr Cary\u2014my consent being first obtained\u2014to take copies under his inspection of the letters I had written to Congress; which letters have since been published, and are I presume genuine, & must be those which you refer to. But as they are the work of another who is now in England on this business, I can not suppose that you had it in contemplation to derive a benefit from his labours. I shall only add therefore that discretion in matters of this sort must be your guide, without a Yea, or nay, from me.\nFor Politics I shall refer you to the Gazettes of this country, with which I presume you are acquainted; & with respect to other matters, I have nothing wch would be entertaining, or worth narrating. Mrs Washington unites with me in best wishes for the health & happiness of your self and Mrs Gordon\u2014and I am with esteem & respect Revd Sir Your Most Obedt & very Hble Servt\n\u27e8Go: Washington\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0364", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Langhorne [Peter Carr], 15 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Langhorne, John (Peter Carr)\nSir,\nMount Vernon 15th Octr 1797.\nYour favour of the 25th Ulto has been received, but not so soon as might have been expected from the date of it.\nFor the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to express relative to my conduct in public life, I thank you.\nFor the divisions which have taken place among us, with respect to our political concerns; for the attacks which have been made upon those to whom the administration of the government hath been entrusted by the People; and for the calumnies which are levelled at all those who are disposed to support the measures thereof, I feel, on public account, as much as any man can do; because (in my opinion) much evil, and no good can result from such conduct, to this country.\nSo far as these attacks are aimed at me, personally, it is, I can assure you Sir, a mis-conception if it be supposed I feel the venom of the darts. Within me, I have a consolation which proves an antidote agt their utmost malignity; rendering my mind in the retirement I have long panted after, perfectly tranquil.1 am\u2014Sir Your most Obedt and Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0365", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hannah Bushrod Washington, 15 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, Hannah Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir\nHaywood Octr the 15 [17]97\nIt was fully my intention to have spent part of my time whilst at my son Corbin\u2019s at Mount Vernon, but the very day I had fixed for\n   that pleasing visit, I received a melancholy letter from Col. Washington of this place informing me, that his sons had returned from Andover, & the eldest in a deep decline with a breast complaint, he intreated me to return immediat\u2019ly to pay that attention to my dear G\u2014son so very necessary for his comfort and convenience\u2014Col. Washington also wrote me, the gout had attack\u2019d himself in such a manner as to render him useless to his child, & feared that they would both suffer in my absence[.] with a distressed mind I set off next morning & got here as expeditiously as possible\u2014I had the pleasure of finding Col. W\u2014\u2014n much better than I expected, but Augustine was & still is extremely emaciated & sick\u2014he is attend\u2019d by two physicians of great eminence, how far they may succeed God only knows\u2014My own unhappy anticipation leads me not to flatter myself \u2014I may with truth say that the greatest part of my time for many sad years past, has been spent in the chamber of sickness and death\u2014the repeated griefs which I experience are in some degree mitigated by reflecting that I have been & still am useful to those I love and (perhaps) am answering the purpose for which I was made.\nBe assured my dear Sir as soon as I can command as much time, I shall with the highest heart felt satisfaction pay you & my sister a visit\u2014& that you may both long\u2014long injoy every gift of bountious Heaven ardently prays My dear Sir Your very Affe. relation & obt Humbe Servt\nHannah 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0366", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Paul Ferdinand Fevot, 16 October 1797\nFrom: Fevot, Paul Ferdinand\nTo: Washington, George\nRight Honored Sir\nNew York 16th 8ber 1797\nThough I have not the honour of being known personally to Your Excellency Yet I flatter myself you will grant me your protection\nin consideration of a letter of recommendation which Marechal Count of Rochambeau has been kind enough to give me for Your Excellency. I hope that when you\u2019ll be further informed of my circumstances & character Your Excellency will comply with my Protector\u2019s wishes in my behalf.\nI was a Lawyer in Switzerland & did practise with success when the French Revolution spread very dangerous seeds in my Country, & prompted many of it\u2019s Inhabitants to act against the Sovereign; As to me I acted in a manner quite contrary to those; I readily served on all occasions the French Emigres who fled in our Country to seek for an azyle; in their number was the Countess of Des Salles sister to Marechal of Rochambeau, who being sensible, & ever gratefull for the attentions we paid to her during her stay in my Family gave me the most pressing recomandation for the Count her Brother when she quitted us about the end of last year to retire to Bareith where the King of Prussia had offered the Lady a peaceable Retreat.\nThe Sovereign of my Country acted manly against the Partisants of the French Revolution when it first broke out; exiled many Jacobines; But since French Armies have met with so uncommon successes He has thought He could avoid danger by manifesting the greatest lenity; He has recalled all the outlawed &ca. By these political proceedings I found myself exposed to the spirit of revenge of the numerous French Partisants, which rendered my situation very unpleasing & made me take the resolution to look out whilst I had strength for a more fortunate prospect, in this Land whose Inhabitants under the auspices of a Leader reverenced by the whole world made their Revolution not by the destruction of human Kind, but to increase his happiness.\nI paid a visit to Count of Rochambeau at his Seat; he appeared to me much depressed by the scenes of the Revolution, & fearing still to be exposed to the evils he had undergone, having been confined under the reign of Robertspeirre, & hardly escaped the guilotine. This misfortune has rendered him very cautious & caused the interruption of his correspondance with Your Excellency. He has given me a few words in writing for You as earnest as his position permitted, without signing nor direction, but imparting me few particulars anecdotes which passed between Your Excellency & him to convince you that I enjoyed his most intimate confidence.\nI thought I might take the liberty to write to Your Excellency\nbefore I presented myself, (which I intend to do as soon as it will be in my power,) considering the various circumstances relating to the recomandation I am the Bearer of. I have the Honour to be with greatest respect Right Honored Sir Your most obedient most humble Servant\nFevot", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0367", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 16 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McHenry, James\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 16th Oct. 1797\nYour favour of the 2d instt came duly to hand. For the perusal of the enclosure I thank you\u2014It is returned.\nWe heard with much concern, but long after the thing had happened, of the accident which befel your son. We hope he is perfectly recovered from the fall, and you from your billious attack.\nHaving no news to entertain you with, and could only fill a letter with the perplexities I experience daily from workmen, and other occurrances of little moment to any besides myself, I shall conclude this letter with best respects in which Mrs Washington and Nelly Custis unite to Mrs McHenry and yourself and with assurances of being Dear Sir Your Affecte friend\nGo: Washington\nP.S. My mind during the last days of my remaining in Philadelphia was so much occupied with public & private concerns that I always forgot, when I was in your company, to enquire whether Mr Lear had accounted to the War Office for the money he had received to purchase the Site for the Arsenal on Potomac. As I was, in some measure, the cause of his Agency in that business, I wish to know whether it is settled to your Satisfaction.\nBe so good as to send the letter for Mr Dandridge to his lodgings if he has not sailed, or left the 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0368", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Coleman Martin, 16 October 1797\nFrom: Martin, Thomas Coleman\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nKing & Queen [County] Octr 16 1797\nI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 3d instant and it will afford me great satisfaction if the answer I am giving shall contribute to yours.\nI have invented a machine for seperating the grain from the straw of wheat & other small grain which bears but a small degree of analogy either to the Scotch machine or Mr Bookers as I had no knowledge of either at the time of this invention.\nThe plan of this machine is so simple that its workmanShip would fall within the compass of twenty dollars and as it has no bands & but few wheels it cannot easily be disordrd\u2014of corse in case of an accident (which is hardly possible) it would be easily repair\u2019d.\nThe first I invented is worked by water by the help of the shaft of a small \u27e8tred\u27e9 mill the upper stone of which is removed for the purpose. Sixteen square inches of water under a pressure of six feet discharged upon a \u27e8sub\u27e9 mill wheal of two feet diameter is sufficient to give one machine the requisite velocity. The force bestowed by this power is competent to the geting out in great perfection three bushells of wheat in seven minutes with three hands to attend the machine. But as this is the effect of a first essay I can\nventure to assert that the same power is adequate to a greater degree of execution.\nThis discovery has been so recently carried into execution that I have not yeat been able to apply for a patent though it is my purpose to do so nor have I fully satisfied myself how far it may answer if worked by a horse or hand. An experiment however which I have made in the latter mode encourages me to hope that, in this way also the machine may be of considerable utility.\nThis machine is as small as to be quite portable in a common wagon and therefore a house of very small dimentions will suffice\u2014any barn whatsoever is abundantly sufficient to work it in.\nAs it would be hardly possible that a compleat idea of the machine could be colected from a ritten discription I will not trouble you with one\u2014permit me only to observe that the chief complexity of it is comprised in four plain cogwheels the larger of which is three feet diameter and a perpetual screw of easy imitation.\nAltho I purpose to apply for a patent yet as the good of mankind was my chief motive for turning my thoughts to this and other semilar objects so I have made no secret of my efforts nor of the results arising from them Here the machine has been submited to \u27e8an\u27e9 discriminate examination as that which it could say for itself would have most influence towards bringing it into general use And if upon farther examination it should prove itself worthy of your patronage it will greatly incourage my hope of haveing contributed towards the publick good. I am with all due respect Sir yr mot obt Servt\nTho. C. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0370", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Matthias Slough, 20 October 1797\nFrom: Slough, Matthias\nTo: Washington, George\nMost Hond Sir\nLancaster [Pa.] 20th October 1797\nI have the Honour to acknoledge the receipt of your Esteemed favour of the 14th Currt by your Domestick Christopher and to mention to you that I paid Imediate attention to its Contents by writeing to a Friend at Lebanon where Mr Stoy resides to render every assistance to the Lad which may be Necessarry during his Stay With the Docter and to pay any Expence attending the Cure, He has however returnd and informs me That the Doctr will Call on me for his Fee which when he Does I shall most Cheerfully pay and Transmit to you the Bill, Permit me my Dear Sir to assure you That I shall at all times Esteem it the highest Honour to have it in my power to render You every Service in my power which you may please to do me the Honour to require of me and that I remain your much Hond and Most Obediant Servant\nMatthias Slough", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0371", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 20 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Uncle\nRichmond Oct. 20. 1797\nI now enclose you my opinion upon the points stated in your letter of the 9th.\nAs you may possibly wish to submit it to the consideration of your Counsel, I have left out of it, such parts of the subject as are unconnected with the cause, & need only be communicated confidentially to yourself.\nMr Swan\u2019s demand for defending the suit, I think very extravagant. We seldom recieve such fees in the superior Courts in cases of this sort. But as the subject of controversy may be of importance to you, & much may depend upon the proper management of the cause in the inferior Court, it might be well to agree to his terms with this amendment which is common; that the second $100 should depend upon the successful issue of the cause. I ought to beg your pardon for advising where you are so much more competent to decide; but I understand your letter as warranting this liberty.\nI think you will be liable for the value of the buildings placed upon the land, in case of eviction. The loss of them would be a damage to the Grantee of the land, consequential to the Sale & warranty, and would be properly recoverable I think in an action upon your Covenant.\nI would by all means advise you to interest yourself in the defence of the suit, in the first instance. it\u2019s future success may depend entirely upon the Judicious management of the cause in the County Court. I think the law most decidedly in your favor, and yet by mismanagement in the first instance, you may lose the opportunity of a fair decision in the superior Courts. I hope to see you before the cause can be tried when I should be glad to inspect the papers, & have some conversation with your counsel respecting the manner of conducting the trial.\nI need not I trust assure you, dear Sir, of my aid, & best exertions should the cause come up to the superior Courts. That it should ever be in my power to be serviceable to you, is a consideration more pleasing to me, than any reward which I could recieve next to your regard, nor can I consider as an unprofitable Client, one to whom I owe more obligations than I can ever repay.\nGeneral Marshall will certainly be in before his assistance can be required, & if I were sure that he is disengaged I should prefer waiting for him. my reason for entertaining doubts upon this subject is, that I was sent for not long ago by a Man of the name of Pearson who I found at Mr Marshalls office. He was consulting Mr Marshall respecting some very extensive claims upon the town of Alexandria & its vicinity, in which he wished also to employ me. I refused to engage in it, Knowing that many of my friends in that place would be involved in the dispute. Your Name however was not mentioned, and it is possible that the subject of his pretensions is no ways connected with your case. on this account it may perhaps be best to wait until Gen. Marshall arrives\u2014Should another be employed, I feel no hesitation in recommending Mr Wickham. Nancy Joins me in love to my Aunt & Yourself & believe me to be Dear Uncle Most sincerely Yr Affect. Nephew\nB. Washington\nP.S. The Copies you directed are not yet finished, they shall be sent by the 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0372", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Washington Motier Lafayette and Felix Frestel, 21 October 1797\nFrom: Lafayette, George Washington Motier,Frestel, Felix\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew-york October the 21rst 1797.\nbeing after a tiresome journey of six days arrived in New-york, I take, according to the wish you so kindly expressed, the opportunity of the first post day after our arrival to inform you of it, and to renew to you the assurances of a gratitude which words can but imperfectly express. the sense of all my obligations to you, and the remembrance of the paternal care with which you have always treated me are firmly impressed in my heart, and will remain there, I assure you, as long as I live.\nour Journey was as agreable as we could expect; as much so, as the regret we felt at leaving you and your family allowed it to be.\nChristopher overtook us at Frederick-town on Sunday night, and came with us as far as Lancaster. Mr Slough after perusing\nyour letter promised he would take great care of him; and indicate to him the way to Lebanon. by the means of Mr Slough we found a conveyance to carry us to Frankford on the road to New-york, without passing through the city of Philadelphia. we took seats again in the stage at Frankford, and arrived in this city yesterday at about three o\u2019clock in the afternoon.\nas we passed through Princeton, we called at Dr Smith\u2019s in order to deliver to him the letter and money which you entrusted to our care. he was not in town, and we left the letter and money both to his lady, who will transmit them to him at his return.\nhaving learned that the President of the United-States was in New-york, we went to pay our respects to him, but we found that he was gone a few miles from town, on a visit to some of his relations.\nwe next waited on colonel Hamilton to whom I delivered your letter, and who gave us the same Kind and polite reception, which we always met with from him.\nwhat remains now for me to do would be, sir, to ask your pardon for troubling you with all those tedious particulars: but we have been Mr Frestel and myself troublesome to you for so long a time, and you always so Kindly encouraged us to be so, that I am not afraid of being so still longer.\nmy friend Mr Frestel desires me to present to you his respects, and we will both be very much obliged to you if you will make the homage of our respectful gratitude acceptable to Mrs Washington, and remember us particularly to Miss Eleanor, Miss Fanny, to Washington and his two other sisters. our compliments, if you please, to Mr Lawrence Lewis. we have the honor to be, Sir, with the utmost respect your most obedient servants\nG. W. Motier Lafayette\nFelix Frestel", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0374", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Felix Frestel, 22 October 1797\nFrom: Frestel, Felix\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew-york October the 22d 1797.\nI have never been in my life more deeply convinced than in this particular occasion, that I ought to renounce for ever to express\nto you in a language which I am so little master of, any of the thoughts of my mind, any of the feelings of my heart. I have failed so often in the attempt, that I cannot hope to be now more successful. however I am confident that, although the expressions of my sentiments of gratitude may be ever so inadequate and imperfect, you will nevertheless always do justice to them.\nI hope to be more easily understood, when in the idiom of my own country, and in the bosom of that deserving, though unfortunate family, ever so dear to your heart, I shall relate to the parents of my friend, what I have Known and seen better than any man whatever: I mean that constant and unabated interest with which you sympathised in all their misfortunes\u2014that eager sollicitude and anxiety with which you took every measure in your power to lessen the weight of their chains and to break them at last\u2014that Kind, tender and truly paternal affection, with which you received and treated him during all the time he stayed in America\u2014and even that attentive politeness which you extended to me, although I was quite unknown to you before and availed myself, when I came in this country, of no recommendation, but that attachment and friendship for George, which brought me with him in America, and which now carries me back with him to our native country. thus, I hope, the proper expressions shall never fail me.\nfor my part, sir, I shall remember as long as I live the happy moments I have passed under your hospitable roof, and the examples of virtue which I have seen there daily practiced. they have impressed my mind with a deep sense of respect for its inhabitants and with this very pleasing idea, which I will never forget\u2014\u201cthat all who are truly great, are consequently and necessarily good.\u201d\nto have been, Sir, and to be always honored with your esteem, shall be for ever the pride of my life, my best compensation for any sacrifices or sufferings whatever, and one of the most delightful recollections of my memory.\nwith a heartfelt gratitude, though but imperfectly expressed, and with very sincere and fervent wishes for your happiness and felicity, so intimately connected with the felicity and happiness of your own country, I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient humble Servant\nFelix Frestel", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0377", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Hodgson, 24 October 1797\nFrom: Hodgson, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria Oct. 24 1797\nAgreeably to your desire I subjoin the advances I charge on the different Goods, at the usual Credit of six Months, and for Cash. For the present I am deficient in Irish Linens & but a few pieces of the coarser Linens remain\u2014the former however I am in daily Expectation of being supply\u2019d with. With great Respect I am Sir Your mo. Ob. Servt\nWm 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0378", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 24 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 24th Oct. 1797\nYou ask what is absolutely out of my power to comply with, unless I was to place myself exactly in the situation you represent yourself to be (without converting Bank stock into Cash, which I am not inclined to do)\u2014that is, unprepared to face my own engagements; which, for Wheat, Rye, Workmens wages &ca &ca are hourly coming upon me, & expected. Three thousand dollars (without going into a correct examination of the Accts) is more than I have in the Bank of Alexandria, and (for running calls) in my Desk.\nHad you asked for a thousand dollars of these, or if that sum would answer any valuable purpose I would, inconvenient as it might prove to me, Give a check on the Bank. Your letter being\njust presented, company here, & dinner ready, I can only add that I am Yr obedt & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0379", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Marshall, 24\u201327 October 1797\nFrom: Marshall, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nParis October 24[\u201327]th 1797\nI did myself the honor of addressing to you from the Hague by Capt. Izzard, a very long letter which I hope you have receiv\u2019d. The offer therein made of occasionally communicating to you my observations on the great & interesting events of europe was not even intitled to the small value which in my own mind I had bestowd upon it. Causes, which I am persuaded you have anticipated, forbid me to allow myself that free range of thought & expression which coud alone apologize for the intrusive character my letters bear. Having however offer\u2019d what I cannot furnish, I go on to substitute some thing else perhaps not worth receiving.\nYou have heard it said in the United States that the agriculture of France has in the course of the present war been considerably improv\u2019d. On this subject I am persuaded there has been no exaggeration. In that part of the country through which I have passd the evidences of plenty abound. The whole earth appears to be in cultivation & the harvests of the present year appear to be as productive as the fields which yield them are extensive. I am informd that every part of the country exhibits the same aspect. If this be the fact, there will probably remain, notwithstanding the demands of the armies, a surplus of provisions. Manufactures have declind in the same ratio that the cultivation of the soil has increas\u2019d. War has been made upon the great manufacturing towns & they are in a considerable degree destroy\u2019d. With Manufactures France does not supply herself fully from her internal resources. Those of Britain flow in upon her notwithstanding the most severe prohibitory laws. The port of Rotterdam is purposely left open by the English & their goods are imported by the Dutch under Prussian & other neutral colors. They are smuggled in great quantities into France. Peace then will find this nation entirely competent to the full\nsupply of her colonies with provisions & needing manufactures to be imported for her own consumption. This state of things will probably change; but it is unquestionably the state of things which will exist at, & for some time after the termination of the present war. France can take from America tobacco & raw cotton she can supply us with wines, brandies & silks.\nThe papers which I transmitted to you contain\u2019d the evidence on which were founded the transactions of the 18th fructidor or 4th of September. Since then a letter has been publishd bearing the signature of Genl Moreau & produc\u2019d as an unequivocal testimonial of the treason alledg\u2019d to have existed. You will have seen the letter & have made upon it your own comments, but you will be astonishd to hear that perhaps a majority of the people do not beleive that Moreau ever wrote it.\nThe existing political state of France is connected with certain internal & powerfully operating causes by which it has been & will continue to be greatly influenc\u2019d. Not the least of these is the tenure by which property is held.\nIn the course of the revolution it is beleivd that more than half the land of France has become national. Of this a very considerable proportion has been sold at a low rate. It is true that much of this property formerly belong\u2019d to the church but it is also true that much of it belongd to those who have fallen under the guillotine or have been termd emigrants. Among the emigrants are many whose attachment to their country has never been shaken, & what is remarkable, among them are many who were never out of France. The law upon this subject is worthy of attention. Any two persons no matter what their reputation, may, to some authority, I beleive the municipality of the district, write & subscribe against any person whatever a charge, that such person is an emigrant, on receipt of which the person so chargd is without further investigation inscribd on the list of emigrants. If the person so inscrib\u2019d be afterwards apprehended while his name remains on the list, the trial, as I understand, is, not of the fact of emigration, but of the identity of the person, & if this identity be establishd, he is instantly fusillerd. This law is either rigidly executed or permited to be relax\u2019d, as the occasion or the temper of the times may direct.\nDuring intervals of humanity some disposition has been manifested to permit the return of those who have never offended, who\nhave been banishd by a terror which the government itself has reprobated, & to permit in cases of arrestation, an investigation of the fact of emigration as well as of the identity of the person accus\u2019d.\nThere is too a great deal of property which has been sold as national but which in truth was never so, & which may be reclaimed by the original proprietors.\nIn this state of things the acquirers of national property are of course extremely suspicious. They form a vast proportion of the population of France. They are not only important in consequence of their numbers, but in consequence of their vigor, their activity & that unity of interest which produces a unity of effort among them. The armies too have been promisd a milliard. This promise rests upon the national property for its performance. The effect of these circumstances cannot escape your observation. Classes of citizens are to be disfranchisd against the next elections.\nOur ministers have not yet, nor do they seem to think it certain that they will be, receivd. Indeed they make arrangements which denote an expectation of returning to America immediately. The captures of our vessels seem to be only limited by the ability to capture. That ability is increasing, as the government has let out to hardy adventurers the national frigates. Among those who plunder us, who are most active in this infamous business, & most loud in vociferating criminations equally absurd & untrue, are some unprincipled apostates who were born in America. These sea rovers by a variety of means seem to have acquird great influence in the government. This influence will be exerted to prevent an accomodation between the United States & France & to prevent any regulations which may intercept the passage of the spoils they have made on our commerce, to their pockets. The government I beleive is but too well disposd to promote their views. At present it seems to me to be radically hostile to our country. I coud wish to form a contrary opinion, but to do so I must shut my eyes on every object which presents itself to them, & fabricate in my own mind non existing things, to be substituted for realities, & to form the basis of my creed. Might I be permited to hazard an opinion it woud be that the Atlantic only can save us, & that no consideration will be sufficiently powerful to check the extremities to which the temper of this government will carry it, but an apprehension that we may be thrown into the arms of Britain.\nThe negotiations with the Emperor are said not to have been absolutely broken off. Yesterday it was said that peace with him was certain. Several couriers have arrivd lately from Buonaparte & the national debt rose yesterday from seven to ten livres in the hundred. Whether this is founded on a real expectation of peace with Austria or is the meer work of stock jobbers is not for me to decide. We are told that Mantua is no longer the obstacle to peace, that it is surrendred by the Emperor & that the contest now is for Istria & Dalmatia.\n   October 27th\n   The definitive peace is made with the Emperor. You will have seen the conditions. Venice has experiencd the fate of Poland. England is threatend with an invasion.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0381", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 25 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Uncle\nRich[mon]d Oct. 25. 1797\nI now enclose you a Copy of the Grant you wrote for. The Inquisition cannot be found. I have directed the Clerk to continue his search, and if he should succeed, a Copy shall be immediately forwarded, if you can give a more particular description of it, from any papers in your possession, it may assist in the discovery. with love to my Aunt I am my dear Uncle Most Sincerely Yr Affect. Nephew\nBushrod 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0382", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Barry, 26 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Barry, James\nSir,\nMount Vernon 26th Oct. 1797\nSince you left this, yesterday I have conversed with my Manager on the subject of flour, according to your desire.\nThe result is, that on Tuesday next, provided immediate notice is given, he could have fifty barrels of Superfine at Alexandria. It would however, employed as my Boats are in getting materials together for my Distillery, be vastly more convenient for me to deliver it to a Vessel at my Mill.\nIf you take the above mentioned flour I shall expect eight dollars and a half per barrel for it. I am\u2014Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0383", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 26 October 1797\nFrom: Lewis, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nHond Uncle,\nSpring Hill October 26th 1797.\nMy waggon going to Alexandria with a load of flour, affords me an opportunity of writing and sending you a barrel of orchard-grass seed which was put in my care with directions to send to you by the first conveyance\u2014It is a present from my worthy neighbour Mr Francis Whiting\u2014As he tells me you intend it for pasture grounds, I hope it will get to you in good season\u2014It has laid in my possession five or six weeks for the want of an opportunity which cou\u2019d be confided in.\nSince I had the pleasure of seeing you at Mount Vernon, and within a few days past one of my neighbours has returned from a distance up the Potomac, where he has been to view some lands which he lately purchased, and at my earnest request, visited your small tract above Bath in order to examine into its real situation. He informs me that the Man, in whose care I trusted it, has lately removed with his family to Kentuckey, and that great has been the depredations committed on the timber since that time. As this place is surrounded by a sett of lawless rascals, I conceive it wou\u2019d be prudent to let it out on a moderate rent for a short term of years, in order that some profit may be derived from a valuable property which is at present inactive, and a proportion of the best timber reserved, which in a few years must be totally lost, and the land rendered less valuable\u2014It was always my opinion that the timber on the land was worth considerably more, than the land itself computed at its intrinsic value; therefore, I have always thought it best to retain it, and it coincided with your idea likewise: but as it cannot be preserved (for it appears the Man in whose care it was put has actually been driven off in defending the property) I do imagine, at all events, it wou\u2019d be proper to let it out; therefore, please to direct me as soon as convenient, and let your letter be addressed to the care of my brother George Lewis in Frederickburg.\nThere has also been another very serious depredation on your\nreserved land in the lost Mountain, in this County, by some tanners; who have barked several acres of land on the pinacle of the mountain by moon-light. As I had timely information from one of the tenants, who has a retaining fee annually for his services, I have been able to discover the principals in this business, and hope shortly to be able to inform you of their being brought to condign punishment. Mrs Lewis unites with me in sincere regards to my Aunt & family, and I remain, Your much obliged & very Affectionate Nephew\nRobt Lewis\nP.S. The barrel of seed will be deposited with Patton & Dykes Merchants in Alexandria. R: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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0385", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Brooke, 27 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Brooke, Robert\nSir,\nMount Vernon 27th Octr 1797\nThe enclosed letter from Mr Brooke, your brother, to Mr Anderson my Manager (who were acquainted) is the best apology I can offer for giving you the trouble of receiving one from me.\nIt is the wish of Mrs Washington that Mrs Forbes would, without delay, repair to this place with her clothes &ca; where (if she has been an acceptable and competent house keeper to you, while you filled the Chair of Government of this State) there can be little doubt of her answering our purpose & will be retained on the terms mentioned in my Advertisement, which was inserted in a Richmond Paper.\nIf Mrs Forbes comes in the Stage, which I presume will be the case, she might stop at the Widow Lund Washington\u2019s (close on the Road between Colchester & Alexandria) who will either send her hither, or let us know that she is there.\nA previous knowledge of the characters, one has to do with, being\nof some importance, you would do me a favour in giving (and it might be confidentially if you prefer it) that of Mrs Forbes. Besides care, & A knowledge of the duties of the Station\u2014one who will see to the execution, as well as direct the measures of the Servants is indispensable in my family\u2014One too who has spirit to enforce her orders\u2014in doing which she will have every proper support. I pray you to excuse the liberty I have taken in making this request. I am Sir Your Most Obedt and Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0388", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rufus King, 27 October 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nLondon Octr 27th 1797\nI have had the honor to receive your Letter of the 31st of July, and according to your request, have procured, and now send inclosed\nthe Affidavit of Mr Harrison the Publisher of the London Gazette, that the Chancery Order which you some months since sent to me for that purpose had been published in that News Paper for nine weeks successively. With the most perfect Respect and Esteem, I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, Your ob: & faithful Servant\nRufus King", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0390", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 27 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Uncle\nRich[mon]d Oct. 27 [17]97\nYour letter of the 23d I yesterday recieved. I waited upon Mr Brook today to make the necessary enquiries respecting Mrs Forbes. The Character he gives her, assures me that she will fully answer the purposes for which my Aunt wants her. She is honest, industrious, & well acquainted with nice as well as common Cooking, and other subjects of domestic employment necessary in her profession. But what surprizes me very much is, that she has recieved no letters from Mount Vernon\u2014so Mr Brook informs me, & that she has remained in Richmond on that account. I shall tomorrow examine the post office under an expectation of finding your letters, & shall then wait upon her. By the next post I hope it will be in my power to write you fully on this subject\u2014This I should have done today but for my engagements in the Court of appeals where I was detained \u2019till a very late hour\u2014this must be my apology for the hurry in which this letter is written. Nancy\nJoins me in love to my aunt & yourself & believe me to be Dear Uncle Most Sincerely Yr Affe. Nephew\nB. Washington\nYou have I hope recd my letters respecting Pearsons suit before 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0391", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 28 October 1797\nFrom: Spotswood, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nNewpost Octr 28 1797\nI am just returned from Richmond, and am happy to inform you, That I have at last procured a man, who I beleive is capable of acting as a household Steward, and pleased with the Idea of entering into your Service.\nhis name is Rawlins; and Recommended to me by his brother; who Says, he is 22 years of age, writes a fine hand, and well acquainted with figures, haveing been brought up in a Store, and the last year lived with him; he also gives me every assurance, of his Sobriety, and good Moral character; and Says if Necessary; he can bring with him a Recommendation from Mr John Hoomes\u2014as to the young man, I Can Say nothing of\u2014but his Brother I have known for upwards of 15 yrs as a Tavern keeper, on the road from this to Richmond\u2014he is a Sensible man & of genteel deportment; and from the attention that he is treated with by every person I beleive him to be a Respectable man; and his recommendation of his brother to be depended on\u2014who he assures me will Suit & please you\u2014I have Told him the Salary was \u00a350 pr yr\u2014but that I would not agree for his brother to proceed on to Mt Vernon Until I had first wrote & recd yr answer\u2014which I wish you to forward as early as possible. My family desires to be rem[em]bered Affectionately to you Mrs Washington and the young ladies\u2014and well as Dr Sr Yr very Affectionate Hble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0392", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Daniel McCarty, 30 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McCarty, Daniel\nSir\nMount Vernon 30\u27e8th\u27e9 Octr 1797.\nAfter suggesting (for it did not appear to have been meant, or received as a regular proposition) that the relative value of lands here, and on the Great Kanhawa might be estimated as one to three, & finding that this difference did not comport with my ideas, you requested that I would suggest something on my part.\nThis, after you had candidly stated the predicaments under which your Sugar land tracts lay, I was unable at the time to do. Having revolved the subject since and believing that it would be convenient to us both, to me it certainly would (as I should know better how to answer the applications of others) to ascertain whether there be any likelihood of our making an exchange, or not, I will propose the following\u2014viz.\nTo give you my three upper tracts on the Great Kanhawa (which in reallity may be called two only; the river, not more than 100 or 150 yards wide, dividing the two uppermost ones). These cont[ai]n 7276 acres, 2950, & 2000 which should be 2050; all of them, I am persuaded, large measure, for your Sugar land tracts entire, as granted to your Ancester and Mr Pope by the Proprietor\u2019s Deeds for 2983, and 2681 Acres.\nIt may appear a little singular to make this proposition after you had declared your intention of reserving a part of this land for the purpose of raising money. But as the professed object of this reservation was to effect that purpose, and as it appears to me that the object can be as well, or better answered by selling the land on which you live, I have been led to make it.\nI believe this to be the case, because I have reason to expect from letters I have myself received from foreigners, and their enquiries that when tranquillity is restored in Europe & they \u27e8recover\u27e9 their property, that many of them will seek establishments in this Country; and the probability is, that such Emigrants as I allude to, would prefer pleasant Seats on, or near Navigable Water, to a better soil at a greater distance from it; whilst it would be more\nconvenient to me to receive what I should get in exchan\u27e8ge\u27e9 in one body, than in several parcels.\nIf Sir, you should think the proposal I now make worthy of attention, you will be so good as to let me know your determination.\nIt is to be understood that I mean to be exempt from the expence of the Law-suit and its consequences; and to be secured also against any reclamation by your Son, of the part left him by his Grandfather. In the meantime, full possession on both sides, and all priviledges are to be granted, & enjoyed by the parties respectively; and obligatory instruments to pass; but legal titles to be withheld until your Son arrives at age, & in the mind to convey his right; for you well know that neither he, or anyone for him, can do it during his Non-age.\nThese are outlines\u2014Details may be entered into hereafter if the proposition is acceded to. As you have seen the Plats of the land, & their relative situation to each other, I shall say nothing on that head; and only add, that as the three tracts together are marginned by the Kanhawa & Cole River near 25 miles, and were the first choice of the country, you may easily conceive of what quality the land is, and the quantity of River bottom contained [in] its boundaries. I am Sir Your Most Obedt & Very Hble Ser\u27e8vt\u27e9\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0396", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 October 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nTrenton [N.J.] Oct. 30 1797\nThe inclosed pamphlet on Orcharding, addressed to you by the author, I received this evening under cover from Mr King.\nAnother copy is also addressed to you, & has the following addition on the cover\u2014\u201cfor the philosophical society of Philadelphia, with the author\u2019s compts.\u201d If you think proper to introduce it to the Society, & favour me with your letter for the purpose, I will put that under cover with the pamphlet, and send them to the Society: Otherwise I will hand it to the President or one of the Secretaries of the Society\u2014of which I am a member. In the mean time I may find an opportunity of reading it. I am with great respect, sir your most obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0397", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 30 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Bushrod\nMy dear Sir\nMount Vernon 30 Oct. 1797\nYour several letters\u2014Opinion\u2014and Copy of the Deed to William Williams for 589 Acres of Land have been duly received\u2014and for which I offer you my best thanks.\nIt is a little singular that the proceedings for docking the Intail of the abovementioned Land, should not be found among the Records of the General Court, or in the Secretary\u2019s Office, from whence it issued, and to which it most assuredly was returned.\nAs the Intail of this Land was docked on acct of my purchase of a part of it I retained a copy of the writ\u2014the Pannel\u2014and Sheriffs return\u2014from whence the enclosed is taken and is the best information and clue it is in my power to give to direct a further Search. With affectionate regard 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0398", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 30 October 1797\nFrom: Washington, Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Uncle\nRich[mon]d Octr 30 [17]97\nI went in pursuit of Mrs Forbes this morning, but could not find her\u2014with the assistance of Mr Brooke I obtained an interview with her this evening at her house, her price is $150 a year\u2014She will be at Mount Vernon in a month from this time, if her terms are accepted\u2014sooner she cannot go.\nyou will please inform me, whether the terms as to price & time will suit you\u2014I shall at all events pursue my enquiries as to some other person, in case you should not approve of the person who now offers\u2014The sum demanded by Mrs F. seems to me very extravagant\u2014but if you think otherwise, I am persuaded, she will answer my Aunt\u2019s purpose, from the Character I have of her. with love to My Aunt & yourself & many wishes for your health & happiness I am My dear Uncle Most sincerely Yr affect. Nephew\nB. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0399", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Vans Murray, 1 November 1797\nFrom: Murray, William Vans\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nThe Hague 1 Nov. 1797.\nI do myself the honour of informing You that the Peace between France & the Emperor was settled & the Treaty signed at Udina on the Seventeenth of Octr. The French Have all the limits which they have gained during the war, adjoining their territories\u2014& Belgium expressly ceded to them\u2014They have also all the Venetian Islands below the gulph of Lodrino in the Adriatic, as Corfu,\nZante, & in the Levant, Cephalonia Saint \u27e8Maure\u27e9, Cerigo & other dependent islands, also Larta, Butrinto, Vonizzo & other dependencies of Venice on the continent in albania which are below the gulph of Lodrino.\nThe Emperor has almost all the Venetian Republic including Venice! all on the left of a line, drawn from the Tyrollese line which touches the Lake of Garda, through the middle of this lake & then with the left bank of the Adige till it almost touches the Po, & then with the Po to the sea\u2014all to the left of this line Formerly Venetian Dominions are now the Emperor\u2019s.\nThe Emperor is to indemnify the Prince, or Duke, of Modina, out of territory in the fine country of the Brisgaw.\nThe Emperor has Istria, & all the Venetian Dalmatia with the rights of the adriatic, & all islands above the gulph of Lodrino\u2014Great Britain is not mentioned in the Treaty, one copy of which I have seen\u2014It arrived last night\u2014though the news of it reached us here on the 30th Octr.\nIt is perfectly unnecessary to anticipate a single remark upon the strange principles upon which this Treaty has been made\u2014a prominent feature of which is, that The French Republic, whose theories & whose language are full of revolutions for the propagation of Republican & anti Kingly forms, has sold to a crowned head, that very country which she revolutionised, robbed, & erected into a democratical Republic, & completely organised as such, under oaths of hatred to Kings & nobles & priestcraft\u2014This great fact, speaks more forcibly, than the pen of Mr Burke, or the eloquence of Mr Ames. Thus has ended the Revolution of Venice! The natural restlessness of the wicked & the philosophies under the real infirmities of the Venetian government produced a party ready to catch at the professed assistance of the French\u2014By various acts sedition reached that point that invited the French to begin the quarrel with the government\u2014the exclusive patriots joined them, contrary to the will of the majority & the well informed\u2014France disorganised the old government by a mandate, which has since been publicly & specifically authorised & applauded by the Directory (in their note to Buonaparte this summer[)]\u2014She erected a new government upon democratic principles\u2014She then parcels out their Territories to her enemy\u2014& to the new Cisalpine Republic\u2014& retains not only all the plunder & ships of the line which she had taken as an indemnity, for her trouble in going so far to carry them Liberty; but in this final settlement, she retains\nsome of their islands & dependencies for Herself! & thus one nation is wiped off from the Body politic of Europe.\nPortugal refused to execute the late Treaty with France or rather to ratify it\u2014Immediately as the Treaty of Peace arrived at Paris, on the 29th\u2014the Portuguese negociator, the Cheva[lie]r d\u2019Araujo, was ordered to quit the Republic\u2014and an arret\u00e8 of the Directory was immediately passed commanding Buonaparte to assemble an army immediately on the coast to be called the \u201carmy of England\u201d which will probably by detachments penetrate through Spain & attack the Kingdom of Portugal. Spain will endeavour to prevent this\u2014but I suppose in vain\u2014They certainly meditate an invasion both under a hope of success, & on a calculation of at least oversetting the British government, if they do not succeed in an invasion. The immense superiority of the british Fleets\u2014the strength gained to government by the late alarm of the mutiny, their complete State of Preparation, & the late elation produced by the defeat of the Dutch fleet, on the 11th octr off the Texel, will either prevent an invasion, or a fall of the government, or success, if even a landing should be made good. In this late action, Admiral Duncan, now Lord Camperdown, took eleven ships, nine of the Line\u2014& lost none\u2014except a small frigate which after the action in bearing off a prize went on shore in Zealand & was lost.\nIn the present unfavourable appearance of the American negotiation at Paris, whatever may have been the causes of just complaint against Great Britain, it is consolatory to see her in a state which, without the trammels, may operate the benefits of an alliance in a co:operation of forces, should war unfortunately be forced upon the U.S.\nBy a letter of the 21 octr from Mr Marshall to me\u2014a very short one, he says \u201cthey are not received, nor does he believe they will be\u201d\u2014Of course this Treaty with the emperor, by liberating an immense force, becomes a serious object to the U.S. & all its consequences will doubtless be well weighed & lead us to a vigorous & earnest preparation\u2014Nothing Sir but force & Union under God can save us\u2014Those will. For G.B. is invulnerable\u2014her fleets more powerful than France Spain & Holland can equal in two years, without our aid, & a maritime force can reduce the colonies of all Europe on our side of the water. Were an embargo laid in the U.S. upon our trade to the French Spanish & indeed all colonies except those of Great Britain, the Islands would be ruined\u2014We it is true not benefitted, except by internal safety which would be at\nhazard if the French can make their islands a place of embarkation, in the predatory war which they will commence, if this negociation fail\u2014If our produce go to any other colonies to which they have access, the French will be thus supply\u2019d. Unfortunately for ourselves, at some future day, as this would also aggrandise Great Britain only, we might suffer from her monopoly.\nI must beg your pardon for so long a letter\u2014I should be unpardonable however were I to omit that M. La Fayette & family are recovering health fast at Ploen or near it\u2014I this morning received a letter from him in answer to mine of August.\nMy friend Mr Dandridge is well\u2014at first the climate which is excessively moist & raw disagreed with him, & he had an illness for near a month.\nMr Adams was at Hamburgh on the 26 Oct. on his way to Berlin. He marry\u2019d a niece of Mr Thomas Johnson of Maryland at London in July.\nThe King of Prussia is not dead\u2014but very ill. His son & successor will be a man of enterprise. He gains nothing yet by the Peace.\nThis government have just voted nine millions of Florins to fit out a fleet. Their late one was 17 of the line & 11 Frigates. They fought most gallantly but had a superiority of guns by 54. I have the honour to be with the most sincere & profound respect affectionately Dear Sir, yr mo. ob. set\nW. V. Murray.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0402", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel McCarty, 2 November 1797\nFrom: McCarty, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nCedar Grove 2d November 1797\nYour propositions with which I was honor\u2019d a few days ago, respecting an exchange of Lands between us, I have considered with that deliberation which the importance of the subject requires, and am concerned at their not appearing so advantageous to me as to justify an acceptance of them \u2014This exchange has long been the object of my wishes and has often been revolved in my mind, from which serious contemplation those suggestions made you the other day resulted; my hope was to obtain three acres for one and that of the choice of your Tracts, but th\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 by your determination to reserve to yourself the large Tract on the Kanhawa; it is highly probable the Tracts you mention may upon examination be found equally the objects of desire to me, as far as they will answer the purpose of exchange at the above mentioned rate, but I could not think of being confined to the choice of any particular spot; if you can think it compatible with your interest to unlimit me with respect to the choice of your Lands in that part of the country and can accede to my propositions of three for one, my Loudoun Lands shall be yours entire, with a reservation of the Sugerland Island only, consisting of three hundred and five Acres, the money arising from which must be applyed to the purpose of purchasing Slaves for my Sons use. I should expect to deliver it into your possession free from all incumbrance except four or five Lots which are Leased for a term of not more than four or five years and on high rents; if it appears that I have valued my property higher than may accord with your way of thinking, you will I\nhope ascribe it to a laud\u27e8able\u27e9 zeal for my family\u2019s interest and the necessity \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 where my all is at stake. I am with gt respt yr obt hube Srt\nDaniel McCarty", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0403", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 3 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lewis, Robert\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 3d Novr 1797\nYour letter of the 26th ulto has been received. To Mr F. Whiting for presenting, and to you for forwarding the orchard-grass Seeds, I feel myself obliged, and request you to mention it to him accordingly.\nI approve of your placing a Tenant upon my small tract of Land above Bath, at a moderate Rent, for the purpose of preserving the Timber thereon; and if decisive proof could be had of the Trespassers, I think Suits should be brought against them in the District court, by way of terror to others. In this court, if the proof was positive, justice might be expected\u2014In the county Ct I should expect nothing but to pay the cost of suit\u2014I would not let the land for more than 5 years\u2014limit the quantity of ground to be cleared, and reserve all the Walnut timber for my use, which may stand thereon.\nThe other depredation, mentioned in your letter, will not, I hope, escape unpunished\u2014Remember us to Mrs Lewis\u2014and be assured of the friendship of Yr affectionate Uncle\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0404", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Daniel McCarty, 3 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McCarty, Daniel\nSir,\nMount Vernon 3 Novr 1797.\nI shall preface this letter in answer to yours of yesterday, with a declaration as sincere as it is solemn, and that is, that if it was in my power, I would take no advantage of you in the proposed exchange of Lands; nor would I wish you to make a bargain with me that either you yourself, or your friends (such I mean as are competent\njudges) should hereafter say was disadvantageous on your part: for be assured, I should derive no pleasure from a contract of which you might have just cause to complain.\nHaving made this declaration, it remains to be added, that both of us may err in the comparative value of our respective lands. You, perhaps, proceed upon what you conceive to be the present selling price of such lands as yours are, in this country; which, abstractedly is fair; but if I mistake not, Lands here are not only at a stand, but on the decline; while on the other hand, I go on a thorough conviction in my own mind, that such as I offer in exchange, and which in some instances I know, and in all believe, are of the first rate, will encrease. I form this opinion from analogous circumstances; for since I have been an actor for myself, Frederick and Berkeley counties were deemed much more remote\u2014& in fact out of the inhabited world\u2014than the Kanhawa is now: and lands which I then bought in the former at five pounds per hundred acres, and the highest (on account of small improvements) at twenty five pounds per hundd, I could now sell, very readily at five pounds an acre. But this is digressing from the point, and I will return to it again, after making one more observation which in my opinion, is litterally true & important\u2014namely\u2014that it is not the number of acres you receive in exchange for your land, that is to render that exchange valuable, there are a great many local considerations which must contribute to this. I aver, most seriously, that I wd not give my tract of 10,990 acres on the Kanhawa for 50,000 acres back of it, & adjoining thereto, nor for any 50,000 acres of the common land of the country, which I have seen, back from the water, & in one body. And I have no doubts but that the land immediately back of mine, might now be bought for half a dollar or less pr acre which, and on acct of the extensive range that cannot for a series of years be interrupted, renders these bottoms so extremely valuable.\nIn offering you three of my tracts on the Kanhawa, containing together 12,276 acres for your Sugarland tracts entire; I conceived I was by no means deficient in proposing an equivalent, especially, as these three tracts would have given you a boundary on the Rivers of near 25 miles, of the richest low grounds in that Ctry.\nIt is true and so I informed you, that I had never been on either of these tracts, and have only the Surveyors report, & other information on which to form my opinion of the quality of the Land.\nThey may be less, or they may be more valuable than the lower tract for ought I know to the contrary. Two reasons however, induced me to reserve the latter\u20141st a knowledge of the tract from my own inspection of it\u2014and 2dly because it was the lowest on that River, and not more than 3 miles from Mount Pleasant. A Place which must, as soon as tranquillity is perfectly restored, be of considerable importance from its situation at the junction of two extensive Rivers running in different directions through so large and fertile a tract of country.\nThis letter is written more with a view to exculpate myself from any suspicion which might arise, of my not meaning to offer you an equivalent for your land, than from any expectation I entertain of our coming to a bargain; for it can hardly be supposed that I would allow the whole of my lands to be picked, whilst the most valuable part of yours (or your sons) is reserved. If however, upon reconsidering the matter you should be disposed to let the Island go with, and become part of the exchanged Lands, I will, on my part \u27e8(\u27e9as you have expressed a wish to make an exchange) consent to part with my lower tract on the Kanhawa also; and if there is any likelihood of our agreeing on a just proportion of quantity, and value of my land for yours, I would, on some early day which you may name (before the weather gets cold) ride up with you and your son (for I shd like that he should be perfectly satisfied before hand, with whatever is done) and look at your Loudoun Lands; having at present not the least knowledge of the quality of them, neither from Investigation or information; and because, which I frankly declare to you previously that it is not a trifling consideration that wd induce me to part with my lower tract on the Kanhawa with the situation, local advantages quality and value of which, I have formed an opinion\u2014not from information\u2014but from my own accurate view; having been on it three or four days and traveled from \u27e8illegible\u27e9 the whole of the bottom.\nYour answer to this letter will at once decide whether there be any prospect of our bargaining, or not; and I should thank you for giving it to me as soon as it is conven[ien]t. I am\u2014Sir, Your most obt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0405", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 3 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Bushrod\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon 3d Novr 1797\nYour letter of the 30th Ult. was receive by the last Post.\nYour Aunts distresses for want of a good house keeper are such, as to render the wages demanded by Mrs Forbes (though unusually high) of no consideration; and we must, though very reluctantly, yield to the time she requires to prepare for her fixture here. We wish however that it might be shortned.\nIf you are in habits of free communication with Mr Brooke, or with others who had opportunities of judging competently of the qualifications & conduct of Mrs Forbes as a housekeeper, I would thank you for ascertaining & giving it to me in as precise a manner as you can obtain it. Among other things it wd be satisfactory to know\u2014\nWhat country woman she is? Whether widow or wife? if the latter Where her husband is? What family she has?\nWhat her age is? Of what temper? Whether active & spirited in the execution of her business? Whether sober & honest? Whether much knowledge in Cookery, & understands ordering, and setting out a Table? What her appearance is? With other matters which may occur to you to ask, & necessary for me to know.\nMrs Forbes will have a warm, decent & comfortable room to herself, to lodge in; and will eat of the Victuals from our Table, but will not set at it, at any time with us, be her appearance what it may; for if this was once admitted, no line satisfactory to either party, perhaps, could be drawn thereafter. It might be well for me to know however whether this was admitted at Govr Brookes, or not.\nIs it practicable do you think to get a good and well disposed Negro Cook on hire, or purchase? Mention this want of ours to Mrs Forbes. She, from the interest she would have therein, might make enquiry. Yours always & Affectionately\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Since writing the foregoing Mrs L. Washington informs me that Mr Swan is anxious to know from the Returns, or Records in the General Court\u2014or from the best information you can obtain whether it has been the invariable practice to Survey the Land Docked by a writ of Ad quod damnum\u2014whether it has been frequently dispensed with\u2014and what has been the consequence. Let\nme thank you for making this enquiry & furnishing me with the result of it. Yrs G: W\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0410", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 6th Novr 1797.\nSince writing to you a few days ago, I have been favoured with your letters of the 26th and 30th Ulto.\nIf you should have occasion to write to Mr Parish of Hamburg, you would oblige me, by thanking him in my behalf, for his very polite & friendly offer of sending me any thing I might have occasion for from that place.\nIt would be more formal than necessary, to introduce Mr Bucknall\u2019s Orchardist to the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia otherwise than through you. If then you will be so good as to relate the manner in which it came, & present it with my best respects to that body, I will thank you. With very great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Your Obedt Hble Servant\nGo: Washington\nI ask your care of the enclosed 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0411", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Ross, 6 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ross, James\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 6th Novr 1797\nYour favour of the 2d Ulto with its enclosure came duly to hand, and I feel myself very much obliged by the favourable footing on which you have placed matters with Colo. Shreve. These are perfectly satisfactory to me, and of which I should have informed you sooner, had I not supposed that the most certain\u2014though perhaps not the quickest way of making it known to you would be to lodge my letter in Philadelphia against your arrival there. This I am about to do in the hands of Col. Pickering. Whatever mode,\nunder the derangements occasioned by the sore calamity which has afflicted that City, you shall find most convenient to yourself, will be agreeable to me, for depositing the sum in the Bank of Pennsylvania, which has been paid you by Colo. Shreve on my acct but it may not be amiss to add that if $500 have been paid into that Bank for my use, no advice of it has been given to me.\nI am perfectly convinced that your observations and opinion, with respect to the most advantageous mode\u2014to wit\u2014laying off my lands on the Ohio into lots of about 200 acres\u2014is correct; and is the best way to make the most of them. The reasons which have weighed against it hitherto, with me, are, first it is troublesome; 2d may be tedious in its operation; and 3d my object being to convert the Land, aggregately into money, or some kind of Stock, that I might derive a convenience & benefit from the interest, during the short stay which from the natural course of things I have to remain here, the end would not be answered in a retail way; without, in a manner, sinking the capital. But, as you have been so good as to mention this mode, will you permit me to ask what you think the lands would sell for by the Acre, divided in the manner you suggest; and whether there is within your view, any person in whom confidence could be placed as an Agent to manage this business, who has leisure and inclination to undertake it, for an adequate compensation? and what?\nI wish you an agreeable Session and perfect unanimity in all great questions which involve the dignity, honor and interest of our Country. With very sincere esteem & regard, I am, Dear Sir Your Obedient and very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0412", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Sinclair, 6 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Sinclair, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 6th Novr 1797.\nSince I had the honor of writing you on the 15th of July, I have been favoured with your letter of the 13th of Feby introductory of Thos Macdonald Esqr., and your note of the 9th of June by Genl\nKosciusko; together with the Surveys, and papers accompanying both. For your goodness in sending them, I pray you to accept my best thanks; and that I may not be a burthensome member of the Board, I enclose a small Bill of Exchange to be deposited in the hands of your Bookseller, to defray the cost of the several copies of your works which may be forwarded to me. When this is expended, I will make another deposit, for the same purpose.\nAs neither of the notes, the receipt of which is acknowledged above\u2014nor any other, has intimated in the most distant manner that my letters of the 10th and 11th of December (the latter a private one) had ever reached your hands, I now do, as well for the purpose of evincing that I was not inattentive to your request, as to give information which may yet (though late) be useful, forward a duplicate of the private letter, from a Press copy taken at the time, and of my last also, of the 15th of July; being more disposed to trouble you with a repetition of the sentiments then expressed, than to lay under the suspicion of inattention to yr commds.\nI can now, with more certainty than on the 15th of July, inform you that lands have fallen in price; ascribable to two causes, the shocking depredations committed on our Commerce (within the last Six or eight months by the French) and the reduction in price of our produce. Both contributing to render Cash a scarce, and of course a valuable article.\nOur Crops of Grain are, in places, tolerable; but upon the whole, below mediocrity in quantity, whilst the grain is fine. This also, that is the shortness of the Crop, will assist in reducing the price of Lands still lower.\nAn eight years absence from home (except occasional short visits to it) has thrown my buildings, and other matters of private concern, into so much disorder, that at no period of my life have I ever been more engaged than in the last six or eight months to repair, & bring them into tune again. This has prevented me from looking into the Agricultural Surveys of the Counties of England & Scotland with the attention I propose to do the ensuing Winter: I shall certainly be very desirous of having a compleat sett of them, and if any are missing will apply accordingly; as it is my intention to have them classed, & bound, neatly. With great pleasure I receivd a visit from Mr Macdonald a few days ago, who fully answers the character given of him, as a polite & sensible man. With great\nrespect, & the highest esteem & regard, I have the honor to be\u2014Sir, Your Most Obedt and obliged 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0413", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 8 November 1797\nFrom: Boucher, Jonathan\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nEpsom [England] 8th Novr 1797.\nHaving taken the Liberty to dedicate to You a Volume of Political Discourses relating to America, I now have the Honour to entreat your Acceptance of it: having ordered a Copy to be sent to Mr Maury of Liverpool, who, I doubt not, will take due Care to forward it to You. That You will approve of all that I have written in this Volume is more than I presume to hope for: but You will do Me the Justice to believe, that I have not, to the best of my Knowledge, uttered a single Sentiment which I do not myself believe; & that I publish the Volume with no Motives but the fair Hope of doing some Good. And in no Part of my Work is it possible I can be more sincere than I am in those public Professions of Esteem & Respect with which I have declared Myself to be, Sir Yr mo: obedt & very Humble Servt\nJonan Boucher", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0415", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Lear, Tobias\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Tobias Lear, 9 Nov. 1797. GW wrote Lear on 10 Nov.: \u201cI have received both of your letters dated yesterday.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0416", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 10 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lear, Tobias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 10th Novr 1797\nI have received both of your letters dated yesterday; & thank you for the information given in them.\nIf Mr Liston\u2019s arrangement to proceed from Alexandria to this place by Water appeared to you to proceed from the want of Carriages (for I do not know in what manner he got to the City) say to\nhim, that you are sure mine would attend upon him at any hour he wd name at that place, to bring as many of them as it would contain to Mt Vernn. This however, as the presumption is that I am unacquainted with his intentions & movements must go as from yourself. Yours always and Affectionately\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0418", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Wilson, 10 November 1797\nFrom: Wilson, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexa[ndria] 10th Novr 1797.\nI had the honor of receiving Your letter of this date.\nAgreeably thereto I inclose my Bill on Findlay Bannatyne & Co.\nLondon at 30 d[a]ys for Ten pounds Sterling which at 33\u2153 \u214c Ct exchange, amounts to \u00a313.6.8 Curry. With great respect I am Sir Your Mo. Obedt st\nWm 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0419", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Lewis, 13 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lewis, George\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 13th Novr 1797\nThe running off of my Cook, has been a most inconvenient thing to this family; and what renders it more disagreeable, is, that I had resolved never to become the master of another Slave by purchase; but this resolution I fear I must break.\nI have endeavoured to hire, black or white, but am not yet supplied. A few days ago, having occasion to write to Mr Bushrod Washington on other matters, I asked if one could be had in Richmond; the following is his answer.\n\u201cMr Brooke (late Governor) informs me that he had a very excellent Cook, with no other fault than a fondness for liquor (which a town afforded him too many opportunities of indulging) who is now in Fredericksburg, and is to be sold. I shall write to the Gentleman who has him, not to sell him till he hears from you. Should you, under this character, wish to buy, or hire him, please address a letter to Mr George Murray of that place. He cooked for Mr Brook\u27e8e\u27e9 while he was in the Government.\u201d\nLet me ask you now, to see both Mr Murray, & the man himself; and if upon conversing fully with the latter, you should be of opinion (from the account he gives of himself) that he is a good Cook, and would answer my purposes, then discover the lowest terms on which he could be had by purchase, or on hire; & inform me of\nthe result by the first Post to wch an answer shall be immediately given.\nI should like to know the age, and as far as you are enabled to ascertain it, the temper & looks of the man described\u2014Whether he has a wife, and expects to have her along with him; and in that case, what children they have\u2014with her age & occupation. By the time I can receive an answer from you, I expect Mrs Forbes, who was Govr Brooke\u2019s housekeeper, will be here as my housekeeper; and from her own knowledge of the person, and your account I shall be enabled to determine what answer to give. Our loves to Mrs Lewis &ca. I am\u2014Your Affecte Uncle\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0420", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Daniel McCarty, 13 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McCarty, Daniel\nSir,\nMount Vernon 13th Novr 1797.\nPresuming from the tenor of your last letter, that there is no great probability of our meeting in the proposed exchange of lands\u2014unless the difficulties which have occurred can be overcome\u2014I should not have given you the trouble of receiving another letter from me on this subject, had it none been from an expectation that those who have applied to know the terms on which I would dispose of my western lands (& required time to view them) might come forward again; and also, how far it might be advisable for me to listen to a proposition of an intelligent gentleman at Pittsburgh\u2014Mr Ross, one of the Senators for the State of Pennsylvania in Congress\u2014to lay these lands off into lots of two or three hundred acres each, for the purpose of accomodating smaller purchasers; assuring me, that by doing so, he was convinced from the applications which had been made to him (on the supposition that he was empowered to sell those lands as he had before done wha\u27e8t\u27e9 I held in the State of Pennsylvania) that they might be disposed of to advan\u27e8tage\u27e9. I say, were it not for the desire of ascertaining previously to the adoption of a measure of this sort, or making any other disposition of the lands on the\nKanhawa whether there be any prospect of our agreeing on an exchange, I should not have mentioned the subject again; for though I might, ultimately, derive greater profit from the adoption of Mr Ross\u2019s plan, yet, it would be accomplishing by retail, what I am more inclined to do by wholesale; especially as expence\u27e8,\u27e9 trouble & time would attend it; neither of which, at my time of life, am I disposed to encounter.\nTwo things seem to be obstacles in the way of our bargaining\u2014viz.\u2014the quantity, or proportion of Western for Eastern land, and the Island appertaining to your Sugarland tract. I know the value of my own lands, or perhaps it would be more correct in me to say, I know the quality of them, or some of them, from my own actual view\u2014but, as I have mentioned to you in a former letter, I am entirely unacquainted with the quality of yours; never having been on any part of the Sugarland tract except at a ford of the Potomack, and having had no inducement until now, I never made the least enquiry respecting it.\nIt was for this reason I proposed in my last letter, to view it; for if on examination it should appear more valuable than I had conceived it to be; or in other words, if I could see an equivalent, in receiving one acre for three, \u27e8circumstances\u27e9 considered, I can assure you I should have stickled for no more, for I should feel no pleasure in any bargain that was not mutually satisfactory.\nAs you have taken no notice in your last, of the Island (proposed in the former letter to be reserved) I am more at a loss what to say on that head than on the one I have been discussing; but as I am desirous of knowing, for the reasons wch have been assigned, whether there is any likelihood of your coming to a bargain, I would \u27e8suggest\u27e9 an expedient, more likely in my opinion, to obtain more than by a separate sale of the Sugarland Island.\nYou are \u27e8now\u27e9 to learn, I am persuaded how exceedingly scarce Cash is; and how distressed the merchantile men of this country from one end to the other of it, (from whom our money is drawn) are. It is such as to have occasioned a considerable reduction in the price of produce, and almost a total stagnation in the price of real property, at this time. But even if this difficulty could be surmounted; you would, I conceive, find another of greater magnitude; and that is no purchaser who would advance money on so precarious a footing as the nonage of your Son, unless it was so connected with other matters as to render it \u27e8useless\u27e9.\nThe expedient I allude to then is if we should proceed so far towards a bargain as to render it necessary for me to view your Sugarland Tract, and I should, on that inspection of it, agree to give three acres for one for the whole tract, I will, in nine months from this date, advance you for the purpose you have mentioned, to be secured by a Mortgage of the land on which you live, the sum of three or four thousand dollars. This would answer all the purposes of a separate sale of the Island and much better than one under disadvantageous circumstances: for to my certain knowledge, real property has lately been offered for half what it cost a year or two ago, & could not command cash on these terms. I can, I believe, with absolute certainty promise to advance this sum in the time I have mentioned, because the sales of my Pennsylvania land by Mr Ross insures a larger payment on the first of June next and in such amount as to render a disappointment almost impossible.\nIt may be asked why if I get the Island in exchange, do I require a mortgage of the land on which you live? The reasons are obvious; first, in the exchange you wd receive an equivalent for that Island; 2d because your Son can give no security for the money loaned for his usage; and 3d because it is a maxim with me, to take landed security which from its nature is unchangeable, to personal security which is subject to numberless vississitudes.\nIn all this business I have endeavoured to deal fairly openly & candidly, & shall continue to do so; as a proof of it, I shall repeat what I mentioned in a former letter, with my reasons for it; namely\u2014that entire & absolute possession shall be reciprocally given, and the free use and profits of the lands to be enjoyed by the possessors of it; the \u27e8circumstance\u27e9 of the leases I would yield to. But the legal titles, and the \u27e8deeds\u27e9 shall remain as they are, until your son conveys his interest in the Sugarland tract[,] for this is the only security I should have for the performance of the contract, or for indemnification if it is not at \u27e8illegible\u27e9 that the equivalent he wd receive from it, with the improvements & encreasing value of the land, would furnish you, if there should be any hesitation on his part hereafter, with the strongest arguments to induce him to unite in fulfilling the contract, & \u27e8execute\u27e9 it into complete effect. In this way I conceive the purposes of all the parties may be answered, & their interests secured; but as I am no professional man, it would be proper if we should agree to consult\none of acknowledged abilities who is, and this I certainly should do that proper & effectual instruments might be drawn conformative to the true intent & meaning of the parties.\nWhen I look back & see to what length I have extendd this letter, I am surprised at it myself, but as the intention of it is to bring matters to an issue I shall hope for an excuse. You will now be enabled from this communication of my sentimts to decide whether any end could be answered by my taking a view of your Sugarland tract\u2014or whether another personal interview \u27e8illegible\u27e9 there to is more desirable. In that case any morning you please I shall be glad to see you after I shall be disengaged from some visitors whom I understand are to be here tomorrow. I remain Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0421", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 13 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Uncle\nRichmond Novr 13 1797\nI have examined the records in the General Court Office which contain the writs of ad quod damnum & the Inquisitions returned thereon.\nThere is no instance of surveys accompanying the Inquisitions; in every case where they were made, the plats were retained I presume by the surveyors. In some cases the Inquisition states a survey\nto have been made in presence of the Jury. But in the greatest number of them by far, no mention is made of a survey. from these facts, a strong argument is to be drawn in favor of your cause. It proves the general opinion of this Country, that surveys were only made, or considered as necessary, when required by the Jury for their information and that a contrary decision at this day, would shake the titles of a great number of Estates in this Country. this I am persuaded will never recieve the countenance of the Superior Courts of this Country.\nI enclose you an order for settling yr accounts as Exect. of Colville, which please send to Mr Keith with the enclosed letter which states the manner in which he is to proceed. I thought it best to refer the settlement to him, as he is well acquainted with the accounts. his report will finally quiet you as to the affairs of that Estate unless the foreign defendants should in the course of 7 years put in their answers and point out errors in the settlement. this is not probable, & if they do, the proof necessary to invalidate any part of the report will lie on them.\nThe papers which were sent to me, I shall either forward to you by this post, or send to Mr Keith by some private Conveyance. I am dear Uncle very sincerely yr affect. Nephew\nB. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0422", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Carter, 14 November 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Carter, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Charles Carter, 14 Nov. 1797. On 3 Dec. GW wrote Carter and referred to \u201cyour favour of the 14th 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0423", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Keith, 18 November 1797\nFrom: Keith, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria Novr 18th 1797\nThe Letter referred to by Mr Washington came directly to myself, inclosing my appointment as a Commissioner in Chancery, and informing me that your Accounts respecting your administration of Colvills Estate were referred by the Court to be examined by me\u2014he mentioned that he had transmitted to you the order for the Settlement and woud in due Season transmit whatever papers\nhe had respecting that Business\u2014He informs me that the Order of Court must be published for a month in the Alexandria Gazette\u2014and the time fixed upon for auditing the Accounts made known at the foot of the Order, Copy of the Order served upon Mr West with a Notification of the time for the Reveiw of the accounts\u2014As the Defendants live out of the Country a considerable length may be necessary to allow for entering upon the Business I woud wish to be made acquainted with what you suppose to be a reasonable time before I determine any thing respecting it. I am with great Respect your Excellencys most obedt hble Servt\nJa. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0424", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Nicholas, 18 November 1797\nFrom: Nicholas, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCharlottesville November 18th 1797.\nA few weeks ago a letter came to the Warren Post-Office in this County (Albemarle) from you, directed to \u201cMr Langhorne\u201d; where it lay some days, unclaimed and unsaught for. Hearing it mentioned, I concluded it was intended for an old Gentn of that name in an adjoining County, who, I believe had been ingaged, in some capa[ci]ty or another, in what was called Braddock\u2019s war; and had it taken up by a friend to be conveyed accordingly. To my great surprise however, I am just informed to-day that it had been sent for and demanded by a certain character in this County, closely connected with some of your greatest and bitterst enemies, as being intended for him, tho\u2019 his name was very different indeed from Langhorne; acknowledging at the same time that he had written to you a few weeks ago under that Signature\u2014the contents or facts of which corrispondence I knew nothing\u2014tho\u2019 the singularity of the circumstances attending the demand of the letter, & the quarter from whence it came (altho\u2019 nothing to me from that quarter is now astonishing) determined me to address you. The only conclusion I can draw from this stra[n]ge circumstance, is, that certain men who are resolved to stick at nothing to promote their wicked\n& inglorious views, have fallen on this last miserable deceptive means, among their other hypocritical practices to intrap you; or, that their suspicions of the views of others from a knowledge of the secrets of their own, had even carried them to the unjustifiable and scandalous lengths of violating the Seals of private correspondences, in hopes of finding out State secrets favourable to their schemes. Having positive proofs of the above facts, I determined to write you, and put you on your guard against such fictitious corrispondts, if any such have written to you, or to shew you what danger your private letters have to encounter, in this quarter, if you have had no such late corrispondent. As for the same reason, however, I caution you against unbosoming yourself to such corrispondts in this part of the world, whatever their professions or requests may be, I cannot ask of you a full explanation of this misterious business (the drift and contents of which I can only have my suspicions about) I can only expect or wish to have an acknowledgement of the receipt of this, untill I have the oppertunity of convincing you in person that mine is no fictitious character; which I am in hopes of having the pleasure of doing some time this winter, as I intend a visit of curiosity and pleasure to Philada, in which I shall pay my respects, for the first time, to the family at Mount Vernon.\nI should not have troubled you thus far, My Dr Sir, well knowing how you must be occupied with correspondents of more importance than such as myself, but living where I do, immediately in cannon shot of the very head-quarters of Jacobinism; knowing how much you have been deceived in the principles and professions of friendship of certain characters in this quarter, and my own knowledge of their real dispositions; have determined me thus to hint to you some things which I shall make known more fully when I have the honor of a personal interview. I have frequently tho\u2019t of asking from you information on certain Subjects of which my particular situation in this part of the Country gives me some knowledge, contrary, I suspect, to the view in which you had been persuaded to hold them; and the circumstance which has now induced me to write, has created suspicions in my mind that the deceptions imployed towards you are greater than even I myself from my particular situation here had supposed\u2014But for the reasons above assigned, have never asked from you any information\u2014If however, after a better knowledge of me, and my views, from what I\nshall say on the subjects above hinted at, you should think proper to satisfy me on one or two points relating to characters and things, which from my particular Situation here have fallen immediately within my knowledge, such information will be thankfully received and not improperly applied by My Dear Genl Your most obt & sincerly devoted friend & very Hle Sert\nJohn Nicholas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0425", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 November 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia Novr 20 1797.\nThe Spanish letter which you transmitted to me in your favour of the  ult. and which I recd the 2d inst. at Trenton, I have had translated; and the sentiments therein expressed being personal to you, as well as official in being addressed to the President of the U. States, I do myself the honor to inclose a copy of the translation. An acknowledgement to those Spanish Officers for their liberality of conduct towards the American vessel they relieved, and respectful, friendly & generous sentiments towards you and the citizens of the U. States, is manifestly due: but it will be difficult to find a conveyance to that sequestered region.\nI have been honoured with your letter of the 6th instant; and shall conform to your wishes respecting Mr Parish of Hamburg, and Mr Bucknall\u2019s pamphlet.\nThe inclosed letter from Mr King came to hand this day under his cover to me.\nI am apprehensive that young la Fayette has been too precipitate in his voyage to France. The late explosion in France will doubtless prevent his fathers return thither. But independently of this, it is probable that his coming to America is indispensable. In a letter dated Septr 5th at London, Mr King writes me thus, \u201cMr Williams our Consul at Hamburg informs me that the Imperial Minister has notified to him that the Emperor had consented to the release of General la Fayette, upon condition that he should embark for America, within eight days after his arrival at Hamburg: He also requested Mr Williams to make the necessary preparations for his embarkation.\u201d\nMr Williams answered without hesitation, that such provision should be made, altho\u2019 he had no instructions on the subject. Mr King wrote him approving of his decision; and desired him to draw upon him for the necessary expences. Mr King has remaining in his hands a part of the monies granted to Genl la Fayette by the U. States.\nTo-day I received a letter from Mr Williams dated Hamburg Septr 19. in which is the following passage. \u201cThe Imperial Minister received, yesterday, an official note, that orders had been given to release General la Fayette & his companions. We have a right to expect that they are on the way to this place.\u201d\nIt is true that Mr King, in his letter of Sept. 5th \u201cdid not consider it certain that General la Fayette would go to Hamburg, or embark immediately for America; having understood that he would be allowed by the Emperor to go to Holland, where (if permitted by the Dutch Government) he might perhaps be inclined to wait some time, in order to ascertain whether he will be allowed to return to France.\u201d But by the late explosion, I presume there will remain no room for hesitation; and that he will embark without delay, for the U.S.\nThis intelligence I know must be particularly interesting to you; and therefore I have detailed all the information I have received. I have the honour to be with great respect, sir, your most obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0426", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Louis La Colombe, 21 November 1797\nFrom: La Colombe, Louis-Saint-Ange Morel, chevalier de\nTo: Washington, George\nGeneral,\nPhilada 21st Novemr 1797.\nI take the liberty of presenting you with a short abstract of a letter that may afford you a proof that the man for whose wellfare you have allways had the warmest interest in, General De Lafayette has at last obtained his liberty\u2014as is ascertained by an official note from his Imperial Majesty\u2019s minister, M. \u27e8Biro\u27e9 resident at Hambourg, to a friend of mine Mr Masson formerly his aid du Camp.\n\u201cHambourg 19th Septemr\u2014I have the honor to let you know Sir, that I have received at this moment the official note\u2014an order has been sent from Vienna to Olmutz to set at liberty instantly M. De Lafayette & the other Prisoners.\u201d Several other letters that I have received from Hambourg, and from a particular Correspondent at Olmutz leave me no reason of doubt on this subject\u2014I\u2019m also particularly inform\u2019d that the General & the other gentlemen that were in confinement with him were on the road to Dre[s]den and in all probability would arrive there about the 18th Septemr last, and from thence they were to proceed to Hambourg\u2014notwithstanding the event that took place on the 4th Septemr last at Paris & expected to reach Vienna\u2014in the issue of it have not in the least retarded the liberation of our friend, and it has only been delay\u2019d on account of some trivial pretexts of his Imperial Majesty\u2019s Ministers, who have since been convinced, were acting against their own interests\u2014If as I presume he may come over to this Country it will be very pleasing for him still to find in\nyou Sir, all the paternal Sentiments which a long captivity may have now render\u2019d to him necessary as life, It may also be an inducemt for him to come & visit a Country and a People with whome he has fought with in the cause [of] freedom\u2014I have the honor to be with the highest sentiments of Respect sir, Your most obedt hume servant\nL. Lacolombe\nN.B. Mr Lacolombe has the honor to present his most respectful compts to the Ladys.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0427", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, William Herbert, and George Gilpin, 22 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fitzgerald, John,Herbert, William,Gilpin, George\nGentlemen,\nMount Vernon 22d Novr 1797.\nOn Monday last, in Alexandria, Colo. Marstellar applied to me to rent my lot with the house on it in that place for three years, from the expiration of the year for wch it is now engaged (at Sixty pounds until Feby).\nI answered, that I was well disposed to receive him as a tenant and for the term above mentioned, but was unable to fix the rent then; being unacquainted with such as were usual in Alexandria, or might be expected within that period; but that I would leave it to you three Gentlemen, or any two of you who should agree, to say what it should be. And moreover to enumerate what indispensable repairs it would be indispensably necessary for me to make again, it not being long since the houses & inclosure were put into complete order.\nYour compliance with the request will very much oblige me, and I shall hope to be excused for the trouble it will give you. Be assured of the Esteem & regard of Your most obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0429", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Welch, 24 November 1797\nFrom: Welch, James\nTo: Washington, George\n[c.24 November 1797]\nSir, I will lease Your Land on the Great Kanawa for 99 Years (Viz.) 23,000 Acres for which I will give You \u00a350 \u214c Thousand Yearly which will amount to \u00a31150 \u214c Year[.] Total amount 113,850.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0430", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 November 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhil[adelphi]a Nov. 24th 1797\nAfter a painful & inconvenient dispersion the public Officers have returned to this City & resumed business; Congress has at length formed; the Presidents speech at the opening of the Session is inclosed.\nIt is certain that the Envoys have reached Paris; the report that they have been refered to Fauchet & Adet is not confirmed; though by many it is considered as probable.\nA Mr Barker, offered me five hundred Dolls. a few days since on\naccount of a debt due to you by Mr Shreve: if you are pleased so to direct I will recieve & remit you the money. Mr Ross to whom this business was refered has not arrived.\nI repeat that nothing will give me more pleasure than to be able to render any services which you may be pleased to require\u2014With the most perfect respect to yourself & Mrs Washington in which I am joined by Mrs Wolcott, I remain your faithful & assured Servt\nOliv. Wolcott 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0431", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 25 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\nMr Anderson,\nMount Vernon 25th Novr 1797\nI have given the scheme which you put into my hands for renting some of my land on the Great Kanhawa, such consideration as time and circumstances would permit. What follows is the result.\nTo require such a rent, and to make it progressive to a certain period as is digested in your Plan of a Rental in a country abounding in unsettled Lands which are open to every purchaser on a more moderate scale than I have affixed to my tract of 11,000 acres might, even to some among ourselves (not particularly acquainted with the situation and superior quality of the soil) seem high, and to foreigners, it might have the appearance of an intention to impose. But when it is considered that the above tract, & others which I hold in the Western country (on the Rivers Ohio & Great Kanhawa) are all intervale or meadow lands upon the Banks of those rivers\u2014in a word that they are the cream of the lands being the first choice of them near 30 years ago\u2014that I have been offered for part thereof less valuable in my estimation than\nthe tract which is the subject of your scheme\u2014eight dollars an acre\u2014and that I hold the latter at ten dollars, it must be acknowledged that to let it for less than you have suggested, or for a more extensive term than you have proposed would not comport with my interest; nor be equivalent to the interest of the purchase money at eight dollars an acre disposed of in the public funds.\nI am, however, disposed to make an experiment with the 11,000 acre tract on the Rent, and in the manner you have proposed; provided a number of respectable men, competent to the fulfilment of an agreement would Associate\u2014take the whole tract\u2014and form a settlement thereon at once; for a piece meal business would neither accord with my interest, or inclination. But it is to be clearly understood, that I do not mean by this declaration, to be restrained from accepting, before the result of the communication to your correspondent is known any offer I may approve for the abovementioned tract as many are in pursuit of it, & that resu[lt] uncertain.\nBut if such an Association could be formed, on your plan, for the aforesaid tract of 11,000 acres, and advice thereof be immediately given, I would then if it was in my possession & under no engagement hold it thereafter for them\u2014or, which would perhaps be more desirable\u2014let a member of their body come over\u2014view the land\u2014and if approved, conclude the bargain on their behalf. This latter expedient, would prevent all suspicion of the land being too favourably represented, at the same time that it would afford such an Agent an opportunity of examining other matters and making a more advantageous establishment elsewhere\u2014for I should receive no satisfaction from any contract that was not mutually satisfactory.\nThe usual way of going to these Lands, as well those on the Great Kanhawa as to those on the Ohio, is by Fort Cumberland & Pittsburgh, and thence down the Ohio River\u2014the distance being, by that route to the mouth of the Kanhawa about 560 miles, but of this 75 only is land transportation. The other route by Greenbrier & Kanhawa Court house \u27e8to the\u27e9 same place, is a third shorter; and \u27e880\u27e9 miles of it water carriage\u2014the other part is, as I am informed, a good waggon road. I wish you well, and am Your friend &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0432", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, Jr., 26 November 1797\nFrom: Bassett, Burwell Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nRichmond Nov: 26th 1797\nI have to day seen Mrs Forbes who accounts for her delay in geting to Mount Vernon from disappointments by Mr Brokes not having paid her some moneys he is in her debt and without which she cannot come up, but promises to be ready to take the stage early in the week after this if she can be furnished with money for her expences which Mr B. Washington has promised to do and also myself, that she may be expected at Mount Vernon in the next week she appears to be a woman of strong health and equal to great service.\nI have met here with Col: Finne and conversed with him concerning his cook there are two girls in addition to the family for the whole of them he will take the hire of fifty pounds per annum he is offered here thirty six pounds per annum for the man. the woman he says a good washer as well as a good cook he makes it a condition of the hire that they shall consent to go and without that I supppose you would not wish them I have sent to Major Burwell concerning his cook and expect to hear from him next week and will communicate it to you your answer to Col: Finne will find me in Richmond. With sentiments of esteem and respect yours obt Sert\nBurwell Bassett\nP.S. Letters from Mr Marshall to his friends here inform of his arrival at Amsterdam the 26th of august. B.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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0433", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 26 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Uncle\nRichmond Novr 26. 1797\nI was very much surprized yesterday to meet with Mrs Forbes at my office\u2014I had no doubt of her having been long since at Mount Vernon.\nShe came to account for her being still in Richmond, to express her anxiety to get up, and her inability to do so from the want of mony. This latter circumstance astonished me still more, as Mr Brook (who she informs me is her debtor[)], promised to furnish her with the necessary sum for her expences. in consequence of this, I wrote you some time ago, that she would set off in a stage or two; for so it was agreed upon between Mr Brooke & myself.\nHe has been out of Town for ten days or a fortnight, and as his return is uncertain Mrs Forbes requested me to state to you the reason of her continuance here. To prevent any further delay I shall furnish her with mony for her necessary expences, and she promises to leave this in Tomorrow\u2019s Stage.\nThe letter to which your favor by last Night\u2019s post refers, was I Know recieved by Mr Brook, and he told me he should immediately answer it. It is necessary to state, that he was at that time so indisposed, as to be under the care of a Physician. That he continued to be so with only a few days of intermission, until his departure for the back Country, to which place he has probably been advised to go for health.\nwhether I have assigned the true cause of his neglect or not, I cannot say. I meerly state the above fact, as furnishing the only possible apology for a conduct otherwise unaccountable.\nMr Keith will please advertize the decree & his notification for 8 weeks successively in the Alexandria Gazette. This will be sufficient.\nall the papers belonging to that case I sent up to Mr Keith a few days ago by Mr Lee.\nMrs Washington Joins me in Love & best wishes for my Aunt & yourself and believe me most sincerely Dear Uncle your affectionate Nephew\nBushrod 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0435", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Parkinson, 28 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Parkinson, Richard\nSir,\nMount Vernon 28th Novr 1797\nYour letter dated \u201cDoncaster August 28th 1797\u201d has been received.\nIn answer thereto, I inform you, that I had engaged my largest farm to a Gentleman in the vicinity of it for the ensuing year (on\nthe terms mentioned in the plan I took the liberty of transmitting to Sir John Sinclair, and which, having seen as you say, it is unnecessary for me to detail) but some circumstances afterwards occurring, unforeseen at the time, induced a postponement of the measure until the year 1799\u2014when it may, or may not, as I shall find it most convenient, be renewed.\nThe other farms are entirely free, and must remain in my possession until the crops of 1798 (the greater part of which being in the ground) are harvested. Of course, if you should come to this country in March next\u2014shall then like any of my farms\u2014& we should be mutually disposed to bargain for one of them, on lease, it is not probable there will be any impediment in the way. In the meantime, you may be assured that it would be highly satisfactory to me, to have English, or Scotch farmers who are able & willing, and who can be well recommended to me, to be the Cultivators of the farms of my Mount Vernon estate.\nI not only approve of your circumspect conduct in viewing the farms previous to an engagement, but can assure you that, I should be unwilling to enter into any contract with any person for either of them before it was done as no agreement would be pleasing to me that did not give mutual satisfaction.\nI thank you for your kind intention of sending me your treatise on Agriculture, entitled, \u201cthe practical farmer\u201d and will chearfully pay the cost of it. I am Sir Your most Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0436", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Sinclair, 28 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Sinclair, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 28th Novr 1797\nThe Copy of Mr Parkinson\u2019s letter and my answer both of which are enclosed for your perusal and the letter to be forwarded is the best apology I can offer for giving you the Trouble of this Address.\nAs he has taken the liberty of naming you as a Gentleman to whom he is well known I have followed his example (as he writes to me on an interesting subject) in doing the Same to enquire if he shou\u2019d make the application in person which his letter contemplates,\nwhethe[r] his character\u2014abilities as a farmer & capital are such as to enable him to stock and manage a farm the rent of which would be (according to his choice of those I have to let) from a thousand to eighteen hundred Dollars per annum, or wheat equivalent.\nI should not my good Sir have used the freedom to ask this information had not Mr Parkinson declared that it was by your advice he has made the application and means to pursue it in March next. If he can come under such auspices it would recommend him strongly to me; and to know it in time wou\u2019d be pleasing to\u2014Your much Obliged and 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0437", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Welch, 29 November 1797\nFrom: Welch, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nNovember 29th [17]97\nI will lease Your Land on the Great Kanawa (viz.) 23,000 Acres in the Manner following (to Wit) I will give You Annually $9583.34 C. The lease to Commence in the Year 1800 And I will pay you in the following Manner[:]\nthe next payment to be made 1807 [$] 47,916.70.\nAnd after that time I will pay Annually [$]9583.34 for 30 Years & from that time forever Yearly [$]19,166.68 With the previled[g]e of purchasing the Land at Eight Dollars \u214c Acre any time in 10 Years from the commencement of the lease on my paying You Yearly agreeable to the above proposition for the Term of 10 Years. Security to be given for the firs[t] payment to be paid in Alexandria the lease and Contract to be null and void on the Money not being punctually paid\u2014Your Excellency will please to View the proposals and give me an answer by the Bearer Mr James Cooper I am with respect sir Your Hbl. St\nJames Welch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0438", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 30 November 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Craik, James\nLetter not found: to James Craik, 30 Nov. 1797. On 1 Dec. Craik wrote GW: \u201cEvery Since the rect of your Letter yesterday. .\u00a0.\u00a0.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0439", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Nicholas, 30 November 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Nicholas, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 30th Novr 1797.\nI know not how to thank you sufficiently, for the kind intention of your obliging favour of the 18th instant.\nIf the object of Mr Langhorne, who to me, in person & character, is an entire stranger, was such as you suspect, it will appear from my answer to his letter, that he fell far short of his mark. But as the writer of it seems to be better known to you, and that you may be the better enabled to form a more correct opinion of the design, I take the liberty of transmitting a copy of it along with the answer. If they should be a mean of detecting any nefarious plan of those who are assailing the government in every shape that can be devised I shall feel happy in having had it in my power to furnish them. If the case be otherwise, the papers may be committed to the flames, & the transaction buried in oblivion. To confess the\ntruth, I denominated Mr Langhorne in my \u201cmind\u2019s eye\u201d a pedant, who was desirous of displaying the flowers of his pen. In either case, I wd thank you for the result of the inve\u27e8stigation\u27e9.\nIn your journey to Philadelphia or at any other time, or upon any occasion, I should be happy to see you at this place; having had a very high regard for your father while living, and a long acquaintance with him in public life as members of the Legislature of this State. With very great esteem I remain Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0440", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 1 December 1797\nFrom: Craik, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nDecr 1st 1797\nEvery Since the rect of your Letter yesterday I have been trying to obtain the necessary information, which you required; but cannot say that I have recd any Satisfactory information with regard to the Person\u2014He says himself that he is an honest man but Some Seems to doubt it\u2014He has been trading with Some of the people in Town but I have not been able to learn \u27e8any\u27e9 thing from any of them yet\u2014He certainly \u27e8is\u27e9 desirous to get possession both of your Land \u27e8and mi\u27e9ne, but I must own that I am affraid to \u27e8bar\u27e9gain with him. And think the greatest caution necessary in entering into any Engagement with him\u2014I had your Letter of to day delivered to him by one of my Young men whom he told no Answer was requird\u2014I shall still endevour to discover what kind of a man he is, and if I do discover his Character & Situation I shall immediately inform you\u2014Some of my friends have promised me their Assistance\u2014With great Sincerity I am Dear Sir Your Devoted & obedt huml. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0441", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Welch, 1 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Welch, James\nSir,\nMount Vernon 1st December 1797.\nYour proposition to Lease my several tracts of Land on the Great Kanhawa, containing by the Patents 23216 acres, being handed to me by Mr James Cooper while I had company, and was just going to dinner, allowed me scarcely time to make a few hasty remarks then; nor am I much better enabled now I have considered them, to answer your propo[sa]l\u2014first, because I do not understand the principle upon which you have established the rents; 2dly because I am not inclined to give a lease in perpetuity; 3dly because my interest will certainly require that I should attend to the manner in which these lands are to be disposed of to Sub-tenants (notwithstanding they may be let to an individual for a certain term) & how they are to be improved\u2014also, what proportion of the wood should be reserved, for the support of each farm &ca &ca\u20144thly how the fulfilment of the bargain is to be insured, and the Rents secured; for it is not to be presumed that I would place it in the power of any one to strip the land of all its growth in the course of a few years, leaving me, or my heirs, no other alternative than to repossess it thus injured, or to sell it at an under-rate to those who might hold the Woodland back of it; 5thly as I have no doubt of selling these lands for more than eight dollars pr acre by instalments, if divided into lots of from one to five hundred acres (one fourth of the money to be paid down, and the residue in three annual payments with interest) it is hardly to be expected that I would part with the fee simple thereof for eight dollars an acre at any time that might best suit the Leasee, within ten years, while the Rent, according to your proposition (after two years exemption) is, fixed at $9883 until the year 1801\u2014and then, if I understand your scheme, but suppose I do not, as (besides lying out of the Rents 6 years) they, contrary to all usage, are reduced, instead of being increased. I say an indulgence of this sort, under such circumtances, cannot be expected, when the common interest arising from the Sale of 23000 acs. at eight dollars only, would amt to $11,040 annually, from the day of Sale.\nIf, after giving you this view of my sentiments on your last proposition, you should think a personal interview would contribute to the removal of difficulties, I should as I am rarely from home, except in my usual rides between breakfast and dinner, be ready\nto give it, at any time that may be convenient to yourself, before you leave Alexandria. I am\u2014Sir\u2014Your very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0443", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 3 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 3d Decr 1797\nYour letter of the 18th of June has been duly received, and gave us the first certain account of your arrival in Holland, which we received with pleasure.\nMy family are much as you left them, and my avocations being altogether of a domestic nature, I concern myself little in matters beyond my outer Inclosures; indeed I find enough to do within them, for upon a more critical examination of my buildings and appendages it has been discovered that in a year or two more some of them would not have been susceptible of repair\u2014More by accident than design it was (luckily) discovered in time that the great girder which supports the Sleepers in my new room was so much decayed that a company only moderately large would have sunk altogether into the Cellar\u2014In short I have been surrounded with workmen of different descriptions ever since I came home and am not yet done with them\u2014and shall for some time to come have occasion for a Joiner.\nAs it may be in your power to give some explanation of the matter, I shall inform you that, in looking over my public Accts which you closed at Philadelphia previously to your embarkation for Europe, I was surprised to find the following article of charge when, but the April before, I was similarly debited in a sum of two hundred & odd Dollars \u201cBy errors, losses, & accounts paid at different times & omitted to be entered $1147.15.\u201d\nThis is a large omission in the space of a twelve months. It would require a number of small accounts to form such an aggregate, and the receipts to large ones, ought to have corrected the error\u2014I mention it however to see, if you can furnish an explanation.\nWe Suppose your mother and frds are well, because we have heard nothing to the contrary. Your brother William I know is, because I saw him but a few days ago. Your Aunt, & others of the family, unite with me in every good wish for your happiness and prosperity and with affectionate regard I am\u2014Your Sincere friend\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Mrs Peter has got another daughter, Mr and Mrs Law and their daughter are now here and well.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0444", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Louis La Colombe, 3 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: La Colombe, Louis-Saint-Ange Morel, chevalier de\nSir,\nMount Vernon 3d Decr 1797\nYour favour of the 21st Ulto came duly to hand; for the pleasing and interesting contents of it, I offer you my best thanks; notwithstanding I had received, by the same Mail, similar accounts from our Ministers at London & the Hague, inclosing extracts of letters to them from the Consul of the United States at Hamburgh.\nI congratulate with you, on the happy event of the liberation of our mutual friend Genl De Lafayette, whose reception in this country will be, I am sure, cordial from all descriptions of people; from none more than myself.\nThe answer given by him to the Minister of the Emperor, is noble, and worthy of himself. The only regret I should feel on his arrival in America (if it shd happen soon) would be, his disappointment in not finding his Son here. I said all I could, with decency, both to him and Mr Frestal to induce their awaiting direct accounts from the Prisoners before their departure; but the eagerness of the former to embrace his Parents in the first moments of their releasement from a cruel imprisonment was not to \u27e8be restrained. Among other arguments I observed that although it was not\u27e9 probable, \u27e8yet it was\u27e9 at least possible that they might be crossing the Ocean in different directions at the same time. Unfortunate indeed would this be for both, especially the Son, should it so happen. Slow travelling, and a little delay at \u27e8Ham\u27e9burgh of Genl De Lafayette & family, may give time for the arrival of the Son at Havre; and I hope it will be the case; for the shock must be great to both parties, if they should pass each other. With esteem & regard I am Sir Your most obedient & hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. As the enclosure seems to have been a Paper transmitted for your satisfaction\u2014I return it as a \u27e8valuable instrument\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0445", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Vans Murray, 3 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Murray, William Vans\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 3d Decr 1797.\nYour favors of the 26th of August (and a duplicate) and 16th and 17th of Septr with the enclosures, have been duly received; and meet, as they ought, my particular thanks. The letter alluded to in the first, is yet missing, but may, notwithstanding, get to hand.\nI feel much obliged by your polite attention to me; and though in retirement, you can receive little more in return from me than sincere friendship. I shall hope for a continuation of your correspondence. I rarely stir from home, never beyond Alexandria or the Federal City: indeed if my inclinations were more extensive, business would restrain them; for at no period of my life have I been more closely engaged (though more importantly employed) than during the months I have been at home. Hardly a resident for the last five & twenty years at this place, eight of them at the close thereof; I have found upon an examination into the state of my buildings, that time, and want of attention (which short occasional visits while I was in the Administration of the government, allowed me not leizure to bestow) have caused such depredations thereon, and every thing connected with them; & have so deranged all matters of private concern, that what with the plague & trouble proceeding from the number of Workmen I have been obliged to employ, and of other matters little interesting to any but myself; I have been occupied from the \u201crising of the sun, to the setting of the same\u201d and which, as the wise man has said \u201cmay be all vanity & vexation of Spirit\u201d but as I did not seek it as a source of happiness, but entered upon it as a case of necessity, a line may be drawn betwn his disappointmts & mine.\nYour account, & others which I received about the sametime, of the liberation of Genl De Lafayette, is interesting and highly pleasing: Should he, with his family, proceed immediately to America as is enjoined upon him by the Emperor, he will experience one source of regret on his arrival, namely\u2014that his Son sailed for Havre about the last of October, in expectation of finding him in\nParis (from the measures the Directory had taken to obtain his releasement). I proceeded, as far as a strong opposing opinion would allow me, to induce him to await direct advice of this event from his father; but his eagerness to embrace his parents & sisters in the first moments of their liberation; the belief that the Prisoners at Almutz were released, before it actually (as it seems) had happened; and conviction that he would be under no embarrassment in Fra: even if they were not; overcame all opposition. I went so far however as to observe, that it was possible, though perhaps not probable that he & his friends might be upon the Ocean steering different courses, at the sametime. But as this, under the then appearance of things, was not supposed likely to happen, his fear of a winter passage gave the preponderance, and on the 26th of Octr he set sail from New York for Havre de grace.\nI am very glad to find that the Colleagues of General Pinckney had arrived safe in Holland, and that all three (according to News paper accts) were set down in Paris. What their reception has been, & what may be the issue of the Negociation with which they are charged, is not for me to pronounce; the late revolution however, at that place, does not introduce them under the most favourable auspices, in my opinion. But this event, like all other Acts of the French government, is extolled by men among us as a Master piece of vigilance, wisdom & patriotism. The means used to effect it are not overlooked, but applauded; of course the Constitution, like treaties, are not obligatory when they become inconvenient. But I will quit politics, and having nothing of a domestic nature to entertain you with, shall soon put an end to my letter. Congress are in Session; and as the Gazettes are transmitted to you, you will learn more from them, than I could detail. Mr Izard I have not seen. The enclosed letters I take the liberty of committing to your care, & with compliments to Mrs Murray in which Mrs W\u2014\u2014n unites\u2014I remain with much truth, esteem & regard Dear Sir\u2014Your affecte friend, & Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0446", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Felix Frestel, 4 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Frestel, Felix\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 4th Decr 1797.\nYour conjunct letters from New York, and 2nd of Novr from Sea, and your separate letter of the 22d of October from the former place, have all been received with that satisfaction which I shall always feel in hearing that you are well, & happy; as I sincerely wish you may be in a meeting of your friends in the bosom of your native Country.\nFor the flattering terms in which you have expressed your sense of the civilities, which your merits alone, independent of the consideration of being the Mentor & companion of our young friend, richly entitled you to, I offer you my thanks\u2014and for the sentiments of friendship with which you are pleased to honor me, I shall always entertain a lively & grateful remembrance. You carried with you the regrets of the whole family, at parting; and I can assure you, Sir, that if you should visit America again, we shall feel very happy in seeing you under this roof, and in your old walks.\nExcept the commencement (if we are to judge from appearances) of a very hard winter, nothing has occurred since you left us which is at all interesting. The branches of this family, with which you are acquainted, remain in Statu quo; except that Mrs Peter has added another daughter to the Stock, & my nephew Lawrence Washington a wife to his bosom; at the ceremonial of which Lawrence Lewis attended, and is not yet returned.\nI will engross no more of your time than while I can assure you of the very great esteem & regard with which I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0447", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Marshall, 4 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Marshall, John\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 4th Decemr 1797\nYour very interesting and obliging favour of the 15th of September from the Hague, came duly to hand, and I thank you sincerely\nfor the important details with which it is fraught, & pray for the continuance of them.\nI congratulate you too on your safe arrival from Ship-board; and, as the Newspapers tell us, at Paris; and I wish, a little while hence, I may have it in my power to do the same on the favourable conclusion of your Embassy, and happy return to your family & friends in this country. To predict the contrary might be as unjust as it would be impolitic, and therefore\u2014Mum\u2014on that topic. Be the issue however, what it may\u2014three things I shall be perfectly satisfied of, & these are, that nothing which justice, sound reasoning & fair representation would require, will be wanting to render it just and honorable; and if it is not so, that the eyes of all, in this country, who are not wilfully blind, and resolved to remain so (some from one motive, and some from another) will be fully opened; and lastly, that if the French Directory proceed on the supposition that the parties in these United States are nearly equal, and that one of them would advocate their measures in the dernier resort, they will greatly decieve themselves; for the Mass of our Citizens require no more than to understand a question, to decide it properly, and no adverse conclusion of the Negotiation will effect this. Indeed, I believe it may be said with truth, that a very great change in the public mind has taken place already. The leaders, it is true, attempt to keep up the Ball: which is evidently declining; but as both houses of Congress have formed quorums, and received the Presidents Speech, the response of the Representative branch will be some criterian by which this opinion of mine may be tried, though not a conclusive one.\nThe situation of things in Holland is a good lesson for us, if we are disposed to profit by it; but unfortunately, the nature of man is such, that the experience of other\u27e8s\u27e9 is not attended to as it ought to be; \u27e8we\u27e9 must feel ourselves, before we can think, or perceive the danger which threatens; but as this letter (after it quits the Office of the Secretary of State, to whose care I shall send it) may pass through many hands, I shall dwell very little on European Politics. It is laughable enough, however, to behold those men, amongst us, who were reprobating in the severest terms, & sounding the Tocsin upon every occasion that a wild imagination could torture into a stretch of Power, or unconstitutionality in the Executive of the United States, all of a sudden become the warm\nadvocates of those high handed measures of the French Directory which succeeded the arrestations on the 4th of September; and this too without denying that the barriers of the constitution, under which they acted have been overleaped, but do it on the ground of tender mercy, & an unwillingness to shed blood. But so it always has been, & I presume ever will be, with men who are governed more by passion & party views than by the dictates of justice, temperance & sound policy. If there were good grounds to suspect that the proscribed & banished characters were engaged in a conspiracy against the Constitution of the People\u2019s choice, to seize them even in an irregular manner, might be justified upon the ground of expediency, or self preservation; but after they were secured and amenable to the Laws to condemn them without a hearing, and consign them to punishment more rigorous perhaps than death is the summit of despotism.\nA very severe winter has commenced. Since the first of November we have hardly experienced a moderate Day; \u27e8hea\u27e9vy rains followed by severe frosts have done more damage to the Winter grain, now growing, than I recollect ever to have seen. At this moment, & for several days past, all the Creeks & small water\u27e8s\u27e9 are hard bound with Ice, & the Navigation of the River, if not entirely stopped as yet, very much impeded by it. The Crops of Indian Corn in the lower parts of the State have been uncommonly great: midway of it, tolerably good; but under the Mountains & above them, extremely bad\u2014with partial exceptions. The Wheaten Crop, in quantity turned out better than was expected; in quality remarkable fine; the white, or early wheat, weighing generally from 60, to 64 lbs. pr bushel.\nThe Virginia assembly is, or ought to be, in Session; but what the temper of it is I know not. Its composition you must be better acquainted with than I am.\nYoung Lafayette, too fondly led by his eagerness to embrace his Parents and Sisters in the first moments of their releasement from Prison; and unintentionally deceived by premature accounts from his frds at Hamburg, that this event had actually taken place, embarked for this purpose on the 26th of Octr at New York for Havre de Grace. Since which, official accts having been received of the terms on which his liberation was granted, by the Emperor the meeting in Europe is become problematical; a circumstance,\nshould it happen, which will be sorely regretted on both sides. I said all I could to induce him to wait here, until he should receive a direct advice from his father but his impatience on the one hand, his confidence in the information he had received that his Parents were on their way to Paris, on the other, his apprehensions from a winter passage, and belief that, he would not be illy received in France, even if they were not there, turned the scale against my opinion & advice that he should postpone his departure until he heard from him or one of the family. With very great esteem & regard, I remain Dear Sir Your most Obedient and obliged Humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0448", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 4 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon 4th Decr 1797\nWith much pleasure I received your letter of the 19th of September from Rotterdam; and that pleasure proceeded in a great measure from the congeniality of sentiments which prevail between you and Genl Marshall; having taken the liberty of introducing him to you as a Gentleman, in whom you might place entire confidence.\nWhat has been the reception of the Embassy by the French Directory, is, to me, unknown; and what will be the result of it, is not for me to predict. The change, however, which took place at Paris on the 4th of September adds nothing to my hope of a favourable issue. In this I may be mistaken; but of another thing I am certain I shall not, and that is, that the failure (if such be the case) cannot be attributed to the want of justice on the part of the United States or from the want of an able representation of it, on the part of their Negociators. Of course the issue must be favourable, or conviction will be produced in all, except those who do not want to be convinced, that we have nothing to expect from the justice of the Nation with whom we are treating. In either case we shall ascertain our ground.\nThat the Government of France view us as a divided people, I have little doubt; and that they have been led to entertain that\nopinion from representations, and the conduct of many of our own citizens, is still less doubtful; but I shall be very much mistaken, indeed, in the mass of the People of the United States, if an occasion should call for an unequivocal expression of the public voice, if the first wd not find themselves very much deceived\u2014and the latter (their leaders excepted) to change their notes. I pray devoutly that the Directory may not bring the matter to trial.\nI have received the letter & Book from Mr Luzac of Leyden, which are mentioned in yours, and have offered him my thanks for both, in a letter put under cover to Mr Murray at the Hague, expressive also of the sense I entertain of his uniform & friendly sentiments towards these United States.\nMr Izard I have not yet seen, if he should call upon me on his way to Charleston I shall be very happy\u2014on many accts\u2014to shew him all the civility in my power. The enclosed for young Lafayette I must request your care of. Having received premature advice (from some of his correspondants in Hamburgh) of the liberation of his father & friends, his eagerness to embrace them in the first moments of it, could not be restrained; although I endeavoured to convince him that it would be more prudent to await the confirmation from themselves; and among other things observed to him, that although it was not probable, still it was possible, that his Parents might be on their Voyage to America whilst he was seeking them in Europe. Should this prove to be the case (as appears not unlikely from the injunction of the Emperor) it will be a matter of sore regret to both. The confidence however, which he placed in his information; the advancement of the Season, & his fear of a Winter passage; gave the preponderancy to his inclination over my opinion. He is a sensible & well disposed young man\u2014full of felial affection & every sentiment to render him estimable.\nInformation with respect to public matters, will go to you from a more direct, and purer fountain than mine\u2014I mean from the Department of State; and that which more immediately concerns my self, is too unimportant to trouble you with, further than to assure you, which I can do with much truth, that in your public mission, and in your private capacity, I wish you all the success, & prosperity that your heart can desire; and that with the greatest sincerity I am, and ever shall remain, Your Affectionate friend, and Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0450", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Washington Motier Lafayette, 5 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, George Washington Motier\nMy dear George,\nMount Vernon 5th Decr 1797\nWith that pleasure which I shall always feel at hearing from you, or of any thing which may contribute to your happiness, I received your several letters from New York\u2014dated in October, and that of the 2d of November from Sea, by Mr Latimer. If my best vows would have contributed to a prosperous Voyage, and a happy meeting with your Parents and Sisters in France, both must have happened to the utmost extent of your wishes \u2019ere this, for they were offered on the Alter of sincerity; and are now followed with assurances that, if you should ever return to America again, that you will find the same cordial reception within the Walls of this Mansion, as you heretofore have experienced.\nGreat as my wishes are that you may have met with your Parents in France, I am not without fear, from our late accounts, that you have been disappointed. How far the event which took place in Paris, on the 4th of September, may have affected their prospects in that Country, is not for me (who know so little of the principles which governed on that occasion) to express any opinion thereon; but as I have seen an official report from the American Consul at Hamburgh, of the terms on which the Prisoners at Olmutz were released, the proceedings of your Parents after their arrival at Hamburgh, is rendered equivocal with us.\nFew things have occurred, since you left us which merit attention, except an earlier Winter than has almost ever been known; for since the beginning of November we have scarcely experienced a moderate day; and at this moment the Mercury in Farenht is standing at 10\u00ba only above 0. The Creeks & smaller Waters are all shut up, and the navigation of the River is much impeded by Ice.\nMrs Peter has added another daughter to the family, and both mother & child are well, as are Mr and Mrs Law and their child, who are now here on a visit before their departure for Philadelphia, at which place they propose to spend the Winter. The younger parts of this family are also in good health, and unite most cordially with me in tendering you their best wishes, to which I add assurances of the sincere friendship and affectionate regard of Yours always,\nGo: Washington\nAs you noticed in one of your letters from New York, Christopher\u2019s excursion to Bethelehem, I have pleasure in informing you that he \u27e8derived so much aid\u27e9 from the Medicine he took, as to \u27e8have remained\u27e9 perfectly well ever since; and \u27e8has placed such confidence in\u27e9 his doctors skill that he would not again despair of being cured of the bite of a mad-dog; if the \u27e8Hydrophoby\u27e9 was strong \u27e8upon him\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0451", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Rufus King, 6 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: King, Rufus\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 6th Decemr 1797\nYour favor of the 6th of September has been duly received, and for the information contained in the enclosure, respecting Genl Lafayette, I offer you my thanks. The footing on which his releasement is placed by the Emperor, & the succeeding event in Paris,\non the 4th of September, renders his proceedings after he gets to Hamburgh, problematical.\nShould these circumstances (for it is not easy to say what effect the latter may have on his prospects in France) induce him to steer his course immediately for this Country, it will be a matter of sore regret to him, & his Son, that they shall have passed each other on the Ocean.\nDeluded (though not designedly) by premature information of his parents liberation & journeying to France, by a correspondent at Hamburgh, his eagerness to embrace them, and his Sisters, in the first moments of their reception in France; the fear of a winter passage (should he delay his departure); and persuasion, as he left his native country under the authority of the Government, that he had nothing to apprehend from his return to it; overcame my advice to him to await a direct account from his father, which would not only have ascertain\u2019d the fact, but might also have pointd out a course which he would have him pursue. Nay, I went so far as to tell him, that although it was not probable, it was nevertheless possible, he might be disappointed of his object, by the means which seems likely to have happened; but his purpose, from the considerations already mentioned, were not to be diverted; and being excited by the purest filial affection, for he is realy a sensible, amiable, and valuable youth, I shall feel much for the disappointment of both parties, if they do not meet in Europe. With the highest esteem & regard\u2014I am, My dear Sir, Your most Obedt & Obliged Hble Sert\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0452", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Welch, 7 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Welch, James\nSir\nMount Vernon 7th Decr 1797.\nI have revolved the subject of our yesterdays conversation, and as you disclosed a spirit of liberality in it, I wish we may agree; but I shall inform you with frankness that to part with the fee simple in my Kanhawa lands is the greatest impediment in the way of our bargaining; and I will, as frankly assign the reasons.\nIt has got about, I do not know how, that eight dollars pr acre is the price I had fixed upon my Kanhawa lands; but this is a mistake,\nthe most I ever said on the subject (unless my memory has failed me much) has been that I had been offered eight dollrs an acre for some of my lands on the Ohio of inferior quality (in my estimation) & had refused it, and it is likely I might have added, that if the whole of my western lands cd be disposed of at that rate, that I would accept the offer, but it is to be recollected that this would have included near 10,000 Acres on the Ohio, between the Great and little Kanhawas, and 3000 on the little Miami, near the mouth thereof. It is well known that I have declared often, that no one should have my tract of 10,990 acres on the Great Kanhawa for less than ten dollars an acre, if for that, as I know the possibilities of it myself well, having been 3 days on it myself, & you yourself observed, yesterday, that you conceived the other tracts of mine on that River, were very little inferior to it.\nNotwithstanding this detail and expression of my sense of the value of these lands, I shall candidly acknowledge that the rent you offer for them is as much as could be expected under present circumstances, if the annual payment of it can be secured for the first Six years, in the manner you have suggested\u2014After which, the presumption being, that within that time, for your own security, you will take care to have responsible Tenants thereon, the risk will be less, & the property possessed by them, together with the right of Re-entry, may be deemed suffici[en]t.\nUnder this Statement of the case, I make you the following offer, which comes pretty near to your own proposition, that is to say\u2014as the four tracts on the Kanhawa contain 23,215 Acres by the Patents, and by presumption more, you shall have a lease of the whole, with proper covenants, skilfully drawn, for the thirty years at the rent of $11,143 Pr annum, to become due the last day of Decr in every year, and payable the first day of May in each; April bei\u27e8ng an improper season to commence the\u27e9 operations of the years Agriculture which is equivalent, to the interest of a Sale at $8 pr Acre, and shall be subject thereto in fee within Six years from the first day of January next, provided the Rents are punctually paid during that time; and provided also, that the sum of $200,000 is paid down at the time of the transfer of the Land in fee simple. And that you may be the better enabled to provide tenants & to do this, the first years Rent (to become due the last of Decr 1798) shall be only $5,000; and the 2d years rent shall be $8,000 only. 23,216 acres at $8 would amount to no more than $185,728, but\nso sure am I, that such lands as these must rise in price, that it admits of no doubt, in my mind, that the latter sum paid in a short time, & vested in Stock (3 pr Cts particularly) would be more advantageous than the former, at, or near the end of Six years. I should not therefore hesitate a moment in giving it the preference.\nAt the end of thirty years, if the land, before the expiration of six years, is not disposed of in fee simple as above, the lease may be renewed, so as to complete Ninety nine years on the same Covenants, conditioned however for payment of the annual Rent during that period, of $22,286.\nIf these, which are the great outlines of the proposed agreement, are acceeded to, there can be little or no difference in opinion with respect to other matters; but it may not be amiss, nevertheless, to add that, the tracts are to be laid of into tenements of a proper size, or sizes\u2014say, for instance from one to 300 acres; that suitable buildings shall be erected, and Orchds planted within a limited time; that a certain proportion of the Woodland & Timber on each tenement, shall be reserved for the support thereof, &ca &ca; not unusual for the Security of the rights of both Landlord and tenants.\nAs you requested to know my sentiments on your proposal, to day, I have written you this long letter, in haste; if the contents meet your approbation, a line or two will express it, or it may be verbally communicated to Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0453", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Nicholas, 9 December 1797\nFrom: Nicholas, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCharlottesville Decr 9 1797\nYour\u2019s of the 30th Ultimo came safe to hand; and altho\u2019, from a view of the papers inclosed, Mr Langhorne was not so direct in his scheme for extracting something from you to answer the purposes of those to whom I know him to be a servile tool; yet from the fulsome contents of his letter to you, & my knowledge of his sentiments\nbeing in direct contradiction to those contained in that letter, his connexions &c., at which I hinted before, &c. I have no kind of doubt but that it was intended indirectly to have that effect.\nInclosed is a copy, as nearly as my memy Serves me of the note demanding your letter to Mr Langhorne, for I have not yet got it from the person to whom it was directed. Mr Langhorne, if you know him not from his real name to that note, is a favourite nephew of your very Sincere friend Mr Jefferson, raised and enducated directly by himself from a child, a constant dependent & resident in his house from that period almost to the present; & entertaining sentiments, I do assure you of my own personal knoledge, very different indeed towards you from those contained in his letter. These circumstances, & not Mr Langhorne\u2019s own consequence, first created my suspicions & induced me to write to you. Struck as I was at the first sight of the gentleman\u2019s note demanding your letter to Mr Langhorne, with the complexion of this odd corrispondence, I requested the gentn to whom it was directed, who was a friend of your\u2019s & near relation of mine, to preserve it, which I make no doubt he has done and will do untill I again call for it; which I shall take some early opportunity to do, & preserve the whole of the papers, together with your corrispondence with me from human sight, untill it shall become necessary to vindicate you against such dark arts as are only to be combatted by exposing the wretched duplicity, and easily overtaken & exposed projects of such shallow & wicked politicians.\nThe proofs of the facts stated to you respecting the corrispondence of Mr Langhorne, however, whether the note is preserved or not, are sufficiently within my power to be used in any way you may think proper.\nI sincerly congratulate you on the liberation of our friend the Marquis La Fayette, about which I hope there can be no doubt now; and I thank the Directory of F\u2014\u2014for once, if the part wh. it is said they have taken in that pleasing event be true. I wish there was equal cause to admire them for all their late acts; or that we may have just grounds of satisfaction at their conduct towards our envoys now at their court. Accept Dr Sir the sincere wishes for the happiness & prosperity of yourself & good lady of Your faithful friend &c.\nJohn Nicholas\nI shall indeavour, if possible without betraying my knowledge of its contents, to discover from what this very extraordinary corrispondence of Mr Langhorne arose & to what it was intended to lead. J.N.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0454", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Welch, 9 December 1797\nFrom: Welch, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\n[9 December 1797]\nI am Satisfyed to lease your Lands Agreeable to Your proposition in part that is I am Willing to comply with your first proposition I\u2019ll give You $5000 for the first year the lease to commence in Ja[nuar]y 1st 1798 & $8000 for the 2nd Year\u2014$11143 After that Yearly for the Term of 30 Years at the Expiration of which time I will pay You Annually $22286 untill the Expiration of 99 Years with the previledge of purchasing Out in 7 years after the Commencement of the lease, the purchase Money to be paid in the following Manner $50000 to be paid in the Year 1800 on the 1 st of Ja[nuar]y d[itt]o Annually for 3 years which Will amount to the Money You ask. I am sir your Excellency\u2019s Obt St\nJames Welch\nN.B. any part of the Money paid as purchase Money on failure of the payment of the whole shall answer as payment for the lease agreeable to the proposals herein Mentioned the rent to decrease agreeable to the payment further I wish to remark that I think from 50 to 300 acres will be best siz\u2019d lots to lay of[f] & that as may best sut the leaser orchards agreeable to the Size of the lots\nas is common throughout the Inhabited part of the Countrey & Comfortable Country Houses to be Erected thereon & left in good order at the End of the Lease.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0455", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Keith, 10 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Keith, James\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 10th Decr 1797.\nI have just concluded a bargain with Mr James Welch of Greenbrier County, for four tracts of land of which I am possessed on the River Kanhawa, & in the County of Kanhawa (as you will see by the Patents, & Conveyance herewith enclosed) on the following terms; that is to say, I agree to lease the said lands, to the saidjames [Welch], for the term of 30 years; to commence on the 1st day of January next (1798) at the Rent of $5,000 for the first year, to conclude the 31st of Decr following, for $8,000 the next year, and from thence until the expiration of the 30 yrs for $11,143 annually; and for 99 years thereafter on an annual Rent of $22,286. The Rents are always to become due on the aforesaid 31st of Decr in each year, and destrainable for two Calendar months thereafter. With express Covenants to Re-enter upon the land if the same is not regularly and duly paid.\nIt is further agreed, that the said James Welch not only may, but shall, lay out the aforesaid tracts of land into convenient tenements of from 50 to 300 acres according to the abilities, and \u27e8illegible\u27e9 of the applicants; & may let the same, but for no longer term than is granted to himself. Each tenant being obliged within  years to build a comfortable dwelling house of Stone or Brick, or of Wood with a stone or Brick Chimney; build a Barn, plant orchards and make meadow suitable to the size, and importance of the Tenement; and is moreover, to be compelled to keep a fourth of the Wood & timber in reserve (for the support of the premises) until the expiration of the terms for which the tracts are granted \u27e8usually\u27e9 30 years; and 1/5 to remain so at the expiration of the further term of 99 years. The Sub-tenants to be subject to all the covenants that the principal is, for the Landlords security\nexcept the quantum of Rents (which is to be a matter between themselves).\nLastly, it is agreed that the said James Welch shall have the priviledge of purchasing the fee simple in the aforesaid tracts on the following conditions; that is\u2014if on the 1st day of Jany which shall be in the year 1804 he shall pay the sum of $50,000, one fourth of the Rent of $11,143 shall cease for that year; if on the 1st day of Jany 1805 $50,000 more shall be paid, another fourth of the rent shall be deminished for that year; if $50,000 more shall be paid on the first of Jany in the year 1806, another fourth of the rent shall cease for that year: and if, on the 1st day of Jany 1807 $50,000 more shall be paid, then, and thereafter, the rents are to cease altogether, and the said Jas Welch is to be seized in fee, of the property; & a conveyance thereof is to be made accordingly. But it is understood, and must be clearly so expressed, that in failure of exact payment on or before the days above mentioned, all rights, or possession of right, to the purchase of the Fee simple, ceases from thence forward; but if the first $50,000 is paid, & a failure takes place of the second on the day appointed, then, and in that case the whole Rent of $11,413 recommences from that time and the $50,000 so paid is to go in discharge of future rents, until it is expended in that way, and the same if the 2d payment is added to the first, and the 3d fails, or the 3d added to the other two, & the 4th fails; the positive agreement being, that nothing less than the whole sum of $200,000 pd precisely at the time aforesaid shall entitle the said Welch to a fee simple estate in these lands, and all payments short of the whole sum shall be applied in discharge of the future rents, at the rate of $11,413 pr Annum, until they are expended in this manner.\nBeing informed that you occasionally employ yourself in draughts of this sort, I apply to you, on this occasion, in preference to any other, being persuaded, as it is a matter of importance, that you will give due attention thereto. Whether it is usual for the Lessor or the Lessee to pay for the instruments of this sort I know not, but I will see you paid \u27e8Informed\u27e9) Mr Welch that I would be in Alexandria on tuesday next; against which time if you could have the draught (or rough copy of it) ready, it would be convenient to us both. The right of Re-entry and usual covenants for security of the Landlord and Tenant will of course be inserted \u27e8and a illegible\u27e9\nto give me collateral security for the payment of the first rents; but this will be another matter. I am always with esteem & respect Yr\u27e8s\u27e9\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0456", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 11 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 11th Decr 1797.\nAt the sametime that I acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 20th Ulto enclosing a translation of the Spanish letter and one from Mr King, let me beg the favour of you to forward those which go under cover with this, to their respective Addresses, along with your own if you should have occasion to write soon to our public characters abroad; or by the first conveyances if you should not. That to Sir John Sinclair I wish, more than the others, might be forwarded soon.\nThe probability is that young Lafayette will be disappointed in his expectation of meeting his parents & Sisters in France, or even in Europe. I said every thing to him I could, with decency to induce him to await direct advice from his father, before he departed from this country. I even went so far, before the condition annexed to his releasement by the Emperor was known, or the Explosion in Paris was suspected, to tell him that altho\u2019 the event was not probable, it nevertheless was possible, that he might be going to Europe while his relations were coming to America; and endeavoured to impress the idea upon him that the moment his father was in a situation to write to him that he would; and more than probable, point out the course he would have him pursue: but having received lettrs from some of his correspondents in Europe informing him of his liberation, and that he was actually on his journey to Paris, his eagerness to see them could no longer be restrained; particularly as delay might involve him in a Winters\npassage of which he was affraid, and having come out under the authority of the French Government, because he was under no apprehension of ill treatment, if the information he had received was premature.\nIt will, however, be a matter of sore disappointment & regret, if his Parents shd have embarked for America before he sees them in Europe, & will be a source of much concern to me also for he is an amiable, and sensible youth; and his eagerness to go, the effect of ardent filial & fraternal affection and a longing desire to embrace them in the first moments of their liberation from cruel captivity. The disappointment will also be as sorely felt by his Parents, if they should miss each other.\nI hope the calm, with which this Session of Congress has commenced, will not be succeeded by a storm; I shall confess however, that my expectations fall far short of my hopes on this occasion. Tranquillity will not continue to the end of it; nor can harmony be looked for, while the same men who were sounding the Tocsin at every thing that a wild imagination could construe into even a tendency to stretch the Powers of Government here, are advocating the most outrageous violations of it, elsewhere. But no conduct is too absurd, or inconsistent for some men to give into. In haste (as you will perceive) to get my letters to the Post Office in time, I am with very great esteem & regard 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0457", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 13 December 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Bassett, Burwell Jr.\nLetter not found: to Burwell Bassett, Jr., 13 Dec. 1797. On 22 Dec. Bassett wrote GW: \u201cYours of the 13th reached me to day.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0458", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Gilpin, 14 December 1797\nFrom: Gilpin, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir,\nAlexandria Decemr 14th 1797\nPeter has been with me to enquire my Opinion about the State of the navigation with respect to the Ice, one Ship and two brigs & Several other Vessells have waited for Some days for the River to Clear to morrow they intend to try, but I think it is not Safe for a Scow to Venture[.] two days hence if this weather hold I think She may Venture. I tryed for three days past to get a Craft to go to\nPomonky ware house for Tobacco for Colonel Deakins Ship but none would go although I offer an Extra price. I am your most Obedient Servt\nGeorge Gilpin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0459", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 December 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhiladelphia Decr 14 1797.\nI am just honoured with your letter of the 11th. The William Penn will, I am told, sail from this port directly for London, in two days, if the present soft weather continues. If I am disappointed in this conveyance, I will send the letters for Mr King & sir John Sinclair to New-York, to be forwarded by the first vessel for London.\nThe letter for Mr Murray I shall forward in like manner by the first vessel destined from this place to Holland\u2014and on failure, send it to N. York. The letters for Genls Pinckney & Marshall, young la Fayette & Mr Frestal, I shall put under cover to Mr Murray, to whom I transmit, generally, the letters for Paris.\nI received a few days ago from Genl Pinckney, a small pamphlet written in Paris by Fauchet, in which he makes some extraordinary assertions (his pamphlet consists chiefly of assertion without proof, and little reasoning) relative to American Affairs. I have lent it to some of the members of Congress who read French: but I recollect this among other declarations\u2014That all the official papers which have been written at Paris in relation to America, have been \u201ccool\u201d and \u201ccalm\u201d and that the official papers of the French ministers in the U. States have never departed from the line of \u201cdecency and moderation\u201d; while those on the part of the U.S. have been in a very different stile; and particularly the printed letter to Genl Pinckney, of the 16th Jany 1797, is in the \u201ctone of insult from beginning to end.\u201d\nYou will be able, by this sample, to appreciate the residue of his pamphlet. However, he blames the French Government for overleaping their own rules\u2014that is, the stipulations in the British treaty\u2014all the advantages of which, he says (as Adet said before\nhim) they had a right to assume, in applying them by the decree of \u201c12th ventose\u201d\u20142d March last. He says also that the decree of 14th messidore, i.e. July 2d 1796, for treating neutrals as these suffered the British to treat them, was improper\u2014because it was indefinite the French cruisers could not tell how British cruisers treated neutrals, or know for what causes British admiralty courts condemned neutral vessels. He finally expresses strongly his opinion, that the Directory having manifested the vigour of the Government in defence of the rights of the Republic, ought to omit no means of conciliation with the United States, but sacrifice resentments to the \u201cdemonstrated interests\u201d of the Republic. That France, indeed, had nothing to fear for her Antilles; but\u2014in case of a rupture with the U. States, these would join G. Britain, from whose combined efforts the possessions of Spain would be in jeopardy. He says further, that a rupture, or even a much longer continuance of the present state of things would produce resentments and a national hatred on the part of the U. States, which a whole generation might not be able [to] destroy. I am with high respect sir, your most obt servt\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0460", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Parkinson, 15 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Parkinson, Richard\nSir,\nMount Vernon 15th Decr 1797\nSince my last of the 28th Ult., a copy of which you will find on the other side, I have received your letter of the 27th of Septr to which, I find little to add, further than to assure you, that it would be very pleasing to me to have my Farms in the hands of skilful Agriculturalists, who are able, & willing, to manage them properly. Such, if their capital be sufficient to afford me the necessary security, might enter upon mine with very convenient advantages, as the draught cattle, stock of every kind, & farming implements, or\nsuch parts thereof as they might want, and I could spare, might go along with the farms at a reasonable valuation; to be paid for at such time or times, & in such manner as may be agreed upon; all of which being on the spot, & assimilated to the Farms, would be convenient to any one, but infinitely more so to a stranger, on his arrival, who would, & perhaps without knowing where, have these things to provide, to enable him to prosecute his plan of husbandry.\nFrom the plans of my farms, which have been shewn you by Sir John Sinclair, you will have perceiv\u2019d that they are large, and require a good deal of force to carry on the various operations of them; I mention this circumstance to caution you against an expectation which you might otherwise have entertained, that labourers in this, as in the old countries, are always to be had: the case is otherwise, and besides the difficulty of getting them, their wages (unless you were to employ slaves, and these are not to be had but by the year, and not always then) are high.\nFor the reasons mentioned in my last letter, there is scarcely a doubt but that three of my farms will be unengaged from hence until the first of May & if other Farmers were disposed to follow your fortunes, they might be accomodated also. Nor, as the farms are large, am I indisposed to a division of them into many smaller tenements, if the measure would be more agreeable, & a plan could be adopted. I am Sir\u2014Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0462", "content": "Title: Martha Washington to Elizabeth Willing Powel, 17 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, Martha\nTo: Powel, Elizabeth Willing\nMy dear Madam,\nMount Vernon 17th Decr 1797.\nIt is unnecessary, I persuade myself to assure you, that with whatsoever pleasure your letters may be received, the satisfaction to be derived from them, will fall far short of that which your company wd give: but as stern winter (which has commenced with uncommon severity) has closed all expectation of the latter, I can only offer my thanks for your kind remembrance of us in your letter of the 24th of November, while I add, as our hopes, that when all things will be blooming here, in the Spring, except the withering Proprietors of the Mansion, that you will carry into effect the long promised visit to this retreat; and make it your head quarters, during your stay in Virga.\nIt was indeed, with sympathetic concern, we heard of the late\ncalamitous situation of Philadelphia; and of the death, and indisposition of some of your friends: These occurrences, however, are inflicted by an invisible hand, as trials of our Philosophy, resignation and patience; all of which it becomes us to exercise.\nPoor Mrs Morris! I feel much for her situation; and earnestly pray that Mr Morris may, & soon, work through all his difficulties; in which I am persuaded, that all who know him, heartily join me; as they do that their ease, quiet & domestic enjoyments, may be perfectly restored. Mrs Marshalls arrival must be a comfort to them all, however disappointed she herself may be, in the apparent reverse of their situation, since she embarked for Europe. We hear with concern too, of the declining state of Mrs White\u2019s health; and to her, Mrs Morris, & the rest of our Phila. acquaintances, we would thank you, when occasions offer, to present our best, & sincerest regards.\nMr Fitzhugh & family, have, within the last fortnight, become residents of Alexa. & We should, \u2019ere this, have made them a congratulatory visit on the occasion, but the bad weather in which they travelled, has indisposed Mrs Fitzhugh so much, as to confine her to her room with an inflamation, more troublesome than dangerous.\nI am now, by desire of the General to add a few words on his behalf; which he desires may be expressed in the terms following, that is to say, that despairing of hearing what may be said of him, if he should really go off in an apopletic, or any other fit, (for he thinks all fits that issue in death\u2014are worse than a love fit, a fit of laughter, and many other kinds which he could name)\u2014he is glad to hear beforehand what will be said of him on that occasion; conceiving that nothing extra: will happen between this and then to make a change in his character for better, or for worse. And besides, as he has entered into an engagement with Mr Morris, and several other Gentlemen, not to quit the theatre of this world before the year 1800, it may be relied upon that no breach of contract shall be laid to him on that account, unless dire necessity should bring it about, maugre all his exertions to the contrary. In that case, he shall hope they would do by him as he would by them, excuse it. At present there seems to be no danger of his giving them the slip, as neither his health, nor spirits, were ever in greater flow, notwithstanding, he adds, he is descending, & has almost reached, the bottom of the hill; or in other words, the\nshades below. For your particular good wishes on this occasion he charges me to say, that he feels highly obliged, & that he reciprocates them with great cordiallity.\nNelly Custis (who has been a little indisposed with a swelling in her face) offers her thanks for the kind expressions of your letter in her behalf, and joins the General & myself in every good wish for your health and happiness. I am my dear Madam with the greatest esteem Your most Affectionate Martha Washington\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0463", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 17 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon 17th Deer 1797\nYour letter of the 24th Ulto has been duly received; but one cause or another has prevented the acknowledgment until now, when I thank you for the Presidents Speech which it enclosed, and your obliging offer to render me any services I might need, in Phila.\nOne reason why I did not sooner notice the offer of a Mr Barker\u2014to pay you on my A/c $500 in behalf of Colonl Shreve, was my expectation that Mr Ross, for whom I had deposited a letter in Colo. Pickerings hands, to remain there until his arrival, would have been in Philadelphia long \u2019ere this, and have settled all that business. If, however, it should have happened that Mr Ross is yet absent, I would thank you for receiving & remitting me the $500 abovementioned; and further, as he has received more money on my account from Colonl Shreve, you would obliged me (if it be convenient for you to do so) to receive the whole amount there, and give me an order for the like sum in Alexandria.\nIt is time, now, to hear what the reception of our Envoys at Paris has been; & what their prospects are. It surely cannot be, that Fauchet & Adet are appointed by the Directory to negociate with them! If the fact, however, be otherwise, it requires not the spirit of Devination to predict the Issue.\nI cannot conclude without offering you my condolence, and I do it sincerely, on the death of your worthy, & much respected father. As it was an event however, which for sometime has been expected, you could not have been unprepared for the stroke; and amidst the affliction, you have the consolation to know that he died \u201cfull of years & honours\u201d & regretted, by all who knew him. With best respects for Mrs Wolcott, in which I am joined by Mrs Washington & Nelly Custis, I am My dear Sir Yr sincere & Affe. frd\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0464", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 18 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Bushrod\nMy dear Bushrod,\nMount Vernon 18th Decr 1797.\nYour letter of the 26th Ulto came safe in the usual course of the Mail, and about a week ago Mrs Forbes arrived; and from her appearance, and conduct hitherto, gives satisfaction to your Aunt. Having, as she says, obtained ten dollars of you, to defray her expences to this place; I herein return them, with thanks for the aid it afforded to get her here. and as you may have paid for the copies of sundry papers taken from the Records of the General Court, let me know the amount, and it shall be remitted also.\nAbout a month ago, a Mr Woodward, living, according to his own account, at Greenbrier Court-house, presented draughts (of which the enclosed are copies) from the Sheriff of Kanhawa for taxes of my land in that County. As I was unacquainted with the Law imposing these; with the drawer; presenter of them; & certifier that Alderson was Sheriff of that County, I did not incline to pay the amount without making further enquiry into the matter. Upon this he informed me that I might obtain the necessary information\nat the Treasury, or Auditors Office in Richmond; to which the returns were made, and where the money might be, and often was paid, instead of doing it to the Sheriffs of the Back counties, by Non-residents.\nYou would oblige me by making this enquiry, and if the taxes are correctly stated, and the amount of them can be paid with propriety in Richmond, to inform me thereof; and measures shall be taken as soon as I am in Cash, to discharge the Same. The enclosed paper, after it has enabled you to make the necessary enquiry, may be returned to me again. The family here, join me in offering you and Mrs Washington the compliments of the approaching festival\u2014and I am with much truth Your sincere friend and Affectionate Uncle\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0465", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 21 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\nMr Anderson\nMount Vernon 21st Decr 1797.\nAs the present year is about to close, it is my desire that all the accompts from the commencement of your Management, up to\nthe first of January, may be fully stated and laid before me on, or about that day.\nIn doing this, I shall expect to see, at one view, all the monies which you have received, and all that you have expended (on my a/c); together with the balances which may be due for articles sold & not paid for, or paid for in part only, comprehended. This will be a general a/c, embracing everything. Besides which, I shall require a seperate and particular a/c of the principal articles that have been disposed of (such as Fish, but of this I believe I am in possession already[)]\u2014Whiskey\u2014Hay\u2014Meats of all kinds\u2014Flour\u2014Seeds\u2014&ca\u2014To whom sold\u2014and at what prices, that I may know the amount of each, and what has been the product of my Farms aggregately, for the year ending the 31st of this month.\nAnd as it will be more convenient, and more to be desired, I request that for the ensuing year, and every year thereafter, the accompts may, without fail, be rendered quarterly to prevent misconceptions, or to rectify more easily, mistakes, if any from inadvertency, should have been committed\u2014viz.\u2014on the first days of January, April, July and October. By so doing I shall be regularly, and frequently advertised how matters are going on, and can retrench, or proceed accordingly. This has been the practice in my Public Walk of life, and I mean (now I am fixed at home) to pursue it in my domestic transactions\u2014the utility of it, having been abundantly demonstrated.\nHaving now had the experience of a year\u2019s service of you, as a Manager of my concerns, I should not do justice to my own feelings were I not to declare (as far as my knowledge of facts, and my opportunities have enabled me to judge) that they have been conducted with integrity\u2014zeal\u2014and ability; and, of course have met my approbation. There are some things however which I conceive may be improved, and candour, mixed with motives of friendship, have induced me to mention them to you.\nThe most prominent of these are, that after measures have been suggested by you and approved by me there appears to have been a tardiness in carrying them into execution. Providing the materials, and erecting the building for the Distillery, is a striking, & will prove an expensive specimen of this; for hardly a day arrives that does not produce some evidence of the disadvantage arising therefrom or thereof of time, risk, and difficulty of getting the materials to the spot: and the man who does not estimate time as\nmoney will forever miscalculate; for altho\u2019 the latter is not paid for the former, it is nevertheless a sure item in the cost of any undertaking. And this leads me to notice some other matters in which there is a manifest loss of it; namely\u2014shifting suddenly from one kind of work to another (this has been very apparent with respect to the Ditchers) and in ordering people to come from the Farms to the Mansion (sometimes with Carts) and keeping them waiting more than half a day before you come to dispatch them\u2014sending Carts frequently to Alexa. with, or for, trifles, which always come home injuriously late for the teams; when if a Memm was kept of what was to go to, & to be brought from thence, and to send when there was a full load only (except in cases of necessity) one trip might do in place of two or three; Again, it is not uncommon, when one thing is to be carried to, & another thing brought from the same Farm, to make two trips to acomplish it, when one would answer.\nThese matters seem to arise from a want of arrangement. Circumstances it is true, may, occasionally, produce such effects; and sometimes call labourers from settled, to occasional employment, before the former is accomplished; but this ought never to happen if it can be avoided; for besides the loss of time occasioned thereby, more work will be done in the sametime when people are kept steadily at it, than when they are taken from, & return to it again; for although the work itself is not new to them, yet new arrangements must be made, & time is required to get them fairly settled to it. It follows, if these observations are just, and they are clearly so to my mind, that the whole business of Farms\u2014of Ditching\u2014and so of any other employment that is intended to be permanent, ought to be systematical directed\u2014not from day to day\u2014or week to week\u2014but for as long a time as can well be foreseen and the persons who are immediately to have the conducting thereof to be informed accordingly: and unless imperious necessity\u2014or weather, the last of which ought always to be provided for (as there is work to suit all kinds of it) the system should be adhered to.\nIf a person only sees, or directs from day to day what is to be done, business can never go on methodically or well, for in case of sickness, or the absence of the Director, delays must follow. System in all things is the soul of business. To deliberate maturely, & execute promptly is the way to conduct it to advantage. With me, it\nhas always been a maxim, rather to let my designs appear from my works, than by my expressions. To talk long beforehand, of things to be done, is unpleasant, if those things can as well be done at one time or another; but I do not mean by this to discourage you from proposing any plans to me which you may conceive to be beneficial, after having weighed them well in your own mind; on the contrary, I request you to do it with the utmost freedom, for the more \u27e8illegible,\u27e9 and distant things are seen, the more likely they are to be turned to advantage.\nI have been thus particular because one scene is closing, & another opening\u2014because I shall be able to go but little out of the house this winter having appropriated it to the assorting, and arranging my voluminous papers; a task of no small magnitude; and because I am more and more convinced the oftener I think of the plan of placing Union & Dogue Run Farms under one head, of the indispensable necessity of great exertion on your part, as well as on that of the immediate Overlooker\u2019s, to prevent the work cattle and stock of every kind from suffering on the latter & the grain & other things from embezzlement. To do which, and to keep the work progressing to advantage, the plainest, the most precise, & simple system ought to be adopted & adhered to. I shall confess that my mind never, implicitly yielded to this plan, & unless these suggestions are attended to, I shall be seriously afraid that the endeavor to save an Overseers Wages & allowance; will be effected by a serious loss in other respects; for experience has fully shewn I think, that with the vigilance of an Overseer at each place, idleness & roguery are still practised. What have I to expect then, when the latitude is increased, and the opportunities to accomplish these, are extended? More than ordinary attention too, to the Tools & Impliments of the Farms, will be required; not only at Dogue run but at the others also; for it is inconceivable that Isaac always and Joe frequently should be employed in making & repairing Ploughs & Carts; abuse, more than the use of these things, must be the cause of it, and requires to be looked into with an investigating Eye. I shall only add that I wish you well, & success in all your measures, being your friend &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0466", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Washington Motier Lafayette, 21 December 1797\nFrom: Lafayette, George Washington Motier\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\non board the Clio in Ramsgate harbourDecember 21irst 1797.\nYou will I have no doubt be surprized, to receive a letter from me dated from an English port, and I myself little expected to have wrote to you, from this place, we have had a very long and disagreable passage. In the Ocean we had a contrary wind, for twenty days together which at last carried us to the north of the scilly Islands. we had then to sail back again round them to enter the channel. after entering it we were driven by hard winds together with the carelesness of our captain, upon the shoals on the coast of France, a great way beyond Havre-de grace and at last after having seen the shores of our own country, we have been obliged to take a shelter in Ramsgate on English port in the downs, where we are since the 16th waiting for the first fair wind, to sail again for Havre de grace. as Frenchmen we are not permitted to go a shore, but we don\u2019t regret it much as this is not the place of our destination.\nbut that which keeps up most our spirits and courage is to know that our hopes are realized, and that my family and their companions in misfortune are certainly free, we can have now no doubt about it since the gentleman who is so kind as to take charge of this letter, captain Harris has seen them all at Hamburg. they had arrived there in the beginning of October and from what I understood of him, they live upon danish territory untill the restoration of their health. the hope of meeting soon again with them is very gratifying to my feelings, and as I know the interest which you always had the kindness to take in what concerns my father I hasten to communicate to you those news. I will not renew my expressions\nof gratitude nor my thanks, hoping that you are well convinced of my sentiments for you, but I will pray you to be so obliging as to present our respects to Mrs Washington, to remember us very particularly to Miss Eleanor, Washington, and your family. Mr Frestel joins with me in all the sentiments of which this letter is the faithfull expression. captain Harris who sails to morrow morning for Norfolk has promised that if he went through Alexandria, as he intends to do, he would carry himself this letter.\npermit me sir to bid you farewell till I get to France when I shall take the liberty to trouble you with another letter. Mr Blackburn the only american caracter in this place has been exceedingly obliging for me, and has rendered us several services. I have the honor to be sir with the utmost respect your most obedient servant\nG. W. motier Lafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0467", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 21 December 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus\nTo: Washington, George\nD. Sir\nAnnapolis [Md.] 21st Decr 1797.\nI am happy to have it in my power to inform you that by the casting vote of the Speaker of the house of Representatives We have succeeded in our Application for a Loan for the City: the Resolution has also past the other branch without Opposition. Interesting as this Measure is to the U.S. I can not deny myself the Pleasure of communicating it to you.\nI shall remain here untill a final Decision is had on the application of the Potk Company. I hope the good Conduct of its friends will carry it through. You will however readily beleive it is not very certain when our Loan has been carried by one Vote only. I am with sentiments of perfect Respect Dr Sr Yr mo. obt sevt\nGusts Scott", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0468", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexandria Masons, 22 December 1797\nFrom: Alexandria Masons\nTo: Washington, George\nRespected Brother\nAlexa. 22d Decr [1]797\nThe Members of Lodge No. 22 Solicit your Company, to Partake of a refreshment at Mr Gadsby\u2019s Tavern, on the 27th Inst, at 6 OClock in the Evening in Celebration of the Anniversary of Saint John\u2014on behalf of the Brethren.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0469", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, Jr., 22 December 1797\nFrom: Bassett, Burwell Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nRichmond Decr 22d 1797.\nYours of the 13th reached me to day you would not have been disappointed in your expectation of hearing the event of my application to Major Burwell but that I had not an answer myself untill meeting with him here a few days scince when he told me the supposed desire in him to part with his cook was a mistake. Colo: Finne shall have your answer.\nThe time of the Legislature have been hitherto taken up in the preparitory steps to business which is mostly of a local nature and the session will terminate without any thing of material public importance being effected the sale of Glebes and the call of a convention will not at present I believe meet with the legistive san[c]tion\nbut such propositions are before the house of delegates and as yet unacted upon.\nThe assurance of most respectful attachment to the inhabitants of Mount Vernon is added more for my pleasure than from a fear of its being unknown, with respect and esteem\u2014your obt Ser.\nBurwell Bassett\nP.S. I have heard that corn at norfolk was 12/6 the expectation on our river is 15. B.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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0471", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Cooke, 25 December 1797\nFrom: Cooke, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nCity of Washington December the 25th 1797\nPermit a Mecanick Formerly in yr Imploy To Take the Liberty of wishing you & Famley the Compliments of The sesaon & many\nhapy Returns Theaerof\u2014and at the Saem time to Inform you that from various Lossis & misfortunes of this life that I have been Oblidged to Sell all my property For to Sadisfie my Crs. & of Coures unable From want of Cap[ita]l to Carey on my former Buisness and That I have Com to this City in hopes of meeting with Som Public Imploy in Superintending Some of The public Buildings &c. and notwithstanding my utmost Indavours I have been unsuckcessfull as yet, wich makes me Take the Liberty of Thus adressing You in hopes that you may have Som Imploy Such as Stuart overseer Colector of reants or Any thing Else that you might think me Capible of wich I would Cheaerfulley Acpt of, & as I have no famley but my wife Shee would be very hapey in Waiteing on Mrs Washington as Ladies maide &c. or Any other Imploy She might be Capible of I have Inclosed bot\u27e8h\u27e9 my fomer & present adress that you may Sir from \u27e8rea\u27e9ding the Advertizement be more fuley Informed the Difrend buisness I am Capible of that if you Shuld have no Imploy yr Self that perhapes you would be So Good as to r[e]comend me to the Notice of Mr Law, the Comishioners of this City, or Any of yr Freinds that might be in want of a person of my Discrebson & if So hapy as to have rather the honer of been Imployd by you Sir or Any of yr Freinds be Ashured that I will Discharge the Duties of the Imploy with that Fidelity that Caint Faile of meeting with yr Approbation wich Would be to me the Graetest Ingoyment this Life Could Aford yr Answer on the Subgect as Soon as Convaenent will purticklarly Oblidge Honred Sir your most, Respectfull, Humbl., & Obt Servt,\nJoseph Cooke", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0472", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Law, 25 December 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Law, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 25th Decr 1797.\nYour letter of the 22d instt came to hand last night. The Pointer shall be taken care of at this place until you may find it convenient to send for him; for he certainly would not long remain with Mr Atkinson if sent thither, and if he should not return here again, it is more than probable he would be carried off by some Waggoner or Waterman from Alexandria and be lost to you.\nIt is very pleasing to hear that the State of Maryland continues disposed to extend its fostering hand to the important objects on this River. Much is it to be wished, that the example would (as it ought to do) shed its influence on the Legislature of this Commonwealth\u2014now in Session.\nThe letter from Marquis Cornwallis to the Revd Mr Law is returned, and in assorting some of my papers during the last cold spell, I came across some other enclosures of yours to me; one of which from Mr Barry (containing other matter than the introduction of two Spanish Gentlemen to you) is also returned. To stand high in the estimation of so respectable a character as Lord Cornwallis, is a circumstance which must be as pleasing as it is honourable to you.\nIt gave us much pleasure to hear that Mrs Law, yourself and the child were all well, and that the latter begins, so soon, to learn the use of her feet. We, remain in Statu quo, and all unite in offering you, & yours, the compliments of the season; and the return of many, many more, and happy ones. With very great esteem & regard I remain Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0473", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Wilkinson, 26 December 1797\nFrom: Wilkinson, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nHead Quarters\u2014Pitts Burgh December 26th 1797\nShould this Letter be presented to you, it will be from the Hands of the Miamis Chief the Little Turtle, who in ballancing between a visit to the Town of Boston, or Mount Vernon, has decided in favor of your Seat.\nI think Sir, you will find Ideas more correct, and a mind more capacious in this Chief, than any of his race.\nIt was He who conducted the action of the 4th November against Genl St Clair, and it was by his Hand General Butler fell.\nWith much difficulty, by exciting division in his Councils, & by producing an opposition of the Chippewas & Ottawas to his policies, he has been brought to yeild up his objections to the treaty of Greeneville, and to offer his services to the President. With sincere prayers for your happiness, & unfeigned respect\u2014I have the Honor to be illustrious Sir Your Most Obedt Servt\nJas Wilkinson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0474", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 27 December 1797\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nLhemkhul [Lehmkuhlen]December the 27th 1797\nIt is a Melancholy thought to Me that While I Could Be So Happy at Mount Vernon, I am Still Almost As much Separated from you as I have Been for five Years in the Coalitionary prisons\u2014But Altho\u2019 I Lament, yet I Cannot Repent the determination we Have Been obliged to take\u2014Much Less on Account of My Health which Has Been Recovering fast Enough, than for the very Bad and Lingering Condition in which My wife was at the time, and will, I am affraid, Continue to Be for the winter\u2014She is However slowly Mending in Her Health, and with Great deal Of Care, tranquillity, and patience she shall at Last Be well Again\u2014But Any\nKind of travel, and Still More So a Boisterous Voyage Could not But Greatly Hurt Her, and We must Wait for the Spring to think of Leaving the Solitary Country Seat in Holstein, on danish territory, which We Have in Common with My friend Latour-maubourg and His Numerous family Hired for six Months\u2014Here we live in perfect Retirement, and Here I Hope for the inexpresible delight Soon to Be Blessed with a Letter from my Beloved and Respected General.\nNaval Chances Are Now So dubious that I Cannot depend Upon My Letters Having Reached You\u2014should they Have Miscarried, I am Sure your paternal Goodness will not think it is My fault\u2014I Hope However that You Have By this time Received a Letter writen from Hamburgh immediately after My Having Been Set at Liberty a piece of News which You Certainly Have Heartly Wellcomed\u2014There I Could for the first time, Not Sufficiently Express, it is impossible, But with the Most Affectionate feelings of a Heart Overflowing with Grateful and filial Love Mention to you, My dear General, the obligations I Have to Your friendly and fatherly Care of My Son Georges\u2014there also I Expressed to You the impatient and Very Natural wish His Mother, Sisters, and Myself Had to Embrace Him as soon as possible, an impatience for which I knew You would feel with us, so far as Not to find it Unrational to See Him Come to Us, should He Arrive only to Reembark immediately with Us\u2014I am Sure that Your Sympathising Heart Will Have forwarded this plan\u2014But Altho\u2019 He Now probably is Nearer to the European shores than to the Happy and Beloved Banks of Pottowmack I Beg Leave to inclose old Copies of My first Letters to Him, and to my Excellent friend Mr fristel, Both of whom Have found in you a Kindness which Has Been in my Captivity the Greatest Consolation we Could Receive, and shall as long as we live Be the Happiest Remembrance that Can Warm our Grateful Hearts.\nThis Letter Being as it were Sent at Random, I shall not Expatiate on Politics\u2014indeed we are in Every Respect Very far from the Busy Stage\u2014it is Said that the public and Secret Arrangements Made Betwen france and the Austrian Court will not Meet Much Opposition at the Rastadt Congress\u2014You Are More directly Acquainted than You Could Be from this Quarter with the State of the American Negotiation in paris\u2014I Have Heard Nothing about it for Some time But Newspaper Reports\u2014I Expect to know Something More By and Bye\u2014I Need Not telling You that this Affair\nHas Made me Very Unhappy\u2014God Grant it Had Been and Could Be in My power to Be of Material Service in Adjusting it! the Little that My present Situation Can Admit of shall never Be wanting\u2014I Never thought I should Live to See such an Event, which Has Very Much damped the pleasure of My Return to this World.\nMy Wife and daughters Beg their Most Affectionate Respects to Be Presented to You and to Mrs Washington to whom I Request to Be Most tenderly and Respectfully Remembered\u2014My Compliments Wait on My friend George Washington\u2014How Happy I Shall Be to Hear My Son\u2019s particular, and Every day Repeated Accounts about you, Every Body, and Every thing that Surrounds You! it Shall to my Enchanted Mind Recall the liveliest Sentiments of My Heart, the Happiest Hours of My Life. Adieu, My Respected and Beloved General, You know the Veneration, Gratitude, and Love of 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0475", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Francis Deakins, 28 December 1797\u20137 January 1798 [letter not found]\nFrom: Deakins, Francis\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Francis Deakins, 28 Dec. 1797\u20137 Jan. 1798. On 15 Jan. 1798 GW wrote Deakins: \u201cYour letter of the 28th of Decr with a P.S. of the 7th instt was delivered to me the 12th.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0477", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 30 December 1797 [letter not found]\nFrom: Spotswood, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Alexander Spotswood, 30 Dec. 1797. On 9 Jan. GW wrote Spotswood: \u201cA few days ago, Mr [William] Herbert handed me your letter of the 30th 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/06-01-02-0478", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Bruff, 1797\nFrom: Bruff, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency I have presum\u2019d to trouble you again on the same Subject that I did some time ago and hope that you will pardon me for presumeing the Second time to trouble you on a Subject that I am afraid is not agreable to you a Request that Carrys with it very great Marks of Vanaty. I must confess by being made by a Stranger a Man whom you never Saw nor knows nothing of but I remember in my first Letter to you that I refer\u2019d you to Mr William Vans Murray who was then in Congress whom I had the Honour of being Acquainted with for Information respecting my Carrector\u2014If you Sir think proper to grant me the request that I shall make, I will convince you that I am no Imposter and will Satisfy you in every perticular nesecary if you Request it. the cause of my being thus Vain and presumtious is ocationed by my distressed Situation which hath been Ocationed by Missfortunes in Business. I began Business on nothing but by my perceverence, Industry and Care, I accumelated a sum of Money that enabled me to do Business to an Advantage for two years at the Expiration of which to my very great confusion and Ingury I met with losses that deprived me of all that I had made in Business\u2014in consequence of my flatering prospects in Business I made a number of Contracts which my losses disabled me to comply with I have laboured under very great Disadvantages since\u2014And now the period is drawing very near that must make me Compleetly miserable without your friendly Assistance in doing me a Singular Favour by lending me four or five Hundred pounds or as much as you can with Conveniantcy. I find it impossable to Borrow Money of any Person of my Acquaintance in Consequence of my\nReduest Sircustances being destitute since my Fathers Death of Able Friends that can do me the favour, but not withstanding I can not give you good Security now for four or five Hundred Pounds it will be in my power to do it in a few Weeks provided I could now get that much. I can not bare the thought of being so far disgras\u2019d as to become an Insolvent or to be in the power of my Unmercyfull Enamies my Creditors. it is my wish to pay every person that I owe with Honour\u2014But that which hurts my fealings the worst of all is that of my being Engaged at the time to Marry a Young Lady of a most amiable Carrector posses\u2019d of an Estate that will render me Independant whom I can not Marry in my present situation nor never can unless I am releived from my present distresses in her is Centered the pleasing prospects of all my futer Happiness, thus have I given you to understand my unhappy Situation all my Happiness is now depending on your Goodness and without your kind assistance I must be forever Miserable\u2014I should have never thought of making applycation to you for this favour had it not been in consequence of a Vision by Night since my Fathers Death who appeared to me in a Dream since my Misfortunes three times in one Night telling me to make applycation to you for Money, and that you would relieve me from my distresses. he appeared the other Night again and asked me if I had obay\u2019d his commands I informed him that I had Wrote to you some time ago, but had Received no answer nor no information Relative to the Business he then observ\u2019d that he expected my Letter had not come to hand and toald me to Write again I made some Objections at first and toald him I thought it Vain presumtion in me to trouble your Excellency again on the Subject he then in a Rage drew his Smal Sword and toald me if I did not he would run me through I amediantly in a fright consented [an]d awoke, those two remarkable Visions hath in some measure Encouraged me to Write to you on this subject \u27e8Insisting\u27e9 that I should have Sucsess in my request if you will be so good as to do me the favour that I have requested I will give good Security in Six Weeks after, as I know the Object of my Happyness and myself without Death or some remarkable Instance to prevent it we shall be Lawfully Married in a few Days after I am releiv\u2019d from this unhappy Situation should your Excellency think proper to do me this very great favour I will replace the Sum of Money ag\u27e8ain\u27e9 at the expiration of Six or twelve Months without f\u27e8ail\u27e9 and the Intrust thare on and will give good Security \u27e8in\u27e9 a few\nWeeks for the same in a New Bond. I shall ten thousand times thank you for the favour and will convince you that I am no Imposter but a Man that will not be ungratefull or Dishonourable\u2014I request that your Excellency would pardon any thing that might be improper in this my letter forwarded to you in distress and likewise beg that you would not make known this my Boaldness in Writeing to you on this Subject\u2014I shall Sir remain as a Criminal waiting at the Barr of Justis to here his Sentance pronounst till I receive an Answer from you provided you will do me the Honour to favour me with one and please to direct it to George Town at the Fountain Inn I am Sir your Distress\u2019d Servent\nThomas Bruff\nN.B. I shall remain in George Town several Days whare I trust I shall Receive your kind Answer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00147", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 1 January 1797 to 7 January 1797\nFrom: Pearce, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        A Meteorological Account of the Weather kept at Mount VernonJany 1797\n                        1st In the Morning30N.W. Clear38N.W. Clear32NW Clear2d32N. Cloudy36N Clear32N Cloudy330NE Snow35No.E Snow31NE Clear426NW clear30NW clear26NW Clear528N.W clear30..NW clear28NW clear626SW clear24SW clear26SW Cloudy726NW cloudy24NW cloudy22NW clear\n                        January 7\" 1797daysDr.Mansion House for the Work of 12 hands \u214c Week  Amounting to72Hauling Hay to the Mansion house by one Waggon3Hauling Corn from River Farm\u2013by one Waggon2Hauling Hay to Alexandria\u2014by do1one Cart hauling to Mill 2 days 1 do  Hauling Straw to Cows 24one do Hauling of Wood2one Tumbler Cart hauling Ice2one do Hauling wood4Cuting, & Raming of Ice10Cuting of Wood12Burning Brush in the new Ground8Ditchers cuting of Ice8Cuting of Wood10Cuting of Ice out of Mill race 672\n                         Corn sent to Mill 34 1/2 BushelsMeal to John Neale     1 Bu.\n                        Stock 1 Stud 4 Horses 2 Mares, 1 Colt 6 Jacks. 10 Jeanneys249 Working Mules 17 do not broke, 17 Cows, (John Neale  Milks two of these cows)4367\n                        Dr.Mudy Hole for the Work of 14 Hands Amt. \u214c Week84Carting Ice at Mansion 2 ds Carting Ivy at do, 2 ds4Hauling est. one Cart to Mill 1, Hauling  Manure 1 do2filling the Ice House at Mansion5      \ncuting on the new Road10  clearing on new Road, & burning Brush15Mauling Rails. 5 days & Grubing on new Road  35 days40Sick Will 6 days Elsey 2. 884\n                        Stock Horses 7 Mules 4, Cows Steers & other Cattle 31 Year Olds 5 And\n                        Dr.Union Farm for the Work of 23 hands \u214c Week138\ndaysBy Grubing Corn field15\n\" Cuting down Corn Stalks15\" Cleaning Wheat14\" Cuting. & Mauling Rails18\" Cleaning of Flax 12 days And Cuting Wood 6 days18\" giting Posts & Rails 4 days, And thrashing  Wheat 9 days13\"  & Fanny working at Mill Race6\" Rachel on new Road 6 days, one Cart at  Mansion hauling Ice 6 ds12\" Hauling Rails & Wood 6 days, Paul going  to Mill 2 days8Sickness Tom 6 days\u2014Cesar absent 6 days12Sick\u2014Flavia 6 days Melia.1 day  7138\n                        Stock Horses 14 Mules 6 Cows, Steers & othr Cattle\n                            67 Year Olds 15 Calves 3 Sheep 125 Increase 3 Calves Decrease 1 Sheep\n                        Dr.River Farm for the Work of 27 Hands Amounting \u214c Week to162\ndaysHauling Beef to Mansion house1Hauling Corn to Mill 2 days & Hauling Wood 2 ds4Hauling Rails 7 days Hauling Turnips to  Town 1 day8Building Shelter for two Colts2Cuting & Mauling Rails.& Mortoising Posts34Cleaning of flax 12 days Carrying Oats to  Barn & thrashing do 10 days22Cuting. & puting up Corn Stalks & Hauling do60Richmond giting his Shoes mended 1 day  Attendance on Stock 12 days13Sick Bridgey 6 days, Rose 6 Bett 6 18162\n                        Sent to Mill 13 Bushels Corn\n                        Sent \u214c Mr Pearce Order to Doctor Craig Turnips 8 Bush.\n                        Stock 10 Horses, 1 Colt & 11 Mules 74 Cows, Steers Cows & other\n                            Cattle 10 Year Olds\u2014Sheep 208. Killed one Cow. Sent. 32 of do to Mansion 251 lb. And kept one\n                                 for Stewart the Overseer 83 lb. Sent to mansion house 2 Hides.\n                        Dr.Dogue Run Farm for the Work of 16 Hands Amounting \u214c Week to96 daysCuting & Mauling Rails 16 days, Hauling Corn Stalks to Farm Yard 3 days19Hauling Rails & wood 7 days, Joe working at  Mansion house 6 days13Working at Mill Race 6 days, Breaking Flax 12 days18Cuting. & puting up Corn Stalks23\nSick long Jack 4 days, Judith 6. Carter Jack 3,  Agnes 619Dick 496\n                        Stock Horses 5 Mules 8, Cattle 66 and 1 Calf, Sheep 143 and one Colt 1\n                        Sent to Mill of Corn   13 Bushels\nfed to Stock            5 Bushels do\n                        Dr. Carpenters & Brick layers Departments for  the Work of 10 men Amtg \u214c Week60\ndaysBy lathing, dressing, & puting on Shingles20\" Isaac, & Joe making & Mending Carts10Carpenters\" Sawing Laths 4 days giting Timber for Carts  & Ploughs 812\" Planeing Plank for Shades. & Planking one5\" Repairing of Ice house 1Brick layers48\" Tom Davis at Ice house in filling it1\" dressing of Shingles3\" giting the above Timber2\" Herculees Attending to the above with Tom 61260\n                        Dr. Coopers for one Man & one Boy 6 And Miller Ben 6 Days12 daysMill GristBy Cooper Tom Forrester & Jacob3/4 Bu.By Stoping Leaks in the Mill Dam & Cuting Ice1\" Hooping Tubs, And pails for Mansion house1\" Making flour Barrels4\" Working with the Mansion house hands 612 days\n                            StudHorsesMaresColtsTotalJacksJenneysMulesTotal& otr Cattle Cows C1Year oldCalves  TotalSheep   Mansion1421861026    42    17  17  Mudy hole774431 5   3649 Union Farm14146667153 85 125  River Farm10111111174 1084 208 Dogue Run5168852141671434671289525James Anderson 2James Anderson3Stud Horses Mares & Colts \u2014 48Jacks Jeanneys & Mules71Horned Cattle 292Sheep 525\n                            I observe these reports, & my Inventory will not fully agree, which\n                                I will Advise in my next. The above are stated as rendered by the\n                                Overseers, the difference may arise by Cattle being sent from the Mansion to come of the\n                                Farms And Ommited to increase them in the Report.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00148", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 1 January 1797\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I would not trouble you with an acknowledgment of your friendly letter which I\n                            received by the hand of Captn O\u2019Brien, because I could only repeat my\n                            sensibility of your kindness & my unalterable attachment to you. I wished not\n                            therefore to consume your time in reading a letter which contained only what you knew\n                            before\u2014At present, the season of annual festivity seems to encourage me in offering a kind\n                            of annual tribute of gratitude & friendship. May you, my dearest & most\n                            respected friend, see in your shades (I mean at Mount Vernon also, & not in those\n                            below, to which I have as great an aversion of hastening my visit, as you can possibly have\n                            to receive it) as many returns of this day as you can wish, & attended with as much\n                            happiness as human nature is capable of enjoying.\n                        Although I have not had the opportunity, or rather the pain, of seeing but few\n                            of the Gazettes published by the Printer whose name you mention yet I have seen enough to\n                            have been provoked at the wanton abuse that has been thrown on you, to have admired at your\n                            patience, but not to have been surprised that you have persevered in that system of policy\n                            which was dictated by your Conscience, & which has fortunately hitherto preserved\n                            our Country from hostility. By about the time when this letter may probably reach you, you\n                            will happily have arrived at the period fixed by yourself for your final\n                            retirement from public life; in which you have been placed, from the\n                            eminence of your Situation, as a mark for the shafts of party slander, malice &\n                            falsehood. But be assured (so far as I have had an opportunity of\n                            obtaining information) you will withdraw from the political Stage with more applause than\n                                ever Actor did before\u2014or, in other words, you may be persuaded, that\n                            your moral character is estimated as high, and your public character higher, than at any\n                            former period. I have seen your late Address to the People of the U.S. in which it appears\n                            to me you have adverted to every very important topic which ought to have been treated of in\n                            such a publication. By that production you have, in my judgment, completed the pyramid of\n                            your fame. There are however several things which could not have been noticed on such an\n                            occasion, which perhaps for your own sake, as well as for that of the present Age &\n                            Posterity, ought to be known. Such falsehoods as can be easily arrested in their course,\n                            ought to be stopped from floating down the stream of time. And I sincerely think (among\n                            other things of perhaps more consequence) it would be proper & useful for you to\n                            deny publicly those forged letters which have been published under your signature, as\n                            written by you in June & July 1776. The sentiments, at least some of them, are\n                            unworthy of you. I more than once spoke to you at Mount Vernon on the subject, and you once\n                            wrote to Cary (as well as I recollect) positively declaring them to be forgeries. Still they\n                            are published & republished, as genuine. I have now enclosed a\n                            rough sketch of which you can avail yourself, or not, as circumstances may\n                            seem to justify. The Paper enclosed, as you will\n                                perceive, extends likewise to an ulterior end.\n                            I have meditated a good deal on the subject, whether it\n                                would not  be wise for you and profitable\n                            bear public testimony against the atrocious misrepresentations\n                                & falsehoods in general, which have been published\n                            during your administation (evidently more with a design to\n                            destroy the public confidence in the principal Officers of Government\n                            & thereby to disorganise the Government itself, than to\n                                injure your personal reputation), together with a\n                            kind of apology for your having taken no notice of them, while you\n                            continued in office. In taking this measure, or abstaining from\n                                it, you must of course be governed by your own\n                            feeling & superior judgment. If this letter should not arrive in America until after\n                            your retirement, you could modify the Draft enclosed accordingly, or wholly suppress it, if\n                            you should think best. For you know I can have no object, but that of wishing your character\n                            may appear in its true point of light, and of deterring in a degree\n                            impudent & malicious Printers from prosecuting a similar conduct towards your\n                            Successors in Office. These, in truth, are two objects, to which I think\n                            you cannot with propriety be indifferent.\n                        While I congratulate you in a different manner from what the World in general\n                                will (because I am certain I take a greater interest in your\n                            happiness than the World, or even most of your friends can do) on your approaching exemption\n                            from the troubles of public life, & the prospect of that felicity which you have a\n                            right to promise yourself in retirement\u2014I most sincerely regret, on a great number of\n                            accounts, that I cannot be a sharer with you in it, in conformity to your most cordial\n                                & affecting invitation. And will you permit me\n                            to say, one reason of my regret is (I hope it\n                            does not arise from vanity) I think I could\u2014by demonstrations of sincere &\n                            disinterested friendship for you\u2014and by speaking the true sentiments of an honest heart on\n                            all occasions without disguise, as I have always done to you\u2014contribute something to your\n                            own enjoyment, in the little social fire-side Circle. But, my dearest Sir, at my time of life\n                            when perhaps the moral as well as physical faculties have arrived at that stage when one may\n                            reasonably expect to be more capable of serving one\u2019s Country than at a former period, and\n                            especially when one is possessed of some small share of experience in a particular branch of\n                            public affairs, I doubt whether it would be right to retire from public employment. The\n                            sense of obligation for that cordial wellcome which you offer shall never be effaced from my\n                            breast. And I entreat you to accept my sincerest thanks for the very affectionate manner in\n                            which you had the goodness to recall my idea to your remembrance, when you was engaged in\n                            the pleasing contemplation of those objects which must naturally occur on your return to\n                            Mount Vernon. I do not despair of having the pleasure of visiting you at your happy Seat one\n                            day, and of dwelling with interest on the events of former times\u2014while we shall enliven the\n                            conversation with anecdotes & observations on the multiplicity of characters & scenes with which we\n                            have been acquainted. I would willingly travel a thousand miles for the purpose, if I had\n                            not the obstacle I have mentioned to prevent it.\n                        I have now to disclose to you a prospect of domestic happiness which is just\n                            opening for myself, and at which I have no doubt you will likewise rejoice. Without farther\n                            circumlocution, I am going to tell you, that I propose very soon to connect myself for life\n                            with a young Lady of this City. She is the Daughter of a Mr John Bulkeley, an eminent\n                            Merchant, of whose name you will probably have heard. The proposed connection is extremely\n                            agreeable to every body concerned. If I am not much deceived, the character, manners, good\n                            sense, good dispositions & accomplishments of that Lady will entitle her to some\n                            portion of the friendly regard of yourself & Mrs Washington, whenever She shall have\n                            the happiness of being made known to you. She has, from a long friendship for me, as well\n                            as from other circumstances, formed exactly that opinion of you both which She ought entertain. Perhaps we are disposed to paint our future scenes in too favorable colours. If\n                            that be an error, indeed I think it is not only a pardonable, but even an useful, one. The\n                            delusion, if it be such, can do no harm\u2014it may do good. Much, very much of our happiness\n                            depends upon ourselves. If I shall not be as completely happy as my nature will allow, I\n                            know it will not be for want of disposition in the Lady in question to make me so. And I am\n                            conscious She has it more in her power than any other person with whom I have been\n                            acquainted. So much Egotism I have not made use of to any other human Being on the\n                                Subject; and this, I am confident, you will have the goodness to\n                            pardon on so new, and to me so interesting an occasion.\n                        I believe you know enough of my character to be persuaded that whenever I am\n                            able to write any thing which is worth the trouble of being read, it must\n                            be dictated by feeling. I write from the heart rather than from the head. If I should\n                            survive you, I shall (I believe) complete a poetical work (the outlines of which I have\n                            already sketched) with the intention & belief of doing more justice to your\n                            character, than many an abler writer (less actuated by feeling) would be\n                            able to do. The few detached parts which I have executed, I own please me more than any thing\n                            else which I have written. But should my demise happen previous to yours, these fragments\n                            will of course be destroyed, together with my other unfinished projects.\n                            Still living, or dying, you will always be assured\n                            gratitude. Mean while, I pray you to present my best\n                            Compliments to Mrs Washington & our common\n                            friends, and to beleive me, in a peculiar manner, Your sincerest friend & Most\n                            P.S. If this letter should reach you before you should make your last\n                                address to Congress, I know not whether it would not be useful (in\n                                speaking of our means of defence in general, & particularly\n                                at Sea) to recommend the Establishment of a certain Species of Naval Militia. I know not whether the Project be practicable,\n                                but believe it is. And is it not very important to devise the most\n                                just & efficient means of manning our Ships, even supposing it to be by Drafts for a\n                                limited time? Do not all Persons who follow a maritime life, owe their personal Service\n                                to the defence of their Country, as much in that way, as the standing Militia does in\n                                the land Service? And might not every State be made to furnish its quota in a prompt\n                                & decisive manner towards manning a fleet, without our being\n                                subject to the evils resulting from enrollment or impress, which are experienced in\n                            Having not long since observed in your Paper a notification of a work for\n                                sale in these words; \"Letters of Genl Washington to several of his friends in June\n                                & July 1776; containing much information, but little known. The authenticity of\n                                these letters has been doubted, but never publicly denied; they bear some intrinsic\n                                marks of authenticity:\u201d I take occasion to declare them to be absolutely &\n                                wholly forgeries\u2014and I hope you will be persuaded to give as much publicity to this\n                                declaration, as you have endeavoured to give currency to that publication. This I\n                                request the rather because the letters contain (among much\n                                miscellaneous & indifferent matter) some sentiments which were never entertained\n                                by me, and which I hold to be utterly foreign to & derogatory of my character.\n                            Whilst I thus think it incumbent upon to endeavour to destroy the\n                                    circulation of false hood in a single instance, which is the more\n                                easily to be done as it seems to depend upon a public\n                                denial only; I am not ignorant how impracticable\n                                it would be for me to prevent almost innumerable\n                                errors, mistakes & falsehoods (which are\n                                sometimes so blended & connected with facts as not\n                                to be readily seperated) from flowing down from the present Age to\n                            I need scarcely explain to you, Sir, perhaps how\n                                    very inconvenient & disagreeable it is for Persons who\n                                are or have been in public Offices (of some moment &\n                                responsiblity) to be obliged to pay a public attention or give a\n                                particular denial to every misrepresentation that may be\n                                published concerning themselves or their conduct.\n                                    Had I paid such a regard to that object, I\n                                should indeed have had little time left to have devoted to the duties\n                                of my Office. And I thought no personal consideration (however\n                                irksome or distressing a tacit submission to the temporary\n                                circulation of misrepresentations might be) ought to be put in competition with the loss\n                                of the smallest portion of that time which could be employed in promoting the\n                                public good. Neither my time or habits of life allowed me to enter the lists as a public\n                                disputant. Nor, if I had possessed sufficient talents &\n                                leisure for the purpose, would it have been a pleasant or easy task to have attempted to\n                                have refuted the many unfavorable insinuations & imputations on the conduct of\n                                the Executive Government of the United States, which (according to my sincere belief)\n                                originated entirely in malice, falsehood & a desire to\n                                overthrow the present Constitution: because such an attempt might have been protracted\n                                into an indefinite political discussion, in the course of which proof & argument\n                                might have been answered by declamation & abuse\u2014for you know there are certain\n                                Characters, who, however they may be convinced of being in the wrong, are always\n                                determined to have not only the last, but also the most irritating, word.\n                            But, for myself, believing that the most essential truth relating to our\n                                federal Government & political interests will sooner or later come to be\n                                generally known (notwithstanding any attempts to destroy the one\n                                & disguise the other) and that their influence will prevail\n                                (without any farther agency on my part) to direct\n                                my Countrymen to pursue that straight political & moral path\n                                which leads to national peace & happiness; I have unspeakable\n                                pleasure in withdrawing to those tranquil & in a degree oblivious\n                                    shades of retirement, where I shall not even know\n                                when tongues addicted to lyes & pens\n                                dipped in gall will hereafter be busied with my\n                                Character or not. Although it must be owned it is a\n                                    mortifying circumstance at the moment, to have our most\n                                disinterested & best actions represented as merely the effect\n                                of sinister & wicked designs; yet having this day finished my\n                                public career forever & standing as it were on the verge of\n                                two worlds, I firmly hope & trust that none of the envenomed\n                                shafts of malignity will be able hereafter to reach me in such manner\n                                as to give one moment\u2019s pain. Sequestered as I now shall be from the world, with the\n                                certainty of never mingling again in its busy scenes, I dare appeal to the present Age,\n                                to Posterity, & to the Searcher of all hearts, to decide whether I could\n                                possibly have been actuated by those motives of personal ambition &\n                                aggrandisement which have, by some Persons, been ascribed to me. What interest could I\n                                possibly have in attempting to give a tone to the Executive Department which did not\n                                belong to it? Have I, Sir, any Child, any favorite, any Relation, any courtly Minion for\n                                whom I wished to provide by subverting the present well balanced Constitution, and\n                                substituting an hereditary Tyranny? The world will with indignation give the lye to such\n                            Notwithstanding the diffidence in myself which a knowledge of my own\n                                frailties & imperfections inspired at the time when I entered upon the duties of\n                                the high office to which I was called by the voice of my Country, I\n                                have been so strengthened by the consciousness of the purity of my\n                                own intentions, & by the cooperation of my several Coadjutors in Office, as to\n                                have been enabled to reach the period fixed for my retirement, with perhaps fewer\n                                difficulties & obstacles than I had a right to expect. And\n                                notwithstanding the unwearied efforts of a few Individuals to destroy, or at least to\n                                weaken, the confidence which my Countrymen had been pleased to repose\n                                in me, I have great reason to be thankful for having always experienced, &\n                                especially on all critical emergencies, their sincere, zealous & decided\n                                support. And this, I presume, was occasioned by a belief on their part, that I could not\n                                have any objects to promote, seperate from the prosperity of the\n                            As this is the first Paper which I have addressed to any\n                                Person, since the burden of the Executive Government has been\n                                    removed from me, I was willing to make use of the occasion in\n                                mentioning some of the reasons why I had not noticed several publications which have\n                                appeared during the course of my Administration, in order that it might remain as a kind\n                                of appendix to my public Documents. Having nothing farther to add, I bid you, Sir,\n   N.B. The following paragraph may be added or omitted, as it may be designed\n                                to make the address more or less personal\u2014\"And did you seriously think, Sir, that I was\n                                possessed of such littleness of mind as to have established Levees (as you was pleased\n                                to call them) from motives of vanity & ostentation; or that I should have\n                                continued to receive company at stated times, if I had not found that it was vastly more\n                                convenient to give those who might wish to speak to me on occasion of doing in that\n                                manner, rather than to suffer myself to be\n                                interrupted with visits at every Moment? Or had not I a right to\n                                drive the same number of Horses in my Carriage, while\n                                President of the United States, which I had been\n                                accustomed to do as a private 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00151", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 2 January 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        We have your favor of the 26th Ulto, covering the opinion of the Attorney\n                            General\u2014It is by no means, our wish that any alterations should be made in the published\n                            plan of the City\u2014It may, with great truth, be asserted, that every change occasions infinite\n                            trouble to the Commissioners, and creates confusion with the proprietors\u2014We are yet without\n                            a full board, and are therefore prevented from obtaining any effect from the Maryland\n                            Loan\u2014Should Mr White not come to Town to day, we shall send an express, requesting his\n                            immediate attendance, as our hands are suffering very much for want of their wages.\n                        We see the subject of a university is before Congress & hope that a\n                            full discussion will gain it friends. We are, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00152", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n                        As it is very desireable that the papers respecting the discontents of France\n                            should be got into Congress, and sent also to Mr Pinckney as soon as possible; if you mean\n                            to give the other Gentlemen a perusal of the Statement for the latter, it would save time if\n                            this was done as you are proceeding towards the close of that Statemt.\n                        It is questionable whether the present, and pressing avocations of the other\n                            two Secretaries will allow them to go carefully over it; but this, I conceive, does not\n                            apply to the Attorney-General.\n                        I have no doubt that you have taken care, & will continue to be\n                            assured, of your facts; for as this business will certainly come before the public, not only\n                            the facts, but the candour also, the expression, & force of every word, will be\n                            examined with the most scrutinizing eye, and compared with every thing that will admit of a\n                            different construction\u2014and if there is the least ground for it, we shall be charged with\n                            unfairness, and an intention to impose on & mislead the public judgment.\n                        Hence, & from a desire that the statement may be full, fair, calm and\n                            argumentative; without asperity, or any thing more irritating in the comments, than the\n                            narration of facts, which expose unfounded charges & assertions, do themselves\n                            produce, I have wished that this letter to Mr Pinckney may be revised over, & over\n                            again. Much depends upon it as it relates to ourselves, and in the eyes of the world;\n                            whatever may be the effect as it respects the governing powers of France.\n                            I am always & affectionately 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00153", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 4 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\n                        I lay before you, for your consideration, a treaty which has been negociated\n                            and concluded on, the twenty ninth day of June last, by Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens,\n                            and George Clymer, Commissioners, on behalf of the United States, with the Creek Indians,\n                            together with the Instructions which were given to the said Commissioners and the\n                            proceedings at the place of Treaty.\n                        I submit also the proceedings and result of a Treaty held at the City of New-York on behalf of the State of New York with certain Nations or Tribes of Indians\n                            denominating themselves the Seven Nations of Canada.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00154", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 5 January 1797\nFrom: White, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Annexed is the copy of a letter written 15th Ulo to which I have rceived no\n                            answer; had I been certain that it had reached your hands I should not have presumed to\n                            trouble you again, and although I am sensible, that the necessary attention to more\n                            important transactions might well justify the delay, yet your general punctuality in\n                            business, and your pointed attention to my letter on the same subject last summer induce me\n                            to suspect (though I know not how it could happen for I put the letter in the Post-Office\n                            with my own hands) that my letter must have miscarried. I shall set out for Washington\n                            Tomorrow where I hope you will favour me with your decision as soon as convenient. I am\n                            with Sentiments of the highest respect Sir your most Ob. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00155", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 January 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        To the President of the United States, The Secretary of State respectfully\n                            makes the following brief representation of the affairs of the United States in relation to\n                        When Colonel Humphreys left America in April 1795, he was accompanied by Joseph\n                            Donaldson Esqr. who had been appointed Consul for Tunis and Tripoli; and him Colo. Humphreys\n                            was authorized to employ in negociating a treaty with Algiers; while he should proceed\n                            himself to France, for the purpose of obtaining the cooperation of that government in this\n                        They arrived at Gibralter the 17th of May. Colo. Humphreys concluded, that it\n                            was expedient for Mr Donaldson to go first to Alicante, rather than Algiers, in order to be\n                            near at hand to ascertain facts and profit of occasions. He gave him instructions\n                            accordingly; and having also instructed Mr Simpson, our Consul at Gibralter, to renew our\n                            peace with the Emperor of Morocco; Colo. Humphreys sailed from Gibralter the 24th of May and\n                            arrived at Havre de Grace the 26th of June, from whence he set off immediately for Paris.\n                            The object of his mission was communicated by our Minister, Colo. Monroe, to the Committee\n                            of Public Safety. On the 21st of July he had received only a verbal answer, that the French\n                            Government was disposed to interest itself and to do every thing in its\n                            power, to promote the accomplishment of our wishes on the subject in question. On the 28th\n                            assurances were received, that immediate measures should be taken for giving particular\n                            instructions to the Agents of the Republic to use its influence in cooperation with us. The\n                            multiplicity of affairs with which the officers of the government were occupied, and the\n                            getting from London a sum of money necessary to purchase the usual peace presents, prevented\n                            a conclusion of the arrangements at Paris until September. It had been judged expedient by\n                            Colo. Humphreys and Colo. Monroe, that Joel Barlow Esqr. should be employed in the\n                            negociations with the Barbary States; and his consent had been obtained. By the 11th of\n                            September all the writings on the part of Colo. Humphreys were prepared for Mr Barlow, to\n                            proceed with the instructions and powers from the Government of the French Republic to its\n                            agents in Barbary, in favor of our negociations.\n                        Colo. Humphreys left Paris the 12th of September and reached Havre the 14th,\n                            where he found the master and mate of the United States\u2019 Brig Sophia, both sick with fevers.\n                            While waiting there impatiently for their recovery, he received intelligence from our Consul\n                            at Marseilles that Mr Donaldson had concluded a Treaty of peace with the Dey of Algiers.\n                            Nevertheless Colo. Humphreys thought it expedient, that Mr Barlow should proceed with the\n                            presents prepared and preparing at Paris; for if not needed at Algiers, they would be wanted\n                            in the negociations with Tunis and Tripoli.\n                        About the 5th of October Colo. Humphreys sailed from Havre, and after a stormy\n                            passage of more than forty days, arrived at Lisbon the 17th of November. There he found\n                            Capt. OBrien, who had arrived about the 1st of October with the treaty with Algiers.\n                        On the 3rd of September Mr Donaldson arrived at Algiers, and on the 5th the\n                            treaty was concluded, and the peace present immediately given, by a loan from M. Bacri, the\n                            Dey\u2019s broker. Mr Donaldson, knowing that funds had been lodged in London to answer his\n                            stipulations, engaged to make the payments in three or four months.\n                        Colo. Humphreys had received advice, under date of the 30th of July, from the\n                            Messrs Barings in London, to whom the funds had been remitted, that having made progress in\n                            the sales of the United States\u2019 stock, they should hold at his disposal the whole of the\n                            value of 800,000 dollars, meaning to furnish by anticipation the value of that part, which\n                            remained unsold, if the service of the United States required it. Colo. Humphreys counting\n                            on the money as always ready after this period, sent Capt. OBrien from Lisbon to London in\n                            the Brig Sophia to receive it. Owing to contrary winds, she did not leave Lisbon till the\n                            24th of December. The other details relative to the pecuniary transactions appear in the\n                            report of the Secretary of the Treasury.\n                        The disappointments in the pecuniary negociations put the treaty in jeopardy.\n                            The Dey became impatient, and threatened to abandon it; and it was with extreme difficulty,\n                            that it was prevented. Mr Barlow did not arrive at Alicante until February 1796, where he\n                            proposed to wait the arrival of the funds: but after a little time his intelligence from\n                            Algiers showing, that our affairs were in a most critical situation, he determined to go\n                            thither immediately, with the hope of soothing the Dey. He arrived there the 5th of March.\n                            They had before prolonged the time to the 8th of April for the payment of the stipulated\n                            sums. On the 3rd of that month the Dey declared what should be his final determination, that\n                            in eight days Mr Barlow and Mr Donaldson should leave Algiers; and if in 30 days after the\n                            money was not paid, the treaty should be at an end, and his cruizers should bring in\n                            American vessels. Under these circumstances, and as the last hope of saving the treaty, they\n                            were induced to offer the present of a frigate. This fortunately succeeded. For the\n                            particulars of this transaction, the Secretary begs leave to refer the President to the\n                            enclosed letter from Messrs Barlow and Donaldson.\n                        Colo. Humphreys not deeming himself authorized to confirm this promise of a\n                            frigate, refered the matter to the Executive of the United States: and for this end\n                            dispatched Captain OBrien in the brig Sophia to America. There was evidently no\n                            alternative; and the promise was confirmed. The frigate is now building in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and is expected to be\n                            finished in the spring. Capt. OBrien returned to Lisbon, where he arrived on the  of July. Colo. Humphreys had advantageously\n                            negociated bills on London for 225,000 dollars. This sum was embarked on board the Sophia,\n                            and on the 4th of August Capt. OBrien set sail for Algiers. He has not since been heard of:\n                            and there is room to fear, that some misfortune has befallen him. The money was insured at a\n                            small premium against the dangers of the seas. Against all risks they demanded so high a\n                            premium as Colo. Humphreys judged it inexpedient to give, seeing the Sophia was a vessel of\n                            the United States, having a special passport from the President, as well as a passport in\n                            the turkish language under the seal of the Dey of Algiers.\n                        Such arrangements have been made by Mr Barlow and Mr Donaldson with the house\n                            of the Messrs Bacri at Algiers and Leghorn, as will doubtless ensure the payment of the\n                            400,000 dollars, orginally expected from the latter place, and the same house have become\n                            engaged to the Dey and regency for the residue of the money, due as the price of peace,\n                            without which he would not agree to the redemption of the captives. The Secretary of the\n                            Treasury estimates these further sums to be provided, to fulfil the terms of the treaty\u2014\u2014\n                            255,759dollarsFor two years annuities to the Dey96,246To which are to be added the 10,000 sequins promised by Mr Barlow and Mr\n                                Donaldson to Mr Bacri mentioned in their letter}18,000And the expenses of the captives performing quarantine at Marseilles and\n                                transporting them to America, estimated by the Consul at Marseilles at about}6,500Dollars376,505On the 31st ult. I received a letter from Mr Barlow, dated the 12th of\n                                July, informing that the agent Mr Famin, at Tunis, who had been recommended to him by\n                                the French Consul Heculais, had concluded with the Dey of that Regency a truce for six\n                                months from 15th day of June last, and this without any presents.\n                            After finishing our dispatches on the 3d instt to send by the Courier to\n                                Tangier we found that the port was to be opened immediately. We therefore gave up that\n                                mode of conveyance for a more direct and speedy one by way of Alicant. We have now what\n                                we hope will be more agreeable news to announce to you. For two days past we have been\n                                witnesses to a scene of as complete and poignant distress as can be imagined, arising\n                                from the State of total dispair in which our Captives found themselves involved, and we\n                                without the power of administering the least comfort or hope. The threat which we\n                                mentioned to you in our last, of sending us away, had been reiterated with every mark of\n                                a fixed and final decision. And the Dey went so far as to declare that after the thirty\n                                days, if the money did not come, he never would be at peace with the Americans.\n                            Baccry the Jew, who has as much art in this sort of management as any man\n                                we ever knew, who has more influence with the Dey than all the Regency put together, and\n                                who alone has been able to soothe his impatience on this subject for three months past,\n                                now seemed unable to make the least impression. And the Dey finally forbade him, under\n                                pain of his highest displeasure, to speak to him any more about the Americans. His\n                                cruisers are now out, and for some days past he has been occupied with his new war\n                                against the Danes. Three days ago the Danish prizes began to come in, and it was thought\n                                that this circumstance might put him in good humour, so that the Jew might find a chance\n                                of renewing our subject in some shape or other. And we instructed the Jew, that if he\n                                could engage him in conversation on his cruisers and prizes; he might offer him a new\n                                Amercan built ship of 20 guns which should sail very fast, to be presented to his\n                                daughter, on condition that he would wait six months longer for our money. The Jew\n                                observed that we had better say a Ship of 24 guns, to which we agreed. After seeing him\n                                three or four times yesterday under pretences of other business, without being able to\n                                touch upon this, he went this morning and succeeded. The novelty of the proposition\n                                gained the Dey\u2019s attention for a moment, and he consented to see us on the subject. But\n                                he told the Jew to tell us that it must be a ship of 36 guns, or he would not listen to\n                                the proposition. We were convinced that we ought not to hesitate a moment. We\n                                accordingly went and consented to his demand, and he has agreed to let every thing\n                                remain as it is for the term of three months from this day. But desired us to remember\n                                that not a single day beyond that will be allowed on any account.\n                            We consider the business as now settled on this footing, and it is the best\n                                ground we could possibly place it upon. You still have it in your power to say peace or\n                                no peace, you have an alternative, in the other case you had none, but war was\n                                inevitable, and there would have been no hope of peace during the reign of this Dey.\n                            The guns are to be 8 pounders (English nines) 24 on the main deck, 8 on the\n                                Quarter deck, and four on the Forecastle. The 12 last may be smaller. She ought to be\n                                built long in proportion, and formed for sailing fast, a circumstance particularly\n                                pleasing here. We think such a vessel fitted for sea may be delivered in America for\n                                45,000 dollars. Then, as by the terms of the treaty we have to deliver a quantity of\n                                long spars and other timber, this vessel will be a proper one to transport a cargo of\n                                them to this place. And in this way a saving may be made of about 10,000 dollars in\n                            In order to save the treaty thus far, which has been a subject of infinite\n                                anxiety and vexation, we found it necessary some time ago to make an offer to the Jew of\n                                ten thousand sequins (18,000 dollars) to be paid eventually if he succeeded, and to be\n                                distributed by him at his discretion among such great officers of State as he thought\n                                necessary and as much of it to be kept for himself as he could keep consistent with\n                                success. The whole of this new arrangement will cost the United States about 53,000\n                                dollars. We expect to incur blame, because it is impossible to give you a complete view\n                                of the circumstances, but we are perfectly confident of having acted right.\n                            With regard to the transfer of the funds to this place, we believe it can\n                                be done with the least difficulty through Leghorn. That is, to draw from that place on\n                                London, Madrid, or Lisbon, as shall be most advantageous, perhaps on all Unless you can\n                                ship a part in specie from Lisbon, which we believe would be the preferable mode for\n                            Mr Donaldson sails tomorrow for Leghorn, there to wait your orders on this\n                                head. There is no time to be lost. you will be pleased to instruct him as soon as\n                                possible; and let our measures from this time forward be effectual. we are obliged to\n                                incur a considerable expense to get this letter to Allicante, we hope it will reach you\n                                soon. we remain Sir, with great respect Your obt and very hume 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00156", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Montgomery, 7 January 1797\nFrom: Montgomery, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I do myself the Honour of transmitting the inclosed Certificates which I trust\n                            will if any Suspicions of my deserving such unjust and malicious accusations should arise in\n                            your Excellency\u2019s mind effectually invalidate them.\n                        Mr Wollcott must be swayed by the misrepresentations of the Collector as I\n                            never had any kind of Knowledge of Mr Wollcott but in His Official Capacity He mentions the\n                            testimony of respectable Persons I am unconsious who these can be but if it be requisite to\n                            procure more Testimonies in my favour, if your Excellency will have the Goodness to point it\n                            out to me However painful to my feelings to solicit such vouchers to my Character which\n                            nothing but falshood & Malice could impeach I can Procure as many respectable\n                            Citizens to vouch for the Rectitude of my Conduct as is necessary I just observe on the\n                            subject of Ill Health the deprivation and restoration of Health is in the Hand of God I am\n                            now in a very good state of Health and never at any Time when it was necessary for me to\n                            attend to my Duty did my Health prevent me. I submit and Trust my Cause to your Excellency\n                            and am with the Warmest and most Devoted Sentiments of Respect your Excellency\u2019s most\n                            devoted & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00157", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 January 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Secretary of State with great pleasure lays before the President of the\n                            United States the inclosed letters just received from Colo. Talbot, which confirm the\n                            utility of his mission, & the good-will of the British naval officers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00158", "content": "Title: Spinners Report, 7 January 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: \n                        Dr. Spinners & nitters for the work of 15 womeen amt pr Week}90 DysByBetty Davis Spinning 6 Lib. of Yarn6ByAlse         Do      6 Lib. of Do6Carolina     Do      6 Lib. of Do6Anna         Do      6 Lib. of Do6Delia        Do      4 Lib. of Do4Matilda      Do      4 Lib. of Do4Delphia      Do      3 Lib. of Do6Judit        Do      4 Lib. of Stocking yarn6Charlotte Knitting three StockingsSick Doll 6 Dys, Sall 5 Dys Dalsy 6 Dys Kitty} 34 6 Dys Alsy 6 Dys Matilda 2 Dys Delia 2 DysBy Lame Peter Knitting 2 pr Stockings 690 DysDr. Gardner for the Work of three men Amt to pr Week }18By Grubing Up Ivy 16 1/2Lost by Snow  1 1/218", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00159", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 8 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\n                        Your letter of the 3d instant, & Mr Pearce\u2019s of the same date, with the\n                            weekly reports\u2014were received by me yesterday, and I shall take notice of such parts of both\n                            as may require an expression of my sentiments thereon.\n                        I consent to your commencing a distillery, and approve of your purchasing the\n                            Still, & entering of it. And I shall not object to your converting part of the\n                            Coopers shop at the Mill to this operation. It is to be wished however, that it could be\n                            nearer your own house, or at the Mansion house; for I fear at the\n                            Mill, idlers (of which, & bad people there are many around it) under pretence\n                            of coming there with grist could not be restrained from visiting the Distillery nor probably\n                            from tempting the Distiller nay more robbing the Still; as the Mill would always afford a\n                            pretext for coming to that place. If the advantages were certain, of wch from want of\n                            experience in the business I have no adequate idea; I should have no objection to the\n                            building of a house for the purpose of distillation; and in that case (unless the house\n                            ought to be so situated as that water can be carried through it) I should prefer for this\n                            purpose the point below your house at what used to be the ferry landing. There the house\n                            might be sunk so as to bring the surface of the earth on the Northside and east end, nearly\n                            upon a level (or rather a foot below the plates) and this end, and side, might be done up\n                            with slabs from the Saw-pits, of which there ought to be many nailed (the sawed side\n                            inwards) to substantial Posts morticed into a square frame below, in order to prevent the\n                            earth which should be rammed around them, from falling in. The South front, and East end\n                            might be boarded up with three quarter, or Inch plank in the usual manner, & covered\n                            in the first instance, at least, with lap boards, as any other roof would be. The earth by\n                            sinking the house in this manner after throwing enough up on the North\n                            side, & East end for filling in, and ramming behind the Slabs, by being spread on the\n                            other side & end, would form a level sufficient for casks, or any thing else to\n                            stand. On an examination of the ground, something more simple & less expensive even\n                            than this, might be found to answer. The situation on many accounts would be good\u20141.\n                            because you would have it immediately under your own eyes, \u20142 because no body could\n                            have any pretext for coming to it but on real business, \u20143 because it wd be convenient on\n                            acct of the Hogs, as well as more secure, if they are to run at large\u2014and 4. because every\n                            thing might be brought to, or transported from it, by Water. I question too, whether the\n                            expence of such a building as I have described, would be much\n                            greater than what would necessarily attend making the alterations in the Coopers shop at the\n                            Mill, to accomodate this business.\n                        If upon full consideration of this matter, you should be of the same opinion,\n                            and at the sametime are satisfied from your own experience, not\n                            from theoretical calculations, that it can be carried on profitably, I authorise you to set\n                            the Carpenters about getting the framing, & putting up such a building as I have\n                            described. In the execution of wch do not crimp the matter, but rather look forward to an\n                            extension of the work, than narrow it to the views of the present moment.\n                        As an expeditious, and cleanly mode of getting grain out of the Straw, is of\n                            the first importance to a farmer (especially in this country, where our wheat has so many\n                            enemies) I highly approve of your providing the materials for erecting a Threshing Machine\n                            in time, that the timber may be seasoning, but it will be time enough to put them together\n                            before next harvest, by which I think it probable that some improvement will be made on the\n                            one at Malborough; I know it is in contemplation.\n                        I believe with you, that my stock of Hogs is inadequate, and I have no\n                            objection to your increasing of them by purchase, of a good sort; and approve of your buying\n                            half a dozen, or more cows, of a proper kind, and a Bull. A Mr Gough near Baltimore has the\n                            imported breed, and Sells them high; the Bulls especially, but I should not stand so much\n                            upon the price, provided the breed is to be depended upon.\n                        I am sorry to find the Mill is unable to grind. What does the Negros do for\n                            want of Meal? Secure the cracks in the manner you have recommended, or any other, in the\n                            Walls of it, and without delay; lest they should give way, as was the case some years ago.\n                            \"A stitch in time,\" to make use of a homely proverb \"will save nine.\"\n                        My last letter (this day week) to Mr Pearce, gave him my ideas fully with\n                            respect to the manner of opening the New road; but in case any circumstances may have\n                            prevented his communicating these to you, they are as follow\u2014viz.\u2014If the large trees can be\n                            cut so low, & even off, as that a carriage will run Smooth over them without\n                            jolting, I had no objection to his pursuing this method, instead of\n                            grubbing them up by the Roots. I added, that although the whole road was\n                            to be opened 33 feet wide, I only required 20 or 24 of it directly in the middle, to be\n                            cleansed of every thing, & made perfectly easy & agreeable for carriages;\n                            but if ditched on each side, these ditches ought to be 33 feet, or the width of the whole\n                            road, apart. I expect however, that \u2019ere this, he has communicated these ideas to you; and\n                            turned over to you a long memorandum which I transmitted to him, of my views, soon after my\n                            return to this City in October\u2014It will be necessary for your government in a variety of\n                            cases therein mentioned.\n                        With respect to the Clumps of Trees on the Northern part of the North Visto, it\n                            would certainly have been judicious, in the first clearing, to have left them on the knowls;\n                            but as that was not done; or rather as the whole was designed for trees seperated from each\n                            other; clumps can only be formed now from those parts which are\n                            thickest of trees, whether on knowls or otherwise; as it is not my wish to thin the ground\n                        The place where the Ice is deposited, was not intended originally, for that\n                            purpose; and it was my design when I was last home, to have marked out, and prepared another\n                            spot for an Ice house; but I found the Road, and other jobs would allow no time to execute\n                            it; and therefore I postponed the matter until a more convenient period. If the weather (as\n                            it threatens to do) shd continue cold & freezing after you receive this letter, I\n                            would have you do what is proposed\u2014that is, to put water upon the Ice. If it congeals\n                            & turns to a solid mass it will be fortunate; but whether it does or does not do\n                            this, I would have you, as long as Ice is to be had, & that in the house continues\n                            to sink, replenish it with more; keeping up the greatest body of it you can, as long as the\n                            exterior resource will enable you to do it; for having the means of preserving fresh meat\n                            during the Summer will be of immense importance to me, after I get settled at home. I forgot\n                            to mention it in time, & now I presume it is too late, that the wall all round, as\n                            the Ice was put in & rammed, ought to have been lined with straw\u2014that is\u2014straw to\n                            have been placed between the Ice & the wall 3 or 4 Inches thick, at least; for there\n                            it is the Ice begins always to dissolve first. After the house is filled, and before do not\n                            keep it close, for this also is injurious.\n                        When you have taken an Inventory of every thing, examined the fields, and formed\n                            your plans, I shall expect to receive an acct of them. I have provided five bushels of\n                            Clover Seed for the use of the Estate, which I shall send to Mt Vernon so soon as the Water\n                            communication is uninterrupted by Ice. If there are any other Seeds, or things wanting, let\n                            me know it, that they may be provided and sent in due Season. Is rape seed desirable? if so\n                            how much would you want? It is dear here & probably (being imported) not very good.\n                            You talked of an early Potatoe.\n                        I would not have the rotation (marked out for Dogue run farm) deviated from;\n                            except by planting the Indian Peas, if to be had, in what otherwise would be a naked fallow\n                            for Seeding wheat in Autumn, of the present year. Enquire if there is a probability of\n                            getting seed to that extent within reach of Mount Vernon; and let me know as soon as\n                            possible, as Mr Landon Carter of Cleve, has promised to supply me with seed if I can not\n                            obtain it nearer home. this would be far to send for it.\n                        The Gardener complains heavily of the injury which he sustains from my half\n                            wild, half tame Deer; & I do not well know what course to take with them\u2014especially as the\n                            hard weather, if it continues, will make them grow more and more bold & mischievous.\n                            Two methods have occurred, one or both combined, may, possibly, keep them out of the Gardens & Lawns; namely,\n                            to get a couple of hounds\u2014& whenever they are seen in, or near those places, to fire\n                            at them with shot of a small kind that would make them smart, but neither kill or maim them.\n                            If this will not keep them at a distance, I must kill them in good earnest, as the lesser\n                            evil of the two. Possibly, if there was a rack for Hay\u2014& aManger for grain and offal of the Garden placed in the Pines in the Clover lot front of the House & regularly supplied with provender (and Herculas knows how to do this as he used to feed them) it might prevent them from doing mischief\u2014& I might derive some benefit from them.\n                        In your next letter, give me the exact measurement of the chimney in the Small\n                            dining room: that is\u2014how wide & deep it is within the wood, or facing part; how much\n                            the Slabs of stone on each side & at top, without the said wood, shewn; what the\n                            size of the blocks or pedestals (of stone) are, on which these slabs stand; and what the\n                            length and breadth of the hearth (without the fire place) are. You will readily perceive\n                            that the object of this enquiry is to supply these with something else: exactness therefore,\n                            in the measurement, is indispensible. I am your friend and well wisher\n                            P.S. Send me the size of the frame, from out to out, which contains the\n                                family picture of the Marquis de la Fayette in the parlour.\n                            If Mr Pearce should be still at Mount Vernon, tell him I sincerely wish him\n                                better health & every prosperity he can desire.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00160", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 8 January 1797 to 14 January 1797\nFrom: Pearce, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        A Meterological Account of the Weather\n                        Jany826NW Clear30NW Clear26NW Clear920NW Clear27NW Clear27NW Clear1016N. Clear20NE Clear27NE Cloudy1130NE cloudy36NE raining40NW Clear1235NW Clear36NW Clear35NW Clear1334NW Clear36NW Clear34NW Clear1434SW Cloudy37S. Raining38S. Cloudy\n                        Dr. Mansion House for the work of 14 hands amounting to per Week to84 DysCr. By Halling plank from River Farm to the Distilery1By Halling Shells from Mr Lears Farm to sit up  Distilery 1\"\nHalling of Wood6\n\" Halling Joy 1 day & to mill & returning 2 days3\" Halling Hay 2 days & Corn from Union Farm 1 Day3\" Cutting wood 10 days & Burning brush 10 days20\" Working in breaking Ice & stoping Leakes  in mill race6Stoped by rain8Sick. Frank & Sam12Amount of house Gang60Ditchers as Included in the above 14 hands Cutting of Wood12Working in Repairing the mill race & throwing  ice out of it8Stoped by Rain 424days 84\n                        Stock 1 Stud Horse4 Horses3 Do Jacks2 Mares3 Do Young1 Colt10 Jeanias17 Cows Inclusive of one milked by\n                        Dr. Muddy Hole for the Work of 14 Amt \u214c Week to84Cr.Hauling to Mill 1 1/2 days Cedar Brush to finish the Cow Yard 1 1/2 days & manure 36\" Cutting on new road 9 days Grubing on Do 24 days in all33\" Cutting rail timber 9 days Mauling of rails 6 days in all15\" Thrassing Wheat 4 days & Cleaning Wheat 12 days in all16\" Burning Brush on new road 4 days & Cutting corn  Stalks 4 days8Sick Old Billy 684\n                        Stock 6 Horses 4 mules 36 Horned Cattle 49 Sheep8 1/2 Bushels Corn Given out\n                            to negroes (being Disapointed in meal) to grind on hand Mill 2 Do fed to stock &\n                            sent 22 1/2 Busshells clean wheat to Mill\n                        Dr. Union Farm for the work of 23 hands Amt \u214c Week to138 DysCr. By Picking up corn Stalks 27 Days Hauling Do to Cow Yard 4 days31\" Cutting & mauling of rails 18 days hauling Rails & wood 6 days24\" Cutting timber & sawing rails9\" Cutting of Wood 6 days Hauling Ivy at Mansion house 1 day7\" Cleaning of Flax 12 days Thrashing & Cleaning of Wheat 416\" Grubing in Corn field 25 days cleaning round the fence of Briars 3 days28Cleaning Oats 4 days Breaking of Ice and cleaning it out mill race 5 days9Sick Flora 6 Dys & Eddy 6 days Moses 2 days in\n                        Stock 17 Horses 6 Mules 71 Horned Cattle 14 Year olds & 3 Calves 125\n                        CornBushelsSent to mill20to Jas Andersons Horses15to Mansion house30to Stock 7 1/272 1/2Oats sent to Mansion house 15 1/2 Bushs\n                        Finding the Consumtion of Corn Larger than should be have resolved to supply\n                            the Horses at Mansion house with Oats\u2014and Mix these with Bran when the mill grinds wheat\n                            which will I hope be this Week.\n                        DaysDr. River Farm for the Work of 27 Hands Amt pr Week162Cr.By Dresing Flax12By Halling Rails 6 days & Halling Wood Do 2 days8By cutting & mauling rails 20 days cutting mauling & mortoising posts 828\" Cutting & heeping Corn stalks 20 dys halling Corn stalks 8 days28\" Going & returning from mill 2 days & cutting wood 3 days5\" Grubing 15 days & attending to stock 12 days27\" Thressing Oats & shilling corn when it rained36Sickness Bridgy 6 days bet 6 days Rere 6 days 18162Days\n                        Stock 10 Horses & one Colt, 11 Mules 74 Cows Steers & other\n                            Horned Cattle 10 Calves Decrease 2 Sheep Sheep 206\n                        DysDr.Dogue Run for the Work of 16 hands Amount \u214c Week96Cr. By Cutting & Mauling Rails20\" Halling rails 10 Dys Wood & hay 1 day11\" Picking up Corn stalks 7 days Hauling Ditto  Yard 18\" Grubing round the Fences21\" Fenching 16 days shilling corn 3 days19\"  Cleaning of Stables3Sick Dick 6 days, Agness 6 days Kitty 2 days1496\n                        Stock 5 Horses 1 Colt & 8 mules\u201466 Horned Cattle & one Calf 143\n                            Sheep Increased being sent from the mansion house 4 Horned Cattle in all of that kind 71\n                        Corn fed to Stock5 Bushelssent to Mill13 Bushels\n                        Sent to Mansion house 166 Lib of Flax\n                        Mill Grist Dr.Cornwht.Cr. B. \u214c D.To Union Farm21By Union Farm11\" Jas Anderson1Mr Pearce 10 Lib. SuprTo Muddy hole Farm22-62 fine flourCorn Fed to Hogs1 1/2Elisher Gardner 25Toll This Week 1/2Lb.  MidlingsForester & Jacob 1\n                            1/4Corn Ground to Farms21Meal Delivered13 1/4\n                        Dr. Cooper for the work of one man & boy Amt \u214c Week12 dysCr. By piling up Barrels & Laying floors in the  shop2\" Making Flour Barrels1012Dr. Miller Ben for the Work of one man Amt6Cr. By Working with the Mansion house hands5\"  Going to town16\n                        Dr. Spiners & Kniters for the Work of 15 Women Amt \u214c Week90 daysMatilda 6 lb. Yarn, Delia 6 lb. of do12Judeth 4 of Stocking & Kelly 2 of Sewing thread12Alsey 3 of Tow & Annie 2 1/2 Tow Yarn12Delphia 1 of do & Caroline 2 Tow do12Betty Davis 1 lb. Tow & Dalsey 6 lb. Yarn9Lucy Knitting one pr Stockings & Charlotte 2 pr Do12Sall Heckling6Lame Peter Knitting 3 Stockings 6 daysDr. Gardeners for the Work of 3 Men Amt. \u214c Week18Cr. By Grubing up Honey Suckle & planting 15lost by rain\n                            318Grubing up Honey Suckle Hercules 5 Siras 5 & Frank 313", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00161", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 8 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stuart, David\n                        Your letter of the 18th Ulto with its enclosures, came to hand in the usual\n                            course of the Post; but the pressure of public business has prevented my giving it an\n                            acknowledgment until now.\n                        The first thing I shall do after I am settled at Mount Vernon, will be to\n                            adjust all my accounts of a private nature; the doing of which, as they ought, has been\n                            prevented by public avocations.\n                        What effect Mr Adets conduct has had, or will have on the public mind, you can\n                            form a better opinion of than me. One of the objects which he had in view, (in timing the\n                            publication) is too apparent to require explanation. Some of his own zealots, do not scruple to confess that, he has been too precipitate; and thereby\n                            injured the cause he meant to espouse; which is, to establish such an influence in this\n                            country as to sway the government, & control its measures. Evidences of this design\n                            are abundant, and new proofs are exhibiting themselves every day, to illustrate the fact;\n                            and yet, lamentable thought! a large party under real, or pretended fears of British\n                            influence, are moving heaven & earth to aid Him in their designs. It is a fact well\n                            known, for history proves it, that from the restless temper of the French, and the policy of\n                            that nation, they attempt openly, or covertly, by threats or soothing professions\u2014to\n                            influence the conduct of most governments. That they have attempted it with us, a little\n                            time will shew; but finding a Neutral conduct had been adopted, and would not be\n                            relinquished by those who Administered the government\u2014the next step, was to try the people;\n                            and to work upon them; several presses, & many Scribblers have been employed to\n                            emblazen the improper Acts of the British governmt and its Officers, and to place them in\n                            all the most exagerated & odious points of view they were Susceptible; to complain\n                            that there was not only a deficiency of friendship, but a want of justice also in the\n                            Executive, towards France the cause of which, say they, is to be found in a predeliction\n                            for Great Britain. This not working as well as was expected, from a supposition that there was too much confidence,\n                            & perhaps personal regard for the present Chief Majistrate & his politics,\n                            the batteries latterly have been levelled at him particularly & personally and\n                            although he is soon to become a private citizen, his opinions are to be knocked down,\n                            & his character reduced as low as they are capable of sinking it, even by resorting\n                            to absolute falsehoods. As an evidence whereof, and of the plan they were pursuing, I send\n                            you a letter from Mr Paine to me, Printed in this City & disseminated with great\n                            industry. Others of a similar nature are also in circulation.\n                        To what lengths the French Directory will ultimately go, is difficult to say;\n                            but that they have been led to the present point by our own People, I have no doubt. Whether\n                            some, who have done this, would choose to accompany them any further, or not, I shall not\n                            undertake to decide. But I shall be mistaken if the candid part of my countrymen (although\n                            they may be under a French influence) do not see, and acknowledge, that they have imbibed\n                            erroneous impressions of the conduct of this government, towards France, when the\n                            communication which I promised at the opening of the Session & which will be ready\n                            in a few days, comes before the public. It will be seen, if I mistake not also that that\n                            country has not such a claim upon our gratitude as has been generally Supposed; and that\n                            this country has violated no engagement with it; been guilty of no Act of injustice towards\n                            it; nor have been wanting in friendship; where it could be rendered without departing from\n                            that Neutral station we had taken, & resolved to maintain.\n                        Enclosed also, you will receive a production of Peter Porcupine, alias Wm\n                            Cobbet. Making allowances for the asperity of an Englishman; for some of his strong\n                            & course expressions; and a want of official information of many facts\u2014it is not a\n                        I rejoice much to hear of Mrs Stuarts restoration to health\u2014&\n                            congratulate you, & her on it, & on the birth of a daughter\u2014My best wishes\n                            attend her & the family\u2014and with very great regard\u2014I am, Dr Sir Your Affecte", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00163", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Congress, 9 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Congress\n                            Gentlemen of Senate and of the House of Representatives\n                        Herewith I lay before you, in confidence, reports from the departments of State\n                            and the Treasury, by which you will see the present situation of our affairs with the Dey", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00164", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 9 January 1797\nFrom: White, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The enclosed was intended to go by the Winchester Mail, but recollecting that\n                            if any accident had happened to my former letter, it was owing to the inattention of that\n                            office. I concluded to bring it with me and forward it from hence\u2014I have not much doubt with\n                            respect to your answer; but with the matter determined, that I may make my final\n                            Arrangements agreeably thereto. I am with Sentiments of the highest Respect and most sincere\n                            regard Sir your most Obt Humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00166", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Anderson, 11 January 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Refering to my last of 2d have now to hand You Report of last week, As said in\n                            my last I have now brought my Family here, which with Mr Pearce sickness has put it out of\n                            my power to send You Inventory of every Article I find here.\n                        It is however nearly compleat And will certainly forward it in my next\u2014Which I\n                            intend by Monday. instead of this days post\u2014I have been at all the Farm\u2019s various times.\n                            And have found the Stock in as good Order as they could be expected, And their nature will\n                            admit, There are a Qty old horses on the different ffarms not worth the keeping. And which are\n                            only a burthen, they are not worth feeding by Grain, And without some will not live one old\n                            Grey at Union Farm am affraid will not come thro. the Winter\u2014And it is my Opinion, He, and\n                            some more, should be sold next ffall at what they will bring\u2014An old Bull at Union another at\n                            Dog run ffarm\u2019s I see are too Old, and very mischievious They should be killed. And would make\n                            good dry Beef for the Negroes in Harvest\u2014That at Union is in good Order. And the other not\n                            poor\u2014Am sellecting some of the Youngest of the Cattle which are feeding for Your Table upon\n                            Your return. And also some Wedders, which we will endeavour to put in as good order as we\n                            can, And with the exception of some Old Sheep, and some later Lambs of last Year, Your sheep\n                            are in good Order. Those at Mudy hole are the Worst\u2014I do not like the make of the Horned\n                            Stock, but they are in good rearing condition, And have very few Old ones\n                            amongst them, Another Year may rid them entirely of Old, the Hogs are not enough for what I suppose will be Your\n                                consumptiont in that Article. And I have in my power if You please to buy\n                            some, Which might be put into Pens at the Distillery\u2014This will be set\n                            agoing by two Weeks from this time\u2014By Mr Pearce being Sick Allison has some trees cut on the\n                            new ground, which ought not to have been; Davie goes on slowly with the new Road, as\n                            the frost prevents Grubing with any degree of speed, the Ice on the River is about one foot\n                        Have ordered him to cut & pick up his Corn stalks. And whenever the\n                            weather will permit, Set a number of hands from Union Dogrun and Mansion house on the road\n                            & compleat it soon\u2014the Ditch in my opinion should run all the way on both sides\u2014I do\n                            not think well of filling up the Barn at Dogrun with Clay. good Joists of\n                            white Oak put all over will be done at a trifling expence. And the Grain\n                            lying thereon will always be safe\u2014Have been working in clearing the Millrace of Ice, And expect to get some Water down perhaps today\u2014The great\n                            length of that race, and coming thro. some soft ground absorbs the Water\u2014There will be a new\n                            rope wantd for the Seines, which I will have got soon\u2014And must have a Qty of\n                            Strong Iron for Tire to the Waggon & Carts, the Weakness of the tire is the cause of\n                            their being so often broke\u2014The Smiths tools are much out of Order\u2014say Bellows, Anvil Vice\n                        Your Farms are in general in good Order as to their plan of field\u2019s fencing, and\n                            Croping, And do not think much alteration will be of any use from the Plan\u2019s laid down, Only\n                            beg leave to say that Your plan at Dogrun (in my Opinion) is not the\n                            best. And will say, that I can make nearly double of the Crops of Corn & Potatoes\n                            from the same Qty of Lands by planting each separated\u2014the Wheat must be much injured by\n                            diging the Potatoes. And they hurt in their growth by the Corn\u2014At all events when pursued\n                            such early kinds of Corn and Potatoes should be plantd as both may be off\n                            the ground by October when the forward Wheat may be sown on good Land to Advantage\u2014I have\n                            Ordered about one Bll Corn of a forward kind, whose Ears are as large as any common Corn. and\n                            are fully dry in October, planting that kind & London Ladys (Potatoes of that name)\n                            together might as said answer Your expectation\u2014the Potatoes may be had in\n                            Alexandria\u2014meantime I have to beg You make enquiry after the early\n                            kinds of Potatoes. the name I do not know\u2014If You please buy 13 Bushels, 10 of which I would\n                            wish to plant on the small Lot next to the Icehouse. by dunging in the row a good Crop may be expected. And turnip after, when the Land would be\n                            clear of Weeds. and fit to sow next Spring in Barley, or Oats & Clover, I shall look\n                            and try to have on each Farm from 3 to 5 Acres prepared for Turnip which root is very\n                            usefull for Market or Stock\u2014In one Word I really can say that Mr Pearce has left all the\n                            appearances of Industry & Attention and the utmost frugality\u2014perhaps He has been\n                            rather too frugal from the best & purest intentions\u2014I have only to add that my Wish\n                            is that I may be fortunate enough to merit the same Character which I would give to Him, and\n                            which He does so fully deserve from his being in a Complaining State have not been able to\n                            see the whole of the fields intended for Cultivation, but having seen the most of them,\n                            think the plan\u2019s pretty well\u2014The new ground on the sides of the Vistas will bring very little\n                            Corn, but will prepare the ground for What You intend\u2014It will be improper to have much at\n                            Mudyhole as Davie will have this on hand therefore think that part from the Barn inclusive\n                            of the Orchard until You reach the Hill may do. Manured as much as we\n                            can, I shall send You Acct of the negroes in Cumulo, as upon each Farm\n                            but will enter them individually in my Books. And with much respect I am Sir Your\n                        Mr Pearce is still here on a/c of his bad state of health, will forward You the State of a/c before  he goes off, which may be in a few 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00167", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 11 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Custis, George Washington Parke\n                        I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 7th instant, but\n                            which did not get to my hands until yesterday; and to express to you, the sincere pleasure I\n                            feel in finding that I had interpreted some parts of your letters erroneously.\n                        As you have the best, and most unequivocal evidence the case is susceptible of,\n                            that I have no other object in view by extending my cares and advice to you, than what will\n                            redound to your own respectability, honor and future happiness in life; so, be assured that\n                            while you give me reasons to expect a ready submission to my counsels, and while I hear that\n                            you are deligent in pursuing the means which are to acquire these advantages it will afford\n                            me infinite gratification.\n                        Your last letter is replete with assurances of this nature. I place entire\n                            confidence in them. They have removed all the doubts which were expressed in my last letter\n                            to you, and, let me repeat it again, have conveyed very pleasing sensations to my mind.\n                        It was not my wish to check your correspondences;\n                            very far from it; for with proper characters (and none surely can be more desirable than\n                            with your Papa & Mr Lear) and on proper subjects, it will give you a habit of\n                            expressing your ideas, upon all occasions, with facility\n                            & correctness. I meant no more by telling you we should be contented with hearing\n                            from you once a week, than that these correspondences were not to be considered as an\n                            injunction, or an imposition; thereby interfering with your studies\u2014or concerns of a more\n                        So far am I from discoutenancing writing of any kind (except upon the principle\n                            abovementioned) that I should be pleased to hear, and you yourself might derive advantages\n                            from a short Diary (recorded in a Book) of the occurrences which happen to you, or within\n                            your sphere. Trifling as this may appear at first view, it may become an introduction to\n                            more interesting matters. At any rate, by carefully preserving these, it would\n                                afford you more satisfaction in a retrospective view, than what you\n                        Another thing I would recommend to you; not because I want to know how you spend your money; and that is to\n                            Keep an acct Book, and enter therein every farthing of your receipts & expenditures. The\n                            doing of which wod initiate you into a habit, from which considerable advantages would\n                            result. Where no account of this sort is kept\u2014there can be no investigation; no correction\n                            of errors; no discovery from a recurrence thereto, wherein too much, or too little has been\n                            appropriated to particular uses. From an early attention to these matters, important\n                            & lasting benefits may follow. We are all well, and all unite in best wishes for you; and with sincere affection I am always 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00168", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 11 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McHenry, James\n                        I shall have occasion to write to Mr Lear by tomorrow\u2019s Post, and would thank\n                            you to let me know (in a summary way) what money he has drawn on acct of the Arsenal on the\n                            Potomack, and what report he has made to the War Office of his proceedings in that business,\n                            for I shall take an occasion (as from myself) to ask him what has been done therein. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00169", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 11 January 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The inclosed letters contain the information which you have requested. I am most sincerely yours &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00171", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Hare, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Hare, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Your late Address to the people of the United States, whilst it awakens every\n                            sentiment of gratitude, deeply affects our feelings with regret.\n                        The friendly counsel you have offered to your fellow citizens, to induce them\n                            to adhere stedfastly, to their present union; to repress the spirit of party; to cherish\n                            religion, knowledge and public credit; and to maintain a dispassionate and impartial, \u2019tho\n                            amicable disposition, towards foreign nations, meets with our warmest approbation. In your\n                            forcible exposition of the dangers, which will result to their freedom, safety and\n                            prosperity from a dereliction of these salutary maxims, we recognize that just dicernment of\n                            the real interest of our country, and that firm adherence to the principles of true\n                            patriotism, which have always distinguished your public conduct. Your fellow citizens\n                            sensible that with your measures their dearest interests were intimately connected, have\n                            regarded them with anxious attention; they have beheld you, under the auspices of divine\n                            providence, leading their armies to victory, and guiding their councils to prosperity and\n                            peace; nor has the closest examination of your conduct produced any\n                            other effect, than to strengthen their reliance on your wisdom and virtue.\n                        The various testimonials of attachment which you have received from the people\n                            of the United States, must have fully convinced you, that your affectionate sensations\n                            towards them, which are so feelingly expressed in your address, are reciprocated by\n                            correspondent sentiments, on their part. The signal instance of steady approbation, with\n                            which they have supported your administration, and the success which has attended it, have\n                            exhibited to the world a striking proof, that the most effectual method of securing the\n                            confidence, and accomplishing the welfare, of an enlightened nation, is, to pursue, with\n                            undeviating firmness, a policy founded on the purest integrity.\n                        The satisfaction we have derived from your salutary communications is greatly\n                            alloyed by the information which has accompanied them, that we are so soon, to be deprived\n                            of those faithful services, from which such important benefits have resulted to this in\n                            common with the other states. We are, at the same time, compelled to assent to the justice\n                            of your claim to that repose, in the evening of your days, which has so long been sacrificed\n                            to the voice and interest of your country.\n                        You will carry with you into retirement the solid enjoyment arising from the\n                            applause of your grateful country, and the consciousness of a life devoted to virtue and\n                            public utility. In addition to these sources of happiness, may you long enjoy the blessings\n                            of health; may you largely partake of that national felicity, to the establishment of which\n                            you have so eminently contributed; and may your successors in office, be influenced by your\n                            example, in their efforts to promote the peace, safety, and dignity of the United States. Signed by order\n                            Speaker of the Senate of the\n                            Commonwealth of Pennsylvania", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00172", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Pennsylvania Legislature, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pennsylvania Legislature\n                        I receive with great pleasure the expressions of your approbation of my public\n                            services. The general marks of satisfaction, and the various testimonies of select and\n                            discerning bodies of men among my fellow-citizens, respecting my public conduct; while they\n                            have stimulated my exertions to be useful to my country, the sole object of all my aims &\n                            wishes, have also enforced the justness of your remark, That the most effectual method of\n                            securing the confidence and accomplishing the welfare of an enlightened nation, is to\n                            pursue, with undeviating firmness, a policy founded in pure integrity. And I shall be\n                            pardoned when I add, that conscious integrity has been my unceasing support; and while it\n                            gave me confidence in the measures I pursued, the belief of it, by acquiring to me the\n                            confidence of my fellow-citizens, ensured the success which they have had. This\n                            consciousness will accompany me in my retirement: without it, public applauses could be\n                            viewed only as proofs of public error, and felt as the upbraidings of personal demerit. In\n                            this retirement, to behold the national felicity; will be largely\n                            to partake in it; and if with this felicity I enjoy health, which you kindly wish me, my\n                            hopes in this world will be consummated.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00173", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Mde C. Pernot, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Pernot, Mde C.\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Permettez \u00e0 une Ancienne habitante de l\u2019am\u00e9rique, qui a eu l\u2019honneur de\n                                Vous connaitre pendant Son Sejour a Philadelphie, d\u2019interrompre un instant vos grandes\n                                occupations, pour R\u00e9clamer aupr\u00e8s de Vous la Justice qu\u2019on lui fait craindre de Ne\n                                pouvoir pas obtenir aupr\u00e8s des tribunaux. vous \u00eates charg\u00e9 comme pr\u00e9sident du Congr\u00e8s de\n                                Veiller a l\u2019ex\u00e9cution des loix de Votre pays, et c\u2019est l\u2019ex\u00e9cution Stricte de ces m\u00eames\n                                loix que Je R\u00e9clame. Souffrez que J\u2019entre dans quelques D\u00e9tails.\n                            En 1786, J\u2019\u00e9pousai en france Mr le Couteulx de Caumont. un Article de Notre\n                                Contrat de Mariage portait express\u00e9ment que Ma Dot montant a la somme d\u2019environ\n                                cinquante et une Mille livres tournois Serait employ\u00e9e a acheter un bien fonds en\n                                Am\u00e9rique. quinze jours apr\u00e8s Mon Mariage, Je me Suis Embarqu\u00e9 avec Mr le Couteulx, et\n                                bient\u00f4t J\u2019arrivai a Philadelphie. J\u2019ai achet\u00e9 une habitation pr\u00e8s de trenton. en 1789,\n                                Je revins en france avec Mr le Couteulx. le Climat d\u2019am\u00e9rique ne Convenait pas a ma\n                                Sant\u00e9, et Je d\u00e9sirais Vivre dans Ma famille dont J\u2019avais \u00e9t\u00e9 S\u00e9par\u00e9e fort Jeune. en\n                                cons\u00e9quence avant mon D\u00e9part J\u2019avais donn\u00e9 a un Juge de paix des environs de trenton\n                                une procuration pour vendre Mon habitation, et m\u2019en faire toucher le prix en\n                                    france. un Mois apr\u00e8s Mon arriv\u00e9e a Paris, Mr le Couteulx Se\n                                D\u00e9cida a repartir pour Philadelphie Pour acc\u00e9lerer, disait-il la Vente de Notre bien.\n                                Je Suis rest\u00e9e Seule en france avec deux enfants que J\u2019avais eu de lui. Depuis ce temps,\n                                c\u2019est a dire, Depuis le Mois de f\u00e9vrier 1790, Je n\u2019ai plus entendu parler de Mr le\n                                Couteulx, depuis ce temps il jouit de ma fortune toute enti\u00e8re, dont il Ne M\u2019a Jamais\n                                fait passer la moindre partie. Ma famille a Pourvu a mon existence et a celle de mes\n                                enfants Si Cruellement abandonn\u00e9s de leur P\u00e8re. J\u2019ai profit\u00e9 alors des Nouvelles loix de\n                                la R\u00e9publique J\u2019ai fait prononcer mon Divorce, et je me Suis remari\u00e9e. conform\u00e9ment aux\n                                m\u00eames loix, une assembl\u00e9e de famille charg\u00e9e de Prononcer Sur le Sort de mes deux\n                                enfants a d\u00e9cid\u00e9 qu\u2019ils Seraient tous les Deux confi\u00e9s a mes Soins d\u2019abord a Raison de\n                                l\u2019incapacit\u00e9 Reconn\u00fce du Pere pour Suivre leur Education, et en Consid\u00e9ration de la\n                                fortune qui Se trouve entierement de Mon C\u00f4t\u00e9, puisque Mr le Couteulx N\u2019avait en Se\n                                Mariant que le nom d\u2019une famille alors Consid\u00e9r\u00e9e dans le Commerce. ces diff\u00e9rentes\n                                Choses R\u00e9gl\u00e9es, Je me Suis occup\u00e9e du Remboursement de ma Dot, remboursement qui dans le\n                                cas d\u2019une S\u00e9paration doit M\u2019\u00eatre fait en entier, d\u2019apr\u00e8s un Article expr\u00e8s de Mon\n                                contrat de Mariage. J\u2019ai, Suivant l\u2019avis de Mr Monroe Ministre des \u00e9tats unis\n                                    d\u2019am\u00e9rique envoy\u00e9 Ma procuration, et tous mes autres Papiers a Mr\n                                Edward livingston de New-york membre du Congr\u00e8s. c\u2019est lui qui est Charg\u00e9 de la\n                                Poursuite de Cette affaire. Je ne le connais que d\u2019apr\u00e8s la Recommandation de Mr Monroe\n                                qui M\u2019a beaucoup vant\u00e9 Ses lumi\u00e8res et Sa Probit\u00e9. on me fait Craindre aujourd\u2019hui que\n                                la famille de Mr le Couteulx et m\u00eame quelques Personnes de la Mienne, ne Soient assez\n                                puissantes pour faire taire les loix qui Sont toutes en Ma faveur. on D\u00e9sirerait que Ma\n                                fortune rest\u00e2t en am\u00e9rique Sous pr\u00e9texte qu\u2019elle y Serait plus en Suret\u00e9 qu\u2019en france,\n                                Et que de cette Mani\u00e8re le Sort de mes enfants Serait mieux assur\u00e9. ce calcul n\u2019est a\n                                mes yeux qu\u2019un Moyen d\u2019Eluder pour toujours la Restitution de mon bien, et Personne ne\n                                peut avoir le Droit de M\u2019emp\u00eacher d\u2019en disposer a ma Volont\u00e9. ce bien est a moi, et ne\n                                Sera la propri\u00e9t\u00e9 de mes enfants qu\u2019apr\u00e8s ma mort. d\u2019ailleurs je Suis charg\u00e9e de leur\n                                \u00e9ducation de Pourvoir a leur Etablissement, le Pourrai-je Si le Seul bien que Je\n                                poss\u00e8de restes entre les mains de Mr le Couteulx qui depuis Sept ans N\u2019a pas Daign\u00e9\n                                S\u2019occuper d\u2019eux ni de moi. ces Craintes m\u2019ont D\u00e9cid\u00e9 a M\u2019adresser a Vous Directement\n                                pour obtenir une prompte justice. oserai-je vous prier, Mr le pr\u00e9sident, de me\n                                Recommander Vivement \u00e0 Mr livingston: Votre Recommandation animera Sans Doute Sans Z\u00e8le,\n                                et me donnera l\u2019esp\u00e9rance de R\u00e9ussir dans cette affaire la plus importante pour moi.\n                                l\u2019avantage que J\u2019ai eu de Vous Connaitre en am\u00e9rique, et l\u2019inter\u00eat que Vous voul\u00fbtes bien\n                                M\u2019accorder alors, me font Esp\u00e9rer d\u2019obtenir votre bienveillance. Votre humanit\u00e9 vous\n                                portera a prot\u00e9ger une femme et des enfants qui R\u00e9clament Seulement la Justice qui leur\n                                est d\u00fce. Je vous devrai une existence plus heureuse. Agr\u00e9ez les assurances de Ma vive\n                                Reconnaissance, et de l\u2019estime profonde avec laquelle Je Suis Monsieur le Pr\u00e9sident Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissante Servante\n                                C. Pernot ci devant le Couteulx de Caumont.\n                                Si Vous Daignez M\u2019honorer d\u2019un mot de R\u00e9ponse, Je vous prie de la\n                                    faire adresser Sous enveloppe a Mr iren\u00e9e Dupont imprimeur, Cul de sac de l\u2019oratoire\n                                    a Paris. il est le fr\u00e8re de Notre Consul fran\u00e7ais a Charles-town.\n                            allow an ancient inhabitant of America, who has had the honor of knowing\n                                you, when she was at Philadelphia, to break in one moment\u2014upon your important business,\n                                and to claim from you the Justice, which She is threatened not to obtain from the\n                                tribunals. as president of congress your are to cause the laws of your country to be\n                                faithfully executed: and it is their strict executions I claim. give me leave to let you\n                            in 1786 I married in france Mr Le Couteulx de Caumont. one article of our\n                                marriage act, Stated explicitly, that my marriage portion amounting nearly to the sum of\n                                51 thousand french livres would be employed in purchasing a real estate in America. a\n                                fortnight after my wedding, I embarked with Mr Le Couteulx, and arrived soon at\n                                Philadelphia. I bought then a farm near Trenton. in 1789, I returned in France with My\n                                husband. the Climate of America disagreed with my health, and I wished to live in my\n                                family, from which I was separated very young. consequently before my departure, I had\n                                given to a Justice of the peace in the neighbourhood of Trenton a power of Attorney to\n                                sell my farm, and forward me the price of it in france. a month after my arrival at\n                                Paris, Mr le Couteulx determined himself to set out again for Philadelphia, in order,\n                                said he, to quicken the sale of our estate. I remained alone in France with two children\n                                whom I had from him. Since that Time, that is to say, since the month of february 1790,\n                                I never heard anything from Mr le Couteulx. Since that time, he enjoys my whole estate,\n                                and has never forwarded me the least part of it. my family has provided for my existence\n                                and that of my children, so cruelly given up by their father. I then took advantage from\n                                the new laws of the republic; I obtained my divorce, and I married again, according\n                                to the Same laws, a family assembly appointed to pronounce on the fate of my two\n                                children has decided that they would be both entrusted to my care, first because of the\n                                aknowledged incapacity of the father to provide their education and then in\n                                consideration of the fortune which is entirely on my side, since Mr le Couteulx had\n                                nothing when he married but the name of a family then of credit in Commerce those\n                                different regulations being finished, I employed myself about the reimbursement of my\n                                marriage portion; which in case of a separation, was fully to be made to me, according\n                                to an express article of my marriage contract. I have, in consequence of the advice of\n                                Mr Munroe Minister of the united States, sent my power of attorney, and all my other\n                                papers to Mr Edward Livingston of New-York, member of congress. he is entrusted with the\n                                pursuit of that affair. I know him only from the recommendation of Mr Monroe who spoke\n                                to me in very high terms of his abilities and probity. I have reasons to fear now that\n                                the family of Mr Le Couteulx, and even some of my own, would have influence enough to\n                                silence the laws, which are all in my favour. they wish my property to stay in America,\n                                under pretense that it would be there safer than in France, and that So, the fate of my\n                                children would be more secure. that calculation is nothing to my eyes but a contrivance\n                                to avoid forever the restitution of my property: and nobody can have a right to prevent\n                                my doing of it what I please. that property is mine, and will be the children\u2019s property\n                                only after my death. besides I am intrusted with the care of their education, to get\n                                them settled: how can I do that, if the only property which I possess stays in the hands\n                                of Mr Le Couteulx who since seven years, has not designed to trouble himself about them\n                                or myself. those fears have determined me to write directly to you,\n                                in order to obtain a quiet Justice. Should I dare to ask you, Mr President, to recommend\n                                me strongly to Mr Livingston. your recommendation will undoubtedly animate his zeal and\n                                will give me the hope of succeeding in that affair, the most important for me. the\n                                advantage I have had of knowing you in America, and the interest which you was so kind\n                                to bestow there upon me, give me the confidence of obtaining your\n                                good will. your humanity will engage you to protect a woman and children who desire only\n                                the justice due to them, I will owe you a more happy existence. receive the assurances of\n                                the sincere gratitude and profound esteem, with which I am, Mr President, your Most\n                                humble and obedient Servant\n                                formerly Le couteulx de Caumont\n                                If you are so kind to honour me with a word of answer, I pray you to\n                                \u00e0 mr irene\u00e9 Dupont imprimeur cul desac del\u2019oratoire\n                                he is brother of our french consul at 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00174", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I have the honor to return the address of the Senate of Pennsylvania, with the\n                            draught of an answer in terms which I imagined would correspond with your feelings, and\n                            which unsullied honor and the dignity of truth would authorize you to express. If however\n                            you prefer any other sentiments, by receiving the draught thus early, there will be time for\n                        I sent the intended letter to Mr Pinckney last evening to Mr Wolcott, desiring\n                            him & Mr McHenry to examine it\u2014and particularly as to the point of not allowing Mr\n                            Adet to resume his functions. I saw it was impossible to get it ready for Congress to-day. A\n                            message of some length must be drawn, which I shall set about immediately. I expect to have\n                            this ready for your inspection by the evening. The corrections which Mr Lee & I\n                            agreed on in the letter and its duplicate for one of the houses, cost Mr Taylor and me the\n                            whole of yesterday to effect. Some other corrections will depend on the opinions of the two\n                            gentlemen who are now inspecting it. With the highest respect I am sir your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00175", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Ramsay, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Ramsay, David\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Charleston South Carolina January 12th 1797\n                        In obedience to the orders of the Senate I transmit to you the inclosed\n                            resolutions unanimously adopted by them in a very full house. I feel a peculiar happiness in\n                            being the instrument of conveying sentiments of respect & esteem which in my opinion\n                            pervade not only the senate but the people of this state. I have the honor to be with the\n                            greatest regard 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00176", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Walker, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Walker, Benjamin\n                        Permit me once more to give you the trouble of forwarding the enclosed letters\n                            to their respective addresses.\n                        If you read the Aurora of this City, or those\n                            Gazettes which are under the same influence, you cannot but have perceived with what\n                            malignant industry, and persevering falsehoods I am assailed, in order to weaken, if not to\n                            destroy, the confidence of the Public.\n                        Amongst other attempts to effect this purpose, spurious letters, known at the\n                            time of their first publication (I beleive in the year 1777) to be forgeries to answer a\n                            similar purpose in the Revolution\u2014are, or extracts from them, brought forward with the\n                            highest emblazoning of which they are susceptible, with a view to attach principles to me\n                            which every action of my life have given the lie to. But that is\n                            no stumbling block with the Editors of these Papers and their supporters. and now, perceiving a disinclination on my part, perhaps knowing, that I had determined not to take notice of such\n                            attacks, they are pressing this matter upon the public mind with more avidity than usual:\n                            urging, that my silence, is a proof of their genuiness.\n                        Although I never wrote, or ever saw one of these letters until they issued from\n                            New York, in Print; yet the Author of them must have been tolerably well acquainted in, or\n                            with some person of my family, to have given the names, & some circumstances which\n                            are grouped in the mass, of erroneous details. But of all the mistakes which have been\n                            committed in this business, none is more palpable, or susceptible of detection than the\n                            manner in which it is said they were obtained, by the capture of my Mulatto Billy, with a\n                            Portmanteau. All the Army, under my immediate command, could\n                            contradict this; and I believe most of them know, that no Attendant of mine, or a particle\n                            of my baggage ever fell into the hands of the enemy during the whole course of the War.\n                        It would be a singular satisfaction to me to learn, who was the Author of these\n                            letters; and from what source they originated. No person in this country can, I conceive,\n                            give this information but Mr Rivington. If, therefore, you are upon terms of familiarity\n                            with that Gentleman, & see no impropriety in hinting this desire to him, it would\n                            oblige me. He may comply to what extent his own judgment shall dictate, and I pledge my\n                            honor that, nothing to his disadvantage, or the disadvantage of any of the actors at that\n                            time, shall result from it. I offer the compliments of the Season\u2014and you will do me the\n                            justice to believe they are warmer than the weather\u2014to Mrs Walker & yourself, of\n                            whose health and happiness we shall always be glad to hear. I am Your Affectionate", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00177", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Henry, 13 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henry, John\n                        For want of a Memo. from the Overlooker of my Carpenters (which I thought I had\n                            brought with me from Mount Vernon) I am unable to furnish an accurate Bill of the Plank\n                            & Scantling my purposes require; but as the former of these never comes amiss to me,\n from Sap.\n                        And should be glad to know from the person in whom you could most confide,\n                            whether upon receiving a Bill of Scantling & an additional qty of Plank, after I\n                            return home, I could be supplied therewith, delivered at Mount Vernon, & in how\n                            short a time after receiving the said Bill\u2014With very great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00179", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Trumbull, 13 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Trumbull, John\n                        Enclosed you will receive Mrs Washington\u2019s thanks for the many marks of\n                            politeness she has received from you; permit me to say, that she has expressed my sentiments\n                            fully; and to add, that you will do me a favour in causing the letter, herewith, to be sent\n                            to its address. It will always give me pleasure to hear of your welfare, for I am truly, and\n                            sincerely, Dear Sir, Your Affecte 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00180", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander White, 13 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: White, Alexander\n                        Your letters, one from Woodville, & the other from the Federal City,\n                            were received by the Post of yesterday.\n                        Enclosed is the copy of a letter I wrote to you agreeably to its date, and\n                            dispatched it accordingly, to the care of the Postmaster in Winchester\u2014How it has happened\n                            that you have missed it, I know not. with much truth I am. Dear Sir Your Affecte 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00181", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 15 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\n                        Your letter of the 11th and Reports of the preceeding week, came to hand\n                        It is a thing I had resolved to do, so soon as I should be fixed at Mount\n                            Vernon, to seperate the old & bad horses, cattle and Sheep from the young, thrifty\n                            & good; and to dispose of them in some way or another, as soon as they could be got\n                            in order for it; by a Summer\u2019s run, or other means not too expensive for the end. And I\n                            approve of your killing (for the purpose mentioned in your letter provided there are others\n                            to serve the Cows) the Bulls at Union & Dogue Run farms, which have got old\n                        Having good meats for my Table by the middle of March, and in succession\n                            through the year, according to the seasons, is highly proper & very desirable, as it\n                            has always been my custom to supply it with the best.\n                        In my last, I gave you full authority to add to my stock of Hogs by purchase;\n                            as I also did to your buying half a dozen or more Cows, and a Bull, if to be had of a good\n                            breed; and mentioned a Mr Gough of Maryland (near Baltimore) as a Gentleman who had been at\n                            much expence in the importation of them from England.\n                        I have already given you my sentiments so fully with respect to the Distillery,\n                            that it is unnecessary to add more in this letter than to say, the place for, and manner of\n                            conducting it, is left entirely to yourself. Raising of Hogs by means of it, is certainly a\n                            very desirable branch of the business.\n                        If Allison has cut Trees down in front of the house improperly, I shall be\n                            vexed, as well as regret it, because time only can replace them;\n                            and of that I have none to spare. I never expected that that ground would\n                            yield corn in proportion to the labour I meant to bestow on it: the primary objects of the\n                            cultivation are to cleanse it thoroughly of the under growth, and\n                            to lay it down (as mentioned in my memorandums) to grass for Pasture, or pleasure grounds;\n                            and in order that it may be well worked and prepared for these, as well as for the benefit\n                            of the Corn crop. I am clearly of your opinion that Davy ought not to\n                            attempt more of the latter at muddy hole, than you have described in yr letter.\n                        Although, as I have mentioned in Several of my letters to Mr Pearce, it would\n                            be very pleasing to me to have the New road completed as soon as it could possibly be done,\n                            with convenience, yet I would not have other matters of more importance neglected on this\n                            account. Preparations for, and putting in crops, must be done in due season. or all is lost; but this is not the case with the Road, however much\n                            the completion of it is wished. It has always been my intention, as soon as the kill Race is\n                            completed, and the Ditchers could be spared, to dig a large ditch\n                            on the East side of the road, five feet at least wide, with a high bank and a wattled, or\n                            Post & Rail fence thereon; but this must be a secondary work to the other, that is to\n                            the Race. I do not mean however, from what is now said, to discourage you from taking hands\n                            from the respective Farms to finish this road, and making the ditch unless, as above, it\n                            should interfere too much with your preparations of the ensuing Crop. The motive to the\n                            Ditch & Fence I have spoken of, from the Mansion Ho. Inclosure to that of Muddy\n                            hole, is, that all within, & between the said Ditch & Creek, wd make a large\n                            & most excellent Woodland pasture for Brood Mares, &ca, as a great deal of\n                            Marsh, & grassy places wd be included.\n                        I never intended to fill up the lower floor of the Barn at Dogue run with Clay;\n                            if I cannot make a composition as hard (or nearly so) as stone, I shall renew it with\n                            Plank; but no Sleepers will last long there, for want of Air beneath them.\n                        It is not the low ground through wch the kill race passes, that occasions the\n                            waste of water, but the leaks on the hill sides, occasioned by the rotting of\n                            roots\u2014Crawfish\u2014or some other vermin that borough through; & make passages for the\n                            water. The new Race will avoid the worst part of the side land hill, & therefore is\n                            of high importance to complete.\n                        Sein ropes, and every other preparation for fishing will, no doubt, be attended\n                            to in time. The Seins should be overhauled, & if necessary, repaired in time,\n                            & put out of the reach of mice, which often knaw holes in them. The Boats too should\n                            be put in proper order; for if any of these matters should be delayed until about the time\n                            they are wanted, you may meet difficulties which cannot be overcome in time.\n                        Iron proper for Wheel bands, and such Smith\u2019s Tools as are really necessary,\n                        Raising from three to five acres of Turnips at each of the Farms, if you can\n                            put so much ground in proper order for them will certainly be beneficial. I early\n                            recommended it to Mr Pearce to save a great deal of Seed, and of the best kind; particularly\n                            from the Swedish Turnip, which is descriped as a hardy sort, & will stand the\n                            Winter. I approve your plan for the lot by the Ice house, and will provide 15 (or more)\n                            bushels of the early Potatoes (if you desire it) for that, & other Spots.\n                        There are three lots at the Mansion house which have usually been in the\n                            rotation of Potatoes, Oats, & Clover; the No. Wt one, was sowed with Oats &\n                            Clover last Spring, but the drought destroyed, as was supposed, the latter; and it was\n                            doubtful when I left home, whether that lot, or the one\n                            immediately fronting the house, should come into Potatoes this\n                            year. The last, in course ought to do it; but as the other did not take, in clover, it\n                            was supposed that it would be best to put this in Potatoes. Let\n                            me know what you have resolved to do in the matter.\n                        With respect to the Dogue run system I am of opinion that if the Corn is well\n                            worked, and kept clean, that Potatoes in the intermediate rows neither injures it, nor the Wheat crop that follows;\n                            on the contrary, the fields that have been in these two crops have always produced more\n                            wheat than any other Corn ground\u2014But in the state No. 6 was worked, & sowed last\n                            year, the wonder is that it should have yielded any thing, except grass; and therefore it\n                            affords no criterian by which an opinion is to be formed\u2014My ideas are, & clearly,\n                            that a field of Corn planted 3 feet by 6 feet, with rows of Potatoes between, will yield as\n                            much of the former as the same field would do if planted 6 feet each way, without Potatoes;\n                            that in the first plan, as many bushels of Potatoes as of corn will be produced; that the\n                            latter will be clear profit; and that the crop of Wheat which\n                            follows the Corn & Potatoes, will be better than if it followed Corn alone. But\n                            then, the ground must be kept clean & well worked, otherwise it is impossible to put\n                            the Wheat in, in any tolerable order.\n                        After having expressed these sentiments, I have no objection to your trying your method at that Farm, if you think it will be more\n                            productive, and not more oppressive to the land; but I repeat it again, that you are not to\n                            form your judgment of the present System, from the appearance of field no. 6 at that place.\n                            Mr Pearce was a very industrious man; active, zealous, and ambitious to make the most he\n                            could of the farms, but that ambitn (unless he could have commanded the rains, &\n                            sunshine as he pleased) always prompted him to attempt more than he could execute, properly;\n                            and then, the seasons were blam\u2019d; that is\u2014the grd was either so wet, or so dry, that it\n                            could not be worked: whereas a person should never undertake more than he can execute under\n                            any (except disasterous) circumstances. In that case, if the Seasons are favorable, he not\n                            only cultivates his ground well, but has labour to spare for the\n                            improving of it in many ways; and if not favorable, he will nevertheless, do justice to his\n                            Crops. Planting of early Corn in the manner you propose is certainly judicious.\n                        I requested in my last, that you wd continue to replenish the Ice house with\n                            fresh Ice,  to be got, and  vacancy to receive\n                            it; but I must add by way of explanation, that it must be done with hard & firm Ice,\n                            or not at all, for I believe soft & spungy Ice would do more harm than good. There\n                            is nothing that, fills my mind with more apprehension when I am from home, than Fire. I\n                            request therefore that every charge, & every precaution against the bad effects of\n                            it, may be given, & used; during my absence, to guard against the danger of it.\n                        With this, you will receive a box containing eggs of the Silk worm, and a paper\n                            of grape Seeds. which give to the Gardener. the latter he will plant; the other I suppose he\n                            will know how to manage. If Mr Pearce is still with you I heartily wish him better heal. I\n                            wish you well also & am Your friend\n                    P.S. Mrs Washington requests that you, or Mrs Anderson would pay particular attention to 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00184", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Ball, 16 January 1797\nFrom: Ball, George\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Virginia, Lancaster County, 16th Jan: 1797\n                        I am informed by Mr Geo: Fitzhugh of your wish to Sell the tract of Land which\n                            you hold in Gloucester County (this State) and that he had been on a Contract with you for\n                            sd land, but had since declined it. Your letter to him dated the 28 of Jan: 1796 (which I\n                            now have before me) fully acquaints me with your terms\u2014I will purchase of you\u2014but if it\n                            should answer your purpose as well, should be glad if the second payment could be extended\n                            to a farther date, that is, a fourth at the conveyance, the other\n                            fourth in two years and so on in one or two years untill the payment be compleated. The Land\n                            I had reather be its own security. of your inclination still to sell, your Agent if any (in\n                            this State) by whome you sell and your terms if alter\u2019d, be so good to let me know\n                            immediately by post. I am Dr sr Your very Humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00186", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elkanah Talley, 16 January 1797\nFrom: Talley, Elkanah\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Gloster County Ware Glebe Jany 16th 1797\n                        Altho\u2019 I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you; yet I presume\n                            you will pardon my taking the liberty of addressing you on a subject which relates to some\n                            of your property in this Neighbourhood. The property alluded to is the Land you had of Mr\n                            Dandridge, which was formerly a part of Bristo\u2019s confiscated estate. Within these 2 years,\n                            repeated trespasses have been committed on sd Land: not only firewood, & fencing\n                            stuff, but a large quantity of other valuable Timbers have been taken from off it. Those\n                            depredations are still going on, and unless they are checked, it is probable there will be\n                            but little good Timber on the 400 Acres in a few years. As the Seat on which I reside\n                            adjoins your Lands, and as its boundaries are to me well known, it is probable I could put a\n                            stop to those depredations, was I authorized to do so. Any service I can render you on this\n                            Score, with a strict adherance to any instructions you may think proper to give, will be\n                            chearfully executed. Exclusive of a desire to do justice for an absent Fellow-Citizen; I\n                            feel myself somewhat interested to save the Timber on your Lands. Had it not been for an\n                            adverse dispensation of Providence, & several disappointments I have recently\n                            experienced, I should perhaps by this time have owned those Lands. And should it be in my\n                            power to purchase them of you hereafter, a scarcity of timber would be a great\n                            disadvantage. In case you should want any information relative to my character,\n                            &c.\u2014I beg leave to refer you to Mr Page, Mr New, or Mr Clopton members of Congress.\n                            With every sentiment of respect, I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00187", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Blount, 17 January 1797\nFrom: Blount, William,Cocke, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        We beg your Permission to recommend to you for your Nomination for District\n                            Judge of the District of Tennessee John Rhea Esquire: We recommend him upon the following\n                            grounds; In the late Revolution he embraced every opportunity to give Proofs by rendering\n                            personal services and otherwise of his firm Attachment to the Principles upon which the\n                            Independence of the United States was established, he is about forty five years of age,\n                            eighteen of which he has resided within the Limits of that Tract of Country at present\n                            denominated the State of Tennessee he is among the oldest Lawyers of that State with a great\n                            share of Practice and universally acknowledged to be possessed of as much legal knowledge\n                            and as good Abilities as any other in the State, a Man of unexceptionable moral Character,\n                            of general Science firmly attached to the present Form of Government and we assure you that\n                            his appointment to that Office will be pleasing to the Citizens of Tennessee in general: And\n                            as further Proofs of the Wishes of sundry respectable Citizens of Tennessee touching the\n                            appointment of Mr Rhea we inclose herewith several Letters a List of which is subjoined and\n                            have the honor to be very respectfully Your obedient Servants\n                            List of Papers inclosed herewith\n                             3 Do from George Gillaspie Sheriff and Colo. of\u2014Washington County 16th Novr 1796.\n                             4. Do from Landon Carter Brigr Genl Washington\u2014 District\u201425th Novr 1796.\n                            To which is subjoined the Certificate of Andrew Grier esquire.\n                            Mr Blount has also received other Letters equally recommendatory of Mr Rhea\n                                which cannot be inclosed because the Paragraphs respecting Mr Rhea are intermixed with\n                                others on private business, namely one from Brigadier General White of Hamilton\n                                District, another from Charles McClung Esquire Clerk of Knox County Court, a man of\n                                Character and good legal Abilites and another from James Stuart Esquire Speaker of the\n                                house of Representatives of the State of Tennessee.\n                            Mr Blount & Mr Cocke will be glad if the President has any Doubt as\n                                to the Propriety of nominating Mr Rhea that he would make Inquiry of the Representative\n                                of Tennessee Mr Andrew Jackson who is himself a Lawyer.\n                            I am induced to suppose, that there will be several Candidates for the\n                                Judges place, John Rhea esquire is among the Number; As to his Qualifications to fill\n                                that office I need not Mention to you, as you Are Very Well Acquainted with his Abilites\n                                and General Character. permit me to observe, that Mr Rhea in My opinion Will be very\n                                Acceptable to the people at large; perhaps More So than Any other person I have yet\n                                heard of Among the Number, And I make no doubt you Will use your interest to have him\n                                Appointed. I have the honor to be sir, Your Mo. obedt Servt\n                            You will no doubt have heard, before this reaches you that Mr John Rhea\n                                would accept the appointment of Federal Judge for this district.\n                            I am informed that Mr David Campbell will go on to Philadelphia to ask in\n                            If the voice of the people in this State would have any influence on him\n                                who is to nominate and those who are to advise and consent to that appointment it would,\n                                I believe, be almost unanimous in favor of the former.\n                            I have conversed with many on the subject and never heard any express a\n                                wish that any person should receive that appointment in preference to Mr Rhea: but on\n                                the contrary all appeared anxious that he should have it. I have the honor to be, with\n                                much esteem Your Obedient Servant\n                            It is the report of this place that Judge Campbell is gon on to\n                                philadelphia or is a Bout to start there, in order to be appointed Federal Judge\n                                Application was made me by a Number of the Citizens of this County to wright to you\n                                knowing that you and myself was well aquainted that It was not thair wish he should be\n                                Appointed by any means, the reasons they give was this that\n                                    they ware well a quainted with him as Judge and did Corduly\n                                despise him and it is also my wish that he be not Appointed If possiable it can be\n                                prevented I am Shore that nine tenths of the people of this State is Opposed to Campbells\n                                being Judge, I was requested to make mention to you Mr Rhea was the wish of the people\n                                in Gnl. If is Should Meet with your good Approbation I hope you will put his name in\n                                nomenation and have him Appointed if posiable, there Appears Nothing new at present Colo.\n                                Carter is Our Brigedear Gnl for this district on monday last was the election for the\n                                elector of this district and Hugh Nelson esqr. was Appointed the elector\u2014Mother and\n                                Family are well at present Brother allens Complements to you. I am Dear Sir with respects\n                            The mindes of the People Particularly of a number of\n                                my Acquaintances appear to be Adjutated Respecting the appointment of a Judge of the\n                                District of Tennessee under an Impression that Judge Campbell were making considerable\n                                exertions to obtain the Same which by no means appear to meet their Approbation which\n                                have been fully demonstrated by Written Instructions from the People of Washington\n                                County by their Representatives in Committee met in Jonesborough to\n                                their Representatives in General assembly at Knoxville by no means to Reappoint him as a\n                                State Judge when on the other hand they appear to be anxious that John Rhea Esqr.\n                                Attorney at Law Should fill that Vacancy and fllatter themselves that through the\n                                assistance of thier Senators he may obtain the Same in preference to any other Person we\n                                hear of in Nomination, I should have wrote more fully to yourself and Mr Cocke had not\n                                been for Want of time the Post being in haste, Pleas to Present my Compliments to Mr\n                                Cocke, I should be glad to Recive a Line for you both when ever Convenient. I am Sir\n                                with every Sentiment of Respect and Esteem Yours &C.\n                                P.S. Previous to Sealing this Andrew Grier Esqr. Signified his assent\n                                    to the foregoing Sentiment and therefore hath hereunto assigned his name.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00188", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Innes, 17 January 1797\nFrom: Innes, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The peculiarity of my present situation must plead my apology for the intrusion\n                            of this letter. Since my acceptance of the office of Commissioner to carry into effect the\n                            6th Article of the late treaty between the United States & Great Britain, I have\n                            been gradually preparing myself for the execution of that trust, by withdrawing from the\n                            functions of my profession, and by a resignation of the office of Attorney General for this\n                            Commonwealth. The last event took place early in Novr past, at the meeting of our\n                            Legislature. The relinquishment of my practice as a Lawyer, I conceived indispensably\n                            necessary from the idea I had formed of the duties incident to the office of a Commissioner\n                            under the British treaty, not only from the impracticability of discharging the duties of a\n                            public office and of a laborious profession at the same moment, but from a supposition that\n                            possible events of embarrassment & delicacy might result from a\n                            combination of both occupations. the renumeration of my practice, could\n                            no from the nature of it, be an immediate\n                                act; because from the commencement of legal process (at which period\n                            the fees are generally paid) to the termination of the Suit, in its various courses, many\n                            months, & sometimes years are consumed. Having been informed by the Secretary of\n                            State, immediately after the nominattion of the American Commissioners had been confirmed by\n                            the Senate, that it was not probable from the opposition which the house of Representatives\n                            had made to the British treaty, that the commissioners on the part of England would arrive\n                            in America sooner than the Autumn of the last year. I governed myself by the information in\n                            extrecating myself from every species of engagement, which might in any manner form even a\n                            temporary obstruction to an unembarrassed performance of the duties of a Commissioner. As to\n                            the resignation of the public employment I bore under this state, I found that measure\n                            necessary to shield my feelings from the calumny & persecution of a wild, &\n                            unprincipled faction which unfortunately predominates in the public councils, of this\n                            deluded Country to the members of which, a known attachment to the principles, &\n                            administration of the Genl Government, that most hallowed Palladium of American liberty,\n                            & happiness, furnishes a sufficient pretext to vilify, & hunt down the\n                            possessors of it, as far as they dare, covering their wickedness under the sanction of\n                            public duty, & the prostituted terms of patriotism, & republicanism. As it\n                            was known, that I had accepted the office of Commissioner, (for I disdained to deny it)\n                            after the appointments had been announced in the public prints, the leaders of this Anarchic\n                            party, who had attacked me for the two preceeding sessions, on the score of my Western\n                            mission, were prepared to come forward on new ground\u2014but I disappointed their malice by a\n                        This, then, is my present inconvenient situation\u2014without employment public or\n                            private\u2014perfectly suspended as to my future operations, surrounded by\n                            uncertainty, and unable to point my attention to a fixed plan of any\n                            kind. It is not probable that the English Commissioners will arrive during this inclement\n                            winter\u2014and three or four months spent in inactivity, and expense, would be heavily felt by\n                            one, whose fortune is small, & who depends on personal exertions for the\n                            maintenance & education of his family.\n                        Your having done me the honor to make to me a private communication on the\n                            subject of my nomination to this office, in which, you were pleased to express yourself in\n                            terms of politeness & regard, that will for ever command my warmest gratitude, has\n                            induced me to take the liberty of addressing you on this occasion. I should be unhappy if my\n                            intentions in doing it should in any way bear the semblance of impropriety, or that a canded\n                            developpment of my present embarrassment could be imputed to any other motive, than an\n                            anxiety arising from my situation, to be informed, when it is probable, I may be called upon\n                            to enter on the functions of my appointment, that I may know, to what objects in the mean\n                            time, I may with propriety devote myself. With the most sincere, & cordial sentiments\n                            of perfect esteem, regard, & respect, I have the honor to be Dear sir yr mo. obt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00192", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 18 January 1797\nFrom: White, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I was honored with your letter of 13th instant, and a copy of your letter of\n                            26th Ulo in course of Post\u2014I rather expected a Family residence would be required\u2014I need\n                            not say, for indeed I scarcely know, what I wished on the occasion; but so far I had made up\n                            my mind that I would not remain in Office under circumstances which did not meet your candid\n                            approbation; this I conceive your letter fully expresses, and considering it as a renewed\n                            instance of your favourable sentiments, it is with me a prevailing motive to sacrifice much\n                            domestic happiness to the formation of a public Institution.\n                        I have hitherto acted in perfect harmony with both my Colleagues, and expect I\n                            shall continue to do so; though their neglect in not acquainting me with what was doing or\n                            done at Annapolis and their sending for me before the time expired which they had themselves\n                            fixed for my return had made impressions not the most pleasing; in this\n                            temper of mine I first saw their\n                                letter to you mentioning my absence. I immediately\n                            wrote to you my letter of the 11th instant which evidenced a degree of\n                            displeasure; in that I was too hasty; for next morning I\n                            mentioned to them that I thought their letter\n                            carried with it an implication of neglect which I had not merited; they\n                                declared they had not the most distant thought of communicating such\n                            an Idea and offerd to write to you stating the\n                            circumstances as they really were\u2014they said they\n                                thought I was to have returned the first of January, but in mentioning the\n                            circum\t\tstance which led to the appointment of the tenth they perfectly recollected it. I hope I shall not again trouble you on any subject\n                                concerning myself\u2014I hope I shall fulfil your expectations\n                            attention to the duties of my office and beg\n                            you will believe me to be with\n                            sentiments of the highest respect, and sincere\n                            regard Dear Sir Your most 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00194", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie, second earl of Radnor, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Radnor, Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie, second earl of\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Longford Castle near Salisbury Jany 19. 1797\n                        Tho\u2019 of Necessity a Stranger to You, I cannot deny myself the Satisfaction\n                            among the Many, who will probably even from this Country intrude upon your Retirement, of\n                            offering to You my Congratulations on your withdrawing yourself from the Scene of public\n                            Affairs with a Character, which appears to me perfectly unrivalled in History. The voluntary\n                            Resignation of Authority, wielded as it was, while You thought fit to wield it, for the\n                            Advantage of your Country is the universal Opinion of Mankind, confirms the Judgement I had\n                            presumed to form of your Moderation, and completes the Glory of your Life.\n                        Permit me, Sir, who enlisted, in no political Party have as a public Man looked\n                            up to You with Veneration; Who have seen the Begining of your Career against England with\n                            Approbation, because I felt England was unjust; Who have seen You discontinue your Hostility\n                            towards England, when in good Faith she was no longer acting as an Enemy to America, but was\n                            by honest Councels endeavouring to be as closely connected in Amity, as she is by natural,\n                            & mutual Interests; Who have seen You the Instrument in the Hand of Providence of\n                            wresting from the British Minister an Influence destructive of the just Rights of both\n                            Countries, and of establishing the Independence of America, which I am persuaded will\n                            eventually, if your Principles, & your Wisdom shall actuate your Successors, be the\n                            Means of securing these respectively to us both; Who have seen You in Adiversity, and in\n                            Prosperity alike the good, the firm, the moderate, the honest, and the disinterested\n                            Patriot; Permit me I say, as an Englishman, and as a Man to rejoice at the Completion of\n                            such a Character, and to offer my unfeigned Wishes dictated by Respect for a peaceful\n                            Evening of your Life, and the Realization (as is my sincere Belief) of your posthumous Fame,\n                            and your eternal Happiness. I have the Honor, Sir, to subscribe myself your very obedient", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00196", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Congress, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Congress\n                        Gentlemen of the Senate\n                                and of the House of RepresentativesUnited States January 19th 1797\n                        At the opening of the present Session of Congress I mentioned that some\n                            circumstances of an unwelcome nature had lately occurred in relation to France; that our\n                            trade had suffered and was suffering extensive injuries in the West Indies from the Cruisers\n                            and Agents of the French Republic; and that communications had been received from its\n                            minister here which indicated danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its\n                            authority, and that were in other respects far from agreeable: but that I reserved for a\n                            special message, a more particular communication on this interesting subject. This\n                        The complaints of the French minister embraced most of the transactions of our\n                            Government in relation to France from an early period of the present war; which therefore it\n                            was necessary carefully to review. A collection has been formed of letters and papers\n                            relating to those transactions, which I now lay before you, with a letter to Mr Pinckney,\n                            our minister at Paris, containing an examination of the Notes of the French Minister, and\n                            such information as I thought might be useful to Mr Pinckney in any further representations\n                            he might find necessary to be made to the French Government. The immediate object of his\n                            mission was to make to that Government such explanations of the principles and conduct of\n                            our own, as by manifesting our good faith might remove all jealousy and discontent, and\n                            maintain that harmony and good understanding with the French Republic which it has been my\n                            constant solicitude to preserve. A Government which required only a knowledge of the truth to justify its measures, could not but be anxious to have\n                            this fully and frankly displayed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00197", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Theophilus Alte, 20 January 1797\nFrom: Alte, Theophilus\nTo: Washington, George\n                            in the Country of berg in the Palatinate Solingen 20 January 1797\n                        A natural inclination to a free Country, and principaly to that of america of\n                            which to the Knowledge of the Universe you were the founder and Protector, after Some\n                            reflection I found no place nor Country to chuse for my Son, but to Send him thence in the\n                            year 1795. I took the liberty to Send by him a Sword mounted Which has been made in our\n                            fabrik destined it to you, as the only man I Know in this World Who acted in an\n                            uninterressted manner for the happiness of his Country. I hoped from time to time to get an\n                                advice from my Son, that he had delivered the mentioned Sword, and\n                            that he had been as happy as to have been accepted by you reverend President.\n                        I am therefore very anxious to Know Whether my Son has punctually executed his\n                            Commission or not, his letter Which informs us of his arrival at Philadelphia is the only I\n                            received till this moment, in the mean time a Marchant of this town, Whose name is\n                                Halbach his trade is of Some Consequence in those Countrys: made\n                            Some malicious informations about that Sword, and the more he was absolutely to Know the\n                            intention I had had of Sending my Son to America, that I therefore believe my Son has not\n                            yet presented the above mentionned Sword to you. I have given to him a Second information. I\n                            believe that he as an unexperimented traveller has either been intimitated or frightened.\n                            Whowever he will very Soon executed my intention.\n                        I assure you upon my honnesty Reverend President that I took the liberty of\n                            Sending the Sword to you in no interressted manner, I only Sent it to you as to Whom\n                            delivered a Country as yours from all Esclavage known as you are in your Justice I\n                            Sent my Son thither as in a Country of liberty. Where I am persuaded under your protection he\n                            might live happy by What he intends to undertake, my intention was that he might Chuse the\n                            trade in different articles which our manufactures affords. but I give him his Choice, if he\n                            will be found Capable as to Serve in the State he has to chuse, I don\u2019t doubt he will in all\n                            manners work with fidelity.\n                            Pardon Reverend President that I made you loose so much\n                            time by reading my triffling  Whowever the veneration I have for\n                            you, and of What Great author\u2019s have told us of your incomparable Caracter has given me the\n                            liberty of expressing myself so familiary. Whowever believe me that I am\n                            with Most Venerations Your Most Obedient", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00198", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 20 January 1797\nFrom: Pearce, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        1797 January 20thDr. Mansion house for the work of 8 hands Amt  \u214c Week48 daysCr. By hauling Hay & Straw for Horses &\n                            Cattle4\" Hauling Timber for the Carpenters2\" going to Mill 2 days & Hauling Wood to burn Shells 1 d.3\" Hauling Wood 8 days cuting of Wood 12 days20\" Hauling Salt from Alexria1\" Heaping of Manure18\" Picking potatoes of frost bitt ones2\" Repairing of Mill Dam3\" Killing of 3 Cows some Bull 2 days & carrying Lime into Coopers Shop 348Dr.Ditchers for the Work of 4 hands Amt. \u214c Week24 daysCr. By repairing the Mill dam & Stoping Leakes in the Race12cuting wood to burn Shells2cuting on new Road9Seting & Burning a Small Lime kell 124\n                        Stock 1 Stud 7 Horses 1 Colt 6 Jacks 9 Working Mules 17 do not broke 10 Jeanets\n                            16 Cattle & 8 Sheep decrease 1 Cow killed\n                        Increase 4 Sheep from Union & Dogrun farms\n                        Corn sent to Mill\u20148 Bushels. John Neale 2 Bushels Meal & James Anderson\n                            2 Bushels Potatoes & one  & 2 Bushels Salt\n                        Dr. Mudy hole for the Work of 14 hands Amt \u214c Week84\n                            daysCr. By hauling wheat to Mill4\" Hauling Meat from Bogus Mill 1 day Manure  & Wood 12\" cleaning of wheat17\" Grubing on the road 40, Mauling on do 545\" Thrashing Tailings of Wheat, & Shelling Corn  a bad day13Sick Molly 384\n                        Stock 7 Horses, 4 Mules 36 H. Cattle, & one Young Calf & 49\n                        Corn sent to Mill 8 1/2 Bushels Wheat to do 130 1/2 Bushels Corn fed to Stock 2\n                        daysDr. Union Farm for the work of 23 hands Amt \u214c Week138Cr.By fencing 15 days Hewing of Rails 7 days22\"cuting & mauling Rails 15 days & cuting of Wood 8 days23\"Picking up of Corn stalks 10 days, geting posts  3, and Hewing do 417\"Hauling of Corn Stalks into the Cow Yard6\"Hauling of Rails, & wood 8 days8\"Thrashing & cleaning of Rye14\"Grubing in the field intended for Corn16\"Rachel Grubing on new Road6Sick Siss 5 days Edy 6, Moses 3 Sam 4 Flora 6 & Patt 2 26138\n                        Stock 16 Horses, 6 Mules, 69 Horned Cattle, 14 Year Olds, & 3 Calves\n                            121 Sheep, Decrease by Death, the old grey horse, 2 of the Cows that were fattening,\n                            & 4 Wedders sent to the Mansion house\n                        Corn sent to Mill20 BushelsCorn fed to Stock10 Bushels\n                        daysDr. River Farm for the work of 27 hands Amt \u214c Week162Cr. By hauling Rails 6, & wood 3 days9\"\" Loading Carts & hauling Corn stalks 6 days hauling Corn to Mill 1 d.7\"\" Cuting & Mauling Rails 16 & diging Sheep Troughs 4 days20\"Old Matt cuting wood 5 days Cleaning flax 12 days17\"Grubing 44 days, & Mending Shoes (waiting upon  it) 2 days46\"Attending to Stock18\"Shelling Corn When Snow & raining22Sick Bridgey 6 days Betty 6, Judey 4, Este 3 & Old Ben 4 23162\n                        Stock 10 Horses, 1 Colt 11 Mules, 84 Horned Cattle, 2 Calves, increase 2 Cattle\n                        Corn sent to Mill 20 1/2 BushesCorn to Mansion 30 dodo fed to Stock 17 1/2\n                        Dr. Dogue run for the work of 16 hands Amt \u214c Week96 daysCr. By fencing 18 days, & cleaning round fences  32 days50\"Cuting, & Mauling Rails22\"Carting Rails & wood6\"Spreading Manure3\"Sawing Timber for broad Rails2Sick, Dick 3 days, Sall 6 days Ben 2, & Betty 2 days1396\n                        Stock 5 Horses, 1 Colt & 8 Mules, & 70 Horned Cattle &\n                            one Calf\u2014138 Sheep Decreased of Sheep 5, of which 4 sent to Mansion to fatt & one\n                        Corn sent to Mill 12 BushelsCorn fed to Stock 10 do3 Wild Hogs Catched\n                        Dr. Carpenters an Brick Layers for the Work of Nine men for two Weeks amt108Cr. By Jointing of plank & fixing a plow in the Coopers Shop a Distilery }9Dys\"Getting of Timber for the Shop Use & repairing of Dogue run stalles27\"Rounding out Cart Wheel Tellows in Bad Weather12\"Dressing of shingles at River Farm in bad weather3\"Halling of Timber with the Waggon to the Shop1\"Sawing of scantling for carts &c. &c.8\"Isack & Joe in Shop making one Cart for Union  Farm repairing two more Do Repairing Cart\n  Wheels Making 4 Spade Handles }20Sickness Isack 4 Days  484Brick LayersBy Tom Davis & Mueles digging of Brick dust20\" Ditto Rounding of Tellows in the time of bad weather\n                        Mill Grist Dr.CornWheatContra Cr.MealTo Dogue run Farm12By Muddy hole Farm2\" River Farm20\" Dogue run Farm12\" Mansion House8\" River Farm132\" Muddy Hole2\" Mansion House193/4\" Toll this Week3\" James Anderson 1 Bushel Meal1By Muddy Hole For\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 130\n                                1/2Ditto fine flower 50 Lib47130\" John Violet1\" Joseph Cash 1/2 Cooper & Miller 1\n                        Dr. Coopers for the work of one Man & boy Amt \u214c Week12 DaysCr. By Making Flower Barrels & hooping the Worm Tub12Dr.Miller Ben Cr. By working with Mansion house hands6 DaysDr. spinners & Knitters for the work of 15 Womeen Amt \u214c week90Cr. By Betsy Davis spinning 5 Lib of Tow Yarn6\" Dalsy    Do      4 Lib Spinning on the\n  Little Wheel6\" Anne     Do      4 Lib of Ditto6\" Alsy     Do      4 Lib of Ditto6\" Delia    Do      4 Lib of Do6\" Carolina Do      3 Lib of Do4\" Delphia  Do      1/3 Lib of Do6\" Matilda  Do      6 Lib of Do Spining of the\n  Big Wheel6\" Judit    Do      4 Lib of stocking Yarn6\" Kitty    Do      2 Lib of sewing thread6\n\" Charlote Knitting 2 pair of stockings6\" Lucy     Do       1 pair of Do6\" Sall nolling6Sickness Lame Ally 6 Days Doll 6 Days Carolin 214Lame Peter Knitting 2 pr Stockings 6 days90 DaysDr.Gardner for the Work of 3 men Amt \u214c Week18Cr. By Grubing up Honey Suckle & planting12\" Carrying Dung into the garden3\" Lost by snow\n                        By Grubing up Honey Suckle & planting Harkles 4 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00199", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Greenwood, 20 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Greenwood, John\n                        I must again resort to you for assistance. The teeth herewith enclosed have, by\n                            degrees, worked loose and, at length, two or three of them have given way altogether. I send\n                            them to you to be repaired, if they are susceptible of it; if not, then for the purpose of\n                            substituting others. I would thank you for, returning them as soon as possible for although\n                            I now make use of another sett, they are both uneasy in the mouth and bulge my lips out in\n                            such a manner as to make them appear considerably swelled.\n                        You will perceive at the first view, that one cause of these teeth giving way\n                            is for want of a proper socket for the root part of them to rest in, as well for the purpose\n                            of keeping them firm & in place at bottom, as to preserve them against the effect of\n                            the saliva, which softens the part that formerly was covered by the gums and afforded them\n                            nourishment. Whether this remedy can be applied to the present sett I know not, for nothing\n                            must be done to them which will, in the least degree force the\n                            lips out more than now do, as it does this too much already; but\n                            if both upper and lower teeth were to incline inwards more, it would shew the shape of the\n                            mouth better, & not be the worse in any other respect.\n                        Send with the teeth, springs about a foot in length, but not cut; and about\n                            double that length of a tough gold wire, of the size you see with the teeth, for fastening\n                            the springs. Accompany the whole with your Account, and the amount shall be immediately sent\n                            by Post in a bank note. I am Sir Your very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00201", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 21 January 1797\nFrom: Peters, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\n                        R. Peters presents his Compliments to The President & sends him one of\n                            his Books on Plaister, which he has taken the Freedom to inscribe to him, from Motives of\n                        R.P. will, if the Presidt wishes to distribute some among his Friends, send a\n                            few next Week for that Purpose having no more new bound.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00203", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 21 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I recd your favor of the 10th during my confinement under a severe attack of\n                            the Pleuresy. I am now on the recovery, tho\u2019 very weak, nor have I yet left my room.\n                        The deed you wrote for is now enclosed, but I find it was not recorded within\n                            the time prescribed by Law.\n                        I have received no answer to my letter respecting your Kanawa Lands. As that\n                            letter was interesting to you, I hope it did not miscarry.\n                        Nancy joins me in Love to yourself & my Aunt. Believe me to be very\n                            sincerely My dear Uncle Your Affect. Nephew & much obliged 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00204", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\n                        Your letter of the 18th instant, with the Inventory & Reports of the\n                            preceeding week, came to my hands yesterday; and being satisfied from your observations, and\n                            indeed (on reflection) from what had occured to me before, of the necessity of water passing\n                            thro\u2019 the Distillery, I cannot do otherwise than approve of the establishment at the Mill,\n                            for temporary purposes. The result of wch, must decide for, or against a more permanent one,\n                            on a larger Scale at that place.\n                        How far have you got, or is it likely you will get, with the New Road before\n                            the labourers must be taken off for other purposes, which cannot be dispensed with? The\n                            manner in which you propose (in your last letter) to open it, will be sufficient, and quite\n                        The Cellar under the North end of the House, has a Well in it which I sunk\n                            some years ago for the purpose of keeping Ice; and an attempt was made to do it; but from a\n                            mistaken idea (which prevailed in those days) of excluding the external air, it was, from the\n                            humidity within, occasioned by a close stopper, all dissolved before I opened it: I wish\n                            therefore (if the Ice is sound & good after this letter gets to your hands) that you\n                            would again fill & ram it well; putting a thin layer of straw all round, &\n                            some at bottom on blocks; & leave it uncovered. While this work is about, make\n                            Allison remain in the Cellar; otherwise, as it is the present receptacle of the Pork, there\n                            will be a large Toll taken from it, by the Negros who are employed.\n                        It is pretended here, that a new kind of red clover has been discovered by an\n                            English Farmer in the Jerseys. It grows, according to his account, much ranker than the\n                            common red clover; blooms much later; but yields at one cutting nearly as much as the other\n                            does at two. I will send you (along with the other clover, & the early Potatoes)\n                            half a bushel of this seed, as soon as the navigation is open; of which indeed there seems\n                            to be little prospect at present; and will make them come to you, I fear, very unseasonably;\n                            but as you may rely on the Potatoes & the above clover seed (five bushels and an\n                            half in all) you will, of course be prepared for the reception of them.\n                        I will write to Mr Landon Carter of Cleve (opposite to Port Royal) and request\n                            him to inform you decisively, by letter, directed to the Post Office in Alexandria, whether I\n                            may depend upon 30 bushels of Peas before you send the Waggon for them. The sooner after he\n                            authorises it, it goes, the better; as the Road will be extremely deep on the breaking up of\n                        You ask my opinion with respect to cutting down the thorn hedges. I leave the\n                            decision of this matter to your own experience, which must be much greater than mine\u2014If the\n                            doing it will not destroy the stock, it certainly will thicken the hedge, & of\n                            course add to the efficacy of it; but I have doubts whether cutting the Cedar down may not\n                            be a means of destroying the plants, which would be unfortunate.\n                        In looking over the Inventory you sent me, I see no mention of my large Boat.\n                            If it is not in being, it will be the second of the kind I shall have lost within a short\n                            time. It will be prudent to have the fishing Boats drawn up, or, more than probable, the Ice\n                        In the Alexandria Store Accounts, transmitted to me by Mr Pearce, I perceive an\n                            amazing number of Spades, Shovels, Scythes and Carpenters tools of various kinds &ca\n                            &ca charged to me. Hence, It is to be feared these things have sometimes been got\n                            without his orders. If this has been practiced, an absolute stop must be put to it; and\n                            nothing got without a written order from you. This used to be an\n                            invariable practice. nay more, when I was at home & could attend to my own business,\n                            no new thing (not even a file) was ever given out without having the old, of the same kind,\n                            brought in, or a satisfactory account rendered of it. Without rules of this sort are\n                            observed, there will not only be great profusion in getting, and inattention to things when\n                            got, but there may be, by those into whose hands they are placed, great embezzlement also.\n                        How does the grain in the ground, and vetch, look after the severe drought in\n                            the fall, & hard weather since? The several matters which, (in your last letter) you\n                            propose to do, seem to me to be judicious, & are approved accordingly. I wish you\n                            health & remain Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00208", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Farrington, 23 January 1797\nFrom: Farrington, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Be pleased, to accept the inclosed, as a real Testimony, of a sincere,\n                            & candid. Respect, & Esteem from your very Obedient Humble Servant\n                            When we recognize that Starr, which in ancient\n                                Times, appeared in the East, to point out a Saviour to Mankind; Let us greatfully\n                                    remmember a Washington, who, in later Times, appeared\n                                in the West, & led the Armies of America, to Victory, & Glory.\n                            (Original, by Tho: Farrington, when, Secy to the G: Lodge, for the\n                                Commonwealth of Massachusetts; 25th July 5792.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00209", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 23 January 1797\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\n                        General Lee returns herewith the paper which the President was pleased to give\n                            to him last evening\u2014He has derived great pleasure from its perusal and presents a complete\n                            refutation of all the charges exhibited agst govt by Mr adet & breathes throughout a\n                            spirit of moderation & friendship which ought to produce the happiest effects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00210", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 January 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Secretary of State has the pleasure to present to the President a letter\n                            received this morning from Colo. Humphreys, by which it appears that Capt. OBrien &\n                            hands with the treasure are safe in Tripoli\u2014and that the Dey of Algiers has demanded the\n                            delivery on pain of making war: there can be little doubt of the recovery of the money,\n                            seeing the Dey considers it as the property of the Regency.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00212", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 23 January 1797\nFrom: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\n                        You will pardon me\u2014I am persuaded you will\u2014for troubling you with an\n                            affectionate, \u2018tho unimportant Letter: unimportant as to business\u2014not so, as it respects my\n                        I have been promising myself the pleasure of seeing you in the course of this\n                            Winter, and presenting to you in person, my respects and my regrets; but, the severity of the\n                            season, with some other circumstances, I find will prevent me. My regrets you have long\n                            since known, on the subject of your leaving the Goverment, while the event was in\n                            contemplation only\u2014all my feelings on the actual occasion you cannot know. it is not in my\n                            power to convey them to you; nor, was it in my power, would it be of any real importance to\n                            do it. Some of the consequences which I have heretofore ventured to present to your View in\n                            contemplation, have already been experienced, in the late hardly contested Election for your\n                            Successor. Would to Heaven! that this might be the only Evil we shall have to encounter in\n                            this Event\u2014circumstances however, almost forbid us the Hope. But Providence is Wise\u2014and to\n                            its disposals, I shall endeavour to bow, with profound submission & acquiescence.\n                        Be assured Sir! that, in every situation in which you may be placed, my most\n                            respectfull Regards & Veneration will ever attend you. in your retreat from the\n                            Cares of Business, my warmest benedictions, will accompany you\u2014and, in the Bosom of your\n                            long wished for retirement, may you be favored with every enjoyment your fondest wishes may\n                            suggest\u2014And further\u2014I most devoutly pray Heaven to grant, that no evil Demon of Discord may\n                            be suffered to arise and agitate the Peace & Happiness of our Country, so as again\n                            to dragg you from your pleasing Quiet & repose!! But\u2014of this event, I am far\u2014too far\n                            alas, from being confident.\n                        May I pray you Sir! to commend my very respectfull Regards to Mrs Washington.\n                            participating as she does in your wishes for retirement, may she also participate with you\n                            in the enjoyments of Tranquility & repose in your Retreat.\n                        With all the sincerity of my wonted Attachment, I bid you a happy Adieu!! and\n                            beg leave to add\u2014that I am\u2014Dear Sir! Your real & Affectionate Friend &\n                            ever devoted hume 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00213", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Barnwell, 24 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Barnwell, Robert\n                        I acknowledge the receipt of your obliging favour of the 20th of the last\n                            month, covering the Resolutions of the House of Representatives of the State of South\n                            Carolina of the preceeding day.\n                        The sense the House have been pleased to express of my public services, the\n                            declaration of their affectionate attachment, and their kind wishes for my happiness, are\n                            for those services the most grateful reward.\n                        While I enjoy the personal satisfaction which the general sentiment of\n                            approbation expressed by my country cannot fail to produce, I derive from it, as a citizen\n                            of the United States, the greatest pleasure; as it authorises the conclusion that the\n                            important measures of their Government have been calculated to promote their true and permanent interests, which are inseperately\n                            connected with rectitude of principle and impartial justice to other Nations.\n                        You will have the goodness to communicate to the House of Representatives these\n                            sentiments, with my sincere acknowledgments for the marks of attention with which they have\n                            honoured me. Your individual and affectionate solicitude for my happiness is entitled to my", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00214", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gabriel-Mathieu, Comte Dumas, 24 January 1797\nFrom: Dumas, Gabriel-Mathieu, Comte\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Mr Le Gal Pinkney aupr\u00e8s de qui je me Suis inform\u00e9 de La Sant\u00e9 de Votre\n                                excellence, Veut bien vous transmettre avec ce Paquet L\u2019hommage de mon respect, et de mon\n                                Souvenir reconnoissant je Vous prie d\u2019accepter ce Petit \u00e9crit Sur notre Situation\n                                politique et militaire comme un t\u00e9moignage de mes Sentimens. Votre excellence pourra y\n                                reconnoitre Le fruit de Ses Le\u00e7ons, et peut \u00eatre aussi Le caract\u00e8re de la V\u00e9ritable\n                                opinion publique en france: je la Supplie de conserver aux Vrais amis de la cause\n                                commune de la libert\u00e9 des deux nations Son estime particuli\u00e8re dont ils ne cesseront de\n                            Les derni\u00e9res nouvelles que nous ayons re\u00e7ues du g\u00e9n\u00e9ral lafayette et de\n                                Ses malheureux compagnons, ne Sont pas plus Satisfaisantes que les pr\u00e9c\u00e9dentes; Sa Sant\u00e9\n                                est fort alt\u00e9r\u00e9e ainsi que celle de Sa Vertueuse et respectable \u00e9pouse; nous esp\u00e9rons\n                                que la Paix in\u00e9vitable m\u00eame par le Seul \u00e9puisement des puissances bellig\u00e9rantes, nous\n                                donnera au dedans et au dehors des moyens de Servir efficacement notre ami.\n                            Le g\u00e9n\u00e9ral Rochambeau est toujours dans Sa maison de campagne pr\u00e8s de\n                                Vend\u00f4me; il y jouit d\u2019une ass\u00e9s bonne Sant\u00e9 pour Son grand age, et compte ainsi que\n                                toute Sa famille militaire au nombre de Ses plus chers et des Ses plus glorieux\n                                Souvenirs, celui du tems ou nous avions L\u2019honneur de Servir Sous vos ordres.\n                            J\u2019ai L\u2019honneur D\u2019etre avec le plus Profond Respect, Mon general V\u00f4tre tr\u00e9s\n                                humble et tr\u00e9s obeissant Serviteur\n                            My generalParis 5 Pluviose 5th year January the 24th BGeneral Pinkney to whom I am obliged for information on your excellency\u2019s\n                                health will be so kind as to forward to you with this packet the hommage of my respect\n                                and of my grateful remembrance. I beg of you to accept of this short pamphlet on our\n                                military and political situation as a witness of my sentiments. your excellency will\n                                acknowledge in it the effect of your lessons and perhaps also the caracter of the true\n                                public opinion in France. I beg of you to preserve for the true friends of the common\n                                cause of the Liberty of both nations your particular esteem of which they will always\n                            the last news we have received from general Lafayette and his unfortunate\n                                companions are not more satisfactory than those we had before his health is very much\n                                impaired as well as that of his virtuous and respectable wife. we are in hope that peace\n                                unavoidable even on account of the exhausted state of the belligerent powers will give\n                                us both in and out of our own country means to serve effectually our friend.\n                            General Rochambeau is still at his country seat near Vendome. he enjoys\n                                there a tolerable good health considering his great age, and reckons as well as his\n                                military family amongst his most dear and glorious remembrances that of the time we had\n                                the honor to serve under your command. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect\n                                My general Your most humble and 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00216", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Ramsay, 24 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ramsay, David\n                        I have your letter of the 21st of last month, covering the unanimous resolve of\n                            the Senate of the State of South-Carolina of the 19th, in which they have been pleased to\n                            express, in affectionate terms, their approbation of my public services.\n                        The general concurrence of my fellow-citizens in such sentiments, manifested by\n                            their Representatives in the State Legislatures, will be to me a source of pure and lively\n                        I beg you, Sir, to communicate to the Senate my sincere thanks for their\n                            testimony of the public opinion and respect of my fellow-citizens, and for their ardent\n                            wishes that I may enjoy a long and uninterrupted course of happiness. This enjoyment will\n                            necessarily depend on the happiness of my country; and this, on the maintaining absolutely\n                        Be pleased, Sir, to accept my acknowledgments for the obliging and friendly\n                            manner in which you have communicated to me the Resolve 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00217", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 24 January 1797\nFrom: Spotswood, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n                        General Lee and myself have Cancelled our bargain for the three tracts of land\n                            Laying in Kentucky, & which I purchased of him last year, (on certain Conditions,)\n                            two of which tracts had been previously Sold to you.\n                        In March I shall depart for that State to carry these conditions into effect\n                            and if you have not yet Sold the two Sd tracts on Ruff Creek, I would advise you not to do\n                            so\u2014haveing every reason to believe, that these lands are of far greater Vallue: than the\n                            general current price of lands in that quarter.\n                        However, from yr own information, and the following detail you can Judge.\n                        When In Kentucky in 1795, I vissitted my frd Colo. Anderson\u2014told him of my\n                            purchase of Lee, and shewed him my pattents which on farther Inspection proved to be only\n                            Coppies when he observed the names of the Mays\u2014he Said, that some years ago, he purchased of\n                            the Mays, a large quantity of land; and as he only intended to keep about 15,000 acrees\u2014and\n                            sell the ballance\u2014desired them to give him a list of Such lotts as they would advise to keep\n                            as most Valluable\u2014that they did so\u2014after which the Mays Sold Some of this land\u2014Which caused\n                            him to cancel his bargain with them\u2014now says he I will look at the list, and if these lotts\n                            are there, you may rely they are Valluable. On looking into the list, the two tracts you\n                            purchased of Genl Lee was the two first mentioned; and he goes on and advises Anderson to\n                            purchase Andrew Woodrows 300 acree Survey, (which you Now have) which was a Valluable\n                            Situation for water Works of every kind, and lay Contiguous to the Ore bank\u2014which I am told is\n                            on the 2000 acree lott\u2014as I shall go on these lands with the Gentlemen appointed by Lee and\n                            myself to Vallue them, it will give me pleasure to pay attention to any instructions you may\n                            please to forward to me\u2014Mrs Spotswood, myself and family are all well & most\n                            Sincerely join in most affectionate benefits &c. to you & Mrs Washington. I\n                            am dr sr with Sincere regard yrs Affectionately\n                            I have lately heard that lands in Ruff creek had lately Risen, to 20 ds. pr\n                                Acree\u2014but in what quarter of Ruff Creek, I did not learn. I am just told by Mr Maury\u2014who\n                                has been A Kentucky gazetter\u2014that yr two tracts of land in Ruff creek was advertised to\n                                be sold\u2014in the name of Henry Lee\u2014or so much thereof as would raise the Tax due\n                                thereon\u2014you had better let me carry out Lees deed to you & have it reworded.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00218", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Walker, 24 January 1797\nFrom: Walker, George\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Most Respected Sir, Philada Jany 24th 1797\n                        Permit me, for the last time I shall ever trouble You on the subject, to lay\n                            before you the cause of the late small altercation, which took place between Commissioner\n                            Scott and myself; for although Mr Scott drew Mr White into a concurrence; yet, he was not\n                            the moving cause: And as for Dr Thornton he was in the negative through the whole.\n                        Sometime previous to my leaving the City last Spring, I had divided all the\n                            Squares upon my place, in which I was wholly proprietor, except Square No. 1065; Although, I\n                            have been able to procure plots of but a very few only. Upon the calculations being made and\n                            the Accot Summed up by the Surveyor, it was found that, the public had got 126,000 Square\n                            feet, or upwards of 25 standard Lots, more than their half. Upon representing this case to\n                            the Board, then composed by Mr Scott and Dr Thornton, and shewing them a certificate from\n                            their Surveyor to that effect, Mr Scott, promised, with the consent of Dr Thornton, that the\n                            balance due me should be paid in Square 1065; being the only one entirely mine, remaining to\n                            be divided. Confiding in that promise, I requested nothing in writing to confirm it; And\n                            accordingly, in October last, I divided the Squares act by the lines of our Lands, when upon\n                            calculation, a further balance arose in favour of the public, which gave me no concern, as I\n                            still depended upon the undivided Square to make up the difference. Before I proceed farther\n                            permit me, to lay before You, Mr Scott\u2019s Schemes respecting the City, of which I am in full\n                            possession, having since his residence in Geo. Town been very intimate with him, besides\n                            being the confidential friend of the man who is his confidential friend. You will therefore\n                            be pleased to pardon me, when I assure You that, Mr Scott would sacrifice everything to\n                            promote his own interest; and having large property above Geo. Town, besides, having\n                            purchased considerably in and about that place, he has laid a deep Scheme to keep back the\n                            Capitol, in order that Congress may be forced to hold their Sessions in the Presidents House,\n                            and to lodge in and about Geo. Town\u2014He accordingly has been speculating in lots at that end\n                            of the City, and has used every exertion to prevent strangers from purchasing Lots or\n                            Settling at the East end. Summer before last, he strove hard to have the plan of the Capitol\n                            altered, by which all that had been done, would have been lost, and excuses would have been\n                            found for the preventing the commencement of it anew. Last fall, he attempted to have the\n                            area appropriated for the Marine Hospital abolished, which he intended as a precedent for\n                            altering the place intended for the meeting of Congress. My opposition to that measure drew\n                            upon me the resentment of Mr Scott, and accordingly, when I asked for payment for the two\n                            large public Areas on my place, Mr Scoot with the concurrence of Mr White, wrote me a\n                            positive refusal. This surprised and incensed me much, as it is a right so fully secured by\n                            the Deed of trust, and knowing that they had paid most of the other proprietors three Years\n                            ago; while I have not received one Shilling for mine. Thus matters stood, when one day being\n                            in the Commissioners Office, Mr Scott told me, that my last Square was now plotted and ready\n                            for division; to which I answered, that as soon as they should return the balance they owed\n                            me, that I would divide that Square. Mr Scott, haughtily replied, that he knew of no balance\n                            due me, and that, if I would not divide it, they would divide it without me by alternate\n                            lots. I requested him to consult their Surveyor, and observed that I hoped they would not\n                            take more from me than one half of my property in the City. Upon this we parted, and next\n                            morning I understood that they had divided the Square in question, not by alternate lots,\n                            but by alternate quarters, a power they not possess by Law, and which division I will\n                            endeavour to set aside. Finding that they had proceeded in this Arbitrary manner, without\n                            even consulting their Surveyor, I requested Mr Nicholson to remonstrate with them upon the\n                            subject, which he readily did, and at the same time assured them that, he and Mr Morris\n                            relinquished all claim to any part of the Square in dispute. They refused however, to hear\n                            any reasoning upon the matter; upon which, in the moment of resentment, I put the\n                            Advertisement in the City Paper which you may have seen, and the juggling business that had\n                            been carried on in City lots, between Mr Scott and Genl Forrest, then making a great noise\n                            in the City and Geo. Town, was in the impulse of the moment, made a preamble to it. That I\n                            was wrong in troubling the public with what I have right to by Law, I readily admit. But,\n                            having before, lost a very advantageous Sale in Holland, by not having my ground laid out and\n                            plotted, while at the Geo. Town end was all finished; it is difficult to bear such a\n                            complication of injuries quietly. Besides, at the time I engaged in that object, I expected\n                            that the operations at the two ends of the City would be carried on as nearly alike as\n                            possible. And I could not have believed, that so great and important a national object,\n                            would be made subservient to any neighbouring Village. The influence that Geo. Town has\n                            hitherto had upon the operations in the City, has been the cause of its moving on so\n                            heavily, and of the general want of confidence throughout the Union in that object. If the\n                            same system is pursued, Mr Law, the greatest acquisition the City has, will leave it in\n                            disgust, as well as some others who have settled at that end\u2014As to the scheme of forcing\n                            Geo. Town into a place of consequence enough to accommodate Congress, it will be impossible.\n                            For exclusive of its natural rugged situation, and the devastation of the Ice in Winter and\n                            the Spring, the channel is now filling up so fast, that there is not now more than 10 feet\n                            Water at low tide, can be drawn to it, or indeed to any part of the City itself, the Eastern\n                            Branch excepted. If therefore the Capitol is not hurried on, and every encouragement given\n                            to build and improve about it, there will not be accommodations for Congress by the time\n                            fixed. If therefore, you should go out of Office, without establishing, by some means, the\n                            plan of the City; and the public appropriations unalterable except by a Law of Congress, Mr\n                            Scott will reign an absolute Bashaw in the City. The Capitol will be kept back, and the\n                            public appropriations at the East end abolished, or changed. For Your Successor, will\n                            naturally pay such respect to the opinions of the Men You may leave in Office, that he will\n                            allow them to do as they please. The Circumstance of the Commissioners residing in George\n                            Town, is matter of surprise to all strangers who visit the City; and if any new object is to\n                            be introduced, it ought in my opinion, to be placed convenient to the purpose for which it\n                            is intended. A National University, would be more convenient nearly central in the City, than\n                        The freedom, with which I have treated this important subject, may have given\n                            You temporary displeasure; but the time will soon come, when you will be satisfied of the\n                            truth of all I have asserted; although, it may then be too late for You to interfere. Mr\n                            Richd Brent, and Mr Geo. Graham, inform me that, since I left the City, the proprietors at\n                            the East end proposed a meeting, in order to address You, respecting the discharge of Mr\n                            Scott, before You go out of Office; but that they declined it, from a conviction of want of\n                            success, and from an apprehension of giving You umbrage. Thus Sir, whatever may be the\n                            event, I have finally discharged my duty, in regard to an object, in which I have so much at\n                            stake; and wishing You health, and Heavens choicest Blessings in Your intended retirement, I\n                            have the honour to be, with the greatest admiration, and the most profound veneration and\n                            esteem Sir Your most devoted and very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00219", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Ashe, 25 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ashe, Samuel\n                        I have received your very friendly letter of the 30th of last month, covering\n                            the address of the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina.\n                        The Sentiments expressed by the General Assembly, and their testimony of the\n                            usefulness of my public services, while honorable and grateful to me personally, I value\n                            still more as a citizen of the country to whose freedom and prosperity those services have\n                        The continuance of these blessings will depend on the virtue, fortitude and\n                            union of its citizens: and as the exercise of these qualities are essential to our safety\n                            and happiness, so I trust they will be displayed.\n                        My highest gratification during the remainder of my life will be to participate\n                            in the National prosperity: and in my retirement the kind wishes and affectionate attachment\n                            of my fellow citizens will be among the most pleasing recollections.\n                        I must pray you to communicate these sentiments to the General Assembly, with\n                            my cordial acknowldgements for their Address; and to accept yourself my thanks for the\n                            obliging expressions which accompanied its transmission 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00220", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Greenwood, 25 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Greenwood, John\n                        Your letter of the 23d instt came to me this morning.\n                        The tooth that formerly went into the hole (that is now filled up) has been out\n                            many months; which was the cause for putting in the artificial one. If it was not sent with\n                            the rest, I know not what has become of it; nor is it material, as the one which supplies\n                            its place answers the purpose very well.\n                        Not knowing whether you mean to make a new sett, or to repair the old, I must\n                            again caution you against adding any thing that will widen the bars on the sides, or extend\n                            them in front at bottom\u2014They are already too wide, and too projecting for the parts they\n                            rest upon; which causes both upper, & under lip to bulge out, as if swelled\u2014By\n                            filing these parts away (to remedy that evil) it has been one cause of the teeth giving way,\n                            having been weakened thereby. I am Sir Yr very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00221", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 25 January 1797 to 31 January 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Sitting of the Court and an uncommon pressure of business have unavoidably\n                            delayed an answer to your last favour. I have read with attention Mr Pickerings letter. It\n                            is in the main a substantial and satisfactory paper, will in all probability do considerable\n                            good in enlightening public opinion at home\u2014and I do not know that it contains any thing\n                            which will do harm elsewhere. It wants however in various parts that management of\n                            expression & suaviter in modo which a man more used to\n                            dispolatic communication could have given it and which would have been happy, if united with\n                        I have reflected as maturely as time has permitted on the idea of an\n                            extraordinary mission to France, and notwithstanding the objections, I rather incline to it\n                            under some shape or other. As an imitation of what was done in the case of Great Britain, it\n                            will argue to the people equal solicitude. To France it will have a similar aspect (for\n                            Pinckney will be considered there as a mere substitute in ordinary course to Mr Monroe) and\n                            will in some degree soothe her pride\u2014The influence on party, if a man in whom the opposition\n                            has confidence is sent, will be considerable in the event of non success. And it will be to\n                            France a bridge over which she may more easily retreat.\n                        The best form of the thing in my view is a commission including three persons\n                            who may be called \"Commissioners Plenipotentiary &\n                                extraordinary.\" Two of the three should be Mr Madison and Mr\n                            Pinckney\u2014A third may be taken from the Northern states and I know none better than Mr Cabot\u2014who or any two of whom may be\n                        Mr Madison will have the confidence of the French & of the\n                            opposition\u2014Mr Pinkney will have something of the same advantage\n                            in an inferior degree. Mr Cabot without being able to prevent their doing what is right will\n                            be a salutary check upon too much Gallicism, and his real\n                            Commercial knowlege will supply their want of it. Besides that he will enjoy the confidence\n                            of all the friends of the Administration: His disposition to preserve peace is ardent and\n                        This plan too, I think will consist with all reasonable attention to Mr\n                        Or (which however I think less eligible) Mr Madison & Mr Pinckney only\n                            may be joint Commissioners\u2014without a third person.\n                        Mr Cabot (if appointed without being consulted) will I think certainly go. If\n                            not the other two may act without him.\n                        The power to the Commissioners will be to adjust amicably mutual compensations\n                            and the compensations which may be due by either party and to revise and remodify the political and commercial relations of\n                        In the exercise of their power they must be restrained by precise instructions to do nothing inconsistent with our other existing Treaties\n                            or with the principles of construction of those with France\n                            adopted by our Executive Government as declared in its public acts and communications\n                            & nothing to extend our political relations, in respect to alliance\u2014but to endeavour to get rid of the mutual guarantee in the\n                            Treaty or if that shall be impracticable to stipulate specific\n                            succours in lieu of it, as so many troops, so many ships, so much money &c.,\n                            strictly confining the casus f\u0153deris, to future defensive Wars after a general and complete pacification terminatg the\n                            present War, and defining offensive war to be where there is either a first declaration of War against the ally, or a first commission of actual\n                            hostility on the territory or property of the ally by invasion or capture\u2014As to Commerce\n                            with the above restrictions there may be full discretion. These are merely inaccurate\n                        Unless Mr Madison will go there is scarcely another\n                            character that will afford advantage.\n                        Cogent motives of public utility must prevail over personal considerations. Mr\n                            Pinckney may be told in a private letter from you that this is an unavoidable concession to\n                            the pressure of public exigency & the state of internal\n                                parties. With true respect & Affect. Attachm I have the honor to be Sir Yr Very obed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00222", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 28 January 1797\nFrom: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Every thing that has happened since my arrival here in which our Country is\n                            concerned, you will have seen by my Letters No. 2\u20143\u20144 & 5 to the Secretary of State\n                            of the dates of the 20th of Decr & of the 6th 15th & 24th of this Month. But\n                            I cannot permit my Nephew Horry to return to America after an absence of many years without\n                            giving him a line to you and assuring you of my grateful affection & esteem. Mr\n                            Munroe knows nothing more of the intercepted Letter than what he communicated to you; and I\n                            have had no intercourse with the administration here to enable me to enter into any\n                            explanations with regard to it. I am anxious to hear the answer of the Senate &\n                            House of Representatives to the excellent Speech you made on the opening of the Sessions of\n                            Congress in December last, & to hear from the Secretary of State relative to my\n                            situation in this Country, rendered peculiarly awkward by the strange conduct of this\n                            Government to ours\u2014My Nephew has been in France from the commencement of the revolution;\n                            and has taken so great an antipathy to the excesses committed in the times of Terror, that\n                            even his opinion of their present constitution is strongly tinctured with aversion, you will\n                            therefore make allowances for this when you hear his sentiments on French Politics\u2014Genl\n                            Dumas requested that I would forward to you, the pacquet contained in this enclosure. It\n                            shews his sentiments on the last Campaign & on the present situation of this Country\n                            with regard to Peace. He was in Count Rochambeau\u2019s army in America, & was the\n                            particular friend of Fayette, he had also the honour of being known to you\u2014Mrs Pinckney\n                            joins me in best respects to Mrs Washington & yourself, & that every\n                            happiness may attend you whether in public or private life is the sincere wish of Your\n                            affectionate hble Sert\n                            Charles Cotesworth Pinckney\n                            As I am closing this letter accounts are just now received of\n                                Buonaparte\u2019s having defeated the Austrian Army in Italy, killed & wounded Six\n                                thousand & made twenty three thousand prisoners\u2014This will compensate for the\n                                loss of Kehl & the ill success of the Irish expedition.\n                            Jany 27 I have just received a written mandate\n                                to quit the Territory of the Republic, I enclose a copy of it & my answer, I\n                                shall set out for Holland in four or five days.\n                            28th I have seen & am much pleased with the answers of the Senate\n                                & House of Representatives to your Speech\u2014Coolness, firmness & Unanimity will", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00223", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Francis Preston, 25 January 1797\nFrom: Preston, Francis\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Bill extending the Laws of the United States to the State of Tennessee\n                            having passed, which makes it necessary a Federal Judge be appointed to that District, whose\n                            nomination is made by you, I have no doubts you are desirous to fix on a Character best\n                            calculated to perform the Duties of that high office and most acceptable to the people of\n                            that State\u2014Under these impressions and at the particular request of the Senators of that\n                            State who knowing my long and intimate acquaintance with the two Characters Mr Rhea and Mr\n                            Campbell my having practised with them in the profession of the Law and also my living\n                            immediately on the borders of the State that I probably could give as correct information As\n                            to them as any other Gentleman you might have an Opportunity to enquire of, I venture to\n                            address this note to you, though feel a considerable diffidence in pretending to recommend\n                            to offices out of the State I have the honor to represent.\n                        Mr Rhea is a Man about forty or forty five years of age, has uniformly\n                            maintained an amiable and upright Character for upwards of fifteeen years that I have been\n                            acquainted with him he was a friend to the Independance of America and early engaged in\n                            procuring it by his personal Services he is of unshaken integrity, possesses a considerable\n                            share of legal abilities, indefatigable in the acquirement of knowledge, and a man of\n                            profound Literature\u2014And I have no doubt will give general satisfaction by a correct and\n                            prompt discharge of the Duties of the Office.\n                        Mr Campbell is of Esteemable Character but certainly does not possess either\n                            erudition or legal knowledge equal to the other\u2014though I believe in the possession of either\n                            of these Gentleman the honor And Dignity of the Office would be better maintained than with\n                            any other Character I am acquainted with in the State. I have the honor to be with much", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00227", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Frederick Green, 27 January 1797\nFrom: Green, Frederick\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The General Assembly of this state having directed me to print and publish,\n                            with the laws of their last session, your address to the People of the United States, and\n                            not being able to procure a copy but from the daily papers, which, from the hurry in which\n                            they are generally thrown off, are seldom accurate; I take the liberty respectfully to\n                            request you will oblige me with a copy of it, that it may be perpetuated by me in a correct\n                            manner; and that I may give you as little trouble in doing this as possible, I enclose you a\n                            printed copy, which I will thank you to correct, and return as early as convenient, and am,\n                            With the highest Respect, Your very humble Servant, \n                            Printer to the State 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00228", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 January 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the U.\n                            States the letters received this day from Mr King, & the Commissioners of the U.S.\n                        Also the draught of a message to the Senate containing nominations of three\n                            persons to be inspectors in No. Carolina. At the last Session they were commissioned, one as\n                            Collector and the other two as Surveyors, for the respective ports mentioned: but the Senate\n                            were out of Session before it was discovered that the gentlemen were not appointed\n                            Inspectors. To remedy this omission the nomination is now 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00230", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 29 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\n                        Your letter of the 25th instant with the Reports of the preceeding week came to\n                            hand by the mail of yesterday.\n                        In Six weeks or thereabouts, if nothing unforeseen happens, I expect to be a\n                            resident at Mount Vernon; but lest something may cast up requiring the payment of ready\n                            money, I enclose you an order upon the Bank for Two hundred dollars. The general account\n                            therewith may be settled after my return, by which time Mr Smith\u2019s note, at that place, will\n                        I expressed often, & in strong terms, to Mr Pearce, my wish that he\n                            would settle & pay all that was due from me; and either\n                            receive, or reduce to specialties, all that was owing to me; foreseeing what would happen if\n                            he did not. His bad health, I presume, prevented him from doing it\u2014and therefore you must\n                            persevere in the mode you have adopted to bring them to an equitable close, which is all I\n                        The ideas which are expressed in your letter, relative to my business, are\n                            generally, very agreeable to me; and it is my desire that you would, always, &\n                            without reserve, do the like, as I like to hear opinions, & am always open to conviction,\n                            when there is reason to enforce it. The Suggestions with respect to a change of the System\n                            at Dogue Run appears to me to be rational, and if any measures, necessary to carry it into\n                            effect, must be taken before I return, I do not object thereto: afterwards, I can converse\n                            with you on the Subject more fully, and on that of hedging & ditching also\u2014than which,\n                            nothing, in that line, is more desirable.\n                        Two causes have prevented me from turning my attention to\n                            orchards\u2014viz.\u2014frequent, and long absences from home, and the unfavourableness of the Soil on\n                            wch they have, hitherto, been attempted\u2014particularly for apples. Notwithstanding these\n                            unsuccessful attempts, I consent readily, to your appropriating the ground by your house to\n                            Peaches; perhaps others also; upon proper investigation of circumstances.\n                        I have always had an eye to some of the Inlets at Union farm for Meadow; but it\n                            has so happened, that work more pressing, or the want of a proper arrangement of it, has\n                            been the means of postponing it. Whenever it can be undertaken with propriety, my consent\n                            & wishes will accompany the measure.\n                        If upon a thorough examination of the Seins, it should be thought advisable to\n                            provide a new one, I shall not object to it. but in this instance, as in all others, I\n                            recommend frugality & \u0153conomy, for their is no adage more true, than that \"a penny\n                        Mrs Washington approves of what you have done to the meat, in the Cellar, and\n                            trusts to your management of it until her arrival; as I shall do to your having Beef, Mutton\n                            &ca in good order, for my table, when I return. The disposition all the Beef cattle\n                            over that, under the circumstances you have described, ought to be disposed of, to save the\n                            consumption of corn; which should be husbanded as much as possible.\n                        By the next Post I will myself write to Mr Gough to let me know whether he can\n                            spare me some of his best breed of Horned Cattle, & on what terms; and you shall be\n                            informed of the result; as also whether he has any good Rams to dispose of. His sheep are, I\n                            believe, of the broad tail kind, better it is said for Mutton than for their Wool.\n                        I would, by all means, have proper scantling provided for a Wheat Machine, but\n                            not put together until the improvemts on the sort now in use, is better understood than at\n                            present; and then to pay a workman who thoroughly understands the business rather then to\n                            attempt doing it myself, imperfectly.\n                        The Mill race wants much to be cleaned out, & widened; It wants a waste\n                            also at Pools run to prevent the frequent breaches in it by heavy rains; but the Mill will\n                            never be regularly supplied with water (especially in the Summer Season) until the new part\n                            of it is completed; and radical repairs given to some parts below the run just mentd.\n                        If feeding the Deer will not divert them from their mischievous tricks, they\n                            must, after I come home, be killed\u2014unless the fear of hounds would keep them at a distance.\n                        If after the ground is uncovered, you should find that the Wheat &\n                            clover is left bare at Root; I hope you will apply the Rollers to them, when the ground is\n                            in a proper state to receive them. Colo. Deakins of George Town, has given me reason to\n                            expect ten or a dozen bushels of Oats (for Seed) from the Glades beyond the Alligany\n                            Mountains, of a quality, it is said, inferior to none in the world. I do not much depend\n                            upon them; but it may not be amiss, notwithstanding, to enquire after them before seed time.\n                        I am unlucky in the loss of Mules; not less than five or Six within two, or at\n                            most three years, have died by violent means.\n                        The Potatoes & Turnips necessary for your own Table, you are very\n                            welcome to, without charging yourself with them. I am Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00232", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 29 January 1797\nFrom: Pearce, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        A Meteorological account of the weather kept at Mt Vernon1797\n                        Jany 29 In the morning 48 S. cloudy48   W. Cloudy46  NW Clear3038NW Clear40NW Clear42W. Cloudy3139SE Cloudy40SE Cloudy40SE clearFeby1st39E. Cloudy41E. Cloudy42NE cloudy248W. clear50W. clear44NW clear339NW clear40W. clear40W. cloudy439NW clear41W. clear40SW clear\n                        Dr. Mansion House for the work of 8 hands amt \u214c Week48Cr. By Waggon Hauling sundries for Distilery3\" Do Hauling Hay to Mansion 1 Tumbles  Cart 2 d. }3\" Cart Hauling hay to Mansion 2 hauling Leaves from C. yard 2 }4\" Do Halling Oats to Mansion 1 & to Mill 1 day2\" Tumbles Hauling Wood 6 days6\" Working at the Distilery serving Brick Layers9\" Going to town with boat2\" heaping Manure3\" cutting & picking up corn stalks4\" cutting of wood &c.6Sick Mimy going to town to get shot cut out of her Ear 648Dr. Ditchers for the Work of 4 hands amt. \u214c Week24 daysMauling & mortoising posts 22 days Sick Dundee 2 days24\n                        Stock 1 Stud horse 3 Stud Jacks & 3 young Do 7 Horses 10 Jeanets 9 Work\n                            Mules & 16 Do Unbroke 15 Cows & 8 fatning weathers\n                        Dr.Muddy Hole for the work of 14 hands amt. \u214c week84 DysCr. By Halling to Mill 1 day & halling to Mill 5\n                            days6\" Cutting & grubing on new road60\"  Malling Rails 1 & making fences 11 days12Sick Nanny 4 & Gabriel 2 days 684\n                        Stock 7 Horses 4 Mules 37 Cattle 2 Calves 49 sheep & 5 Lambs Increased\n                            by one bull from Dogue Run one Calf & 5 Lambs\n                        Oats sent to Mansion house28}Corn sent to Mill9 BushelsDo Fed to Horses 4Do fed to Stock 332Wheat sent to Mill6 1/2 Bushels\n                        Dr.Union Farm for the work of 23 hands amt \u214c week138Cr. By Ploughing 30 days & grubing in Mill Swamp 20 dys 50\" Burning of Brush 12 picking up corn stalks 1426\" Carting corn stalks in the cow yard7\" Carting Dirt to fill up guley5\" Carting of rails & wood 3 planting of Cedars 3 days6\" Mortoising of posts 2 days putting up fencing 18 days20\" Thrassing of Corn 6 days Rachel working on Road 6 }12Sick Abraham 3 days grace 3 Flora 6\n                        Stock 16 horses & 6 Mules 120 sheep 68 Cattle 14 Year olds 2\n                            Calves\u2014Corn sent to Mill 20 bushels Do for Whiskey 25 Bushels Do sent to Mansion house 20\n                            Bushels Do fed to Stock 10 Bushels\n                        Dr. Dogue Run for the work of 16 hands amt \u214c week96Cr.By Ploughing 21 dys & Spreading manure 25\n                            dys46\" Joe Mortoising posts 6 & making rails 6 days12Mauling & hewing flat rails 6 Halling stalks in F. yard }7Do Carting rails 5 days & fencing 4 days9Sick Sall twins 6 Sany 6 days Grace 6 Simon 42296\n                        Stock 69 Cattle 1 Calf 138 Sheep 5 Horses 8 Mules Decrease one bull sent to\n                            Mudy hole Corn sent to Mill 12 bushels Ditto fed to Stock 7 1/2 Bushells\n                        Dr.River Farm for the work of 27 hands amt.162Cr. By Ploughing 28 days Do Halling straw 8 dys36\" Halling manure 4 dys Do Halling wood 2 dys & rails 410\" Halling Corn to Mill 1 day Cutting & malling rails 25 dys 26\" Grubing 20 days Heeping manure 22 days42\" Cleaning Wheat 4 days shilling corn & carrying Hay to Barn30Attending to stock, 12 days Sick Bredgy 6 days 18162\n                        Stock 11 Horses 11 mules 1 Colt 84 Cattle 4 Calfs Decrease three Sheep 203\n                        Corn sent to Mill30 bushellsFed to Stock12 1/2DoDitto to Sheep 6Do48 1/2In All This Week\u2019s\n                        Dr.Carpenters & Brick Layers for the work of 9\n                            Men Days54Cr.By Hewing of Trougs & digging for the\n                            Distillery25\" Carting of timber for the Troughs &c.3\" Repairing of old shop for Distilery2\" Isack & Joe Making of Carts & repairing of River Farm}10\"  carts axeltrees & making a new\n  Tongue for Union Farm Cart\" Do assisting in digging of troughs the Distelery 242Cr.Brick Layers By Tom Davis fixing for the Distilery5Muckles assisting Tom in the above work5Do in town on Saturday with the boat\n                        Dr. Gardner for the work of 3 men amount \u214c week18Cr.By Dressing the ground and sowing Cedar Berries9\" Kleaning the yard and triming trees & sowing Holy Berries &c. 918\n                        Sir Please send me one Myrtle tree & several sorts of aloes &\n                            granium & other good things for the green house.\n                        Dr.Spinners & Knitters for the work of 15 womeen Amt.90Cr.By Alse   Spinning5 Lib. of Tow yarn6\" CarolinaDo4 Lib. of Do5\" AnnaDo3 Lib. of Do4\" Betty DavisDo2 Lib. of Do2\" DelphiaDo2 1/2 Lib. of Do6\" JuditDo4 Lib. of Do6\" KittyDo2 Lib. of Sewing thread6\" Lucy Knitting one pr of stockings6\" CharloteDo2 pr of Do6\" \nSall Nothing6Sickness Caroline 1 day Ane 2 days Betty Davis 4 Days Doll 6 days Matilda 6 Delia 6 Lame\n  Ally 6 days Dolsy 6 days }3790Lame Peter Knitting 2 pr Stockings \n                        Mill Grist Dr.WheatCornContra Cr.Meal  homenyBranTo Mudy Hole Farm9 1/4By muddy hole8 1/4To Dogue run12\" Dogue run farm12\" Union Farm20\" Union Farm15 1/2\" River Farm30\" River Farm1352 1/2\" Mansion House20\" Mansion house19 3/4             8\" Toll this Week10Davy 20 Lib. Midlings2Corn Ground Still 25John Vilot1Corn Ground Farms126 1/4Wm Stewart12 1/2Cooper Miller 2 Boys 1 1/4                  Received from Muddy Hole6\n                        Dr. Coopers for the work of one man & boy amt.12Cr. By Dressing out flour Barrels3Doing Sundryes in the Distelery\n                            912Dr. Miller Ben for the work of one man amt.6Cr.By working in the Mill to Days6", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00233", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Herbert, 30 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Herbert, William\n                        Please to pay to Mr James Anderson (out of the money due to me from the Bank of\n                            Alexandria) the Sum of two hundred dollars, and his receipt shall be a discharge for that\n                            much from Sir Your very Hble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00234", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 31 January 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        We do ourselves the honor of inclosing to you a Sketch of such description of\n                            the public appropriations, as will, we think, be sufficient to identify them in the Deed\n                            from the Trustees\u2014It is submitted for consideration.\n                        We also inclose a plan of the proposed two buildings for the Executive\n                            Departments. One will be sufficient for the Treasury Department, and the other for the\n                            Department of State, Department of War, and general post-Office\u2014The exterior of the two\n                            buildings, we think, ought to be alike.\n                        It is proposed that they be built of the best stock brick, and slightly\n                            ornamented with free-Stone, to make them correspond with the President\u2019s house; to which they\n                            will appear as wings\u2014These buildings, though intended to be finished in the interior, in the\n                            plainest Style, will, in the opinion of the Superintendants, cost from Sixty to eighty\n                        We think it will be adviseable to lay the foundation of them this season, and\n                            whenever the President\u2019s house is so far advanced as to be covered in and placed in a State\n                            of safety, to push forward the other buildings, as they will be wanted before the removal of\n                        We have, at lenghth, got through Messrs Morris and Nicholson\u2019s selection, which\n                            has been a work of much time and trouble.\n                        The selection, being now closed, we are enabled to send forward a particular\n                            account of the public property, proposed to be pledged in Holland.\n                        We have forwarded to the Secretary of State for this purpose, a plan of the\n                            City, under cover to Messrs Willink, with all the public property particularly designated on\n                            the face of it; and have written to those gentlemen, pressing them to forward the Loan, by\n                            all the means in their power. We have the honor to be With Sentiments of perfect respect, Yr Most", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00235", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 31 January 1797\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n                        My late situation exposes me to applications, which I cannot resist without\n                            appearing unkind. It is understood that Mr Walker is about to resign the place of naval\n                            Officer. Mr Jonathan Burrall Mr Rogers (Walkers Deputy) and Col. Giles (the present\n                            Marshall) have all three mentioned the subject to me and requested me to express my opinion\n                            of their qualifications to you.\n                        As to Mr Burrall there is no doubt he will be in every sense an excellent\n                            appointment\u2014I believe as a man of business on a large scale he may be superior to\n                            either and his character is irreproachable. He is now Cashier of the Office of Discount\n                            & Deposit is respectably connected by marriage much esteemed & has been an\n                        Every thing that I have heared of Mr Rogers\u2019 moral character and capacity for\n                            business is intirely in his favour. I have no doubt he is fully worthy of the appointment\u2014is\n                            a remarkably accurate accountant & has had long experience in\n                            the particular Office\u2014The place is more necessary to him than to either of the others\u2014His\n                            station in society generally is inferior to that of the other two.\n                        Mr Giles you know\u2014I have no doubt he is entirely competent to the Office\u2014he\n                            pleads as a merit his perseverance in his present Office though for a long time it was\n                            unproductive & he considers the continuance of the present emoluments which are now\n                            well enough, as uncertain\u2014they arising from particular circumstances\u2014He is however not quite\n                            decided in his wishes on the subject; by tomorrow he will decide. I have the honor to remain Most Respectfully Sir Your Very Obed. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00236", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 31 January 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\n                        I nominate David Russell of the State of Vermont to be Inspector of South Hero\n                            in the District of Vermont.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00237", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Comte de Colbert de Maulevrier, January 1797\nFrom: Maulevrier, Comte de Colbert de\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Will you be So good as to allow to a Soldier who fought in the last War for the\n                            American cause, under the Admirals Terney, D\u2019Estouches, Barras, & de Grass, to\n                            recall himself to your Excellency to who he had the honnour to be introduced by the Marquis\n                            de la fayette at the Camp before York-Town how far he was then to believe that by unforseen\n                            Events he Should be drove out of his own Country When\n                            they are happened he look\u2019d towards the United States as towards\n                                in hope that the aide de Camp of the\n                            Several Admirals the King of france had ordered to\n                            lead his fleets to the Support of\n                            America, Would find there Azylum & protection. he is\n                            told that by Some politicals reasons he can not present his respects to\n                            the President of the United States. he certainly Shall Submit himself to that Exception\n                            Without anny Complaint, but he Can\u2019t help to represent to your Excelency that as a member\n                            of the Order of Malta whose flag & ports afford every day Shelter to the American  he expected that he could have had the honnour to be intoduced\n                            here to the Chief of the Governement. it is as Knight of Malta &\n                            one of the Cincinnati that the undersigned has the\n                            honnour to Write to your Excelency When reading your Last Speech to Congress the Chevalier\n                            de Colbert Saw that it mention\u2019d the Establishment of a Navy, as a\n                            necessary measure for the protection of the American flag. he thought\n                            then with pleasure that if the Circumstances did not permit him to\n                                return in France he could once more\n                            offer his Services as a Navy officer to the United States, & he expected it\n                                could be a ressource for him in the reduced Situation Where he is by\n                            the french revolution, & by the refusal of paiement made by an\n                            American Merchant here in Whose hands Mr Colbert since four years has Some\n                            money. the Succours granted too to the Count de Grass\u2019s Son had lead\u2019d him\n                            to hope that the first Cosin of the Count D\u2019Estaing Could may be obtain\n                            Some to Wich Could ennable him to Wait for the time he\n                            Could get his money out of the hands who detain it.\n                        Known but to few in this Country it is to your Excelency\n                            that the Cher de Colbert should have\n                            apply\u2019d it he had had the honnour to See  but\n                                if he is deprived of that favour\n                            it remain nothing to do for him but to beg your Excelency to accept the vows he make for\n                            your future happiness & the respectfull Sentiments with wich he Shall ever be of\n                            your Excelency\u2019s the Most humble & Obt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00238", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Remington, January 1797\nFrom: Remington, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Humble Petition of Thomas Remington native of South America sends\n                            Greeting\u2014that your Petitioner after having Experienced a great many Misfortunes &\n                            disappointments in this unknown part of the Continent\u2014and from frequent Applications to\n                            Merchants in this City for Employment\u2014find that Notwithstanding all my Exertions there is\n                            not the smallest Probability of my getting into any Sittuation for a Support and having been\n                            evinced of your Humanity towards Strangers in distress and my Sittuation becoming truly\n                            serious I have been induced from the above motives to Petition your Excellency to afford me\n                            some Employment as a domestic in your Family or Recommend me to some Gentleman for\n                            Employment where I may be Enabl\u2019d to gain an Honest Livehood and nothing shall be wanting on\n                            the part of your Petitioner to give every Sattisfaction in his Power to his Employer and Regulate his Conduct with the Strictest\u2014Sobriety Honesty, and Integrity and I\n                            flatter myself your Excellency\u2019s Humanity will point out to you the Honor of bestowing on\n                            your Petitioner some proof of Charity which none can with more propriety Humbly Petition for\n                            and in full Consideration of Your Honors services towards dependant and Distress\u2019d Strangers\n                            I humbly pray that you will take into Consideration my Unfortunate Sittuation and relieve\n                            your Petitioner from Dellamies truly Pittiable and as in duty your Humble Petitioner will\n                            Signed Thomas Remington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00239", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Ball, 1 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ball, George\n                        Your letter of the 16th Ulto has been recd.\n                        If Mr George Fitzhugh has given up the idea of purchasing my land in Gloucester\n                            county, I am willing that you should have it on the terms it has been offered to him. which\n                            are, for the nett sum it cost me, with interest thereon, from the date of my purchase to the\n                            date of my conveyance: one fourth of which to be paid at the signing of the Deed, the other\n                            three fourths in three annual payments, with interest.\n                        Although the latter payments would be most agreeable to me, I should have no\n                            material objection to wait two years for the second fourth, and annually for the other two\n                            fourths; but in either case interest (in order to make myself whole) will be expected.\n                        If, Sir, you are desirous of closing the matter in a purchase, it must not be\n                            delayed as others are expressing their wishes to deal for it. If nothing unforeseen prevents\n                            it, I shall certainly be at my Seat in Virga by the 20th of March\u2014I expect to be there\n                            sooner\u2014but would not calculate upon it. I am\u2014Sir Your most Obedt Hble Servt\n                            P.S. After the first payment I have no objection to the Land as Security\n                                for the payment of the remaining three fourths.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00241", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Cocke, 1 February 1797\nFrom: Cocke, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        In answer to yours of this date to Mr Blount And myself, I have to Observe that\n                            you May recollect that Some time past I delivered you a letter from Mr David Campbell on the\n                            Subject of his beeing appointed District Judge in the State of Tennessee and in Our then\n                            Conversation you intimated a de Sire to be informed whether he was a proper person to fill\n                            that Office I informed you that the Assembly had not elected him a State Judge that he was a\n                            Candidate and got but Very few Votes & that the Objections a gainst him went as well\n                            to his want of Candour as of Legal knowledge and took the liberty to mention Mr John Rhea as\n                            a person every way qualified to fill that Office I know not who recommended Mr Campbell to\n                            you but I know his discisions have been much Complained off and with Good reason and that in\n                            a number of instances they stand Opposed to each Other of record in the different Courts in\n                            which he presideed on the Same points of Law and as he is generally thought a Very improper\n                            person to fill the Office of a Judge and as my acquaintance with him evinces me of the\n                            propriety of that Oppinion I esteem it my duty to be Opposed to his Appointment. Mr Blount is\n                            now at new York and as Soon as he returns we will do Our Selves the pleasure to wait On You\n                            on this Subject with Respect I am Your Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00242", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Rogers, 1 February 1797\nFrom: Rogers, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Senators and Representative, for the State of Delaware, respectfully\n                            enclose Copies of addresses, transmitted to them, in pursuance of Resolutions of the General\n                            assembly at their late Session, to be presented to the President of the United States.\n                        at what Time it will be most agreeable to him to recieve the same, he will be\n                            The Senate of the State of Delaware cannot view with Insensibility your\n                                contemplated retirement from the first Office of your Country, to the repose of private\n                            Upon such an occasion to be silent, and to withhold the most cordial\n                                Expression of our Affection, Respect and Veneration for your Character, would be as\n                                ungrateful to you, as it would be dishonourable to ourselves. It is in attempting\n                                therefore to do justice to our feelings, and to discharge a partriotic Duty, that we\n                                present this Address, as a tribute of Gratitude, and an homage due to your Virtues.\n                            More than twenty Years have elapsed since you left the Civil Councils of\n                                America, to undertake and sustain the more difficult and perilous duties of the chief\n                                Military command. The seven Years conflict which ensued, must have been to you, a gloomy\n                                Series of seven years Sufferings, except as it was relieved by temporary Victories, and\n                                the pleasing hope, that the exertions of your Country, and the aids of Heaven, would\n                                crown your Labours with ultimate Success.\n                            At the close of the important Contest we view you in the command of a\n                                disciplined, affectionate and admiring Army; and, from the example of other Conquerers,\n                                we might have trembled for the Fate of our Country, in the apprehension that its\n                                Protector, would become its Tyrant. But happily for the\n                                United States, and honourably for yourself, and the character of Human Nature, the\n                                feelings of the Conqueror, were lost in those of the Patriot; and the Infatuations of Ambition were repressed by\n                            The glorious Spectacle was presented to the World, of a popular and\n                                successful General atchieving the Emancipation of his\n                                Country, and then resigning his command to an unarmed Republic; voluntarily retiring\n                                from the honors of Office, and receiving in return the Tribute, not of Power; but of\n                            We view you a second time, in obedience to the unanimous Voice of America,\n                                relinquishing the enjoyment of your beloved retirement, and accepting the chief\n                                Majistracy of your Country, in order to add Character, Credit, and Energy to its\n                                Government. That Character, Credit and Energy you have assisted, in forming and securing\n                                to our Government; and we hope they will be preserved, as well to perpetuate the memory\n                                of your Virtues, as the happiness of your fellow Citizens.\n                            We address you, Sir, in the name, and on the behalf of the Citizens we\n                                represent; We know that they unite with us, in viewing your Abilities with respect, your\n                                Virtues with veneration, and, your Services with gratitude; and in soliciting from Heaven for you, every blessing which can increase your\n                                happiness here, and hereafter.\n                                Speaker of the Senate of the State of Delaware.\n                            To enjoy the advantages resulting from your wise Administration, and not to\n                                express our Gratification; to feel the beneficial effects of your firmness and\n                                Patriotism, and not acknowledge them, to admire your Magnanimity and to be silent, would\n                                throw a shade over the Republican Character, of which we boast, and would wound the\n                                sensibility of our Constituents. Permit us, Sir, to offer the only tribute in our Power to give, and the only one worth your acceptance\u2014the\n                                grateful acknowledgments of a free and independent People.\n                            When we saw you return into the Hands of your Country, that Sword which had been entrusted to you for her safety;\n                                and retire to domestic Peace and Tranquility, We lamented that we could not then employ\n                                those Talents which have since shone with such resplendency: But on the approach of a\n                                new \u00c6ra and when it became necessary to appoint a Chief Magistrate, to discharge the\n                                important Duties assigned to him, by our excellent Constitution; every eye was turned towards you; and you, again submitted to the Public\n                                wish. In that Station you have directed the Affairs of a rising Nation, with unequalled success. With Justice and Moderation you have\n                                confined yourself within the Limits prescribed to you, and you have preserved to your\n                                fellow Citizens that Liberty which you were instrumental in\n                                establishing. It has been our happiness to see the Resources and Credit of the Republic,\n                                and the Prosperity of her Citizens keep pace with your Administration.\n                            In our foreign Relations we perceive the same happy effects. Your\n                                inviolable Fidelity to our engagements with one Nation, and the Neutrality, due to\n                                others, which you have faithfully respected; have secured us from the Calamities of the\n                                War, which is now desolating Europe; and however ardently we wish for the establishment\n                                of Universal Liberty, yet our true Interest points out the Wisdom, of adhering to just Policy.\n                            We have yielded to your desire of Retirement only to give Repose to the\n                                Evening of a Life, which has been spent in the pursuit of Noble Deeds; and although you\n                                may not much longer Personally direct the Councils of America, yet we trust that a\n                                Recollection of your Virtues and Wisdom, will forever guide\n                                the steps of your Successors. Signed by Order of the House of Representatives 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00243", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Scott, 1 February 1797\nFrom: Scott, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Trinity College Dublin February 1st 1797\n                        From your most excellent Speech addressed to Congress upon the opening of the\n                            Session; which shewed so fully the able Legislator, the true Patriot, and the Patron of\n                            Letters, it appears that the Institution of a College in the united States, on a liberal\n                            Plan, wherein Arts & Sciences may be taught with more Precision and to a greater\n                            Extent than has hitherto been adopted in that County, is in Contemplation\u2014I have therefore presumed to resort to you, in order to be informed\n                            what Encouragement a Clergymen of the Established Church of Ireland, properly qualified to\n                            teach the Course of the College of Dublin (which, certainly at least as to Mathematical\n                            Learning and Science, is not inferior in Reputation to any in Europe) might expect; should\n                            your Wishes be carried into Effect\u2014That my literary Acquirements are adequate to this\n                            Purpose, I trust I should make fully and satisfactorily appear, by a Certificate of the\n                            Board of this University, and by their Decisions on two Occasions, when I sat as Candidate\n                            for a Fellowship, in one of which I lost it by but two Votes, & the other merely by\n                            the Casting Voice of the Provost in Favour of My Competitor\u2014You are no Doubt not\n                            unacquainted with or Mode of electing Fellows, in this University, where after an\n                            Examination for four Days, in all parts of Scientific & Classical Learning, by eight\n                            Examiners, Each gives his Suffrage in favour of that Candidate, whom he conceives to be best\n                            on the whole answering, not being confined to his own particular branch\u2014As far as relates\n                            to My Moral Character, I could procure from the Fellows here & other Characters of\n                            Distinction in this Kingdom, Such Credentials as I doubt not would Meet with your\n                            Approbation. If I am either premature or informal, in this Application, I hope your Goodness\n                            will excuse Me\u2014Influenced by the Respect I feel for your universally admired talents, I\n                            could not think of making any more formal Proposal unless sanctioned by yr Approbation. By\n                            your Answer (if it is your Pleasure to favour Me with one) I shall be directed as to future\n                            Proceedings. I am with due Deference & Respect your most obedt & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00244", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Spotswood, 1 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Spotswood, Alexander\n                        Your letter of the 24th Ulto was received by yesterday\u2019s Post, and for the\n                            information it contains I pray you to accept my thanks; As I do also for the kind offer you\n                            have made me of enquiring into the quality & value of the land I hold on rough creek\n                            in the State of Kentucky which I readily accept.\n                        I have heard through other channels, that the above mentioned Land is possessed\n                            of valuable properties; and I authorised Major Georgle Lewis to buy the small tract\n                            adjoining, belonging to Mr Wodrow, on my account, but it is not within my recollection; at\n                            this moment, what the final result has been. Let me ask you, therefore, to converse, with him\n                            on this subject, & to pursue such measures respecting it, in my behalf, as you two\n                            shall conclude will be beneficial for me. I will follow your advice, and not dispose of the\n                            land until I receive your report respecting it, if that shall happen in any reasonable time.\n                        Upon examination, I find I have not General Lee\u2019s Conveyances of the Land to\n                            me; at this place, of course I cannot possess you of them: nor do I believe it is necessary,\n                            as Colo. Thomas Marshall, of Kentucky, has, on my behalf, paid the taxes of those lands from\n                            the first assement of them (as I have documents to shew) to a certain period; and was requested to do it regularly onwards, which\n                            I am persuaded he has done, or is ready to do. I will request the favor of you, however,\n                            while you are in that country, to enquire into the matter, & see that I have justice\n                            done me; as their has been no remissness on my part, or intention to with hold the Tax, from\n                        I sincerely wish you a pleasant Journey to Kentucky, & a safe return;\n                            and with the best regards of Mrs Washington united to my own, for Mrs Spotswood &\n                            the family, I am\u2014Dr Sir Your Affecte", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00247", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Anna [de] Neufville, 2 February 1797\nFrom: Neufville, Anna [de]\nTo: Washington, George\n                        when I had the honour to wait upon you Sir, you was pleased to ask me wether my\n                            husband had appleid to old Congress, which I answerd in the negative to you, owing not\n                            understanding perfect by your meaning, he has So far appleid as to have Send a Copie of the\n                            list of debtors and creditors, with a letter or petetion, to Request theire influence, in\n                            ordre to be Sooner remboursed; the particulars I do not Remember; but Should any Such papers\n                            be in Congress it meight be of Some use in my favor Stating the vallidity of the Large\n                            advances my husband has made for this Country; your Philanthropi must plead my excuse Sir\n                            and fergive the Bold intrution, of a unhappy widow for her orphan child; of Troubling you;\n                            Permit me to have the honour Sir to Subscribe my Self your very humble Servat", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00251", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 4 February 1797\nFrom: Law, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I respect & esteem you too much to intrude often upon your valuable\n                            time I am averse to lacerate a mind already wounded by complaint; yet I cannot forbear when\n                            I consider that perhaps in the Year 1800 at Mount Vernon, when Congress cannot come to the\n                            City, you may upbraid me for not candidly assigning to you the causes of the misfortune,\n                            when it was in your power to do them away.\n                        I have subscribed my name to one Memorial along with many respectable\n                            Proprietors, & were we again to address You we should entitle our Representation as\n                            England once did a similar one to Rome\u2014Vizt \"The Groans of the City.\"\n                        Mr Walker with whom I am not accustomed to correspond has informed me of his\n                            Complaint, & as you have promised a thorough investigation, I shall wait for a\n                        Mr Scot now often visits this end of the City in a certain direction; as Mr\n                            Nicholson cannot go out, but it is curious that out of only three City Gentlemen who dined\n                            with me yesterday; two of them who have long resided here never saw Mr Scot & the\n                            third Mr Barry Junr only saw him last Week at the Office where he went twice &\n                            verified his predictions that the Commtte would not do his simple business.\n                        If facts are wanted 1st, I aver that Mr Scot before\n                            me in a large Company avowed his partiality to the George Town end & gloried in his\n                            refusal to come in to the City & he proves his preference by recent mortgages\n                        2 I aver that When Mr Young Carroll myself & other Proprietors near the seat\n                            of Congress waited upon Mr Scot to approve a Petition to the Legislature of Maryland for a\n                            Bridge over the Eastern branch, he amused us by shewing the\n                            Presidents House on the Map & by pointing out where the Offices should be &\n                            by anticipating the future splendor of that part of the City by the residence of Ambassadors\n                            & by the Assemblage of Americans who were great\n                        Many spirited Patriots who were doomed to destruction under Robespierre\n                            diverted their grief & indignation by poetry, & pray accept this apology for\n                            the following song written to day in the moments of despair about my property.\n                            Rhymes to a Friend in England\n                            \"The atlantic I cross\u2019d for America\u2019s shore\n                            And now will endeavor to pen you a ditty\n                            To describe many things you ne\u2019er heard of before\n                            And to tell how they raise a Republican City.\n                            You\u2019d suppose that at first they made streets for the many\n                            And next that the Congress\u2019s House were begun\n                            Ah no! for the public they care not a penny\n                            And only attend to the flattering of One.\n                            As the Presidents salary is very low\n                            And as too he lives without splendor or State\n                            His House is of stone finely sculptured for show\n                            Scarce a Palace in Europe have I seen so great.\n                            The Commissioners dwell in a Town rather small\n                            For its distance, & not for their\n                            Thus they mean to evince they\u2019ve no bias at all\n                            And faith to all parts of the City its plain.\n                            Those who gave to the public the half of their land\n                            Who meant to improve they affront and despise,\n                            Their great Independance we hence understand\n                            Thus the City of Freedom depends on the\n                            If after poetry which generally deals in fiction I might speak the language\n                                of reason in prose, I should say, that the two public Buildings are too distant. \"Divide et impera\" was a maxim of Despots & when well\n                                applied will prevent every thing from rising\u2014Either force should be bent now to the\n                                Center or one end of the City should be made to preponderate\u2014Mr Stoddert says, that\n                                even George Town & every proprietor of Land in & out of the City would\n                                benefit by doing away indecision\u2014Concordia parva crescunt, discordia maxima\n                                delabuntur\u2014Let reason determine which shall have the preference; six Years have passed\n                                away in uncertainty, all are watching the trepidations of the Ballance. My preference\n                                has been shewn when I had the choice of all the City & I daily see the\n                                advantages\u2014The Ice closed George Harbour a fortnight before that of the Eastern branch,\n                                & Vessels are now waiting here for near a Week till the frost bound George Town\n                                harbour shall open\u2014If such a Decr & Jany should happen in 1800 what will be\n                                the sentiments of the inhabitants be who were importing materials furniture &\n                                goods for the Houses of Congress near the Presidents House where only a few days ago a\n                                Gentn of respectability from George Town said Congress would meet. I know it is\n                                impossible almost to impress the idea that I am impartial & disinterested, I\n                                will however aver sincerely that I had rather throw the dice which public Edifice should\n                                be the Seat of Congress rather than let doubt & dismay spread thro\u2019 the City\n                                & contaminate the minds of all around\u2014with apologies for this hasty Lre written\n                                at an important Crisis\u2014I remain With unfeigned esteem Most sincerely &\n                            I submit some suggestions not from presumption of superior knowledge but\n                                because more momentary avocations preclude you from weighing pro\u2019s & con\u2019s.\n                            The great object of the President is to have private Houses ready for\n                                Congress & Offices for the various departments\u2014If Congress is intended to meet\n                                at the Capitol all future public buildings should be within a\n                                convenient distance of the Capitol.\n                            1st Because they may for a time accomodate some Members of Congress also.\n                            2nd Because the workmen employed will put up small Houses adjoining for\n                            3rd Because these Buildings will promote others.\n                            4th Because Commerce will be encouraged by the landing of materials within\n                                a convt distance from the Capitol & Houses will spring up there also.\n                            Let us examine whether all these advantages are not lost by fixing the\n                                Offices on the Presidents Square.\n                            1st The workmen employed will be all from George Town which is three miles\n                            2nd All the Materials will be landed at too great a distance from the\n                                Capitol to aid the City in the least.\n                            It may be urged that the public Offices ought to be close to the President\n                                & so they may be hereafter\u2014but the important pressing object now is to ensure the coming of Congress\u2014The Hotel might be purchased for 25000 if not\n                                20000 Ds. & Blodget is bound & has given Security to finish it.\n                            Mr Carroll will build another Hotel at the Capitol.\n                            The Commissioners & Proprietors have the same Interest & if\n                                    impartial Commissioners were to call them together\n                                & would reside among them, there would soon be displayed a different appearence\n                                & Houses would be in abundance for Congress & Lots would sell high\n                                & afford funds for public Buildings.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00252", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 5 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\n                        Your letter of the 1st instant, with the weekly reports, are received.\n                        If all that part of the new road from the Causay to the White gates is\n                            completed and fit for use, it has gone on better than I expected; and makes me wish more,\n                            that the other part was done; that the whole might be fit for use\n                            against my return; but I do not desire it to be attempted to the injury of more important\n                        When Davy is about the fencing at Muddy hole, let that part in which the gate\n                            is (going into the farm) be continued in a straight line, as it now runs, until it strikes\n                            the New road; and then in a parallel line therewith, until it joins the fence again on the\n                            hill, before it reaches the Causay; after which, to run as it now does towards No. 6,\n                            whenever that part of it shall be repaired.\n                        The method you propose, to get the Peas from Mr Landon Carter, is much better\n                            than sending all the distance by land, in the state the roads now are, & will be until\n                            they are well settled after frosts are entirely over. But notwithstanding these Peas are\n                            promised by that gentleman, I would not have you be too sanguine of the receipt of them,\n                            unless you should receive from him positive assurance thereof\u2014the quantity\u2014and when, and how they are to obtained. Of course, it may not be amiss to\n                            devise, in time, what is to be done in case of failure.\n                        I consent to your cultivating in Corn, the field at Dogue run which is\n                            mentioned in your letter; and leave the whole arrangement of the crops at Union farm to\n                            your own judgment; but you have not attended to the quantity in that part of No. 4 which\n                            lyes between the Meadow, Mill road lane going into the Barn therefrom, if you suppose it\n                            contains 80 acres\u2014it will not amount to more than 60 at most.\n                        In clearing that piece of Mill Swamp adjoining the Road (and I am glad you have\n                            undertaken it) do not thin it too much of single trees\u2014thereby stripping it of both shade\n                            & ornament. I am perfectly satisfied of the great quantity of ground I have, capable of\n                            being converted into good meadow and have wished always to do it\u2014but these wishes (and\n                            being so much from home) have outrun the means of accomplishment.\n                        Grain harrowed in, certainly looks better in Autumn, than that which is plowed,\n                            but in land which is apt to heave (or spew as it is called) the mouldering of the ridges when\n                            ploughed, gives, as is supposed, fresh earth and nourishment to the roots and therefore is\n                            prefered by many farmers\u2014experience only, in such soils, can alone decide the question.\n                        I shall be able to ascertain upon good conjectural grounds what may be expected\n                            for flour & will let you know when, and at what price to sell\u2014In the meantime keep me\n                            advised of the prices of that article in Alexandria.\n                        As Spades, Shovels, Scythes, Nails, Nail rods\u2014Iron plates for the mould boards\n                            of Ploughs\u2014Bar iron, & most other things can be had upon better terms here than in\n                            Alexandria\u2014& as I must engage a vessel to carry my furniture round\u2014let me know the\n                            quantity, & sorts of each of these articles that will be wanted\u2014and any others\u2014and I\n                            will endeavour to provide them. Do you not want Riddles for gleaning grain &ca? how\n                            many and of what degrees of finess?\n                        Send me the sizes of the four rooms on the lower floor (at Mount Vernon) which\n                        Have you Buck wheat for Seed? although my attempts, hitherto, to raise it as a\n                            crop, and for a green dressing have never answered my expectations, yet I am very willing it\n                            should undergo further trials.\n                        I think of nothing more, at present, necessary to add\u2014but wishing you well in\n                            all your plans I remain Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00253", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Carroll, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I take the liberty to address you a few lines, which I hope will not intrude much\n                            on your time, and when I assure you I am actuated from the best of principles, I flatter\n                            myself my intention will be received in a proper manner\u2014I am informed, & I believe\n                            the fact is so, that the Commissioners are about to erect two large offices contg forty\n                            rooms each, near the Presidents house, this being the case can any one in this place suppose\n                            the funds which are known will be sufficient to compleat the two public Buildings, &\n                            the offices, or is it not known sufficient to the satisfaction of every one, that the funds\n                            now likely to be procured, will be barely sufficient to finish what is already begun,\n                            & to do this I am fearfull will require more oeconomy & management, than has\n                            been displayed heretofore\u2014The idea of those offices has thrown a damp on the spirit of all,\n                            & I believe will be the cause of preventing numbers going on with improvements, as\n                            they must be satisfied if they are prosecuted, which will require a large sum taken from the\n                            Capitol & Presidents house, the whole will remain unfinished by the year 1800\u2014With\n                            respect to myself, I must candidly own, & I hope I shall be believed, that were the\n                            offices to be put around the Capitol, where my Interest lies, I woud be among the first, to\n                            oppose it & think it an improper step, while the funds for compleating the Capitol,\n                            & Presidents house remain as they are\u2014I had intended to erect a handsome tavern\n                            adjoining the Capitol, but this step will prevent my laying out one shilling, I have three\n                            brick houses by the Capitol, but so little has been the attention paid to that building,\n                            & so much seems to be the wish intirely to defeat it, that they remain generally\n                            dead on my hands\u2014With the highest esteem & wishes for your happyness I remain 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00254", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Your Letter of the 29th Ulto did not reach the City till late on friday\n                            evening, of course, it could not receive an earlier attention\u2014We hope with you that the\n                            Spring will be early, and exertions shall not be wanting, on our part, to forward the public\n                            buildings\u2014Our own Ideas with respect to the mode of carrying them on, we expressed loosely,\n                            in our Letter of 31st Ulto. When we say, \"we think it adviseable to lay the foundations of\n                            them (the executive buildings) this Season; and when the President\u2019s house is so far\n                            advanced as to be covered in and placed in a State of Safety, to push forward the other\n                            buildings, as they will be wanted\u2014before the removal of Congress.\" We had no intention, in\n                            the mean time, to slacken our exertions in forwarding the Capitol, and meant to include it\n                            under the general expression, the other buildings\u2014The Capitol,\n                            this year, as it has been the two preceding Years, would have been the primary object of our\n                            attention; but as we know it to be the wish of Some, that all other operations should cease,\n                            \u2019till the capitol is finished, and as your Letter manifests a great solicitude for the\n                            completion of that building, we think it important to know whether you entertain the Same\n                            Sentiment, as we are about procuring the materials necessary to cover in the President\u2019s\n                            house\u2014during the ensuing Summer Our opinion is, that preparing the\n                            Capitol for the reception of Congress, and the executive buildings for the reception of the\n                            respective Departments, are equally necessary; and if a distinction in point of time, must\n                            be made that the executive buildings ought to have the preference of Some Months, because\n                            the papers must be on the spot before the removal of Congress, and they cannot be removed in\n                            a day; if, indeed, there were a certainty that the private buildings, which, by contract,\n                            ought to be erected, temporary accommodations might be procured for the executive Offices\u2014The\n                            President\u2019s house is not so necessary\u2014There are houses already built, in which a President\n                            may live for a time, but we thought it ought to be covered in, the work upon it might then\n                            cease, and Hoban, (who, we presume, it is not intended to discharge) might superintend the\n                            executive buildings\u2014We think it our duty thus to state our opinion, and having done so, will\n                            chearfully pursue any other mode of proceeding which the executive may direct. We are,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00255", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        In the course of business, a circumstance has occurred, which appears to us of\n                            sufficient importance to justify a reference to the executive. Messrs Morris &\n                            Nicholson having made payments to an amount sufficient to entitle them to a conveyance of\n                            the property sold by them to Mr Law, requested the Commissrs to convey the same to him. Upon\n                            a view of the Several Instruments of writing executed by our predecessors, & Morris,\n                            Greenleaf and Nicholson; we were of opinion, that Mr Law was not entitled to a Deed, but on\n                            condition of building One house for every three Lots, agreeably to a Stipulation in the\n                            Contract of the Commissioners with Morris & Greenleaf (Enclosure A) and to a similar\n                            stipulation in the agreements of Mr Law with Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson (B)\u2014Mr Law would not accept of such a Deed, and has obtained\n                            opinions of Counsel to justify his refusal. Could we have conceded to those opinions, we\n                            certainly should not add to that pressure of business which you are obliged to sustain; but\n                            after viewing the Subject in every point of light, and giving it the most mature\n                            consideration, we cannot think otherwise than that we have a right to insist on making the\n                            erection of those buildings a condition in the Deed; in fact, we see no other means left, to\n                            Secure that desireable event\u2014We transmit to you all the writings in the case, and expect,\n                            that with the advice of counsel, you will determine, as well the legality of our opinion, as\n                            the expediency or inexpediency of carrying it strictly, into effect, should it be thought\n                            well founded in point of Law.\n                        By an article of agreement, dated 24th Decr 1793, Robt Morris and James\n                            Greenleaf purchased of the Commissioners Six thousand Lots in the City of Washington, for\n                            which, they agreed to pay \u00a330 Maryland currency, per Lot; at seven equal annual payments,\n                            without Interest; the first payment to be made on the first day of May next ensuing the date\n                            of the Said article; and to build and erect Yearly on some part of the said Lots, twenty brick houses, of the dimensions in the Said article described, and\n                            that neither the Said Robert Morris and James Greenleaf or their heirs, would sell or contract for the Sale of any of the said Lots, before the first\n                            day of January 1796, but upon the express condition, that one such house as above described\n                            should be built, and erected on every third Lot, at the least, within four years after such\n                            Sale or contract for Sale\u2014Among various other clauses and provisions, in the Said article\n                            contained, it is declared, that the Covenants and agreements on\n                            the part of the Said Robert Morris and James Greenleaf, and the true and full performance of\n                            them, are the terms and conditions of the sale of the Said 6000 Lots\u2014Upon the 24th April\n                            1794, the Commissrs executed the agreement C, and 4th May thereafter, Morris, Greenleaf and\n                            Nicholson executed the Bond D\u2014Had the original agreement remained without alteration; it is\n                            evident that Morris & Greenleaf could not have obtained a title to any one of the\n                            Six thousand Lots, till the price of the whole should be paid, One hundred and forty houses\n                            built, and obligations taken for the erection of one house for every three Lots, which they\n                            might Sell previous to 1796\u2014Equally clear we take it to be, that a purchaser under them,\n                            previous to 1796, could never be entitled to an unconditional conveyance, without first\n                            building, agreeably to Morris & Greenleaf\u2019s Contract, unless some particular\n                            circumstance should relieve such purchaser from the obligation to build; if he has given an\n                            obligation to build, it became an express Contract on his part, though nominally with Morris\n                            & Greenleaf, yet, in effect, for the use of the public, he consequently could not\n                            demand a compliance on the part of the public, while he failed to fulfil his own part: if,\n                            on the other hand, Morris & Greenleaf sold, without taking an obligation to build,\n                                the covenants and agreements on their part, would be broken;\n                            they would not, themselves be entitled to a conveyance, and of course, could not confer that\n                            right on another\u2014We have then to consider, how far the case is altered by the agreement of\n                            April and the Bond of May 1794, above alluded to: We conceive this transaction amounts to\n                            no more than this; that instead of vesting the Titles of the whole number of Lots Sold, on the\n                            full completion of the agreement on the part of Morris & Greenleaf, by the payment\n                            of the whole money the erection of 140 houses, and the stipulating with purchasers for the\n                            erection of one house for every three Lots, purchased, or contracted for prior to January\n                            1796, partial conveyances should be made, in consequence of partial payments, and that the\n                            Bond of Morris, Greenleaf and Nicholson should be considered as a payment for One thousand\n                            Lots, and accepted, as a security for the erection of One hundred and forty houses, in lieu\n                            of their actual erection; but it provided no security for the erection of houses, by\n                            purchasers, except that of inserting it as a condition in the Deed. The responsibility of\n                            Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson is indeed mentioned, as an alternative, and it is\n                            contended by Mr Law, that the option lies with them\u2014It appears to us a very extraordinary\n                            construction; that in a case of such magnitude, men should be the judges of their own\n                            responsibility; indeed the impropriety of such construction cannot be more clearly exposed,\n                            than by considering the circumstances which occur in the present case, the situation in\n                            which those gentlemen were, at the time of the Contract, and that in which they now are.\n                            But, to do away all doubt, if doubts could arise, Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson\n                            never rendered themselves responsible for the buidings to be erected by purchasers: their\n                            Bond relates, only, to the 140 houses to be erected under their own Contract; why their\n                            responsibility, with respect to buildings by purchasers is mentioned, we know not, the\n                            inaccuracy of the writing best accounts for it\u2014We are now called upon to grant an\n                            unconditional Deed, in a case, where we have above shown, a purchaser could not be entitled\n                            to it under the original Contract; and without the security contemplated by the second\n                            Contract\u2014It was not the President\u2019s intention (enclosure E) that the hold, which retaining the legal title to the property afforded, should be\n                            abandoned, without unquestionable security for the completion of the Contract, neither is it\n                            to be presumed that the Commissioners acted on different principles\u2014Shall, then, the right\n                            of the public, to enforce the execution of the building contracts of purchasers (a principal\n                            consideration in the Sale to Morris & Greenleaf) to be done away by a forced\n                            construction? It is also contended, that Morris & Greenleaf, being permitted to\n                            dispose of any of their Lots, at their will, gives a right to dispose of them, in what\n                            manner they please; of course, to transfer them, in fee-Simple, free from all conditions\u2014If\n                            that is a just construction, what need was there of further provisions in the agreement?\n                            this was all that could be granted, all they could ask; but we understand this clause\n                            differently, we consider it merely as a general declaration, that their right to sell should\n                            extend to all their City Lots, without restriction\u2014But the terms on which the Commissioners\n                            are to convey to purchasers, are explained in the subsequent part of that agreement.\n                        Mr Law states, that he has Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson\u2019s Bond for\n                            making to him an indefeasible estate, in fee-Simple, in the property purchased of them and\n                            thence infers, that he is not bound to accept a title on any other terms\u2014It does not belong\n                            to us to pass opinions with respect to the transactions of those gentlemen, so far as they\n                            only are concerned, but we consider it as a very clear point, that Morris &\n                            Greenleaf having sold or contracted for the Sale of Lots, prior to January 1796, on the\n                            express condition: that the purchaser should erect the buildings required by their contract\n                            with the Commissioners, of December 1793, although they may have inserted in their contract\n                            with the purchaser, covenants with which they cannot comply, and thereby Subjected themselves\n                            to damages; at his instance, yet, the right of the public to the erection of the buildings,\n                            remains umimpaired\u2014Mr Law alledges, that the four Years within which he is to erect the\n                            Stipulated buildings, ought to be computed from the time he may receive an unconditional\n                            fee-Simple estate, in the property\u2014and not from the date of his Contract\u2014On this point, it\n                            is observable, that by the Bond of Morris, Greenleaf & Nicholson to Mr Law, the\n                            conveyance was to be made within ninety days from the date, vizt 3rd Decr 1794, and that Mr\n                            Law, after the expiration, of ninety days\u2014vizt 10th March 1795, agreed to take a Mortgage\n                            (which he yet holds) for securing the Title to him, at some future period; that title he may\n                            have whenever those buildings are erected: what ground, then, does this transaction afford\n                            for procrastination? We are sensible that a strict adherence to the agreement of April 1794\n                            with respect to buildings, would be attended with inconveniencies Similar to those early\n                            foreseen with respect to the original Contract, with Morris & Greenleaf, the whole\n                            property depending on the erection of the whole number of buildings; We therefore intimated\n                            to Mr Law, that we would agree to convey three Lots for every house which he should erect;\n                            we also consented to compute the four Years, in which, the buildings were to be erected,\n                            from the present time. Indeed, we would chearfully agree to any\n                            arangements for the ease and accommodation of Mr Law, consistent with that security for the\n                            accomplishment of the main object, which the present State of things affords\u2014those above\n                            stated, alone, have occurred to us, Mr Law does not approve of them, neither has he proposed\n                            any other\u2014We consider private buildings of equal importance with the public; we therefore\n                            cannot consent to a measure, which, we conceive, will do away every obligation on purchasers\n                            to erect them\u2014The papers enclosed, contain all the evidence in the case, and we submit the\n                            result to your determination. We are, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00256", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Anderson, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                        A Meteorological Account of the Weather kept at Mount Vernon\n                        Feby 17975in the Morning40 S.W. clear42 SW clear40 S cloudy6th47 S cloudy46 S strong wind45 S cloudy7th45 N.W. clear & Blowing47 N.W. BL: strong &         clear44 N.W clear            Wind down 8th40 W. clear43 S. clear40 S.E. clear9th40 S.W. clear42 SW clear40 S. clear10th50 W. rain46 N.W. Rain & Snow44 N.W.rain         & Snow & Blowing\n11th40 N.W. clear & Blowing38 NW clear40 N.W.\n                        Dr. Mansion House for the work of 8 hands Amounting \u214c Week to 48Cr. ByWaggon hauling Timber to the Distillery,  for Trough race1\" Do hauling Timber to Carpenters Shop3      \n\" Do hauling hay 1 dayStoped by Rain 1 day2\" Carting Manure to Garden 2 daysdo to Clover Lott 24\" Carting hay to Mansion 1Stoped by Rain 1 day2\" Single Cart hauling Wood 4 daysStoped  by Rain 1 day5\"do Hauling do & from the Mill1\" Grubing & burning brush in the field by White Gate10\" Mauling of Wood 3 dayscuting of Coal wood  2 days5\"Postillion Joe Trimming Trees4SickPost. Joe 2Gunner 6 daysStoped by Rain  3 days1148Dr. Ditchers for the Work of 4 hands Amounting to \u214c Week to 24\n                                daysCr. By filing up Mandard for conveying the water in Troughs into the Distillery2\" Cuting of Coal wood 4Mortoring of Posts 6 days 10\" Cuting Timber for Flatt rails 4 daysHanging up the Meat 48\"Stoped by Rain 424\n                        Stock 1 stud Horse 3 do Jacks 3 do Young Jacks, 10 Jeanets 7\n                            horses, 9 Working Mules & 16 Mules unbroke, 15 Cows, and 8 fattening Weathers.\n                        Dr. Dogue run for the Work of 16 Hands Amt. pr Week96 daysCr. ByPloughing 18 daysfencing 25 days43\" Morticing Posts & mauling Rails12\"Carting Rails, Wood, & Litter of Straw into Farm Yard 5\"Hewing of Flatt rails 3& Grubing 6 days9\"Shelling Corn, cleaning Stables & Cow houses When it rained12\"two Negroes geting their Shoes Mended2SickSall twine 6,Sillar 4,And Grace 3 days1396\n                        Stock 4 Horses, 8 Mules, 1 Horse Colt\u201469 Horned Cattle & one Calf And\n                            138 Sheep decreaded 1 horse died by Age.Corn Sent to Mill 12 Bushelsdo fed to Stock 7 1/2\n                        Dr. MillWheatCornContra CrFlourIn MealHempBranBP.B.P. lb.B.P.B.P.B.P.Feby 11 1797To Mudy Hole6210\u2014ByMudy hole82\"Dogue run\u201412\u2014\"Dogue run12\u2014\"Union Farm104\u201420\u2014\"Union Farm152\"River Farm50\u201426\u2014\"River Farm13222\"Toll this Week10\u2014\"Mansion house3921\u20148\u2014\"James Anderson      fine561\u201412\"1 Boy & 2 Girls un J. A.3\"Mansion house Dogs\u20142\"John Neale12\"Johah Eheln     Midlngs25\"John Allison     fine50\"Joseph Cash1\u2014\"Patrick Callahan fine25\"John Violet fine10\"And Midlings15\" Cooper Miller & 2 Boys11Corn fed to Hogs3\u2014160278\u2014Packed 22 Super 6 fine & 1 Midfine Mid.9811213540\n                        Dr. Cooper, & one by for the Work of 2 hands Amt. \u214c Week12Cr. Bymaking some Pails, & finishing a a warm Tub for Distillery6\"hooping of a Rum Barrel, & dressing flour  Barll halves  612Dr. Miller Ben for One Weeks Work6Cr. By Working in the Mill6Dr Union Farm for the Work of 23 hands Amounting \u214c Week to138Cr. Byploughing in Corn field24\u201cputing up fences 27 daysGrubing in Mill Swamp 3057\u201cpreparing borders to Sow Cedar Berries4\u201cputing up Post & Rail fence at the Distillery for a Hog farm4\u201cPutting up the Gallies at Mill Swamp with Brock10Cuting trees in the Mill Swamp5\u201cHauling Corn Stalks into the Cow Yard5\u201cThreshing of Corn, & cleaning the Stables23\u201ccleaning of Wheat 4 days& carrying do to Mill 2 days6138Stock 16 Horses & 6 mules 68 Horned Cattle 13 Year Olds & 2 Calves And 119 Sheep Duncan, Died 1 small Year Old, & one Old EweCorn sent to Mill 20 Bushfed to Stock 5Wheat sent to Mill 104 BushellsDr River Farm for the Work of 27 hands Amtg \u214c Week162 daysCr byploughing35\u201cHauling wheat & Corn to Mill3\u201cLoading Carts, & Hauling of Straw6\u201cHauling wood & Rails 4 days,fencing 31 days35\u201cRepairing of Old Post & Rail fences30\u201cAttending to Stock12\u201cStoped by Rain26SickAgnes in Child bed, 6 days,Bridgey 6,& Easter 3 days15162Stock 11 Horses 1 Colt & 11 Mules, 84 Cattle 5 Calves 203 Sheep & 54 Lambs Increase 19 LambsCorn Sent to Mill26 Bushels,fed to Horses, Hogs, Oxen & poor Cattle & Sheepin All 27Sent to Mansion3083Wheat Sent to Mill 50 Bush @ 58 lb. \u214c Bar.Dr Mudy hole for the work of 14 hands Amounting \u214c week to84 daysCr ByHauling Rails 4 days& at Mill 1 day5\u201ccuting & Mauling 3 days& cuting Coal Wood 2 days5\u201cPloughing, lott by the Barn at Ice house, & by the White Gate20\u201cfencing35\u201cShelling of Corn, & cleaning, & hauling of wheat13SickNancy684Stock 7 Horses, 4 Mules, 37 H. Cattle 2 Calves 49 Sheep & 8 Lambs, Increase 3 LambsCorn Sent to Mill9 Bushels\u201c fed to Stock3 doWheat Sent to Mill 6 1/2 Bush. 50 lb. \u214c Ba.Oats sent to Mansion 6 Ba: & fed to Horses 4 Ba\n                        Dr. Carpenters for the Work of 7 Men Amounting to 42 daysCr. Byfixing various things in the Distillery Including slope Troughs, &ca27\"making a ladder for Meal house1\"Working in the Shop in the time of Rain2\"Isaac & Joe Making Ploughs & Carts\n                            &c6SickSambo with pains in shoulders & hips 6John Neale Attending & Assisting in the above 6 days42\n                        Dr. Brick layers for the Work of 2 hands Amot. pr Week 12Cr. ByTom Davis mending Seines6\"Muelles diging Brick Clay5\"Stoped by Rain 112\n                        Dr. Spinners Sewers & Knitters for the Work of 15 Women \u214c Week90 daysCr. ByMatilda Spinning 6 lb. Tow\n                            Yarn6\"Betty Davis do    5 lb. do do6\"Alsey do          5 lb. do do6\"Annie do          5 lb. do do6\"Delia do          5 lb. do do6\"Judith do          4 lb. Stocking Yarn6\"Kitty do          4 lb. Shoe thread6\"Caroline Sewing 6 shirts 4 days& cuting shirts 1 day5\"Dalsey sewing 3 shirts3\"Lucy Knitting one pr stockings6\"Delphia Spinning 2 pr Tow Yarn6SickCharlotte 6 daysDoll 6,Sall 6,Alsey 6,Dalsey 3, & Caroline 128Lame Peter Knitting 1 pr Stocking 3 days & sick 3 days 690\n                        Dr. Gardners for the Work of 3 Men Amount. pr Week18\n                            daysCr. By trimming & tying trees5Diging in the Garden10Stoped by Rain 318\n                        StudsJacksHorsesMulesJeanetsTotalH. CattleCalvesTotalSheepLambsTotMansion167251049151588Union1662271273119119River Farm1211238458920354257Dogue run581369170138138Mudy hole74113723949857164754101182761028651762579Flour in the Mill\u201444 Super 6 fine 1 Midling", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00257", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rufus King, 6 February 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 22d of december. Count\n                            Rumford being in Bavaria. I have requested the minister of that Country at this court, to\n                            forward your Letter to the count with his next dispatch\u2014I have delivered to Mr Fulton the\n                            letter for him, and as soon as Sir John Sinclair returns to Town I will also deliver the\n                            Letter addressed to him\u2014I have before sent two copies of the Gazette containing the\n                            Publication of the Chancery order that you enclosed to me for that purpose, by this\n                            opportunity I transmit a third\u2014our affairs here relative to the Execution of the Treaty are\n                            in a good train; some delays and Difficulties have existed, but they exist no longer, and\n                            the Commissioners are going on in a satisfactory manner\u2014In the conferences that I have had\n                            with this Government upon these and other Topics, I have found them candid and impartial in\n                            as great a degree as I had expected\u2014Several important points not settled by the Treaty still\n                            remain open; and both time and patience are requisite even now to form a safe Opinion how\n                            far we shall in the End be able to agree\u2014I think I am not deceived in supposing that a\n                            sincere and general desire exists in this Country to live in harmony and friendship with us;\n                            this disposition is however filtered and enfeebled by Prejudices and Opinions connected with\n                            the national commerce and marine, which make the government slow and cautious in every Step\n                            which has a reference to these important concerns.\n                        Some uneasiness has been manifest here for some few weeks past concerning the\n                            situation of the British Territories in the E. Indies\u2014It is not very easy to obtain good\n                            information upon this Subject, but there is reason to believe that much disaffection exists\n                            among the native troops in the Companys Service\u2014the Establishment is understood to be 20000\n                            Europeans, and 60000 native or Black Troops; whatever the origin of these discontents may\n                            have been, and they are supposed to be of several years standing, they have lately risen to\n                            such a pitch that the local Government of India has been compelled first to temporise, and\n                            then, as is commonly the consequence, to submit to measures they were unable to prevent\u2014Lord\n                            Cornwallis is suddenly to be sent to Bengal, and with such extensive powers as it is hoped\n                            will enable him to restore tranquillity\u2014what may be his Success my want of accurate\n                            information forbids me to conjecture.\n                        From the continent as a Balance to the Glory acquired by the arch Duke, we have\n                            just received the accounts of the astonishing victories lately gained by Buonaparte in\n                            Lombardy\u2014the immediate consequences must be the fall of Mantua and the easy subjugation of\n                        Whether these victories or any recent information from america have had any\n                            influence with the Directory rispecting the Situation of General Pinckney remains to be\n                            ascertained, but I have this morning been informed by Letters from Paris that on the 28th\n                            ulto the General was ordered by the Directory to leave Paris, and that he intended to depart\n                            on the 31st for Amsterdam\u2014with perfect Respect I have the Honor to be Sir yr ob. &", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00259", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Powel, Elizabeth Willing\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I now beg leave to inform you that I will give One Thousand Dollars for your\n                            Horses on the Delivery of them, provided I understood you clearly on Saturday Evening\u2014that\n                            they are only Ten & Eleven Years old\u2014that they are perfectly\n                            sound\u2014well broke, and gentle\u2014will drive with a Postillion or in Hand as may be most\n                            convenient; for tho they are not for my own Use, yet it is most probable that I shall\n                            sometimes ride with them, as they are for my Nephew Mr T. Francis. You well know I do not\n                            wish to commit you; and if Mr Adams will pay the Value of them I will most readily yield all\n                            Claim to a preference on such a Subject. With Truth & Affection I am Dear Sir Your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00260", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Matthias Slough, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Slough, Matthias\n                        The 3d of March which is fast approaching, will put an end to my political\n                            career; and I shall have another to commence through mud & mire, to reach more\n                            tranquil scenes at Mount Vernon. This I shall do without delay, or attempt it at least, be\n                            the roads in what condition they may, at that time.\n                        To enable me to accomplish this journey, with such baggage as I do not incline\n                            to risk by water, I shall want a pair of strong horses that are true & steady to the\n                            draught for a Waggon, lighter than a Coachee, to carry some trunks (not heavy) at the rate\n                            we shall travel, which must be slow.\n                        Would you oblige me so far as to make this purchase, and to have the horses in\n                            this City by the first day of March? I should prefer Mares, and wish them to match in (any)\n                            colour\u2014They ought not to exceed Six, or at any rate seven years old next spring\u2014nor ought\n                            they to be under fifteen hands high. As they will be put to the Plough, or waggon, after I\n                            get them home, I should prefer cheapness to appearance & the\n                            reason why I mention Mares instead of Geldings, is, that Mules may be bred from them\n                            afterwards\u2014but I must take either.\n                        Be so good as to let me know, without delay, whether I can, or cannot, place\n                            certain dependence on you for the purchase, & having them here by the time before\n                            mentioned. The money shall be paid on delivery; or if required, shall be sent to you before,\n                            for the purpose of instant payment.\n                        I will offer no apology for giving you this trouble, because I persuade myself\n                            you are disposed to serve me in it. with esteem I am Dear Sir Your obedt Servt\n                            P.S. Let me request the favor of\n                                you to have the steadiness of the horses to the draught proved, before they are sent\n                                here; for to be plagued with them on the road would be dreadful.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00262", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jacob Broom, 7 February 1797\nFrom: Broom, Jacob\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I find, upon examining the Laws of the United States, that a Collector of the\n                            Customs, cannot be concerned in Commerce; under this impression, I beg leave to relinquish\n                            my application for that Office; it not being convenient for me to\n                            abandon my Commercial pursuits at this time. As I was not concerned in any trade in the\n                            District of Delaware, I did not apprehend, at the time I had the honor of addressing your\n                            Excellency on the 4th currt, that I was incapacitated, by being concerned in any other part\n                            of the United States. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and esteem, Your\n                            Excellency\u2019s most Obedt & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00263", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 7 February 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        We have just received a Letter from Mr Law, of which a Copy is inclosed at his\n                            Request, as you will observe. & We think it unnecessary to trouble you with any\n                            Remarks. We are with sentiments of the greatest Respect sir Yr obt servts\n                        Thomas Law to the Commissioners of the District of Columbia (Copy)Gentlemen,Washington, 6th Feby 1797    \n                            I am obliged by the perusal of the Letter from the President\u2014His mind, being\n                                ever intent upon the public good, and his disposition always ready to adopt its\n                                suggestions, of course, he expected the same from others\u2014At first, he slightly suggested\n                                the propriety of Mr Scotts residing in the City, next, he was delicately urgent, but, at\n                                length, when mildness had almost degenerated into culpability, he uses the language of\n                            As it has been doubted whether there are habitations near the Capitol, for\n                                the Commissioners, their Offices and Officers, with their families, permit me to explain\n                                to you, how the whole may be accommodated.\n                            1st Mr Ralph\u2019s house, which lately belonged to the public, would, very well\n                            2\u2014The house now occupied by Mr Hadfield, would accommodate another.\n                            3\u2014Mr Thornton is already provided, and if either of the two houses\n                                above-mentioned, would not answer, Doctor Crocker\u2019s house would be Soon ready.\n                            4\u2014The Offices might all be held in Mr Carroll\u2019s houses, at a lower rent than at present and the Papers might be more\n                            5\u2014Mr Munroe and his family, might reside in Mr Barcklay\u2019s house, or, in a good\n                                brick house belonging to Mr Burrows.\n                            6\u2014Mr Dermott might reside in his own brick house.\n                            Thus, you perceive, gentlemen, that there are plenty of houses, all ready; but\n                                should others be wanting, I will relinquish my own, and remove any where, &\n                                chearfully submit, with my family, to a temporary inconvenience, which would be nothing,\n                                in my mind, when put in competition with the advantages to result from the arrangement:\n                            Mr Carroll promises, immediately, to erect an\n                                hotel at the Capitol, & I will instantly commence solid Improvements, to promote\n                                private buildings for Congress\u2014Mr Cooke of Annapolis, Samuel Ringold of Hagers Town\n                                & Mr Tayloe of Virginia, resolved, last Year, to build on Square 688\u2014In short,\n                                if you, Gentlemen, will reside near the Capitol, your presence will create a Society,\n                                and not only promote the public-buildings, but more private houses, in One Year, than\n                                have been produced in the Six last.\n                            I earnestly request that the board will not Separate at this important\n                                crisis; and as I trust, this Statement will be acceptable to you, and agreeable to the\n                                President, you will oblige me by transmitting it to him, with any remarks, for every\n                                proprietor in the City, will benefit by a certainty that Congress would have buildings\n                                ready for them, and must know their fate, by your decisions. I remain, with much 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00264", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Fay, 7 February 1797\nFrom: Fay, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I am informed that you own Several Tracts of Land on the Margin of the Ohio\n                            & Great Kanhawa rivers in Virginia, which you have offered for Sale, if these Lands\n                            remain unsold, & are still held for market, I should be glad to be informed\n                            of their particular Situation, quality, and on what Conditions you would be willing to part\n                            with them, if they answer the general description which I have had of them, certified from\n                            your own knowledge, I am persuaded I could effect a Sale of them in Europe, provided the\n                            Terms are such as comport with the General price of Lands equal in quality &\n                            Situation in the United States.\n                        I hope Sir you will pardon the Liberty I take in making this enquiry, altho I\n                            have had occasion Several times to wait on you on public concerns, it is not probable you\n                            will recollect me, I had the honor of delivering some dispatches with a letter from Governor\n                            Jay to your Excellency Near Baltimore in october 1795 when you was on your way to\n                            Philadelphia, by refering to Mr Jays letter you will be better able to form an opinion how\n                            far you would be justifed in Treating on the Subject of the Sale of your\n                            Lands. Mr Tichenor one of the Senators from Vermont who is my intimate acquaintance, and Mr\n                            Laurence from this City with whom I am also acquainted, & Mr Pickering with whom I\n                            have a Slight acquaintance will be able to Give you Such information respecting my Character\n                            as you may require. I will wait on your Excellency on being informed that there is a\n                            probability of Negociating this business, mean time have the honor to be with unfeigned\n                            Esteem Your Excellencys Most obedient and very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00265", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 February 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        William Claiborne, of the State of Tennessee\u2014to be district judge. Recommended\n                            by General Marshall\u2014and strongly by Colo. Carrington.\n                        David Campbell, late a Judge of that Territory, is recommended for District\n                            Judge, by a Mr Roane the friend of James Ross Esqr. whom relies on his discernment &\n                            probity in the recommendation.\n                        Elias Baccman, a merchant of Gottenburg in Sweden, to be Consul for that city.\n                            There are ample certificates of his respectability as a merchant, of his abilities &\n                            irreproachable character. Colo. Hamilton who has seen the recommendations, interests himself\n                            in his favour. Mr Barcman writes English well.\n                        Isaac Cox Barnet, a native of New Jersey, residing at Brest, to be consul for\n                            that port. The young gentleman writes very handsomely. He is the nephew of Mr Boudinot, who\n                            warmly recommends him for his abilities and good qualities. The sentiments expressed in his\n                        Nicholas Clary, a native of Marseilles, and a relation to Mr Cathalan our Consul\n                            there, to be Consul at Genoa, where he resides. Daniel Ludlow & Co. at New-York\n                            recommend him for the respectability of his commercial and private character.\n                        Francis Childs, late printer at New York, now in Europe, and who proposes to\n                            reside at Genoa, is strongly recommended by Mr Dayton to be consul there. He has been some\n                            few years conceerned in Commerce & has a good acquaintance with it, as Mr Dayton informs.\n                            He is one of the commercial house in which Mr Dayton is a partner.\n                        G. di Dominico, a Genoese, desires the same office. He refers to his friend Mr Ravara, the Genoese Consul here for his character.\n                        Conrad Frederick Wagner, to be Consul at Trieste (a port of the Emperor of\n                            Germany on the Adriatic) where he says he has been 17 years Consul for Sweden. The British,\n                            Spanish & Portuguese Consuls there certify that he is the Consul of Sweden. Joseph\n                            Donaldson at Leghorn has written in his favour for the appointment. Mr Wagner writes 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00266", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 7 February 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Names of Persons recommended to vacant Offices.\n                        Richard Rogers to be Naval Officer for the District of New York, vice\n                        John Stockton to be Collector for the District of Delaware, vice George\n                            Bush decd\u2014Also Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Wilmington. \n                        Matthias E Sawyer, of  to be Surveyor for the\n                            Port of Pasquotank River Bridge in the District of Camden, North Carolina & Inspector of the\n                            Revenue for the same Port,\u2014vice Edmund Sawyer decd. \n                        Morgan Brown to be Collector for the District of Tennessee, &\n                            Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Palmyra. \n                        If the Senate consent to the appointment of John Stockton to be Collector, it\n                            is submitted that  Bush be appointed\n                            Commissioner of Loans, vice John Stockton.\n                            Respectfully submitted by", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00267", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Andrew Jackson, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Jackson, Andrew\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Having been informed, that, you were about to Nominate, some proper person to fill\n                            the office, of District Judge in the State of Tennessee, I think it my duty as the\n                            representative, of that State, to furnish you with such information, as will Enable you to\n                            Nominate a legal Charecter, best qualified to Execute the duties of that office and whose\n                            appointment will be Most satisfactory to the Citizens. This, therefore is the object of this\n                        It will be proper in the first place to observe, that there are three legal\n                            Charecters, Namely Mr Campbell, Mr McNairy, and Mr Anderson, who under the Territorial\n                            government, filled the Judicial Chair, but when a Change took place from a Territorial to a\n                            State government they were all Candidates for the office of the state\n                            Judiciary and Mr McNairy alone obtaind his Election, from which it will appear that Mr\n                            Anderson and Campble had lost the Confidence of the people, and for some cause did not wish\n                            them to fill such important offices to the rights of the people; I believe them both to be\n                            upright good Citizens, but am Clearly of oppinion, that the appointment of Either of those\n                            gentlemen last named would not be pleasing to a majority of the\n                            citizens. I am free to declare, as to myself, that I think Mr Campbell\n                            a good upright Citizen, but his abilities as a lawyer never can be Considered as Competent\n                            to that appointment, and the duties appertaining thereto.\n                        As I have Named those Gentlemen, who have presedent as Judges under the\n                            Territorial Government, I think it proper to bring into your View a Number of other Legal\n                            Charecters whose abilities and Respectability Equally Merit the appointment, and from\n                            amonghst whom you may perhaps think proper to make the Nomination, they\n                            are as follows Mr Rowan Mr Rhea Mr Overton and Mr Tatam, Mr Rowan now acts in the\n                            appointment of State Judge, and in his present office, is Esteemed by the Citizens, I think\n                            him a Man of abilities, Mr Rhea and Mr Overton, are Considered as possessing the greatest\n                            Legal abilities\u2014of any gentlemen in that State\u2014Mr Tatam is an old officer who has faced all\n                            the Stormy Showers of war, and faithfully Served and fought for his Country, his abilities\n                            Equal to any other Charecter in the State Except Overton and I may add Rhea, he is a Man of\n                            great firmness and Much Esteemed by all who Know him. Mr Claibourn is an amiable young Man,\n                            but perhaps is not possessed of sufficient Experience to fill such an important office.\n                        I would here Remark that the appointment of Mr McNairy, Rowan Rhea Overton or\n                            Tatam would Meet with the approbation of the Citizens but Mr Rheas appointment I believe\n                            would be Most satisfactory to the Eastern part of the state as I have been informed.\n                        I would Remark that Mr Tatam from his Service throughout the revolution, having\n                            in that cause reduced his fortune, and impaired his Constitution, If in him the Country can\n                            be as well servd as in any other I think he merrits the appointment\u2014Mr overton and Mr Rhea\n                            from abilities have a Claim on the appointment Mr McNairy from his Services in that office\n                            before and possessing also abilities; from these Remarks perhaps you will be better able to\n                            Nominate than without them. I have the honour to be with sincere Esteem your Mo. ob. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00268", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I Yesterday recd Information that Col. Walker the naval officer for New York,\n                            has resigned; and am requested to mention Mr Henry Remson, the Son of the late Mr Henry\n                            Remson of that city, as a proper Person to succeed him.\n                        I am apprized of the Delicacy of such Recommendations\u2014they too often require a\n                            Degree of caution and Reserve, not easy to observe or express with Precision\u2014on this\n                            occasion I find myself free from Embarasments.\n                        Mr Remson was formerly a clerk in Mr Thompsons office\u2014His modest Deportment,\n                            together with Mr Thompsons Recommendation, enduced me to select him for the place of under\n                            Secretary or first Clerk in the office for foreign affairs. when you did me the Honor to\n                            place me on the Bench, I left him in the office, without having had Reason to wish that his\n                            Conduct on any occasion had been otherwise than it was. He has since accepted an appointment\n                            in the Branch Bank at New York, where he now is.\n                        I think him competent to the office in Question. of his Integrity Punctuality\n                            and Industry I never entertained a Doubt; nor have I ever heard of any Doubts or opinions to\n                            his prejudice being entertained by others. I have the Honor to be with perfect Respect\n                            Esteem and Attachment Dear Sir Your most obt and 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00269", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Law, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I yesterday delivered a Lre into the Commissioners Office and returning from\n                            thence in company with Mr Hadfeild, that gentlemen told me that he\n                                could get the Capitol covered in this Season, \"why not write so then to the\n                            Commissioners\"? said I\u2014his answer was \"I shall be more likely to effect\n                                it by my own means without their knowing of my intention\"\u2014this upon my honor is a\n                            fact, but I do not wish it to become public as I might be deemed censurable for divulging a\n                            private Conversation & yet I am only acting faithfully by imparting it to You.\n                        I went with Mr Hadfeild to survey Mr Carrolls buildings at the Capitol for our\n                            literary Society & there saw better rooms than the\n                            Commissioners now have for their Offices.\n                        Mr Ralph chearfully offered to relinquish his House & to put up another\n                            close to the Capitol Square, I enclose his Lre. Dr Brown also promised immediately to build\n                            near the Capitol stating that he was only deterred by uncertainty, & that he resided\n                            near the tavern of Scot merely because the Commissioners Office was there; in short the fate\n                            of the City depends upon your resolves.\n                        Excuse the liberty I have taken & the trouble I have given you; the time is at hand when you will approve of my conduct, if even\n                            now it should appear officious. I remain with unfeigned esteem & sincere regard Your\n                            The Office has been held a long time near the Presidents House without\n                                advantage to the City, a change to the Capitol cannot do harm, particularly as the\n                                Offices will be cheaper & better\u2014the Officer\u2019s may live where they please their\n                                own convenience will bring them near\u2014& they must then superintend the Works\n                            With cheerfulness will I relinquish my house, either for a moderate rent, or\n                                by a fair sale, if it form a part of an arrangement so manifestly necessary to the\n                                interest, I had almost written, to the policital salvation, of this neglected City.\n                            What can avail all other exertions if The Capitol be neglected? How easily\n                                might a part of it be fitted up before November next for the Commissioners\u2019 office\n                                & its dependencies, &c. In the intermediate time far better accommodation can be\n                                obtained here But, Sir, your efforts will not avail. The City has been destroyed by the\n                                non-residence of those who ought, from its commencement, to have sacrificed partial\n                                convenience to the general advantage: suffer me to say, that The Comss will not forsake\n                                their beloved George Town & why fatigue yourself by ineffectual exertions.\n                            I speak freely & allow me to say confidentially; yet, as a proof of\n                                the sincerity of these sentiments, altho\u2019 my stake is little, I freely shall give up my\n                                All. Believe me to be with great respect, Dear sir, Your obliged 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00271", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Powel, Elizabeth Willing\nTo: Washington, George\n                        With Pleasure should I accede to your Proposal respecting your Coach, was I to\n                            be the possessor of the Horses; but when I assure you that they are for my Nephew you will\n                            see the Necessity of the Union being dissolved between them and their espoused Coach. I have\n                            deferred answering you Sir until I had an Opportunity of sounding him on the Subject,\n                            without directly telling him it was for Sale; but he is young\u2014loves Fashion\u2014prefers the\n                            Moderns to the Ancients; although the latter have been proved, and may have Excellences that\n                            the former have no pretentions to. In this Instance I am certain it is precisely the Case.\n                            Your Coach is an excellent Piece of workmanship; and I have not a Doubt that it will out wear\n                            a new Carriage built in America. Was I to have been the Purchaser of it\u2014the low Price would\n                            not have been an Object, when you was the Vender. I should certainly have paid any Thing you\n                            had asked under a full Confidence that you would not ask more than the Value.\n                        I understand that your Successour in Office is this Day legally Announced; and\n                            if Mr Adams lays the same stress on the association of Ideas that I do, both with respect to\n                            our Pleasures, and our Consequence, I think he will gladly become the Purchaser of not only\n                            your Coach, but of every Article that the World have been accustomed to see you make use of;\n                            and that you are disposed to part with. I know if I had any pretensions to his Confidence or\n                            feelt any Solicitude for him as an Individual I should most certainly advise him to do so.\n                        If my dear Sir it will be any accommodation to you to anticipate the payment for\n                            the Horses, intimate it to me, it will at any Moment be perfectly convenient to me to draw a\n                            Check on the Bank for the Amount, as I do not Speculate I am always in Cash. I was so\n                            desirous that you should have the Price you had asked; and that my Nephew should be\n                            gratified by having the finest Carriage Horses in Phila. that I\n                            offered to advance the Money for him, as he is in an extensive Scene of Trade, I well knew it\n                            would facilitate the Objects I had in View; but this I communicate to you in Confidence\n                                and to convince you that I am only an Agent in the Business. With\n                            Sentiments of Respect & Esteem I am ever your affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00274", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Secretary of State has the honor to inform the President of the United\n                            States, that having examined the Constitution & the law respecting the President\n                            & Vice President of the U. States, he sees no part requiring that the Vice-President\n                            elect should come to the Seat of Government to take the oath to support the Constitution of\n                            the U.S. which appears to be the only oath required of him. That oath may be administered by\n                            any one Senator to the Vice President. However, the Secretary will immediately see the Vice\n                            President, if at his lodgings, & ascertain the ideas of the Senate on the mode of\n                            notifying to Mr Jefferson his election; & if this was expected to be by Express, one\n                            shall be engaged without delay.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00275", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Matthias Slough, 10 February 1797\nFrom: Slough, Matthias\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Your most Esteemed favour of the 6th Currant duly reached me on the 8th. In\n                            reply to which I beg leave to mention to you that its Contents engaged my Imediate\n                            attention, and that yesterday by Rideing a few miles into the Country, I made a purchase of a\n                            pair of Mares on which I have had my Eye for upwards of Twelve Months, But which could not\n                            be purchased on any Terms untill now, owing to the Want of money by the owner of them, And\n                            from your Discription of the Kind of animals you wish to have I flatter myself they will\n                            please, Unless their age and price Should be an objection, They are Beutifull bays without\n                            any white excepting a Small Dim Starr in the fore head of one of them, Black Legs, full\n                            Sixteen hands high, Compleatly formd for any Kind of draft, in which No two in this County\n                            can Exceed them, They having frequently taken from Fifty of one hundred bushels of wheat out\n                            of this Town to the Mill of this owner and returned with the like Burthen in a Waggon,\n                            without any Dificualty, and what will make them more Valuable to you in my\n                            opinion is Their being used to draw together for these four years past During which time I\n                            see them every day Excepting Sunday or when I was from home. They are Heavy Bodyed, and will\n                            formd, but light limbd, for Animalls of their Size Eight years old, this Spring Perfectly Sound, Both heavy with Foal to a Compleat draft horse but not so\n                            heavy as to prevent their answering your Purpose, and their price is one Hundred &\n                            Sixty Pounds, Your Domestick Kreamer Knows them and will collect them\n                            when it is mentioned to him That I purchased them from a George Root a Miller in\n                            the Neighbourhood of this Town who about Twelve months Since to my own Knowledge might have\n                            Sold them for Two hundred Pounds, I have thus taken the Liberty to give you as Perticular a\n                            discription of them as in my power and have onely to add, That Should their Age or price be\n                            an objection It will be No disapointment as Several Farmers have already been with me and\n                            beged me to let them have them Saying that if they had Known they were for Sale I should not\n                            have got them for the price I have, So that in That case If you will only Honour me with\n                            your Answer I will Imediately attend to the purchase of another pair which altho they are\n                                Sworn I will have them at your Command and in the City on or before\n                            the day on which you wish to have them their, If you are pleased to take these mares and it\n                            is agreeable to you to forward their price, it will be Verry Exceptable to the\n                            man from whome I purchaseed as I believe it his onely motive for Disposing of them. My wish My\n                            Hond Sir to give you a full & minute discription of the Mares I have purchased is\n                            the cause of the length of this letter which I hope you will Pardon and on every Ocassion\n                            believe me My Dear & Hond Sir Your Highly Honoured, Most Obedient & Verry\n                            P.S. The man Called upon me this morning and told me That he could not be\n                                Quite Certain that one of them is not 9 years old this 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00277", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elkanah Watson, 10 February 1797\nFrom: Watson, Elkanah\nTo: Washington, George\n                        My Short visit at Mount Vernon in Jany 1785 will always be a Source of the Most\n                            grateful reflections to my mind, & I trust the important information I derived from afar, at\n                            that time as to your views in improveing the Navigation of the Potowmac, in connection with\n                            some branches of the Ohio leading in the direction of Detroit, for the avowed purpose of\n                            diverting the fur trade from Montreal to Alexandria, has not been lost to\n                            this State, altho our Western Canals and the improvement of our interior water to the great\n                            Lakes will undoubtedly divert your main object: but considering ourselves as Americans on\n                            the great Scale, divested of local attatchments, In this view I persuade myself you will\n                            rejoice at the progress we have already made. We now contemplate Locking round the falls of\n                            Niagara\u2014altho warmly opposed by Genl Schuyler. 3 or 4 of us are determind to Make an effort\n                            to obtain a Law; thus when the improvement are compleated to Oswego under the Law of 1792,\n                            and the last mentioned object is Also effected an uninterupted water communication will be\n                            open from Lake Erie to the Hudson. I take the liberty to transmit to you by Mr Van\n                            Renssalaer my Short Tour in Holland in 1784, the year previous to my visit to your\n                            hospitable mansion. Shou\u2019d it bequite  a few moments from the weighty\n                            concerns of our new born Nation, in the Solemn crisis in which we are now involved, it will\n                            be grateful to me. I am with profound respect & gratitude, Your devoted", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00279", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Quincy Adams, 11 February 1797\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Since I had the honour of writing you I have been informed that about a year\n                            ago a workman in the sword manufactories at Sohlingen, a hilt founder by\n                            the name of Alte, was induced in consequence of the unsettled and\n                            distressed situation of that part of Germany to go to America and before\n                            he went had the Sword made according to his own fancy, with the intention as I understand of\n                            presenting it to you upon his arrival in America, with the hopes that it might serve him as\n                            a recommendation of himself. His Father is living and received a letter\n                            from him last May informing him of his arrival at Philadelphia. But since\n                            that time he has had no further accounts from him. He professes not to remember particularly\n                            the tenor of the inscription upon the Sword. Its value might be from four to five pounds\n                        As this Letter will not come to your hands untill after the period which you\n                            have fixed upon for retiring from the Chief Magistracy of the Union, I cannot omit the\n                            opportunity of expressing the deep concern which, in common with every\n                            virtuous American Citizen, I have felt upon being informed of your resolution and the veneration and gratitude with which as one of the people of the United States. I received your address to\n                            pray that they may not only impress all its admonitions upon their hearts, but that it may\n                            serve as the foundation upon which the whole system of their future policy may rise, the\n                            admiration and the example of future times, that your warning voice may upon every great\n                            emergency recur to their remembrance with an influence equal to the occasion, that it may\n                            controul the fury of domestic factions and check the encroachments of foreign\n                                influence; that it may cement with indissoluble force our National\n                                Union, and secure at once our dignity and our Peace.\n                        I beg leave at the same time to offer you Sir, the tribute of my grateful\n                            acknowledgment for the distinguished notice which in the course of your public\n                            administration you were pleased to bestow on me by the repeated nomination to places of\n                            honour and trust under the Government of the United States, to places so far beyond any\n                            pretensions or expectations of mine; that they had never been even the subject of a wish,\n                            untill your favourable opinion called me to them. I cannot deem it improper at this moment to\n                            express the gratitude which I must ever feel, and as I know that the only acceptable return\n                            for favours of this nature will in your mind consist in the zealous and faithful discharge\n                            of the public services, which you were pleased to assign, I shall always consider my\n                            personal obligations to you among the strongest motives to animate my industry &\n                            invigorate my exertions in the service of my Country.\n                        With the most ardent wishes and prayers that the remainder of your life may be\n                            as replete with personal and domestic happiness to yourself as it has hitherto been with\n                            benefits to your native land, with usefulness to the world and dignity to the human\n                                character, I have the honour to be most respectfully, Sir, Your very", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00280", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Phillips, Jr., 11 February 1797\nFrom: Phillips, Samuel, Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\n                        As you have announced to the People of the United States, your intention to\n                            retire from the cares and decline the honors of public life, the Legislature of\n                            Massachusetts deem it a becoming duty to express their sentiments and those of their\n                            Constituents, on this interesting event.\n                        It is not an opinion, that our public testimony of your merits can be necessary\n                            to the lustre of your reputation, or the serenity of your repose, which prompts us to join\n                            the general voice of America, in applauding your great and glorious services; but we are\n                            excited to this measure, by a wish to exhibit a powerful inducement to the love of our\n                            Country, and to transmit to future times a record of the gratitude of our Republic.\n                        As the able and heroic General, who led our armies to victory and our Country\n                            to Independence, or as the enlightened and patriotic Magistrate, under whose\n                            administration, the United States have enjoyed peace and prosperity, your conduct has\n                            furnished a great and brilliant example, of integrity, fortitude and wisdom.\n                        We trust that the Pacific System which you have pursued with regard to the\n                            foreign relations of the Country, will be as completely justified by its eventual success,\n                            as it is by the maxims of equity and prudence; And we indulge the hope, that this System\n                            will be continued, and that its beneficial effects will not be confined to America, but will\n                            tend to discredit among the Nations of the world, that false and barbarous policy, which\n                            sacrifices the public good, at the shrine of resentment and ambition.\n                        When this effect shall take place, the cause of humanity will have derived a\n                            precious advantage from the example you have given, that moderation is the basis of true\n                            dignity, and that those laurels which are reared in the sunshine of peace, are beyond\n                            comparison fairer than those which are fertilized by the tears and blood of a People.\n                        We receive your address to your fellow citizens, upon the occasion of your\n                            intended retirement from your civil station, with the same sentiments of respect and\n                            emotions of gratitude, which were inspired by that which terminated your military career;\n                            sensible that it discloses an intelligent view of their political interests, and discovers\n                            that affectionate zeal for their future welfare, which marks the character of their common\n                        Whilst in behalf of our Country, we lament the necessity that deprives her of\n                            your services in public life, we cannot deny that so many years of anxious toil for her\n                            interests, give you the best title to that repose, which you have long so ardently wished to\n                        You will retire covered with glory, and followed with the blessings of your\n                            fellow citizens; whose honor and happiness it will be, that whilst you have deserved well of\n                            your Country, that Country has never ceased to cherish a grateful and admiring sense of your\n                        Our fervent prayers for your health and enjoyment will go with you into the\n                            retreats of private life. May you live to be full of years and satisfied with beholding the\n                            prosperity of your country; and when you shall be called from the present scene, may that\n                            Beneficent Being, who has made you the happy instrument of so much good to mankind admit you\n                            to those rewards in a future state, which this world cannot bestow.\n                        Commonwealth of Massachusetts In Senate February 11th 1797.\n                        Read and accepted and Ordered that the President of the Senate and the Speaker\n                            of the House of Representatives, transmit the foregoing address to the Senate representing\n                            this Commonwealth in Congress, to be by them presented to the President\n                            of the United States. sent down for concurrence \n                            In the House of Representatives, February 13th 1797.\n                            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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00282", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 12 February 1797\nFrom: Pearce, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        A Meteorological account of the Weather\n                        12 In the Morning47NW clear49W clear50S clear1346E cloudy48E raining48NE raining1445N. raining46N. rainy45W cloudy1545SW clear47W clear45W clear1636NW clear42W clear &   Blowing40W clear\n1740S.& cloudy some showers42S cloudy40S cloudy\n                    & raining1841E Rain42NE Rain40NW clear\n                        Dr. Mansion house for the Work of 8 hands Amt. \u214c Week48\n                            daysCr. By Hauling Hay 2 days & Timber 2, flatt Rails 2 days6\" 3 Horse Cart hauling Hay & Straw 3, & Manure to Garden 2 }5\" do Hauling Meal from the Mill &c1\" 2 Horse Cart hauling Wood to Mansion &c1\" do Wood & leaves &c to Coal Kill2\" Joe Pruning of Trees6\" Grubing & burning Brush 9 & cuting Wood\n                            615\" Cuting coal Wood & Attending at Kill6Sick Lucy 348\n                        Dr. Ditchers for the Work of 4 hands Amount. \u214c Week24\n                            daysCr. By working on the Old Mill Race8\" cuting coal wood 4 & Morticing Posts 610\" planting a Hedge at the Mill\n                        Stock 1 Stud horse 3 Stud Jacks, 3 Young do, 7 Horses, & 10 Jeanets, 9\n                        Dr. Mudy Hole for the Work of 14 hands Amt. \u214c Week 84\n                            daysCr.By Hauling Corn & wheat to Mill 1 Carting  Rails 4 days5\" Ploughing19\n\" making & repairing fences34\" cuting & Mauling Rails 5 days Grubing at M. House 2 days7\" Shelling Corn in Wett Weather13\" Sick Nancy\n                        Stock 7 Horses 4 Mules 37 H. Cattle 2 Calves 49 Sheep & 10 Lambs  2 Lambs.\n                        Corn Sent to Mill 9 Bu.Wheat Sent to Mill8do fed to Stock 3do in 15 1/4 12Oats fed to Stock4 Bu.\n                        Dr. River Farm for the Work of 27 hands Amt. \u214c Week162 daysCr. By ploughing 28 days & fencing 15 days43\" hauling Wheat & Corn to Mill4\" Loading Carts & hauling Straw8\" Hauling Wood 2 days & Manure 2 days4\" Repairing old Post & Rail fencing25\" Spreading Manure8\" Grubing 26, And Attending to Stock 12 days38\" Stoped by Rain25Sick John 1 day & Agnes in Child bed 6 days  7162\n                        Stock 11 Horses 1 Colt & 21 Mules 84 H. Cattle 6 Calves 203 Sheep\n                            & 67 Lambs Increased 1 Calf & 13 LambsWheat Sent to Mill 65 Bushels Corn to\n                        Dr. Union Farm for the Work of 23 hands Amounting \u214c Week138    \nCr.By Ploughing 18, & planting Hedges 8 days26\" Grubing in the Mill Swamp40\" cuting & Mauling Rails15\" making fences 20 & cuting in Mill Swamp  12 days32\" Hauling Manure, & Rails12\" Hauling Wheat & Wood to the Mill, & Distillery2\" Making Post & Rails fences 4 Hauling Stalks  into Cow Yard 37\" cleaning of Wheat  4138\n                        Stock 16 Horses 6 Mules 68 Horned Cattle 13 Year Olds & Calves 118\n                            Sheep Decreased 1 Sheep died.\n                        Corn sent to Mill 20Bush.Wheat Sent to Mill56do fed to Stock5doFailings sent to \n                        Dr. Dogue run for the Work of 16 Hands Amt. pr Week96\n                            daysCr. By cuting & Sawing Timber for flatt rails10\" making Posts & Mauling Rails 12, puting up Post & Rails 1729\" Grubing & burning Brush30\" Carting Rails 5 And Wood 1 day6Sick Sall twine 6, Charity 6, Agnes 3 Judith 3 & Simons 3 days2196\n                        Stock 4 Horses 1 Colt & 8 Mules 69 H. Cattle 1 Calf And 138 Sheep and 1\n                        Corn Sent to Mill 12Bushelsdo fed to Stock 5 do\n                        Dr. MillWheatCornContra       Cr.C. mealFlour Fine   Mid.H.     BranTo Mudy Hole89  2By Mudy hole8 2do in Sailings15 1/4\" Dogue run012\" Dogue run12\" Union5620\" Union Farm15 2\" River Farm6525  2\" River Farm13  28  2\" Union Farm Sailings35\" Mansion house19  21  214The Weight of the Wheats\" John Violet1Union Farm 58 & River\" Jas Anderson15Farm 59 lb. \u214c Bu. & his 3\n\" John Neale1 2\" William Stewart1\" Mansion house of \nBu.Delivered the Mills of                       Bus.\n                        Packed this Week 37 Barls Super fine flour fine 3\n                        Super fine in Mill 80 Barls fine 9 &\n                        Dr. Coopers for 1 Man & one boy Amt \u214c Week12\n                            daysCr. By dressing Barrel Staves 6 cuting hoop poles 410\" doing some Jobs in the Distillery\n                            6 daysDr.Carpenters for the Work of 7 Men Amt.  \u214c Week42Cr.By Working at the Distillery16\" Working at Dogue run Barn floor11\" fixing the Bolting Gears in the Mill1\n\" Hauling Timbers for the Barn at   Dogue run1\" Davy Burying his Child1\" Isaac & Joe in the Shop Making a  3 horse Cart for Mansion house one\n  plough for Mudy hole, & a Childs Coffin,\n  & hewing of Timber for the use of the Shop1242Dr. Brick layers for the Work of 2 Men Amt.  \u214c Week 12 daysCr. By Tom Davis & Muelles at Town with the\n                            Boat2\" Tom Davis Mending Seines5\" diging brick Clay 2 at Distillery 13\" repairing Allisons fire place1\" working in Shop When it rained\n                        Dr. Spiners, Sewers, & Knitters for the Work of 15 Women \u214c Week90Cr.By Matilda Spining  6 lb. Sow Yarn6\" Delia5 lb.do6\" Betsey Davis5 lb.do6\" Alsey5 lb.do6\" Annie5 lb.do6\" Delphia          2 1/2 lb.do6\" Judith4 lb.Stocking Yarn6\" Kattey2 lb.Sewing thread6\" Charlotte Sewing 6 Shirts4\" Dolsey Sewing 6 do being Sickly6\" Lucy Knitting 1 pr Stockings6\" Lame Alley     1 pr do6\" Sall Winding Yarn6Sick Caroline 6 Doll 6 And Charlotte14 Lame Peter Knitting 2 pairs Stockings 6 Days90Dr. Gardeners for the Work of 3 Men Amt. \u214c Week18Cr. By Working in the Garden18Hercules & Siras diging Brick Clay10Stoped by Rain\n                             Airing cleaning the House And Assisting by times\n                        Stud H.Stud J.HorsesMulesJeanitsTotalCattleCalvesTotalSheepLambsTot.Mansion167251049151588Mudy hole741137239491059River Farm1211238469020367270Union Farm1662281283118118Dogue run5813691701381139164754101182861129751678594Jas Anderson314\n                        There are 3 Negroe Children Born, & one dead at River Farm 1 born at\n                            Mansion house, Sina 1 And at Union Farm 1 born & one dead. It was killed by Worms.\n                            Medical Assistance was called. But the Mothers are very unnatended to their Young. A Nurse\n                            & some place set a part for the  be that on When You Ex.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00284", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Pinckney, 12 February 1797\nFrom: Pinckney, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Book forwarded herewith was sent to me at Cowes when on\n                            the Eve of my departure or I would have transmitted it to you by a less circuitous Route:\n                            the want of a fit opportunity to convey it hence \u2019till the present time has likewise\n                            occasioned the detention of the inclosed letter which was written shortly after my arrival.\n                        I beg leave again to offer my sincere wishes that your retirement may be\n                            attended by comfort and tranquility equal to the services you have rendered to your Country,\n                            and to believe me to be with affectionate respect Dear Sir Your much obliged and most", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00285", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Blount, 13 February 1797\nFrom: Blount, William,Cocke, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        We recommend Robert Hays of Davidson County for Mashal Thomas Gray of Jefferson\n                            County for Attorny and Morgan Brown of Palmyra for Collector of the Impost in the State of\n                            Tennessee. Mr Hays was an officer in the Revolutionary army, is at present Colonel of a\n                            Regiment of Cavalry and a Citizen of great Respectability. Mr Gray is a Lawyer of upwards of\n                            twenty years standing in No. Carolina and lately become a Citizen of Tennessee\u2014Mr Brown was\n                            a respectable Member of the Legislature of So. Carolina lately removed to Tennessee\n                            & resides at Palmyra & is well qualified to discharge the Duties of the\n                            Office to which he is recommended, We have the Honor to be very respectfully", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00286", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Caleb Gibbs, 13 February 1797\nFrom: Gibbs, Caleb\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Placed as I am in a situation of live not the most agreable and feeling a\n                            conciousness of deserving a better fate I am once more induced before you resign the\n                            important station you now fill to address myself to you.\n                        I will not presume Sir to trespass too long upon your patience nor recapitulate\n                            my former request but beg of you before the last hour of your administration ceaces not to\n                            forget One of your Old Servants, who for five successive years fought by your side filled\n                            Offices of trust and confidence under your immediate Inspection which met and obtained your\n                            approbation and who for nine years of the prime of his life devoted himself to the service\n                        If aught of that life claims your attention let me flatter myself that there\n                            will be found a situation which will give me a decent Competency (more I do not ask)\n                            adequate to the comfort and support of an amiable wife and increasing family. If nothing\n                            should present previous to your taking leave of the Government let me be persuaded that a\n                            favourable Idea may be conveyed of me to your successor.\n                        And may the God of all mercies have you in his holy keeping through the evening\n                            of your days and when the period shall arrive when you must bid adieu to this transitory\n                            life may you be received into the blissfull mansions above to reap the rewards of a good and\n                        This is the sincere and ardent prayer of him who always was and always will be\n                            Your Affectionate and most devoted Obedient and very humble Servant\n                            P.S. I entreat of you Sir to Offer me in terms of the highest regard and", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00287", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 February 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the U. States\n                            the draughts of letters to General Pinckney Colo. Humphreys and Mr Adams. In the letter to\n                            Colo. Humphreys (not private) remains to be added what is mentioned in that to Mr Adams\n                            respecting his salary, on which the Secretary entertained some doubts; but on the whole\n                            deemed the principle he has adopted to be correct\u2014but which he submits to the Presidents\n                        The Secretary also takes leave to submit to the President\u2019s consideration the\n                            hint given in the last paragraph of the inclosed letter from Colo. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00288", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 13 February 1797\nFrom: Sinclair, John\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I beg to recommend, the bearer, Thomas Macdonald Esqr., to your particular\n                            attention. He is able and well informed, and has also paid attention to agricultural\n                            pursuits. He will carry out with him some additional papers printed by the Board of\n                            Agriculture. With great truth & Regard believe me Your faithful and obedient", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00289", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Matthias Slough, 13 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Slough, Matthias\n                        On Saturday morning I wrote to you by the Post, and in the afternoon I received\n                            your letter of the 10th instant.\n                        Altho\u2019 I had not intended to have gone to the price of one hundred and Sixty\n                            pounds for a pair of Mares for the purpose for wch those purchased were wanted, yet from\n                                 & Kreamers account of them,  pleased\n                            that you made it, & thank you for doing so.\n                        Enclosed, I send you Bank Notes amounting to Six hundred Dollars, to pay for\n                                 part for the third one required, which (if obtained at all) I\n                            request may be  calculated for active movements than I presume the\n                            first two are. Whatever this sum shall fall short of the purchase and incidental expences\n                            will be immediately remitted to you and I should be glad to  all three of them\n                            here as soon as convenient. If a handsome bay horse, young & well broke to the\n                            draught, could readily be   not so, I shall readily acquiesce.\n                        I pray you to accept my thanks for the readiness with which you have complied\n                            with my request and the   of the esteem & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00290", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Anderson, 14 February 1797\nFrom: Anderson, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Your letter of 5th came duely, And have now to hand You reports of last Week,\n                            in Writing of which in mistake began on the wrong end of 3 page\u2014I am sorry that I have\n                            hitherto been unsucessful in procuring Fowls from Mr \u2014It is said\n                            we are too late\u2014And they are all sold\u2014Shall still try\u2014I have never heard from Mr Carter, And\n                            if I do not in a few days Shall try in some other place\u2014Am Glad You are Satisfied with the\n                            speed in cuting down the Road\u2014I am seldom pleased with the work of Negroes, being accustomed\n                            to more expedition\u2014when speaking of this Shall take some notice of the Overseers\u2014who are all\n                            Attentive to my Orders\u2014But find Allison has little Authority, and his hands does\n                            little\u2014Davis does as well as may be expected from a Negroe, Stewart is a man of some\n                            Ideas\u2014But has there in much esteem, and is rather Opinionative; upon the whole not a bad\n                            Overseer\u2014Cash and Violet are good Overseers, And have Authority (And I hope You will not be\n                            Offended by my informing that I enforce theirs and all of the Overseers Authority, by\n                            assisting in some Chastisements when needfull.) I really do find\n                            pretences of Sickness when I can Observe scarcely any Ailment. And I do not wish to\n                            encourage this\u2014I do think there are due Negroes And all servants their right (Negroes right being\n                            food & Cloathing) and when this is given them, the demand upon them is a Competency of\n                            work And when they fail in performing it\u2014That they must be forced thereto\u2014I will Attend to\n                            have the road fit for Your Excellency & Ladies traveling to Mount Vernon alongst it,\n                        I find more difficulty in pushing our Overseers to Hedging than any thing\u2014They\n                            being unaccquainted have rather an aversion thereto\u2014In planting a Hedge of Locust from the\n                            Mill alongst the side of the Road untill You reach the bed of the River with a small Ditch\n                            on each side, & post & Rail fence on the Bank I can find no thorns\u2014must fill\n                        We must Attend, to have Potatoes Turnip & Pease on east Farm for the\n                            Stock of all kinds\u2014They do not thrive so well on dry food as if they had part green. besides\n                            the vast expence of Corn, I did not get the Stills so soon to Work as I did expect\u2014The\n                            Carpenters are but very Slow And the Water not being brought\n                                forward hindered us\u2014The Worm of the new Still was too small Which\n                            I have returned (It did not on Trial Answer) And will have in a day or two a proper one the\n                            Old Still does well\u2014And We shall save the Corn fed to\n                            the Hogs at the Mill, And on Thursday I shall go after these in Loudon,\n                            as I find our two Stills will be able to supply nearly 100 Hogs\u2014I am glad You think upon\n                            procuring something at Philadelphia\u2014I have got Spades, But if You please\n                            may buy\u201412 large Shovels for throwing up mud cleaning the Bottoms of Ditches, Loading Manure\n                            &c. I think we may do without any Riddles\u2014Buy 12 Grass Sythes of 3 feet 4 Inches\n                            long, 2 Dozen plates Rolled Iron for covering Moold boards 2 Dozen of plough plates for\n                            Shares, And 200 lb. nail rods As our smiths may make some nails by times especially of the\n                            large kind\u2014And if You can meet with it 30 Bushels Buck Wheat & 2 Bushels of the best\n                            & perfectly clean flax seed, What we have is full of Cheat. Besides a farmer ought\n                            always to be changing some of His seeds every Year, Your Observations as to puting in Seed\n                            are coinciding with mine, But when I harrow in wheat I wish to leave a rough Surface\u2014And for\n                            any Spring Grain a smoothe one\u2014Colln. Deakins says the Oats 12 or 13 Bush. is to be with\n                                Rukels & Mucles by 1 Month I am wishing the Gardner not to sell any \n                            trees this Spring as You may need them in the Fall\u2014I send some White & some English\n                            grey pease leying by which I will attend to sow When the Season will\n                            Admit I have about 1/2 Gall. of a very fine grey pea much in repute in Glouster &\n                            Essex which I will plant in good Land to raise thereupon all I can, I think the small field\n                            by My house will be a kind of Garden for these Sundrie things being with the greatest esteem\n                            Sir Your most Obed. Humble Set\n                                 The fine flour by Allison & Violet is to be\n                                paid by the difference between midling &\n                                fine, Callahanpays the 25th from his hire.\n                            The Measures of the Rooms are\n                                feet four Inches.Its breadth is 9 1/2 feet say9 feet  6Short Side 10 feet 2 Inches. Its breadth is 7 2 1/2full breadth168 1/2\n                            Bed room of that long at long side 14 feet 7 Inches.Broad at this side  8  6 \n                             long at short side10 feet 1 InchesBroad at this side4full Breadth feet126 Parlour\u2014long on long side 16 feet 1 InchesBroad at this side107 \n                             long on short side 11 feet 9 Inches.Broad at this side55\n                                full 16 \"Bed room off thislong on long side16 feet 4 Inches.Broad at this side 7 ft. 1 1/2long on short side12 feet 2 InchesBroad at this side5 7full12 8 1/2\n                                the Rooms Carpets &ca.  And in a few days before You arrive Shall have small fires\n                                in the rooms to Sweetenten the air.\n                            Siras & Herculus are diging Brick Clay. Shall need some of them to\n                                assist in Grubing the Ground by white Gates.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00292", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 14 February 1797\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I have examined the journals of the House of Representatives and also of the\n                            Senate respecting your message to Congress of the 18th of February 1793 accompanied with a\n                            report and plot of the territory of the United States on Patowmack. In each House an order\n                            was made that the message lie on the table. On the next day the Clerk of the House of\n                            Representatives delivered to the Senate a message with the plot of the territory of the\n                            United States on the Patowmack, concerning which no order appears to have been made. On the\n                            2d of march following the Senate made an order \"that the Secretary return all original\n                            papers not addressed to the Senate which have been laid before them during the present\n                            session by the President or by any of the Heads of Departments,\" and on the same day\n                            Congress adjourned without day, the term limited by the Constitution expiring on the next\n                            day. The message of the President does not suggest that any Act was to be done by Congress\n                            on the subject, and there is no evidence on the journals that it was even ever taken into\n                            their consideration, so that the question what is the plot of the territory of the United\n                            States on the Patowmack will rest on transactions concerning which Congress have not\n                            declared any opinion and in which they have not taken any part. With perfect respect I have\n                            the honor to remain 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00293", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 14 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n                        I have given the draughts of the letters to Messrs Pinckney\u2014Humphreys\u2014and Adams\n                            an attentive perusal, and approve of their contents.\n                        It might however be better, to soften some of the strong expressions in the\n                            letter which is addressed to the first of those characters; or to convey them in Cypher,\n                            lest they should (which is not improbable) fall into hands they are not intended for. and\n                            might it not be advisable to let Mr Pinckney know how unpleasant to this country it would\n                            be, that the French should be possessed of Louisiana & the Floridas, that he might\n                            act as opportunities and circumstances would justify?\n                        It would seem that the same principle, which induced a call upon the Merchts to\n                            come forward with their statements and proof of British Spoliations, apply equally to those\n                            who are suffering by French depredations; but as we may, every moment, expect to hear from Mr\n                            Pinckney at Paris, I am inclined to think the call had better be suspended until it is known\n                            what his reception has been. ", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00295", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 15 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\n                        Several of your letters have been received within these few days; and\n                            notwithstanding the accumulation of business, consequent of the near epoch for my quitting\n                            the chair of government, the receipt of them should not have remained so long unacknowledged\n                            had I not placed such as related to the Power of Attorney, and to some disputed points, into the hands of the Law Officer of the United\n                            States for his official opinion; without having received his report\u2014owing, I believe, to his\n                            having been hurried, almost, as much as myself.\n                        Thus circumstanced, I shall confine the subject of this letter wholly to the\n                            expression of my sentiments relatively to the public buildings; conceiving it necessary that\n                            you should be informed of them without delay.\n                        When in the course of the Autumn you suggested the propriety of designating the\n                            sites for the Executive Offices, and for providing materials, for their erection, I yielded\n                            a ready assent; and still think that if we had the means at command, and no doubt was\n                            entertained of the adequacy of them, that these buildings ought to commence.\n                        But when the difficulty in obtaining loans\u2014and the disadvantageous terms on\n                            which the money is borrowed, has since become so apparent; when I see those whose interest\n                            it is to appreciate the credit of the City, and to aid the Commissioners in all their\n                            laudable exertions brooding over their jealousies, & spreading the Seeds of\n                            distrust; and when I perceive (as I clearly do) that the public mind is in a state of doubt,\n                            if not in despair of having the principal building in readiness for Congress, by the time\n                            contemplated\u2014for these reasons I say, and for others which might be enumerated, I am now\n                            decidedly of opinion that the edifices for the Executive Offices ought to be suspended; that\n                            the work on the house for the President should advance no faster (at the expence or\n                            retardment of the Capitol) than is necessary to keep pace therewith and to preserve it from\n                            injury; and that all the means (not essential for other purposes) & all the force,\n                            ought to be employed on the Capitol.\n                        It may be relied on, that it is the progress of that building, that is to\n                            inspire, or depress public confidence. Under any circumstances this, more or less would be\n                            the case; but when it is reported by many, & believed by some (with out foundation I\n                            am persuaded) that there is a biass elsewhere; it is essential on the score of policy,\n                            & for the gratification of the public wishes, that this work should be vigorously\n                            prosecuted in the manner I have suggested. And I require it accordingly. Consider\u2019d on a\n                            simple point of view, the matter stands thus. Are the funds sufficient to accomplish all the objects which are contemplated? If doubts arise, then,\n                            which of those objects are to be preferred? on this ground there would be but one opinion;\n                            every body would cry out, the Capitol. Again, admit that the resources will ultimately be\n                            adequate, but cannot be drawn forth in the ratio of your general wants, will not the same\n                            answer, as it respects time, apply with equal force to the building just mentioned? This\n                            then, seems to be safe ground to proceed on. It would gratify the public wishes &\n                            expectation; might, possibly, appease clamour; and, if all the buildings cannot be completed\n                            in time, no material evil would result from the postponement of the subordinate Offices,\n                            until the Capitol is in such a state of forwardness as to remove all doubts of its being\n                            ready for the reception of Congress by the time appointed. Another good (mentioned in a\n                            former letter) would flow therefrom; which is, that in proportion as that building advanced,\n                            & doubts subsided, private buildings would be erected where they would be most\n                            wanted for the accomodation of the members. The public offices might shift (as they have\n                            done) a while longer. I write in much haste (for this mornings Post) that the letter may get\n                            to you in the course of the week. If I have expressed myself in such a manner as to be\n                            clearly understood it is enough you must excuse the scrawl & believe me to be with\n                            esteem & regard\u2014Gentn Yr Obedt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00297", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 15 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate,United States House of Representatives\n                            Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives \n                        I lay before You an Official Statement of the Expenditure to the end of the\n                            Year 1796, from the Sums heretofore granted to defray the Contingent Charges of the\n                            Dr. Account of the Application of the Grants made by Congress for the\n                                Contingent Charges of Government, from the 1. January to the 31. Decem. 1796Cr.1796DollarsCtsDollsCtsTo the following payments made upon Orders of the President of the\n                                United StatesBy Balance unexpended on the 31st day of\n                                December 1795, and subject to the Orders of the President of the United States,\n                                according to Statement of Account rendered to that day7,893 05Jany 26.Warrant No. 5729 in favor of Timothy Pickering Secretary of State, to\n                                be applied payment of the Accounts of Bills presented by Thomas Fitzsimons Chairman of\n                                the Committee of Merchants for the Expenditures in procuring Copies of Papers from the\n                                British Admiralty Courts in the West Indies in Cases of the Capture of American Vessels\n                                2,500By Appropriation granted \u214c Act of the 1 June 179620,000 Feb. 19.Warrant No. 5798 in favor of Ditto, to be applied to the payment of\n                                Bills and Accounts presented by Thomas Fitzsimons Chairman of the Committee of Merchants\n                                for Expenditures in procuring Copies of papers from the British Admiralty Courts in the\n                                West Indies in Cases of the Capture of American Vessels2,000Feb. 25.Warrant No. 5815 in favor of Ditto, to enable him to take up a Bill of\n                                Exchange dated 11. August 1795, drawn by Fisher and Darrell of Antigua on Thomas\n                                Fitzsimons Chairman of the Committee of Merchants of Philadelphia on account of the\n                                Expenses attending the Copying and Authenticating the proceedings of the Court of Vice\n                                Admiralty of Antigua on the property of Citizens of the United States, Captured and\n                                carried there under the Orders of the 6th November 17931,49884May 23.Warrant No. 6108 in favor of Ditto, to be applied to the payment of a\n                                demand for Transcripts of proceedings on American Vessels in the Vice Admiralty Court of\n                                Dominica and other expenses connected therewith 1,000July 6.Warrant No. 6280 in favor of Ditto, for the purpose of enabling him to\n                                continue the payment of the Expenses attending the procuring of Copies of the\n                                proceedings of the British Courts of Vice Admiralty in the Cases of Captures by the\n                                Armed Vessels of that Nation2,000Augt 3.Warrant No. 6346 in favor of Ditto to defray the Contingent Charges of\n                                Government 1,000Octr 1.Warrant No. 6548 in favor of Ditto to defray the Contingent Charges of\n                                Treasury Department Register\u2019s Office, Feby 6. 1797", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00298", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 16 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\n                        Compliments to the Vice-President. Enclosed is the curious\n                            and Insulting Letter mentioned yesterday 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00299", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Ball, 16 February 1797\nFrom: Ball, George\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Spotsylvania County Virginia Febuary 16\u20141797\n                        About the 14 of last month I wrote you a letter, from Lancaster County (this\n                            State) and from my not receiving an answer & some other circumstance I have some\n                            doubt whither you have receiv\u2019d it or not\u2014the purpote of which was, that I was informed by\n                            your letter to Mr Geo: Fitzhugh of King George County (with whome you had been on a contract,\n                            and who has since declined it) of your in tent to sell your land which you hold in Glousester\n                            County\u2014from my circumstances and my knowledge of the land I wish to purchase upon the terms\n                            you mention in that letter\u2014of your intent still to sell your Agent in this state if any and\n                            other particulars you will much oblige me to let me know immediately by post as it will be a\n                            matter of importance for me to know soon. I am Dr Sr your very Humble sr.\n                            When I wrote the letter mentioned above I was in Lancaster\u2014from home, and\n                                expected to have continued there untill your answer should have arived; but I am now in\n                                Spotsylvania and shall continue.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00300", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bremen Burgomasters and Senators, 16 February 1797\nFrom: Bremen Burgomasters and Senators\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Le Sr Fr\u00e9deric Jacques Wichelhausen, venant de nous pr\u00e9senter les lettres\n                            patentes, qui font foi de sa nomination au poste de Consul des Etats Unis de l\u2019Amerique pour\n                            le port de cette Ville, nous ne tardons pas, de marquer \u00e0 Votre Excellence, combien il nous\n                            est agr\u00e9able, que Son choix pour cet employ est tomb\u00e9 sur une personne, que les talens que\n                            nous lui connoissons, Ses merites & Sa loyaut\u00e9 ne peuvent laisser de nous rendre\n                            \u00e9galement estimable & cher.\n                        Nous faisants donc un vrai plaisir, de r\u00e9connaitre le nomm\u00e9 Sieur Frederic\n                            Jacques Wichelhausen dans la dite qualit\u00e9, nous nous en ferons autant, de lui accorder tout\n                            ce dont jouissent actuellement ch\u00e9s nous les Consuls des autres nations nomm\u00e9s pour le port\n                            de cette Ville, acceptants l\u2019offre d\u2019accorder le reciproque aux Consuls, que tot ou tard\n                            nous jugerons peut-etre \u00e0 propos de nommer pour les differents ports apartenants aux Etats\n                        Osants r\u00e9garder en outre l\u2019\u00e9tablissement de ce Consulat, comme une preuve\n                            evidente de l\u2019intention des Etats Unis, de reserrer encore plus \u00e9troitement les liens\n                            amiables & commercales, qui entrelacent l\u2019Amerique Septentrionale & cette\n                            R\u00e9publique, n\u2019aurons rien plus \u00e0 c\u0153ur, que de cultiver de notre mieux cette bonne\n                            intelligence, qui subsiste heureusement; & \u00e0 entretenir cette amiti\u00e9 qui nous est\n                            infiniment chere, & de la quelle par cette nomination m\u00eame nous venons de r\u00e9cevoir\n                            encore une marque nouvelle.\n                        Enti\u00e9rement persuad\u00e9s, que nous la devons aux soins\n                            & \u00e0 la bonne volont\u00e9 de Votre Excellence, nous ne s\u00e7aurons nous\n                            r\u00e9fuser le plaisir, de Lui en temoigner notre plus vive reconnoissance, La priant de vouloir\n                            agr\u00e9er avec les assurances de celle-ci, les protestations de la\n                            consideration la plus distingu\u00e9e avec la quelle nous avons l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre\n                            Monsieur De Votre Excellence les tr\u00e9s humbles & tr\u00e9s obeissants Bourguemaitres\n                            & Senateurs de la Ville libre Imperiale & Ans\u00e9atique de Brem\u00ea.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00304", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 17 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\n                        In looking over the press copy of the letter I wrote you by the Post of\n                            Wednesday last, which was penned in great haste, to be in time for the Mail; I perceive some\n                            ambiguity in the expression of my sentiment respecting the building designated for the\n                            President of the U. States; and therefore these lines are given in explanation.\n                        It was not, nor is it my intention, that the work on that house should cease\n                            for that might prove injurious to the parts that are already executed, and to the materials\n                            which are prepared for the completion of the Walls and covering the same. The idea I meant\n                            to convey was, that these should go on, but with as moderate means as would accomplish the\n                            object, and guard the edifice from damage by weather; employing the remaining force on the Capitol; resting the matter upon a little time, and the\n                            prospect of your funds, to determine, unequivocally, whether both\n                            buildings can be completed by the year 1800: and until this is ascertained, to proceed on\n                            the Capitol in the manner, & for the purposes I have mentioned to you before.\n                        It has been advised, that an Act of Congress should be obtained for\n                            incorporating the Commissioners of the City of Washington, and their Successors, for the\n                            particular purpose of enabling them to take & hold in fee simple, for the use of the\n                            United States, the lands within the City set apart and appropriated by the President to\n                        It is supposed possible that some inconvenience may arise at a future day if\n                            the conveyance be made to any persons & their heirs in their individual capacity, by\n                            reason of their absence, infancy, or other unforeseen causes which will not occur in case\n                            the Commissioners are incorporated and the conveyance is made to them. A bill for this\n                            purpose is now before Congress and expected to pass. So soon as a decision is had upon it a\n                            direction will be sent for a conveyance of those appropriated lands to be made to the\n                            Commissioners if incorporated; if not then to the same persons in their individual capacity.\n                        At the sametime, perhaps sooner\u2014I will give you my sentimts on the Memorial of\n                            Mr Davidson, & other matters. In the meantime, with esteem & regard I remain\n                            Gentlemen Your very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00305", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Hambly, 17 February 1797\nFrom: Hambly, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Some time since I did myself the pleasure to wait on You through the Medium of\n                            my Friends Messrs Thompson & Veitch, with the present of an old Cheshire Cheese.\n                        The gracious manner in which you was pleased to receive it\u2014and the growing\n                            respect I feel for Your Character\u2014influences me to supplicate Your Condescension, to receive\n                            another at my hands\u2014which I hope you will be pleased to do.\n                        At this Moment the Eyes of all the World are fixed\n                            on N. A.\u2014and I hope those who wish her ill, will be greatly\n                        I hope kind Heaven will be graciously pleased to lengthen out your days\u2014and to\n                            make Your last Moments your most tranquil ones. May nothing arise in your political Horizon to ruffle your Temper\u2014or disturbe your Retirement\u2014is the most sincere\n                            prayer of your Excellencies 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00306", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Maria I, 17 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Maria I\n                        Desirous of continuing a friendly and useful intercourse between the subjects\n                            of your Majesty and the Citizens of these States, and the proofs of our good will and\n                            consideration towards your Majesty, I have named John Quincy Adams, one of our distinguished\n                            Citizens, Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of America near your Majesty. He\n                            knows the interests we take, and shall ever take, in your prosperity and happiness; and I\n                            beseech your Majesty to give entire Credence to whatever he shall deliver on our part, and\n                            most of all when he shall assure you of the sincerity of our friendship.\n                        I pray God to keep you, Great and Good Friend under his holy protection.\n                            Written at Philadelphia the Seventeenth day of February 1797. Your Good 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00307", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Montgomery, 17 February 1797\nFrom: Montgomery, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Conscious as I am of the Importance of your Time I yet must take the Liberty to\n                            intrude so far on it as to solicit from your Justice that Redress the malicious attack on my\n                            Character calls for. I trust there are no doubts on your Excellencys Mind relative to it and\n                            it is but a Duty owing to Myself and Family to have such unmeritted aspersions refuted\n                            Whilst it is to you I can appeal for\n                            that Redress which I earnestly solicit your Excellency to grant and by that means let me\n                            know on what Footing I stand, My Character has been Attacked, by the Collector the Testimonies\n                            that I have handed to your Excellency certainly refutes those charges in their fullest\n                            extent but it yet remains to give me the Satisfaction, of knowing myself cleared from the\n                            Aspersions cast on me and to your Excellency I appeal and am with the Highest Sentiments of\n                            Respect your most devoted 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00308", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Latimer, 17 February 1797\nFrom: Latimer, George\nTo: Washington, George\n                        When we contemplate the near approach of your retirement from public to private\n                            Life, as announced to your Fellow Citizens, in your Address of the 17th of September last;\n                            we should be wanting in duty to our own feelings, and those of our Constituents, if we did\n                            not cordially embrace this last occasion, to join the grateful Voice of the American Nation,\n                            in the Acknowledgment of your long Services and patriotic Labors, in the Atchievement of\n                            our Independence, and the Establishment and Maintenance of our peace, Liberty and Safety.\n                        In the House where we now deliberate, could we be silent, its walls, if they\n                            had utterance, would testify for us that they beheld you seated in our first Congress, and,\n                            at their Call, rising undaunted to lead our infant Armies to Victory or Death, in the cause\n                            of Liberty and our Country. They beheld you again, after the issue of that perilous, but\n                            auspicious Combat, seated in the same House, and presiding, eminently illustrious, among the\n                            illustrious Band of Statesmen and Patriots, who framed the present happy Constitution of the\n                        We forbear, Sir, a detail of your Services, as well before, as since, the\n                            Commencement of the Revolution. Were we adequate to the task, it would fall more properly\n                            within the Province of some future Historian, who cannot be suspected of personal Affection,\n                        It is our present duty only to express our grateful sense of your General\n                            Services. Prudent, firm and magnanimous in war; never despairing of the public Safety in the\n                            worst of times, nor elated by Success, in the best; confiding in, and confided by, your\n                            Country, to its greatest advantage; gloriously relinquishing your military Character, when\n                            the great national purposes for which it was assumed left you at liberty to seek your\n                            beloved retirement; and with equal glory, quitting that retirement, at the Call of your\n                            Country to execute its Councils and Commands in time of peace\u2014the faithful Guardian and\n                            intelligent Organ of its Laws; maintaining its Freedom, asserting its Honor and\n                            Independence; and at last, when in your best Judgment, without an abatement of Love for\n                            your Country; you conceived that the time was come, when you might be safely indulged in a\n                            final return to that retirement which your years and Services merited\u2014then bequeathing the\n                            fruits of your Wisdom and Experience in a Farewell Address, the Maxims and Precepts of\n                            which, we trust, will ever be regarded, as the richest Legacy of a Father to his Children\n                        The same ardent affection which leads us, reluctantly, to acquiesce in your\n                            approaching retirement, commands our fervent wishes\u2014that you may enjoy in this World the\n                            utmost Felicity of your Heart, in beholding the perpetual Prosperity of our Country, under a\n                            Succession of wise and virtuous Statesmen and Rulers, animated by your Example; and that\n                            when you are called from this World, you may be rewarded by the unbounded Felicity of the\n                            George Latimer,Speaker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00309", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Pennsylvania Legislature, 17 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pennsylvania Legislature\n                        The kindness of my fellow citizens has given me frequent occasions to make my\n                            acknowledgments for their expressions of confidence, attachment and affection; and for\n                            their honorable testimonies that my public cares and labours have been useful to my country.\n                        With great satisfaction I receive your additional testimony, that as a public\n                        Though now seeking that repose which retirement and the tranquil pursuit of\n                            rural affairs are calculated to afford, and which my time of life requires, the love of my\n                            country will indeed suffer no abatement: its safety & prosperity will be essential\n                            to the enjoyment of my remaining years. And I confide in the discernment and patriotism of\n                            my fellow-citizens for the choice of wise and virtuous men who will successively administer\n                            every branch of the government in such manner as, under divine Providence, to enforce the\n                            general happiness. For your affectionate wishes for my present & future felicity, accept,\n                            gentlemen, my cordial thanks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00310", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 17 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\n                        I nominate the following Persons to fill the Offices annexed to their\n                        Morgan Brown of the State of Tennessee, to be Collector for the District of\n                            Tennessee, and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Palmyra.\n                        John McNairy of the State of Tennessee to be Judge for the United States in the\n                        Thomas Gray of the State of Tennessee, to be Attorney for the United States in\n                            the District of Tennessee.\n                        Robert Hays of the State of Tennessee to be Marshal of & for the\n                        Richard Rogers of New York to be Naval Officer for the District of New York,\n                            vice Benjamin Walker resigned.\n                        Mathias E. Sawyer of North Carolina to be Surveyor for the Port of Pasquotank\n                            River Bridge in the District of Camden and Inspector of the Revenue for the same Port, vice\n                        Elias Backman a resident of Gottenburg in Sweden to be Consul for the United\n                        Isaac Cox Barnet of New Jersey now residing at Brest to be Consul for the\n                            United States at the Port of Brest.\n                        Francis Childs late of New York now residing in Europe to be Consul for the\n                        Conrad Frederick Wagner to be Consul for the United States at Trieste.\n                        William Henry Lange of Georgia (heretofore nominated by mistake Henry William\n                            Lange) to be Surveyor for the District of Savanna, and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port\n                            of Savanna, vice James Benjamin Maxwell resigned.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00312", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 18 February 1797\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Washington, George\n                        On the 1st of Janry I had pleasure of writing to you a long letter, which I\n                            hope you will have received before this shall reach you. But having now nothing to say, but\n                            to repeat the expressions of my veneration & affection for you, I shall not trouble\n                            you with many words on the occasion. The language of gratitude\n                            & friendship may be as concise, as energetic. I believe you are\n                            convinced few have a larger portion of either for you. The\n                            expression of these cannot but display itself on every new\n                            & interesting epocha of your life. Permit me then to offer you my sincere\n                            congratulations on your drawing so near to the period when your public life is to be\n                            terminated... or, to speak figuratively, when, after having passed the stormy military\n                            & political Seas on which you were embarked from necessity & duty, you are on the\n                            point of reaching the ports of private life and domestic felicity\u2014May tranquility, health\n                            & happiness long attend you in your retirement.\n                        As you will have become a private Citizen before this shall be put into your\n                            hand, I may now venture to ask your acceptance of a pair of Shoe & Knee Buckles,\n                            made expressly for you of oriental Topases... which Captn OBrien is charged to deliver or send\n                            to you. As, I think, they are neither mean or gaudy or too vulgar or too expensive, I hope\n                            you will wear them very often for my sake: and that, in wearing them, you will some times\n                            have the goodness to recollect, they only meant as a silent memorial of the sentiments of\n                            inexpressible attachment, affection & respect, with which I shall never cease to be.\n                            Your sincerest friend & Most devoted 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00313", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Joseph Fay, 19 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fay, Joseph\n                        Your favor of the 7th instant came duly to hand, but a pressure of business,\n                            has retarded the acknowledgment of it.\n                        My lands on the Ohio & great Kanhawa Rivers are not yet disposed of nor\n                            do I incline to offer them for sale in Europe; where land jobbing is in much disgrace.\n                        For some part of them (possessed of no peculiar advantages) I have refused\n                            eight dollars an acre, but have offered the whole of what I own\n                            on those two rivers at that price; a large proportion of which is of superior quality, and\n                            inferior in no other respect to those for which the offer was made.\n                        The publication enclosed with this letter, gives a correct general description\n                            of the Several tracts\u2014where\u2014and how situated. The quality, & value of them are so\n                            well known, that a more particular account might be had from any person who has ever been on\n                            the Ohio; and I had rather it should be derived from others, or from an occular view, than\n                        The price, as beforementioned, being eight dollars, the printed notification\n                            designates the mode of payment and security thereof. I am Sir Your most 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00314", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 19 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jay, John\n                        Your favor of the 8th instant from Albany, was duly received; but not before\n                            arrangements for many nominations (amongst which that for the Naval Office in New York was\n                        From the character of Mr Remson, I have a very good opinion of his abilities\n                            and worth; but as his name was not among those which had been handed to me for this office,\n                            and as there seemed to be a concurrent opinion in favour of a Mr Rogers, who has, it seems,\n                            been the main spring in the business hitherto, I decided upon him with out much hesitation.\n                            With very sincere regard, I am\u2014My dear Sir Your Most Obedt and Affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00316", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Adams, John\n                        I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed. The sentiments do honor\n                            to the head & heart of the writer; and if my wishes would be of any avail, they shd\n                            go to you in a strong hope, that you will not withhold merited\n                            promotion from Mr Jno. Adams because he is your son. For without intending to compliment the\n                            father or the mother, or to censure any others, I give it as my decided opinion, that Mr\n                            Adams is the most valuable public character we have abroad; and that there remains no doubt\n                            in my mind that he will prove himself to be the ablest, of all our diplomatic Corps.\n                        If he was now to be brought into that line, or into any other public walk, I could not upon the\n                            principle which has regulated my own conduct, disapprove of the caution which is hinted at\n                            in the letter. But he is already entered; the public, more and more as he is known, are\n                            appreciating his talents & worth; and his country would sustain a loss if these were\n                            to be checked by over delicacy on your part. With sincere esteem and affectionate regard 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00317", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Anderson, James\n                        Your letter of the 14th enclosing the weekly Reports, was received on Saturday\n                        The opinion you have formed of the Overseers, under your Superintendance, is, I\n                            dare say, very correct; and if the Negros will not do their duty by fair means, they must be\n                            compelled to do it; so far therefore from taking the latter amiss, that I consider it as a\n                            part of your duty. It has always been my aim to feed & cloath them well, &\n                            to be careful of them in sickness; in return, I expect such labour as they ought to render;\n                            and not after night walking & fatigue, withdraw from work under pretence of pains and\n                            ache\u2019s, which do not shew, and have no other evidence of their existence than what proceeds\n                            from a deceitful declaration.\n                        Whenever they complain of sickness, examine their cases without delay; that if\n                            it be real, aid may be called in, in time; & if obviously feigned, that they may not\n                            be indulged in their idle habits.\n                        The Vessel for Alexandria will, it is said, leave this Port tomorrow or next\n                            day; by her you will receive, if no accident happens to her, five bushels of Clover Seed,\n                            and 12 lbs. of what is called American red clover; said to be longer getting to maturity,\n                            but affording a much heavier crop: whether there be any real difference between the two, or\n                            whether it is a catch penny deception, remains to be ascertained; for which reason I request\n                            you to give it a fair trial\u2014the Vessel will also have on board 10 bushls of the Apricot\n                            Potatoes, & 10 bushels of English white; these are reputed the earliest that comes\n                            to this market. They are in good flour barrels, wch may be sent to the Mill when emptied:\n                            besides these, there is in the tierce which contains the clover seed, about half a bushel of\n                            another kind of Potatoes, which a gentleman lately from England has sent me as being of a\n                            valuable sort. A barrel of Beef also goes, & may remain in the pickle until we come\n                            home if it appears to be in good order.\n                        I never placed much dependance upon Mr Landon Carter for Pease, nor would I\n                            have you place any, if you do not hear from him soon after the receipt of this Letter.\n                        The small quantity of white and grey Peas mentioned by you, proceed from what I\n                            imported last year: make the most of them: and the small field by your house (if the fence\n                            is sufficient) will be an excellent place for these varieties of little matter.\n                        Inform the Gardener of what fruit trees I shall certainly want, that they may\n                            not be otherwise disposed of. I will make enquiry after flax seed, but with respect to\n                            Buckwheat, I imagine you may obtain it cheaper in Loudoun than here. The other articles\n                            mentioned in your letter shall be got, & sent round with my Goods.\n                        I have no doubt of your finding difficulty enough in promoting hedging; had I\n                            not done so, and been so much from home, my Inclosures would all have been under live fences\n                            \u2019ere this: Do not be discouraged by the backwardness in the Overseers\u2014when I come home, I\n                            shall give you all the aid & support in my power. Do carry this plan into effect. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00318", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles IV, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Charles IV\n                         I have chosen David Humphreys, one of our distinguished citizens, to reside\n                            near your Majesty in quality of Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America.\n                            From a knowledge of his fidelity, probity and good conduct, I have entire confidence that he\n                            will render himself acceptable to your Majesty that he will study to preserve and strengthen\n                            the harmony and good understanding so happily established between us; and give effect to our\n                            desire of advancing, on all occasions, the interest and happiness of the two Nations. I\n                            therefore beseech your Majesty to give full credence to whatever he shall say on the part of\n                            the United States, and especially when he shall assure your Majesty of their friendship and\n                            wishes for your prosperity: and I pray God to have your Majesty in his safe and holy\n                            keeping. Written at Philadelphia the 20th day of February 1797.\n                            Go: WashingtonBy the PresidentTimothy PickeringSecretary 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00320", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        We had the honor of your favor of the 15th Instant\u2014Your Ideas respecting the\n                            Capitol are those which have been the prevailing ones with us for some time\u2014No step has\n                            been omitted to put things in a state for advancing that building, as far as possible during\n                            the present Season; and we expect it to progress 30 additional feet, at least, by December\n                            next\u2014You would see by our last Letters to you, that we contemplated carrying on the\n                            President\u2019s house no further than to secure what is done, by covering it in, which may with\n                            ease be effected without withdrawing the necessary hands from the Capitol\u2014The chief object\u2014in view in forwarding the Plans of the public offices, was, that they should be approved of\n                            by you, rather than your Successor to whom, the City & it\u2019s affairs must, at\n                            present, be quite new\u2014Had the foundations been prepared during the present Winter, whilst\n                            the Labourers have little to occupy them, so much expence would have been saved; they can\n                            however, be as well done next winter\u2014The expectation of this being done, has, no doubt,\n                            created a great deal of Jealousy, & perhaps, will not create less, whenever done.\n                        If Messrs Morris & Nicholson pay their Instalment, when due, or in 60\n                            or 90 days after it becomes due, we shall have sufficient funds to carry us through the\n                            Year, & having made their Selection, if they fail to pay, we shall certainly proceed\n                            to sell their Lots\u2014We have certainly better prospects, as to funds, than for the two\n                            Seasons past, & every thing promises fair for more extensive operations. We are 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00325", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The President will read with pleasure the postscript of the inclosed letter\n                            from Robert Montgomery our Consul at Alicante, which I have received this day\u2014excepting what\n                            relates to the capture of another American vessel by Tripoli; concerning\n                            which however Mr Barlow\u2019s words are consoling. The last sentence broken by the seal I read\n                            thus\u2014\"I have taken now what I think will be effectual measures with these States above.\"", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00326", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edward Rushton, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Rushton, Edward\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Expostulatory Letter to George Washington, of Mount Vernon, in Virginia, on his\n                            continuing to be a proprietor of Slaves. by Edward Rushton.Oh! reflect that your rights are the rights of mankind That to all they were bounteously given, And that he who in chains would his fellow man bind Uplifts his proud arm against heaven.Liverpool Printed. 1797\n                            In July last the following letter was transmitted to the person to whom it\n                                is addressed, and a few weeks ago it was returned under cover, without a syllable in\n                                reply As children that are crammed with confectionary have no relish for plain and\n                                wholesome food; so men in power who are seldom addressed but in the sweet tones of\n                                adulation, are apt to be disgusted with the plain and salutary language of truth. To\n                                offend was not the intention of the writer; yet the president has evidently been\n                                irritated; this however is not a bad symptom, for irritation causelesly excited will\n                                frequently subside into shame and to use the language of the moralist Where there is yet\n                                shame there may in time be virtue.Liverpool February 20th 1797. Expostulatory Letter\n                            It will generally be admitted, Sir, and perhaps with justice, that the\n                                great family of mankind were never more benefited by the military abilities of any\n                                individual, than by those which you displayed during the American contest. Your country\n                                was injured your services were called for, you immediately arose and after performing the\n                                most conspicuous part in that blood\u2013stained tragedy, you again became a private citizen\n                                and unambitiously retired to your farm, There was more of true greatness in this\n                                procedure than the modern world at least had ever beheld; and while public virtue is\n                                venerated by your countrymen, a conduct so exalted will not be forgotten The effects\n                                which your revolution will have upon the world are incalculable. By the flame which your\n                                have kindled every oppressed nation will be enabled to perceive its fetters and when man\n                                once knows that he is enslaved the business of emancipation is half\n                                performed\u2014France has already burst her shackles neigbouring nations will in time\n                                prepare, and another half century may behold the present besotted Europe without a peer\n                                without a hierarchy and without a despot. If men were enlightened, revolutions would be\n                                bloodless; but how are men to be enlightened when it is the interest of governors to\n                                keep the governed in ignorance? \"To enligten men,\" says your old correspondent Arthur\n                                Young, is \"to make them bad subjects,\" Hurricanes spread devastation; yet hurricanes\n                                are not only transient but give salubrity to the torrid regions and are quickly followed\n                                by azure skies and calm sunshine. Revolutions, too for a time may produce turbulence yet\n                                revolutions clear the political atmosphere and contribute greatly to the comfort and\n                                happiness of the human race What you yourself have lived to witness in the United States\n                                is sufficient to elucidate my position, In your rides along the banks of your favourite\n                                Potowmack in your frequent excursions through your own extensive grounds how gratifying\n                                must be your sensations, on beholding the animated scenery around you and how pleasurable\n                                must be your feelings on reflecting that your country is now an assylum for mankind that\n                                her commerce her agriculture and her population are greater than at any former period,\n                                and that this prosperity is the natural result of those rights which you defended\n                                against an abandoned cabinet with all that ability which men who unsheathe the sword in\n                                the cause of human nature will I trust ever display. Where liberty is there man walks\n                                erect and puts forth all his powers while slavery like a torpedo benumbs the finest\n                                energies of his soul. But it is not to the commander in chief of the American forces,\n                                nor to the president of the United States, that I have aught to\n                                address. my business is with George Washington of Mount Vernon in Virginia, a man who\n                                not withstanding his hatred of oppression and his ardent love of liberty holds at this\n                                moment hundreds of his fellow beings in a state of abject bondage\u2014Yes! you who conquerd\n                                under the banners of freedom\u2014you who are now the first magistrate of a free people are\n                                (strange to relate) a slave holder, That a liverpool merchant shoud endeavour to enrich\n                                himself by such a business is not a matter of surprize but that you an enlightened\n                                character strongly enamoured of your own freedom you who if the British forces had\n                                succeeded in the eastern states would have retired with a few congenial spirits to the\n                                rude fastnesses of the western wilderness, there to have enjoyed that blessing without\n                                which a paradise would be disgusting and with which the most savage region is not\n                                without its charms, that you, I say should continue to be a slave holder a proprietor of\n                                human flesh and blood creates in many of your British friends both astonishment and\n                                regret You are a republican, an advocate for the dissemination of knowledge and for\n                                universal justice\u2014where then are the arguments by which this shameless\n                                    dereliction of principle can be supported? Your friend Jefferson\n                                has endeavoured to shew that the negroes are an inferior order of being but surely your\n                                will not have recourse to such a subterfuge Your slaves it may be urged are well\n                                treated\u2014That I deny man never can be well treated who is deprived of his rights They are\n                                all well treated well fed well lodged, &c. Feed me with ambrosia and wash it down\n                                with nectar yet what is all this if liberty be wanting You took arms in defence of the\n                                rights of man Your negroes are men. Where then are the rights of your negroes They have\n                                been inured to slavery and not fit for freedom, Thus it was said of the French but where\n                                is the man of unbiassed common sense who will assert that the French republicans of the\n                                present day are not fit for freedom? It has been said too by your apologists that your\n                                feelings are inimical to slavery and that you are induced to acquiesce in it at present\n                                merely from motives of policy; the only true policy is justice; and he who regards the\n                                consequences of an act rather than the justice of it gives no very exalted proof of the\n                                greatness of his character, But if your feelings be actually repugnant to Slavery then\n                                are you more culpable than the calous hearted planter who laughs at what he calls the\n                                pityful whinining of the abolitionists because he believes slavery to\n                                be justifiable: while you persevere in a system which your conscience tells you to be\n                                wrong. If we call the man obdurate who cannot perceive the attrociousness of slavery,\n                                what epithets does he deserve who while he does not perceive\n                                his attrociousness continues to be a proprietor of slaves. Nor is it likely that your\n                                own unfortunate negroes are the only sufferers by your adhering to this nefarious\n                                business. consider the force of an example like yours consider how many of the sable race\n                                may now be pining in bondage merly for Sooth, because the president of the united states\n                                who has the character of a wise and good man does not see cause to discontinue the long\n                                established practice. Of all the slave holders under heaven those of the United states\n                                appear to me the most reprehensible, for man never is so truely odious as when he\n                                inflicts upon others that which he him self abominates; When the cup of slavery was\n                                presented to your countrymen they rejected it with disdain and appealed to the world in\n                                justification of their conduct, yet such is the inconsistency of man that thousands upon\n                                thousands of those very people with yourself amongst the number are now sedulously\n                                employed in holding the self same bitter draught to the lips of their able brethren. From\n                                men who are strongly attached to their own rights and who have suffered much in their\n                                defence one might have expected a scrupulous attention to the rights of others did not\n                                experience shews that when we ourselves are oppressed we perceive it with a linx\u2019s eye\n                                but when we become the oppressors no noontide bats are blinder Prosperity perhaps may\n                                make nations as well as individuals forget the distresses of former times yet surely the\n                                citizens of America cannot so soon have forgotton the variety and extent of their own\n                                sufferings When your country lay bruised by the iron hand of despotism and you were\n                                compelled to retreat through the jerseys with a handful of half-naked followers when the\n                                bayonets of the mercenary glistened at your back and liberty seemed about to expire,\n                                when your farms were laid waste your towns reduced to ashes and your plains and woods\n                                were strewed with the mangled bodies of your brave defenders when the events were taking\n                                place every breast could feel and every tongue could execrate the sanguinary proceedings\n                                of Britian: yet what the British were at that period you are in a great degree at this;\n                                you are boastful of your own rights; you are violators of the rights of others and you\n                                are stimulated by an insatiable capacity to a cruel and relentless oppression. If the\n                                wrongs which you now inflict be not so severe as those which were inflicted upon you, it\n                                is not because you are less inhuman than the British, but because the\n                                unhappy objects of your tyranny have not the power of resistance. In\n                                defending your own liberties you undoubtedly suffered much; yet if your negroes,\n                                emulating the spirited example of their masters, were to throw of the galling yoke, and\n                                retiring peaceably to some uninhabited part of the western region, were to resolve on\n                                liberty or death, what would be the conduct, of the southern planters on such an\n                                occasion? Nay what would be your conduct? You who were \"born in a land of liberty\" who\n                                \"early\" learned its value \"you who engaged\" in perilous conflict to defend it you who in\n                                a word devoted the best years of your life to secure its permanent establishment in your\n                                own country whose anxious reccollection whose sympathetic feelings and whose best wishes\n                                are irresistably excited, whensoever in any country you see an oppressed nation unfurl\n                                the banners of freedom possessed of these energetic sentiments what would be your\n                                conduct? Would you have the virtue to applaud so just and animating a movement as a\n                                revolt of your southern negroes No! I fear that both you and your countrymen would\n                                rather imitate the cold blooded British cabinet and to gratify your own sordid views\n                                would scatter among an unoffending people terror desolation and death.\n                                Harsh as this conclusion may appear yet it is warranted by your\n                                present practice: for the man who can boast of his own rights yet hold two or three\n                                hundred of his fellow beings in slavery would not hesitate in case of a revolt to employ\n                                the most sanguinary means in his power rather than forego that which the truely\n                                republican laws of his country are pleased to call his property.\n                            Shame! Shame! That man should be deemed the property of man or that the\n                                name of Washington should be found among the list of such proprietors. Should these\n                                structures be deemed severe or unmerited on your part how comes it that while in\n                                the Northern and middle states the exertions of the virtuous Quakers and other\n                                philanthrophists have produced such regulations as must speedily eradicate every trace of\n                                slavery in that quarter: how comes it that from you those humane efforsts have never\n                                received the least countenance If your mind has not sufficient firmness to do away that\n                                which is wrong the moment you perceive it to be such one might have expected that a plan\n                                for ameliorating the evil would have met with your warmest support; but no such thing.\n                                The just example of a majority of the states has no visible effect upon you and as to\n                                the men of Maryland, of Virginia, of the two Carolinas of Georgia and of kentucky they\n                                    smile contemptuously at the idea of negro emancipation and with\n                                the state constitutions in one hand and the cow skin in the other exhibit to the world\n                                such a spectacle as every real friend to liberty must from his soul abominate.\n                            Then what is man, and what man seeing this\n                            And having human feelings does not blush\n                            And hang his head to think himself a man.\n                            The hypocritical bawd who preaches chastity yet lives by the violation of\n                                it is not more truely disgusting than one of you slave holding gentry bellowing in\n                                favour of democracy. Man does not readily perceive defects in what he has been\n                                accustomed to venerate, hence it is that you have escaped those animadversions which\n                                your slave proprietorship has so long merited. For seven years you bravely fought the\n                                battles of your country and contributed greatly to the establisment of her liberties,\n                                Yet sir you are a slave holder. You have been raised by your fellow citizens to one of\n                                the most exalted situations upon earth, the first magistrate of a free people Yet sir\n                                you are slave holder, A majority of your countrymen have recently discoverd that\n                                slavery is injustice and are gradually abolishing the wrong, Yet sir you continue to be\n                                a slave holder. You are a firm believer too and your letters and speeches are replete\n                                with pious reflections on the divine being Providence &c. Yet sir you are a\n                                slave holder, O! Washington Ages to come will read with\n                                Astonishment that the man who was foremost to wrench the rights of America from the\n                                tyrannical grasp of Britaian was among the last to relinquish his own oppressive hold of\n                                poor unoffending negroes. In the name of justice what can induce you thus to tarnish\n                                your own well earned celebrity and to impair the fair features of American liberty with\n                                so foul and indelible a blot\u2014Avarice is said to be the vice of age Your slaves old and\n                                young male and female father Mother and child might in the estimation of a Virginian\n                                planter be worth from fifteen to 20 thousand pounds. Now sir, are you sure that the\n                                unwillingness which you have shewn to liberate your negroes does not proceed from some\n                                lurking pecuniary consideration. If this be the case and there are those who firmly beleive\n                                it is, then there is no flesh left in your heart, and present reputation futur fame and\n                                all that is estimable among the virtuous are for a few thousand peices of paltry yellow\n                                dirt, irremediably renounced.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00327", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 20 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\n                        In the nominations that were submitted to you on Friday the 17th instant, the\n                            name of William Henry Lange of Georgia was inserted, by mistake, contrary to my intention.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00328", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Sinclair, 21 February 1797\nFrom: Sinclair, John\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Resolved That the thanks of this Board be given, to His Excellency George Washington, for\n                            his obliging Communications respecting Manures and Vegetation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00329", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 21 February 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        We had the honor of receiving yours of the 17th Inst. by last mail\u2014The ideas\n                            expressed in your former Letter were perfectly understood, as you will see, by our answer\n                            of yesterday. We wish a Bill to incorporate the Commissioners, may be passed by Congress\u2014It\n                            will obviate many inconveniencies & place the property of the United\u2013States in a\n                            more eligible situation than heretofore\u2014We had some Idea of applying to Congress on this\n                            Subject, in the course of the Session, but the cool reception which the national university\n                            met with, discouraged us. We 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00332", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Upon this auspicious day\u2014and in contemplation of an approaching public event,\n                            the most affecting, which can ever occur to us, either as Men, as Citizens, or as your\n                            former fellow Soldiers, we desire to congratulate, and address you.\n                        As Men we offer to you the homage of a pure and heartfelt affection\u2014As Citizens\n                            we express to you the gratitude, which results from a just sense of the highest\n                            obligations\u2014and as fellow-Soldiers we declare the respectful and inviolable attachment,\n                            which we feel to a beloved and venerated Chief.\n                        The moment, in which America is to lose the public services of her most\n                            illustrious Citizen, would indeed be inconsolable, did not the review of his wise, firm, and\n                            virtuous administration, as Chief Magistrate, present a series of conduct, which it will be\n                            the pride and happiness of his Successors to emulate and attain.\n                        With this consolatory reflection, we naturally associate the proud sentiment\n                            that, in the instance of your dignified retirement from office, our country will exhibit to\n                            the world the rare and interesting spectacle that official station and authority are not\n                            required to obtain and to continue the utmost distinction among mankind, or to command the\n                            highest degree of their admiration and applause.\n                        To that gracious Providence, whose goodness has heretofore preserved you a\n                            prime Agent of human happiness, we prefer our fervent supplications for your present and\n                            future felicity. Signed by order and on behalf of the Society\u2014February 22nd 1797.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00333", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Macpherson, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Macpherson, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        While offering to you our congratulations on the return of this auspicious day,\n                            we cannot refrain from mingling an expression of extreme regret at the approaching close of\n                        When we beheld you as Commander in Chief of the Armies of America, leading us\n                            to Victory and the establishment of National independence, and after having accomplished\n                            this grand object, retiring from your exalted Station, and embracing the undistinguished\n                            Character of a Private Citizen we beleived the measure of your fame was full.\n                        But when in obedience to the voice of your Country you again\n                                relinquished the sweets of domestic retirement; and we beheld the\n                            Storms which threaten\u2019d our happiness dispell\u2019d by the Justice, Wisdom, Vigilance and\n                            firmness of your Conduct, public Credit maintained, our inestimable Constitution protected,\n                            insurrection crushed, and the National Peace preserved.\n                        Language was wanting to express the fullness of our feelings\u2014Under such\n                            impressions, great as our confidence is in your Successor, we cannot but lament the\n                            resolution you have taken to resign the Helm.\n                        And now, Sir, in our Capacity as Citizens and as Soldiers,\n                            ever ready to Obey and support the Laws of our Country\u2014we bid you a\n                            tender, an Affectionate Farewell: and while we offer our earnest supplications, that every\n                            Hour of your remaining Years may be as peaceful and happy to yourself, as the most splendid\n                            period of your public Stations have been beneficial to your Country, we rest with perfect\n                            confidence, that the close of a life of Virtue and of Glory will be crowned with an Eternity\n                        By order of the Officers of the Militia of the City and County 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00334", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Hall, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hall, Charles\n                        With this you will receive my answer to the Address which you presented to me a\n                            few days ago, of a meeting held at Sunbury in Northumber land County. You will be pleased to\n                            forward it with my good wishes for the people of Northumber land in the manner you think most\n                            proper. I am sir Yr Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00335", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Jackson, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Jackson, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        With a sense of gratitude, which words can but feebly express, I transmit to\n                            you the just account of an obligation, infinitely endeared by the manner, in which it was\n                            conferred, and the delicacy with which it has been mentioned. Rendering to you the assurance\n                            of an inviolable attachment, I am Sir, Your much obliged, faithful, and affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00336", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Hall, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hall, Charles\n                            To Wm Wilson, John Macpherson, Thos Strawbridge, Daniel Smith, and Charles Hall, Esquires.Gentlemen, \n                        I have received with much pleasure the address which you transmitted to me on\n                            behalf of a respectable meeting of the citizens of Northumberland County.\n                        In retiring from public to private life, my highest gratification will be, to\n                            carry with me testimonies of the approbation of my conduct by my fellow citizens; & the\n                            unequivocal manner in which you have manifested this approbation, deserves my particular\n                            thanks. As my constant exertions have been intended for the advancement of the peace &\n                            prosperity of my country, nothing can deprive me of the consolation which the reflection\n                            affords of having served my country faithfully & to the best of my abilities.\n                        I request you, gentlemen, to present to the Citizens of Northumberland my\n                            grateful acknowledgments for the favorable opinion they are pleased to entertain of me; &\n                            to assure them of my hearty reciprocation of the domestic ease & happiness which they wish\n                            me in my intended retirement.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00337", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Mifflin, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Mifflin, Thomas\n                        Your congratulations, & the expression of your attachment & approbation of\n                            my public services, are received with gratitude & reciprocated with sincerity.\n                        Endeared to me by every consideration of public & private worth, I shall\n                            carry into that retirement, which you are pleased to mention in terms so flattering, an\n                            invariable affection & esteem towards the faithful comrades of my military career; & my\n                            best prayers will be offered for their present and future happiness.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00338", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Irvine, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Irvine, James\n                        I receive, as I ought, with great sensibility, the congratulations on this day\n                            of so respectable a body as the officers of the Militia of the City & County of Philada.\n                        Your favorable sentiments of my exertions to promote the prosperity and\n                            happiness of our Country, cannot but be pleasing to me; for be assured the approving voice\n                            of my Country men is the most grateful reward which can be offered.\n                        The patriotism, uprightness and abilities of him who is to succeed to the\n                            station I now have the honor to hold, will leave you no room to regret my retirement.\n                        For your affectionate farewell, & supplications for my future peace & happiness accept, gentlemen, my warmest thanks: and I sincerely pray that you may collectively\n                            & individually enjoy uninterrupted honor, prosperity & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00339", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I beg leave to inform you, that Major Allen McLane whose merit and fidelity as\n                            a military officer are so well known, & who is now marshal of Delaware State, an\n                            office of more burden than profit, is desirous of succeeding Mr Stockton in the loan office,\n                            in case the latter should be appointed Collector at Wilmington. Major McLane understands\n                            that his name is on the list of candidates for the Collectors Office: but he frankly owns Mr\n                            Stockton\u2019s superior fitness.\n                        I intended to have waited on you to mention it: but have not been able to leave\n                            my office. I am most respectfully sir your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00341", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Matthias Slough, 22 February 1797\nFrom: Slough, Matthias\nTo: Washington, George\n                        My Dear & most Honoured Sir \n                        Your Highly & most Esteemed favour of the 18th Currant Duely reached me\n                            by the last evenings Post and in reply I have the Honour to mention to your Excellency\n                            George Root who will have the Honour of handing this is the man from whom I purchased the\n                            two bay mares of which I had the Honour of giving you a full discription in my letter in\n                            reply to your Original request and which my hope is will prove Sattisfactory, and as the man\n                            has to take a boy to Lead them, I wishing not to have either of them rode I send the Gelding\n                            which I mentioned in my last That you may View and Try him in Harness, as I think he nearly\n                            comes up to the discription you have done me the Honour to give of the Kind of horse you Wish\n                            to have, Should he however not please, It will as I had the Honour to mention to you in my\n                            last Be no disapointment to me, because the man who takes down the Mares will ride him back\n                            and I now make Imediate use of him here, If I have the Proper Idea of the discription you\n                            give of the Gelding you wish for Nothing but his legs being Probably too thick will be in\n                            the Way of which your Excellency will Judge and determine accordingly, I beg leave further\n                            to mention to your Excellency That the Inhabitants of this Town are Extreamly anxious to\n                            Know If they will have the Honour of Seeing your Excellency Pass through this Town it on\n                            your way to Mount Vernon, and Numbers have been with me to make Inquiry, To which I could\n                            make no other reply Than that my hope is that the Turnpike road will Probably be an\n                            inducement to their having that Honour, I therefore Omit Transmitting an account of my\n                            Transactions in your Excellencys behalf untill I have the Honour of being informd, and Know\n                            if the Gelding I send will please or not Imediately after which should we not have the\n                            Honour of Seeing you here I will Transmit the account, As I hope for the Honour of addressing\n                            your Excellency again before your departure from this State Permit me Sir onely to add That\n                            this being the Anniversary of your Exalted Birth which will be Cellebrated by all good men\n                            In which those of Lancaster will have a Distinguished Share, That my most fervant prayers\n                            are and will Continue to be That your Excellency will yet See many returns of it That your\n                            Enemys altho few may sinck into oblivian, That the Evening of your days may be Tranquil and\n                            happy, and That you Will do me the Honour of believing That I am & ever will remain\n                            Your Excellencys most obediant 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00342", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Armstrong, 23 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Armstrong, John\n                        Believing that there may be times and occasions, on which my opinions of the\n                            anonymous letters and their author, as delivered to the army in 1783, may be turned to some\n                            personal and malignant purpose. I do hereby declare, that I did not, at the time of writing\n                            my address, regard you as the author of the said letters; and farther, that I have since had\n                            sufficient reason for believing, that the object of the author was just, honorable,\n                            & friendly to the country, though the means suggested by him were certainly liable\n                            to much misunderstanding and abuse. I am, Sir, with great regard, your most obt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00343", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 23 February 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Secretary of State has the honor to lay before the President of the United\n                            States three letters this day received from Mr J.Q. Adams. The note in French inclosed in\n                            his No. 88. is directed to the Committee for foreign affairs, to inform them that he was\n                            authorized to confer & prepare arrangements for ameliorations of the commercial\n                            treaty between the two republics, and desired to be informed what ameliorations they\n                            contemplated. This direction to Mr Adams being the consequence of overtures made to the\n                            Government of the U.S. by Mr Van Polanen.\n                        The Secretary also lays before the President the letter recd from Colo.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00344", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Theodore Sedgwick, 24 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Sedgwick, Theodore,Goodhue, Benjamin\n                        The sentiments expressed in the address you have delivered to me from the\n                            Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, sentiments as\n                            honorable to them as to me, have excited the most grateful emotions. Whatever services I\n                            have rendered to my country, in its general approbation I have received an ample reward.\n                            Having nothing in view but to vindicate its rights, secure its liberty, and promote its\n                            happiness, I might expect the most efficient aid and support in the exertions of able and\n                            upright men, and in the general spirit of my fellow citizens. All this I have experienced;\n                            and our united efforts have resulted in our independence, peace and prosperity. And I\n                            entertain the pleasing hope, that the intelligence and superior information of my fellow\n                            citizens, enabling them to discern their true interests, will lead them to the successive\n                            choice of wise and virtuous men to watch over, protect and promote them, who while they\n                            pursue those maxims of moderation, equity and prudence, which will entitle our country to\n                            perpetual peace, will cultivate that fortitude and dignity of sentiment which are essential\n                            to the maintainance of our liberty and independence.\n                        Should it please God, according to the prayers of your constituents, to grant\n                            me health & long life, my greatest enjoyment will be to behold the prosperity of my\n                            country; and the affection and attachment of my fellow citizens, through the whole period of\n                            my public employments, will be the subject of my most agreeable recollections: while the\n                            belief, which the affecting sentiments of the people of Massachusetts, expressed by their\n                            Senate and House of Representatives with those of my fellow citizens in general, have\n                            inspired, that I have been the happy instrument of much good to my country and to mankind,\n                            will be a source of unceasing gratitude to Heaven.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00345", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Bassett, 25 February 1797\nFrom: Bassett, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\n                        At the request of the Marshall of the Delaware State Mr Allen McLane, I take the\n                            Liberty to inform you, that I think him an Active good Officer, and that in my Opinion he is\n                            well Qualified, to execute the Office of Collector of the Port of Wilmington in the state of\n                            Delaware, and in case the Appointment should be Conferred on him, Apprehend he will\n                            discharge the duties thereof to the entire Satisfaction of the Government.\n                        I have lamented the Situation I have been placed in by Official Ingagements,\n                            which has prevented me from paying my respects to you And Mrs Washington before you retire,\n                            and leave the Seat of Government, and have only to Console myself with the hopes at some\n                            future Period, of having the pleasure of waiting on you at your Seat at Mount Vernon, where\n                            it is my Most Ardent prayer I may see you, in the full enjoyment of ease, health and\n                            Happiness. My best wishes to Mrs Washington. I am Sir with the greatest Respect yr Obedt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00347", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 25 February 1797\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The following facts and results are respectfully suggested for consideration.\n                        1. The military establishment is deficient in its\n                            complement of men. Besides,\n                        2d There are 806 Soldiers whose times of service will\n                            expire in the course of the year 1797 and who must be replaced by inlistments.\n                        3. The two Companies of Dragoons consist of One hundred\n                            and twenty six non commissioned Officers and privates.\n                        4. Of these dragoons the period of inlistment of Ten\n                            only will expire during the present Year.\n                        5. Agreeably to the contract of inlistment and existing\n                            law, these dragoons when not wanted as such, are obliged to serve as foot.\n                        6. According to the Bill entitled \"A Bill to alter and\n                            amend an Act intituled \u2018An Act to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the United\n                            States\u2019\" the Men composing these two companies will be out of service or discharged the\n                            moment it shall pass into a law.\n                        7. By thus discharging them, the United States will lose\n                            their services for the residue of their terms of inlistment and two thousand and sixteen\n                            dollars the amount of the bounty which it will require to inlist an equal number of men.\n                        8. It is not provided in the Bill that they shall\n                            receive pay after the time assigned for their discharge; of course, as it may be two months\n                            before they can receive orders to disband, they must be deprived of pay for the period\n                            between the passing of the law and their discharge unless Congress shall authorize it by a\n                        These facts would appear to indicate the propriety of a revision of the Bill\n                            for the purpose at least of altering it so, as to enable the President to incorporate the\n                            dragoons with the Infantry on the dismission of their Officers and that the United States\n                            may not be deprived of the time they have yet to serve.\n                        But there are other facts deserving of attention.\n                        The frontier of Georgia bordering on the Creeks, requires for its protection in\n                            times of peace two or three Companies of cavalry or mounted militia: at least such has been\n                            the opinion of successive Governors of that State and such the pressure of information upon\n                            the Executive as have obliged it to authorize this species of defence. See the annexed\n                            letters from Governors of Georgia of the dates 19. February\u2014April 1. and August 5. 1794.\n                            January 30. April 16. and August 15 1795. March 14 and 23 September 1796 and extract of a\n                            letter from the late Major General Wayne dated the 29 August 1796.\n                        The expence of the militia horse which have been authorized and employed on the\n                            Georgia Indian frontier from June 1794 to September 1796. averages forty seven thousand six\n                            hundred and fifty two dollars per annum, a sum exceeding the cost of two companies of\n                            dragoons for the same period of time.\n                        The expence of a troop of Militia horse as will appear by the annexed estimate,\n                            is twenty three thousand and fifty five dollars per Annum, that of a company of Dragoons on\n                            the establishment twenty two thousand two hundred and twelve dollars.\n                        Should the two Companies of Dragoons answer the same purposes as the Militia\n                            horse heretofore employed (and there can be no doubt but that they will answer an infinitely\n                            better) there would be a saving to the United States of three thousand two hundred and twenty\n                            eight dollars \u214c annum, by substituting them in their place.\n                        The Creeks commit thefts on the frontier settlers, or make their predatory\n                            irruptions on horseback, consequently cannot be pursued to advantage by other than horsemen,\n                            or their approach announced to the Inhabitants or garrisons speedily as by horsemen.\n                        The troops in Garrisons or forts may overawe the Creek nation generally, and\n                            thus preserve a kind of peace; but the intervals between posts in that comparatively open\n                            Country can be guarded from their banditti by horsemen only.\n                        Exclusive of these permanent occasions for horse, there are particular reasons\n                            why they should not be disbanded at this juncture.\n                        The Commissioners who are to run the boundary lines between the United States\n                            and the Creek, Cherokee and Chickasaw Nations cannot proceed without an escort of horse. A\n                            Company of Dragoons now serving on the frontiers of Georgia have in consequence been ordered\n                            upon that duty. If these are to be disbanded, that work must be dropt or suspended till\n                            Militia Cavalry can be substituted.\n                        But the dragoons are necessary on another account. Some parts of the frontiers\n                            of Georgia and Tennessee are in a very irritable state, and the number of Intruders on\n                            Indian land daily increasing for want of a proper force to prevent it. The intruders on the\n                            Cherokee lands alone are estimated at five hundred families. Militia horsemen drawn from the\n                            frontiers are not the best adopted to obviate further intrusions, or concur efficaciously in\n                            operations to dissipate present settlements.\n                        Whether any or all of these considerations are of sufficient weight to render\n                            it proper to return the Bill for revision is respectfully submitted.\n                        Should it be returned the annexed form of a Message has been prepared for", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00348", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Rufus Putnam, 25 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Putnam, Rufus\n                        The printed notification (enclosed) gives a general description of the lands\n                            held by the subscriber on the Rivers Ohio & Kanhawa. For one more in detail, it is\n                            presumed the purchaser would choose to rely more on his own investigation, or on the report\n                            of an Agent, than on that of the Seller, and therefore it will not be attempted.\n                        The price has been rising, and at present is eight dollars pr acre, (which has\n                            been refused for one of the advertised tracts on the Ohio river, not better, it is presumed,\n                            in quality). The terms of payment are made known in the printed Paper herewith.\n                            A Plat of the contemplated tract is 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00349", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Enos Hitchcock, 25 February 1797\nFrom: Hitchcock, Enos,Olney, Jeremiah\nTo: Washington, George\n                        In looking forward to the period which is intended to terminate the career of\n                            your public life, our feelings will not permit us to suspend the deep acknowledgments of\n                            that debt of gratitude, which is your due from a Country to whose Independance and Happiness\n                            you have so essentially contributed. The interesting scene of your intended retirement\n                            revives in the minds of our fellow Citizens in general the many proofs of eminent wisdom and\n                            unshaken patriotism displayed in the field, the glory of which can be eclipsed only by the\n                            innumerable evidences of your firm, enlightened and uniform attachment to republican and\n                            constitutional principles displayed in your political transactions.\n                        While testimonies of respectful affection and grateful attachment are arising\n                            to you from every part of the union, a similar attention from a Society of Citizens who \u201chave\n                            laid down in peace Arms assumed for public defence,\" cannot be unacceptable on this\n                        By this address we do not think of adding any thing to the lustre of a\n                            Character composed of an assemblage of the most eminent public and private virtues, A\n                            Character which like bodies highly polished, may attract, but as readily eludes the\n                            envenomed shafts of envy; and which the virtuous can only admire.\n                        We do but attempt to express the honest feelings of every member of the Society,\n                            in whose behalf we address you, when we say that we extremely regret the occasion of a\n                            retirement dictated by reasons which must silence every objection to the measure. In that\n                            retirement may you meet all that tranquility and happiness you so ardently desire, and\n                            enjoy all the blessings of private and domestic life; There may you still live to receive\n                            the rich harvest of your labors and services in the peace and prosperity of your Country, in\n                            the fervent affection of your fellow Citizens, the applauses of an admiring World, and the\n                            higher Pleasures of an approving conscience. May your lengthening days still extend your\n                            usefulness and your setting Sun shine with undiminished lustre till a reward more than Man\n                        Impressed with these sentiments, and actuated by the pleasing sensibility of\n                            personal affection and gratitude, Respected Sir, we bid you Adieu.\n                            CommitteeEnos Hitchcock", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00353", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Landon Carter, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carter, Landon\n                        Your favor of the 14th instt came duly to hand; and I hope, as the season is\n                            approaching fast when the ground should be prepared for it, that you have informed Mr James\n                            Anderson (my Manager) in a letter directed to the care of the Postmaster in Alexandria, at\n                            what time he may send for the Peas you were so obliging as to promise me.\n                        Having informed Mr Anderson of my expectation of Peas from you, he suggested\n                            (and I thought it a good expedient) that instead of sending my own Waggon along the heavy\n                            road between Mount Vernon & Stafford Court House, that one should be hired by you to\n                            transport them to some landg on the Potomack; at which my Boat at an appointed time, might\n                            meet them. As the roads, I am told, were never worse than at present; and as no road in the\n                            world can be deeper, or more distressing for horses to plunge through than one from Occoquan\n                            to Stafford Court house; the expedient beforementioned has, in a manner, become essential:\n                            and I will cheerfully add the cost of Waggonage to the price of the Peas, and pay the whole\n                            to your order; or remit it in Bank notes as soon as the amount is made known to me.\n                        As delay, or uncertainty in any respect, may prove injurious, I have put this\n                            letter (open) under cover to Mr Anderson, with a request that he may also write to you on\n                            the Subject, for the purpose of having a time & place fixed, that my Boat may not be\n                            disappointed when it arrives. The matter therefore now rests between you, & him.\n                            With great esteem I am\u2014Sir Your Obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00355", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Custis, George Washington Parke\n                        Your letter of the 22d inst., as also one of the first, have been duly\n                            received. The affectionate sentiments contained in them, are highly pleasing to me. But that\n                            which affords a still higher gratification, is to hear that you are not only attentive to\n                            your studies, but pleased with them also. Hence, I draw the most agreeable presages, that\n                            you will reward my cares & anxieties to see you a polished scholar, & a\n                            useful member of society, by persevering with assiduity & steadiness in the course\n                            you are now in. It will be the source, through life, from whence your most pleasing\n                            & happy reflexions will flow; and when the results are compared with the conduct of the\n                            idle, & dissipated youth, of whom too many examples are to be seen, they will afford\n                            you abundant cause for heart felt rejoicings.\n                        I am unacquainted with the design, or tendency of the Whig Society, of which you\n                            say you have become a member; of course I can express no opinion thereon; but as youth\n                            always require the experience of age, my advice to you is to enter into no Societiy while\n                            you are at college that is not sanctioned by the Professors; and in a particular manner by\n                            the President thereof; whom I would wish you to consider always\n                            in the light of a friend, as well as a Preceptor.\n                        I have confidence that your expences will always be reasonable, &\n                            proper; & when that is the case, they will never be disputed. The amount of Doctr\n                            Smiths account is, or immediately will be paid to his order; and as you will want the means\n                            of transporting yourself to Mt Vernon during the vacation, get that Gentleman to form an\n                            estimate of them, that the money may be sent to you before I leave this City. Your Grand\n                            Mamma will be attentive to the articles you left here.\n                        As the Curtain of my Political life is about to drop, I am, as you may suppose,\n                            a good deal hurried in the closing scenes of it;  if no other evidences of it could be given,\n                            the hurry with which this letter is written, & the many interlineations which are to\n                            be found therein, would ascertain the fact. As early in next week as I can possibly prepare\n                            for it, my journey for Mount Vernon will commence: Where we shall expect to see you\n                            immediately after the Vacation, that you may remain with your friends there as long as the\n                            time allowed for it, will permit. Your Grand Mamma, Sister & the rest of the family\n                            are all well\u2014so are Mr Law & Mr Lear, both of whom are now in this City. I wish you\n                            a continuance of health and am Very affectionately Yours always ", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00356", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Your favor of the 20th would have been sooner attended to, but the mails have lately come in, very irregularly, & always late at night. Mr Davidson\u2019s will be taken up as soon as we have a full board which will be the last of this or beginning of next week\u2014what Mr Davidson alludes to in his memorial, where he says, deviations have been made since the publication of the engraved plan, we know not\u2014That plan required the doing of many acts to carry it into effect; such as the laying out & bounding a water-Street, on the waters which surround the City, Playing out Squares, where vacant spaces, in-appropriated, were left, in several parts of the City\u2014Acts of this kind, have no doubt, from time to time, been done, & with the full consent of all interested\u2014we enclose a copy of a Letter, lately received from Messrs Willink; it holds out no very encouraging prospects\u2014There is at present, no intention of engaging any additional Stone-carvers\u2014What was done by Mr Hadfield, was at the request of the board, but on further investigation, before the receipt of your Letter, it had been determined to engage no additional carvers\u2014We 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00357", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Howard, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Howard, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I in behalf of a Numbers of prisoners at present Confined in the Goal of this\n                            City who have at Different Courts within a year past Received Sentence of Confinement for\n                            Life to hard Labour and Solitude the Charges or Indictments are all one or two Excepted that\n                            of Forgery, Numbers for that of Uttering Bank Paper which was said to be\n                            Counterfeit and I believe from the Conversation I have had with them as fellow prisoners\n                            that some know not whether the sd Notes were Counterfeits or not. A hard Case that in a free\n                            Country Innocence should Suffer, but the Arbitrary power which Invests the Breasts of some\n                            of the Officers in this State is unequalled in any Government an Instance has Come to public\n                            enquiry in the Case of Richard Varick Mayor of this City, whereas he has been the\n                            instigation of unlawful punishment and publicly Arraigned for the Same, the prayer of us all\n                            is as we are Young men who with the Assistance of God will become good members of Society,\n                            if liberated from this Cruel Confinement, and as your Excellencys presidency will soon be\n                            resigned to the great Grief of many, that you will think proper to remember us unfortunate\n                            Sufferers as many of us bled in the late war wherein We laboured for freedom.\n                        A proclamation or other Order for our liberty would never be forgot with the\n                            Ardent prayers of many. I remn yr Excellency most Obt humble and Devoted Servant, but\n                            Alexander Howard In behalf\n                            many others for a stipulated", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00358", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Allan McLane, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McLane, Allan\n                        I have the pleasure to inform you are Appointed with the Advice of the Senate\n                            of the United States Collector of the Customs for the District of Delaware.\n                        I have Selected you from a Conviction that you will fill the Important Office\n                            with Honour to yourself and Advantage to your Country. And Sincerely wish you may find it\n                            your Intrest to Abandon your Other pursuites for the Support of your familly,\n                        Wilmington will be your place of Residence Setled by Law. which I apprehend you\n                            will find a more healthy Situation than you have resided Since the peace. I am your Most Obt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00359", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hodgdon, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Hodgdon, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\n                        Whilst, at the approach of your official separation from the Government of the\n                            United States, you are greeted from every part of the Union, with the most ardent\n                            expressions of gratitude and regret, permit the Common Council of Philadelphia, to join\n                            their tribute, to the general voice. From your long residence among us, we feel a peculiar\n                            interest in your happiness, and a peculiar pride in your character. Whether we view your\n                            private deportment as a citizen, or pursue the splendid track of your public career, we\n                            still find you the same object of admiration, the same example of virtue. At the close of\n                            the arduous struggle, which established the independence of America, and gave her a\n                            distinguished rank among nations, we have beheld you superior to the temptations of ambition,\n                            and the allurements of power, descending from the high rank to which you had been appointed,\n                            and retiring to a private life, from the view of an admiring world\u2014What language can we find\n                            sufficiently expressive of the applause due to your disinterested patriotic conduct? Your\n                            retirement, tho\u2019 happy to yourself, and sincerely sought, was not impenetrable to the voice\n                            of your country. Private happiness and repose was once more to be sacrificed to public\n                            service, and you obeyed the unanimous voice that called you to the administration of the\n                            government of United America\u2014Here we have seen you unshaken amidst the tempests of\n                            contending parties\u2014overawing the venality of corruption with stern integrity, and\n                            repulsing the bold attempts of faction with determined firmness. We are gratified in\n                            embracing opportunity of avowing in the most explicit terms our entire approbation of your\n                            happy, wise and patriotic administration. We cannot then anticipate the loss of such talents,\n                            and such worth, with common emotions of regret. Yet while we share and feel the general loss, we\n                            must acknowledge you have given enough of your life to your country. May you in retirement\n                            be as happy as our wishes would have you and your virtues deserve. You will be taken from\n                            our eyes, but can never be withdrawn from our hearts. Even when the hand of death shall\n                            impress upon you the great seal of mortality, you shall not become the prey of\n                            forgetfulness, while the voice of History is just, and gratitude known among the virtues of\n                            President of the Common Council", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00360", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hodgdon, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hodgdon, Samuel\n                        I have recd your affectionate Address with that pleasure & satisfaction\n                            wch has always accompanied the expression of approbation of my conduct in public life, by\n                        For your kind wishes offered for my welfare & happiness, receive my most\n                            grateful acknowledgements; & I pray you to be assured that I feel a deep interest in\n                            the happiness & prosperity of those, among whom I have resided so many years, &\n                            from whom I have received every attention that could render my situation agreeable. In my\n                            retirement from public life, I shall not cease to implore for you, from the Supreme Ruler of\n                            the Universe, a continuance of those blessings which may render you permanently happy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00361", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Francis Gurney, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Gurney, Francis\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Select Council of the City of Philadelphia, deeply impressed with gratitude\n                            for the distinguished Services you have rendered your Country, beg leave to express their\n                            entire approbation of your Administration, their regret at your retirement from the station of\n                            Chief Magistrate, and their wishes for your future happiness.\n                        We cannot describe the emotions which a review of your public and private Life\n                            excite in the breasts of your fellow Citizens\u2014We therefore forbear the attempt\u2014May the\n                            great example it has furnished be imitated, and may the excellent advice you have lately\n                            imparted be observed; under their influence the first wish of your heart will be\n                            accomplished and these United States long continue a free, enlightened and happy nation.\n                            Frans Gurney 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00362", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Francis Gurney, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gurney, Francis\n                        Your approbation of my public Conduct & wishes for my future happiness have\n                            excited in my mind emotions of pleasure and Gratitude.\n                        Should my example in public or private life, or any sentiments which I have\n                            imparted, tend to the happiness or prosperity of my fellow-Citizens, I shall feel amply\n                            rewarded for the time which I have devoted to their service. As it has ever been the first\n                            wish of my heart, so will it ever be my earnest prayer & constant hope to see the United\n                            States continue a free, enlightened and happy Nation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00364", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Matthias Slough, 27 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Slough, Matthias\n                        Your letter of the 22d instt was delivered to me yesterday morning by Mr Root,\n                            who also delivered the Mares & horse. The latter being too clumsy about the head\n                            & legs to suit my Carriage horses, and too high in price for a common plough horse,\n                            I return him, since, as you say, no inconvenience will attend it. I must now, as I expect to\n                            leave this in ten days, depend upon purchasing a horse or Mare in this City or\n                            Neighbourhood. You will please therefore to take the price of the Mares, and whatever\n                            incidental expenses have been incurred in getting them and the horse here, out of the Six\n                            hundred Dollars sent you. I have paid Mr Root nothing, as you did not mention, in your\n                            letter, on what terms he was to bring them down, whatever you do in this case will be\n                        I am very sensible of the polite attentions of the Inhabitants of Lancaster, as\n                            expressed by you; but as I am anxious to get home, and should have almost as far to it from\n                            that Borough as from hence, and the Road after quitting the Turnpike very little better, I\n                            shall pursue the most direct & usual rout to obtain the end. For the good wishes you\n                            have expressed for me, on the anniversary of my birth, I pray you to accept the best thanks\n                            of Dear Sir Your Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00365", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Barton, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Barton, William\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The near approach of the period of your leaving this city, suggests the\n                            propriety of my making a request, previous to Your departure, which I hope You will find no\n                            difficulty in granting\u2014It is, Sir, that You will do me the favor of directing Your\n                                Secretary to return to me sundry Testimonials in my behalf, which I\n                            deposited in your hands, soon after the Commencement of the Government. With a sincere wish\n                            for Your Happiness, I have the honor to be, Sir, Yr mo. obedt sevet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00366", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Clinton, George\n                        Your favour of the 14th instt with a Postscript of the 24th came to my hands\n                            yesterday: and I hereby acknowledge the receipt of Mr Wilkes\u2019s draught on the Cashier of the\n                            Bank of Pennsylvania for the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars on account of our\n                            joint concern in the lotts in Coxburgh\u2014and which, as appears by the items of an account\n                            enclosed overpays my dividend of the receipts \u00a326.0.1\u20141/2 York Currency.\n                        Whenever it shall suit your convenience I would thank you for informing me what\n                            lotts remain unsold, and at what price you think it probable they will sell, &\n                            when\u2014No injury, I am persuaded, has been sustained hitherto, but the contrary by delay in\n                            the Sale; but whether a further postponement will be advantageous, or not, your means\n                            (greater than mine) will enable you to decide.\n                        Future payments may be made by draughts on the Bank of Alexandria or Columbia;\n                            in Post notes; or (which is less desirable because more hazardous) in Bank notes of the\n                        I have been constant in my enquiries after your health and with sincere\n                            pleasure heard, latterly, that it was well restored. As early in next week as I can make\n                            arrangements for it, my journey for Mount Vernon will commence\u2014Twenty miles from which I\n                            think it is not likely I shall ever be again. But if business, inclination, or any other\n                            cause should ever induce you to visit that hemisphere, I can assure you with much truth,\n                            that I shall be extremely happy to see you under the shade of vine & figtree, Mrs\n                            Washington unites cordially with me in every good wish for you, Mrs Clinton &\n                            family\u2014and with sincere esteem and affectionate regard I am\u2014My dear Sir Your Obedient", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00367", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Cornplanter, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Cornplanter\nTo: Washington, George\n                            Washington Philadelphia 28th Feby 97\n                        I thank the great spirit for protecting us through the Various paths which we\n                            have trod since I was last at this place\u2014As I am told you are about to retire from public\n                            business, I have come to pay my last address to you as the great Chief of the fifteen fires,\n                            and am happy to find that I have arriv\u2019d here in time to address you once more as Father, and\n                            to advise with you on the business of our Nation. you have always told us that the land\n                            which we live upon is our own; and that we may make such use of it as we think most\n                            conducive to our own comfort and the happiness of prosperity.\n                        \u201cFather: I wish whilst I am able to do business to provide for the rising\n                            generation\u2014Our Forefathers thought that their posterity would pursue their tracks, and\n                            support themselves by their hunts, as they did, in the extensive Forrests given them by the\n                            Great Spirit, and by them transmitted to us. But the great revolution amongst the White\n                            people in this Country has extended it\u2019s influence to the people of my Colour: turn our\n                            faces which way we will, we find the white people cultivating the ground which our\n                            forefathers hunted over, and the forrests which furnish\u2019d them with plenty now afford but a\n                                Scarcely subsistance for us, and our Young men are not safe in\n                            pursuing it\u2014If a few Years have made such a change, what will be the Situation of our\n                            Children when those Calamities increase?\n                        \u201cFather To those points I wish to draw your attention, and once more to have\n                            your candid and friendly Advice, on what will be best for the present race, and how we can\n                            best provide for posterity. Your people have a different mode of living from our\u2019s; they have\n                            Trades, and they have education which inables them to take different pursuits\u2014by which means\n                            they maintain themselves, provide for their Children, and help each other.\n                        \u201cFather I am also told that your people have a strong place for their mony where\n                            it\u2019s not only safe, but that it produces them each and every  year an increase without\n                            lessening the Stock, If we Should dispose of part of our Country and put our mony with\n                            Yours in that Strong place, will it be safe? Will it yield to our Children the Same\n                            advantages after our heads are laid down as it will at present produce to us? Will it be out\n                            of the reach of our foolish young men so that they cannot drink it up to the prejudice of\n                        \u201cFather: You know that some of our people are too fond of Strong drink and I am\n                            Sorry to observe that your people are too Apt to lay that temptation before them.\n                        \u201cFather: the last time I was here I mentioned to you that my mind was uneasy in\n                            regard to Mr Oliver Phelps\u2019s purchase, to which you desir\u2019d me to make my mind easy and said\n                            that you woud enquire into the business\u2014On my return I met Mr Phelps at  when he promis\u2019d to give me a piece of Land and to build me a\n                            House, and give me Some Cattle. With this I was satisfied till I saw him again some time\n                            after, when he, to my surprise had almost forgot it\u2014but when I put him in mind of it he gave\n                            me a Horse & two Cattle but refus\u2019d the House and Land because Land had raised so\n                        \u201cFather: To one thing more I wish your Attention: When I was returning home the\n                            last time I was here, I was plunder\u2019d by some of your unruly people, of Several things,\n                            amongst which was a paper given me by Genl Parsons, entitling me to one mile Square of Land\n                            at Muskingum, which I have never been able to recover, and without your friendly Assistance\n                        \u201cFather: I congratulate you on your intended repose from the\n                            Fatigues and anxiety of mind which are constantly attendants in high public Stations\u2014and\n                            hope that the same good Spirit which has So long guided Your Stips as a father to a great\n                            Nation, wish Still continue to protect you, and make your private reflections as pleasant to\n                            yourself, as your public measures have been useful to your people.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00368", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McHenry, James\n                        Let me entreat you to attend early this morning to a fit character as a Comr\n                            to attend the proposed Treaty with the Indians, by Mr Morris; and on this head, and on the\n                            message proper to accompany the nomination, I wish you would advise with Colo. Pickering;\n                            who has had more to do in Indian Affairs than any other Officer now in the Government, and\n                            perhaps may more readily think of a proper person to be entrusted.\n                        As it is several days since the application was made, I wish to make the\n                            nomination without further delay. If a Gentleman from New Jersey, Delaware, or Maryland\n                            could be obtained\u2014it wd be desirable; or from Connecticut; and I believe Mr Learned is in\n                            Town\u2014So is Mr Dexter both good characters\u2014Something must also be done with the Military", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00369", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States House of Representatives, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States House of Representatives\n                        Gentlemen of the House of \n                                Representatives United States 28th February 1797.\n                        Having maturely considered the Bill to alter and amend an Act intitled an Act\n                            to ascertain and fix the military establishment of the United States which was presented to\n                            me on the twenty second day of this Month I now return it to the House of Representatives,\n                            in which it originated with my objections.\n                        First. If the Bill passes into a law the two Companies of light dragoons will\n                            be from that moment legally out of service, though they will afterwards continue actually\n                            in service, and for their services during this interval, namely from the time of legal to\n                            the time of actual discharge, it will not be lawful to pay them, unless some future\n                            provision be made by law. Though they may be discharged at the pleasure of Congress, in\n                            justice they ought to receive their pay not only to the time of passing the law, but at\n                            least to the time of their actual discharge.\n                        Secondly. It will be inconvenient and injurious to the public to dismiss the\n                            light Dragoons as soon as notice of the law can be conveyed to them; one of the Companies\n                            having been lately destined to a necessary and important service.\n                        Thirdly. The Companies of Light Dragoons consist of one hundred and twenty six\n                            non commissioned Officers and privates, who are bound to serve as dismounted Dragoons, when\n                            ordered so to do; they have received in bounties about two thousand dollars; one of them is\n                            completely equipped, and above half of the non commissioned Officers and privates have yet\n                            to serve more than one third the term of their inlistment; and besides there will in the\n                            course of the year be a considerable deficiency in the complement of infantry intended to be\n                            continued. Under these circumstances, to discharge the Dragoons does not seem to comport\n                        Fourthly. It is generally agreed that some Cavalry either Militia or regular\n                            will be necessary and according to the best information I have been able to obtain, it is my\n                            opinion, that the latter will be less expensive and more useful than the former, in\n                            preserving peace between the frontier settlers, and the Indians and therefore a part of the\n                            Military establishment should consist of Cavalry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00370", "content": "Title: Inventory of Goods in President\u2019s House, February 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n                        Articles in the Green drawing Room which will be sold.cost 1ALustre of 8 lights perfect, & in no\n                            respect injd by use\u00a376130 53Green silk Window Curtains rock flower sattin  Drapery &ca7800102Brackets & oval Mirrors highly Ornamented19 61Sopha of Green floured damask with two  Chushions30712Arm Chairs      Do       Do770086Small Do        Do       Do24096DoDo  added Do       Do241592Round Stools    Do       Do552Carved & gilt flower for lustre153Two Tassels for   do154Chain for Do & gilding11311Carpet9280\n                        Articles in the above Room which may be purchased although the sale of them is not desired\n                        12 large looking glasses very cheap at what they cost exactly such from enquiry I cannot get for    less then 300 dollars}92002 la. brackets & oval Mirrors highly Ornamented}191pr of Lustres two lights each}20004 Mirrors & Pictures suspended to them for Lamps 70/}14002pair Patent Lamps for Ditto pr Jos Anthony\u2019s acct 100 Drs371002 Landscapes\u20141 Representing a view of the Passage    of the Potok thro\u2019 the blew mountain, at the\n    confluence of that River with the Shanh the\n    other at the F. City\u2014cost me with the frames\n                        Household furnitureFurnished by the U: States                    Purchased by G.W.\n        PlatePlate2Punch Urns\u00a3143.4.68Skewers\u00a316.3.82Bread Baskets47.18.52Waiters110.5.72 Setts 5 glass Casters24.0.01Tea Tray 84 oz.\n                                18 In.}118.6.64pair Salts\u2014blueglass19.4.01dodo 86 oz. 18 In.1 do do4.10.02Bottle rollers99.10.3 polished Mustard spoons.17.06Table Spoons}F.\n                            Wn8.6.62 Fish knives10.10.06TeaDo  4 Tureen Ladles16.19.91Ditto Pot }Virginia33.7.93Pair butter ladles9.1Slop bowl 4dozn Table Spoons58.9.72Bottle labels1.10.04 dozn desert Do33.7.12 Bottle stands12.16.02beaded punch Servrs6.12.08Labels5.8.01 Tea pot20.7.02 Sugar cups26.10.82Cream pots21.8.02 Spoons for do1.8.02pr Tea tongs2.14.04 dozn Tea Spoons17.18.12 Flower pots25.0.03 pair Mounted Snuffers6.0.0\n                        PublicPrivatePlated-WarePlated-Ware1 Oval silver frame\u00a315.0.07Plateaux\u2014G. Morris,1 large Oval Waiter7.9.4cost in Fr: 378 Livres1Do round Do6.18.42Addl ones 108 Do2Small Do5.4la. Wine coolers2 Do Do6.0.0Sterling cost \u00a396.0.02Do Do4.0.08Small do for Two} 84. 0.01 Bread basket8.0.bottles ea.2fluted dish crosses16.16.14Tureens Argds} 36.15.2Tankards11.0.Patt Lamps 52/62pint do6.6.8   Plated lamps}4.10.02pair gilt Tumblers9.12.0Jos. Cooke2Do Do7.4.02pr Do Do J.os. }100 Dollrs37.10.04Do Do4.8.0Anthony2 Bottle stands5.6.01pr Do Do6022.10.04 doz. Salt Spoons2.8.01 pair do Do12.4 Do la: Candlesticks22.8.02 Oval top branches13.4.02 Spangle top Do12.10.02plain Do11.0.2Small Do8.0.03 pr flat candlestks8.5.03 Snuffer Stands3.14.02 pr Snuffers1 Coffee Urn\u2014with a heater8.10.01 Do Do\u2014without7.5.1 Tea Urn16.16.01 large Tea pot8.1 Tea Cady5.1 Do Shell .5.\n                        PublicPrivateJapan-WareJapan-Ware2Tea Trays 3.2.03la. Oval Waiters }14.8.02  Plate warmers 5.8.0 with landscapesIndia Tea Tray 4.10.02Small Do Do6.8.06Do Do Do3.2.2Do Do Do1.12.01Do.10.2Do.16.1Do.4.\n                        PublicPrivateLooking-GlassesLooking-glasses1la: and elegant\u00a329.0.01pair Ct de Moutier\u00a392.0.01pr do Do53.14.1  la. elegant-glass29.1pr do Oval do36.1Japan dressg Do8.1pr Sqr. do28.15.1Toilet do do McElwee7.15.1Square do10.2dressing do8.5.1Chimney glass12.1Do Do 3.1Toilet Do4.1Do Do2.5. Dressing boxes5.12.1Do Do1.14.1Glass2.0.Alooking glass plate1.10.2Do Do4.8.\n                        PublicPrivateKnives & ForksKnives & Forks4pr Carvers Silvr mountd3.4.0From M: Roberts 91\n                        PublicPrivateAndironsAndirons1pair from Barry & R.8.0.01pr ditto 1.3.1do brass globe Leaded J.B.8.0.01pr Kitchen do\n                                20 dollars1do do grape vine8.0.01pr of Dogs 1.16.02do do Urn Leaded16.1Ditto for the Office1do do face Leaded8.1do do Engraved7.1do do R. Hunter6.15.1do do delivd Mr Franklin4.\n                        PublicPrivateFendersFenders2Wire Ditto B. & R.3.12.02Brass Do\n                        PublicPrivateShovels & TongsShovels & Tongs4pr Ditto & Do5.12.02pr Do Do2.4.01pr Ditto Do1.6.01Sett Shovls tongs & Poker}1.6.0for Kitchen1pr Shovls & Tongs for do1.0.0\n                        PublicPrivateClockClock On the Stairs30.0On the ChimneyPublicPrivateUpholstryUpholstry1large & best bed Bolster}16.0.01 Mattrass Jno. B.3.15.& Pillows1Bed, Bolster\n                                & Pillows14.0.04Ditto Ditto do \u00a314 ea.56.0.0Crimson damask to}2Ditto Do do 8 ea.16.0.0enlarg Windw Curtains 4\n                                 Ditto Do do 7.1030.18 Dollars3 Bed cases check2Yellow Moreen\n                                window}1 large hair Mattrass11.10.Curtains 32.63 Dollars2 Ditto do20.Blue furniture for front}1Ditto do6.drawg Room1 Suit Chintz & green}31.18.615.40 DollarsCurtains complete Damask for Ditto 20\n                                Dollarswith window Curtains1large Mattrass\u2014Barteau1Suit Chintz Do with}18.9.0\u261eThis went to Virginiawindow Curtns 2Awning for the Presidts\n                                Study1 Suit for a field Bed7.15.01 Suit white dimoty &}3.16.2 window Curtains Crimson Sattin W. Curtns}large Dining Room2Blue damask window}Curtns small dining Room2 Yellow damask windowCurtains for the frontdrawg Room\u2014Mentionedunder the article Cabinet4Venetian Windw blinds10.0.0\n                        PublicPrivateCounterpainsCounterpains3Mersailles J. Cumgs24.0.01 elegant bed spread}14.0.Needlework1 Muslin Ditto3.4.02 best Counterpns a 62/6.4.03 Do Do 52/7.16.310/4 Cotton Do 45/6.15.\n                        PublicPrivateRugs and Blankts.Rugs and\n                            Blankets8 Green Rugs 42/16.16.029/4 green Rugs3.15.01 pr 10/4 Blankets3.4.02Do Do &}28.83 Dollrs6pr Do19.4.03pr of Blankets8 Ditto Do20.1pr 10/4 Blankets2.16.36Ditto Do16.10.2pr best 9/4 Rose4.5.1Ditto Do2.18.5 Blankets9.5.\n                        PublicPrivateLustresLustres2 pair glass Barry & R.9.12.01eight\n                                armed-McComb76.13.01 pair Do Do14.18.8cord & Tassel2.0.01pr Barry & Rogers20.1pr Gerandoles16.0.0\n                        PublicPrivateGerandolesGerandoles\n                        PublicPrivateSconcesSconces\n 1 pair2.8.02pair2.10.01Ditto14.2 pr dble branches6.0.0\n                        PublicPrivateLampsLamps3 large & compt Barry14.8.12Oval Japan\n                                lookg2 do tower Leaded8.0.glass sent by Govr2 Japan Staircase5.Morris 25/ Sterg each5 Common guilt3.15.3 Patent Lamps W.B. 5. 8.03 Copper2.5.2Lamps and glasses3.12.01 large5.0.5Ditto common2.5.2pr dble branches}6.query\u2014What are these?\n                        PublicPrivateCabinet WorkCabinet Work3 Yellow silk Sophas1Writing desk T.B. \u00a398.13.42 Do do Windw Curtn1Table Mrs W. 3.10.A Sett la. dining Tables25.0.0Tables Thoms\n                                Burlg 7.10.02 end Tables for do4.0.02Armed Chrs yellow}7.0.02 Mahogany ding Tables9.10.0drawing room 1Inlaid breakfast Do5.15.01Circular Chair7.0.01Plain Do do3.1Bedstead2.18.0 1 Do Do do 2.15.3Pine\n                                dining Tables 1Inlaid Tea Table6.0.0Bought from the2Do Card do12.0.0Count de MoustierA  pair Dodo7.1Sopha fld green silk}30.0.02  Circular side boards38.0.0with 2 cushions 3\n                                Toilet tables pine1.10.12arm Chairs Do77.0.010 Chairs covd with yellow6Small Do Do24.damask1Chair\n                                & stool called}9.0.024 Mahogany Ditto42.0.0a Shepherdess12 Do Do21.Green silk windw Curtns78.0.010Do carved do21.1Writing desk Madm de}18.0.0 8 Do plain Do14.16.Brahms2  Do Do Arm Do5.10.1Dressg Table Ct de Mr 19.8Do Do13.4.AChair for a Model3.0.02  Do arm Do4.14.3Chimney boards4.0.0 6plain Do9.12.1la: Fire Skreen3. 1\n                                Easy chair2.15.2fixed side boards9.10.0 1 Mahogany Cabinet13.0.02Presses for linnn12.0.01Ditto Bookcase21.0.01Cloaths press6.1  Ditto Cloaths Press21.0.03Ditto do at \u00a3412.1  Ditto Do Do21.0.02Do Do Small 1 large Do9.1Larder in Cellar9. 1do7.18.06Chairs and two Stools}32.11.0 1\n                                Mahogany Bureau6.10.added to the Green 1 la: Mahogany Bedstead}8.10.0furniturecarvedSundries for Mrs Fanny 1do Do plain7.10.Washington49.18.0 1Do DoDo6.10.1Do DoDo6.10.1Do DoDo6.1Do low posts4. 3Sacking bottoms10.10.0 1\n                                Do plain Do 32/4.10.2  Mahy cases for Kt &c.8.3Do Do9.12.0 4Do knife boxes2.0.01Night stool6.2.01Do Do2.2.01  Voidure1.10. 2large Coolers8.10.2  Sophas \u00a312. 2 Ditto10.2la. Mahy Window blinds5.\n                        PublicPrivateStovesStoves1Ditto from Mr Otto6.0.01Ditto10.0.01Ditto8.0.01Ditto & funnel7.0.01Plate Stove Mrs W.7.10.1Cast DoDo4.10.1Franklin Do for Office4.10.2Ditto fire places 9.01Douglass Franklin4.10.1Open Stove4.10.91Ship Stove4.0.2Stoves Coach Ho.4.0.06Tinn. Do Ding Room1.16.06  \n                        \u261eNothing herein has been said relatively to the Table Linnen, Sheeting,\n                                China and Glass-ware which was furnished at the expence of the United States; because\n                                they have been worn out, broken, stolen and replaced (at private expence) over &\n                                over again.Nor has any account been taken of the Kitchen furniture, as that also,\n                                except a few of the most durable articles, (which will be left) has been broke, burnt\n                                out, & otherwise reduced as above\u2014The Carpets also are entirely worn out. All\n                                on the floors, at present, have been purchased on private account.\n                        Prints purchased\u2014and at what pricesSterlg cost  sold for35  32\u00a30.0.\u00a30.5.    3 Architecture & Ornaments 57 215.08.Nymphs bathing, & storm 58710.67.Fox hunting 7821.1.01.16.0Cupids Pastime24424.04.6Landscapes by Lambert249210.612.6Morning & Evening250210.612.6Sun-rising & Setting251 210.614.0The Cottage\u2014& Herdsman252 210.614.0The Flight\u2014& Young Herdsman253 28.8.0by Smith of Chichester273310.614.6Country Girl\u2014Diana\u2014&ca274410.614.6Venus attired\u2014Judgmt of Paris &ca43421.10.02.18.0Death of Wolf\u2014Penns treaty\u2014Framed3252  1. 1.01. 10.0 Whale fisheries334 215.01.12.0Paul Jones\u2014& Capn Farmer33742.   2.0 2.11.0 Defence of Gibralter343215.01.10.0Storm with thunder & Lightning345215.01.10.Moon light & Storm35522.   2.0 1.18.0 Hobinas Village\u2014Gainsboroughs forest367412.02.2.0Gentlemens Seats368216.61.1.0Hunting piece\u2014Portraits of Dogs375 2 1.10. 2. 0.0 Diana decd by Venus\u2014Adonis carrd of by ditto393315.18.Cupid stung\u2014Britania\u2014Clytie416 4 1. 1. 2. 0.0 Design\u2014Compsn\u2014Inventn\u2014Colouring4552  2. 2. 2.14.0Alfred\u2014Ditto dividing the loaf 27Watts6.6.5.5.0Sett\u2014Wattss views\u2014bound 30 Paintg10.619.Painters Assistt\u2014half bound 21 2Framed8.0.0Musical Sheperdess\u2014Dancg Shepherds 222Do9.Landscapes\u2014Morning & Evening 242Do   9.15.0Views of the Po\u2014Constantines\n                        Size of the Impression2749 1/4by7In.2749 1/47In.274 Judgment of Paris7 1/210}In colour 274 Venus attired7 1/210392 Britania9 3/49273 Country girl12 1/29 1/4273 Girl and dog1011273 Diana & Nymphs1011392Clytie1210392 Cupid Stung1210 57Storm1519 57 Nymphs1519249 Morning1519249 Evening1519250 Sunrising1519250 Sunsetting1519251 Cottage1519251The Herdsman1519252Young Herdsman1519252 The flight1519 78 Cupids Pastime14 1/216 1/2 78 Ditto Ditto14 1/216 1/2253Landscape16 1/220253 Ditto16 1/220244Ditto19 1/216 1/2244Ditto19 1/216 1/2455Alfred1924455Ditto\u2014dividing the loaf1924368 Hunting piece1924368 Portraits of Dogs19 3/424367 4 Viewseach1825375Adonis carried off by Venus1927375 Diana deceived by Venus1927355 Hobima\u2019s Village21 1/227355Gainsboroughs Forest21 1/227334 Paul Jones19 1/2by24334 Captn Farmer19 1/224325Whale fisheries Greenland1727325 Ditto Ditto Davis\u2019s Streights\n                                1727343 Thunder storm1927343Storm with lightning1927346 Moonlight1927346Storm after a Pictr of Vanderhagens1927337 Defence of Gibralter2027337 Ditto Ditto2027337 Ditto Ditto2027337 Ditto Ditto202721Musical Sheperdess1924}in Frame 21Dancing Shepherd1924 22Landscape Morning1924 22 Ditto Evening1924 24 View of the River Po192424  DoConstantines Arch19 24\n                        Size Within the impressionNoheightbreadth274 }9 1/4by7}2749 1/47274 Judgment of Paris7 1/210274 Venus attired7 1/210273Country Girl12 1/29 1/4392 Britania9 3/49273Girl & dog1011273Diana & Nymphs1011392Clytie1210392 Cupid stung1210249Morning1519249Evening1519250 Sunrising1519250Sunsetting1519251 Cottage1519251The Herdsman1519252Young Herdsman1519252 The flight1519 57 Storm1519 57Nymphs bathing151978  Cupids Pastime14 1/2 16 1/278  Ditto Do14 1/216 1/2253 Landscape16 3/820253 Ditto16 3/820244 Ditto19 1/216 1/2244Ditto19 1/216 1/2334 Paul Jones2419 1/2334Captn Farmer2419 1/2455Alfred2419455 Ditto dividing the loaf2419368 Hunting piece2419368 Portrait Dogs2419 3/4367 4 Viewseach2518325 Greenland Whale fisheries2717325Do Do Davis\u2019s Streights375Adonis carrd off by Venus2719375 Diana deceived by Venus2719343 Thunder Storm19by27343Storm with lightning1927346Moon light1927346Storm after a Picture of Vanderhagen1927337 4 Defence of Gibraltereach2027355 Hobima\u2019s Village21 1/227355Gainsborough\u2019s Forest21 1/227", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00372", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Paul Joseph Gu\u00e9rard [de] Nancr\u00e8de, February 1797\nFrom: Nancr\u00e8de, Paul Joseph Gu\u00e9rard [de]\nTo: Washington, George\n                        TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.Sir,\n                        The EDITOR of the STUDIES OF NATURE, indulges the idea that in dedicating to you the AMERICAN Edition of a work, so much esteemed, he does not take a disrespectful or unwelcome license. As a member of the human family, he finds a superior gratification, in testifying his respect for a character, equally known and revered among mankind. As an AMERICAN CITIZEN, he feels a sweet satisfaction in paying the tribute of gratitude and veneration, in his power, to the MAN, whom his country delights to honour and to bless, as having eminently contributed to establish her independence, by his military command; to insure her peace and prosperity, by his civil administration; and to enhance her glory, by his public and private virtues. But however congenial it is with his sentiments and feelings, he considers it unauthorised by propriety, for him to address to you declarations of this nature, but as he appears in the character of Editor of a work, which he wishes to obtain, and conceives to deserve, your favorable acceptance. The belief that the general intention and execution, if not all the peculiar sentiments of the STUDIES OF NATURE will coincide with your views, encourages him to offer them to your attention. Such a belief is the natural consequence of his opinion that the work is calculated to interest the Philosopher, by presenting ingenious and useful speculation......the Philanthropist, by exciting \u201cA WARMER INTEREST IN FAVOUR OF SUFFERING HUMANITY\u201d........the Friend of Religion and Morals, by illustrating the being and providence of DEITY.....and the Lover of Nature, by displaying the harmony and proportion, the beauty and utility that mark her productions.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00373", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Ball, 1 March 1797\nFrom: Ball, George\nTo: Washington, George\n                        I receiv\u2019d your favour this day in answer to mine wrote in January last\u2014from\n                            its not having arrived sooner (owing to mine being dated from Lancaster) I wrote you one\n                            other some time in Febuary, which I suppose before this you have received\u2014The terms which\n                            you mention I think would suit me, and I shall make it my endeavour to be at your Seat\n                            (mount Vernon) by the twentieth of march\u2014or at any rate by the last of that month untill\n                            which time I hope you will consider (as I shall consider and be influenced by it in my\n                            affairs) the contract as Obligatory. Sir I am with respect Your Humble 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00374", "content": "Title: From Bartholomew Dandridge to William Barton, 1 March 1797\nFrom: Dandridge, Bartholomew\nTo: Barton, William\n                        By direction of the President of the U.S. & in conformity to the\n                            request in your letter of yesterday to the President, I now return to you sundry\n                            testimonials and letters in your behalf, which have from time to time been presented to the\n                            President. I am Sir, Yr 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00375", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 1 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\n                        The President of the United States to  Senator for the State of .\n                        It appearing to me proper that the Senate of the United States should be\n                            convened on Saturday the fourth day of March instant; You are desired to attend in the\n                            Chamber of the Senate on that day at eleven OClock in the forenoon to receive any\n                            communications which the President of the United States may then have to lay before You,\n                            touching their interests.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00377", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Batavian Republic National Assembly, 2 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Batavian Republic National Assembly\n                        To maintain the friendship and harmony so happily subsisting between our\n                            Republics, I have appointed William Vans Murray, one of our distinguished citizens to be\n                            Minister Resident of the United States of America, near you. From my confidence in virtues\n                            and talents I assure myself that he will embrace every occasion to fulfil those very\n                            interesting objects of his mission. I beseech you, therefore, to give entire credence to\n                            whatever he shall say to you on the part of the United States; and particularly when he\n                            shall represent to you the sincerity of our friendship, and our wishes for your prosperity\n                            and I pray God to have you, Great and good friends, in his holy keeping. Written at\n                            Philadelphia the second day of March 1797.\n                            By the President of the United States of Am.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00378", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Mackall Gantt, 2 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gantt, John Mackall,Beall, Thomas\nTo Thomas Beall of George & John M. Gantt\n                        You are hereby requested to convey all the streets in the City of Washington as\n                            they are laid out and delineated in the plan of the said City hereto annexed; and also the\n                            several squares, parcels and Lots of ground following to wit.\n                        First\u2014The public appropriation beginning at the intersection of the South side\n                            of North H street and at the west side of a street of ninety feet in width drawn parallel to\n                            the west side of square numbered two hundred and twenty one, and running due south with the\n                            west side of said street until it intersects the south side of an East and West street drawn\n                            parrallel to the south front of said square numbered two hundred and twenty one being ninety\n                            feet wide; then East with the south side of said street until it intersects the west side of\n                            fifteenth street west; then south with the west side of fifteenth street west until it\n                            intersects the north side of Canal street, thence westerly with the north side of Canal\n                            street until it intersects the East side of seventeenth street west, thence north with the\n                            East side of seventeenth street west until it intersects the south side of an East and west\n                            street of ninety feet wide from the south side of square numbered One hundred and sixty\n                            seven, thence East with the south side of said street until it intersects the East side of a\n                            north and south street of ninety feet wide from the East side of square numbered One hundred\n                            and sixty seven aforesaid thence north with the East side of said street until it intersects\n                            the south side of north H Street, thence East with the South side of said Street to the\n                        Second\u2014The public appropriation beginning at the intersection of the north side\n                            of an East and west street of ninety feet wide from the north front of square numbered six\n                            hundred and eighty eight and the west side of first street east, thence west along the north\n                            side of said street until it intersects the west side of a north and south street drawn at\n                            the distance of ninety feet from the west front of square numbered six hundred and eighty\n                            eight, thence south with the west side of said street until it intersects the north side of\n                            South B street; thence west with the north side of south B street until it intersects the\n                            East side of first street west, thence north with the East side of first street west until\n                            it intersects the north side of Maryland Avenue, thence south westerly with the north side\n                            of Maryland Avenue until it intersects the north side of south B s, thence west with\n                            the north side of south B Street until it intersects the East side of fifteenth street west,\n                            thence north with the East side of fifteenth street west until it intersects the south side\n                            of Canal street drawn at the distance of eighty feet on the south side of said Canal\u2014thence\n                            East with the South side of said street until it intersects the south side of Pennsylvania\n                            Avenue, thence with the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue until it intersects the East side\n                            of first street west, thence north with the East side of first street west until it\n                            intersects the South side of north B street, thence East with the south side of north B\n                            street until it intersects the west side of a north and south street of ninety feet wide\n                            drawn parallel to the west front of square numbered six hundred and Eighty seven, thence\n                            south with the west side of Said street until it intersects the south side of an East\n                            & west street ninety feet wide from the South front of Square numbered Six hundred\n                            and Eighty Seven, thence East with the south side of said street until it intersects the west\n                            side of first street East, thence south with the west side of said street to the Beginning.\n                        Third. The public Appropriation beginning at the intersection of the south side\n                            of Canal street drawn on the south side of the Canal, and the west side of fifteenth street\n                            west, thence south with the west side of fifteenth street west until it intersects the\n                            Potomack river, thence north westerly until it intersects the Canal thence Easterly with the\n                        Fourth\u2014The Public appropriation bounded on the north by the south side of North\n                            E street, on the East by the west side of twenty third street west, On the West by the East\n                            side of twenty fifth street west, and on the south by the Potomak river.\n                        Fifth. The public Appropriation bounded on the north by south F street, On the\n                            East by Canal street, on the south by the Eastern branch, or Annacostia river, and on the\n                        Sixth. The public appropriation bounded on the north by North B street, on the\n                            west by twenty first street west, On the East by twentieth street west, and on the South by\n                        Seventh. The public Appropriation beginning at the intersection of the north\n                            side of Canal street, and the East side of ninth street west, thence north to the south side\n                            of an Avenue drawn in front of square numbered three hundred and eighty two, thence north\n                            Easterly with the south side of said Avenue until it intersects the south side of\n                            Pennsylvania Avenue, thence with the south side of said Avenue until it intersects the west\n                            side of seventh street west, thence with the west side of said street until intersects Canal\n                            street, thence west with the north side of Canal street to the Beginning.\n                        Eighth. The public Appropriation beginning at the intersection of the East side\n                            of ninth street west, and the north side of an East and west street of One hundred feet wide\n                            from the north fronts of squares numbered four hundred and six & four hundred\n                            & thirty, thence north with the East side of said ninth street until it intersects\n                            the south side of an East & west street of ninety feet wide from the south fronts of\n                            squares numbered four hundred and five, and four hundred and twenty nine, thence East with\n                            the south side of said street until it intersects the west side of seventh street west,\n                            thence south with the west side of said seventh street until intersects the north side of\n                            the East and west street first mentioned, thence west with the north side of said street to\n                        Ninth. The Appropriation Beginning at the intersection of the East side of\n                            fifth street west, and the south side of North G street thence East with the south side of\n                            said G street until it intersects the west side of fourth street west thence south with the west side of fourth street west until it intersects\n                            the north side of an Avenue, thence westerly parallel with the north fronts of squares\n                            numbered five hundred and thirty three, and four hundred and ninety until it intersects the\n                            east side of fifth street west leaving the street equally wide, thence with the East side of\n                            fifth street west to the beginning.\n                        Tenth. The appropriation beginning at the intersection of the East side of four\n                            and a half street west and south side of north C street, thence East with the south side of\n                            said C street until it intersects the west side of third street west, thence south with the\n                            west side of the said third street west until it intersects the north side of North B\n                            street, thence west until it intersects the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue, thence with\n                            the north side of said Avenue until it intersects the East side of four and a half street\n                            west thence north with the East side of four and a half street west to the Beginning.\n                        Eleventh. The Appropriation beginning at the intersection of the East side of\n                            third street west, and south side of north C street thence East with the south side of said\n                            C street until it intersects the west side of second street west thence south with the west\n                            side of second street west until it intersects the north side of north B street thence west\n                            with the north side of north B street until it intersects the East side of third street\n                            west, thence north with the East side of said street to the Beginning.\n                        Twelfth. The Appropriation bounded on the north by B street north, on the south\n                            west by Pennsylvania Avenue, on the East by second street west and on the West by third\n                        Thirteenth\u2014The Appropriation bounded on the north by the south side of south B\n                            street, On the west by the East side of nineteenth street East, on the south by the north\n                            side of South G street, and on the East by the Eastern branch or Annakostia river.\n                        Fourteenth\u2014The Appropriation bounded on the west by the East side of seventh\n                            street east, on the north west by the South side of Georgia Avenue, on the north by the South\n                            side of M street south, On the East by the west side of ninth street East, and on the south\n                            by the Eastern branch or Annakostia river.\n                        Fifteenth. The public Appropriation bounded on the north by South K street, on\n                            the south by South L. street, on the East by sixth street East, and on the west by fifth\n                        Sixteenth\u2014The public Appropriation bounded on the north by K street south, On\n                            the South by L street south on the west by sixth street East, and on the East by an Alley of\n                            sixty feet wide bounding square numbered Eight hundred and eighty One.\n                        Seventeenth\u2014The Appropriation beginning at the intersection of the west side of\n                            first street East & the south side of south E street, thence south with the west\n                            side of said first street East until it intersects the south side of an East and west street\n                            one hundred feet in width from the south front of square numbered seven hundred and thirty\n                            six\u2014thence East with the south side of said street until it intersects the west side of\n                            third street East, thence south with the west side of third street East until it intersects\n                            the north side of an East and West street One hundred feet in width from the north front of\n                            square numbered seven hundred and thirty seven, thence west with the north side of said\n                            street until it intersects the west side of a north and south street ninety feet in width\n                            from the west front of square numbered Seven hundred and thirty Seven, thence south with the\n                            west side of said street until it intersects the north side of Canal street, thence with the\n                            north side of said Canal street until it intersects the south side of south E street thence\n                            East with the south side of said street to the beginning, as the same are also laid out and\n                            delineated in the said plan to Gustavus Scott William Thornton and Alexander White\n                            Commissioners appointed under the Act of Congress entitled \"An Act for establishing the\n                            temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States\"\u2014To Hold to the said\n                            Gustavus Scott William Thornton and Alexander White and their successors in Office as\n                            Commissioners aforesaid to the use of the United States forever\n                            according to the tenor of the Act of Congress aforesaid\u2014Given under my Hand and the Seal of\n                            the United states this second day of March in the year One thousand seven hundred and ninety\n                            signed Go. WashingtonBy the PresidentTimothy Pickeringsecretary 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00379", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\n                        Amongst the last Aacts of my political life, and before I go hence into\n                            retirement, profound, will be the acknowledgment of your kind and\n                            affectionate letter from Boston\u2014dated the 15th of January.\n                        From the friendship I have always borne you\u2014and from the interest I have ever\n                            taken in whatever relates to your prosperity & happiness, I participated in the\n                            sorrows which I knoew you must have felt for your late heavy losses. But it is not for man to\n                            scan the wisdom of Providence. The best he can do, is to submit to its decrees. Reason, Religion & Philosophy teaches us to do this, but \u2019tis\n                            time alone that can ameliorate the pangs of humanity, & soften its woes.\n                        To the wearied traveller who sees a resting place, and is bending his body to\n                            lean thereon, I now compare my self; but to be suffered to do this\n                            in peace, is I perceive too much, to be endured by some. To\n                            misrepresent my motives; to reprobate my politics; and to weaken the confidence which has\n                            been reposed in my administration\u2014are objects which cannot be relinquished by those who,\n                            will be satisfied with nothing short of a change in our political System. The consolation\n                            however, which results from conscious rectitude, and the approving voice of my\n                            Country\u2014unequivocally expressed by its Representatives\u2014deprives their sting of its poison,\n                            and places in the same point of view both the weakness, and malignity of their efforts.\n                        Although the prospect of retirement is most grateful to my soul, and I have not\n                            a wish to mix again in the great world, or to partake in its politics, yet, I am not without\n                            my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I love, among\n                        The account given by Mr Bingham and others, of your agreeable Situation, and\n                            prospects at St George\u2019s gave me infinite pleasure; and no one wishes more sincerely than I\n                            do, that they may increase with your years. The remainder of my life (which in the course of\n                            nature cannot be long) will be occupied in rural amusements, and though I shall seclude\n                            my self as much as possible from the noisy and bustling crowd, none more than my self, would\n                            be regaled by the company of those I esteem, at Mount Vernon: more than 20 miles from which, after I arrive there, it is not likely I ever shall be. As early in next week as I can make arrangements for it, I shall commence my journey for Mount Vernon. To morrow, at dinner, I shall as a servant of the public, take my leave of the\n                            President Elect, of the foreign characters, heads of Departments, &ca. \u2014And the day\n                            following, with pleasure, I shall witness the inauguration of my Successor to the Chair of\n                        On the Subject of Politics I shall say nothing; you will have an opportunity of\n                            seeing & conversing with many of the Legislators; from whom, so far as it relates to\n                            the proceedings of their own body, thay can give you the details. The Gazettes will furnish\n                            the rest. Mrs Washington unites with me in every good wish for you, Mrs Knox &\n                            family, and with unfeigned truth, I am Yours always, & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00381", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 2 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Henry\n                        In answer to your enquiry Concerning the Land I Sold to you, last year, I can\n                            inform you from my own Knowledge.\n                        It is part of the great dismal Swamp, about  Miles from Norfolk Convenient to the Canal now Cutting, its\n                            soil extremely rich Covered with Cypress & Juniper, the under growth Cane", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00382", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Swift, 2 March 1797\nFrom: Swift, Joseph,Cumpston, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\n                        The Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the United Episcopal Churches, of\n                            Christ Church and St Peter\u2019s, take the Liberty, at this interesting Period of your Retreat\n                            from public Life, of offering to you a sincere Testimony of their Veneration of your\n                            Character and their Affection for your Person.\n                        On an Occasion which, in so lively a Degree, effects the public Mind, we feel a\n                            peculiar Source of Sensibility in the Circumstance, of your having Attended divine Worship\n                            among us; as well during your Presidency, as on many preceeding Occasions of your temporary\n                            Residence in this City. And we are persuaded, that in the Emotions which we now express, we\n                            only participate with all the Members of the Congregations whom we represent.\n                        While we unite with our Fellow Citizens in Acknowledgement of the Wisdom and\n                            the Virtue of your Administration; we especially rejoice, in it\u2019s having been directed to\n                            the invaluable Ends of Protection and of Peace; for which, as we are taught by our holy\n                            Religion to believe, Government was divinely instituted.\n                        You will carry with you, Sir, into your Retirement, the Testimony of your\n                            Conscience, the Gratitude of your Country; and the approbation of the Age: May you have the\n                            additional Enjoyment of Health; and of whatever else can tend to the Happiness of the Remainder\n                            of your Life. And above all, it is our Prayer, that you may at last enjoy a better Rest, in\n                            which no Labor for the Happiness of your Fellow Men will have been in vain. \n                        Signed in Behalf of the Vestry, Wm White, Bishop of the Prot: Ep: Ch: in the Commonweal. of Pennsa &\n                            Rector of the said United Churches.\n                            Church WardensJoseph Swift ", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00383", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Joseph Swift, 2 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Swift, Joseph,Cumpston, Thomas\n                        To this public testimony of your approbation of my conduct & affection\n                            for my person, I am not insensible; and your prayers for my present and future happiness,\n                            merit my warmest acknowledgments. It is with peculiar satisfaction I can say, that, prompted\n                            by a high sense of duty in my attendance on public worship, I have been gratified, during my\n                            residence among you, by the liberal and interesting discourses which have been delivered in\n                        Believing that that Government alone can be approved by Heaven, which promotes\n                            peace and secures protection to its Citizens in every thing that is dear and interesting to\n                            them; it has been the great object of my Administration to insure those valuable ends: And\n                            when, to a consciousness of the purity of my intentions, is added the approbation of my\n                            fellow-citizens, I shall experience in my retirement that heartfelt Satisfaction, which can\n                            only be exceeded by the hope of future happiness.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00384", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 2 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\n                        I nominate Joel Barlow of the State of Connecticut, to be Consul-General of the\n                            United States of America, for the City & Kingdom of Algiers.\n                        John Gavino to be Consul of the United States of America for the port of\n                            Gibraltar, in the room of James Simpson appointed Consul for Morocco.\n                        Frederick Folger of Maryland, to be Consul of the United States of America for\n                            the port & district of Aux-Cayes, in the Island of St Domingo.\n                        Procopio Jacinto Pollock of Pennsylvania, to be Consul of the United States of\n                            America for the port of New-Orleans.\n                        Charles Jackson to be district attorney of the United States of America for the\n                        David Lenox of Pennsylvania to be the Agent of the United States of America, to\n                            reside in the Kingdom of Great-Britain, pursuant to the Act for the relief &\n                            protection of American seamen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00385", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 2 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\n                        Application having been made to me, to permit a treaty to be held with the\n                            Seneka Nation of Indians, to effect the purchase of a parcel of their land under a\n                            preemption right derived from the State of Massachusetts and situated within the State of\n                            New York, and it appearing to me reasonable that such opportunity should be afforded,\n                            provided, the negociation shall be conducted at the expence of the applicant, and at the\n                            desire and with the consent of the Indians; always considering these as prerequisites, I now\n                            nominate Isaac Smith to be a Commissioner to hold a Treaty with the Seneka Nation for 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00387", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Scott, Gustavus,Thornton, William\n                        Three things relative to the City of Washington call for my decision, and this\n                            is the last day I have Powers to give any.\n                        The first respects the dispute with Mr Law, touching the conveyances of Lotts;\n                            the second, to my approbation of the Plans for the Executive Offices; and the third, to the\n                            Instrument you transmitted to me in your letter of the 31st of January.\n                        With regard to the first, however hard & unexpected the case may be as\n                            it affects the public interest, and whatever my private opinion on some points may be; I\n                            think it safest, and all things considered perhaps the best, to let the opinion of the Law\n                            Officer of the government\u2014herewith enclosed\u2014prevail; and I advise it accordingly. The\n                            second, not only meets my approbation, but is much approved also by the heads of\n                            Departments; and may, when the funds and other circumstances will permit be carried into\n                            effect; for which purpose the Plans are returned with my approving signature. On the other,\n                            or third point, the Bill for incorporating the Commissioners of the City of Washington, has\n                            not been passed into a Law, in consequence of the superior claim of more important matters\n                            upon the attention of Congress in the close of the present Session. The instrument you\n                            transmitted to me, as mentioned before, having been altered according to the advice of the\n                            Attorney General you will herewith receive, formally executed.\n                        Another matter occurs which is necessary to apprise you of. In your letter of\n                            the 31st of Jany it is said \"We have forwarded to the Secretary of State, a plan of the City\n                            under cover to Messrs Willinck, with all the public property particularly designated on the\n                            face of it; and have written to those Gentlemen, pressing them to forward the loan by all\n                            the means in their power.\" Inquiring the other day of the Secretary if it was dispatched, he\n                            answered that no such packet had been recd by him.\n                        Your letter of the 27th Ulto is received & I am sorry your prospt of a\n                            loan in Holld is so bad. With esteem & regd I am always Yrs", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00389", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William White, 3 March 1797\nFrom: White, William,Green, Ashbel\nTo: Washington, George\n                        On a day which becomes important in the annals of America as marking the close\n                            of a splendid public life, devoted for near half a century to the service of your country;\n                            We the undersigned clergy of different denominations in and near the city of Philadelphia,\n                            beg leave to join the voice of our fellow citizens, in expressing our deep sense of your\n                            public services in every department of trust & authority committed to you. But in\n                            our special character as ministers of the gospel of Christ, we are more immediately bound to\n                            acknowledge the countenance which you have uniformly given to his holy religion.\n                        In your public character we have beheld the edifying example of a civil ruler\n                            always acknowledging the superintendence of divine providence in the affairs of men,\n                            & confirming that example by the powerful recommendation of religion &\n                            morality as the firmest basis of social happiness; more particularly in the following\n                            language of your affectionate parting address to your fellow citizens.\n                        \"Of all the dispositions &c. habits which lead to political prosperity,\n                            religion & morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the\n                            tribute of patriotism who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness,\n                            the firmest props of the duties of men & citizens. The mere politician, equally with\n                            the pious man, ought to respect & cherish them. A volume could not trace all their\n                            connexions with private &c. public felicity\u2014Let us with caution indulge the\n                            supposition that morality can be maintained without religion\u2014Reason & experience\n                            forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious\n                        Should the importance of these just &c. pious sentiments be duly\n                            appreciated & regarded, we confidently trust that the prayers you have offered for\n                            the prosperity of our common country will be answered. In these prayers we most fervently\n                            unite: And with equal fervour we join in those which the numerous public bodies that\n                            represent the citizens of these states are offering for their beloved chief. We most\n                            devoutly implore the divine blessing to attend you in your retirement, to render it in all\n                            respects comfortable to you, to satisfy you with length of days, & finally to\n                            receive you into happiness & glory infinitely greater than this world can bestow.\n                            Wm Flendel18 more signatures not transcribed", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00390", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William White, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: White, William,Green, Ashbel\n                        Not to acknowledge with gratitude & sensibility the affectionate addresses\n                            and benevolent wishes of my fellow Citizens on my retiring from public life, would prove\n                            that I have been unworthy of the Confidence which they have been pleased to repose in me.\n                        And, among these public testimonies of attachment and approbation, none can be\n                            more grateful than that of so respectable a body as your\u2019s.\n                        Beleiving, as I do, that Religion & Morality are the essential pillars of Civic society, I view, with\n                            unspeakable pleasure, that harmony & Brotherly love which characterizes the Clergy of\n                            different denominations\u2014as well in this, as in other parts of the United States: exhibiting\n                            to the world a new & interesting spectacle, at once the pride of our Country and the\n                            surest basis of universal Harmony.\n                        That your Labours for the good of Mankind may be crown\u2019d with success\u2014that your\n                            temporal enjoyments may be commensurate with your merits\u2014and that the future reward of good\n                            & faithful Servants may be your\u2019s, I shall not cease to supplicate the Divine Author of", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00391", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\n                        At the conclusion of my public employments, I have thought it expedient to\n                            notice the publication of certain forged letters which first appeared in the year 1777, and\n                            were obtruded upon the public as mine. They are said by the editor to have been found in a\n                            small portmanteau that I had left in the care of my Mulatto servant named Billy, who, it is\n                            pretended, was taken prisioner at Fort Lee, in 1776. The period when these letters were\n                            first printed will be recollected, and what were the impressions they were intended to\n                            produce on the public mind. It was then supposed to be of some consequence to strike at the\n                            integrity of the motives of the American Commander in Chief, and to paint his inclinations\n                            as at variance with his professions and his duty. Another crisis in the affairs of America\n                            having occurred, the same weapon has been resorted to, to wound my character and deceive the\n                        The letters in question have the dates, addresses, and signatures here\n                        \"New\u2013York, June 12. 1776. To Mr Lund Washington, at Mount Vernon, Fairfax\n                            \"To John Parke Custis, Esqr. at the Hon. Benedict Calver\u2019t, Esqr., Mount\n                            \"New-York, July 8, 1776, To Mr Lund Washington, at Mount\u2013Vernon, Fairfax\n                            At the time when these letters first appeared, it was notorious to the\n                                army immediately under my command, and particularly to the gentlemen attached to my\n                                person, that my Mulatto Man Billy had never been one moment in the power of the enemy.\n                                It is also a fact that no part of my baggage, or any of my attendants were captured\n                                during the whole course of the war. These well-known facts made it unnecessary, during\n                                the war, to call the public attention to the forgery, by any express declaration of\n                                mine: and a firm reliance on my fellow-citizens, and the abundant proofs they gave of\n                                their confidence in me, rendered it alike unnecessary to take any formal notice of the\n                                revival of the imposition, during my civil administration. But as I cannot know how\n                                soon a more serious event may succeed to that which will this day take place, I have\n                                thought it a duty that I owed to Myself, to my Country and to Truth, now to detail the\n                                circumstances above recited; and to add my solemn declaration, that the letters herein\n                                described, are a base forgery, and that I never saw or heard of them until they\n                            The present letter I commit to your care, and desire it may be deposited in\n                                the office of the department of state, as a testimony of the truth to the present\n                                generation and to posterity. Accept, I pray you, the sincere esteem & Affectionate", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00392", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Hans Alexander Siegfried [von] Steuben, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Steuben, Hans Alexander Siegfried [von]\n                        I received your letter dated the 1st of September last, inquiring for the\n                            fortune of your deceased Brother, Baron Steuben. A former application from some relation of\n                            the Baron led me to inquire how he disposed of his estate, and I found that the payment of\n                            debts and claims would absorb the greater part, and that the residue was given to some\n                            particular friends to whom he was attached, and who had been attached to him; especially\n                            during his service in the army of the United States. And it was even doubtful whether any\n                            thing would remain after his debts were paid.\n                        To supercede any further inquiries of the kind, perhaps I ought to add, That\n                            although the pay and emoluments of the Baron from the United States were liberal, and\n                            supported him several Years after the close of the american war, yet possessed of a generous\n                            heart and accustomed to an expensive mode of living, he felt some embarrassements, until in\n                            the year 1790 Congress granted him a pension of 2,500 Dollars a year. From this he could make\n                            no saving; and whatever Estate he left behind him resulted from the bounty of particular\n                            States in grateful acknowledgment for the services he had rendered to the United States\n                            during the American War. I have the honor to be, with much respect sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00393", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 3 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.\n                        Before the curtain drops on my political life, which it will do this evening\u2014I\n                            expect for ever\u2014I shall acknowledge, although it be in a few hasty lines only; the receipt\n                            of your kind & affectionate letter of the 23d of January last.\n                        When I add, that according to custom, all the Acts of the Session, except two\n                            or three very unimportant Bills, have been presented to me within the last four days, you will not be surprised at the pressure under which I write at\n                            present; but it must astonish others who know that the\n                            Constitution allows the President ten days to deliberate on each\n                            Bill that is brought before him that he should be allowed by the Legislature less than\n                            half that time to consider all the business of the Session; and\n                            in some instances, scarcely an hour to revolve the most important. But as the scene is\n                            closing, with me, it is of little avail now to let it be with\n                        I should be very unhappy if I thought my relinquishing the Reins of government\n                            wd produce any of the consequences which your fears forebode. In all free governments,\n                            contention in elections will take place; and whilst it is confined to our own citizens it is\n                            not to be regreted; but severely indeed ought it to be reprobated when occasioned by foreign\n                            machinations. I trust however, that the good sense of our Countrymen will guard the public\n                            weal against this, and every other innovation; and that, altho we may be a little wrong, now\n                            & then, we shall return to the right path, with more avidity. I can never believe\n                            that Providence, which has guided us so long, and through Such a labirinth, will withdraw\n                            its protection at this Crisis.\n                        Although I shall resign the chair of government without a Single regret, or any\n                            desire to intermeddle in politics again, yet there are many of my compatriots (among whom\n                            be assured I place you) from whom I shall part sorrowing; because, unless I meet with them\n                            at Mount Vernon it is not likely I shall ever See them more, as I do not expect I shall ever\n                            be twenty miles from it after I am tranquilly settled there. To tell you how glad I should\n                            be to see you at that place is unnecessary; but this I will add, that it would not only give\n                            me pleasure, but pleasure also to Mrs Washington, and others of the family with whom you are\n                            acquainted; and who all unite in every good wish for you, and yours, with Dear Sir\u2014Your\n                            sincere friend and Affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/99-01-02-00394", "content": "Title: From George Washington to United States Senate, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: United States Senate\n                        I nominate Anthony Walton White of New Jersey to be Surveyor for the agred\n                            Port of New Brunswick and Inspector of the Revenue for the same.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0306", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nYours of Dec. 19. has come safely. The event of the election has never been a matter of doubt in my mind. I knew that the Eastern states were disciplined in the schools of their town meetings to sacrifice differences of opinion to the great object of operating in phalanx, and that the more free & moral agency practised in the other states would always make up the supplement of their weight. Indeed the vote comes much nearer an equality than I had expected. I know the difficulty of obtaining belief to one\u2019s declarations of a disinclination to honors, and that it is greatest with those who still remain in the world. But no arguments were wanting to reconcile me to a relinquishment of the first office or acquiescence under the second. As to the first it was impossible that a more solid unwillingness settled on full calculation, could have existed in any man\u2019s mind, short of the degree of absolute refusal. The only view on which I would have gone into it for a while was to put our vessel on her republican tack before she should be thrown too much to leeward of her true principles. As to the second, it is the only office in the world about which I am unable to decide in my own mind whether I had rather have it or not have it. Pride does not enter into the estimate; for I think with the Romans that the General of to-day should be a soldier tomorrow if necessary. I can particularly have no feelings which would revolt at a secondary position to mr. Adams. I am his junior in life, was his junior in Congress, his junior in the diplomatic line, his junior lately in our civil government. Before the receipt of your letter I had written the inclosed one to him. I had intended it some time, but had deferred it from time to time under the disco[u]ragement of a despair of making him believe I could be sincere in it. The papers by the last post not rendering it necessary to change any thing in the letter I inclose it open for your perusal, not only that you may possess the actual state of dispositions between us, but that if any thing should render the delivery of it ineligible in your opinion, you may return it to me. If mr. Adams can be induced to administer the government on it\u2019s true principles, and to relinquish his bias to an English constitution, it is to be considered whether it would not be on the whole for the public good to come to a good understanding with him as to his future elections. He is perhaps the only sure barrier against Hamilton\u2019s getting in.\nSince my last I have recieved a packet of books & pamphlets, the choiceness of which testifies that they come from you. The Incidents of Hamilton\u2019s insurrection is a curious work indeed. The hero of it exhibits himself in all the attitudes of a dexterous balance master.\nThe Political progress is a work of value & of a singular complexion. The eye of the author seems to be a natural achromatic, which divests every object of the glare of colour. The preceding work under the same title had the same merit. One is disgusted indeed with the ulcerated state which it presents of the human mind: but to cure an ulcer we must go to it\u2019s bottom: and no writer has ever done this more radically than this one. The reflections into which he leads one are not flattering to our species. In truth I do not recollect in all the Animal kingdom a single species but man which is eternally & systematically engaged in the destruction of it\u2019s own species. What is called civilization seems to have no other effect on him than to teach him to pursue the principle of bellum omnium in omnia on a larger scale, & in place of the little contests of tribe against tribe, to engage all the quarters of the earth in the same work of destruction. When we add to this that as to the other species of animals, the lions & tygers are mere lambs compared with man as a destroyer, we must conclude that it is in man alone that Nature has been able to find a sufficient barrier against the too great multiplication of other animals & of man himself, an equilibriating power against the fecundity of generation. My situation points my views chiefly to his wars in the physical world: yours perhaps exhibit him as equally warring in the Moral one. We both, I believe, join in wishing to see him softened. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0307", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 1 January 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nI have not heard from you since the adjourmt. of the last Congress or rather since you left Phila. after the adjourment. In my last I informed you that Adet was suspended & orders issued to seize British property in our bottoms & that the aspect here was a very menacing one, and in consequence my situation as the minister of our country a very disagreeable one, & wh. was made more so, after these measures were taken, by a reproach wh. was whispered agnst me by some & felt by many, that I had obstructed & delayed these or such like measures whilst they might have produc\u2019d a good effect. In this state of things an acct. of my recall arrived & soon afterwards Mr. Pinckney arrived in person, and wh. incident served it is true to relieve me from the dilemma in wh. I was personally but by no means to improve the state of our affrs. It was before charged on me by many (as you have seen was the case from my first arrival here) to be a useful agent of the admn. in covering the treaty &ca and therefore on me the ill will of this govt. fell before my recall: but afterwards they ascribed my zeal & efforts to preserve tranquility &ca to sound motives & in consequence whereof the very act of my recall, became a cause of new irritation here. What followed you will hear before this reaches you, respecting the rejection of Mr. P., my farewell &ca.\nMy recall is an affr. upon wh. I presume the admn. has given some expln. to the Senate if not to the publick. I shod. be glad to know what reason they have given for it. I rejoice they have given me that testimony that I had no share in their councils nor portion of their confidence. It proves incontrovertibly that my efforts to reconcile this govt. to the treaty &ca by defending it &ca did not proceed from a previous harmony in political sentiment with the admn., but a sincere desire to preserve peace & tranquility between our two republicks, regarding the actual state of things. Such a document was really very necessary here, and wod. have been more so for futurity, especially after this govt. began its present system of measures so decidedly agnst. my most earnest efforts and advice: the latter of wh. was given as a man known to be friendly & sincerely so in their affrs., and not in the spirit of a pompous & vain gaschonade as some with us exhibit themselves when they speak of friendship with France & her revolution.\nIt is to be regretted that Mr. Washingtons testament arrived before Mr. P. for it confirmed previous unfriendly impressions. Most of the monarchs of the earth practice ingratitude in their transactions with other powers: they all however hold a different doctrine but Mr. W. has the merit of transcending, not the great men of the antient republick\u27e8s\u27e9, but the little monarchs of the present day, in preaching it as a publick virtue. Where these men will pl[u]nge our affrs. God only knows, but such a collection of vain, superficial, blunderers, to say no worse of them, were never I think before placd at the head of any respectable State.\nI enclose you a copy of my address to the Directoire on taking leave & of the Presidents reply to me. The two papers contain the sum. Perhaps it is proper for you to have it inserted in our papers to prevent the errors of the Englh. papers getting the start. I propose sailing in the commenc\u2019ment of April, & shod. sooner were it safe or suitable to make a winter passage. You will observe that altho\u2019 my recall was decided perhaps in June, for Mr. P.\u2019s acceptance was in July, yet I was not written to of it till 22. of Augt. nor did I receive the letter till the 6th. of Novr., so that my return home was impossible before the lot was cast for the President, had I even been disposed to withdraw before the arrival of Mr. P. which was on the 7. of Decr. Thus I am subjected to the necessity of expending here the sum allowed to defraying the charge of my journey home. We propose making in the interim a tour into Holland & perhaps into Switzerland.\nThe late expedition from Brest supposed for Ireland is the only interesting intelligence, except a report not well authenticated but very probable that the Porte is advancing a considerable force agnst the Emperor; I say it is probable because some thing of the kind was expected from the mission of Aubert du Bayet, & wh. is further favored by the death of the Empress.\nI wish you to make known to Mr. Jones my intention to sit out in April & that I shall bring Joseph with me. Communicate also the same to Mr. Jefferson. I beg you to remember me affecy. to Dr. Edwards from whom I expected to have heard before this. I shod. write several of them but it is really unsafe & improper in the present state of things. I reserve the more however for personal communication. We sincerely wish you well & happy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0308", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 2 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 2 January 1797. Acknowledged in JM to James Madison, Sr., 15 Jan. 1797. Discusses purchases for Montpelier.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0309", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Hopkins, 3 January 1797\nFrom: Hopkins, John\nTo: Madison, James\nSir.\nRichmond Jan: 3d. 1797\nBy direction of General Jonathan Clarke I enclose you a draft for Two Hundred Dollars, the receipt of which you will be pleased to acknowledge to him to me. I am with great respect Sir Your Most Obt Servant\nJno: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0310", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Lawrence Taliaferro, 4 January 1797\nFrom: Taliaferro, Lawrence\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nRose Hill Orange 4th Jay 1797\nNeither Mr. Robert nor Frances Brooke will offer to represent our Destrict in Congress, they both plead that it would ruin them in their prafesion which is their principal support, or they would feel themselves much gratified in the confidence repos\u2019d in them by their fellow Citizens. There is three Gentlemen who offer, Mr John Dawson is one who we fear is not popular enough to succeed, the other two are Genl Posey & Mr Callis of Louisa neither agreeable to our friends, the republicans, (who you Know are a large majority in this Destrict) that are not acquainted with Mr. Dawson will vote for you the rest would wish to do so, but perhaps out of politeness to you may not Chuse to be troublesome, they may Vote for Mr D. I have recd several letters from different parts of the Destrict & have seen many of our acquaintences & think I have given you a true statement of our situation. We are all sensible of the advantages we have receiv\u2019d from your long service & as it is your wish we should be glad to see you retire, with our gratefull thanks for the benefitts we have experienc\u2019d from your zeal for the publick good, but my Dr Sir we hope that two years more which is all we ask, will not break in on your domestick happiness or wishes, I almost expect you will have the most Votes, but consider how much your friends must be agitated between, Gratitude & self preservation. What great satisfaction would it afford your constitunts to Know that you had consented that a pole might be taken for you. I certainly shall vote for you, unless you forbid it in an answer to this which I hope you will not do, with how much pleasure I shall inform your friends, that from the solicitations of all our friends you have been compell\u2019d to change your resolution, & to oblige you will serve two years more, which I hope you will do by writing to one or two of our friends in this Destrict that a pole may be taken for you, such information would spread with Joy, & relieve our Destrict from divided interests which may bring in a Gentleman the least expected & perhaps the least wish\u2019d for. I fear we have lost Colo Jefferson, I wish he had been a resident of Massachusetts. The air could not have infected him & we should have had a good republican to have precided in our Executive. Giles is a good Citizen. I red the Debates of Congress. We all join in our respectful compts to you, Mrs Madison & you[r]self Ladies & am dr Sir with great Es\u27e8teem\u27e9 yr Servt. Friend\nLaw Tali\u27e8aferro\u27e9\nWe are Alarm\u2019d at a War with France.\nL 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0311", "content": "Title: Land Sales in Ohio, [5 January] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[5 January 1797]\nMr. Madison submitted it to the mover whether it might not be more proper immediately to make the Enquiry of the proper department, without a committee. In general he did not see the necessity of a committee when the application could be immediately made to the 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0312", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Jany. 8. 1797\nI have recd. your favor of the 17 Ult. The election is not likely to terminate in the equilibrium of votes for which the Constitution has not provided. If the Vermont votes should be valid as is now generally supposed, Mr. Adams will have 71. & you 68. Pinkney being in the rear of both. It is to be hoped that the nicety & in truth the unpropitious casualty, of the choice of Mr. A. will lessen the evil of such an ostensible protest by this Country agst. Republicanism. Your acceptance of a share in the administration will not fail to aid this tendency. It is suggested to me that it will be necessary for you to be here before the adjournment of Congs. in order to be qualified. I have not examined the Constitution & the law on this subject. You will have the means of doing both and of deciding on the question. Altho\u2019 I am sensible of the inconveniency of such a trip at this season of the year, yet I see so many advantages likely to result from it that I can not help wishing it may be found necessary. If you can not qualify elsewhere, you must come of course, that the danger of an interregnum may be provided against. The expence would be no objection; and is besides balanced by the effect of the qualification in settling the date of the compensation.\nThe special communication from the President, on our affairs with France is not yet made. The gloom over them is in no respect diminished. Not a word from Monroe, or any other quarter, relating to his recall; or enabling us to judge on the question whether Pinkney will be received. We wait with anxiety for the light that will probably be thrown on the first point, by the expected communication.\nThe inclosed paper will give you the foreign news as it has first made its appearance here. A comparison of paragraphs renders the Italian part of it unfavorable to the French very improbable. There may nevertheless be some foundation for it. The French operations agst. our Trade seem to be better authenticated, as well as the renewal of the Algerine warfare. The abortive result of Lord Malmsbury\u2019s errand, is also highly probable. I just understand that Spain declared war agst. G. B. on the 8th. of Ocr. Adieu\nGallatin\u2019s work is a book\u2014& the Letter of Payne to Genl. W. is not within the compass of our privilege. I sent it some time ago in parcels to Mr. Jones, & requested him to forward them 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0313", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 8 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nYours of Dec. 25. is safely recieved. I much fear the issue of the present dispositions of France & Spain. Whether it be in war or in the suppression of our commerce it will be very distressing and our commerce seems to be already sufficiently distressed through the wrongs of the belligerent nations and our own follies. It was impossible the bank & paper-manie should not produce great & extensive ruin. The President is fortunate to get off just as the bubble is bursting, leaving others to hold the bag. Yet, as his departure will mark the moment when the difficulties begin to work, you will see, that they will be ascribed to the new administration, and that he will have his usual good fortune of reaping credit from the good acts of others, and leaving to them that of his errors. We apprehend our wheat is almost entirely killed: and many people are expecting to put something else in the ground. I have so little expectations from mine, that as much as I am an enemy to tobacco, I shall endeavor to make some for taxes & clothes. In the morning of the 23d. of Dec. my thermometer was 5\u00b0. below o. & the 24th. it was at o. On the 26th. of Nov. 22d. of Dec. and this morning it was at 12\u00b0. above o. The last day of Dec. we had a snow 1 \u00bd I. deep & the 4th. of this month one of 3. I. deep which is still on the ground. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0314", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 8 [January] 1797\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nDr. Sr.\nCharlottesville 8th. Decr. [January] 1797.\nI recd. the other day yours of the 16th ult. inclosing a part of paines letter to the president (from 41 to 64) the appendix and the first number of Mr Pelham, which as a specimen of the writers design, and liberality of sentiment, does not exhibit him in a very favourable point of view. This man is not for a total but partial disorganisation, and as he belongs to or speaks from Connecticut will not I expect be stigmatised with the common epithet of Disorganiser but had he blown the trumpet in the South he would certainly have been placed in that predicament. He does not degrade us to the servile office of toad eaters, but exalts us to the honourable Station of Canibals or at least insinuates we have a strong propensity to Mans flesh and will I expect be found the best reason he can assign for a separation from the Southern people. I wish to see the other part of the pamphlet of Paines addressed to the P: and fear as the last part has come first the other has miscarried. If Mr. Jefferson gets it as he tells me he expects to do I may while here get the perusal. I see By the papers the probability of A\u2019s being the P. but yet nothing satisfactory who will be the V. P. I shall continue here some weeks and have directed the Post Master in Fredericks [burg] to forward letters and papers to me here while I stay. No news what has been the effect of Ld Malmsburys embassy. This severe weather will prevent your receiving your goods from Virga. wch. yr. Father said had not been sent before the frost set in and must raise high the price of wood with you as well as provisions. I wish you all well. Yr friend & Servt.\nJos: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0316", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 8 January 1797\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear sir\nRichmond January 8. 1797.\nJudge Claiborne, of the state of Tennessee, has requested me to introduce him to you. He is travelling on to Philadelphia, with a view to solicit the appointment of district-judge in that state under the U. S. Altho\u2019 a young man, his pretensions have been marked by the opinion, prevailing there, of his superiority over his present competitors, who formerly contested with him the seat on the state Bench. I am satisfied, that his talents outweigh theirs; and that the improvements, inseparable from years and observation, will render him an able dispenser of justice. His private character is unquestionable; and if I supposed it practicable for you to aid his views, I would not hesitate to throw him upon your attentions. But knowing, that the avenues to this species of office are shut to a particular description of men, I ask of you for him only the countenance, which you may find it easy to give him. From every thing that I can learn, he is a very influential man in Tenassee; and can be advanced to any scale of popular favor, which he may choose.\nVirginia is very little more in this quarter, than a colony of Philadelphia. No conversation, no object political, commercial, and in many instances legal, can occur, without looking up to that city as the standard. We are even unable to procure the current publications; until they are stale there. Whatever is said in favor of the government is circulated under franks from the treasury &c. But not a Virginian eye has seen Gallatin\u2019s pamphlet, Dwights address to the President, President the 2d. &c &c.\nMrs. Payne was with us last evening in good health and spirits. Our best respects to Mrs. M. I am my dear sir Yrs. very afftly.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0317", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 8 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 8 January 1797. Acknowledged in JM to James Madison, Sr., 22 and 29 Jan. 1797. Discusses family matters and crops at Montpelier.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0319", "content": "Title: James and Dolley P. Madison v. Edward Heston, 10 January 1797 (Abstract)\nFrom: Madison, James,Madison, Dolley Payne Todd,Heston, Edward\nTo: \n10 January 1797, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Dolley Madison and JM brought suit against Edward Heston to recover costs incurred by Dolley Madison and the late John Todd for nursing and burying Heston\u2019s son, Isaac, in 1793. The plaintiffs abandoned the cause and agreed to a nonsuit.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0320", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Taylor, Jr., 11 January 1797\nFrom: Taylor, George, Jr.\nTo: Madison, James\nDear sir,\nPhiladelphia 11 January 1797.\nBeing prevented by excessive hurry of Business at the office, from waiting on you in person, I take the liberty of reminding, you by a few lines, of my unpleasant situation as to salary being the same as it was when I last troubled you on the subject. I need not mention or urge to a gentleman of your independent Character, how irksome it must be to a feeling mind to be totally dependent on the Head of a Department for fixing the quantum of salary which he shall receive. On looking over Brown\u2019s paper of this evening I observe that the assistant Post Master General is classed with the Heads of Departments in the Report of the Committee on Compensations. On a former occasion you endeavored to have me thrown into that Class, but it was then objected that I was not a commissioned officer. Now as this is the case with the assistant Post Master and I believe with some others, and as very good reasons might be assigned for placing me, on a different footing from the other Chief Clerks, would it not give a pretext for renewing the attempt? It is now upwards of eleven years since I entered the office of State and I have never been allowed even a decent support for myself and family.\nPardon this freedom, and believe me to be with the most perfect respect and attachment Dear sir, Your most obt. servant\nGeo: Taylor 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0321", "content": "Title: Petition of Gilbert Dench, [11 January] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James,Dench, Gilbert\nTo: \n[11 January 1797]\n   The House went into a Committee of the Whole to consider the report of the Committee of Claims on Gilbert Dench (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\n          the United States \u2026 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834\u201356)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 1835\u201336).\nMessrs. Madison \u2026 were of opinion, that if Mr. Dench had any claim it was upon the state of Massachusetts, and not upon 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0323", "content": "Title: Relations with Algiers, [13 January] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[13 January 1797]\n   On 10 January the House had considered a motion that a committee be appointed \u201cto select such parts of the confidential communication sent \u2026 by a message of the President of the United States\u201d on 9 January \u201cas in their opinion may, with propriety, be printed.\u201d JM, Ames (Massachusetts), Sherburne (New Hampshire), Davenport (Connecticut), Livingston (New York), Grove (North Carolina), and Baldwin (Georgia) were appointed to the committee (JHRJournal of the House of Representatives of\n          the United States (9 vols.; Washington, 1826)., 2:747).\nMr. Madison, from the committee to whom was referred the confidential communication received from the President of the United States a few days ago, gave notice that he had a report to make on the subject. The house and galleries were accordingly cleared.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0324", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Jany. 15. 1797.\nThe last mail brought me your favor of Jany. 1. inclosing an unsealed one for Mr. A. & submitting to my discretion the eligibility of delivering it. In exercising this delicate trust I have felt no small anxiety, arising by no means however from an apprehension that a free exercise of it could be in collision with your real purpose, but from a want of confidence in myself, & the importance of a wrong judgment in the case. After the best consideration I have been able to bestow, I have been led to suspend the delivery of the letter, till you should have an opportunity of deciding on the sufficiency or insufficiency of the following reasons. 1. It is certain that Mr. Adams, on his coming to this place, expressed to different persons a respectful cordiality towards you, & manifested a sensibility to the candid manner in which your friends had in general conducted the opposition to him. And it is equally known that your sentiments towards him personally have found their way to him in the most conciliating form. This being the state of things between you, it deserves to be considered whether the idea of bettering it is not outweighed by the possibility of changing it for the worse. 2. There is perhaps a general air on the letter which betrays the difficulty of your situation in writing it, and it is uncertain what the impression might be resulting from this appearance. 3 It is certain that Mr. A. is fully apprized of the trick aimed at by his pseudo-friends of N. Y: and there may be danger of his suspecting in memento\u2019s on that subject, a wish to make his resentment an instrument for avenging that of others. A hint of this kind was some time ago dropped by a judicious & sound man who lives under the same roof, with a wish that even the Newspapers might be silent on that point. 4. May not what is said of \u201cthe sublime delights of riding in the storm &c.\u201d be misconstrued into a reflexion on those who have no distaste to the helm at the present crisis? You know the temper of Mr. A. better than I do: but I have always conceived it to be rather a ticklish one. 5. The tenderness due to the zealous & active promoters of your election, makes it doubtful whether, their anxieties & exertions ought to be depreciated by any thing implying the unreasonableness of them. I know that some individuals who have deeply committed themselves, & probably incurred the political enmity at least of the P. elect, are already sore on this head. 6. Considering the probability that Mr. A.s course of administration may force an opposition to it from the Republican quarter, & the general uncertainty of the posture which our affairs may take, there may be real embarrassments from giving written possession to him, of the degree of compliment & confidence which your personal delicacy & friendship have suggested.\nI have ventured to make these observations, because I am sure you will equally appreciate the motive & the matter of them; and because I do not view them as inconsistent with the duty & policy of cultivating Mr. Adam\u2019s favorable dispositions, and giving a fair start to his Executive career. As you have, no doubt, retained a copy of the letter I do not send it back as you request. It occurs however that, if the subject should not be changed in your view of it, by the reasons which influence mine, & the delivery of the letter be accordingly judged expedient, it may not be amiss to alter the date of it; either by writing the whole over again, or authorizing me to correct that part of it.\nThe special communication is still unmade. It is I am told to be extremely voluminous. I hope, under the sanction of the P.\u2019s reply to our address, that it will be calculated rather to heal than irritate the wounded friendship of the two countries. Yet, I cannot look around at the men who counsel him, or look back at the snares into which he has hitherto been drawn without great apprehensions on this subject. Nothing from France subsequent to the arrival of Pinkney. The negociations for peace you will see are suspended. The accession of Spain to the war enforces the probability that its calamities are not likely yet to be terminated. The late News from the Rhine & from Italy are on the whole favorable to the French. The last battle was on the 27 Ocr. in the Hunspruck, and ended in a victory on their side. The House of Rep: are on direct taxes, which seem to be so much nauseated & feared by those who have created both the necessity & odium of them, that the project will miscarry. Hamilton, you will recollect assured the farmers that all the purposes of the Govt. could be answered without resorting to lands Houses or stock on farms. This deceptive statement with other devices of his administration, is rising up in judgment agst. him & will very probably soon blast the prospects which his ambition & intrigues have contemplated. It is certain that he has lost ground in N. Y. of late; & his treachery to Adams, will open the eyes of N. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0325", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 15 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Livingston, Robert R.\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Jany. 15. 1797.\nI have lately recd. a letter from Mr. Freneau, who formerly edited the National Gazette in this City, in which he tells me that he has removed from N. Jersey to N. York, and is associating himself with Mr. Greenleaf in the publication of a Daily & Biweekly papers. Having been acquainted with Mr. Freneau from our youths, and being sensible of his private worth, his literary talents, and his steady attachment to the true principles of liberty as displayed in our Revolution & republican forms of Government, I feel an interest in the success of his laudable pursuits, which will I hope apologize for the freedom of recommending him to your esteem and countenance. You can appreciate much better than I can the particular undertaking he has in hand; but if it merits the encouragement which I hope it does, the value of your favorable attention to it, justifies the ambition he feels to obtain it.\nThe President has not yet made the special communication on our affairs with France. It is much to be wished that it may be of a complexion to heal, rather than ulcerate the wounded friendship between the two countries; and the tenor of his reply to the address of the House of Reps. would justify an expectation that this will be the case. I do not learn that any accounts have been recd. from Paris, subsequent to the arrival of Genl. Pinkney.\nYou will see by the Newspapers that the H. of Reps. is employed on the subject of direct taxes; the necessity of which is enforced by an elaborate Report of Mr. Wolcott. It will be recollected that his predecessor, not very long since assured the farmers that all the wants of the Govt. could be supplied without a resort to their land their houses, or the stock on their farms. Delusive representations of this sort have contributed much to the odium which now embarrasses the question on that species of taxation. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0327", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Francis Corbin, 15 January 1797\nFrom: Corbin, Francis\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nBlandfield Essex Jany 15th. 1797.\nIt is a long time since I had the pleasure of writing to you, and as the Subject of this Letter will not be of a political or public, but altogether of a private and confidential kind, I ought, perhaps, to apologise for it. But I have always relied very much on your goodness and, I assure you, my opinion of it is still exalted and still undiminish\u2019d. An excuse, therefore, would be improper\u2014because, I am sure, you would think it superfluous. The State of my Health has divorced me from Politics. On matters of this sort I have nothing to say, tho\u2019 I should be glad to hear whatever you may think worth communicating. The immediate Object of my present intrusion on your time is to request Answers to the Queries I have subscribed. You can give them more satisfactorily than any of my other friends in Philadelphia, and will do it, I know, with cheerfulness.\nThe dislike I have had, all my life, to Slavery increases as I advance in years. Indeed now I have become a married man, and am obliged to be more conversant with it than I ever was before, I find it to be intolerable. Reluctant as I shall be to leave the old Dominion\u2014yet my aversions to Slavery will conquer all my native predilections & cause me to Emigrate Eastward\u2014if the Result of my Enquiries should meet my Wishes. But I mention this to you in Confidence.\n1. Is Providence Town in Rhode Island, or Newhaven, or Hartford, or Middletown in Connecticut preferable in point of Health, Markets and cheapness?\n2. For what Income could a small Family of four or five persons with five or Six Servants live decently and comfortably in either of these Towns?\n3. What is the average Price of Lands pr. Acre in the neighborhood of them, what their Produce, and what the estimated Interest on Landed Property?\n4. Is House Rent cheap or dear\u2014and what is Fuel?\n5. What are the Laws in both States relative to Slavery? Do they admit persons coming to reside to hold them for a term of years\u2014or for life\u2014or not all?\n6. What is the Legal rate of Int. for Money in both.\n7. In which do Fish abound most?\n8. What is the expence of educating a Youth at Providence College or at Yale? What Schools for Females?\n9. What Trade is reckoned the most profitable and safe?\n10. Would the Produce of a Virga. Plantation imported annually into either of them turn to a good Acct.?\nBeing in some haste at present\u2014some of the above Queries may not be so definite and so accurate as they might be\u2014but your Quantum of Intellect will supply evry deficit of mine.\nWhilst I regret your Retirement from public Life permit me to congratulate you on the approaching enjoyment, as a married man, of those domestic comforts, which your Virtue and your Patriotism have not yet permitted you to taste as you deserve.\nTho\u2019 a Stranger to Mrs. Madison\u2014be pleased to present my best Respects to her, as your acquaintance, and accept evry good Wish from Dr Sir with Sincere Respect and Esteem Yr. Obliged friend & St\nFrancis Corbin\nDirect to me if you please at Fredsbg. for the present.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0328", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Robert Gamble, 15 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Gamble, Robert\nLetter not found. 15 January 1797. Acknowledged in Gamble to JM, 21 Jan. 1797. Encloses newspapers and a bank note of $50 for Mary Coles Payne. Discusses political and international news.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0329", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nJan. 16. 97. Monticello\nThe usual accidents of the winter, ice, floods, rains, have prevented the Orange post from coming to Charlottesville the last postday, so that we have nothing from Philadelphia the last week. I see however by the Richmond papers a probability that the choice of V. P. has fallen on me. I have written the inclosed letter therefore to mr. Tazewell as a private friend, and have left it open for your perusal. It will explain it\u2019s own object & I pray you & mr. Tazewell to decide in your own discretion how it may best be used for it\u2019s object, so as to avoid the imputation of an indecent forwardness in me.\nI observe doubts are still expressed as to the validity of the Vermont election. Surely in so great a case, substance & not form should prevail. I cannot suppose that the Vermont constitution has been strict in requiring particular forms of expressing the legislative will. As far as my disclaimer may have any effect, I pray you to declare it on every occasion foreseen or not foreseen by me, in favor of the choice of the people substantially expressed, and to prevent the phaenomenon of a Pseudo-president at so early a day. Adieu, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0330", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 16 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 16 January 1797. Referred to in JM to James Madison, Sr., 5 Feb. 1797. Acknowledged in JM to James Madison, Sr., 13 Feb. 1797. Encloses James Madison, Sr., to Joseph Chew, 15 Jan. 1797, on Kentucky lands and family matters (NHi).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0333", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Bacon, 18 January 1797\nFrom: Bacon, John\nTo: Madison, James\nSir,\nStockbridge 18th. Jany. 1797.\nIt may be matter of surprize to you to receive a letter from a person whose name you, probably, may never have heard.\nI have been gratified by reading the printed debates in Congress on the important subject of the treaty-power. I have been particularly pleased with the political principles which, on various occasions, appear uniformly to have influenced your conduct.\nIn the late debates in Congress on the subject of the treaty, I am fully convinced that the advantage, in point of argument, was decidedly in favor of those who were opposed to it. As to the merit, or demerit of that instrument, I consider this of but small importance, compared with the constitutional principle, on which the treaty-power is claimed to be vested in the President & Senate. This, it appears to me, is a radical, & all-important principle, which must essentially affect the whole system of our government. On the final determination of this principle, depends, as I conceive, the fate of the United States. Perhaps I am too sanguine. The popular current in many parts of the country seems now to set strong towards Aristocracy, Monarchy, or De[s]potism. And it appears to me, that nothing short of the most prudent, persevering, & united exertions of those who are real friends to the equal rights & happiness of men, can effectually check this current.\nThe advocates of what I consider, as despotism, are availing themselves of popular prejudice. Rational & manly inquiry is exploded\u2014sophistical pamphlets are multiplied, & our presses teem with declamations, extracts, & other performances, addressed to the passions of an honest, but delud[ed] people.\nThat the President & Senate are, by the Constitution, vested with power to make treaties, I suppose there can be no doubt. But the question with me is, Whether they are authorized to extend that power to those particular subjects which are expressly vested in other departments of the government? If they may do this in one instance, I see not why they may not do it in every instance. And if so, our government, as I conceive, is less that of a free Republick than what it has generally been supposed to be.\nI have lately met with a pamphlet, addressed to the Citizens of the United States, under the signature of A Senator of the United States. I have put into the hands of my friend Genl Skinner, a manuscript containing some observations on that pamphlet, & have taken the liberty to request him to submit it to your inspection, provided you can find leisure & patience to peruse it. I have thought that the principles on which the dispute must turn, lie within a narrow compass, & that the question, altho\u2019 of the greatest importance, is by no means, intricate.\nThere are, in the part of the country in which I live, but few men of extensive information who will, at this time, avow principles which coincide with mine. May I be permitted to suggest this consideration as my best apology for an intrusion of this kind? I am, with sentiments of great respect & esteem; Your most obedt humble Servant\nJohn Bacon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0334", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Enoch Edwards, 19 January 1797\nFrom: Edwards, Enoch\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nFrankford 19 Jany. 1797.\nBefore I left France Mr: Skipwith prepared the inclosed Papers\u2014for you, & wished very much they should be published\u2014but on a Conversation I had with Him I prevailed on him to retract from that Determination. He however left the Papers with Me & desired I would use my own Discretion as to what Use might be made of them.\nI have been a good deal indisposed since I had the Pleasure to see you here\u2014or I should have been a troublesome Visitor to you\u2014however I am mending very fast & intend to be in good health very soon.\nMrs: Edwards & Miss Clarkson join in best Respects to you & your Ladies. I am Dear Sr with sincere Esteem & Regard Your obedt St\nEno. Edwards", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0335", "content": "Title: Additional Revenue, [19 January] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[19 January 1797]\n   The report of the Committee of Ways and Means calling for additional revenue of $4,724,360 had been presented to the House on 12 January. The next day a Committee of the Whole began a lengthy debate on direct taxes (on land and slaves) and indirect taxes (on salt, sherry, wine, foreign spirits, tea, brown sugar, stamps, and windows, and including an increase in ad valorem duties on imports). On 19 January, Swift (Connecticut) moved an amendment that direct taxes be apportioned among the states not according to the \u201clast census\u201d but \u201caccording to their numbers.\u201d His reason was that since the last census the population of Connecticut had scarcely increased while that of New York had doubled (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\nMr. Madison said he thought the amendment a proper one; it went to generalize the proposition, by striking out the words proposed, and would render it appropriate to the time of the law going into effect. If the tax were to be apportioned according to numbers, it must be according to the numbers as last legally ascertained by census. If no new census were taken before the act took place, then the last must be the guide; but if a new census, then that must be the guide. For these reasons, he was in favour of the amendment.\n   Claypoole\u2019s Am. Daily Advertiser, 21 Jan. 1797 (reprinted in Philadelphia Gazette, 25 Jan. 1797, Gazette of the U.S., 20 Feb. 1797, and American Senator, 2:154; briefly reported in Merchants\u2019 Daily Advertiser, 20 Jan. 1797, and New World, 21 Jan. 1797, where JM is said to have opposed the amendment).\n[19 January 1797]\n   Smith (South Carolina) objected to Swift\u2019s amendment as intending to defeat the tax bill.\nMr. Madison said he did not know to whom the gentleman referred when he said there seemed to be an intention of defeating the bill; he could assure him it was not his intention. He wished to give the proposition the fullest discussion, that the real disposition of the house might be known. The amendment, he said, could not have the effect that the gentleman supposed. If it was the intention of the legislature to have a new census, it might be taken in time; but he did not believe a new census would be taken; and, if not, the apportionment must be according to the last census, because there would be no other rule; but, if there should be another, who would say it ought not to be conformed to? If it could be really supposed that there was any intention to defeat the original proposition by this amendment, it certainly would not have his patronage.\n   Claypoole\u2019s Am. Daily Advertiser, 21 Jan. 1797 (reprinted in Philadelphia Gazette, 25 Jan. 1797, Gazette of the U.S., 20 Feb. 1797, and American Senator, 2:154\u201355).\n[19 January 1797]\n   After further debate.\nMr. Madison said, if he had foreseen that the amendment proposed could have been supposed to embarrass the measure, he should not have seconded it; but he thought it could not have that effect. He would ask, if there was a gentleman in favour of the proposition, who would not have agreed to it, if the words proposed to be struck out had not been in it? And if not, why object to the amendment. He did not think it likely that a new census would be taken; but he did not think it was necessary to prejudge that question. It was an object of detail, and might properly be determined upon hereafter. Without it the proposition would be more general. It would have the same operation in one form as in the other, and no gentleman could complain of having his intention of moving for a new census prevented by a prejudgment of the question.\n   Claypoole\u2019s Am. Daily Advertiser, 21 Jan. 1797 (reprinted in Philadelphia Gazette, 25 Jan. 1797, Gazette of the U.S., 20 Feb. 1797, and American Senator, 2:158; briefly reported in New World, 23 Jan. 1797). Swift\u2019s amendment was defeated, and the Committee of the Whole approved a resolution in favor of direct taxes on land and slaves (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\n          the United States \u2026 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834\u201356)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 1927, 1931).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0336", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Horatio Gates, 20 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Gates, Horatio\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Jany. 20. 1797\nDuring my recess in Virginia Mr. Jefferson put into my hands to be forwarded to you, your Letter Book which you had been so good as to leave with him. Considering the deposit as a precious one, I have been more anxious for a certain than a speedy Conveyance for it. The trip Mr. E. Livingston makes to N. York, furnishes an unexceptionable one, and I accordingly avail myself of it.\nWe get our foreign news chiefly thro\u2019 N. Y. and the newspapers give you from day to day our Legislative transactions. On these heads therefore I have nothing new to offer you. The President has just laid before Congress, his promised communication on our affairs with France. The House having ordered it to be printed without its being ready, and it being extremely voluminous, we know nothing more of its contents or its scope than what may be inferred from the short accompanying note to the two Houses, which you will see in the Newspapers. With my respectful compliments to Mrs. Gates, and the sincerest esteem I remain Dear Sir Your Mo: Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0337", "content": "Title: Additional Revenue, [20 January] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[20 January 1797]\n   The House took up the resolution for direct taxes on land and on slaves reported by the Committee of the Whole on 19 January. Coit (Connecticut) called for the propositions for taxes on land and slaves to be put separately (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\n          the United States \u2026 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834\u201356)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 1932).\nMr. Madison thought it would be best for the two propositions to go together; but if not, he did not think the embarrassments insuperable. If the question was divided, those who thought a tax on slaves necessary, must vote for the first part, and if the second was rejected, there would not be wanting an opportunity of voting against the tax on land. It was necessary to observe that it had been found expedient to associate these two taxes together in order to do justice to and to conform to the established usage of a very large tract of country, who were entitled to some degree of attention, and to whom a tax on land, without a tax on slaves, would be very objectionable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0338", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Robert Gamble, 21 January 1797\nFrom: Gamble, Robert\nTo: Madison, James\nDear sir\nRichmond 21t. Jany. 1797\nYour esteemed favor of the 15th: is at hand Covering a Bank note of Fifty Dollars for Mrs. Payne, which I will deliver her, as soon as she returns to Town. Polly & her are gone to Mrs. Winstons in Hanover about a Week past. They are however expected back in a day or two\u2014polly having promised to return in time for the next dancing Assembly night Viz the 25th. The several packets of letters for them Which are to my care is received & will be safely delivered\u2014or sent to them by first chance, if they continue in the Country longer.\nI am much obliged for the concise remarks hinted at respecting the business before Congress\u2014the Europian prospects of peace &c\u2014and for the News papers enclosed. Should I again on any occasion be favored with a line from you\u2014and you could recollect the matter\u2014Viz\u2014I take Claypooles daily paper\u2014consequently other publications than from those printers\u2014only, would be to me acquisitions.\nRespecting Revenue which is become necessary\u2014And the mode of raising it agitating in Congress\u2014I observe what you say about the probability that Land tax &c. will be rejected. In heavens name What other sources of Revenue presents to View.\nCommerce shackled as it is\u2014can support no more. The Competition in business has been such for some years That many cargoes have been sold\u2014for little more than Cost & charges\u2014& even to raise Money to discharge the enormous duties as well as other demands on Mercantile men Who must Observe punctuality. Sacrifices are daily making of merchandize that sinks any little proffit which may have Accrued for part of the importations. The merchant is supporter of the present Government, he is the Collector too of its Revenue. The Consumer (except in articles peculiarly singled out, or accidently enhanced in price such as W. I. produce &c)\u2014Supplies himself & family on usual terms, Whilst the produce of the soil is enhanced 100 PCt. But observe also Many large Estates Manufacture nearly all within itself Consequently these pay nothing of the enormous burthen. The Merchant with others living in Citys & towns has to encounter the unequelled expense of supporting his family\u2014by the products of Agriculture purchased at rates if he even made a proffit is sinking the Whole\u2014Accustomed to social intercourse with his fellow neighbors & Citizens from Various parts\u2014augment the expense of living. Look into every City or Town & see how few Men\u2014with all their enterprize & industry\u2014from the Confidence he has reposed in Men being abused by delinquent payment & all &c &c that follow\u2014I say see how few men are able to bear up more than a few years. And altho\u2019 from a constant succession of men that attempt this occupation, the Chasm is not discovered\u2014yet it is far from a truth that Merchants generally grow Rich. On the Contrary\u2014an industrous farmer Generally progresses. Why then exhaust one source only. Why hurry to destruction many useful & patriotic supporters of our Government Who almost without a murmer have struggled under the load imposed on one class. Why lay a temptation in the way to destroy the Conscientious rectitude of men\u2014hitherto not surpast respecting honesty in Entering, & punctuality in payment of impost\u2014by any people in the World. Should smuggling once be introduced\u2014your fair Trader is damned & Revenue gone.\nAs to myself\u2014my little property is so divided in Lands Lotts & Houses slaves, & merchandize\u2014that every mode of taxation must be sensibly felt. But Common Justice requires some mode of Revenue that will embrace Our Citizens equally. The rapid increase in Value of Lands\u2014the extraordinary price of produce of every description produced from the farm\u2014the General prosperity of this class of Citizens, enables them to bear a considerable proportion of the burthen with those on Whom indirect taxes fall, in the first, & sometimes in the last instance only\u2014and for three years past had Land taxes been adopted\u2014could have paid a revenue little short of the impost without feeling any inconvenience worth mentioning. It is desireable to get our public debt discharged\u2014it is desireable to have a permanent Revenue, not so subject to accident & uncertainty as the impost\u2014in addition thereto at this Critical Juncture, when we are Maltreated pillaged & insulted by the Nation to whom our attachment has bordered on enthusiasm\u2014and liable to similar distresses from all the Europian Marauding governments\u2014Shall we not resort to some plan in aid of the impost\u2014and let Commerce struggle on with the burthens it at present labors under without addition.\nDifficulties no doubt will present itself to View\u2014to equallize the tax\u2014to make it palatable\u2014to collect it with Certainty & as little expense as possible. But if Members lay aside their \u27e8speeches &?\u27e9 popular seeking Conduct\u2014which too evidently operates to produce from some\u2014the speeches we see\u2014and in this delicate situation, as well respecting our relations; of a foreign nature\u2014as the means of aiding our Revenue\u2014will act with calm deliberation, as becomes the fathers of our Country\u2014I trust under providence measures will be adopted salutary\u2014and equal to the difficulty.\nIt is with concern the Citizens of this place & thro\u2019 Virginia hear you intend declining to serve in Congress. I hope it is not true. No successor can possibly have the Confidence of the people equal to what your long experience, integrity & Judgment in matters of Government have inspired. Occasionally\u2014your real friends & the real friends of our Constitution may not View the same subject alike with you but\u2014you have their Confidence\u2014their Esteem\u2014they rely on your Virtue, & patriotism, they rely on your wisdom & talents\u2014they acquiesce. They Love you from the right source, nor will this class of our Citizens\u2014in affection for you, ever suffer on comparison with Clamorous proffessors of Patriotism\u2014that stun our ears by declarations in favor of this or that party or men.\nOur critical situation calls on a proof of your Love of Country, for one Congress more at le[a]st.\nYou will pardon My Dear sir this hasty scrawl. I have run on with a string of crude & hasty remarks, that my slender personal acquaintance may not justify. They are well Meant. You will take in good part the honest effusions of a heart\u2014that ardently wishes, the good of our Common Country\u2014and who is Dear sir With sincere regard your friend & Obt Hum srt\nRo Gamble", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0339", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Jany. 22. 1797.\nI have recd. yours of Jany. 8th. You will find by the papers that the communication on French affairs, has been at length made. Being ordered to be printed without being read, I have no direct knowledge of its character. Some of the Senate where it has been read in part, represent it as well fitted to convert into an incurable gangrine, the wound which the friendship between the two Republics has suffered. Adding this on our side to the spirit manifested in the language & the proceedings on the other, an awful scene appears to be opening upon us. The only chance to escape it lies in the President-Elect. You know the degree in which I appreciate it. I am extremely apprehensive that he may have been drawn into a sanction to this last step of the Executive, by a complimentary initiation into the business which is soon to devolve on him. This is however apprehension merely; no circumstance being known from which the fact can be inferred. We hear nothing from Monroe or from Pinkney. It has got into the Newspapers that an Envoy Extraordy. was to go to France, and that I was to be the person. I have no reason to suppose a shadow of truth in the former part of the story; and the latter is pure fiction. Doctr. Logan has put into my hands a copy of his Agricultural experiments for you which I will forward. A vote has passed in favor of a direct tax. The event is notwithstanding doubtful. The Eastern members, after creating the necessity for it, increasing the odium of it, and reproaching their Southn brethren with backwardness in supporting the Govt. are now sneaking out of the difficulty, and endeavouring whilst they get what they wish, to enjoy the popularity of having opposed 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0340", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 22 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHon\u2019d Sir\nPhilada. Jany. 22. 1797\nThe last mail brought us the pleasure of yours, of Jany. 8th. Fanny did not bring the letter-types with her, and cannot say with absolute certainty where they are to be found. She is pretty confident however that she put them in the Closet upstairs, on the right hand shelf, among some books. The shortness of the crop of Corn at Black-Meadow is a proof of the ruinous tendency of perpetual cultivation, and of the absolute necessity, of a meliorating rotation of rest, & red Clover, with all the help that manures can supply. As you do not mention the amount of the Rye Crop, I can not well decide on the quantity of corn that will be wanted. I must leave that point, therefore to Mordecai, & yourself, with a request that it may be purchased on the best terms to be had. If the crop be generally short in the neighbourhood it may be well to calculate on a rise of price: if there be a plenty for sale, I think the probability is that it will not rise. The foreign prospects which have arrested & reduced the price of wheat, will no doubt extend their influence to other grains. As you say nothing of Sawney\u2019s crop of Corn, I hope, it will suffice. I wish you had mentioned it, however, with the amount of the crop of wheat at both farms, & whether the whole had been carried to the Mill to be manufactured.\nThe inclosed papers will inform you of the sweeping system of captures adopted by the French, particularly in the W. Indies; and no doubt is entertained that the Spaniards will be their Allies in that as in other operations. You will see also the introductory part of the communication made to Congress by the President. The communication was so voluminous, that it was ordered to be printed without being read. I can say nothing therefore myself, of the contents or tendency of it. Those who have had an opportunity of looking into it, give reason to fear that it is more likely to widen than to close the breach between the two Republics. We all continue well & offer our united affections. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0341", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nYours of the 8th. came to hand yesterday. I was not aware of any necessity of going on to Philadelphia immediately, yet I had determined to do it, as a mark of respect to the public, and to do away the doubts which have spread that I should consider the second office as beneath my acceptance. The journey indeed for the month of February is a tremendous undertaking for me, who have not been seven miles from home since my resettlement. I will see you about the rising of Congress: and presume I need not stay there a week. Your letters written before the 7th. of Feb. will still find me here. My letters inform me that mr. A. speaks of me with great friendship, and with satisfaction in the prospect of administering the government in concurrence with me. I am glad of the first information, because tho\u2019 I saw that our antient friendship was affected by a little leaven produced partly by his constitution, partly by the contrivance of others, yet I never felt a diminution of confidence in his integrity, and retained a solid affection for him. His principles of government I knew to be changed, but conscientiously changed. As to my participating in the administration, if by that he meant the executive cabinet, both duty & inclination will shut that door to me. I cannot have a wish to see the scenes of 93. revived as to myself, & to descend daily into the arena like a gladiator to suffer martyrdom in every conflict. As to duty, the constitution will know me only as the member of a legislative body: and it\u2019s principle is that of a separation of legislative executive & judiciary functions, except in cases specified. If this principle be not expressed in direct terms, yet it is clearly the spirit of the constitution, and it ought to be so commented & acted on by every friend to free government. I sincerely deplore the situation of our affairs with France. War with them and consequent alliance with Great Britain will completely compass the object of the Executive from the commencement of the war between France & England, taken up by some of them from that moment, by others more latterly. I still however hope it will be avoided. I do not believe mr. A. wishes war with France. Nor do I believe he will truckle to England as servilely as has been done. If he assumes this front at once and shews that he means to attend to self respect & national dignity with both the nations, perhaps the depredations of both on our commerce may be amicably arrested. I think he should begin first with those who first began with us, and by an example on them acquire a right to redemand the respect from which the other party has departed. I suppose you are informed of the proceeding commenced by the legislature of Maryland to claim the South branch of Patowmac as their boundary, and thus, of Albemarle now the central county of the state, to make a frontier. As it is impossible upon any consistent principles & after such a length of undisturbed possession that they can expect to establish their claim, it can be ascribed to no other than an intention to irritate & divide, and there can be no doubt from what bow the shaft is shot. However let us cultivate Pennsylvania & we need not fear the universe. The assembly have named me among those who are to manage this controversy. But I am so averse to motion & contest, and the other members are so fully equal to the business that I cannot undertake to act in it. I wish you were added to them. Indeed I wish & hope you may consent to be added to our assembly itself. There is no post where you can render greater services without going out of your state. Let but this block stand firm on it\u2019s basis & Pennsylvania do the same, our union will be perpetual & our general government kept within the bounds & form of the constitution. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0342", "content": "Title: Compensation to Public Officers, [26 January] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[26 January 1797]\n   The House, in a Committee of the Whole, considered a report for increasing the salaries of cabinet members and other public officials as well as for continuing the act of 30 May 1796 regulating the compensation of clerks throughout 1797. The act of 30 May 1796 was read to the committee (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\n          the United States \u2026 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834\u201356)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 1987\u201398).\nMr. Madison said, if he was not mistaken, the act which had been read, not only provided for the increase of salaries of the clerks in the several public offices, but left it to the Heads of Departments to apportion this increase as they thought proper. This, he supposed, was the effect of necessity, and not meant as a permanent principle. He wished, therefore, the allowance should be apportioned by law. This, he said, was conformable to the true spirit of the constitution. It was proper that these salaries should depend on law, and not upon the will of a superior. He wished, therefore, that that part of the report might be re-committed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0343", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Wilcocks, 28 January 1797\nFrom: Wilcocks, John\nTo: Madison, James\nSir,\nSaturday January 28th 97.North 3d Street No 30.\nI have occasion to send a commission to Williamsburg Virginia for the examination of a witness (on interrogatories) in a Law suit depending in the courts of this State: you will permit me to ask the favor of you to name two Gentleman to me as Commissioners for that purpose; You will pardon the liberty, with compliments to Mrs. Madison I have the honor to be Sir Your most humble Servt:\nJohn Wilcocks", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0345", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 29 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHon\u2019d Sir\nPhilada. Jany. 29. 1797\nMy last answered yours of the 8th. since which I have recd. no letter from you, nor a single line from my brother William since his return from Richmond; altho\u2019 I have written him several letters. Fanny has a letter from Nelly Madison of the 10th. which gives an unpleasing account of her mother\u2019s health. It mentions that you & my mother were expected at Mr. Macon\u2019s in a few days; but as your\u2019s of the 8th. is silent on that head, and the weather has been since very severe, I conclude the expectation to have been ill-founded.\nI see by a Richmond paper a quantity of Red Clover seed for sale. I hope this may be the case at Fredg also. Rather than be disappointed I think we ought to send a light Cart expressly for the purpose, even to the former place, if necessary. Should it be impossible to get eno\u2019 of this precious article, I recommend that you have all your spare Timothy seed, including the sweepings of the hay loft &c. sown on your Wheat & Rye fields at all your places, to supply the deficiency: and that you give this direction to Sawney & M. Collins. I am well informed that it makes good pasture on common upland of ordinary years; & in strong land, or moist years, it approaches the value of Clover itself. I left a request with Js. Coleman to make a considerable trial of the Plaister of Paris, and to have Sawney & Mordicai Collins furnished with eno\u2019 for the same purpose. This article has risen of late at least 50 per Ct. in price, and I have also procured much information as to the best use to be made of it. I wish therefore to retain as much as I can of the Hhd on hand for experiments under my own superintendence. You will please therefore to give out half a bushel only to J. C. & each of the others, to be tried, about a peck on Corn, and a peck on a marked portion of the newest Clover lotts.\nThe House of Reps. have resolvd. on a direct tax; but the issue of the Bill to be brought in is extremely doubtful. It is to be regretted that this measure should be found necessary at the very moment of a fall in produce &c; and it will be deplorable if an increase of it should be rendered necessary by a foreign war, which must strike deeply at the ability of people to pay. I hope this dreadful calamity will not overtake us; but the escape must be owing to the aversion of the people to it, rather than to the want of exertion in its favor, by the British partizans, who incessantly blow the coals of enmity to France, and openly recommen\u27e8d\u27e9 war with her & an alliance with England.\nAs I hear from nobody but yourself, I hope your fa\u27e8vors\u27e9 will be regularly continued. They are extremely grateful to us [\u2026] & I shall endeavor to make returns for them, by a weekly le\u27e8tter\u27e9 at least. This will probably go by Mr. Howard who starts tom\u27e8orrow\u27e9 morning. We are all well & unite our affections.\nJs. M 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0346", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 29 January 1797\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nDr Sr.\nCharlottesville 29th. Janry. 1797.\nAfter my return from Loudoun I came to this place, where I last post received your several favors to the 13th. I shall continue here untill the 10th. or 12th. next month when I shall return to Fredericksburg. It seems to be now well ascertaine\u27e8d\u27e9 that A. will be the p. & J. the Vice p. I have for a length of time considered Mr. A. as a friend to the British Nation and Government whr. he still holds his prejudices for that Monarchy I know not but if they hang loosely about him he may be induced to through them off and assume the republican garb the true constitutional dress and the manufacture of his native Soil. He has a fair opportunity by a wise and sound policy to establish his popularity and do much good. If he shall determine and persevere in his determination to be of no party, neither French or English Southern or Eastern but to preserve an independent Character and Conduct seeking to do good, and avoiding to do evil, according to his best Judt.\u2014Adhering to the Constitution as it respects the rights of the people and the different branches of the government upon a fair and liberal construction of its meaning Then may he be happy in his Admin. and contribute to make the people so. Foreign interferences shod. be boldly withstood and rejected as an officious medling in our affairs, for to these I cannot help ascribing principally the height to which the violence of party has been carried. Had I the power to dictate I wod. recall our plenipos. and receive none from foreign powers (I mean as stationary) conducting our commercial intercourse under the superintendance of Consuls placed in such Stations as shod. be found necessary\u2014entering into no new commercial Treaties or altering or continuing those subsisting unless, before their final ratification, they be laid before the legislature and approved by them, who best know and must be supposed better to know the true int. of the various parts of the Union than any Individual or a few individuals not often the most enlightened and frequently guided by the influence of party and local considerations. With foreign Nations the commercial intercourse shod. be maintained upon principles liberal & reciprocal. Not only the Chief Majestrate but the legislature and the heads of departments shod. pursue this line of conduct, then I think we should find The clashings among the States more easily reconciled and the general good or int. of the majority adopted and pursued with less complaining and more general acquiescence. If Mr. A. is not rivited in his Attachment to British measures he will abandon them or at least his prejudices and hold a course bet. the two nations which justice and our true policy dictates. In forming his Opinions I am in hopes he will listen to the sentiments of J. with whom I am told he is on good Terms and between whom a good understanding shod. be cultivated and if possible the politicks of the States to which they respectively belong more assimilated and harmonised. Let us break down too if practicable the servility of addresses & Levees. I cannot read with temper the debasing sentiments uttered by many in forming the addresses from the House nor reflect withot. some degree of emotion on the degrading method of the Legislature ambling through the Streets to the p. house to deliver them\u2014abolish every ceremony that is not necessary for information and the dispatch of public business and which are calculated to exalt an individual so much above the level of his fellow Citizens\u2014however I may err in these notions I do not swerve from The truth when I assure you that I am with great sincerity yr. friend & Servt\nJos: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0349", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 30 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 30 January 1797. Acknowledged in JM to James Madison, Sr., 13 Feb. 1797. Discusses farm business at Montpelier.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0350", "content": "Title: Military and Naval Appropriations, [31 January] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[31 January 1797]\n   The House went into a Committee of the Whole on a resolution calling for appropriations for the military and naval establishments in 1797. Gallatin (Pennsylvania) offered an amendment striking out naval appropriations until the House had decided to complete the building of the frigates already authorized by law (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\n          the United States \u2026 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834\u201356)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 2049\u201353).\nMr. Madison said it was unusual and improper to make appropriations for any object before it was legalized; and if the object now in question, was not legalized, he agreed with the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gallatin) that however certain it might be that the law would pass; before it did pass, it was not right to appropriate for that object. The law should first be before them. As he saw no evil which could arise from letting the business lie over for a few days until the subject of the frigates had been determined upon, he should be in favour of the motion for striking out. Not meaning by this vote, to declare his unwillingness to vote for the sum necessary for completing the frigates, when that question should come before 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0352", "content": "Title: Post Offices and Post Roads, [2 February] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[2 February 1797]\n   The House went into a Committee of the Whole on a bill for discontinuing and establishing various post roads within the United States. The last clause of the bill, authorizing the postmaster general to discontinue carrying mail on any road not producing more than one-fifth of the costs within three years, caused considerable debate (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\n          the United States \u2026 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834\u201356)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 2061\u201362).\nMr. Madison then proposed the following section in its stead, which was agreed to:\n\u201cThat it shall be the duty of the Postmaster-General to make a report annually to Congress, of every post-road which shall not have produced one-fifth part of the expence of carrying the mail on 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0353", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Chew, 3 February 1797\nFrom: Chew, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nMy Dear Sirs\nMontreal 3d. Febry. 1797\nIt has been thought Necessary to Secure to Sir John Johnson the two Thousand acres of land I have in Bourbon County Kentucky that I should pass Deeds to Some persons in the States to hold it for him. I have therefore Executed and passed Deeds to Robert & John Watts Esquires of New York and by Agreement the land is to be disposed of within or at the End of Eighteen months.\nI now my Dear friends Request and intreat you by that Connection & friendship that has been and is between us that you will use Every Endeavour in your Power to get the utmost for this Land that it can possibly be Sold for; this will lay an Obligation on me and my Family that will never be forgot and I am Dear Sirs Yours Affectionately\nJoseph Chew", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0354", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 February 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Feby. 5. 1797.\nI have recd. yours of  giving notice that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you here soon, but that letters written before the 7th. would arrive before you leave home.\nNothing occurs to alleviate the crisis in our external affairs. The French continue to prey on our trade. The British too have not desisted. There are accounts that both of them are taking our East-India-men. This is an alarming symtom, there being 60 or 70 vessels from different parts of the U. S. engaged in that trade. Pickering\u2019s corrosive letter has not yet been fully printed so as to come before the H of R. It is extremely difficult to decide on the best course to be taken. Silence may be construed into approbation. On the other hand it is not likely that any opportunity will be given for negativing an approving Resolution. And it is at least doubtful whether a vote of positive disapprobation in any form whatever could be safely risked in the House, or if passed whether the public opinion would not be brought to side with the Executive agst. it. It is moreover extremely difficult to shape any measure on the occasion so as to escape the charge either of censuring or advising without a proper warrant from the nature of our Constitutional relation to the Executive. Nor is it unworthy of consideration that there are formidable steps not yet taken by the P. which may be taken before the moment of his exit, which if taken might be efficacious, and which his successor without his sanction would not dare to take.\nA bill for collecting the proposed taxes on land &c is before the committee of ways & means. The difficulties of the subject, the shortness of the time, and the aversion of the Eastern people, render it uncertain whether it will pass or not at the present session. I suspect the policy of the Treasy. Department is to separate the preparatory arrangments, from the actual collection of the tax, and to provide for the former only at present, an expedient not unlikely to succeed, as it will smooth the way for the Eastern members. Some I find who do not disapprove of the plan of direct taxes, are unwilling to fortify the disposition to embroil us with France, by enlarging at the present juncture, our system of revenue.\nI reserve for a verbal communication the indications by which we judge of the prospect from the accession of Mr. A. to the Helm. They are not I conceive very flattering.\nI just learn that a British packet brings London accts. to Decr. 7. Nothing is as yet given out but that the negociations at Paris have ended in abortion. It is probable that, what is not given out, is not more favorable to G. B. I do not believe that any intelligence has been red. from Monroe or Pinkney subsequent to the arrival of the latter. It is said that the Spaniards are fortifying at the Chickasaw Bluffs. If this be the case, it strengthens the apprehension that they regard the British Treaty with the explanatory article, as superseding the obligation or policy of their Treaty with us. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0355", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 5 February 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHon\u2019d Sir\nPhilada. Feby. 5. 1797.\nI have red. since my last your two letters of the 10th. & 23d. Ult, which came by the same mail. That referred to as of the 16th. inclosing a letter to Mr. Chew has not yet come to hand.\nR. Smith\u2019s land would be a very convenient appendix to my farm at Sawney\u2019s; but I find I dare not venture on the purchase particularly at the price stated. What little surplus I may be able to save out of my sale of land last winter, will probably not exceed the necessary calls on my return to Virginia. The only chance I have for a fund for other purposes, is that of selling a part of the interest I have in property here, which I have some thoughts of. In this view I shall be glad to know the lowest price set on Mr. Smith\u2019s tract, & the longest payments he would admit. If my brother William thinks Ths. Roberts\u2019 horse a very good bargain, he may buy him for me. I think it more probable that Horses will fall than that they will rise. This is indeed probable as to most things, considering the posture & prospect of things at present. I hope as you have no hope of Clover seed from Keyser, you will pay attention to the hint in my last. Rather than miss the oppy I wd. cheerfully be at the expence & trouble of sending to Fredg or even to Richmond. In a few years I am persuaded people will be as careful to sow Clover as to sow Wheat, or rye, and make equal sacrifices to procure the seed. Perhaps in a view to their permanent interest they ought in the present state of their lands, to be more so.\nNothing occurs to alleviate the crisis with France. Intelligence is just brought by a British packet that the negociations at Paris for peace are dissolved. The plan of direct taxes is on the Anvil; but the event of it uncertain. Fanny writes to our Mother. We are all tolerably well and send our best affections. Yr. affe. son\nJs. Madison Jr\nFlour I hear is 10 dolrs. at Baltimore. The rise is owing to a call for the W. Inds. which will soon be supplied after the navigation is open. The general idea is that the price will not continue. I believe notwithstanding that if the war goes on this article will keep up at a handsome price.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0356", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 5 February 1797\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nDr. Sr.\nCharlotte[s]ville 5th. Febry. 1797.\nBy the last mail from this place I acknowledged the rect. of your favors to the 16th. last month among them the first part of T. P\u2019s letter to the president which had been somewhere delayed as I recd. the other part sometime before. This weeks mail altho\u2019 it arrived on Friday evening (the usual time) has yet furnished neither letters or papers as the Young man who keeps the P. Office went from Town early the next morning and does not return untill this evening and in the morning the mail goes off again. Towards the last of the week I shall move towards Fredericksburg where your future letters will find me. I have not seen Mr. Jefferson these two weeks but shall I expect to day as I intend there to dinner. I understand he speaks of seting out for Phila. in 8 or 10 days\u2014his trip will I hope contribute to a favourable opening of the new Admin. as I am told he and A. are on very good terms. Dawson writes me that it is said A has in great measure changed the Opinions ascribed to him in his book in defence of the American constitutions and that many assert he will shew himself an independent Republican. I wish this may turn out to be the case for if he still retains the Opinions he held when he wrote that book or when the ceremonial of the present government was established I fear there will be little change in the measures of the Executive. I sent J\u2014\u2014 paines letter. Any thing from Monroe. He requested me to write to a Mr. Fowler of Kentuckey abt. a pat. for the Rock Castle land who was to take it out for him. I have done so several times but have heard nothing from him. I am told he is in Philaa: shod. that be the case be so kind as to mention it to him and that I wish to hear from him about the business. Monroe says he has lately paid to a Friend of Fowlers in paris 50 Crowns on acct. Fowler. Yr Friend\nJ. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0357", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Robert Gamble, 7 February 1797\nFrom: Gamble, Robert\nTo: Madison, James\nDear sir\nRichmond. Febury 7. 1797\nI have taken the liberty of enclosing to you a power of attorney to draw from the Treasury of the United states the sum of 54 Dolls. 39 Cents, being a dividend of 2 pr. Centum, re-imbursement, which was payable at The Loan office here Jany 1796. But owing to an ommission between myself & Mr. Hopkins the Officer of Loans\u2014the Matter was overlooked till the time elapsed by Law\u2014which requires all dividends not called for at this office to be Transferred to the Treasury of the United states\u2014And is now receiveable only there. A copy of Joseph Bells letter of Attorney to me is herewith enclosed duly executed & filed in the Office here & Mr. Hopkins has Certified on the back thereof accordingly as also the Sums due amounting to that above mentioned, by Virtue of this power\u2014I have executed one also to you, Authenticated by the Mayor of the City & Seal of Office\u2014Substituting you to receive this money for me, as Attorney in fact for the said Joseph Bell\u2014Who lives a Considerable distance from this & who is Chagrined that the rules of office Should place so far from his reach Money he ought to have had long since. I entreat your good offices in receiving this money. And when done\u2014that you will take the trouble also to call at the Store of Messrs. Jacob Sperrey & Co. He did once live next Door to the Harp & Crown or McShanes Tavern on North third street\u2014to whom you will please pay this money on my Acct. Should Mr Sperry have removed\u2014You no doubt will learn where\u2014and I flatter myself no difficulty will arise for want of Formality with the Treasurer. Should any, I rely on your influence to prevent Mr. Bell being at further Unnecessary expense or be longer deprived of this dividend.\nMrs. Payne & Polly is still absent from Town\u2014altho I have had safe oportunities & has from time to time forwarded all packets & letters that has come to her. I expect them To Morrow. With great respect & sincere Esteem I am Dear sir Your Mo. Hum srt\nRo Gamble", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0359", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Swan, 10 February 1797\nFrom: Swan, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nBoston 10. feb. 1797.\nI recommend to you personally & to the Delegates from your state in general, the cause of Mrs. De Neufville, widow of the deceased Mr. John De Neufville, Mercht at Amsterdam. He had for a long time before his death been in very, very narrow circumstances, caused by the ruin he brought on himself by a blind zeal for the support of the liberty & independence of this Country. His widow is totally destitute at this moment. She has just claims on this Government, & I trust they will be heard & satisfied. Your influence will facilitate that happy event, & let me pray you for it, in her behalf & that of her childs. It is affecting to see so ancient & opulent a House in ruin.\nMy respects to Mrs Madison & believe me with great esteem & regard Dr. sr. Your mo. obd. svt.\nJam. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0361", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 February 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHon\u2019d Sir\nPhilada. Feby. 13. 1797\nI recd. yesterday your\u2019s of the 16th. covering a letter for Mr. Chew, & by the prec[e]ding mail yours of 30th Ult: I shall attend to the objects of both.\nI am glad you did not retain Js. Coleman\u2019s Ned at the price he demanded. I do not think the profits to me would justify it. I suggested some time since a mode in which I thought you shd. try to get Clover seed, which I hope you have made use of. To supply any deficiency, I have put on board a vessel just sailing for Fredg. five bushls. which I expect will be in time. I shall write to Mr. Blair to receive & forward it; but it will be advisable to send for it, rather thn. lose time. As my fields will not require the whole, the surplus will do for your\u2019s. Pray do not fail to have the sowing boxes ready: & to tell Mordicai Collins, he must sow all the ground in Wheat & rye, including the new field last cleared in the Piney Woods. If sown in April it will be better than not at all. I hope Moses has finished my Waggon: if not pray instruct him to do so. I can not yet determine the time of our leaving this; but wish Mordicai to be here by 20th. or 25 of March. As he will want one horse for himself, & a plow horse can\u2019t well be spared, I must ask you to assist him if you can. Your Clodius Mare if not with foal will answer the purpose. Fanny has not been well of late but is much better. She writes to my Mother.\nThe Newspapers will give you the late News from Europe. Nothing has occurred at home that requires particular mention. We all join in best affections. Yr. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0362", "content": "Title: Petition of Anna de Neufville, [13 February] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James,Neufville, Anna de\nTo: \n[13 February 1797]\nMr. Madison observed that he should be sorry to interfere with public business, but the peculiarity of the case of the family of De Neufville was such as to call for immediate attention, he therefore moved that the petition of the widow and daughter of the deceased John De Neufville, be now taken up.\n   Merchants\u2019 Daily Advertiser, 14 Feb. 1797 (also reported in New World, 15 Feb. 1797, and Daily Advertiser, 16 Feb. 1797).\n[13 February 1797]\n   JM then made the following report.\n\u201cThat the services and sacrifices from the said John de Neufville, to the United States, during the war of their Revolution, as stated in the said memorial, and vouched by the testimonies herewith reported, constitute a reasonable claim, in behalf of his, at present, very distressed widow and children, on the justice of the United States. That it being impossible, from various and peculiar circumstances incident to the services rendered, to ascertain and liquidate the compensation due, into a precise sum, it is necessary for Congress to decide on and provide for such allowance as may be deemed equitable and right. That, in the opinion of the Committee, the sum of three thousand dollars may be a proper allowance. They therefore propose the following resolution:\n\u201cResolved that provision ought to be made, by law, for granting to the widow and two children of John de Neufville, the sum of three thousand dollars, to be equally divided among them.\u201d\n   Claypoole\u2019s Am. Daily Advertiser, 15 Feb. 1797 (reprinted in Philadelphia Gazette, 16 Feb. 1797, Gales\u2019s Independent Gazetteer, 17 Feb. 1797, and American Senator, 3:476\u201377). The Committee of the Whole agreed to the report, 63 to 25, with JM voting in favor. JM was appointed to a committee to bring in a bill in favor of the petition, which he reported to the House on 14 Feb. The bill passed the House the next day and was approved on 2 Mar. 1797 (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\n          the United States \u2026 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834\u201356)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 2153, 2154, 2162; JHRJournal of the House of Representatives of\n          the United States (9 vols.; Washington, 1826)., 2:735).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0363", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, [ca. 16 February] 1797\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nDr. Sr.\n[ca. 16 February 1797]\nBeing longer detained in Albemarle than I expected I did not arrive here untill the last evening, when I received your letters of the 2d. & 5th. and of the 13th. I will attend to what you recommend respecting the republication of observations under the signature Citizen two Nos. have only appeared that have come to my knowledge and these in papers of the first week of the month. The lapse of time since the publication of the 2d. No. induces a suspicion the writer has abandoned his design, but if pursued such long intervals bet. the periods of their appearance will lessen their effect. Dawson was here last night and is gone today to Gatewoods in his way to Orange and Madison, having already visited Louisa\u2014his Antagonist is also industrious being on the wing through the district\u2014the probability is that Dawson will be elected. Mr. Jefferson was to set out the middle of the week and intended to take this place in his way. If the weather which has been rainy for two days does not delay him he will be here this evening or Tomorow. I was at your fathers on my way down the family are well. Ambrose\u2019s Widow very low and despaired of. That you and yr. family may enjoy the blessing of health is the sincere wish of Yr friend & Servt.\nJos: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0365", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Stephen R. Bradley, 18 February 1797\nFrom: Bradley, Stephen R.\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nWestminster February 18th. 1797\nPrevious to Colo. Monroe\u2019s departure for Europe he transmitted to me papers and documents accompanying a Claim to five thousand acres of Land in the Township of Middlesex in this State in right of his wife, this Township was held under a Patent from The late province of New York and was one (among many) of those patents which were extinguished in the late treaty or Settlement between New York & Vermont and for which This Government has paid to New York Thirty thousand Dollars for The benefit of those whose titles were Thus affected. New York have of late appointed Commissioners to apportion to each suffurer his Share of the thirty thousand Dollars The Commissioners have met this winter in Albany I have exhibited Col. Monroe\u2019s Claim to them they have as Yet Come to no decision probably they will in the Course of the Summer what Col. Monroe\u2019s proportion will be remains Yet to be determined. The claims however are so extensive that it is not probable the Sum will be large. With Sentiments of the highest Esteem I am Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt.\nStephen R. Bradley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0366", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 February 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHon\u2019d Sir\nPhilada. Feby. 19. 1797.\nI recd. your weekly letter by the last Mail. This will shew you that I am equally punctual. Fanny puts one in my hand for my Mother.\nI acquainted my brother William that I had shipped 5 Bushls. of Clover Seed by a Vessel lately sailed for Fredg. The seed is addressed to the care of Mr. Blair. I hope you will attend as well as he to the getting it up & having it sown on my farms with as little delay as possible. If no oppy. occurs, after the Vessel, the Mary Capt. Saunders, is known to have arrived, the seed must be sent for rather [than] lose time. I mentioned in my last that I wish my horses to be here by the 20 or 25 next Month, & that I hope you will be able to assist Mordecai with a horse.\nBy inclosing you the papers I give you all the current News. The prospect of a peace, tho\u2019 not flattering, is less unpromising according to the latest than to prior accounts. The French continue successful with their armies. The debates in Congs about taxes will probably end in a pos[t]ponement of direct taxes, & an increase of the duties on Sugar Molasses Bohea Tea &c. Fanny has got well & unites with all of us in best affections.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0367", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, ca. 19 February 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jones, Joseph\nLetter not found. Ca. 19 February 1797. Mentioned in Jones to JM, 23 Feb. 1797. Informs Jones about the publication of the essays \u201cAn Examination of a Late Letter from Mr. Pickering to Mr. Pinckney.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0369", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 23 February 1797\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nDr Sr.\nFredg. 23d. Febry. 1797.\nMr. Jefferson left this yesterday morning before the arrival of the Stage so that your letter to him by the mail is returned\u2014he meant to take one of the Stages at Alexa. leaving his horses there untill his return. Dr Shipen who came in the stage met him about 3 miles above Falmouth. After the receipt of your letter finding the examination continued I went up Town and missed of Green who was then out I saw Mullin he says he will commence the republication in the next paper. I sent the 2 first numbers with a note to Green requesting them to be printed in the next paper or the first of them if he could not both and to continue regularly the numbers which should be duly furnished\u2014he was then also from home but the ticket and papers were left and he no doubt will comply. I shall perhaps see him and will speak with him to day. I fear A. is too much an Angloman and will yeild to his prepossession. No Clover seed advertized and I believe none for sale here. I will inquire. Collins has seed in Richmond. Yr friend & servt\nJos: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0370", "content": "Title: Indirect Taxes, [23 February] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[23 February 1797]\n   On 19 January 1797 the Treasury Department had recommended that the ad valorem duty on several items, including \u201ccotton goods, not stained or colored,\u201d be increased from 10 to 12 \u00bd percent but subject to some provision for the protection of the business of printing cotton goods. The House Ways and Means Committee on 23 January reported resolutions in favor, which were taken up in a Committee of the Whole on 23 February. Henderson (New Jersey) moved that the resolution on cotton goods be replaced by the words \u201call that class of goods which pays 10 per cent. ad valorem\u201d (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\nMr. Madison thought it was worthy of consideration, whether it would not be expedient to make an exception in favour of white cotton goods. He understood there was a manufactory of some consequence established in this country, whose business it was to print these white cottons, and if this exception was not made, this additional duty might go to the destruction of it. Indeed as the printing of this article added as he was informed, two-thirds to its value, it might be considered as a raw material. He believed this manufactory was carried on by persons who came from foreign countries. If their manufactory succeeded, it might induce others to follow them, to exercise their several professions amongst us, which could not fail to be of advantage to the country; but if the present manufactory should be destroyed by one of our laws bearing hard upon its proprietors, it would have quite a contrary effect. He owned he was not much acquainted with the manufactory in question, nor had he made much calculation upon the subject; but, from the face of it, it seemed to require an exception. He therefore made the motion.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0372", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Joseph Chew, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Chew, Joseph\nLetter not found. 28 February 1797. Acknowledged in Chew to JM, 31 Mar. 1797 (DLC). Encloses a letter to Chew from James Madison, Sr. Also discusses disposal of Chew\u2019s Kentucky lands.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0373", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nDr. Sr.\nFredg. 3d. Mar: 1797\nMr. Green and Mullin will republish the Citizen and I observe the 1st. Number in Greens last paper. I have to number four and wish you to have the following numbers inserted in Baches\u2019s paper as from them I can have them republished withot. your inclosing them and being subjected to postage. I understand you will be voted for to represent the County of Orange and will be elected unless you shall decide to the contrary and forbid it. All owe a duty to the public while they are able to execute it and be usefull. I think I mentioned in a former letter a request you wd. make some inquiry of Mr. Yard & Mr. Bache respecting some money matters of Monroes\u2014also if Fowler was in Philaa. to ask him concer[n]ing the Rockcastle land. Col. Madison said he did not expect you to return sooner than April. If any thing worth communicating I hope you will not discontinue your correspondence. No Clover seed to be bought here. Yr. friend & Sert\nJos: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0374", "content": "Title: Release of Lafayette, [3 March] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n   On 2 March, Harper (South Carolina) had moved a resolution that the House inform the president of the United States that it would \u201csee with the highest satisfaction, any measures which he may deem expedient to adopt towards effecting the restoration of their said fellow-citizen to liberty\u201d (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of\n          the United States \u2026 (42 vols.; Washington, 1834\u201356)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 2362).\nMr. Madison did not think there was time to do all the business requisite to render due justice to the motion, and he hoped the House would do more than was intended by the motion. He believed the only regular mode would be to appoint a committee to bring in a bill. He therefore moved the House to go into a Committee for 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0375", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 5 March 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nLetter not found. Ca. 5 March 1797. Referred to in JM to James Madison, Sr., 12 Mar. 1797. Requests his name not be placed on Orange County ballot for Virginia House of Delegates.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0377", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Beckley, 11 March 1797\nFrom: Beckley, John\nTo: Madison, James\nSaturday Morning 11th: March 1797.\nJ: Beckley\u2019s compliments to Mr: Madison. Mr: Jefferson will take a family dinner with JB\u2014to morrow at 3 o\u2019clock. Will Mr: Madison join 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0378", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 12 March 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHon\u2019d Sir\nPhilada. March 12. 1797\nI wrote you by the last mail, and add this by Mr. Jefferson. Lest my last should by any possibility have miscarried, I repeat my request that my name may not be suffered to get on the Poll for the County election. If Mr. Jefferson should call & say any thing to counteract my determination, I hope it will be regarded as merely expressive of his own wishes on the subject, & that it will not be allowed to have the least effect. In declining to go into the Assembly, should there really be a disposition to send me there I am sincere & inflexible. I hope I shall hear from you by the next mail, on the subject of Mordecai & the horses; being extremely anxious now to be on the journey, especially as we are to make visits to Berkeley & Fredk. on the way home. At present the roads are made bad by a snow succeeded by rain which has nearly carried it off: but the winds of March will soon put them in order. If the same weather should have happened with you, it will have been a fine opportunity for sowing the Clover seed I sent, & which I hope got to hand in time for the purpose. The greater part of what I sent was purchased for a vessel intended to sail last fall, & cost me 15 dollrs. which with freight &c will exceed the Richmond price. I really think it was an error to be deterred by that price, considering the immense importance of the article, especially in laying a foundation for a meliorating plan of husbandry. The proper remedy for such a disappointment, I am told by a very experienced & intelligent farmer of this neighbourhood, is to sow in the fall on the stubble of the wheat or rye. He says this is his practice whenever he cannot get seed for spring sowing the fields, or when the seed does not take effect, & that the protection & putrefaction of the stubble, ensures a full crop the following year, so that there is no other loss, than the first fall pasture. I consider this as a valuable hint, to beginners, as it doubles the chance of getting Clover into a rotation.\nYou will see by the inclosed paper that the last accts. from Paris respecting the negociations for peace & the temper of France towards this Country, are not favorable. This resentment is the fruit of the British Treaty, which many of its zealous advocates begin now to acknowledge was an unwise & unfortunate measure. The accounts are not authentic, & probably not accurate; but coming through so many different channels they are thought to be true in substance.\nWe continue well, & unite in our usual offerings. Flour at 9 \u00bd dollars. Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0379", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, ca. 15 March 1797\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. Ca. 15 March 1797. Referred to in Jones to JM, 23 Mar. 1797. Mentions arrival in Fredericksburg of a vessel with goods shipped by JM.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0380", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 March 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHon\u2019d Sir\nPhilada. Mar: 19. 1797\nI have not had a line from you for several mails. I hope it is ascribable to the oppy. of writing by M. Collins with our horses. As yet we hear nothing of him. I have regretted that I did not direct him to be here a little sooner, as the roads are found to be better than usual at this season. If he arrives in a day or two we shall probably leave this the last of the week. We shd. be ready sooner, but Sam has been so sick for ten days past that he could give us but little aid in preparing. Another difficulty has been the want of a vessel for Fredg. I fear we shall be obliged to leave our effects behind us; & trust to their being taken up by some vessel that may hereafter offer. I have procured you some woolens & Linens, and shall augment the Stock. I have also purchased a Watch which Fanny has in use. I shall also probably engage some Iron for you. I have never heard from Mr. Blair whether the Clover Seed &c. got safe to hand, & have been sent up. I hope in the affirmative, & that Morda. will have got his share on his fields before he set out: If not Sawney must go to Black Meadow, & sow it. Better in April than not done at all. We are all well & anxious to be on the Journey, which will be thro\u2019 Berkely & Fredk. Yrs. dutifully\nJs. Madison Jr.\nThe miscarriage of the negociations for peace is confirmed. The acct. of Mr. Pinkney\u2019s being refused begins to be discredited; but there is nothing certain 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0381", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 23 March 1797\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nDr. Sr.\nFredg. 23d. Mar: 1797.\nFrom good information the Poll between Dawson and Posey was as follows\u2014Spots: Dawson 204 Posey 68\u2014Orange Dawson 156. Posey 46\u2014Louisa Dawson 195. Posey 161\u2014Madison I do not recollect the numbers but about 30 Majority for Dawson. Heath and Tayloe having declined a Poll Dr. Jones and Ball were the only Candidates. I have heard only from K. George where Jones had near five for one. The presumption is he will be elected. Nicholas and Brent I believe are not opposed. In the room of Moore it is probable David Hoomes will be elected agt. Bowyer and Steele. From all accots. Rutherford will be hard pushed if not pushed out. I am told it will depend on the Quakers in that quarter. I last Post mentioned that Saunders had arrived and can now inform you that Blair received and sent on to Orange the things you sent by him. Duly Ann Capt. McNamara is in Phila: and Capt. Taylor in the  Ann sailed from here a few days past. The House he goes to is one of the Walns & Co. I had written to Mr. Proudfit at Norfolk to send me up a barl. of choice Spirit wch. I intended to divide with Monroe on his arrival but he writes me no good spirit is at this time to be had at Norfolk but will send a cask as soon as he can get what is good. If you receive the money from Yard and have time to get me a barl. of choice old rum or Spirits (my old acquaintance Short will perhaps furnish it of the best) and a bag of the best Coffee be pleased to get them and send with your things round to this place. If you get rum request it to be caned to prevent wasting either at the bung or by gimbles hole. I set off on Monday for Northumberland shall be in Williamsburg the 29th. next month but intend to come here from K. & Queen if I have time of which I have little doubt the business being generally dispatched in six days\u2014a letter to this place or to Williamsburg getting there abt. the time I mention will be requisite to inform me wher. you had been able to get the Spirits [illegible] that I may give Proudfit notice to prevent a double stock which wod. be rather burdensome these hard times from the high price and Scarcity of money. We have now here both Clover and Timothy seed very good I am told at old Mr. Andersons. Wishing you an agreeable Journey I am yr friend & Servt\nJos: 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0382", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [ca. 27 March] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHon\u2019d Sir\nThis is committed to M. Collins who will explain to you the time of his arrival, the cause of stay here, and the time of his setting out. We are endeavouring to get away ourselves tomorrow afternoon, and have already seen the greater part of our effects on board the vessels which are to take them to Fredericksburg. The hurry & confusion we are all in, will apologize for no other letters being written than the present.\nYou will find by the inclosed papers that Congress are summoned to meet on the 15th May ensuing. This gives a very solemn air to our situation. The measure was wholly unexpected to every one as far as I know. It is in consequence of the letters from Genl. Pinkney who has not been admitted by the French Government, & has moreover, as appears, been placed by it in a very mortifying situation. The particular object in convening Congress, is not explained. If you see Mr. Jones in his travels tell him that Col. Monroe expects to set out on his return early in April & wishes that his furniture &c. in Albemarle may not be sold.\nYou will find in all the papers the failure of the Negociations for peace between France & G. B; & the posture of their military affairs.\nWe are all particularly afflicted by the accounts of sister Madison. From the circumstances mentioned by M. C. we fear her existence may not be prolonged till our return shall give us an oppy. of seeing her before she takes her leave of us for ever.\nI can say nothing to you of the probable price of flour &c. The continuance of the war in Europe & the W. Indies on one hand tends to keep it up; on the other, the state of things between us & France, is now so menacing as to have a contrary tendency. At present flour is abt. 9 or 9 \u00bd dollrs. & dull. I have procured you some linens, woolens & some Iron with sundry lesser articles. With our joint affections I am Yr. dutiful 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-16-02-0383", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 27 March 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Taylor, Hubbard\nLetter not found. 27 March 1797. Acknowledged in Taylor to JM, 1 May 1797 (DLC). Discusses Kentucky lands of Mary Coles Payne.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0003", "content": "Title: From James Madison to John Lee, [ca. 26 April] 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Lee, John\nDear Sir[ca. 26 April 1797]\nI find by your letter to my father within acknowledged that you have not discontinued your obliging attention to my little matters committed to your care. My father has already informed you that one of the patents is not to be found, if it ever issued. It seems probable, I think as it is not [to] be found or any account of it obtained in the office at Richmond that no proceeding in the business took place beyond the survey &c. It may be well however to examine at the proper sources in Kentucky. If the negative proof should be satisfactory, that the patent has not issued, the suit as to that object can be accomodated to the form in which the claim will then lie. As to instructions for your guidance, It does not occur to me that any particular ones that I could give would be of importance. The choice of a lawyer I cheerfully leave to your better judgment. The explanation of the case, with the naming of the witnesses, you can execute better than any one else. The mode of instituting & conducting the suit, the lawyer himself will of course best understand. The advances & expences requisite for the purpose, I would be glad to relieve you from altogether, if a good conveyance & a tolerable estimate could be had. But as it [is] uncertain who will be the bearer of this, I must ask the favor of you to try whether you can not negociate an order on me which shall be punctually & certainly paid; & if this can not be done, rather than incur delay, I must beg you to put the business in motion out of your own purse, which shall be indemnified with as little delay as possible. I have not time to write to Col. R. Taylor, will you be so good as to ask whether he has ever executed a conveyance of the land due to Nelly, & myself by his bargain with my deceased brother; & if he has not, & there be no objections to his doing it, to request him to execute & forward it. I inclose herewith some of our latest Newspapers which will give you the latest intelligence we have here. With my best respects to Mrs. Lee, & our friends generally I am Dear Sir Yr. Obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0005", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 18 May 1797\nFrom: Dawson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir!Phila. May 18. 97.\nI am sorry to find all your apprehensions verified by the Presidents warlike speech\u2014to it we shall reply in a day or two in a stile rather more pacific, I trust\u2014tho we are very equally divided, & there is reason to fear that Mr. Rutledge, of the committee, will take a course different from what was expected, & to be wishd.\nWe have no late accounts from Monroe, but expect him daily & anxiously\u2014by two arrivals there is reason to believe that it was reported at Hamburg about the begining of April that the directory had resolvd to recieve Mr. Pinckney, & that all matters woud be adjusted with the republic\u2014this, which I very much wish I very much doubt.\nWill you present me to Mrs. M. & your fathers family? Yrs. with Esteem\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0006", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nPhiladelphia, May 18. 97.\nI was informed on my arrival here that Genl. Pinckney\u2019s dispatches had on their first receipt excited in the administration a great deal of passion: that councils were held from day to day, and their ill temper fixed at length in war; that under this impression Congress was called: that the tone of the party in general became high, and so continued till the news of the failure of the bank of England. This first gave it a check, & a great one & they have been cooling down ever since. The most intemperate only still asking permission to arm their vessels for their own defence, while the more prudent disapprove of putting it in the power of their brethren & leaving to their discretion to begin the war for us. The impression was too that the executive had for some time been repenting that they had called us, & wished the measure undone. All the members from North as well as South concurred in attesting that negociation or any thing rather than war was the wish of their constituents. What was our surprise then at recieving the speech which will come to you by this post. I need make no observations to you on it. I believe there was not a member of either house, out of the secret, who was not much disappointed. However some had been prepared. The spirit of supporting the Executive was immediately given out in the lower house & is working there. The Senate admits of no fermentation. Tracy, Laurence & Livermore were appointed to draw an answer for them, Venable, Freeman, Rutledge, Griswald &  for the representatives. The former will be reported to day, & will be in time to be inclosed: the other not till tomorrow when the post will be gone. We hope this last will be in general terms, but this is not certain, a majority as is believed (of the commee.) being for arming the merchantmen, finishing the frigates, fortifying harbors, & making all other military preparations, as an aid to negociation. How the majority of the house will be is very doubtful. If all were here, it is thought it would be decidedly pacific, but all are not here & will not be here. The division on the choice of a clerk was 41. for Condy, 40 for Beckley. Besides the loss of the ablest clerk in the US. & the outrage committed on the absent members, prevented by the suddenness of the call & their distance from being here on the 1st. day of the session, it excites a fear that the republican interest has lost by the new changes. It is said that three from Virginia separate from their brethren. The hope however is that as the Antirepublicans take the high ground of war, and their opponents are for every thing moderate, that the most moderate of those who came under contrary dispositions will join them. Langdon tells me there is a considerable change working in the minds of the people to the Eastward: that the idea that they have been decieved begins to gain ground, and that were the elections to be now made their result would be considerably different. This however is doubted & denied by others. France has asked of Holland to send away our minister from them & to treat our commerce on the plan of their late decree. The Batavian government answered after due considern. that their commerce with us was now their chief commerce, that their money was in our funds, that if they broke off correspondence with us they should be without resources for themselves, for their own public & for France, & therefore declined doing it. France acquiesced. I have this from the President who had it from his son still at the Hague. I presume that France has made the same application to Spain. For I know that Spain has memorialized our Executive against the effect of the British treaty, as to the articles concerning neutral bottoms, contraband, & the Missisipi, has been pressing for an answer & has not yet been able to obtain one. It does not seem candid to have kept out of sight in the speech this discontent of Spain which is strongly & seriously pronounced & to have thereby left it to be imagined that France is the only power of whom we are in danger. The failure of the bank of England, & the fear of having a paper tender there, has stopped buying bills of exchange. Specie is raked up from all quarters, & remitted for paiments at a disadvantage from risks &c of 20. per cent. The bankruptcies here have been immense. I heard a sensible man well acquainted with them conjecture that the aggregate of the clear losses on all these added together in all the states would be not less than 10. millions of Dollars. A heavy tax indeed, to which are to be added the maritime spoliations, and this tax falling on only a particular description of citizens. Bills of lading are arrived to a merchant for goods shipped from Bordeaux for this place in a vessel in which Monroe is coming passenger. We hope hourly therefore to recieve him. Innes is arrived, & that board going to work.\nMay. 19. The answer of the Senate is reported by the Commee. It is perfectly an echo and full as high toned as the speech. Amendments may & will be attempted but cannot be carried. Note to me the day you recieve this that I may know whether I conjecture rightly what is our true post day 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0008", "content": "Title: Receipt from Joseph Jones, 3 June 1797 (Abstract)\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\n3 June 1797. Acknowledges receipt of $557.83 from JM for James Monroe, of which $250 was received from Benjamin F. Bache and the balance from James Yard.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0009", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 4 June 1797\nFrom: Dawson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir!Philadelphia June 4th. 1797.\nI am favourd with your letter, & will, as far as lays in my power, forward the wishes of my friends in Orange altho I learn that after due deliberation it has been resolvd in the Executive council, not to appoint any person of our politicks to any office, least they shoud unhinge, or impede the movements of the government, & that Bedinger has been objected to on that score solely\u2014in conversation with Mr. Jefferson he assures me that the president has not opend his lips to him on politicks since his appointment, & that he will favour Mr. Taylor\u2019s wishes, shoud the subject be mentiond to him; otherwise any thing from him woud only injure.\nYou will observe, that after near three weeks debating we have agreed on an answer to the Presidents speech, not very grateful to either side\u2014we were able to introduce an amendment, declaring that France ought to be placd in a situation as favourable as any nation; whilst they retaind the clause, approbating the conduct of our goverment in our foreign relations\u2014the strength of our side has however drawn forth a reply very different from the address, & more favourable to our wishes, which are for peace\u2014on tomorrow we shall begin business seriously\u2014on yesterday W. Smith made a most extraordinary motion, \u201cthat all the proceedings arising out of the Presidents speech shoud be with shut doors\u201d\u201415 members only voted for it; but I learn it will be renewd on tomorrow, & this day, no doubt employd in rallying their troops, some of which do not appear well broke in.\nThe accounts from Europe abound with late & brilliant successes of that wonderful man Bounaparte\u2014he has entirely defeated the Arch Duke\u2014he has already crossd \u201cThe valley of hell\u201d\u2014he has fought above the clouds, & I believe nothing less than the arm of the omnipotent will prevent his storming heaven\u2014his successes may save us, by restoring peace to Europe, without which I very much fear we shall be engagd in war in six months, such is the rage of many against France & such the violence of the measures which they propose.\nI pray you to remember me to my friends, of your acquaintance, to whom I cannot write as often as I wish. Yrs. with much Esteem\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0011", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 8 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nPhiladelphia June 8. 1797.\nI wrote you last on the 1st. inst. You will have seen by the public papers that the amendment for putting France on an equal footing with other nations was clogged with another requiring compensation for spoliations. The objection to this was not that it ought not to be demanded, but that it ought not to be a sine qua non, and it was feared from the dispositions of the Executive that they would seize it\u2019s mention by the representatives as a pretext for making it a sine qua non. The representatives have voted a continuance of the fortifications, & a completion & manning of the three frigates. They will probably pass the bills recieved from the Senate prohibiting the exportation of arms & ammunition & for preventing our citizens from engaging in armed vessels. The Senate have also prepared or are proposing bills for raising cavalry, raising a corps of artillerists, buying 9. more armed vessels, authorizing the Executive to employ them & the frigates as convoys for our commerce, and raising a great provisional army to be called into actual service only in the case of war. All these measures will pass the Senate by a majority of about 18. to 12. probably. That of permitting our merchant vessels to arm was rejected by the committee 3. to 2. Bingham who was of the committee stated to the Senate that he had taken pains to learn the sense of the merchants on this subject and that he had not found one in favor of the permission. Still a part of the Senate are for it, and do not consider it as laid aside. Smith & Harper brought on the same proposition yesterday (being the 5th. of Smith\u2019s resolutions) before the representatives. It was amended by changing the word permitting to restricting. Another amendment was proposed to add \u2018except to the Mediterranean & E. Indies.\u2019 The day was spent in debate, & no question taken. I believe certainly the general permission will not be given. But what may be the fate of the 3d. 4th. 6th. 7th & other resolutions is not very certain. We hope favorably. The late victory of Buonaparte & panic of the British government has produced a sensible effect in damping the ardor of our heroes. However they might have been willing at first, partly from inclination, partly from devotion to the Executive, to have met hostilities from France, it is now thought they will not force that nail, but, doing of the most innocent things as much as may be necessary to veil the folly or the boldness of calling Congress, be willing to leave the more offensive measures till the issue of the negociation or their own next meeting. This is the most we can hope, and but for the late successes of France & desperate condition of England, it was more than we should have hoped. For it is difficult to say whether the Republicans have a majority or not. The votes have been carried both ways by a difference of from 1. to 6. Our three renegadoes exactly make that difference. Clay proves to be as firm as a rock, having never separated but in the single instance I mentioned in my last letter, when I presume he must have been struck by some peculiar view of the question. We expect the arrival of Paine daily. Of Monroe we hear nothing, except that he had not left Paris on the 1st. of April.\nP.M. This day has been spent in the H. of Representatives in debating whether the restriction of the merchants from arming their vessels except when bound to the Mediterranean or E. Indies, should be taken off as to the W. Indies also. It was determined by 46. against 34. that the W. India vessels should not arm. This is considered as auguring favorably of the other resolutions. The Senate determined to-day 18. to 11 that 9 vessels should be bought, armed &c by the president. Their cost is estimated at 60,000. D. each. This was on the 2d. reading of the bill. These bills originated in the Senate & going under their sanction to the lower house, while in so vibratory a state, have a very mischievous effect. We expect to rise on Saturday the 17th. I have written for my horses to be at Fredsbg on Sunday the 25th. and I may be with you perhaps on the 26th. or 27th. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0012", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Henry Tazewell, 11 June 1797\nFrom: Tazewell, Henry\nTo: Madison, James\nDear SirPhiladelphia 11. June 1797\nI hasten to tell you that the Northern Mail of today brings an account of the arrival of a Ship at Boston from London with European intelligence up to the 4th. May. Being Sunday, the post office is not open, but Mr Patten says, as Bache tells me, the papers contain a positive account of a seperate peace between France & the Emperor of Germany\u2014and among other things, that a Mutiny has taken place on board Ld. Bridport\u2019s Squadron. The papers will contain the particulars tomorrow, but as the Mail closes before I shall receive mine, I cannot send you one by tomorrows stage.\nThe earnestness with which the measures for providing Convoys for our ships, and for permitting individual merchants to arm in their defence have been pressed, evidence a decided determination in favour of a war with France. Whether this intelligence will change the tone, tomorrow will determine. Nothing else I beleive can save us. Nay from the steps which have been taken I wish that may. The Republican party are not strong enough to do any thing more, even if they are strong enough to prevent mischeif. The federalists as they call themselves but who hence forward will be called porcupines, are chop fallen, but I beleive they have gone too far to retract. Porcupine has abused Sam: Smith, Matt: Lyon, and Dayton in the most scurrilous manner you ever knew. Thatcher on Friday, offered Blount a personal insult in debate. Blount challenged him. Thatcher refused to accept the Challenge. Thus it remains with a determination on Blount\u2019s part to kick him on sight. In short the insolence and scurrility of the british faction here can scarcely be born. Adieu\nHenry Tazewell\nSunday Night 10 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0013", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nPhiladelphia June 15. 97. A.M.\nMy last was of the 8th. inst. I had inclosed you separately a paper giving an account of Buonaparte\u2019s last great victory. Since that we recieve information that the preliminaries of peace were signed between France & Austria. Mr. Hammond will have arrived at Vienna too late to influence the terms. The victories lately obtained by the French on the Rhine were as splendid as Buonaparte\u2019s. The mutiny on board the English fleet, tho allayed for the present has impressed that country with terror. King has written letters to his friends recommending a pacific conduct towards France \u2018notwithstanding the continuance of her injustices.\u2019 Volney is convinced France will not make peace with England, because it is such an opportunity for sinking her as she never had & may not have again. Buonaparte\u2019s army would have to march 700. miles to Calais. Therefore it is imagined the armies of the Rhine will be destined for England. The Senate yesterday rejected on it\u2019s 2d reading their own bill for raising 4. more companies of light dragoons by a vote of 15. to 13. Their cost would have been about 120,000 D. a year. To-day the bill for manning the frigates & buying 9 vessels @ about 60,000 D. each, comes to it\u2019s 3d. reading. Some flatter us we may throw it out. The trial will be in time to mention the issue herein. The bills for preventing our citizens from engaging in armed vessels of either party, & for prohibitg. exportn. of arms & ammunition have passed both houses. The fortification bill is before the Representatives still. It is thought by many that with all the mollifying clauses they can give it, it may perhaps be thrown out. They have a separate bill for manning the 3. frigates. But it\u2019s fate is uncertain. These are probably the ultimate measures which will be adopted, if even these be adopted. The folly of the convocation of Congress at so inconvenient a season & an expence of 60,000 D. is now palpable to every body: or rather it is palpable that war was the object, since, that being out of the question, it is evident there is nothing else. However nothing less than the miraculous string of events which have taken place, towit the victories of the Rhine & Italy, peace with Austria, bankruptcy of England, mutiny in her fleet, and King\u2019s writing letters recommending peace, could have cooled the fury of the British faction. Even all that will not prevent considerable efforts still in both houses to shew our teeth to France. We had hoped to have risen this week. It is now talked of for the 24th. but it is impossible yet to affix a time. I think I cannot omit being at our court (July 3.) whether Congress rises or not. If so, I shall be with you on the Friday or Saturday preceding. I have a couple of pamphlets for you, Utrum horum, & Paine\u2019s agrarian justice, being the only things since Erskine which have appeared worth notice. B\u27e8esides\u27e9 Bache\u2019s paper there are 2. others now accomodated to country circulation. Gale\u2019s (successor of Oswald) twice a week, without advertisements at 4. Dollars. His debates in Congress are the same with Claypole\u2019s. Also Smith proposes to issue a paper once a week, of news only, and an additional sheet while Congress shall be in session, price 4. dollars. The best daily papers now are Bradford\u2019s compiled by Loyd, and Markland & Cary\u2019s. Claipole\u2019s you know. Have you remarked the pieces signed Fabius? They are written by John Dickinson.\nP.M. The bill before the Senate for equipping the 3 frigates & buying 9. vessels of not more than 20. guns has this day passed on it\u2019s 3d. reading by 16. against 13. The fortification bill before the representatives as amended in commee. of the whole passed to it\u2019s 3d. reading by 48. against 41. Adieu affectionately with my best respects to mrs. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0014", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 22 June 1797\nFrom: Dawson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir!Philadelphia June 22. 1797.\nI have recievd your favour, & deliverd Mrs. Madisons.\nThe accompanying papers will shew you the state of Europe, & you can easily judge of the effect they have had here. We have voted out the propositions for a salt tax, & for an additional regiment of artillerists\u2014& the Senate, to day, that for a provisional army\u2014they have also confirmd the nomination of Gerry in the place of Dana, who declind serving, 20 to 6\u2014among the last the senators from Massa. & other highflyers.\nI thing [sic] we shall adjourn in 10 days, & am well assurd they wish us gone\u2014if the mischief is not done all may be well.\nNot one word of Colo Monroe\u2014is this not wonderful, & unfortunate to himself & to us? Yrs, with much esteem\nJ Dawson\nWill you remember me to my friends, to whom I cannot write as often as I wish?\nJD", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0015", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nPhiladelphia June 22. 97.\nThe Senate have this day rejected their own bill for raising a provisional army of 15,000. men. I think they will reject that for permitting private vessels to arm. The Representatives have thrown out the bill of the Senate for raising artillery. They yesterday put off one forbidding our citizens to serve in foreign vessels of war, till Nov. by a vote of 52. to 44. This day they came to a resoln. proposing to the Senate to adjourn on Wednesday the 28th. by a majority of 4. Thus it is now perfectly understood that the convocation of Congress is substantially condemned by their several decisions that nothing is to be done. I may be with you somewhat later than I had expected. Say from the 1st. to the 4th. Preliminaries of peace between Austria & France are signed. Dana has declined the mission to France. Gerry is appointed in his room, being supported in Senate by the republican vote. 6. nays of the opposite description. No news of Monroe or Paine. Adieu \u00e0 revoir.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0016", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 25 June 1797\nFrom: Dawson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir!Philadelphia June 25th 1797.\nI wrote to you by the last mail, & now enclose a letter entrusted to my care for Mrs. Madison.\nOn saturday we passed a bill, which came from the Senate, for the protection of our commerce, after disrobing it of the clauses, which authorisd the president to purchase nine additional vessels of 20 guns each, & directing that the three frigates shoud not be used as convoys\u2014& that the law shoud be limited to one year. Whether the Senate will agree to our amendments I think very doubtful & thereby trust it may be lost, as I have in every stage voted against it, considering it as an expensive usefless [sic] & dangerous measure.\nOn yesterday a resolution was laid on the table authorising the president, in the recess of Congress to lay an embargo, which I think will not pass. I think we shall adjourn in Eight or ten days. Yrs with Esteem\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0017", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nPhiladelphia June 29. 97.\nThe day of adjournment walks before us like our shadow. We shall rise on the 3d. or 4th. of July. Consequently I shall be with you about the 8th. or 9th. The two houses have jointly given up the 9. small vessels. The Senate have rejected at the 3d reading their own bill authorizing the President to lay embargoes. They will probably reject a very unequal tax passed by the Repr. on the venders of wines & spirituous liquors (not in retail). They have past a bill for postponing their next meeting to the constitutional day; but whether the Repr. will concur is uncertain. The Repr. are cooking up a stamp tax which it is thought themselves will reject. The fate of the bill for private armaments is yet undecided in the Senate. The expences of the session are estimated at 80,000 Doll. Monroe & family arrived here the day before yesterday, well. They will make a short visit to N. York & then set their faces homewards. My affectionate respects to mrs. Madison, and salut\u27e8ati\u27e9ons to yourself. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0018", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 10 July 1797\nFrom: Dawson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 10 July 1797. Mentioned in JM to Jefferson, 2 Aug. 1797. Informs JM that James Monroe should be in Virginia within two 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0019", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Volney, 19 July 1797\nFrom: Volney, Constantin Fran\u00e7ois Chasseboeuf, Comte de\nTo: Madison, James\nMonsieurFederal City 19 juillet 1797\nMe Voici depuis peu de jours beaucoup rapproch\u00e9 de Vous; et deja il me Serait difficile de rester a cette distance Sans aller Vous rendre une Visite; mais cela me deviendra absolument impossible, avec l\u2019engagement que j\u2019ai pris d\u2019aller passer quelques jours pr\u00e8s de Mr jefferson: je n\u2019ai point oubli\u00e9 celui que Vous me prescrivites au moment de Votre depart, de Vous pr\u00e9venir du tems o\u00f9 je desirerais de Me rendre chez Vous: Mais comme Mon Voyage \u00e0 Monticello d\u00e9pend d\u2019une reponse de Mr jefferson \u00e0 qui j\u2019\u00e9cris, je ne puis determiner Ma route que d\u2019apr\u00e8s Sa reponse. J\u2019apper\u00e7ois Seulement que je ne puis partir avant le 5 ou 6 aout; et que Mon retour Sera probable et peut etre necessaire Vers la Mi Septembre: je Vous prie done Monsieur de Vouloir bien Me designer le tems qui dans cet \u00eentervalle Vous Sera le Moins incommode; et je dois Vous observer, que Ma Visite Ne pourra etre aussi courte que Mon passage de l\u2019ann\u00e9e derniere, parce qu\u2019outre le desir de Voir Votre famille et Votre plantation, j\u2019aurai celui de Vous demander la communication de ce que Vous connaissez de Memoires sur la Metereologie et l\u2019\u00e9tat physique des Etats-unis. Du reste, pour Vous rassurer, je dois Vous dire que je Ne serai pas Mr Mazze\u00ef, et qu\u2019\u00eatant tr\u00e8s ami de Ma libert\u00e9 et de Mon independance, je suis tout a fa\u00eet ami de l\u2019independance de la libert\u00e9 des autres, Surtout de ceux qui ont la bont\u00e9 de Me recevoir dans leur Maison: toute reponse de Votre part Me parviendra ici ou plutot \u00e0 Georgetown post office. Permettez-Moi d\u2019offrir Mes civilit\u00e9s a Votre respectable famille et Veuillez agreer L\u2019assurance de L\u2019estime distingu\u00e9e et de l\u2019attachment avec lesquels j\u2019ai L\u2019honneur d\u2019etre Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble serviteur\nVolney\nTranslation\nSirFederal City 19 July 1797\nIn just a few days I have gotten closer to you, and already it will be difficult for me to stay so close without coming to visit you; but this will be absolutely impossible for me because of the arrangement that I have made to spend several days with Mr. Jefferson. I have not forgotten that you asked me when you left to warn you when I would like to come for a visit. As my trip to Monticello, however, depends on a reply from Mr. Jefferson to whom I am writing, I cannot determine my itinerary until I receive his answer. I know only that I cannot leave here before 5 or 6 August and that my return will probably, and might necessarily, be about mid-September. I ask you therefore to designate a time within that period which will be the least inconvenient to you. I must tell you that my visit cannot be as short as my passage last year, because besides the desire to see your family and your plantation, I will want to ask you what you know of the weather and physical state of the United States. For the rest, to reassure you, I have to tell you I will not be Mr. Mazzei, and as I am a great friend of my liberty and my independence, I am entirely a friend to the independence [and] the liberty of others, especially those who have the goodness to receive me in their homes. Your answer will find me here or better still at the Georgetown post office. Permit me to offer my regards to your respectable family, and please accept the assurance of the esteem and attachment with which I have the honor to be Sir your very humble servant\nVolney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0020", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nTh: J. to J. M.Monticello July 24. 97.\nIn hopes that mrs. Madison & yourself & miss Madison will favor us with a visit when Colo. Monroe calls on you, I write this to inform you that I have had the Shadwell & Secretary\u2019s ford both well cleaned. If you come the lower road, the Shadwell ford is the proper one. It is a little deepened, but clear of stone & perfectly safe. If you come the upper road you will cross at the Secretary\u2019s ford, turning in at the gate on the road soon after you enter the three notched road. The draught up the mountain that way is steady, but uniform. I see Hamilton has put a short piece into the papers in answer to Callender\u2019s publication, & promises shortly something more elaborate. I am anxious to see you here soon, because in about three weeks we shall begin to unroof our house, when the family will be obliged to go elsewhere for shelter. My affectionate respects to the family. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0022", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 2 August 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear SirOrange Augst. 2d. 1797\nAt the desire of Mr. Bringhurst I forward him to Monticello; and make use of the opportunity, the first that has offered, to return you the pamphlet you were so kind as to leave with me. I add to it a late Fredg. paper which has got hold of some important articles of later date than were brought by the last post, and which may therefore be new to you as they were to me. I have had nothing from Monroe since his letter by you. Dawson mentioned on the 10th. that he would be in Virga. in 14 days; but I see by the f\u00eate given him in New York that he was there about the middle of the month. I hope you have shared with us in the fine dose of rainey weather which has restored the verdure of the earth; & if followed by the ordinary course of the season, will save our crops of corn from any essential deficit. Mrs. M. joins in respects to the ladies, & the cordiality with which I remain Dear Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0023", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nEditorial Note\nOne of the documents Jefferson enclosed in his letter to JM of 3 August 1797 was a draft petition in response to a federal circuit court grand jury presentment handed down in Richmond 22 May. The presentment, issued on a charge given by Judge James Iredell, condemned Samuel J. Cabell and other United States representatives for writing circular letters that endeavored \u201cat a time of real public danger, to disseminate unfounded calumnies against the happy government of the United States\u201d (Richmond Va. Gazette, 24 May 1797).\nThe grand jury proceeding led to an outburst of criticism in Virginia and elsewhere. Cabell attacked Iredell\u2019s charge to the jury, writing that judges \u201cseem to be making use of their power and influence both personally and officially to control the freedom of individual opinion.\u201d Henry Tazewell agreed, writing to JM that \u201cthe Court & the Jury seem to have erected themselves into a tribunal of political Censors, and to have made their own opinions the standard of Truth.\u201d A Marylander waxed poetic in a letter to Jefferson: \u201cWhenever it shall be recognized as a constitutional doctrine that every Man is to be branded as an enemy to his Country who shall dare to speak or write with freedom on Men & measures the fair Fabric which has been erected at so great an expence of blood & Treasure will be erased and the freedom and independance of these United States vanish like mists before the morning Sun\u201d (Philadelphia Aurora General Advertiser, 6 June 1797; Tazewell to JM, 4 June 1797; Peregrine Fitzhugh to Jefferson, 20 June 1797 [DLC: Jefferson Papers]).\nJefferson thought it dangerous to let the attack on the circular letters go unanswered, especially since Cabell was the representative for Jefferson\u2019s own district. His petition focused on the right of representatives to communicate freely with their constituents; such communications \u201cshould of right, as of duty also, be free, full, and unawed by any.\u201d To allow the judiciary to interpose itself between an elected official and the people, he wrote, would destroy the separation of powers and restrict the flow of information necessary to an informed electorate. But, more importantly, \u201cthe right of free correspondence between citizen and citizen \u2026 is a natural right of every individual citizen \u2026 placed originally under the protection of our municipal laws.\u201d Because the state was the guardian of civil liberties, Jefferson believed it fell to the House of Delegates to impeach and punish the jurors who had brought the presentment (Ford, Writings of JeffersonPaul Leicester Ford, ed., The Writings of\nJM, who saw the petition on 4 August, made a few suggestions but felt, on the whole, that \u201cits tenor, cannot certainly be mended.\u201d He did criticize Jefferson\u2019s attacks on naturalized citizens sitting on grand juries, reminding him of the number of Republicans, like Albert Gallatin, who would be disenfranchised by precipitate action on that point. When James Monroe read the petition in early September, he suggested that by having recourse to the Virginia legislature, Jefferson would establish a principle that would \u201cmake all the members of the national govt., by a code of crimes & punishmts. amenable to State tribunals,\u201d a measure that was surely unwise (JM to Jefferson, 5 Aug. 1797; Monroe to Jefferson, 5 Sept. 1797, Hamilton, Writings of MonroeStanislaus Murray Hamilton, ed., The\n          Writings of James Monroe \u2026 (7 vols.; New York and London, 1898\u20131903)., 3:85).\nIf the implication of Monroe\u2019s argument was that the petition should go to Congress, Jefferson rejected it on pragmatic grounds. Sending the petition to the United States House of Representatives, he wrote, \u201cwould make bad worse,\u201d since a majority would probably approve the presentment against Cabell. But more to the point, Cabell\u2019s privilege as a member of the House was not the issue. In this context Jefferson advanced the argument that the right of free communication among citizens was a \u201cnatural right\u201d and \u201cnot the gift of any municipal law.\u201d To the contrary, \u201cit is one of the objects for the protection of which society is formed & municipal laws established.\u201d The wrong was against Cabell\u2019s constituents and thus a matter for the state government (Jefferson to Monroe, 7 Sept. 1797 [DLC: Jefferson Papers]).\nThe petition circulated among the three men until the end of October 1797. The combined efforts of JM and Monroe succeeded in eliminating from the final draft the call for impeaching members of the grand jury, and the petition was introduced into the House of Delegates on 19 December. Committed to a debate in a Committee of the Whole House on 27 December, it was postponed for a day. The resolution, which included a provision to print and distribute a thousand copies at public expense, was debated the next day and passed, 92\u201353 (Monroe to Jefferson, 20 Oct. 1797 [DLC: Jefferson Papers]; JHDVJournal of the House of Delegates of the\n          Commonwealth of Virginia, Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Richmond.\n        Volumes in this series are designated by the month in which the session began., Dec. 1797 [EvansCharles Evans, ed., American Bibliography \u2026\nThe resolution admonished the members of the grand jury but made no provision for action against them. The resolution was never passed on to the upper house for action, nor was an indictment ever returned against Cabell. But, although the matter sank out of sight when the furor over the XYZ affair erupted in the spring of 1798, the question of what constituted free speech would resurface during the continuing debate over the Alien and Sedition Acts.\n(Secondary sources used for this note: Malone, Jefferson and His TimeDumas Malone, Jefferson and His Time\n        (6 vols.; Boston, 1948\u201381)., 3:334\u201337; Beeman, The Old Dominion and the New Nation, pp. 170\u201372; Ammon, James Monroe, pp. 170\u201371; Cunningham, Circular Letters of Congressmen, 1:xxxvi\u2013xxxix; Adrienne Koch and Harry Ammon, \u201cThe Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: An Episode in Jefferson\u2019s and Madison\u2019s Defense of Civil Liberties,\u201d WMQWilliam and Mary Quarterly., 3d ser., 5 [1948]: 152\u201353; Leonard W. Levy, Emergence of a Free Press [New York, 1985], pp. 276\u201378.)\nTh: J. to J. M.Monticello Aug. 3. 97.\nI scribbled you a line on the 24th. Ult. It missed of the post and so went by a private hand. I perceive from yours by mr. Bringhurst that you had not recieved it. In fact it was only an earnest exhortation to come here with Munroe, which I still hope you will do. In the mean time I inclose you a letter from him, and wish your opinion on it\u2019s principal subject. The variety of other topics, the day I was with you, kept out of sight the letter to Mazzei imputed to me in the papers, the general substance of which is mine, tho\u2019 the diction has been considerably varied in the course of it\u2019s translations from English into Italian, from Italian into French & from French into English. I first met with it at Bladensburgh, and for a moment concieved I must take the field of the public papers: I could not disavow it wholly, because the greatest part was mine in substance tho\u2019 not in form. I could not avow it as it stood because the form was not mine, and in one place the substance very materially falsified. This then would render explanations necessary; nay it would render proofs of the whole necessary, & draw me at length into a publication of all (even the secret) transactions of the administration while I was of it; and embroil me personally with every member of the Executive, with the Judiciary, and with others still. I soon decided in my own mind to be entirely silent. I consulted with several friends at Philadelphia, who, every one of them, were clearly against my avowing or disavowing, & some of them conjured me most earnestly to let nothing provoke me to it. I corrected in conversation with them a substantial misrepresentation in the copy published. The original has a sentiment like this (for I have it not before me) \u2018they are endeavoring to submit us to the substance as they already have to the forms of the British government.\u2019 meaning by forms the birth-days, levees, processions to parliament, inauguration pomposities &c but the copy published says \u2019as they have already submitted us to the form of the British[\u2019] &c making me express hostility to the form of our government, that is to say to the constitution itself. For this is really the difference of the word form, used in the singular or plural in that phrase in the English language. Now it would be impossible for me to explain this publicly without bringing on a personal difference between Genl. Washington & myself, which nothing before the publication of this letter has ever done. It would embroil me also with all those with whom his character is still popular, that is to say nine tenths of the people of the US. And what good would be obtained by my avowing the letter with the necessary explanations? Very little indeed in my opinion to counterbalance a good deal of harm. From my silence in this instance it can never be inferred that I am afraid to own the general sentiments of the letter. If I am subject to either imputation it is to that of avowing such sentiments too frankly both in private & public, often when there is no necessity for it, merely because I disdain every thing like duplicity. Still however I am open to conviction. Think for me on the occasion and advise me what to do, and confer with Colo. Monroe on the subject. Let me entreat you again to come with him. There are other important things to consult on. One will be his affair. Another is the subject of the petition now inclosed you to be proposed to our district on the late presentment of our representative by the Grand jury. The idea it brings forward is still confined to my own breast. It has never been mentioned to any mortal, because I first wish your opinion on the expediency of the measure. If you approve it, I shall propose to P. Carr or some other to father it, and to present it to the counties at their General muster. This will be in time for our assembly. The presentment going in the public papers just at the moment when Congress was together produced a great effect both on it\u2019s friends & foes in that body, very much to the disheartening & mortification of the latter. I wish this petition, if approved, to arrive there under the same circumstance to produce the counter-effect so wanting for their gratification. I could have wished to recieve it from you again at our court on Monday, because P. Carr, & Wilson Nicholas will be there and might also be consulted and commence measures for putting it into motion. If you can return it then with your opinion and corrections it will be of importance. Present me affectionately to mrs. Madison & convey to her my intreaties to interpose her good offices & persuasives with you to bring her here, and before we uncover our house, which will yet be some weeks. Salutations & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0024", "content": "Title: \u201cSignora Catoni\u201d [Sarah McKean] to Dolley Madison, 3 August 1797 (Abstract)\nFrom: McKean, Sarah,\u201cSignora Catoni\u201d\nTo: Madison, Dolley Payne Todd\n3 August 1797, Philadelphia. Acknowledges letter of 23 June [not found]. \u201cIn the first place you ask me for a description of the Drawing room, I now hasten to give it you\u2014that we have none at all\u2014for that old what shall I call her\u2014with her hawks eyes, gave out that the weather was too warm, and it would affect her nerves, they must be very delicate of course, but I suppose we shall have it in full splendor in the fall: her, and her Caro sposa, accompanied by Miss Smith\u2014a neice of hers, and who I suppose will sett up for the Miss Custis of the place\u2014but there I defy her\u2014for she is not young, and confounded ugly, have sett of[f] a few days ago, for Boston, where I suppose they want to have a little fuss made with them for dear knows they have had none made here. But I must give you an anecdote about the elegance of his manners, and very great attention\u2014on the fourth of July, the foreign Ministers, the members of the Cincinata, and some few Members of Congress, waited on him in the morning, and he was so polite as to put his hat on\u2014before them, but after a little while he recollected himself and took it off\u2014and appeared quite frightned at his absence, some of the Gentleman were going to put theirs on also; in order to keep him company\u2014only they thought it too warm\u2014pray tell me now\u2014was ever our former President known to behave in that manner\u2014no you will say\u2014because he was a Gentleman.\u2026 There has been a confounded peice of work here lately with Blount\u2014and our Dear friend Robert List\u2013n, but before this time you must be acqua\u27e8in\u27e9ted with the particulars.\u2026 The Man Tim\u2014\u2014 Pick\u2014\u2014 has been behaving in a very devlish manner\u2014but our amiable friend the Chevalier\u2014has written a very excellent letter, address\u2019d to him and which gives Tim\u2014\u2014 a very good dose. It is allow\u2019d by every body to be exceedingly well written, and to contain the naked truth. Oh!\u2014you\u2014cannot have any idea what a noise it has made, some of the Timothy gang says he is worse than Genett, Fauchett, or Adett.\u2026 Mr. and Mrs Buckley\u2014Sally Wall that used to be\u2014has sett of[f] for Lisbon a few days ago\u2014and I should not be much astonish\u2019d if the Vessel was to sink, containing such a load of sin\u2014and impudence as Smith of S. C. on board\u2014who has gone as our Minister to Portugal\u2026. I received letters a few days ago\u2014from Anne\u2014and Polly\u2014they were handed me by the all killing all elegant and accomplish\u2019d Beau Dawson\u2014who strikes me dumb with Admiration whenever he appears\u2026. Your sincere and affectionate friend\u2014Signora Catoni. I dont venture to put any other name as there is something of the nature of treason contain\u2019d in my letter.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0025", "content": "Title: From James Madison to John Dawson, ca. 3 August 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Dawson, John\nLetter not found. Ca. 3 August 1797. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 13 Aug. 1797. Gives opinion on the Blount conspiracy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0031", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Volney, 12 [September] 1797\nFrom: Volney, Constantin Fran\u00e7ois Chasseboeuf, Comte de\nTo: Madison, James\nFredericksbourg, Mardi 12. [September 1797] \u00e0 Midi\nJ\u2019ai L\u2019honneur de pr\u00e9senter \u00e0 Mr Madison mes remerciemens: je Suis arriv\u00e9 ce Matin \u00e0 9\u00bd h ayant couch\u00e9 chez getwood: Samuel se trouve en etat de repartir de suite pour retourner Coucher au M\u00eame lieu, en sorte que j\u2019esp\u00e8re qu\u2019il Sera demain rendu pour diner\u2014je prie Mr Madison de pr\u00e9senter Mes complimens a Sa famille, et d\u2019agreer mes tr\u00e8s humbles civilit\u00e9s\nC Volney.\nN. b. la lettre de Mlle Baynton a \u00e9t\u00e9 remise \u00e0 Mr Blair par Mo\u00efm\u00eame.\nTranslation\nFredericksburg, Tuesday, 12 [September 1797], at noon\nI have the honor of presenting my thanks to Mr. Madison. I arrived this morning at 9:30 having passed the night at Gatewood\u2019s. Samuel is ready to return immediately in order to pass the night in the same place, so that I hope he will be back tomorrow in time for dinner. I pray Mr. Madison to present my compliments to his family and to accept my humble regards.\nC. Volney\nN. B. Miss Baynton\u2019s letter was given to Mr. Blair by me personally.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0032", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Montesquieu, 12 September 1797\nFrom: Montesquieu\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 12 September 1797. Calendared as a three-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2); however, no correspondence has been located between JM and Charles Louis, baron de Montesquieu (1749\u20131824), grandson of the famous French philosopher.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0033", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Francis Taylor, 17 September 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Taylor, Francis\nDear Sir.Sepr. 17. 97\nIn compliance with my promise I have written the inclosed letter to the Secretary of the Treasury. You will observe that it has not so much of an exclusive & specific reference to the office of Collector as of a general one to that line of appointments. This mode of recommendation was preferred for two reasons; the one, because it has been usual to promote to vacancies, the officers next in grade & salary where no particular objections forbid; and a pointed recommendation to the office of Collector, might have the appearance of an indirect & indelicate interference agst. the officer expecting it as of course; of whom I have no personal acquaintance, & agst. whom no such objections are known to me: The other, because I think it eligible for your nephew to present himself as willing to step into whatever vacancy really acceptable, may be tendered to him, rather than to confine his pretensions to that of the Collectorship. As I may not however be possessed of all the circumstances of the case, I leave the letter open for your perusal, that your own judgment may decide, whether it should be sent immediately to Mr. W. or go in the first instance to Mr. T. at Norfolk, to be forwarded or not according to his judgment of its tenor. In either case you will be kind eno to have it put into the post office, & in the former case, to take a copy for your Nephew as desired 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0035", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Glassell, 21 September 1797\nFrom: Glassell, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear SirFredg. 21st. Septr. 1797\nAltho from our differnt avocations we are not in the habit of corresponding I shall use the freedom of asking you to do me a favor which from its nature, is only just. Mr. Francis Taylor, who was the deputy of Major Wm. Lyndsay \u201clate collector of the Port Norforlk [sic] for many years past\u201d offers himself as a candidite for that Office, in rotation. The Government will pay Much Attention to any thing you may say in his favor. I therefore hope you will recommend him as far as his character shall be establishd in Your opinion by the Vouchers he can produce. This town or rather the Merchants of Rappahannock have had much business at the Norfolk Naval Office during this Gentlemans agency when Major Lindsys health renderd him unfit for duty, and to my Knowledge he has acquitted himself to their entire satisfaction. This being the case, and his accounts being found clear and due payment Made to the treasury, and his serving also an Appretencship to the business, \u201can useless one indeed unless he expected promotion and a business no one wou\u2019d otherwise qualify themselves for,\u201d will I hope induce a Man of your known integrity to give him every aid which is in your Power; Add to this Mr. Taylor is engaged matrimonially to Mr. Lindsys eldest Daughter, and will of Course be the Guardian of a Numrous worthy helpless family. Present my most respectful Compliments to your Lady Father, Mother & family. I am very sincerely Dear Sir Your Mo. O. S\nWm. Glassell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0036", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 24 September 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear SirAlbemarle Sepr. 24. 1797\nSince my return I have devoted all the leasure time I have had in preparing my narrative for Mr. Bache but yet it is not finished. I suppose I have yet abt. a 3d. to do, which I hope to complete this week. The whole when completed will make a pamphlet of between thirty & forty pages. It has cost me much trouble on acct. of the necessity of observing great accuracy in facts, dates, &ca. Of the correspondence I have abt. 250. pages from Bache who is going on with the residue at the rate of abt. 40. pr. week. The whole will I presume make a vol: of near 400. pages. I wish you to come up in the course of the week when most convenient to you. We beg you also to make our best respects to Mrs. Madison & request her to accompany you, or rather that she be accompanied by you. We will be very happy to see her provided she can submit to our accomodatn. of wh. you can give an acct., being an upper room in one of our offices, there being no additional room as you supposed. But we will do all in our power to make it tolerable. Our best respects to yr. father & family. Sincerely I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0037", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Stephen Moylan, 27 September 1797\nFrom: Moylan, Stephen\nTo: Madison, James\nLetter not found. 27 September 1797. Mentioned in Moylan to JM, 25 Apr. 1798. Moylan refuses to continue as JM\u2019s tenant if property taxes are added to the rent.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0040", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Law, 18 October 1797\nFrom: Law, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nSir.Washington City Octor 18th 1797.\nFor particular reasons (a chief one is that I have a claim for 10000 \u00a3 Stg now pending in England) altho\u2019 I am married to a Virginian Lady & have almost the whole of my fortune vested in America, I am adverse to taking the oath required to entitle me to the rights of Citizenship. I therefore wish to hold lands in Virginia as a foreigner & to request your advice & aid if you approve of my petitioning the legislature.\nPensylvania has flourished by the introduction of foreign capitals & by the emigrants who promote agriculture & manufactures & open roads dig Canals & increase industry & consequently prosperity.\nIn New York the State has not granted a general permission, but foreigners upon petitioning obtain an Act without difficulty to hold lands & shortly after my arrival there a gentleman gave me a Petition to sign & leave was immediately granted to me & I bought lands which I wish to sell or to exchange for other land in Virginia, as the latter will be more under my inspection & as I have a plan to settle Mrs Laws slaves on a tract to work out their freedom.\nIt were presumption in me to expatiate upon the political consequences to result from encouraging Europeans to settle in Virginia, because I cannot be so fully acquainted with the various arguments that m[a]y arise; one I have heard is that a European will benefit by buying the land, but surely that jealous objection would go to selling of tobacco flour &ca. Another more specious objection is, that they might influence elections, but what interest can a foreigner possess difft. from that of the State\u2014& how very few comparatively would hold Lands. The object of a purchaser would be to improve his estate by emigrants & by roads buildings &ca. I conceive that Virginia should particularly adopt every method to introduce more whites & if possible to diminish the blacks, whereas an enemy to America once exultingly told me that the blacks multiplied faster than the whites & that if the French got a footing to the Southward their first step would be to proclaim freedom to the Negroes & thus bloodshed & anarchy would ensue. If emigrants were fixed to the Westward would they not combat against Indians & Negroes? But I forbear to digress. My friends\u2014in India are looking to this Country for quiet & security, but I cannot now purchase a tract of land for any one in Virginia & must therefore look towards the Mississippi. I have known some foreigners lately take the old simple oath of allegiance to the United States & hold lands in Virginia without forswearing for ever their King & Country according to the New Oath, & I have heard of some who have taken the ne\u27e8w\u27e9 oath as a mere matter of form & assert that they are still subjects of the king of Great Britain. I despise evasions & therefore desire openly to hold lands as a foreigner & I apply to you for advice & aid because my mind does not suggest any solid reason against the adoption of the proposed measure to allow it on Petition. With particular Compts. to Mrs Maddison I remain yr mt faithful & obt St\nThomas Law", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0041", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 October 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear SirOctobr. 19. 1797\nI have recd yours of the 15th. and according to its request inclose back the pamphlet to Mr. Jefferson. I have looked over attentively the parts of it which regard you. It does not seem to me to present any ground on which you could resume the controversy with Col. H. with an appearance either of obligation or propriety. All the points deserving attention which grew out of the course of the correspondence, as well as incident to the original state of the case between you seem to have been brought to a final close.\nOur Court day is on the 23d. not 25th. viz on Monday next, when we expect the pleasure of seeing Mr Dawson, and shall be happy if you persevere in your idea of taking advantage of the opportunity for falling in with him. Mrs. M. unites her best respects with those which I beg you to accept & to tender 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0042", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 October 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear SirOctr. 20. 1797\nI recd the inclosed pamphlet from Col. Monroe with a request that it might be returned to you. The publication under all its characters is a curious specimen of the ingenious folly of its author. Next to the error of publishing at all, is that of forgetting that simplicity & candor are the only dress which prudence would put on innocence. Here we see every rhetorical artifice employed to excite the spirit of party to prop up his sinking reputation, and whilst the most exaggerated complaints are uttered agst. the unfair & virulent persecutions of himself, he deals out in every page the most malignant insinuations, agst. others. The one agst. you is a masterpiece of folly, because its impotence is in exact proportion to its venom. Along with the pamphlet is inclosed a letter which you will be good eno\u2019 to have delivered by an early opportunity. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0043", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear SirOrange Octr. 25. 97.\nI am placed under circumstances which make it proper I should inform you that Mr. Knapp of Philada. is a candidate for the office of Treasr. to the Mint, vacated by the death of Dr. Way, and is particularly anxious that you should be possessed of that fact, and of the testimony I may be able to give as to his qualifications & character. During several of the last Winters I spent in Phida. Mr. K. was a near neighbour, and a familiar intercourse prevailed between our families. I really believe him to be a worthy man, & the line of life he has been in supports the character he bears, of being skilful in the sort of business he aspires to. If you should be invited by any opportunity to say as much to the quarter from which appts. issue, it will be highly acceptable to Mr. K. and ought to be so to me. I have however intimated to him, that I did not expect that your opinion in any way would be asked, & that it would not be proper for you to give it unasked. It is astonishing that it does not occur in these cases that the patronage of those whose politics are adverse to the politics of the administration is more likely to be of injury than service to the suitors for office.\nWe just have the pleasure of learning that an event has taken place in your family which calls for our joint & warmest congratulations, which we beg you to make acceptable to all to whom the\u27e8y\u27e9 are due. Yrs. truly\nJs. M. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0045", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Mussi, [ca. December] 1797\nFrom: Mussi, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nSirThursday afternoon [ca. December 1797]\nI found on my desk yesterday your memorandum, & agreable to your request I\u2019ill make an estimation of the mentioned marble work, but not so accurate as I, & probably you would wish. The quality of Stone, & kind of ornaments are first to be fixed upon; white Statuary marble, as my Chemney pce. is dearer than Common marble with veins, as the slabs in my yard; ornaments of oriental alabaster, porphiry, or granit are exceedingly high, such Stones being rare, & very hard, but any work of Common white alabaster is Cheap; this Stone is very tender, & in abundance in Italy.\nTwo Jams, a frontispiece with Base, & a Top are the four usual parts\nComposing a Chemney piece,\nwhich of regular\ndimensions\nof white\nstatuary marble\nlarge size, plain,\nmay be valued at\nof Common\ndo.\ndo.\ndo.\nof do.\ndo.\nSmall Size\ndo.\nof white statuary marble large Size ornamented\nAny inlaid work of Coloured handsome marble make an addition from 50. to 100. drs. & of porphiry, Granit, or other hard stones an addition from 200. to 600. dollrs. or more according to the Sculpture of it.\nEarth stones abt. 5. feet long, 20. inches wide of white Statuary marble may be valued at drs. 30., & of Common marble drs. 15. The above is the nearest Calculation I Can make for said articles delivered at Alexandria.\nI think a frontispiece 2\u2154 feet high to be out of proportion, & won\u2019t look well, though our Carpenters, or joiners here are used to that dimension. The frontispiece, Base, & top of \u27e8my\u27e9 Chemney piece, which is a Compleat & elegant perform\u27e8anc\u27e9e done at Rome, only measures 13. inches high.\nIt is also difficult to be accurate in Stating by what time said articles Could be delivered at Alexandria. Our navigation with the mediterranean being not free, opportys. are scarse, irregular, & not much to be depended upon during the hostilities in Europe. I should think the articles may arrive in about 10. months from the time that the order is sent from here\u2014no appearance of a Sooner arrival, & a great probability of longer delay by the present Circumstances.\nI Shall be glad to serve you in this, & any other occasion. You may depend, that any of yr. orders will be forwarded with punctuality, & the execution particularly recommended to my friends as to procure you entire satisfaction. I am with true regard Sir your most obedt. Servt.\nJos. Mussi", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0046", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 10 December 1797\nFrom: Dawson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir!Phia. Decemr. 10. 1797.\nSince my return to this place I have delayd to write to you from a hope that I shoud have it in my power to communicate something new or interesting.\nIn congress we move on very harmoniously & do very little. The report of the committee on Blounts affair producd some long faces, & shewd that it was not a French plot with Mr. Jefferson at the bottom, as has been industriously circulated in the eastern states. The papers are now in the press, & when acted on will probably cause some agi[ta]tion. Hammond, the former minister to this country, has arrivd in the packet at Newyork\u2014for what purpose is not known\u2014some suppose to displace Liston\u2014this I doubt.\nOur commrs. have been well recievd at Paris & there is reason to believe that matters will be adjusted with the F. republic. Altho singular in the opinion, I cannot help thinking that the late change in that country, will prove fortunate to the United States. The present Directory, & both councils, having purgd. their country of priests, emigrants, & royalists will probably feel friendly towards republicks, especially if thereby they strengthen themselves & the principles which they support\u2014add to this, the continuance of the war, which now seems certain\u2014it is likely that Russia & Turkey will become parties & opponents. The defection of several of the German states from the empire, and the discontented Poles, will add to the strength of France, while the rapidly encreasing debt, & the ruind commerce of England must destroy her. Present me to your lady & the family. I have recievd from Mr. Tazewell three letters, & deliverd them agreeably to their directions. With much esteem Your friend & Sert\nJ Dawson\nAt night.\nI have reason to suspect that the account of Hammonds arrival is not true.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0048", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 December 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear SirDecr. 17. 97\nAs I do not send expressly to the post Office on the return of the Mail from Charlottesville your favor of the 10th. did not get to hand in time to be answered on friday last. It is perfectly convenient for me to furnish a draft on Philada. having kept the little fund there as an appropriation to your use. The bill I offered you for 250 dollars was delivered to Mr. Jefferson with a view to go in payment of his advance or otherwise as you should direct. As I shall soon be able to cover that in another way if you chuse it to be covered by me at all rather than in another mode which I think you seemed to prefer you may draw on him immediately for the 250 dollars. I inclose another draft for 200 dollars which I hope you will be able also to turn into an accomodation. These two sums I hope will keep you alive till I can make out the balance, which I am anxious to do, in order to appease my own mind for so culpable a delay.\nI have not recd. a line from Philada. on the subject of the Speech, or indeed on any other. To me no explanation of the phenomenon is necessary, having been on the ground for observing the progressive apostacy from the principles of our Revolution & Governments, which marked the period of your absence. If events should not be unpropitious to the Monarchichal party, you may prepare yourself for still more wonderful indications of its spirit & views. Those who tolerate at present the fashionable sentiments, will soon be ready to embrace & avow them. The Active characters who promoted Mr. A. to his station, knowing him to be what he is, can not at bottom have been much averse to his political tenets, and will find in the spirit of party & in personal attachments & animosities, sufficient motives to go all lengths with him. Let us hope however that the tide of evil is nearly at its flood, and that it will ebb back to the true mark which it has overpassed.\nMrs. M. as well as myself would be very happy to pass a few days with you & Mrs. Monroe, being not discouraged by the picture you give of your Offices. But we are under an engagement to make a visit to our sister near Richmond, on which she will set out the last of this week. I shall not follow for 8 or 10 days & it will give me the sincerest pleasure, if I can in that interval ride up, but the cause of my not accompanying her, will I fear, put it out of my power. I expect some workmen who are to be put into a plan of business which will keep them employed till our return from below. Mrs. M. offers her love to Mrs. Monroe, in which the family desire to be joined. Believe me dear Sir Yr sincere friend & sert.\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0049", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear SirOrange Decr. 25. 1797\nI have let Col. Monroe know that you was furnished with a draught on a House in Philada. for 250 drs. & finding that it would be convenient to him, have authorised him to draw on you for that sum. I have also given him a draught on Genl. Moylan, of which the inclosed is a letter of advice. I reserve the note of Bailey towards covering the advance made by you, unless it should be otherwise settled by Col. Monroe & yourself, as he intimated a desire that it might be. Perhaps it wd. save delay & trouble to Mr. B. if you should find a convenient opportunity to drop a hint to his friend Van Cortland that the note was in your hand; as it is more than probable he may be the channel of taking it up.\nAccording to the bill of nails given in by the Workman I shall want from your Nailory, 50,000 sixes, 3,000. eights, 20,000 tens, 5,000 twentys, & 12,000 flooring Brads. I shall also want 50,000. fours for lathing, 4,000 sprigs sixes, & 3,000 do. eights. You can inform me whether these are also made at your shops, or whether it would be better to get them in Philada. I shall write as you suggested to Col. Bell; but it may not be amiss for you to confirm the orders for having the supply prepared for me, according to the above list.\nWe have had a great proportion of cold weather since you passed us. The Thermr. however has not been lower than 10\u00b0. It was at this point, on the morning of the 21st. instant. The drought also is equal to the cold. Within the last 31 days the fall of water has been but 1\u00bc inches only. Of snow there has been none. This cold & dry spell succeeding the dry fall & late seeding, gives to the Wheat fields the worst of appearances.\nYou will not expect political occurrences from this quarter. The objects of enquiry here are Liston\u2019s Plot\u2014the envoyship to France, and Monroe\u2019s publication. The delay of this last occasions some surprize. I observe that the President, has laid hold of t\u27e8he\u27e9 late endemic [sic] at the seat of Govt. as an occasion for getting the prerogative of prorouging the Legislature. Fortunately the Constitution has provided an important barrier in this case, by requiring a session at least within every year. But still the power may in unforeseen emergencies, be made an instrument of party or of usurpation; & it is to be hoped will not therefore be granted. I have not examined it in a constitutional view, but that also merits Attention. Ambition is so vigilant, and where it has a model always in view as in the present case, is so prompt in seizing its advantages, that it can not be too closely watched, or too vigorously checked.\nWhen you do me the favor to write, let your letters leave Philada. in the mail of friday morning. They will then come without any halt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0054-0003", "content": "Title: II. Extract and Commentary Printed in the Paris Moniteur, [25 January 1797]\nFrom: \nTo: \n                        Notre \u00e9tat politique a prodigieusement chang\u00e9 depuis que vous nous avez quitt\u00e9. Au lieu de ce noble amour de la libert\u00e9 et de ce gouvernement r\u00e9publicain, qui nous ont fait passer triomphans \u00e0 travers les dangers de la guerre, un parti anglicain-monarchico-aristocratique s\u2019est \u00e9lev\u00e9. Son objet avou\u00e9 est de nous imposer la substance, comme il nous a d\u00e9j\u00e0 donn\u00e9 les formes du gouvernement britannique; cependant le corps principal de nos citoyens reste fidele aux principes r\u00e9publicains. Tous les propri\u00e9taires fonciers sont pour ces principes, ainsi qu\u2019une grande masse d\u2019hommes \u00e0 talens. Nous avons contre nous (r\u00e9publicains) le pouvoir ex\u00e9cutif, le pouvoir judiciaire, (deux des trois branches de la l\u00e9gislature) tous les officiers du gouvernement, tous ceux qui aspirent \u00e0 l\u2019\u00eatre, tous les hommes timides qui pr\u00e9ferent le calme du despotisme \u00e0 la mer orageuse de la libert\u00e9, les marchands bretons, et les am\u00e9ricains qui trafiquent avec des capitaux bretons, les sp\u00e9culateurs, les gens int\u00e9ress\u00e9s dans la banque et dans les fonds publics. (Etablissemens invent\u00e9s dans des vues de corruption, et pour nous assimiler au modele britannique dans ses parties pourries.)\n                        Je vous donnerais la fievre si je vous nommais les apostats qui ont embrass\u00e9 ces h\u00e9r\u00e9sies, des hommes qui \u00e9taient des Salomons dans le conseil, et des Samsons dans les combats, mais dont la chevelure a \u00e9t\u00e9 coup\u00e9e par la catin Angleterre.\n                        On voudrait nous ravir cette libert\u00e9 que nous avons gagn\u00e9e par tant de travaux et de dangers. Mais nous la conserverons; notre masse de poids et de richesse est trop grande pour que nous ayons \u00e0 craindre qu\u2019on tente d\u2019employer la force contre nous. Il suffit que nous nous r\u00e9veillons, et que nous rompions les liens lilliputiens dont ils nous ont garrott\u00e9s pendant le premier sommeil qui a succ\u00e9d\u00e8 \u00e0 nos travaux. II suffit que nous arr\u00eations les progres de ce syst\u00eame d\u2019ingratitude et d\u2019injustice envers la France de qui on voudrait nous ali\u00e9ner pour nous rendre \u00e0 l\u2019influence britannique, etc.\n                        Cette int\u00e9ressante lettre, d\u2019un des citoyens les plus vertueux et les plus \u00e9clair\u00e9s des Etats-Unis, explique la conduite des Am\u00e9ricains \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard de la France. II est certain que de toutes les puissances neutres et amies, il n\u2019en est aucune de qui la France f\u00fbt en droit d\u2019attendre plus d\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat et de secours que des Etats-Unis. Elle est leur v\u00e9ritable mere Patrie, puisqu\u2019elle a assur\u00e9 leur libert\u00e9 et leur ind\u00e9pendance. En fils reconnaissans, loin de l\u2019abandonner, ils devaient s\u2019armer pour sa d\u00e9fense.  Mais si des circonstances imp\u00e9rieuses les emp\u00eachaient de se d\u00e9clarer ouvertement pour la R\u00e9publique Fran\u00e7aise, ils devaient du moins faire des d\u00e9monstrations, et laisser craindre \u00e0 l\u2019Angleterre que d\u2019un moment \u00e0 l\u2019autre ils pourraient se d\u00e9clarer. Cette crainte seule aurait suffi pour forcer le cabinet de Londres \u00e0 faire la paix. Il est en effet \u00e9vident que la guerre avec les Etats-Unis portait les coups les plus sensibles au commerce des Anglais, leur donnait des inquietudes pour la conservation de leurs domaines du continent am\u00e9ricain, et leur \u00f4tait les moyens de faire la conqu\u00eate des colonies fran\u00e7aises et hollandaises.\n                        Aussi ingrat que mauvais politique, le congr\u00e8s s\u2019est h\u00e2t\u00e9 de rassurer les Anglais, afin qu\u2019ils pussent poursuivre tranquillement leur guerre d\u2019extermination contre la France, et envahir les colonies et le commerce d\u2019Angleterre. II envoya \u00e0 Londres un ministre, M. Jay, connu par son attachement \u00e0 l\u2019Angleterre et par ses relations personnelles avec lord Grenville, et il conclut \u00e0 la h\u00e2te un trait\u00e9 de commerce qui l\u2019unissait \u00e0 la Grande-Bretagne, plus qu\u2019un trait\u00e9 d\u2019alliance.\n                        Un pareil trait\u00e9, dans les circonstances o\u00f9 il a \u00e9t\u00e9 fait, et par les suites qu\u2019il devait avoir, est un acte d\u2019hostilit\u00e9 envers la France. Le gouvernement frangais a pu enfin en t\u00e9moigner le ressentiment de la Nation Fran\u00e7aise, et il l\u2019a fait en rompant toute communication avec un alli\u00e9 ingrat et infidele, jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce qu\u2019il revienne \u00e0 une conduite plus juste et plus bienveillante. La justice et la saine politique approuvent \u00e9galement cette d\u00e9marche du gouvernement fran\u00e7ais. II n\u2019est pas douteux qu\u2019elle donnera lieu, dans les Etats-Unis, \u00e0 des discussions qui peuvent faire triompher le parti des bons r\u00e9publicains, des amis de la France.\n                        Quelques \u00e9crivains, pour d\u00e9sapprouver cette mesure sage et n\u00e9cessaire du directoire, soutiennent que dans les Etats-Unis, les Fran\u00e7ais n\u2019ont pour partisans que des d\u00e9magogues qui voudraient renverser le gouvernement actuel. Mais leurs impudens mensonges de persuadent personne, et ne prouvent seulement, ce qui n\u2019est que trop \u00e9vident, qu\u2019ils se servent de la libert\u00e9 de la presse pour servir les ennemis de la 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0054-0004", "content": "Title: III. Extract and Commentary Printed in the New York Minerva, [2 May 1797]\nFrom: \nTo: \n                        \u201cOur political situation is prodigiously changed since you left us. Instead of that noble love of liberty, and that republican government, which carried us triumphantly thro the dangers of the war, an Anglo-Monarchico-Aristocratic party has arisen.\u2014Their avowed object is to impose on us the substance, as they have already given us the form, of the British government. Nevertheless, the principal body of our citizens remain faithful to republican principles. All our proprietors of lands are friendly to those principles, as also the mass of men of talents. We have against us (republicans) the Executive Power, the Judiciary Power, (two of the three branches of our government) all the officers of government, all who are seeking offices, all timid men who prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty, the British merchants and the Americans who trade on British capitals, the speculators, persons interested in the bank and the public funds. [Establishments invented with views of corruption, and to assimilate us to the British model in its corrupt parts.]\n                        \u201cI should give you a fever, if I should name the apostates who have embraced these heresies; men who were Solomons in council, and Sampsons in combat, but whose hair has been cut off by the whore England. [In the original, par la catin Angleterre, probably alluding to the woman\u2019s cutting off the hair of Sampson, and his loss of strength thereby.]\n                        \u201cThey would wrest from us that liberty which we have obtained by so much labor and peril; but we shall preserve it. Our mass of weight and riches is so powerful, that we have nothing to fear from any attempt against us by force. It is sufficient that we guard ourselves, and that we break the lilliputian ties by which they have bound us, in the first slumbers which succeeded our labors. It suffices that we arrest the progress of that system of ingratitude and injustice towards France, from which they would alienate us, to bring us under British influence, &c.\u201d\n                        Thus far the letter; to which are subjoined, in the French paper, the following remarks:\n                        \u201cThis interesting letter from one of the most virtuous and enlightened citizens of the United States, explains the conduct of the Americans in regard to France. It is certain that of all the neutral and friendly powers, there is none from which France had a right to expect more interest and succours than from the United States. She is their true mother country, since she has assured to them their liberty and independence.\u2014Ungrateful children, instead of abandoning her, they ought to  have armed in her defense. But if imperious circumstances had prevented them from openly declaring for the Republic of France, they ought at least to have made demonstrations and excited apprehensions in England, that at some moment or other they should declare themselves. This fear alone would have been sufficient to force the cabinet of London to make peace. It is clear that a war with the United States would strike a terrible blow at the commerce of the English, would give them uneasiness for the preservation of their possessions on the American continent, and deprive them of the means of conquering the French and Dutch colonies.\n                        Equally ungrateful and impolitic, the Congress hastens to encourage the English, that they might pursue in tranquility their war of extermination against France and to invade the Colonies and the commerce of England.* They sent to London a minister, Mr. Jay, known by his attachment to England, and his personal relations to Lord Grenville, and he concluded suddenly a treaty of Commerce which united them with Great Britain, more than a treaty of alliance.\n                        Such a treaty, under all the peculiar circumstances, and by the consequences, which it must produce, is an act of hostility against France. The French government in front has testified the resentment of the French nation, by breaking off communication with an ungrateful and faithless ally, untill she shall return to a more just and benevolent conduct. Justice and sound policy equally approve this measure of the French government. There is no doubt it will give rise, in the United States, to discussions which may afford a triumph to the party of good republicans, the friends of France.\n                        Some writers, in disapprobation of this wise and necessary measure of the directory, maintain that in the United States, the French have for partizans only certain demagogues who aim to overthrow the existing government. But their imprudent falsehoods convince no one, and prove only what is too evident, that they use the liberty of the press, to serve the enemies of France.\u201d\n                        [The foregoing letter wears all the external marks of authenticity. And yet it seems hardly possible an American could be capable of writing such a letter. As the letter is circulating in Europe, we deem it just, if a forgery, to give Mr. Jefferson an opportunity to disavow 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0196-0002", "content": "Title: I. To James Madison, 1 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                        Yours of Dec. 19. has come safely. The event of the election has never been a matter of doubt in my mind. I knew that the Eastern states were disciplined in the schools of their town meetings to sacrifice differences of opinion to the great object of operating in phalanx, and that the more free and moral agency practised in the other states would always make up the supplement of their weight. Indeed the vote comes much nearer an equality than I had expected. I know the difficulty of obtaining belief to one\u2019s declarations of a disinclination to honors, and that it is greatest with those who still remain in the world. But no arguments were wanting to reconcile me to a relinquishment of the first office or acquiescence under the second. As to the first it was impossible that a more solid unwillingness settled on full calculation, could have existed in any man\u2019s mind, short of the degree of absolute refusal. The only view on which I would have gone into it for a while was to put our vessel on her republican tack before she should be thrown too much to leeward of her true principles. As to the second, it is the only office in the world about which I am unable to decide in my own mind whether I had rather have it or not have it. Pride does not enter into the estimate; for I think with the Romans that the General of to-day should be a soldier tomorrow if necessary. I can particularly have no feelings which would revolt at a  secondary position to Mr. Adams. I am his junior in life, was his junior in Congress, his junior in the diplomatic line, his junior lately in our civil government. Before the receipt of your letter I had written the inclosed one to him. I had intended it some time, but had deferred it from time to time under the discoragement of a despair of making him believe I could be sincere in it. The papers by the last post not rendering it necessary to change any thing in the letter I inclose it open for your perusal, not only that you may possess the actual state of dispositions between us, but that if any thing should render the delivery of it ineligible in your opinion, you may return it to me. If Mr. Adams can be induced to administer the government on it\u2019s true principles, and to relinquish his bias to an English constitution, it is to be considered whether it would not be on the whole for the public good to come to a good understanding with him as to his future elections. He is perhaps the only sure barrier against Hamilton\u2019s getting in.\n                        Since my last I have recieved a packet of books and pamphlets, the choiceness of which testifies that they come from you. The Incidents of Hamilton\u2019s insurrection is a curious work indeed. The hero of it exhibits himself in all the attitudes of a dexterous balance master.\n                        The Political progress is a work of value and of a singular complexion. The eye of the author seems to be a natural achromatic, which divests every object of the glare of colour. The preceding work under the same title had the same merit. One is disgusted indeed with the ulcerated state which it presents of the human mind: but to cure an ulcer we must go to it\u2019s bottom: and no writer has ever done this more radically than this one. The reflections into which he leads one are not flattering to our species. In truth I do not recollect in all the Animal kingdom a single species but man which is eternally and systematically engaged in the destruction of it\u2019s own species. What is called civilization seems to have no other effect on him than to teach him to pursue the principle of bellum omnium in omnia on a larger scale, and in place of the little contests of tribe against tribe, to engage all the quarters of the earth in the same work of destruction. When we add to this that as to the other species of animals, the lions and tygers are mere lambs compared with man as a destroyer, we must conclude that it is in man alone that Nature has been able to find a sufficient barrier against the too great multiplication of other animals and of man himself, an equilibriating power against the fecundity of generation. My situation points my views chiefly to his wars in the physical world: yours perhaps exhibit him as equally warring in the Moral one. We both, I believe, join in wishing to see him softened. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0198", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 4 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Stuart, Archibald\n                    In answer to your favor of Dec. 31. and to the question whether adviseable to address the President on the subject of war against France, I shall speak explicitly, because I know I may do it safely to you. Such is the popularity of the President that the people will support him in whatever he will do, or will not do, without appealing to their own reason or to any thing but their feelings towards him: his mind had been so long used to unlimited applause that it could not brook contradiction, or even advice offered unasked. To advice, when asked, he is very open. I have long thought therefore it was best for the republican interest to soothe him by flattery where they could approve his measures, and to be silent where they disapprove, that they may not render him desperate as to their affections, and entirely indifferent to their wishes; in short, to lie on their oars while he remains at the helm, and let the bark drift as his will and a superintending providence shall direct. By his answer to the House of Representatives on the subject of the French war, and also by private information, it seems he is earnest that the war should be avoided, and to have the credit of leaving us in full peace. I think then it is best to leave him to his own movements, and not to risk the ruffling them by what he might deem an improper interference with the constituted  authorities. The rather too because we do not hear of any movement in any other quarter concurrent with what you suggest, and because it would scarcely reach him before his departure from office. As to the President elect, there is reason to believe that he (Mr. Adams I mean) is detached from Hamilton, and there is a possibility he may swerve from his politics in a greater or less degree. Should the British faction attempt to urge him to the war by addresses of support with life and fortune, as may happen, it would then be adviseable to counteract their endeavors by dissuasive addresses. At this moment therefore, and at our distance from the scene of information and influence, I should think it most adviseable to be silent till we see what turn the new administration will take. At the same time I mix so little with the world, that my opinion merits less attention than any body\u2019s else, and ought not to be weighed against your own good judgment. If therefore I have given it freely, it is because you have desired it, and not because I think it worth your notice.\n                    My information from Philadelphia confirms the opinion I gave you as to the event of the election. Mr. Adams will have a majority of three votes with respect to myself, and whether Mr. Pinckney will have a few more or less than him seems uncertain. The votes of N.H., R.I. and Vermont had not come in, nor those of Georgia and the two Western states.\n                    You shall recieve a gong by the first conveyance. It is but fair reciprocity to give me an opportunity of gratifying you sometimes, and to prove, by accepting this, that my repeated intrusions on you have not been too troublesome. It is a great satisfaction to know that the object will be acceptable to you. With every wish for your happiness I am dear Sir Your affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0199", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the American Philosophical Society, 7 January 1797\nFrom: American Philosophical Society\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    We have the Pleasure of informing You, that, at the annual Election of Officers of the American Philosophical Society for promoting useful Knowledge, held at Philadelphia, on the 6th. Instant, You were chosen President of that respectable Institution.\n                    The Society, Sir, cannot soon forget the Loss they sustained by the Death of the late worthy and ingenious D. Rittenhouse; but, after expressing their grief on this melancholy Occasion, they look forward with this consoling Reflection, That, in the same Chair, from which two American Philosophers have, successively, instructed them, and the World, a Third is now seated; by whose Genius and Knowledge, our National Name will preserve a distinguished Place in the Annals of Science.\n                    Permit us, Sir, on this Occasion, to express our Satisfaction in this pleasing Event; and, in being the Organs by which the Society announce their Choice. We are, With sentiments of the highest Esteem & Respect Sir, Your obedient Servants,\n                        Secretaries of the American Philosoph. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0200", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 8 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                    Yours of Dec. 25. is safely recieved. I much fear the issue of the present dispositions of France and Spain. Whether it be in war or in the suppression of our commerce it will be very distressing and our commerce seems to be already sufficiently distressed through the wrongs of the belligerent nations and our own follies. It was impossible the bank and paper-mania should not produce great and extensive ruin. The President is fortunate to get off just as the bubble is bursting, leaving others to hold the bag. Yet, as his departure will mark the moment when the difficulties begin to work, you will see, that they will be ascribed to the new administration, and that he will have his usual good fortune of reaping credit from the good acts of others, and leaving to them that of his errors.\u2014We apprehend our wheat is almost entirely killed: and many people are expecting to put something else in the ground. I have so little expectations from mine, that as much as I am an enemy to tobacco, I shall endeavor to make some for taxes and clothes. In the morning of the 23d. of Dec. my thermometer was 5\u00b0. below 0. and the 24th. it was at 0. On the 26th. of Nov. 22d. of Dec. and this morning it was at 12\u00b0. above 0. The last day of Dec. we had a snow 1 1/2 I. deep and the 4th. of this month one of 3. I. deep which is still on the ground. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0201", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have received your favor of the 17 ult. The election is not likely to terminate in the equilibrium of votes for which the Constitution has not provided. If the Vermont votes should be valid as is now generally supposed, Mr. Adams will have 71. and you 68. Pinkney being in the rear of both. It is to be hoped that the nicety and in truth the unpropitious casualty, of the choice of Mr. A. will lessen the evil of such an ostensible protest by this Country against Republicanism. Your acceptance of a share in the administration will not fail to aid this tendency. It is suggested to me that it will be necessary for you to be here before the adjournment of Congs. in order to be qualified. I have not examined the Constitution and the law on this subject. You will have the means of  doing both and of deciding on the question. Altho\u2019 I am sensible of the inconveniency of such a trip at this season of the year, yet I see so many advantages likely to result from it that I can not help wishing it may be found necessary. If you can not qualify elsewhere, you must come of course, that the danger of an interregnum may be provided against. The expence would be no objection; and is besides balanced by the effect of the qualification in settling the date of the compensation.\n                    The special communication from the President, on our affairs with France is not yet made. The gloom over them is in no respect diminished. Not a word from Monroe, or any other quarter, relating to his recall; or enabling us to judge on the question whether Pinkney will be received. We wait with anxiety for the light that will probably be thrown on the first point, by the expected communication.\n                    The inclosed paper will give you the foreign news as it has first made its appearance here. A comparison of paragraphs renders the Italian part of it unfavorable to the French very improbable. There may nevertheless be some foundation for it. The French operations against our Trade seem to be better authenticated, as well as the renewal of the Algerine warfare. The abortive result of Lord Malmsbury\u2019s errand is also highly probable. I just understand that Spain declared war against G.B. on the 8th. of Ocr. Adieu\n                        Gallatin\u2019s work is a book\u2014and the letter of Payne to Genl. W. is not within the compass of our privilege. I sent it some time ago in parcels to Mr. Jones, and requested him to forward them 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0203", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 9 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    Yours of the 4th. inst. is duly recieved, and I rejoice that you got down without any accident from the cold, of which I had great apprehensions. The following is extracted from my diary to satisfy the wish you express to know what has been the degree of cold here.\n                    My letters from Philadelphia inform me the snow is 3. feet deep at Pittsburg, and 4. feet at Presque isle. If so, we may expect a winter of perpetual cold. It is the general opinion here that the wheat is so much killed that it will not be worth reaping. Many propose to plant tobacco in their best wheat fields. I have determined to put tobacco into my new lands, that we may have something made. Our beeves did not arrive from Bedford till Thursday night (the 5th.). One of yours had become sullen at Lynchburg, and after nearly killing a man, chasing others, and refusing to move a step, he was left in the hands of Mr. Clarke, so that but one came here. On consultation therefore with Robinson we thought it best that both from Edgehill should go, that you might have your number. Wapping Joe and James, whom I had sent to work at Edgehill after Christmas were to set off on Saturday with the three. It having been found impossible to get the butter down from Lynchburg, the river  being frozen and too low, Clarke sent 2. firkins on a horse, one for you and the other for us. Yours is here, and Robinson thinks that some body is to come up with your waggon and to return, who may carry it. Having heretofore experienced the possibility of the river\u2019s not being navigable from Lynchburg through the winter, so as to fail in getting my tobacco down, and believing it as probable now as it ever was, and at any rate that there will be a great throng of work and but a short season to do it in I have desired Clarke to induce watermen to take mine the very first trip, by some favor equivalent to an advanced price, but not in that form that it may not have effect on future prices. You will consider whether you had not better give him the same directions as to yours, as the delay of a year, and difference of price may be much more than equivalent to the premium.\u2014Such are the distresses for money and bankruptcies in Philadelphia, and so critically timed that I begin to fear for the price of wheat, tho by the last price current it was 2.D. 15c. at New York. You must look sharp for the prices which shall be actually given and which will govern ours both here and in Bedford.\n                    It seems probable from the papers that the 2d. call will fall on me\u2014as between Mr. Adams and myself the vote has been little different from what I always expected. It stands as 68. and 71. but was in reality 69. and 70. It is fortunate Powell gave the vote he did because that has put the election out of question. Had his vote been otherwise, a very disagreeable question might have arisen, because the 15th. elector for Pensylvania, really elected attended and tendered his vote for me, which was refused, and one admitted to vote for Mr. Adams, who had not been really elected. This proceeded from the delay of the votes of Greene county and it would have been a dangerous question how far the Governor\u2019s proclamation declaring a man elected who was not elected, could give him a right to vote. For suppose a governor in the face of fact was to declare a whole set of men elected who had not even been voted for. We cannot concieve any law of the state could make that good which the constitution declares not so. I am sincerely rejoiced that the question is become useless, as well as that it is the 2d. and not the 1st. vote which falls on me; if any does. If it proves so on our ultimate information, I shall set out for Philadelphia Feb. 15. and be back about the middle of March.\u2014Volney has safely recieved his baggage. We are all well here, except that Anne has a cold. My warmest love to my dear Martha. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0204", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 12 January 1797\nFrom: Sullivan, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    This intrusion can do no hurt, if it can do no good. I ask leave to tell you, that your Friends in the New England States, who are many will be much disappointed if you should decline being Vice President. It is true that you have been abused. But this abuse came from a party, who are determined to abuse every one, who will not with them, bow, in adoration to the british monarchy. If the abuse, and calumny of these men can deprive the public of the services of those on whom they may confide with Safety, there will be an end of our free constitutions: and the Enemies of an Elective Republic will obtain a compleat Triumph. The motives for your Acceptance of the office, are the gratification of your friends, the mortification of your Enemies, and above all, the interest of your Country\u2014I beleive, that you will suppose, What is really True, that I have no kind of inducement to trouble you in this way, but that of a wish for the public felicity. Did I think that your acceptance would be injurious to your own honour, or interest, I should interfere in the business\u2014but this must be left to your own Judgment. I have the honor to be with great respect and friendship Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0205", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 14 January 1797\nFrom: Wood, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have the honor to enclose you an Authenticated Copy of a Resolution which passed the General Assembly at their late Session, respecting the boundary line between this Commonwealth and the State of Maryland; together with a Copy of the Resolution of the Legislature of Maryland On the same Subject. I pray you Sir, to have the goodness to Acknowledge the receipt of this dispatch as soon as Convenient. I have the honor to be with due Consideration & Respect. Sir Yr. Mo. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0206", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    The last mail brought me your favor of Jany. 1. inclosing an unsealed one for Mr. A. and submitting to my discretion the eligibility of delivering it. In exercising this delicate trust I have felt no small anxiety, arising by no means however from an apprehension that a free exercise of it could be in collision with your real purpose, but from a want of confidence in myself, and the importance of a wrong judgment in the case. After the best consideration I have been able to bestow, I have been led to suspend the delivery of the letter, till you should have an opportunity of deciding on the sufficiency or insufficiency of the following reasons. 1. It is certain that Mr. Adams, on his coming to this place, expressed to different persons a respectful cordiality towards you, and manifested  a sensibility to the candid manner in which your friends had in general conducted the opposition to him. And it is equally known that your sentiments towards him personally have found their way to him in the most conciliating form. This being the state of things between you, it deserves to be considered whether the idea of bettering it is not outweighed by the possibility of changing it for the worse. 2. There is perhaps a general air on the letter which betrays the difficulty of your situation in writing it, and it is uncertain what the impression might be resulting from this appearance. 3 It is certain that Mr. A. is fully apprized of the trick aimed at by his pseudo-friends of N.Y: and there may be danger of his suspecting in memento\u2019s on that subject, a wish to make his resentment an instrument for avenging that of others. A hint of this kind was some time ago dropped by a judicious and sound man who lives under the same roof, with a wish that even the Newspapers might be Silent on that point. 4. May not what is said of \u201cthe sublime delights of riding in the storm &c.\u201d be misconstrued into a reflexion on those who have no distaste to the helm at the present crisis? You know the temper of Mr. A. better than I do: but I have always conceived it to be rather a ticklish one. 5. The tenderness due to the zealous and active promoters of your election, makes it doubtful whether their anxieties and exertions ought to be depreciated by any thing implying the unreasonableness of them. I know that some individuals who have deeply committed themselves, and probably incurred the political enmity at least of the P. elect, are already sore on this head. 6. Considering the probability that Mr. A.s course of administration may force an opposition to it from the Republican quarter, and the general uncertainty of the posture which our affairs may take, there may be real embarrassments from giving written possession to him, of the degree of compliment and confidence which your personal delicacy and friendship have suggested.\n                    I have ventured to make these observations, because I am sure you will equally appreciate the motive and the matter of them; and because I do not view them as inconsistent with the duty and policy of cultivating Mr. Adam\u2019s favorable dispositions, and giving a fair start to his Executive career. As you have, no doubt, retained a copy of the letter I do not send it back as you request. It occurs however that, if the subject should not be changed in your view of it, by the reasons which influence mine, and the delivery of the letter be accordingly judged expedient, it may not be amiss to alter the date of it; either by writing the whole over again, or authorizing me to correct that part of it.\n                    The special communication is still unmade. It is I am told to be extremely voluminous. I hope, under the sanction of the P.\u2019s reply to our  address, that it will be calculated rather to heal than irritate the wounded friendship of the two countries. Yet, I cannot look around at the men who counsel him, or look back at the snares into which he has hitherto been drawn without great apprehensions on this subject. Nothing from France subsequent to the arrival of Pinkney. The negociations for peace you will see are suspended. The accession of Spain to the war enforces the probability that its calamities are not likely yet to be terminated. The late News from the Rhine and from Italy are on the whole favorable to the French. The last battle was on the 27 Ocr. in the Hunspruck, and ended in a victory on their side. The House of Rep: are on direct taxes, which seem to be so much nauseated and feared by those who have created both the necessity and odium of them, that the project will miscarry. Hamilton, you will recollect assured the farmers that all the purposes of the Govt. could be answered without resorting to lands, Houses or stock on farms. This deceptive statement with other devices of his administration, is rising up in judgment against him and will very probably soon blast the prospects which his ambition and intrigues have contemplated. It is certain that he has lost ground in N.Y. of late; and his treachery to Adams, will open the eyes of N. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0208", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Stuart, 16 January 1797\nFrom: Stuart, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your letter of the 10th. Novembr. I received by the post. I defered the answer in hopes of being able to gratify you with a part of the Thigh of the Animal you wished. Such was actually in the possession of the people at the Cave, but by some unaccountable neglect it is mislayed that it cannot be found again. This bone was about one foot in Length, one inch and a half thick to the Hollow, which was one inch and a Quarter wide. I seen the spot where it was found about 40 feet distant from where the great claws Lay. Should it be found hereafter, if it is in my power, I will not fail to convey it to you. I am very respectfully your Most Obd. Humbe 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0209", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Tazewell, 16 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Tazewell, Henry\n                    As far as the public papers are to be credited, I may suppose that the choice of Vice president has fallen on me. On this hypothesis I trouble you, and only pray, if it be wrong, that you will consider this letter as not written. I believe it belongs to the Senate to notify the V.P. of his election. I recollect to have heard that on the first election of President and Vice President gentlemen of considerable office were sent to notify the parties chosen. But this was the inauguration of our new government and ought not to be drawn into example. At the 2d election both gentlemen were on the spot and needed no messengers. On the present occasion the President will be on the spot, so that what is now to be done respects myself alone: and considering that the season of notification will always present one difficulty, that the distance in the present case adds a second, not inconsiderable, and may in future happen to be sometimes much more considerable, I hope the Senate will adopt that method of notification which will always be least troublesome and most certain. The channel of the post is certainly the least troublesome, is the most rapid, and considering also that it may be sent by duplicates and triplicates is unquestionably the most certain. Inclosed to the Postmaster of Charlottesville with an order to send it by express, no hazard can endanger the notification. Apprehending that, should there be a difference of opinion on this subject in the Senate, my ideas of self-respect might be supposed by some to require something more formal and inconvenient, I beg leave to avail myself of your friendship to declare, if a different proposition should make it necessary, that I consider the channel of the post office as the most eligible in every respect, and that it is to me the most desireable; which I take the liberty of expressing not with a view of encroaching on the respect due to that discretion which the Senate have a right to exercise on the occasion, but to render them the more free in the exercise of it by taking off whatsoever weight the supposition of a contrary desire in me might have in the mind of any member. I am with sincere respect Dear Sir Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0210", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Wickham, 20 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Wickham, John\n                    You had a right to expect an earlier answer to your favor on the subject of my proportion of Mr. Wayles\u2019s debt to Mr. Welch. Yet I have not been wrong in delaying it; because it was not till now that I could take so certain a view of my resources as would enable me to settle times and sums to your satisfaction as well as my own. The alternative you proposed was the same instalments allowed the other gentlemen with security, or shorter ones without security. My repugnance to ask any one to be my security being invincible; I have preferred the latter alternative. The instalments stand comparatively thus.\n                    I have taken three instalments instead of four, and substituted July 1. for June 1. because that day allows a much more advantageous term for the sale of our wheat and tobacco. I have accordingly executed and inclosed you three bonds for my part of Mr. Wayles debt, and have referred the interest to Dec. 1. 1796. as you did not mention the date of the settlement. Your letter was of Dec. 6. and Mr. Eppes\u2019s of Dec. 3. and it appeared to have been anterior to both.\n                    I inclose a fourth bond for a particular debt of my own to Mr. Welch which according to his settlement of it, made it \u00a3112\u201413\u20134 sterl. including interest on the 26th. day of Aug. 93. This turned into currency at 33 1/3[\u2026] is \u00a3150. I have taken another year for the paiment of that. I hope you are pressing for us the suit against Rich. Randolph\u2019s representatives for Bevins\u2019s money. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0211", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Enoch Edwards, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Edwards, Enoch\n                    I was yesterday gratified with the reciept of your favor of [Dec.] 27. which gave me the first information of your return from Europe. On the 28th. of Oct. I recieved a letter of July 30. from Colo. Monroe but did not know thro what channel it came. I should be glad to see the Defence of his conduct which you possess, tho no paper of that title is necessary for me. He was appointed to an office during pleasure merely to get him out of the Senate and with an intention to sieze the first pretext for exercising the pleasure of recalling him. As I shall be at Philadelphia the first week in March, perhaps I may have an opportunity of seeing the paper there in Mr. Madison\u2019s hands. I think with you it will be best to publish nothing concerning Colo. Monroe till his return, that he may accomodate the complexion of his publication to times and circumstances. When you left America you had not a good opinion of the train of our affairs. I dare say you do not find that they have got into better train. It will never be easy to convince me that by a firm yet just conduct in 1793. we might not have obtained such a respect for our neutral rights from Great Britain, as that her violations of them and use of our means to wage her wars would not have furnished any pretence to the other party to do the same. War with both would have been avoided, commerce and navigation protected and enlarged. We shall now either be forced into a war, or have our commerce and navigation, at least, totally annihilated, and the produce of our farms for some years left to rot on our hands. A little time will unfold these things, and shew which class of opinions would have been most friendly to the firmness of our government and to the interests of those for whom it was made. I am with great respect Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0215", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    Yours of the 11th. came to hand yesterday. We are all well here. Anne\u2019s cold still continues, tho it gives no fever nor other inconvenience. Maria is also well notwithstanding a tumble thro\u2019 the floor into the cellar, from which she escaped miraculously without hurt. You ask for news, yet I think it impossible but you must get it from Richmond before you could from hence. The last Northern papers give reason to believe Ld. Malmesbury\u2019s mission will be fruitless. In spite of the most copious profusion of English lies I have ever yet seen, it appears that the French are eminently succesful on the Rhine, have good prospects in Italy, and have resumed possession of Corsica. Their depredations on our commerce wear indeed a most serious aspect. I hope Mr. Adams will be able to avert them. I really believe him disposed to do it and to arrest English violences. My letters inform me that he expresses all the feelings of antient friendship towards me, and a wish to conduct the government in concurrence with me. If by this would be meant my entering into the executive cabinet, that would be impossible. The constitution makes me the member of a legislative house, and forbids the  confusion of legislative and executive functions except in the person of the President. I shall set out on the 15th. of February for Philadelphia as I am notified that the qualification must be during the session of Congress, and is desired to take place to prevent the danger of an interregnum were any accident to happen to Mr. Adams. I may set out a day sooner or later, according to the Fredericksburg stages, on which subject I must beg you to procure at the stage office Richmond, answers to the following questions.\n                    What days of the week does the stage from Richmd. to Phila., reach Fredsburg.?\n                    At what hour of the day?\n                    In how many days from Richmond or Fredericksburg does it reach Philadelphia?\n                    Answers to these questions are essential for my government and especially the last one; as I propose to go in the stage from Fredericksburg. It would kill my own horses to take such a journey at such a season. As I mean to get into Philadelphia under shadow of the stage and unpercieved to avoid any formal reception (which was practised on a former occasion) I do not let it be known that I go in the stage, and have announced a later arrival there than I mean actually to effect.\u2014I expect Mr. Wythe will have a packet to send me by you. Will you be so good as to call on him for it? I must give you another trouble. To get for me an authentic copy of the late act of assembly \u2018concerning Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst and Nicholas Hubbard\u2019 with the Commonwealth seal to it. I would rather have the copy on parchment. I know not to whom to write for this or I would not trouble you about it. I will make out a power of attorney to Mr. Hanson to release the mortgage to Mr. Banks, and send it by this post if it can be executed before witnesses in time.\u2014Maria and Anne send their love to you both. My warmest affections to Martha as well as to yourself. I shall be absent from home but four weeks. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0216", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Rush, Benjamin\n                    I recieved yesterday your kind favor of the 4th. inst. and the eulogium it covered on the subject of our late invaluable friend Rittenhouse, and I perused it with the avidity and approbation which the matter and manner of every thing from your pen has long taught me to feel. I thank you too for your congratulations on the public call on me to undertake the 2d. office in the US. but still more for the justice you do me in viewing as I do the escape from the first. I have no wish to meddle again in public affairs, being happier at home than I can be anywhere else. Still less do I wish to engage in an office where it would be impossible to satisfy either friends or foes, and least of all at a moment when the storm is about to burst which has been conjuring up for four years past. If I am to act however, a more tranquil and unoffending station could not have been found for me, nor one so analogous to the dispositions of my mind. It will give me philosophical evenings in the winter, and rural days in summer. I am indebted to the Philosophical society a communication of some bones of an animal of the lion kind, but of most exaggerated size. What are we to think of a creature whose claws were 8. Inches long, when those of the lion are not 1 1/2 I. Whose thigh bone was 6 1/4 I. diameter when that of the lion is not 1 1/4 I.? Were not these things within the jurisdiction of the rule and compass, and of ocular inspection, credit to them could not be obtained. I have been disappointed in getting the femur as yet, but shall bring on the bones I have, if I can, for the society, and have the pleasure of seeing you for a few days in the first week of March. I wish the usual delays of the publications of the society may admit the addition, to our new volume, of this interesting article, which it would be best to have first announced under the sanction of their authority. I am with sincere esteem Dear Sir Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0217", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 22 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Wythe, George\n                    It seems probable that I shall be called on to preside in a legislative chamber. It is now so long since I have acted in the legislative line that  I am entirely rusty in the Parliamentary rules of procedure. I know they have been more studied and are better known by you than by any man in America perhaps by any man living. I am in hopes that while enquiring into the subject you made notes on it. If any such remain in your hands, however informal, in books or in scraps of paper, and you will be so good as to trust me with them a little while, they shall be most faithfully returned. If they lie in small compass they might come by post without regard to expence. If voluminous Mr. Randolph will be passing through Richmond on his way from Varina to this place about the 10th. of Feb. and could give them a safe conveyance.  Did the assembly do any thing for the preservation by publication of the laws? With great affection. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0218", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the American Philosophical Society, 28 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: American Philosophical Society\n                    I have duly recieved your favor of the 7th. inst. informing me that the American Philosophical society have been pleased to name me their President. The suffrage of a body which comprehends whatever the American world has of distinction in philosophy and science in general is the most flattering incident of my life, and that to which I am the most sensible. My satisfaction would be complete were it not for the consciousness that it is far beyond my titles. I feel no qualification for this distinguished post but a sincere zeal for all the objects of our institution, and an ardent desire to see knowlege so disseminated through the mass of mankind that it may at length reach even the extremes of society, beggars and kings. I pray you, gentlemen, to testify for me to our body, my sense of their favor, and my dispositions to supply by zeal what I may be deficient in the other qualifications proper for their service, and to be assured that your testimony cannot go beyond my feelings.\n                    Permit me to avail myself of this opportunity of expressing the sincere grief I feel for the loss of our beloved Rittenhouse. Genius, science, modesty, purity of morals, simplicity of manners, marked him as one of nature\u2019s best samples of the perfection she can cover under the human form. Surely no society, till ours, within the same compass of time ever had to deplore the loss of two such members as Franklin and Rittenhouse: Franklin, our Patriarch the ornament of our age and country, whom Philosophy and Philanthropy announced the first of men, and whose name will be as a star of the first magnitude in the firmament of  heaven, when the memory of his companions of the way will be lost in the abyss of time and space. With the most affectionate attachment to their memory, and with sentiments of the highest respect to the society, and to yourselves personally I have the honor to be Gentlemen 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0220", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Marshall, 28 January [1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Marshall, John\n                    [In a letter of the 14th. inst. I] recieved [from the governor a resolution of the general assembly appointing a body of which I am named one, to correspond with certain Maryland Commissioners] on the dividing bounda[ries of the] two states. The periodical and long absences from the state which I must [incur, with the habitual state of my health] obliging me to avoid journies as much as possible, will I fear render me of little utility in this business. I feel however the less concern as the other names in the resolution leave nothing to desire as to the qualifications proper for it. I pray you therefore to proceed with them, without  regarding my inability to attend your meetings. As soon as the points in question, and those on which the Commissioners of Maryland shall rest claims, shall be known, I will undertake to give a thorough examination to such documents as are in my possession, and to give you all the benefit which can be derived from them. Mr. Pendleton and Mr. Wythe are probably acquainted with facts on this subject. The papers of Colo Beverley, father of the gentleman [now living], those of Ld. Fairfax, of Mr. Mercer father of Mr. John Mercer, and especially those of the late Colo. George Mason, will be worthy examination. The last named [gen]tleman had probably committed notes [to paper] on the subject, as he was entirely intimate with it, and in expectation of such a claim. As I can only offer my services as a corresponding member, I pray you to use me freely in that way in all cases where I can be useful. Your name standing first on the list, I avail myself of your address for making this communication to all the gentlemen named, and as far as that circumstance might make it a duty to take measures for putting the business under way, you will be pleased to consider the duty as devolved on you. I am with great respect Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0222", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 January 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Yours covering an unsealed letter to Mr. Tazewell came duly to hand, and will be turned to the use you wish. As you take the Philada. Gazette in which the Belligerent answer to Ad\u00eats note has been printed in toto, I refer to that for the posture and prospect of things with France. The British party since this overt patronage of their cause, no longer wear the mask. A war with France and an alliance with G.B. enter both into print and conversation; and no doubt can be entertained that a push will be made to screw up the P. to that point before he quits the office. The strides latterly made with so much inconsistency as well as weakness in that direction, prepare us for receiving every further step without surprise. No further discovery has been made of the mind of the P. elect. I can not prevail on myself to augur much that is consoling from him. Nothing from abroad; nor more at home than you will gather from the Newspapers. Adieu Yrs Affy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0223", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 January 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                    Your\u2019s of the 15th. came to hand yesterday. I am very thankful for the discretion you have exercised over the letter. That has happened to be the case which I knew to be possible, that the honest expressions of my feelings towards Mr. A. might be rendered mal-a-propos from circumstances existing and known at the seat of government, but not seen by me in my retired situation. Mr. A. and myself were cordial friends from the beginning of the revolution. Since our return from Europe some little incidents have happened which were capable of affecting a jealous mind like his. The deviation from that line of politics on which we had been united, has not made me less sensible of the rectitude of his heart: and I wished him to know this, and also another truth that I am sincerely pleased at having escaped the late draught for the helm, and have  not a wish which he stands in the way of. That he should be convinced of these truths is important to our mutual satisfaction, and perhaps to the harmony and good of the public service. But there was a difficulty in conveying them to him, and a possibility that the attempt might do mischief there or somewhere else, and I would not have hazarded the attempt if you had not been in place to decide upon it\u2019s expediency. It is now become unnecessary to repeat it, by a letter I have had occasion to write to Langdon in answer to one from him, in which I have said exactly the things which will be grateful to Mr. A. and no more. This I imagine will be shewn to him.\n                    I have turned to the constitution and laws, and find nothing to warrant the opinion that I might not have been qualified here or wherever else I could meet with a Senator, every member of that body being authorised to administer the oath, without being confined to time or place, and consequently to make a record of it, and to deposit it with the records of the Senate. However I shall come on on the principle which had first determined me, respect to the public. I hope I shall be made a part of no ceremony whatever. I shall escape into the city as covertly as possible. If Govr. Mifflin should shew any symptoms of ceremony, pray contrive to parry them. We have now fine mild weather here. The thermometer is above the point which renders fires necessary. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0224", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Tazewell, 1 February 1797\nFrom: Tazewell, Henry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your Letter of the 16th. January was lately delivered to me by Mr. Madison. On examination, I found the proceedings on the two former Elections for President and V. President, had been as you stated them. When a proper occasion presented itself I intended to make the most adviseable use of your communication, as to the mode of notifying you of the appointment which should fall to your lot. But unexpectedly, the Senate this day appointed a Committee to meet another from the House  of Representatives to report a Method of counting the Votes, and of notifying those concerned of their appointments. The names of those who were appointed on this Committee mark the measure as a thing of Concert: Sedgwick, Laurance, and Read. The House of Representatives have not yet acted on this subject. If a previous arrangement has been made, the speaker of that House will persue it\u2014and you may easily conjecture of what kind the Report will be. Perhaps however as Mr. Adams is on the spot, if it can be contrived to make your wishes known to the Committee without hazard, they may be induced to adopt the plan of communication which you propose. This shall be attempted. If it fails, altho to oppose, will be less agreable, than originally to propose a mode of notification; yet my own inclination, backed by your wishes, will carry me as far as prudence will permit in an attempt to place it on the least exceptionable footing\u2014I will however take no step which does not meet Mr. Madison\u2019s approbation. Under these circumstances suppose you were to set out for this place before any notification can reach you? You can be advised from hence at any place, of any fact, you may wish to know. By this means you can illude any disagreably ceremonious notification. It is extremely probable that the Senate will continue in Session longer than the 3d. of March. If you should be appointed the V. President, you can then take the necessary Oath\u2014and enter on the duties of your office. The Newspapers of this Evening announce the arrival of some interesting intelligence from Europe. The manner, excites a belief that the communication is to the Executive\u2014and conjecture says it contains an account of the failure of Malmsbury\u2019s Negotiation, and of the refusal to receive Mr. Pinkney as our Minister in France. These circumstances, if true, when added to a fact which I am told exists\u2014that a French Vessel has lately captured an American East Indiaman, will increase our apprehensions of a War. Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0225", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 1 February 1797\nFrom: Wythe, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I extracted, thirty years ago, from the journals of the british house of commons, the parliamentary rules of procedure, but left the copy of them among the papers belonging to the house of burgesses, among which a search for it at this day would be vain. Since 1775, I have thought so little of those rules that my memory doth not enable me to supply such of them as may deserve your attention.\n                    Brend, notwithstanding his repeated promises, to bind your acts, had not begun the work when you gave me leave to publish your letter dated the 16 of january, in the last year. I then desired him not to procede without further orders; supposing you would not wish to have your copies bound, if the general assembly should consent to the complete edition proposed. A copy of that letter was delivered to every member of the legislature, the first day of the last session, or so soon as he came to town. Nothing however was done in the business. J. Marshall and some other members told me that they hoped the assembly would consent, at the next session, to the complete edition. Your copies are in my house, and shall be bound, if such be your desire. With unalterable affection, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0226", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Rush, 4 February 1797\nFrom: Rush, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your Communication upon the Subject of the large Claws, and bones of the Lyon kind Animal, will arrive time en\u2019o to have a place in the Volume of the transactions of the philosophical Society which is now in the press. I have Often been struck with the Analogy of things in the natural, moral and political world. The Animals whose stupendous remains we now and then pick up in our Country, were Once probably the tyrants of our forests, and have perhaps been extirpated by a Confederacy, and insurrection of beasts of less force indivudually than themselves. In like manner, may We not hope that kings will be extirpated from the face of the earth by a general insurrection of the reason and Virtue of man, and that the exhibition of crowns, Sceptres and maces, like the claws and bones of extinct Animals, shall be necessary to prove to posterity, that such canibals ever existed upon our globe?\n                    Your Philadelphia friends will rejoice in taking you by the hand After the 3rd: of March. Dr. Priestley who will be in town at that time, longs for the pleasure of your Acquaintance. You will be Charmed with his extensive information, and amiable Simplicity of manners. I will give you a Specimen of his republicanism. \u201cThe time (said he to me) will I hope one day come, when laws shall govern so completely, that a man shall be a month in America without knowing who is President of the United States.\u201d\n                    I am now preparing a paper for our Society in which I have Attempted to prove, that the black Color (as it is called) of the Negroes is the effect of a disease in the Skin of the Leprous kind. The inferences from it will be in favor of treating them with humanity, and justice, and of keeping up the existing prejudices against matrimonial connextions with them. Adieu. From Dr Sir your Sincere, and Affectionate 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0227", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 February 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have received yours of  giving notice that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you here soon, but that letters written before the 7th. would arrive before you leave home.\n                    Nothing occurs to alleviate the crisis in our external affairs. The French continue to prey on our trade. The British too have not desisted. There are accounts that both of them are taking our East-India-men. This is an alarming symtom, there being 60 or 70 vessels from different parts of the U.S. engaged in that trade. Pickering\u2019s corrosive letter has not yet been fully printed so as to come before the H. of R. It is extremely difficult to decide on the best course to be taken. Silence may be construed into approbation. On the other hand it is not likely that any opportunity will be given for negativing an approving Resolution. And it is at least doubtful whether a vote of positive disapprobation in any form whatever could be safely risked in the House, or if passed whether the public opinion would not be brought to side with the Executive against it. It is moreover extremely difficult to shape any measure on the occasion so as to escape the charge either of censuring or advising without a proper warrant from the nature of our Constitutional relation to the Executive. Nor is it unworthy of consideration that there are formidable steps not yet taken by the P. which may be taken before the moment of his exit, which if taken might be efficacious, and which his successor without his sanction would not dare to take.\n                    A bill for collecting the proposed taxes on land &c. is before the committee of ways and means. The difficulties of the subject, the shortness of the time, and the aversion of the Eastern people, render it uncertain whether it will pass or not at the present session. I suspect the policy of the Treasy. Department is to separate the preparatory arrangements, from the actual collection of the tax, and to provide for the former only at present, an expedient not unlikely to succeed, as it will smooth the way for the Eastern members. Some I find who do not disapprove of the plan of direct taxes, are unwilling to fortify the disposition to embroil us with France, by enlarging at the present juncture, our system of revenue.\n                    I reserve for a verbal communication the indications by which we judge of the prospect from the accession of Mr. A. to the Helm. They are not I conceive very flattering.\n                    I just learn that a British packet brings London accounts to Decr. 7. Nothing is as yet given out but that the negociations at Paris have ended  in abortion. It is probable that, what is not given out, is not more favorable to G.B. I do not believe that any intelligence has been received from Monroe or Pinkney subsequent to the arrival of the latter. It is said that the Spaniards are fortifying at the Chickasaw Bluffs. If this be the case, it strengthens the apprehension that they regard the British Treaty with the explanatory article, as superseding the obligation or policy of their Treaty with us. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0228", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Peale, Charles Willson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Last June I received a Letter from you, respecting an exchange of the Subjects of Natural History, that the Hereditary Prince of Parma was desireous of making.\n                    I answered your Letter in the same month (which I hope was received) and although I have had other avocations, such as Bridge building &c., yet I have made a beginning in this work and I have preserved such subjects as have occasionly offered, but in a short time, the returning Birds, will give me more ample imployment.\n                    It is my intention to Make the best collections of the Animal kingdom generally, that I can possibly preserve, in the several seasons, as they advance, but I will not preserve any Subject that is not in good condition\u2014therefore if I cannot obtain great numbers, at least they shall be such as will be approved off.\n                    I am anxious to know, if this Gentleman wishes to have all the larger, as well as the smaller Animals, for although you say, he wants all the American subjects of the 3 kingdoms of Nature, yet like many Amateurs of Natural history in Europe, who have Cabinets, he may only desire the smaller and most beautiful parts of the Creation.\n                    My Museum is becoming rich with subjects of every class, and although it cannot for many years to come, equal many of the Cabinets in Europe, yet I hope to see it in so complete order as to equal any of them, and perhaps it will by this means, be equally useful.\n                    With the hope of getting the articles I want from the other quarters of the Globe, I will exert myself to have the Subjects of Natural History generally, of N. America to exchange for them, and my Children will continue, I hope, to promote the Interests of a Museum which I think  I have nearly made so good a foundation off, as will render it in some future day an honour to my Country. I am with much respect Dear Sir; your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0229", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 6 February 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    All well here and in expectation of seeing you on Sunday next. Dr. Taylor has enjoined my judgments against him for delay. The pretext is that I have refused to execute a deed to him for Elkhill. But I never was so mistaken if I did not by his direction reacknolege the former deed before the clerks of the General court in Richmond on the 4th. of June 1794. or within a very few days after that. I write by this post to the clerk of the General court to send me a certificate of this, as it will enable me to have the injunction dissolved at once. Lest the clerk should not do it in the instant, and so miss the conveyance by post, will you be so good as to call on him and bring his certificate to me, or a certified copy of the deed which he pleases. I expect you will recieve this in Richmond, on your way up, and therefore omit loves to Martha and Jeff. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0230", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Pleasants, 8 February 1797\nFrom: Pleasants, Robert\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I hope thou wilt excuse my not acknowledging before now thy acceptable favor of the 27th. Augt. last, on the subject of free schools. I am not insensible of the superior advantages which might reasonably be expected from Institutions of that sort, Established by law, and conducted in a proper Manner, but as I had no expectation at the time I wrote to thee, that such a law was likely to be obtained, I concluded it might at least be right to endeavour to do what might be practicable on a smaller Scale for the benifit of that oppressed and much neglected part of the human race among us; I was therefore much pleased to  understand it had been the subject of thy consideration and endeavours, to promote so necessary a work on so extensive a plan; and from the incouragement thou gave of promoting applications to the Assembly, I took some pains to endeavour to get a sight of the Bill, which thou mentions to have been prepared, and to be found in the propos\u2019d Code of 1784. with an intention (could I have found it) to have consulted some of the leading members of the Assembly, and to have done as thou recommended to bring the matter before the House; but I have never yet been able to find it, either in the printed Copy of those revised laws or in the hands of those who I thought most likely to have it so that nothing was done by way of Petition. I find however by the laws past the last Session, that the subject of free schools was taken up, and an Act is passed for that purpose, but Confined to free Children; and though those of Colour are not exempted from the benifit of such schools, yet I can\u2019t help fearing that the prevailing prejudices against that unfortunate race of people, will be an obstruction to an equal participation of the proposed benifit: It seems also doubtful, from the too general inattention to Institutions of a public nature, that this law may not be attended with all the good consequences which the importance of the subject requires. I am with great Esteem & respect Thy assured Friend.\n                        P.S. I have no doubt but thy statement of the little account with Ro. Pleasants & Co. is a right one, and am perfectly satisfied 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0231", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Sullivan, 9 February 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Sullivan, James\n                    I have many acknolegements to make for the friendly [anxiety you are pleased] to express in your letter of Jan. 12. for my undertaking the office to which I have been elected. The idea that I would accept the office of President, but not that of Vice President of the US. had not it\u2019s origin with me. I never thought of questioning the free exercise of the right of my fellow citizens to marshall those whom they call into their service according to their fitnesses; nor ever presumed that they were not the best judges of these. Had I indulged a wish in what manner they should dispose of me, it would precisely have coincided with what they have done. Neither the splendor, nor the power, nor the difficulties, nor the fame, or defamation as may happen, attached to the first magistracy have any attractions for me. The helm of a free government is always arduous, and never was ours more so than at a moment when two friendly people are like to be committed in war by the ill temper of their administrations. I am so much attached to my domestic situation that I would not have wished to leave it at all. However if I am to be called from it, the shortest absences, and most tranquil station suit me best. I value highly indeed the part my fellow citizens gave me in their late vote, as an evidence of their esteem, and I am happy in the information you are so kind as to give that many in the Eastern quarter entertain the same sentiment. Where a constitution, like ours, wears a mixed aspect of monarchy and republicanism, it\u2019s citizens will naturally divide into two classes of sentiment, according as their tone of body or mind, their habits, connections, and callings induce them to wish to strengthen either the monarchical or the republican features of the constitution. Some will consider it as an elective monarchy which had better be made hereditary, and therefore endeavor to lead towards that all the forms and principles of it\u2019s administration. Others will [view it] as an energetic republic, turning in all it\u2019s points on the pivot of free and frequent elect[ions]. The great body of our native citizens are unquestionably of the republican sentiment. Foreign education, and foreign connections of interest have produced some exceptions in every part of the Union, North and South, and perhaps [other circumstances] in your quarter better known to you, may have thrown into the scale of exceptions a greater number of the rich. Still, there I believe, and here I am sure, the great mass is republican. Nor do any of the forms in which the public disposition has been pronounced in the last half dozen years evince the contrary. All of them, when traced to their true  source, have only been evidences of the preponderant popularity of a particular great character. That influence once withdrawn and our countrymen left to the operation of their own unbiassed good sense, I have no doubt we shall see a pretty rapid return of general harmony, and our citizens moving in phalanx in the paths of regular liberty, order, and a sacro-sanct adherence to the constitution. Thus I think it will be if war with France can be avoided. But if that untoward event comes athwart us in our present point of deviation, nobody I believe can foresee into what port it will drive us.\n                    I am always glad of an opportunity of enquiring after my most antient and respected friend Mr. Samuel Adams. His principles, founded on the [immoveable basis] of equal right and reason, have continued pure and unchanged. Permit me to place here my sincere veneration for him and wishes for his health and happiness, and to assure yourself of the sentiments of esteem and respect with which I am Dear 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0235", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Pickering, 11 February 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia Feby. 11. 1797.\n                    I have this day committed to Mr. Samuel Bloodworth, son of the Senator from North-Carolina, the original certificate of the President of the Senate, of your being elected Vice-President of the United States, which he is specially charged to deliver to you in person. But for the greater certainty of your receiving this notice, I have thought it expedient to convey to you a copy of the certificate by post: you will find it inclosed.\n                    The House of Representatives referred the mode of communicating the notice of your election, to the Senate, who requested the President of the United States to cause the same to be transmitted to you, and by his direction Mr. Bloodworth has been employed as the bearer of the original certificate. I have the honor to be with great respect sir, your most obt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0238", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, 27 February 179[7]\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    We arrived here, Dear Papa, last thursday without any accident and found my sister and her children in perfect health; she enjoying the satisfaction arising from the consciousness of fulfilling her duty to the utmost extent. But it is one she has always had. It would please you, I am sure, to see what an economist, what a manager she is become. The more I see of her the more I am sensible how much more deserving she is of you than I am, but my dear Papa suffer me to tell you that the love, the gratitude she has for you can never surpass mine; it would not be possible. * * * Adieu, dear Papa. It is one o\u2019clock. The letters go off to-morrow by daylight and I only knew this night that I could write to you or I should have written to Sallie Cropper. Adieu dear Papa; believe me your most affectionate child.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0239", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 28 February 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\n                    I have got so far, my dear Martha, on my way to Philadelphia which place I shall not reach till the day after tomorrow. I have lost one day at Georgetown by the failure of the stages, and three days by having suffered myself to be persuaded at Baltimore to cross the bay and come by this route as quicker and pleasanter. After being forced back on the bay by bad weather in a first attempt to cross it, the second brought me over  after a very rough passage, too late for the stage.\u2014So far I am well, tho\u2019 much fatigued. I hope Mr. Randolph and Maria joined you long ago, and that you are all well. Tell Mr. Randolph that eleven dollars have been given in Baltimore and Philadelphia for the best James river tobacco, and that it is believed it will still rise considerably. It will be worth his while to have the making of his crab cyder well attended to hereafter, as I learn here that good cyder of the qualities commonly at market sell for a quarter of a dollar the bottle, wholesale, including in that the price of the bottle. Crab-cyder would probably command more. Wheat is at 2. dollars at Baltimore, and no immediate apprehensions of a fall. Present him my affections. My best love to yourself, Maria & the little ones. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0240", "content": "Title: Notes on a Paragraph by John Henry, [after 1 March 1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                    A paragraph written by Mr. Henry a Senator of the US. from Maryland, and inserted in Bache\u2019s paper about the 1st. of March 97. It is in his handwriting. It was given by him to Mr. Hurt to copy and insert in the public papers. Mr. Hurt gave it 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0241", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Wood, 3 March 1797\nFrom: Wood, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I Contemplate with great pleasure the Change which is to take place in the penal Laws of the Commonwealth; and feel Much Anxiety that No time Shou\u2019d be lost in bringing it into Complete Operation. The Law having Confided to the Executive, the purchase of a Sufficient Quantity of Land, and the direction of erecting the Necessary buildings for the Confinement and Accomodation of the Convicts; we feel Ourselves  embarrassed from a want of Knowledge in Architecture, to fix upon the proper plan of a building to Answer the purposes of the Law. Our thoughts have turned On you, Sir, as best Qualified to give us Advice and Assistance in the Execution of this business. I do Myself the honor of enclosing the Act of Assembly, and take the liberty of Requesting the favor of you, to turn your thoughts to the Subject, and that you will have the goodness to Suggest to the Board, your Opinion as to the plan, as well as the Quantity of Land which you May deem Necessary for the purpose. I have the honor to be with due Consideration and Sincere esteem. Sir Yr most Obt. & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0243", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Chastellux, 5 March 1797\nFrom: Chastellux, Marie Jos\u00e9phine Charlotte Brigitte Plunkett, Marquise de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I am at a loss my dear Sir to find words to express what I felt at the reception of your very friendly letter! So much kindness has filled my heart with gratitude and believe me when I assure you this Sentiment will last as long as my own existence. I can easily conclude from what you tell me that I can entertain little or no hopes of obtaining from Congress any kind of assistance for my Son: but what you are so good as to add affords in my opinion a real compensation, for I shall ever sett a much higher value upon a friend like you, than upon the gifts of fortune. Providence has hitherto given me the means of educating properly my darling boy: I have reason to flatter myself now, they will not be wanting in future, and when he is some years older I am conscious I shall not resist sending him to a Country his father loved and honoured. I Shall then apply to you again my dear Sir and request that you will grant your protection to your deceased friend\u2019s Son.\n                    We all that know and respect you in this part of the world expected you would be elected President; it now seems you will not. We are perhaps from our situation and under many circumstances better judges than those who are upon the Spot, and look upon your not being chosen as a real misfortune to your Country, but as a happy event in regard to yourself.\n                    I am constantly in Company with your venerable friend Madame d\u2019Enville, and her interesting daughter, as also with Mr. Short; your name is often mentioned, and the Sentiments of affection and esteem you have inspired are of a nature that time has not the power of altering.\n                    Mr. Monroe is so obliging as to take charge of my letter, I sincerely regret having seen so little of him and his amiable Wife, but I actually lead the life of a recluse. Within these some year\u2019s past, my circumstances are much changed tho\u2019 my situation has remained the Same: after having Shared in the prosperity of a Woman who is the honour of her Sex, I have since partaken of her miseries; they are however considerably lessened, since she has succeeded in procuring the liberty of her beloved Children, and know\u2019s they will be safe and happy in America;  any kind of attention you will be pleased to Shew them she will gratefully feel, and I am certain if you come acquainted with them, they will interest you personally for it is impossible to possess more virtues, and amiable qualities than are united in those three young Men. Accept again my dr. Sir of my sincere & grateful thanks & believe me as ever & for ever your very affectionate humble Ser.\n                        Plunkett Chastellux", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0244", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Enoch Edwards, [6 March 1797]\nFrom: Edwards, Enoch\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have received from our Freind Doctor Rush the Letter you did me the favor to write of the 22nd: of Jany: last\u2014my Name is Enoch Edwards, and that was directed to John Edwards\u2014which was the Reason of its laying with him so long.\n                    I send you the Papers I mentioned from Mr: Monroe.\n                    If you would do me the Favor to take breakfast with Me on Wednesday Morning, at 9 or 10 oClock (or your own hour) I will have some others here of a very curious Nature\u2014and afterwards if agreable I will go to shew you the curious cooking Machines, I spoke to you about. I am very respectfully", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0245", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Enoch Edwards, 9 March 1797\nFrom: Edwards, Enoch\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    The best Receipt for the Sausage\u2014is to send you one which I wish you to take home and try. In the Autumn at the time you kill Hogs\u2014 take all the Skin off of the leaf Lard\u2014and in every one wrap up as much sausage Meat\u2014as will Make about the size and Shape of a neats Tongue (which can be done by a little Practice)\u2014it requires no sewing\u2014just slap it over while wet and it will stick. Mrs: Edwards says the seasoning of the meat should be a little higher than that made for immediate Use and She always adds a small Quantity of Cloves to it.\n                    She wishes She had a handsomer and larger One to send to You, but her\u2019s are in the County. All except this small One\u2014which looks more like a calfs Tongue than that of a Beef.\n                    I send it with the string round it\u2014and a stick passed thro\u2019 the top to shew our mode of hanging them up to dry.\n                    Every Hog that is killed\u2014instead of the Skin of the leaf lard being thrown away\u2014as is common with the Cracklings, they will each make two of those sausage Tongues, which keeps the year round.\n                    I will have the honor to call tomorrow and inclose those Papers to Genl: Washington\u2014and have them unsealed for your perusal on the Way and to wish you an agreable Journey home. With great Respect I am your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0246", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 11 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\n                    I recieved with great pleasure your letter from Varina, and though I never had a moment\u2019s doubt of your love for me, yet it gave me infinite delight to read the expressions of it. Indeed I had often and always read it in your affectionate and attentive conduct towards me. On my part, my love to your sister and yourself knows no bounds, and as I scarcely see any other object in life, so would I quit it with desire whenever my continuance in it shall become useless to you.\u2014I heard, as I passed thro\u2019 Wilmington, that your acquaintance Miss Geddis was well, and not yet married. I have here met with another who was at Mrs. Pine\u2019s with you, Miss Mckain, who sings better than any body I have heard in America, and is otherwise well accomplished. I recieved a letter yesterday from Bruni, praying a seat in my carriage to some place in Virginia where she could get a passage by water which would shorten that to Varina. I am  sincerely sorry not only that I have not my own carriage to offer her a seat, but that I had engaged with a party to take the whole of the mailstage back, so that there was not a place left to offer her. I am obliged to apologize to her on this ground, but people under misfortune are suspicious, and I fear these little accidental checks may make her think them intentional. I leave this the day after tomorrow, and shall be at home on the 19th. or 20th. But, my dear, do not let my return hasten yours. I would rather you should stay where you are till it becomes disagreeable to you because I think it better for you to go more into society than the neighborhood of Monticello admits. My first letter from Monticello shall be to your sister. Present her my warmest love and be assured of it yourself. Adieu my dear daughter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0247", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 11 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    Yours has been duly recieved, and the clover seed goes tomorrow in the schooner Industry, Capt. Green bound for Richmond. It is addressed to Chas. Johnston, and is in 3. casks containing 3 1/8 bushels each, of which 4. bushels are for yourself and the rest for me. It will be desireable to have it forwarded immediately, and of preference by waggon. I shall be at home the 19th. or 20th. and consequently in time to recieve it. It cost here only 10. Dollars per bushel. I have purchased the platting instruments for you, a neat little set, and shall take them on, but having nothing but a very small portmanteau it will not be in my power to take on a compass and chain. Therefore I conclude to defer that commission for November when I can find means of sending on to you such an article by somebody else. In the mean time you can use mine freely, as I never use it in the summer. I have ordered a thermometer for you from a most excellent hand here, on a construction very much recommended to me by Dr. Priestly as preferable to any thing he saw in Europe, because it shews what has been the maximum or minimum of cold during your absence. But I begin to fear it will not be ready, as I am now  at Saturday night, and go off in the forenoon of Monday. I could have eleven dollars for my tobacco were it here. But if it were I would not take that, as it is confessedly on the rise. I shall order it on as soon as the March squalls are over. If you should chuse to adventure yours here, I have provided for it\u2019s being disposed of as mine, or otherwise as you shall direct, if you chuse to consign it to Barnes.\u2014We receive information through three different channels (all private) that Mr. Pinckney is refused reception at Paris. One account adds that the French government has suspended all intercourse with us till satisfaction given them. This is less credited than the other part of the information. I hope and believe that the present administration will adopt friendly arrangements. My love to my ever dear Martha. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0248", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 12 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\n                    I have recieved no letter from you since that which you wrote on your departure from Madrid. That gave me reason to believe you would come over early in the spring, and having been ever since in the daily expectation of your arrival I had suspended writing to you. Having come on here for a few days to qualify into office, and being now on my return again, I avail myself of the opportunity by Mr. Adet to write you a line on your affairs, but as I brought no papers with me, I can only give a very general view of them from memory. Your lands at Indian camp in Albemarle remain in the occupation of the same tenants and on the same rents. Not at all in the condition I approve permanently, but from an unwillingness to change into what you might chuse to change again on your arrival. You possess forty odd shares in the James river canal. This is now brought into the city of Richmond, and every thing is  landed there. But some money having been still wanting to complete it, a contribution by way of loan was asked of such partners as were willing at an interest of 6. per cent. The object of the loan being to complete the value of the subject, and the loan bottomed on infallible security and at good interest, I subscribed for you, and have paid in (I think) about \u00a3200. Virga. currency. There remains still one or two more such paiments to be made when called for. The purchase money for these shares and lands have left you in the public funds 15,342.D. 18c. of sixpercents, and 11,256.D. 63c. of three per cents, on which small annual reimbursements are begun to be made. The interest which has been recieved has been immediately placed at an interest of 6. per cent on mortgage in hands which could be relied on for speedy reimbursement. It was for the establishment of a profitable work, which being now compleatly under way the borrower chuses to begin his repaiments in July and to complete them in a year from that time. When these paiments come in I shall be at a loss how to employ the money, whether in buying in stock, or re-lending on mortgage. I have hitherto gone on the idea you proposed and I much approved of having your property in different forms, to wit, land on rent, money in the funds, loans on mortgage. I consider the last as the surest for interest and principal. Ground rents in this place could not be bought when I first tried. They could now. But they are so liable to a loss of the capital by fire, that tho proposed by you I have not renewed endeavors to purchase them. The failures in the governmental remittances of your salary are irrecoverable if you are left to demand them of R. I am endeavoring to obtain justice from the government itself.\u2014This is as complete an idea as I can give you by memory of your affairs, with which I am acquainted. The inclosed letter from your brother (whom I accidentally met here) will inform you of what was in his department. Mr. Skipwith and his family are well. A daughter of his is married to a Randolph of the Dungeoness family. Late deaths are Beverley Randolph, Frank Lee and his wife in the same week. Genl. Washington\u2019s retirement and Mr. Adams\u2019s succession to him will have been known to you. As I presume you are in habits of relation with Mesdames Danville and de la Rochefoucault, I pray you to tender them the homage of my respects, to assure them of my heartfelt sympathies in all their sufferings and that I shall ever recollect them with the same affections as if I were of their family. I have taken great pleasure in the acquaintance of M. de Liancourt here, as well because of his connection with them as for his own merit. Not knowing whether to expect next a letter from you, or yourself in person, I wait with impatience for that which is to happen, and in the mean time assure you that  you may count without limits on my constant and affectionate attachment to you. The risk of capture by sea forbids me to put my signature to this, but you know my handwriting. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0250", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Strickland, 12 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Strickland, William\n                    I have been longer in acknoleging the reciept of your favor of May 28. 96. than I would have been but for the constant expectation of procuring the seeds you desired (one kind of which was to be sent for to Kentuckey). This, the Buffalo clover, is in a packet which accompanies this letter: as also the wild pea which you wished to recieve, and I promised to send you. I have added some seeds of a plant I have never seen, but which we suppose to be a Vetch of some kind. It is known no where but at the antient settlement of Bermuda hundred and Varina. It comes up in the arable lands, produces a most heavy crop, lives thro the winter keeping the cattle and horses which feed on it fat without any other food, and as it was the 2d settlement made in Virginia, I suspect it to have been brought from Europe and to have preserved itself there. But this is mere conjecture. It grows abundantly in Mr. Randolph\u2019s farm at Varina, but he has never seen it in blossom so as to decide satisfactorily what it is. We propose to cultivate it this year in our orchards which suit it best as it grows well among trees and is perennial, and I send you some seeds for experiment also. The oil shrub of which Mr. Bartram spoke to you, grows near the medicinal springs at the foot of the Alleghaney. I have made many attempts to raise it at home both from the seed and plant, but without success. If I can ever succeed to establish the plants in my garden you shall be furnished with them. The seeds you were so kind as to deliver to Mr. Donald for me have never come to hand. Probably they have fallen into the hands of the sea-rovers who infest the ocean, and harrass in their peaceable pursuits those who are less mad and less unjust than themselves. I still retain much anxiety to get the true winter vetch. Mr. Young seems to doubt whether you possess it in England, because he has observed you have none which does  not suffer greatly by the cold. Our winters are more severe than yours, and still more likely to injure that plant, unless it be of the hardiest kind.\u2014The ice-caves you mention are entirely singular, and never before heard of by me. I have enquired after them unsuccessfully as yet: and if you can recollect the name of your informer so as to give me a clue to get hold of, I shall thank you for it whenever you honor me with another letter: for I do not permit myself to believe that our correspondence is to end here. Those whose dispositions and qualifications inspire esteem, must add to their other virtues patience under the burthen even of esteem. Without embarrassing you with a regular correspondence, I must claim the permission of writing to you whenever occasion calls for it, and shall be always made happy by learning from yourself that you enjoy health and happiness in the bosom of healthy and happy friends. The time I had the happiness of possessing you at Monticello, tho short, was yet sufficient to impress that kind of remembrance which never dies.\u2014I came here for a few days only to qualify into an office which will call and keep me here during the winter months, and permit me to pass my summers in my farms. Either there or here I shall be happy always to recieve the friends you may recommend, and render them all the attentions and services I can. Accept, I pray you, assurances of the sincere attachment & respect with which I am Dear Sir Your affectionate & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0251", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Volney, 15 March 1797\nFrom: Volney, Constantin Fran\u00e7ois Chasseboeuf, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    N\u2019ayant p\u00fb avoir l\u2019honneur de Vous revoir avant Votre depart, j\u2019esp\u00e8re que Vous recevrez encore avant toute autre Voye, un Exemplaire de Ma reponse au dr. priestley que je joins ici. Si le fran\u00e7ais S\u2019imprime comme jai lieu de le croire, Vous ne tarderez pas Non plus de l\u2019avoir. C\u2019est une affaire finie de Ma part. Le Saint-homme N\u2019aura plus de Moi une Virgule. Avant trois Semaines je compte etre Sur le potowmack, et peut-etre cette course donnerat-elle lieu l\u2019ann\u00e9e prochaine \u00e0 un Ouvrage plus utile et plus agreable que des disputes de th\u00eaologie. Cesera pour Moi une grande tentation, que de Me voir si rapproch\u00e9 de Vous et de Mr. Madison Mais quand je considere Vos embarras de b\u00e2tisse, jai peine \u00e0 croire que des Visites en ce Moment Soient aupr\u00e8s de Vous des t\u00e9moignages d\u2019amiti\u00e9; et je me persuade plutot que d\u2019en faire le Sacrifice pour cette ann\u00e9e sera une Maniere plus delicate de Vous  indiquer les Sentimens avec les quels jai L\u2019honneur d\u2019etre, Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble servitr.\n                        Comme je passerai quelques jours \u00e0 federal city chez le dr. Thornton, toute lettre de Votre part Me parviendra l\u00e0 bien plus surement quailleurs.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0253", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 23 March [1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    I arrived at home on the 20th. inst. and found the cherry and peach trees in general blossom. They had begun about a week before that. This day our first dishes of asparagus and spinach came to table. This may enable you to compare climates. The price of wheat at Philadelphia and Baltimore was 2.13 D. at Alexandria and Dumfries 1.67 at Fredericksburg 1.16. The merchants of Philadelphia and Baltimore think wheat and flour will keep at their present prices the present season, notwithstanding the threatening aspect of affairs with France. I am the bearer of a diploma for you from the Amer. Phil. society, which I will deliver on your coming up; for I presume you will come to our election. There are two persons talked of besides Mr. Nicholas and yourself, but it is thought they will get few votes. Hening is one. I forget the name of the other, having never before heard it. He lives near Mr. Maury\u2019s. I think it probable you may recieve this in Richmd. on your way up. You will do well therefore to enquire after our clover and have it forwarded by a waggon, for it ought to be at Richmd. by this time. Will you be so good as to enquire the state of my pipe of wine at Brown\u2019s which I must send express for if no safe opportunity occurs. All are well at Edgehill. I shall write to my dear Martha by post, for this goes by an earlier accidental conveyance. My best love to her and Maria. The little ones I suppose have forgotten me. Adieu affectionately.\n                        P.S. I find on further enquiry that the first cherry and peach blossoms here appeared on the 9th. inst. I passed Fredericksburg on the 18th. and the buds were not swelled.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0254", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Peregrine Fitzhugh, 25 March 1797\nFrom: Fitzhugh, Peregrine\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMarch 25th. 1797\u2014\n                    Agreeably to my promise I cover you as many Grains of the Cumberland Corn as can be conveniently conveyed in a Letter and I hope they will reach you safe. I have also sealed up very carefully about a Pint of the same Corn and shall request our Friend John Mason to forward it to some Gentleman in Fredericksburg of whom I will give you notice in a P.S. to this Letter that you may direct any of your neighbours going to that Place to call for it unless a safe conveyance to you should sooner offer. This Corn tho it appears to have preserved its species has in a great degree lost its luxuriance from having been cultivated in a very poor Soil. I have little doubt however of its recovery with you and as little of its answering the purpose you wish it by coming in at the latter end of your roasting your Crops unless it should have got mixed with other Corn. You mentioned a valuable pea which you had brought to this Country from France. If on your way to Congress the ensuing fall it should not slip your memory and be not too troublesome to drop me a few Spoon-Fulls of them at Mr. Brydens Baltimore Town I shall consider it a singular Favor. Since I parted with you in Philadelphia I have not been free from those little occasional feuds peculiar to the wide difference of political Sentiments which unfortunately prevails in our Country. In some of these I have heard your friend Mr. Maddison vehemently charged with having tarnished his political career by a most glaring and palpable inconsistency of Conduct. It has been alledged that in the general Convention which gave birth to our present Government and Constitution he warmly opposed the principle of vesting the treaty making powers in the President and Senate to the utter exclusion of the representative branch as an abridgement of the Peoples priviladges equally dangerous and unnecessary that in the convention of his own state which adopted the Constitution he again urged the impolicy of the measure on similar Principles and that during the discussion of the british Treaty he as strenously contended that the article did not give the President and Senate the right of making treaties perfectly independent of the Lower House. I found myself unable to contradict these charges without following the example which my adversaries were probably  then setting me that of making round assertions without knowing or perhaps even caring whether they were founded in fact or not\u2014I think I heard you say you had a correct sketch of all the arguments of any importance which took place in the Genl. Convention. If so and you should not deem it too troublesome I will thank you for putting it in my power to rescue a character I so much admire from the shade which is attempted to be cast upon it by his Enemies. I am so far on my return to my Partner and our large young Flock and anticipate a pleasure in the meeting of which you can readily form an Idea\u2014I hope you found your Family well on your return and from the late favorable seasons a great change in the appearance of your Farm\u2014I shall be happy to hear that the corn has got safe to you. A Letter by post directed to me near Hagers Town Washington County Maryland will find its way to me. I have the honor to be with every possible respect Dr Sir Yr. most obedt. & Humble Servant\n                        P.S. Being informed that a Person from this Town will go up in a few days to your House I shall hunt him out in the morning and lodge the Package of Corn with him\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0255", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 26 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barnes, John\n                    I inclose a note for some more sashes to be made by Mr. Trump, as we have put up those he furnished before, and find them well made and according to directions. I would wish these now ordered to be made as early as possible so as that payment may not be due till the 1st. of July; for tho\u2019 I shall immediately order my tobacco to be sent on to you, yet it will not produce cash till July 1. I am desirous of sending you an invoice for some groceries and small things of about 2. or 300. Doll. value if they can be credited till July 1. but I will await your information on this head. Mr. Lott also wished to order on some supplies and applied to me for a draught but I informed him I should not be able to draw till July. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt\n                        P.S. I laid by, at John Bringhurst\u2019s a small paint box, and forgot afterwards to call for it. Will you be so good as to take it for me and pay the price which I think was about 7. Doll. It may be packed in a vacant interval with the sashes now ordered, or may come in a tight package of groceries whenever I [may] call for 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0256", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Timothy Pickering, 26 March 1797\nFrom: Pickering, Timothy\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia March 26. 1797.\n                    I have the honor to inclose a copy of the President\u2019s proclamation for convening the Congress of the United States at this city on the 15th of next May; and to be with great respect your most obt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0257", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 26 March 1797\nFrom: Trumbull, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon March 26th. 1797.\n                    Our Friends Mr. and Mrs. Church with their Family, are on the point of embarking for America where they hope to pass the remainder of their time in a tranquillity of which Europe and especially this Country appears to have little to hope for many years to come.\n                    Among the many friends whom they will find happy and impatient to receive them on their Return, there are few whom Mrs. and Miss Church mention more frequently, and with more cordiality of Esteem than Mr. and the Miss Jeffersons. The happy Days We passed in Paris, under your protecting roof, are the frequent subjects of our Conversation, and they look with much expectation of enjoyment to the Society soon to be regained, of Friends whom they remember with such well founded satisfaction.\n                    The Situation in public Life to which you are again called to sacrifice the Enjoyments of Retirement and Domestic life, (and on whose arduous  Obligations and Duties, I know not whether to congratulate you or not,) will place you during a considerable part of the year, near this Family of your Friends: and much as I feel the severe Loss which my little Society in this place must suffer from their Absence, so cordially do I congratulate you on the acquisition which will be derived to your\u2019s from their Return.\n                    I will say nothing on political Subjects, as Mr. Church\u2019s information is better than mine, and conversation so much more satisfactory than Letters. With the best Wishes for the Happiness of yourself and Family in every situation of Life, I am with much Gratitude Dear Sir Your Obliged and faithful servant & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0258", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry, 27 March 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Permit me, with great sincerity, to congratulate you on your appointment to the office of Vice-President of the United States. It was in my mind a very desirable object, and a wish which I ardently expressed at the meeting of the electors; but, as we were unanimously of opinion that Mr. Adams\u2019 pretensions to the chair were best, it was impossible to give you any votes without annulling an equal number for him; otherwise, you would certainly have had mine and I have reason to think several others\u2019, for Vice-President. The constitution, as it respects these elections, makes a lottery of them: and is, I think, imperfect. There was probably a plan laid, by coupling Mr. Pinckney with Mr. Adams, to secure so many votes on this list for the former, as with those for him on other lists, would bring him into the chair; but this was fortunately seen thro and defeated, and I flatter myself that the elections will eventually have an happy effect on the public mind, by the accomodating disposition of the P. and VP., their mutual friendship for each other, and the pursuit of a general system of moderation, exploding foreign influence of every kind, in every department of government. Being unconnected with parties, whose extremes I confess have been disagreable to me and  [have detached me from] politics, I am a retired spectator, enjoying never[theless the] uncontrouled right of judging for myself, and of ex[pressing] independently to my friends, my ideas of the measures [springing] from public and of the artifices from private views. Thus cir[cum]stanced, give me leave to express my apprehensions that the consequence of this election will be repeat[ed stratagems, to] weaken or destroy the confidence of the P and VP in each other, from an assurance that if it continues to the end of the President\u2019s administration the VP will be his successor and perhaps from a dread of your political influence. Indeed I think such an operation has already commenced, and that you will discover it, but your mutual good sense will see thro the project and defeat it. Wishing you to possess a full share of the public confidence, which I am sure you have always merited, and with it much private happiness, I remain my dear Sir with every sentiment of esteem & respect, your friend & very hume 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0260", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\n                    I wrote to Mr. Randolph two or three days ago, but I imagine he will recieve the letter at Richmond on his way up: for we expect he will of  course come up this week. He has a more dangerous competitor in Billy Wood than had arisen before. But I hear little about it. I arrived in good health at home this day sennight. The mountain had then been in bloom ten days. I find that the natural productions of the spring are about a fortnight earlier here than at Fredericksburg. But where art and attention can do any thing, some one in a large collection of inhabitants, as in a town, will be before ordinary individuals whether of town or country. I have heard of you but once since I left home, and am impatient to know that you are all well. I have however so much confidence in the dose of health with which Monticello charges you in summer and autumn that I count on it\u2019s carrying you well through the winter. The difference between the health enjoyed at Varina and Presqu\u2019isle is merely the effect of this. Therefore do not ascribe it to Varina and stay there too long. The bloom of Monticello is chilled by my solitude. It makes me wish the more that yourself and sister were here to enjoy it. I value the enjoiments of this life only in proportion as you participate them with me. All other attachments are weakening, and I approach the state of mind when nothing will hold me here but my love for yourself and sister and the tender connections you have added to me. I hope you will write to me: as nothing is so pleasing during your absence as these proofs of your love. Be assured my dear daughter that you possess mine in it\u2019s utmost limits. Kiss the dear little ones for me. I wish we had one of them here. Adieu affectionately.\n                        I inclose you a letter I received in Philadelphia from Mde. Salimberi. As I came in a stage it was impossible to accomodate her. I wrote her the fact with such friendly expressions for us all as might tend to prevent her imputing it to unwillingness. Had it not been for the unroofing our house, I would have invited her to come here and spend the summer with 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0263", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 28 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Van Staphorst & Hubbard\n                    In a letter of yesterday\u2019s date I acknoleged the reciept of all yours which have come to hand since my last of Apr. 24. This is intended to answer yours of Oct. 10. 95. which never got to hand till Sep. 16. 96. Our legislature being then shortly to convene, I made timely applications to them, and obtained their act making you citizens of this state, which act duly authenticated I now inclose you, and hope it will get to hand safe, as the safe season for the seas is now approaching, and I shall endeavor to get it under the care of Mr. Murray who is going out as our Minister to your republic.  Should you ever be disposed to make a commercial establishment in the U.S. I hope our friend Jacob Van Staphorsts will recall to mind the advantages I so often pointed out to him in Norfolk, undoubtedly under way to become the greatest place in the US. and peculiarly convenient to your Eustatian connections. Without at all committing you, I held up to our legislature the hope I entertained myself that you would be tempted some day, or under certain events to do something at Norfolk. The contingency obtained the bill: and I shall be happy some time or other to see that I have not been mistaken in believing that this measure would eventually be interesting to the state as well as to yourselves. I am with great esteem Gentlemen Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0264", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 30 March 1797\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    If I resume my pen once more to address you from this side of the Atlantic it is more that I may not let Colo. Monroe go without carrying some sign of life from me, than from any hope I retain of being able to add by it either to your instruction or amusement. You will recieve from him viva voce, all and every kind of information that I could give you of a public nature\u2014and as to myself I hope to have so soon the pleasure of seeing you in person that I reserve for our interview every thing of that kind. Colo. Munro has just left this place for Bordeaux. I send this letter to overtake him there as he sat out sooner than I expected. I shall embark by the first vessel which shall sail in the month of May from Havre\u2014or if there be none there I shall make use of the best opportunity which may present itself from any other port in France. I had intended as I wrote you to have embarked last spring\u2014but I did not recieve my letters of recreance until the end of the summer\u2014and I then yielded to the intreaty of friendship to prolong my stay here, added to my aversion to an autumnal or winter voyage. I have not written to you since my arrival in this country because I for a long time expected to have the pleasure of hearing from you conformably to my sollicitations from Spain of Sep. 2. 3. and 30. 1795.\u2014and because as you did not write to me I thought it best to avoid repeating the trouble I gave you. The last and only letter I have received from you since you retired to Monticello was of May 25. 1795. It assured me that notwithstanding your silence your friendship for me was in [no] way diminished. I despair my dear Sir of conveying to you any idea of the heartfelt satisfaction I recieve from such assurances on your part. I feel sometimes that I have almost need of them after such long intervals of silence.\n                    On the subject of the 9000 dollars I wrote you about, I know nothing further having never heard from E. Randolph and having only received a short answer from M. Pickering which said neither one thing or another. My desire will be when I shall be in America to place every thing I have in lands rented out at a sure and annual interest. On these subjects I shall I hope soon have the pleasure of conversing with you. M. Munro and Mr. Skipwith both offered to purchase my Indian camp at an advanced price\u2014but I shall prefer adding to it if farmers can be found to rent it so as to yield an immediate profitable interest on the purchase money.\n                    I send you inclosed a few grains of a very esteemed kind of barley\u2014called here l\u2019age de Siberie. Its weight is to common barley as 41. to 32.\u2014has several better qualities and particularly in its mixture with  wheat, makes a fine bread, is more productive in the grain more easily cleaned &c. &c. I have thought it might be agreeable to you in your agricultural experiments. I get it from La Rocheguyon where I saw it growing this year in their potager. They have been cultivating it for some years past in order to multiply the seed which the Abb\u00e9 Tessier furnished them from Rambouillet. On my mentioning to Mde. D\u2019Enville my intention of sending you these grains she begs me to recall her to your recollection. She as well as her grandaughter have a real respect and attachment for you. The latter with her usual and incomparable modesty says she hardly supposes you recollect her. She assures me often there is no person whose friendship she would be more happy to cultivate.\n                    I have made a valuable discovery in a bookseller here, who desires me to put him in correspondence with you. You may perhaps recollect a blind Chev. de Malthe at Mde. de Tess\u00e9s. He is a man of science and honor and honesty and has adopted this business for a livelihood in which he succeeds perfectly. His address is Charles Pougens, Libraire No. 246. Rue St. Thomas du Louvre\u2014he understands English well and you may therefore give him your commissions in that language if you chuse it. Adieu &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0266", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 31 March 1797\nFrom: Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Permit us to congratulate you, on your election to the high and honorable Office of Vice President of the United States, in the discharge of which We most sincerely and ardently wish you the Success that our personal knowledge and experience assure us your exertions, Zeal, and perseverance to promote the Honor, Interest, and Prosperity of your Country will most amply merit.\n                    The warm part We take in the welfare of your Republic, as well as  our personal esteem and regard for you sir, all combine to fortify our hopes and desire, that you may enjoy perfect Health and Vigor, to meet and sustain the fatigues of your present elevated Station, and long live to taste in joy and tranquillity their happy fruits. With greatest respect We have the honor to be Sir! Your most obedient and very humble servants", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0268", "content": "Title: Enclosure I: Notes on Plan of a Prison, 31 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                    EnclosuresINotes on Plan of a Prison\n                    Notes and Explanations\n                    Fig. 1. The Ground plat of the building, which is an octagonal periphery of barracks, two stories high, within a single order, having before them a piazza, or arcade every arch of which corresponds to a lower and upper cell, which recieve their light and air through the arch and their own grated door. The cells are 8 f. wide, 10 f. long and 9. f. high in the clear, as directed by the act of assembly, the walls of rough stone 2. f. thick, except the arcade or inner front, the whole of which must be of brick, as well as the cross arches and vaults of the  cells. The lower story is destined for the cells of rigorous confinement, the lower part of the arch having a venetian blind to exclude the sight while it admits air. The internal area is of 340. feet diameter. Being drawn on a ruled paper, every line of which is 2. feet, the dimensions of every part may be seen without particularly noting them.\n                        A. is the jailer\u2019s house, the internal of which may be arranged ad libitum.\n                        B. is the infirmary, the internal to be arranged ad libitum.\n                        C. is a piazza, along which the watchman may perform his rounds every night, as the law directs. There must be cross arches of 60\u00b0. from each of the pillars of the piazza to the front wall of the cells, in order that vaults of only 4. Inches thick may be thrown from cross arch to cross arch to support a paved floor in the piazza on a level with the floor of the upper cells, which are destined for Penitentiary or milder confinement.\n                        D. are the cells of rigorous confinement. To each must be a privy hole lined with plate iron, leading through the wall so that the matter may fall into the foss\u00e9. Above are the Penitentiary cells: the privies for which are in the 8. angles, as it is presumed these persons will be at liberty to go out of their cells. Every cell above and below to have an irongrated door, and an internal sash door which the prisoner may open or shut at pleasure. The steps to the upper cells must be placed so as best to answer the views of police entertained. The cells both above and below to be vaulted with an arch of 60\u00b0. of the thickness of a brick\u2019s length, the ends of the brick pointing downwards, and every course of them forming a distinct arch. Arches of 60\u00b0. are directed because they are stronger than half circles. The half circle is only to be used for the Arcades, for beauty.\n                        E. is a foss\u00e9, 9. f. deep below the surface of the ground, and 18. f. wide, surrounding the whole.\n                        F. is a bank 9. f. high, made of the earth thrown out of the foss\u00e9, faced with stone, and so presenting a perpendicular of 18. f. to a prisoner who has escaped from his cell. On the top of the bank plant trees.\n                        g.h. shews the direction of the cross walls.\n                    Fig. 2. is a section across the building. It shews the bank, foss\u00e9, upper and lower cells the vault which supports the upper floor of the piazza, and the level of the ground.\n                    Fig. 3. is a section lengthwise through a cell and 2 half cells above and below, shewing their vaults of 60\u00b0.\n                    Fig. 4. is the external front of an Arch and 2. half arches, shewing the grated doors through them.\n                    Fig. 5. is an elevation of the side of the octagon having the jailer\u2019s house in it, and looking into the area.\n                    The roof of the cells is to be covered with slate, so that there will be not a particle of wood in that part of the building but the joists, rafters and sheeting boards, and the sash doors. The whole of the cells are to be warmed by flue pipes leading from common fires in the manner a green house is warmed, and indeed as is usual in this country over the mountains, where all the rooms are sometimes warmed from a single fire.\n                    The great size of the area (340. f.) will admit barracks to be set up for carrying on any kind of work. The entrance must be through the jailer\u2019s house by a draw bridge.\n                    The law directs that 200. persons shall be accomodated, and at an expence of  30,000 Dollars. This cannot be done on this plan. If the 200. cells prepared in this draught are to be kept, it will cost more than that sum. If the sum of 30,000. D. be adhered to, the number of cells must (if this plan be preserved) be reduced to 10. of a side, 144. in the whole besides the jailer\u2019s house and infirmary, and the foss\u00e9 must be omitted. The internal area of the building will then be 245 instead of 340. feet.\n                    I shall attempt an estimate of the cost on the scale here drawn as well as on the reduced scale (to wit of 10. instead of 14. cells of a side) but, it will be merely conjectural as I know nothing of the Richmond prices. I shall guess from what I know of prices at some other places, or from other circumstances.\n                    There will be many details to be supplied by the workman; I have not descended into them, because less qualified to do it, and because it is probable that others have been invited to propose plans, and that some better ones will be proposed. Should this be adopted, I should be glad to be informed of it, that I may send a drawing of a plain neat cornice, and give some other directions respecting 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0269", "content": "Title: Enclosure II: Table of Estimates, 31 March 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                            Arcade 1120. feet running measure (for an internal area of 340. f. diam.)\n                            106. cross arches, of half a brick thick.\n                            108. vaults at mid height of the Piazza, half a brick thick.\n                            200. vaults of upper & lower cells. a brick length in thickness\n                            at 15. Doll. per thousand, as all the work is difficult.\n                            3572. \u00d7 2 f. thickness & 23 f. height = 164,312. cub. feet which divided by 25. gives in perch\n                            brickbats equivalent to whole bricks & laying them @ 5. D. pr. M\n                            joists, rafters, sheeting & putting up @ 3 1/3 Doll. per hundred sq. feet\n                            2000. f. of stove pipes + 300. f. of sheet iron tubes for privies\n                            If the smaller scale should be adopted, on returning to me the draught and this paper, I will furnish a new drawing on the scale adopted. It need occasion only one fortnight\u2019s delay. It would be well to accompany them with the notes and observations of intelligent workmen, that what is now defective may be known and supplied.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0270", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 1 April 1797\nFrom: Paine, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I left Paris about ten days ago and came to this place, intending to take passage in the Dublin Packet for New York, but the Vessel being crouded I shall wait another opportunity. Mr. Monroe, whom I left at Paris, intended going by the way of Bordeaux. Four American Vessels have arrived since I have been here. 1 from Savannah, 1 from Charleston, 1 from Wilmington N.C.\u2014and 1 from N.Y.\u2014which are the only arrivals from America, for several [wee]ks past. American Vessels are not employed as Carriers by [Fran]ce; that trade, since Mr. Jay\u2019s treaty of surrender, is [gone into the?] hands of the Danes and Swedes. That neutral Ships [\u2026] property must be a general principle, or not at all. Mr. [Jay?] [\u2026] surrenders the principle, by treating it merely as a [\u2026]; and that without perceiving, that through the Medium [\u2026] second Article in the treaty of Commerce with france, ev[ery cir]cumstance is surrendered also. You can have but little conc[eption] how low the character of the American Government is sunk in Europe. The Neutral powers despise her for her meaness, and her desertion of a Common interest; England laughs at her imbecility, and France is enraged at her ingratitude, and Sly treachery. Such is the condition into which Mr. Washington\u2019s Administration has brought America, and what makes it worse is, that John Adams has not Character to do any good. Some of the American papers speak of Mr. Madison\u2019s coming as Envoy Extraordinary. As that Character is only temporary, and his reputation stands well here, he would, I believe, be received, tho\u2019 it was refused to Mr. Pinckney, as a resident Minister. The recal of Mr. Monroe cut every thing asunder, for tho\u2019 here they were enraged at the American Government, they were not enraged at him. They had an esteem for him, and a good opinion of him; they would listen to him, and he could soften them; but to recall him and to send in his place the brother of the Man who was concerned in forming Jay\u2019s treaty was stupidity and insult both. If Mr. Madison should come you must not expect too much.\n                    About the time this letter comes to hand you will hear that the Bank of England stopt payment on the 27 of Febru. and continues shut up. Several people who affected to laugh at my Decline and Fall of the English System of finance now see it in another light. That little Work was translated into french, and sent by the french Govermt. to all their foreign Agents and was also translated into German, low Dutch\u2014Swedish and Italien. It demolished the credit of the English funds in those Countries, and caused a great [pu]lling out. It spread all over England,  for it was sold as low as [\u2026] Coppers, and at New-Castle at two. The farmers became [\u2026] of Paper. They run upon the Country banks with the [\u2026] Notes they took at Market. The Country Banks collected [\u2026] as they could of the Bank of England, and run upon [\u2026] for Cash\u2014the people of London began to do the [same?] [\u2026] the whole complicated Machine knocked up at once. [Every?] bank in England is now Stopt. For my own part I cannot see how it is possible the bank of England should ever open again. Were it to open tomorrow the run upon it would be so immense, they would be obliged to shut it immediately. They are now emitting 20 shilling and forty shilling Notes, and as it is easy to see that a shopkeeper will not give change in Cash for a twenty shilling Note they will be obliged to emit ten shilling, and five shilling Notes and so on. I much question if England has gained any thing by Trade for an hundred years past; that is, ever since the funding system began. She has pushed her Manufactures about the World, at great risk and often at loss, and the bustle it made gave her the opportunity of pushing forth a vast quantity of Paper at home, which the Commercial Idiots mistook for gain and Wealth; but now, she comes to wind up her affairs she finds she has not so much money as she had an hundred years ago. The quantity of Money at this time in England is less than it was at the revolution in 1688. It is not estimated now at more than twelve Millions sterling. It never was more than twenty and if the public papers speak truth, not less than ten Millions have sent out in foreign Subsidies, foreign loans, and Expeditions on the Continent.\n                    In france nothing is seen but Money. Paper is entirely gone. The quantity of Money in france must be great, since the whole of Trade and of Taxes is carried on entirely upon Money, and there is always a sufficiency of it whereever there is an Object to employ it [\u2026]. Every article of provision (not foreign) is cheaper, better, and more abundant than before the [revolut]ion. Bread is two Coppers and an half per pound. Beef and Mutton eight Coppers.\n                    [\u2026] Peace I am not able to give you any opinion upon it. It [seems to?] me to be at a greater distance than it did four or five Mo[nths] [\u2026] two of the Coalized Powers, Austria and England, are now [\u2026] is now defeated every where. Bonaparte carries [\u2026] these last few days he has beaten the Arch-Duke C[harles] [\u2026] taken five thousand prisoners, 1400 in one Action, and 3600 [in] another. The Government of England is in a State of Bankrupt [\u2026] and her total downfal is probable. It will be a good thing when this happens, for it is the most mischievous, surly, and ill willed Government in the World. In this state of things france is not in a hurry about peace; for of what use would be a peace that would be war again in a short time? Four times have the English  Government been running into War, or upon the brink of it, since the American War. Once on account of Holland; again on account of Russia, again on account of Nootka sound\u2014and now to support the lubberly Junto, called Crowned-heads.\n                    How America will scuffle through I know not. The Mean, ungrateful, and treacherous Conduct of her Administration, helped on by the political Ignorance of a Considerable body of her Merchants, have ruined her Character; and from being the favourite, she is become the Scoff of the World. It is very disagreeable to me to write truths of this kind; but it can do you no service to disbelieve them. For my own part, whereever I go, I curse the Conduct of the American Government to save the Character of the Country. I hope you will accept the Vice-presidency, were it only to keep an Eye upon John Adams, or he will commit some blunder that will make matters worse. He has a Natural disposition to blunder and to offend, and Mr. Secretary Pickering is of the same Cast. When John Adams was in Holland, he published a small Work in favour of republics as if purposely to offend France; and when he was in England he wrote in support of what he called the English Constitution as if to offend republics. He is a Man entirely under the Government of a bad [tem]per without having any thing Manly in his Manner of acting it. [\u2026] Government of France appeared to be very unwilling to [\u2026]nities with America. The injury which Governeer [Morris made?] was repaired by Mr. Monroe; and as they hated the Idea [\u2026]ment between Republics, they enjoyed the return of con[fidence. When] Jay\u2019s treaty appeared, it is easy to suppose the impression it [made] [\u2026]. They began to suspect that Mr. Monroe was sent for the purpose [of] amusing them while Jay was to act a contrary part in England. They waited however to see, if the President would ratify it. Then, what Notice Congress would take of it; and it was only till after the last chance was past that they broke out. They then told Mr. Monroe they had rather have the Government of America for an open Enemy than a treacherous friend. It is evident that if the two Treaties, that with France and that with England, could exist together, that France would be injured by the independance of America which cost her so much to support. Before that time the American flag was not a Neutral when England was at War, and if it is now to be a Neutral to protect English property and English Merchandize from Capture, whilst it gives no protection to those of France, it would be better to france that America was still under the English Government; for that Neutrality would be more benificial to England and more injurious to France than what America, considered merely in the Scale of Naval or Military power, could be to either. You ought not to be surprised if in  the Issue of this business, France should demand reimbursement for the expence she was at in supporting the independance of America; for she feels herself most rascally treated for that support; and unless John Adams is watched his surly Manners and those of Timothy Pickering will give some new opportunity to provoke it. At the time the cringing treaty was formed with England, Timothy Pickering, as Secretary of State, wrote officially to Mr. Monroe, in an insulting Manner towards [Fran]ce. \u201cThe American Government, says Timothy, is the comp[etent] Guardian of every thing which concerns her National ho[nour, policy, or] interest, and it will not ask the opinion nor be [guided by the] Advice of any Nation.\u201d What are Ministers sent for, [\u2026] and to Consult, especially between Nations supposed [\u2026] alliance. The language of Timothy is the language of a Blow [\u2026] and were it said directly to france, she might be provoked to [\u2026]. There was a time when you were glad to ask our advice and [our] Money too, pay us what we have expended for you and get about your business. In the same letter Timothy calls those who oppose the English Treaty by the Name of dissaffected persons. \u201cFrom the movements, says he, of dissaffected persons &c.\u201d You will observe that I write this part only to you. Should Mr. Monroe arrive while Congress is sitting it ought to call, or invite him, before them, to know the State of their affairs; they will neither do Justice to the Country, to themselves, nor to him if they do not. It is only through the Medium of the house of representatives that the breach can be healed, and further Mischief avoided. Your Executive, John Adams, can do nothing but harm. You see that France has made every Power pay that insulted or injured her, yet those powers had not received former favours from her as America had done. The Ignorance in which your former executive has kept Congress and the Country, with respect to the State of their foreign Affairs, is equal to any assumption of the same kind, ever acted by any Despot.\n                    For my own part I was always opposed, and ever shall be, to the plan of working government up to an Individual, and in all my publications I have written against it. In America, the place was made for the Man, and, at that time, it was not easy to prevent it. I hope it will be altered now, and my princi[pal mo]tive for wishing that you might be president, was, that [you might?] the better promote that alteration. The whole rep[\u2026] is the president, and the part called the executive [\u2026] a plurality, as in the french Constitution. Mr. Monroe has written quires of letters, to the secretary of State. He might [as] well have written them to the Sepulchre. An Individual President will never be any thing more than the Chief of a Party, and the conductor of its politics. All contrary information goes for nothing.\n                    With respect to the Ships of Neutral Powers, (which makes the difficulty that America is now in) there were two Ways to have restrained if not totally to have prevented the depredation. The one was for the Neutral powers to have united for the protection of their own rights. Sweden and Denmark sent proposals to America for this purpose but no attention was paid to them. And as to Jay, he never held any communication with the Ministers of those powers when in England.\n                    The other was, for France to have made a declaration to England, that if England Molested Neutral Ships coming to, or going from France, that France would take the Cargoes of all Neutral Ships going to or coming from England. England would then have seen that she would lose far more than she could gain. It was the forbearance of france that encouraged the depredations of England; for now that England sustains the reaction of her own politics, she seems disposed to let Neutral Ships pass. Had france made the Declaration at first, the Consequence would have been that either she would not have molested Neutral Ships, or she must have insured all Cargoes going and coming and sustained the loss of all. The Neutral Ships would not have been her [car]riers, nor traded with her, on any other Condition than being [insur]ed. I pressed the Minister De la Croix to make a declar[ation of this] kind to England when the british Agent, Malmsbury, [was in] Paris. I added, if you do not chuse to act upon the Dec[\u2026] the effect of it. He wrote to me in answer that he would [\u2026] all his possibles to have it done. I wish it had been done [at?] first; for it is the bold politics of France that must secure the Neutrality of the American flag since her government has surrendered it.\n                    My health is much improved, but the Abscess in my side still continues but with very little pain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0271", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Brown, 5 April 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Brown, John\n                    Tho\u2019 you thought you had made such progress in your plan that it could not be altered, yet I send you the one I mentioned, as you may perhaps draw some hints from it for the improvement of yours. The method of building houses 2, 3, or 4 stories high, first adopted in cities [where] ground is scarce, and thence without reason copied in the country where ground abounds, has for these 20. or 30. years been abandoned in Europe in all good houses newly built in the country, and very often even in the cities. In Paris particularly all the new and good houses are of a single story. That is of the height of 16. or 18. f. generally, and the whole of it given to the rooms of entertainment; but in the  parts where there are bedrooms they have two [tier] of them of from 8. to 10. f. high each, with a small private staircase. By these means great staircases are avoided, which are expensive and occupy a space which would make a good room in every story. Nor is a single storied house as expensive as those higher, when y[ou cre]dit them for the cellars and offices below and saving of partition walls, and charge the higher ones [the thick]ening of the walls below, the expence of mounting materials so high, space for chimnies, great staircases &c. The wall of a single storied house should be a brick and half thick from the water table upwards. A four storied house must have the lower story 3. bricks thick, the second 2 1/2, the 3d 2. bricks and the fourth 1 1/2. a difference of 50. per cent. 4. rooms in a 4 storied house have 16. side walls, and in a one storied house 12 side walls, a difference of 33 1/3 per cent. But all this you can calculate yourself. As you left Philadelphia later than I did, I can communicate nothing new to you. Wishing you every felicity I am with great esteem Dr. Sir Your affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0272", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Peregrine Fitzhugh, 9 April 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Fitzhugh, Peregrine\n                    Your favor of Mar. 25. came safely to hand with the grains of [corn it covered] for which accept my thanks. A nephew of mine, Mr. S. Carr who married a daughter of the Mr. Carr near Georgetown, setting out this day for that place, I have sent him some of the peas you [desired] which he will inclose under cover to you, and lodge in the care of Mr. John Thompson Mason. This letter goes separately by post, to notify you that you may call for them in time for the present season. I wish it were in my power to satisfy you with respect to the sentiments expressed by my friend Mr. Madison in the general convention. But the papers in my possession are under a seal which I have not broken yet,  and wish not to break till I have time to give them a thorough perusal and consideration. Two things may be safely said. 1. when a man, whose life has been marked by it\u2019s candor, has given a latter opinion contrary to a former one, it is probably the result of further enquiry, reflection and conviction. This is a sound answer, if the contrariety of sentiment as to the treaty making power were really expressed by him on the former and latter occasion as was alledged to you. But 2. as no man weighs more maturely than Mr. Madison before he takes a side on any question, I do not expect he has changed either his opinion on that subject or the expressions of it, and therefore I presume the allegation founded in some misconception or misinformation.\u2014I have just recieved a summons to Congress for the 15th. of next month. I am sorry for it, as every thing pacific could have been done without Congress, and I hope nothing is contemplated which is not pacific. I wish I may be as fortunate in my travelling companions as I was the last trip. I hope you found your father and family well. Present him, if you please, the respectful homage of one who knew him when too young probably to have been known by him and accept yourself assurances of the great esteem of Dear Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0273", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Alexandre Giroud, [9 April 1797]\nFrom: Giroud, Alexandre\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nGerminal an 5e de la R\u00e9publique\nfrancaise [i.e. 9 Apr. 1797].\n                    Au Citoyen Jefferson, Vice Pr\u00e9sident du Gouvernement des Etats unis.\n                    Giroud Ing\u00e9nieur des Mines; Membre de l\u2019Institut National de Paris.\n                    Citoyen. Vous vous rappellerez peut-etre d\u2019un francais qui vous fut present\u00e9 au Commencement de 1789, et \u00e0 qui vous donnates des renseignements Sur une Succession provenant d\u2019ogl\u00e9thorpe Gouverneur jadis de la G\u00e9orgie. Ce francais c\u2019est moi, et je Me rappelle avec plaisir les Moments que cette Affaire me fit passer aupr\u00e8s de vous.\n                    Envoy\u00e9 depuis un an environ par le Gouvernement francais, dans la Colonie de St. Domingue pour Entreprendre la description Min\u00e9ralogique de Cette Isle, j\u2019ai profit\u00e9, dernierement, de l\u2019envoy des fr\u00e9gates francaises command\u00e9es par le Brave Barney pour faire un voyage aux Etats unis. Je d\u00e9sirais vous y voir, et m\u2019entretenir avec vous  d\u2019histoire naturelle Mais la fortune ne m\u2019a pas bien servi, j\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 oblig\u00e9 de repartir de Philadelphie, quelques jours avant votre arriv\u00e9e dans cette ville.\n                    Je profite d\u2019une occasion favorable pour vous \u00e9crire, et vous adresser quelques Graines du Prima o\u00f9 Arbre \u00e0 Pain. Cette Plante pr\u00e9cieuse r\u00e9ussit parfaitement ici, o\u00f9 elle A \u00e9t\u00e9 transport\u00e9e des Isles des amis dans la mer du Sud. J\u2019esp\u00e8re qu\u2019elle r\u00e9ussira aussi dans les Etats M\u00e9ridionaux de votre R\u00e9publique. Puiss\u00e9 je apprendre un Jour que C\u2019est moi qui aurai fait ce Beau pr\u00e9sent \u00e0 Votre patrie! Puisse, le verger du Philosophe et du R\u00e9publicain de Monticello, etre dans 10 Ans, Couvert du Bel ombrage, et des fruits Alimenteux de cet arbre pr\u00e9cieux. Je ne doute pas qu\u2019avec quelques soins, Vous ne parveniez \u00e0 le naturaliser dans la Virginie puisque le C\u00e9l\u00e8bre Cook rapportte avoir trouv\u00e9 l\u2019arbre \u00e0 Pain en plein rapport jusques dans la nouvelle Z\u00e9lande, Sous une t\u00e9mperature plus froide que celle de Londres.\n                    Je profiterai des occasions favorables qui pourront Se pr\u00e9senter pour vous faire par le Canal du Cn. franklin Bache de nouveaux envoys des graines du Prima et d\u2019autres fruits pr\u00e9cieux de l\u2019Inde que nous possedons ici, et que nous devons Au Z\u00e8le des Philantropes, et des Botanistes pour multiplier, et r\u00e9pandre sur les divers points de la terre, les plantes utiles o\u00f9 agr\u00e9ables \u00e0 l\u2019homme. Salut Respect & fraternit\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0274", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 9 April 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\n                    I recieved yours my dear Martha, of Mar. 31. four days ago. The inoculation at Richmond having stopped that post I send this by the way of Fredsbg. I entirely approve of your resolution to have the children inoculated. I had before been so much convinced of the expediency of the measure that I had taken it for granted before your letter informed me of it. I am called to Philadelphia to a meeting of Congress the 15th. of May and shall leave Monticello the 3d. or 4th. of that month. As Mr. Randolph informs me you would have quitted Varina and come up the beginning of this month but for the inoculation, would it not be best for you as soon as the children are quite recovered from the disease, to come up, you, Maria and Ellen and send the carriage back for Mr. Randolph and the children. In this way I shall have the pleasure of seeing you certainly and him and the children probably before my departure and can make better arrangements for your accomodation during my absence. Still however let all this depend on your convenience. My love to Maria. Tell her I have made a new law, which is only to answer letters. It would have been her turn to have recieved a letter had she not lost it by not writing. Adieu most affectionately both of 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0276", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth House Trist, 9 April 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Trist, Elizabeth House\n                    We feel too much interested here in the dispositions you expressed to become our neighbor, not to be attentive to any occasion which may favor it. A Mr. Lewis, my next door neighbor, having determined to remove to Kentuckey this fall offers his lands adjoining me for sale. The tract contains 700. acres, scarcely an acre of it but of first rate quality, tho\u2019 a part of what has been cleared has been too severely cropped. It is all however easily recoverable. The lands, like all in our neighborhood consist of hill and dale, except about 30. acres of good meadow. A bold creek (Moore\u2019s creek) runs through the middle of it, and furnishes a fine mill seat at it\u2019s entrance into the river. On one side the tract borders on Charlottesville, and on me on the other side. The farm on which he lives has about 300. acres cleared, with a dwelling house newly built by himself on this plan  containing 2. good rooms, with garrets above, a cellar and a kitchen below; but finding the kitchen below not so agreeable, he built a separate one. The house is pleasantly situated on an eminence commanding a sublime prospect on the North, but too close under a mountain on the South. The soil capitally excellent for wheat, rye and red clover, consequently admitting the most approved husbandry. It is 2. miles from Charlottesville, 3 1/2 from the little town of Milton where our navigation begins, 3 1/2 from Colo. Monroe\u2019s,  3 1/2 from where your old acquaintance (Martha) will perhaps settle, 1. mile from where another acquaintance may possibly be settled, and half a mile from Monticello. There is a second and smaller farm opened in the farther part of the tract. Mr. Lewis values his houses and mill seat at \u00a3750. to 800.\u00a3 our money, and the lands at \u00a31300. asking \u00a32100. or 7000. Doll. for the whole. This is rating the lands at 6D.\u201419c. the acre which is about 25. per cent higher than such lands have been usually sold at in this neighborhood. However their adjacency to Charlottesville admitting a part of the lands to be sold in lots at three or four pounds the acre, entitles them to more than the usual price. The lands can be entered on at seed-time of the next autumn. Should the features of this purchase be pleasing to yourself and my friend Browse, I would earnestly recommend to him to come on and see the lands, as I do not think such another situation likely to be offered soon. I do not know how to invite you for this summer, because about midsummer we take the roof off of the whole of our house, except two rooms where I shall stay myself, and my family will be obliged to go elsewhere for shelter.\u2014I have been at home and alone ever since I returned from Philadelphia, my daughters being both at Mr. Randolph\u2019s farm below Richmond. He is at Richmond inoculating his two elder children, the mother being kept away by the suckling who being cutting teeth cannot be inoculated. I question whether they will come here till I shall be set out for Philadelphia, for I just learn that Congress is called there the 15th. of next month, when I shall expect the pleasure of seeing you there. Perhaps when I return may be time enough for Browse to come and reconnoitre the proposed purchase: as I do not yet hear that any body is treating for it. Ever since my return home I have been (as far as confinement by a rheumatism would permit me) in the enjoiment of our delicious spring. On the day I had the pleasure of seeing you in Philadelphia my peach and cherry trees blossomed, to wit, on the 9th. of March. I passed Fredericksburg 9. days after, and the buds were not opening. There is a great difference for the better between the climate of this place and Frederickbg and still more of Alexandria. Our cold season is a month shorter, the warm one that much longer, and both more temperate. Adieu \u00e0 revoir. Your affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0277", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Volney, 9 April 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Volney, Constantin Fran\u00e7ois Chasseboeuf, Comte de\n                    Your favor of Mar. 15. came to hand a few days ago. It has been among the greatest of my regrets that I could scarcely see you while in Philadelphia. A thousand visits of ceremony, and some of sincerity, and all these to be returned filled up every moment of my time added to a little business. Since my return home I have been entirely alone, and much [con]fined by the rheumatism. Just now I recieve a summons to Philadelphia for the ensuing month, which I shall certainly obey if my rheumatism permits me. I am sorry for the summons, as every thing pacific could have been done without Congress, and I hope nothing is in contemplation which is not pacific. As far as my indisposition and solitude would permit I have been in the enjoiment of our delicious spring. The soft genial temperature of the season, just above the want of fire, enlivened by the reanimation of birds, flowers, the fields, forests and gardens, has been truly delightful and continues to be so. My peach and cherry trees blossomed on the 9th. of March which was the day I had the pleasure of meeting you on the street of Philadelphia as I returned from your lodgings. I passed Fredericksburg on the 18th. of Mar. whe[re not?] a blossom was opening. I think we are a fortnight forwarder than Fredericksburg, and the fine temperate [weather] of spring continues here about two months. Indeed my experience of the different parts of America convinces me that these mountains are the Eden of the US. for soil, climate, navigation and health. You have a little spring sometimes, but not much where you are: (Georgetown) there is more on the Eastern shore of Maryland, but none at Philadelphia or further North. There are fine autumns as far North as mid-Jersey, but none at New York, or very rarely, nor any further North. To-day my workmen assemble, and tomorrow begin their work. But they must suspend their works during my absence, as I am my own [architect], and my plan too little like what they have seen to trust them with it\u2019s execution in my absence. On my return we uncover all but the two middle rooms; and I am not without a hope that should your peregrinations lead you this way in September or October I may begin to enjoy in your society the pleasure I have so long wished of having a lodging for my friends with more comfort to them and satisfaction to myself. I thank you for your pamphlet. I esteem the Doctor, yet blame him as to you. It grieves me to see the time of genius wasted in polemics; and hope therefore the reply which I see published will not tempt you from the resolution you express of proceeding to more useful labours. I hope I shall see you in Georgetown, and certainly shall if the movements of the stage will permit  it: for I prefer that conveyance to travelling with my own horses, because it gives me, what I have long been without, an opportunity of plunging into the mixed characters of my country, the most useful school we can enter into, and one which nothing else can supply the want of. I once intimately knew all the specimens of character which compose the aggregate mass of my fellow-citizens. But age, office, and literature have too long insulated me from them. I find that either their features or my optics have considerably changed in twenty years.\u2014While at Georgetown I would recommend to you to get acquainted with Mr. John Thompson Mason a lawyer, and person of great worth and genius. I have myself but an acquaintance of two or three hours with him, which sufficed to accredit all the good things I had heard of him. Accept assurances of the sincere esteem with which I am Dear Sir affectionately Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0278", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mann Page, 19 April 1797\nFrom: Page, Mann\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Mr. Hugh Mercer, the posthumous Son of the late Genl. Mercer, will do me the honour of forwarding this to you. I will shortly make known to you what have been his persuits in Science, and what is his Object in applying to you. His Education commenced with the Study of the Greek and Latin Languages, in which he made some Progress. His chief Attention has been to the Belles Lettres, in which he comprises Moral and Natural Philosophy and the first Principles of Mathematics together with Logic and Rhetoric. He has read but little of Law. Nor does he wish to make it a particular Study. His desire is, under your Advice to obtain that general Knowledge for which you are celebrated, to follow your Directions in every Instance, and implicitly to conform to your Will. In Return for so singular a Favour he will with Chearfulness become your Secretary and perform any Business which you may entrust to him. From what I know of him, and from his Professions of an absolute Conformity to good Manners, I beg leave to recommend him to you. You will, by receiving him, most probably well finish an Education which his Country worthily commenced.\n                    I shall anxiously expect you at Mann\u2019s field on your Way to Congress. May Health and Happiness ever attend you. Your\u2019s most 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0279", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Fran\u00e7ois Paul Grand, 1 May 1797\nFrom: Grand, Jean Fran\u00e7ois Paul\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                        Monsieur Le vice President\nde Berne, en Suisse, le pr. May 1797.\n                    Je n\u2019oublierai jamais les relations que n\u00f4tre maison et moi particulierement avons eu le bonheur d\u2019entretenir avec v\u00f4tre Excellence, pendant Sa mission ministerielle \u00e0 Paris, et je conserverai pour elle les Sentimens de v\u00e9n\u00e9ration et d\u2019attachement qu\u2019elle m\u2019a inspir\u00e9 et qui lui Sont Si justement d\u00fbs.\n                    D\u2019apr\u00e8s Cette fa\u00e7on de penser V\u00f4tre Excellence permettra que je lui addresse mes f\u00e9licitations Sur la place eminente de Vice President des Etats unis, \u00e0 la quelle elle a \u00e9t\u00e9 port\u00e9e, et l\u2019assurance de l\u2019Inter\u00eat que je ne C\u00e8sserai de prendre \u00e0 ce qui la regarde, ainsi que mes Voeux pour Sa prosperit\u00e9.\n                    Je vis aujourdhui, en Suisse ma patrie, avec ma femme et mes enfans apr\u00e9s la perte que j\u2019ai eu le malheur de faire depuis 3 et 4 ans de mon Pere et de ma m\u00e8re; et mes Inter\u00eats \u00e0 Paris Se trouvent aujourdhui dans la maison de Corsange et ce. dont le chef est un ancien Interress\u00e9 de la maison, et l\u2019associ\u00e9 un de mes Parents, J\u2019ose la recomander au Souvenir et Aux bont\u00e9s de V\u00f4tre Excellence, \u00e0 la quelle Je Serois bien heureux de pouvoir quelques fois donner des preuves de ma tr\u00e8s grande Consid\u00e9ration et attachement. Je Suis avec les Sentimens les plus Respectueux Monsieur Le vice President V\u00f4tre tr\u00e8s humble & tr\u00e8s obeissant serviteur\n                        Messrs. Corsange et ce. ont eu des relations Ass\u00e9s particulieres avec Mr. Munroe le Precedent Ministre des Etats unis a 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0280", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Auguste Adet, 4 May 1797\nFrom: Adet, Pierre Auguste\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                        Philadelphie Le 15 flor\u00e9al An 5eme\nde la R\u00e9publique fran\u00e7aise, 4 mai 1797. v.s.\n                    Agr\u00e9es, mes remerciements pour Les choses obligeantes que renfermoit Le Billet que vous m\u2019aves envoy\u00e9 Lors de votre d\u00e9part de cette ville. Si ma Carriere a \u00e9t\u00e9 Sem\u00e9e, D\u2019espines, Si en Remplissant Les volont\u00e9s de mon gouvernement j\u2019ai excit\u00e9 contre moi L\u2019esprit de parti, Si je n\u2019ai Rencontr\u00e9 que des desagr\u00e9ments dans un foule de circonstances, j\u2019ai Esper\u00e9 d\u2019emporter avec moi L\u2019estime des hommes Sans passions, Et celle des amis de La Libert\u00e9. Cette id\u00e9e m\u2019a toujours consol\u00e9, m\u2019a fait regarder tout ceque j\u2019ai eprouv\u00e9 de desagr\u00e9able, comme un moyen d\u2019obtenir cette Estime, Et La certitude ou je Suis que vous ne me regard\u00e9s pas indigne de la votre Est un ample dedommagement de ceque j\u2019ai eu \u00e0 Souffrir.\n                    Je Regrette infiniment, que Les circonstances m\u2019aient empech\u00e9 de vous voir; je pense que j\u2019aurois pu acqu\u00e9rir votre amiti\u00e9. Elle m\u2019eut \u00c9t\u00e9 infiniment pr\u00e9cieuse! Et je Sens vivement combien elle m\u2019eut \u00e9t\u00e9 utile Dans Les circonstances ou La R\u00e9publique fran\u00e7aise et Les Etats unis Se trouvent. Mais une pens\u00e9e me tranquillise. Vous sav\u00e9s combien Les Ennemis de La libert\u00e9 Seroient charm\u00e9s S\u2019ils allumoient La guerre entre nos deux pays. Tel a \u00e9t\u00e9 jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce moment\u2014Le but de Leurs efforts. Vous fer\u00e9s j\u2019en Suis convaincu vos efforts pour \u00e9viter un pareil malheur. Mon pays ne Se verroit pas Sans un vif chagrin oblig\u00e9 de Rompre avec un peuple qu\u2019il a toujours regard\u00e9 comme une nation amie, comme le plus cher de Ses alli\u00e9s. En vous exprimant ces Sentiments il est inutile de vous dire que toutes mes demarches tendront a \u00e9loigner de nos deux pays un fl\u00e9au egalement contraires \u00e0 nos interets respectifs. Et que tous mes voeux Sont pour le Retablissement de La Bonne harmonie qui a Subsist\u00e9 jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce jour Entre nos deux pays. Et pour votre Bonheur particulier. Agr\u00e9es L\u2019assurance de mon profond 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0281", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry, 4 May 17[97]\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    On the 27th of March I had the pleasure of addressing a letter to yourself, and on the 4th of april another to Mr. Monroe, to your care;  but having no information of their being received, and having reason to apprehend that some of our post officers are guilty of mal practice and not to be trusted, I wish to be informed whether the letters have arrived, by a line directed to me at New York, where I intend to be soon, to the care of James Thompson or Samuel Osgood Esqrs. I remain my dear Sir with every sentiment of esteem & respect Your very hume 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0283", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Wirt, with Jefferson\u2019s Notes, 4 May 1797\nFrom: Wirt, William,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                    Mrs. Gilmer directs me to enquire whether you can furnish her\n                    In what time they can be got ready? Or, if they be now ready, whether it would suit you to take a draught for the amount on Mr. James Brown of Richmond payable on sight, or to wait for the money until the post from Richmond to Charlottsville gets again in motion? Your answer by the bearer will oblige, Sir, Yours respectfully\n                        ordered to be delivered May 10th.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0284", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from \u201cMonitor\u201d, 7 May 1797\nFrom: Lee, Arthur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    A report has reached Virga. that since your V. Presidency you made in the City of Philadelphia a declaration nearly in the following words viz \u201cThat war with France might be expected unless america made Compensation and Concessions for injuries alledged to have been received by the former: also resinded the British Treaty, and that your exertions would be to effect those measures before you would venture hostilities.\u201d This report is Stated to have come from a source not to be doubted. As your informant supposes, you yet to retain those honest feelings which every independant American should ever have\u2014that you esteem Self Government preferable to a foreign yoke\u2014that your partiality for France can never make you a traitor to your own Country, he will forbear Comments, sincerely wishing that your wisdom may enable you, to discard party Zeal, and as far as may on you depend, to effect such measures as shall eventuate in honor to yourself, and happiness to our Common Country. It is supposed that this report was fabricated by some Gallicans and Anti americans in order to give Strength to their party. Recollect my Dear Sir, that you have much reputation to lose\u2014that the paths of dishonor are very unsafe\u2014that you have solemnly Sworn to Support the Constitution of the United States, which is as good as to say, that your exertions shall be, to adhere \u201cto a perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the Common defence, promote the general Welfare and to secure the Blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.\u201d It is the opinion of many that, the Counduct of the Virginia delegation will be a true index to your Views upon the presumption of their being shaped to your purpose\u2014after  Some little time you may expect to receive the purport of this information thro the channel of a newspaper. I am your friend so long as I conceive you the friend of your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0288", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 13 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n                    Your favor of the 4th. inst. came to hand yesterday. That of the 4th. of Apr. with the one for Monroe has never been recieved. The first of  the 27th. of March did not reach me till Apr. 21. when I was within a few days of setting out for this place, and I put off acknoleging it till I should come here. I entirely commend your dispositions towards Mr. Adams, knowing his worth as intimately, and esteeming it as much, as any one, and acknoleging the preference of his claims, if any I could have had, to the high office conferred on him. But in truth I had neither claims nor wishes on the subject, tho\u2019 I know it will be difficult to obtain belief of this. When I retired from this place and the office of Secretary of state, it was in the firmest contemplation of never more returning here. There had indeed been suggestions in the public papers that I was looking towards a succession to the President\u2019s chair. But feeling a consciousness of their falsehood, and observing that the suggestions came from hostile quarters, I considered them as intended merely to excite public odium against me. I never in my life exchanged a word with any person on the subject till I found my name brought forward generally in competition with that of Mr. Adams. Those with whom I then communicated could say, if it were necessary, whether I met the call with desire or even with a ready acquiescence, and whether from the moment of my first acquiescence I did not devoutly pray that the very thing might happen which has happened. The second office of this government is honorable and easy. The first is but a splendid misery. You express apprehensions that stratagems will be used to produce a misunderstanding between the President and myself. Tho\u2019 not a word having this tendency has ever been hazarded to me by any one, yet I consider as a certainty that nothing will be left untried to alienate him from me. These machinations will proceed from the Hamiltonians by whom he is surrounded, and who are only a little less hostile to him than to me. It cannot but damp the pleasure of cordiality when we suspect that it is suspected. I cannot help fearing that it is impossible for Mr. Adams to believe that the state of my mind is what it really is; that he may think I view him as an obstacle in my way. I have no supernatural power to impress truth on the mind of another, nor he any to discover that the estimate which he may form on a just view of the human mind as generally constituted, may not be just in it\u2019s application to a special constitution. This may be a source of private uneasiness to us. I honestly confess that it is so to me at this time. But neither of us are capable of letting it have effect on our public duties. Those who may endeavor to separate us, are probably excited by the fear that I might have influence on the executive councils. But when they shall know that I consider my office as constitutionally confined to legislative functions, and that I could not take any part whatever in executive consultations, even were it proposed, their fears may perhaps subside, and their object  be found not worth a machination. I do sincerely wish with you that we could take our stand on a ground perfectly neutral and independant towards all nations. It has been my constant object through public life; and with respect to the English and French particularly, I have too often expressed to the former my wishes, and made to them propositions verbally and in writing, officially and privately, to official and private characters, for them to doubt of my views, if they would be content with equality. Of this they are in possession of several written and formal proofs, in my own handwriting. But they have wished a monopoly of commerce and influence with us. And they have in fact obtained it. When we take notice that theirs is the workshop to which we go for all we want, that with them center either immediately or ultimately all the labors of our hands and lands, that to them belongs either openly or secretly the great mass of our navigation, that even the factorage of their affairs here is kept to themselves by factitious citizenships, that these foreign and false citizens now constitute the great body of what are called our merchants, fill our seaports, are planted in every little town and district of the interior country, sway every thing in the former place by their own votes and those of their dependants, in the latter by their insinuations and the influence of their ledgers, that they are advancing fast to a monopoly of our banks and public funds, and thereby placing our public finances under their controul, that they have in their alliance the most influential characters in and out of office, when they have shewn that by all these bearings on the differenct branches of the government they can force it to proceed in any direction they dictate, and bend the interests of this country entirely to the will of another, when all this I say is attended to, it is impossible for us to say we stand on independant ground, impossible for a free mind not to see and to groan under the bondage in which it is bound. If any thing after this could excite surprise, it would be that they have been able so far to throw dust into the eyes of our own citizens as to fix on those who wish merely to recover self-government the charge of sub-serving one foreign influence, because they resist submission to another. But they possess our printing presses, a powerful engine in their government of us. At this very moment they would have drawn us into war on the side of England had it not been for the failure of her bank. Such was their open and loud cry and that of their gazettes till this event.  After plunging us in all the broils of the European nations, there would remain but one act to close our tragedy, that is, to break up our union: and even this they have ventured seriously and solemnly to propose and maintain by argument, in a Connecticut paper. I have been happy however in believing, from the stifling of this effort that that  dose was found too strong, and excited as much repugnance there as it did horror in other parts of our country, and that whatever follies we may be led into as to foreign nations, we shall never give up our union, the last anchor of our hope, and that alone which is to prevent this heavenly country from becoming an arena of gladiators. Much as I abhor war, and view it as the greatest scourge of mankind, and anxiously as I wish to keep out of the broils of Europe, I would yet go with my brethren into these rather than separate from them. But I hope we may still keep clear of them, notwithstanding our present thraldom, and that time may be given us to reflect on the awful crisis we have passed through, and to find some means of shielding ourselves in future from foreign influence, commercial, political, or in whatever other form it may be attempted. I can scarcely withold myself from joining in the wish of Silas Deane that there were an ocean of fire between us and the old world.  A perfect confidence that you are as much attached to peace and union as myself, that you equally prize independance of all nations and the blessings of self government, has induced me freely to unbosom myself to you, and let you see the light in which I have viewed what has been passing among us from the beginning of this war. And I shall be happy at all times in an intercommunication of sentiments with you, believing that the dispositions of the different parts of our country have been considerably misrepresented and misunderstood in each part as to the other, and that nothing but good can result from an exchange of opinions and information between those whose circumstances and morals admit no doubt of the integrity of their views. I remain with constant & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0289", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 14 May 1797\nFrom: Paine, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I wrote to you by the Ship Dublin Packet\u2014Capt. Clay, mentioning my intention to have returned to America by that Vessel, and to have suggested to some Member of the house of Representatives the propriety of calling Mr. Monroe before them to have enquired into the state of their Affairs in France. This might have laid the foundation for some resolves on their part that might have led to an accomodation with france, for that house is the only part of the American Governt. that have any reputation here. I apprised Mr. Monroe of my design and he wishes to be called up. You will have heard before this reaches you that the Emperor has been obliged to sue for peace and to consent to the establishment of the New Republic in Lombardy. How france will proceed with respect to England, I am not, at this distance from Paris, in the way of knowing, but am inclined to think she meditates a descent upon that Country, and a revolution in its Governt. If this should be the plan it will keep me in Europe at least another year.\n                    As the british treaty has thrown the American Commerce into wretched Confusion, it is necessary to pay more attention to the appointment of Consuls in the ports of france than there was accasion to do in time of peace, especially as there is now no Minister and Mr. Skipwith; who stood well with the Governt. here, has resigned. Mr. Cutting, the Consul for Havre, does not reside at it. And the business is altogether in the hands of De la Motte, the Vice Consul, who, as a frenchman, cannot have the full authority proper for the office in the difficult state matters are now in. I do not mention this to the disadvantage of Mr. Cutting for no Man is more proper than himself if he thought it an object to attend to.\n                    I know not if you are acquainted with Capt. Johnson of Massachusetts\u2014he is a staunch Man, and one of the Oldest American Captains in the American Employ. He is now settled at Havre, and is a more proper Man for a Vice Consul than la Motte. You can learn his Character from Mr. Monroe. He has written to some of his friends to have the appointment,  and if you can see an opportunity of throwing in a little service for him, you will do a good thing.\n                    We have had several Reports of Mr. Madison\u2019s Coming. He would be well received as an individual\u2014but as an Envoy of John Adams he could do nothing.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0290", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Bee, 16 May 1797\nFrom: Bee, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    The President of the Agricultural Society of Charleston takes this opportunity of acknowledging the receipt, by the hands of Mr. Read, of a box containing specimens of rice, for the use of the Society. For this fresh proof of Mr. Jefferson\u2019s attention to the interests of the State of South Carolina, the President, in the name of the Society and in his own, begs to return Mr. Jefferson his and their best thanks, and to assure him that no pains will be spared to render his present as valuable as Mr. Jefferson hopes it will be. The Season for planting not being yet passed, it is probable that many satisfactory experiments will be made in the course of this year, the success of which shall be communicated to Mr. Jefferson as soon as possible after the Society have ascertained 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0291", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 17 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barton, Benjamin Smith\n                    Th: Jefferson presents his friendly compliments to Dr. Barton and his thanks for his note of yesterday. He sets too high value on his esteem  not to recieve every mark of it with sensibility. The subject of his piece is worthy of it\u2019s author and he is satisfied the execution also will do justice to 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0292", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 17 May 1797\nFrom: Cathalan, Stephen, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I was favoured in due Time with your much Respected Letter of the 5th. last June, and Beg you to accept my Best thanks for the usef\u00fbll Information, you Gave me, for the Best means of Placing money in the united States;\n                    Messrs. Mason & Fenwick placed the 1st. July Last Dard. 6000\u2014for my own account in the Bank of the united States, with which they had only Twelve shares of Dard. 400\u2014making Dard. 4800. This is a Proof that the Credit of that Banck is in the highest Reputation; They Say that when I will Sale them again, I will Recover again my 6000 Ds. at a very Small Difference more or less; and that the dividend is about 4 pr. ct. every 6 months; I am then Satisfied, for the Present; Certainly lotts to Build houses in the Federative Town, or Lands in your neihbourg, would have been Prefferable, if Purchased with all the Security; but a Landholder who is not a Part of the year in his Lands, can\u2019t make the Benefit he would Draw, by his attendance and Industry.\n                    You, my Dear sir\u2014was Retired to the Care of your farms, occupied and delighted with agriculture, Resorting at times for amusement to the arts and Sciences &a. &a. with a Great Degr\u00e9e of the Good Will of your fellow citizens! But the Americans Citizens, Long ere had Justly appreciated your Proffond knowledge in Political Concerns, and your Good patriotism for the wellfare and Improvment of your Country; They had found you was worth to Succeed in the Presidency, the Respected and Celebrated Georges Washington, and if by a very Small majority, they have not in the Last Election placed you at that Eminent Post; you have obtained and accepted the vice Presidency, and it has been proved that John Adams and Thos. Jefferson are equally worthy;\n                    All my Family as well as I, we beg you to accept our Best Congratulations, and Compliments, on your Emminent appointment; asking the Contin\u00fbation of your kind Sentiments and Protection towards me, begging  you to ask this Protection of the President John Adams, assuring you both, that I will Continue in my Efforts, to fill the honourable office of this Consulate, as much as in my Power, to the Entire Satisfaction of our Government, and of the American Individuals;\n                    My Father Tho\u2019 more than 80 years old, is enjoying a Good health, Going dayly on foot at a Small Country house I have Purchased on the Sea Coast in this Road; I have Sent my only Daughter to Paris, on the 9th. Inst. to be perfectioned in her Education in the Cy devant Couvent des Anglaises, for 2 or 3 years, I have been encourag\u2019d to part with her, by the Dutchess of orleans, who has been So kind as to offer me to take Care of her, as if She was her mother; I hope that her Sons who are at Philadia. will have Presented to you their Respects, on your Arival; and my Recommendation to you, Sir, in their favour, would be now a very Small adition; as I am Confident, that they may have found in you, in the President, and all the Gentlemens in Philadilphia, Good hearts, Ready to Sofften in their own, the Sorrow of their kind of exile and of Being So distant from one of the most Respectable Mothers;\n                    I would have, with Great Pleasure, taken the fair opportunity of our Captives in algiers, when I dispatched them to Philada. in November Last, to have paid a visit to U States, and presented them with their Compagnon. to our Governt. had not my Presence been necessary to the Service of my Consulate; in this District, and in deed as matters with the french Privateers in this Sea Stand, now, the appeals of the Prises made on our Vessels being before the Court of this Department, I must Remain here to follow these appeals; happy would I Be if I could Succeed! But till matters take a Better turn, I find prudent for our adventurers to Stop their Shipments this way; and I must Postpone my Project of Paying you my Respects in Philadelphia; meantime I have the honour to be with Respect Dear sir Your most obedt. Servt.\n                        Stephen 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0293", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Dugnani, 17 May 1797\nFrom: Dugnani, Antonio\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Depuis Sept ans de Silence trouvez bon, que je me rapelle a votre Souvenir, et que Je vous prie de vouloir bien me donner de vos nouvelles, dont je suis impatient, car ni le tems, ni la distance pourra jamais me faire oublier l\u2019amiti\u00e9, dont vous m\u2019avez honor\u00e9 \u00e0 Paris, ou diminuer les Sentimens d\u2019estime, et d\u2019attachement, que je vous ai vo\u00fc\u00e9. Par les papiers publiques j\u2019ai appris plusieures fois avec un plaisir extreme les marques de Confiance, et de la haute consideration, que vos concitoyens vous ont donn\u00e9, mais il me sera bien doux de recevoir par vous m\u00eame des details sur tout ce qui vous regarde, aussi bien, que votre charmante Famille.\n                    Si cette lettre ne va pas egar\u00e9, et que j\u2019aye le bonheur de recevoir la reponse, je vous prie de m\u2019indiquer la voye plus prompte, et plus S\u00fbre de vous faire parvenir en Suite les lettres. Agreez, Monsieur les assurances des Sentimens v\u00e9ritables de consideration, et d\u2019attachement le plus tendre, avec lesquels j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre, Votre tres humble, et tres affection\u00e9 Serviteur, et ami", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0294", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Bell, 18 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Bell, Thomas\n                    I inclose you a copy of the President\u2019s speech at the opening of Congress, from which you will see what were the objects in calling us together. When we first met our information from the members from all the parts of the union was that peace was the universal wish. Whether they will now raise their tone to that of the executive and embark in all the measures indicative of war and by taking a threatening posture provoke hostilities from the opposite party is far from being certain. There are many who think that not to support the Executive is to abandon government. As far as we can judge as yet the changes in the late election have been unfavorable to the republican interest. Still we hope they will neither make nor provoke war\u2014there appears no probability of any embargo, general or special. The bankruptcy of the English bank is admitted to be complete, and nobody scarcely will venture to buy or draw bills lest they should be paid there in depreciated currency. They prefer remitting dollars for which they will get an advanced price: but  this will drain us of our specie. Good James river tobacco here is 8 1/2 to 9.D. flour 8 1/2 to 9 D. wheat not saleable. The bankruptcies have been immense, but are rather at a stand. Be so good as to make known to our commercial friends of your place and Milton the above commercial intelligence. Adieu &c.\n                        P.S. Take care that nothing from my letter gets into the newspapers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0295", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                    I was informed on my arrival here that Genl. Pinckney\u2019s dispatches had on their first receipt excited in the administration a great deal of passion: that councils were held from day to day, and their ill temper fixed at length in war; that under this impression Congress was called: that the tone of the party in general became high, and so continued till the news of the failure of the bank of England. This first gave it a check, and a great one and they have been cooling down ever since. The most intemperate only still asking permission to arm their vessels for their own defence, while the more prudent disapprove of putting it in the power of their brethren and leaving to their discretion to begin the war for us. The impression was too that the executive had for some time been repenting that they had called us, and wished the measure undone. All the members from North as well as South concurred in attesting that negociation or any thing rather than war was the wish of their  constitutents. What was our surprise then at recieving the speech which will come to you by this post. I need make no observations to you on it. I believe there was not a member of either house, out of the secret, who was not much disappointed. However some had been prepared. The spirit of supporting the Executive was immediately given out in the lower house and is working there. The Senate admits of no fermentation. Tracy, Laurence and Livermore were appointed to draw an answer for them, Venable, Freeman, Rutledge, Griswald and  for the representatives. The former will be reported to day, and will be in time to be inclosed: the other not till tomorrow when the post will be gone. We hope this last will be in general terms, but this is not certain, a majority as is believed (of the committee) being for arming the merchantmen, finishing the frigates, fortifying harbors, and making all other military preparations, as an aid to negociation. How the majority of the house will be is very doubtful. If all were here, it is thought it would be decidedly pacific, but all are not here and will not be here. The division on the choice of a clerk was 41. for Condy, 40 for Beckley. Besides the loss of the ablest clerk in the US. and the outrage committed on the absent members, prevented by the suddenness of the call and their distance from being here on the 1st. day of the session, it excites a fear that the republican interest has lost by the new changes. It is said that three from Virginia separate from their brethren. The hope however is that as the Antirepublicans take the high ground of war, and their opponents are for every thing moderate, that the most moderate of those who came under contrary dispositions will join them. Langdon tells me there is a considerable change working in the minds of the people to the Eastward: that the idea that they have been decieved begins to gain ground, and that were the elections to be now made their result would be considerably different. This however is doubted and denied by others.  France has asked of Holland to send away our minister from them and to treat our commerce on the plan of their late decree. The Batavian government answered after due consideration that their commerce with us was now their chief commerce, that their money was in our funds, that if they broke off correspondence with us they should be without resources for themselves, for their own public and for France, and therefore declined doing it. France acquiesced. I have this from the President who had it from his son still at the Hague. I presume that France has made the same application to Spain. For I know that Spain has memorialized our Executive against the effect of the British treaty, as to the articles concerning neutral bottoms, contraband, and the Missisipi, has been pressing for an answer and has not yet been able to obtain one. It does not seem candid to have kept out of sight  in the speech this discontent of Spain which is strongly and seriously pronounced and to have thereby left it to be imagined that France is the only power of whom we are in danger.\u2014The failure of the bank of England, and the fear of having a paper tender there, has stopped buying bills of exchange. Specie is raked up from all quarters, and remitted for paiments at a disadvantage from risks &c of 20. per cent. The bankruptcies here have been immense. I heard a sensible man well acquainted with them conjecture that the aggregate of the clear losses on all these added together in all the states would be not less than 10. millions of Dollars. A heavy tax indeed, to which are to be added the maritime spoliations, and this tax falling on only a particular description of citizens.\u2014Bills of lading are arrived to a merchant for goods shipped from Bordeaux for this place in a vessel in which Monroe is coming passenger. We hope hourly therefore to recieve him.\u2014Innes is arrived, and that board going to work.\n                        May. 19. The answer of the Senate is reported by the Committee. It is perfectly an echo and full as high toned as the speech. Amendments may and will be attempted but cannot be carried.\u2014Note to me the day you recieve this that I may know whether I conjecture rightly what is our true post day 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0296", "content": "Title: Richard O\u2019Brien\u2019s Memorandum on Naval Protection, 18 May 1797\nFrom: O\u2019Bryen, Richard\nTo: \n                    Requisite marine for the Protection of the Comerce of the United States to Protect, our trade against the Spoilations, of Foreign Corsairs and at all times to be in readiness, to act on any emergencie\n                    The 6 frigates on the original plan.\n                        6 Ships of 24 Guns Each to mount 20 nine pounders & 4: Six Do.\n                        6 Ships of 18 Six pounders As Sloops, of war.\n                        6 Schooners Mounting 18 to 14: foure pounders.\n                    These Vessels to be built, by Contract, the Could be built in 4: 5: or 6 Munths, to be live oak and Ceder, Composition bolts, and Coppered The Could, when built, be, fitted and ready for Sea in 30 days, after the were launched, the whole of the Corsairs to be built, on the best plan for Sailing and Calculated for rowing\u2014\n                    For the Defence of the Coastes in the Summer time, and for the Speedy Conveyance, of troopes from one part of our extensive Coasts to the Other, is allso requisite, 4 Gallies, Carrying in the prow 2. 24 pounders, Stern Calculated for the Same with 50, or 80 Gun boats to be Calculated, for Carrying at the prow, an 18 pounder or 12 Do. these would be a terror, to frigates, Small Ships or privateers, aproaching adjacent to the Coasts of the U.S for if becalmed, the gallies and Gun boats would row up, and unavoidably must either take or destroy the enemie except, prevented, by A Suden Breese Springing up &c. the in Consequence makeing theire Escape\u2014\n                    NB. The Seamen belonging to Each State, Should be registired, the Coast Seamen allso, and the fishermen, and, the fresh water Sailors, and the Corsairs maned by Quotas from Each State, and Randevouses Opened for entering and recruiting for the Corsairs\u2014\n                    NB. The 3d. of the Gun boats, Should be built as whale boats, well Calculated for rowing and Sailing to have a Brass, Six pounder in the bow\u2014\n                    If this list was to great, to have As Viz.\n                            The 3 frigates fitted immediatly.\n                            all to be built, by Contract in 4: 5. or 6 Munths time and to be Coppered.\n                            12 whale boats with a 6 pounder Each\n                    When our peace is fully established, with all the Barbary States we Shall have in the meditteranian Seas from 3: to 500 Sail of Vessels, a part of our Corsairs, will all ways be requisite, to give Security to our meditteranian Comerce, to in Some respects, to keep the Barbary States in awe, to Make us respected by the Italian States, and to be in readiness, to annoy the Comerce of the Europian Nations, whom, Should attempt anything hostile to the american Comerce.\n                    Being allways in readiness, with our Corsairs, we Should, not be liable to be insulted, we would Comand respect, and wherever in any part of the known Globe, where our Comerce leads, us there at times our Corsairs, Should be Seen, and without, Corsairs the U.S Can never have Any Security for her Comerce.\n                    The Smaller, Corsairs would reconniter, gain intelligence be Serviceable as Packetts and Corriers, and all public, business, Should be done, by public Ships, and regular, and, approved, officers\u2014\n                    A Large and regular, Storeship is requisite for, Carrying our Stipulated, Maratime and Military Stores to the Barbary States. Said Ship Could, return with a Cargo, of Salt, annually on government account and would thereby defray Said Ships expences\u2014\n                    In the Barbary States, the Consuls of the U.S must hoist one american national Flag, as is Customary with all nations at peace with them good people, by the flag which the Consuls displays, and the Meditteranian pass, the Barbary States, knows, those, the are at peace with, but at present the U.S has So many different flags, or Colours, that the Barbary States will only know, the flag at peace with them, agreeable to the flag the Consul displays. Therefore it is requisite to have Some reform, in our Colours, we as one nation Should be known to all the world as one people and haveing one national flag.\n                    To abolish the Eagle, in the present Colours generally worn would, be difficult, Some plan Should be Speedily adopted and Observed under Severe penalties.\n                    Maratime Schools Should be established in the United States and the natives of this Country, Should be encouraged to be regularly bound to the Sea, we Should not be So, dependant, on foreign nations as we are at present.\n                    A Country like the U.S with every thing necessary for Ship building, for establishing a Navy, with 4: or 5 Millions of, enterprizeing inhabitants, and haveing no Corsairs, must Certainly, be Considered by the nations of Europe, as an extraordinary, Circumstance\u2014look at the Marine of the Dutch, whom has not 2 Milions of inhabitants, Sweden and Denmark both together, has not As Many inhabitants as the U.S but the have formidable Navies, and great regular Armies of troopes.\n                    From the Situation of the United States, relative to Europe, and the possesions of the Europian nations, whom has territory Joining on to the Territory of the U.S in Case of the war, with the British or Spaniards, or the french if the possess, Luisana or the floridas\u2014it would be with those nations a privateering, war on the Seas\u2014we Should embargo, our ports, necessiate those fleets of Corsairs, those Sea Robers to return to Europe, Starve thereby the west indies, and the Sooner, the negroes revolted, and the west india-islands, became independant, and Governed by the Blacks the better for this Country, we Should have a free trade, it would not be monapalized by the great, Europian nations.\n                    The west indiees is So Situated, as allwayes to be dependant on the U.S for provisions, this Country has Much of the fate of them Islands at present in its power.\n                    Our galliees and gun boats, Could pass, along Close to our Coastes in defiance to fleets of Corsairs, and Could get to the Bahamias unmolested, do, every damage to our enemies, Islands, or Could, be employed in the Baye of fundi River St. Laurence Missisippi Floridas and, Occasionally, Carried up our rivers, and into the lakes, there to Opperate, and Second the Efforts, of our troopes, and Effectually Strike terror to the enemiees of the United States. With all due respect, Submitted to the Government of the US. by theire Most Obt. Servt.\nMay the 18th. 1797", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0297", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Oliver, 18 May 1797\nFrom: Oliver, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your writings and general Character, possessed me with an Idea, that you was a Lover of the Arts. This Idea and a New Invention, discovered  and made by a Young man in this town, are the Cause of my present Intrusion.\n                    This Young man more than 12 months since Conceived an Idea of making a certain Machine. His plan or rather his thoughts, he communicated to a Friend. This friend advised him to make it. He has been Ingaged Some months in making this Machine, and says it will be compleated in a short time.\n                    This Machine, he and his friend, keeps a secret. No one here knows what it is or for what use Intended but them Selves.\n                    Since he began the above mentioned Machine, He has at Intervals worked at and made a Self-movement, the Idea of which he had in his Mind some time previous to his Ingageing in the work of the former. When he made this Movement, he put it in his Chest and there it run for three months and a day, keeping it a Secret from his friend and every Other person.\n                    At the end of the 3 months and a day, which was the 8th of this Inst:, He Exhibited his Movement to Mr. Allison Mr. Staughton and others, Who was pleased to Call it a perpetual motion. The next day Governor Howell came to see it, and said, That it gave him great pleasure to think that an American had made the grand discovery. Since that time a number of [Gentle]men has had the curiosity to view it.\n                    The Works of this Movement, Are all out of Sight\u2014they are Inclosed in a hollow Cylinder\u2014the diameter about 11 Inches\u2014the length much the same. The cylinder Turns on 2 pivots fixed in the centers of the Cylinder. Its Velocity, about one Revolution, in a second of time\u2014its power Not yet accurately found. He says, He intends to make another One more pleasing to the Eye and more Accurate. The Cylindrical case of this first attempt he made by hand of white-pine. He says the Next shall be made of the American Wild-Cherry turned in a nice manner, But as he is now ingaged with his first Machine, he thinks he cannot compleat his Intensions in less than 3 months.\n                    One Anecdote he related to me, which I take the liberty to mention. He had no scheme or draught on paper. His plan was in his Head. When he had put all his works together, that he had thought of, He found it was deficient in one thing\u2014this thing he calls a Regulator. A regulator he made and apply\u2019d it, But found it deficient. He soon perceived the deficiency and made a second regulator\u2014this second he put in its place, and going to a nother part of his Shop to get Oil, to oil the works, which had not yet been done\u2014on his return with the oil, he found his Machine in motion.\n                    The secret still remains with himself\u2014this Young man is very little aquainted with the World, and much less with Man wherefore I have  recommended to him to Solicit your patronage and protection, And in his behalf hath made this Communication.\n                    His Name\u2014Robert Oliver\u2014aged 24\u2014was born and brought up in this Town\u2014a Cabinet-maker by Trade, and is my Eldest Son. I am with Sincerity Your Well-wisher", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0298", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\n                    I arrived here in good health on the 7th. day after my departure from home, without any intervening accident and am as well as when I left home. I recieved here the inclosed letter from Mr. Pintard our Consul at Madeira who sais it was given him by one of your old convent acquaintances settled there. I suppose the letter will inform you of more particulars. We yesterday recieved the President\u2019s speech. Till the answer shall be given in we cannot judge what work the legislature will now take in hand, nor consequently how long we shall be here. Opinions vary from 4. to 6. weeks. My next letter will give a better idea of the time of my return which will be within a week after the rising of Congress. Our affairs with France become more and more gloomy. Those of England every day more desperate. Nothing but their desperation prevents the stronger party in our government from making common cause with them. Prices of produce are at a stand. The current price of James river tobacco is 9. dollars. This information may be desireable to some of our mercantile neighbors. My love to my dear Maria. I write to Mr. Randolph on the presumption he is at Richmond. My affections are with yourself and Maria and my wishes to be with you. Continue to love me. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0299", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Peregrine Fitzhugh, 19 May 1797\nFrom: Fitzhugh, Peregrine\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                        Cottage Washington County (Md) 19th. May 1797\n                    I beg you to accept my thanks for your favor of the 9th. ulto. and for the peas which it notifies having been lodged for me with my friend John T. Mason. I shall receive them in a few days and will pay every attention to their Culture. I have lately met with some of the same species of Corn tho\u2019 in a much purer state than what I sent you but the Season being too far advanced to admit a chance of its reaching you in time I will have it carefully cultivated here and furnish you with seed from it in the ensuing fall or winter. We have frequent direct opportunities from hence to staunton which I think I heard you say was about 40 miles from your Seat, if you have any friend there to whom it could be directed I can upon a certainty have it lodged for you in time and it will very probably be in my power to accompany it with some of the large dutch white Clover seed of which I sowed about a pack this spring.\n                    Your remarks on Mr. Maddisons alledged conduct in the Genl. and State Conventions and in Congress are perfectly satisfactory to me and would I think force conviction upon any rational or candid mind, but I have ever believed the allegations unfounded and that they were calculated to wound the republican Cause thro the riles of one of its Champions. While I sincerely lament your having been so soon drawn again from your domestic enjoyments on so long and tiresome a journey I cannot but confess that I anticipate the most salutary effects from the present meeting of Congress. What the disposition of the new President towards France may be I can form no judgment but on speculation\u2014because we have seen the professions and Acts of the old Administration relative to that Government uniformly at variance\u2014but it is a fact too well ascertained that all his immediate Counsellors and a majority of the honorable body over whom you preside have manifested a disposition favorable to the Interest of Britain and of course hostile to those of our Sister Republic. Upon the House of representatives then are we compell\u2019d to rest our last hope and I feel a confidence that notwithstanding the few unfavorable changes which the late elections have produced, its complexion will be such as to encourage or if necessary influence a pacific disposition in the propos\u2019d negotiations. This may probably induce a similar conduct on the part of France and secure us the enjoyment of a less interrupted Commerce which may be some consolation to us\u2014but how are we to regain, or where seek an indemnity for the loss of our national Character? Having shown the World that we are capable of abandoning the sacred principles of honor justice and Gratitude\u2014from motives of fear, avarice or whatever other ignoble passion, Let our Conduct  now wear ever so much the appearance of candor, Let our measures towards France be ever so conciliatory\u2014they will be regarded by all nations as the offspring of necessity and not an honorable conviction and we shall be allowed no credit for them. I hear that Mr. Ames has by his own desire been left out of the present Congress. I am glad of it. Tho he certainly ought not to have deserted his party till he had assisted them in getting their Barque out of the breakers but looking forward I presume to the loss of their chief support (the sanction of a great Name) he thought it advisable to retire also and he has meanly sneak\u2019d out of difficulties into which he proudly strutted. I heartily wish the President was as well rid of his present Body Guards. He surely has as little to expect from their Wisdom or Talents as his Country has from their Patriotism. I recollect and will relate a little anecdote of one of them which if it does not add to his literary merit will at least make you smile. During our late War the Learned Secretary then Qr. Mr. Genl. of the army had occasion to issue an order relative to the disposition of Rations complained vehemently of the \u201cuncommon inundation of women which the Camp had recently experienc\u2019d.\u201d The expression caused a good deal of Laugh among the younger Officers (myself in the number) but we were at a loss to decide whether it was the effect of ignorance or whether our buckram Qr. Master did not actually fear a real inundation from the admission of so many additional Sourses in the Camp and that he might be swept away in the deluge. A few other orders of a similar Complexion very soon however removed our doubts on the subject. Have you seen a letter of instructions from one of your districts adress\u2019d to Mr. New their representative. Our sentiments here perfectly coincide with those expressed in that Letter and we earnestly hope that Congress may make such principles the basis and such measures the result of their deliberations. We shall be in anxious suspense till we hear what you have done\u2014if therefore you can find a leisure moment before you leave the City, a short communication of your sentiments on the present posture of Affairs and of the probable issue of your meeting would be very thankfully received. I have obeyed your Command relative to my Father. The old Gentleman whose intellect continues as strong as his republican principles are sound feels himself most gratified by your remembrance of him. He directs me to make a return of his affectionate and unfeign\u2019d respects\u2014to assure you of his warmest veneration for your private and political Character\u2014and to add that he retains a perfect recollection of you, and that he shall consider it one of the most pleasing events of his life if chance should ever afford him an opportunity of embracing and paying his personal regards to you. Perhaps in some of your excurtions to and from the Seat of Government it might  not be an unpleasant variety to take this County in your Route. At its proper season you would as a Farmer be delighted with the luxuriance of vegetation, and I can venture to assert that you would meet as many warm and respectable Friends here as perhaps in any other country Circle of the United States, and who would feel themselves highly gratified by your Presence among them. I need [not] assure you of the pleasure I should feel on such an occasion. We are only 24 miles from Frederic Town thro which place runs a large Post Road delightful from thence to Philadelphia and an excellent line of Stages as I am informed establish\u2019d on it. With earnest wishes for your Health & happiness & every possible respect I am Dr Sir Yr. Most obedt. & Hble Servant\n                        P.S. About an hour after sealing up my Letter for the Post office I received a Paper containing the Presidents Speech. It pains me exceedingly as it breathes none of those conciliating sentiments towards the French republic which I had fondly cherished the Idea of. If from Speculation as in the beginning of this Letter I appeared to doubt the Presidents disposition towards France his Speech I think leaves us no room now towards it and we have now indeed no hope left but in 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0300", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from \u201cA Native American\u201d, [19 May 1797]\nFrom: \u201cA Native American\u201d\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your arrival at the seat of government immediately after the publication of a letter said to be written by you to your friend Mazzei in Italy, affords you a fair opportunity of doing away any bad impression respecting your character, which the falsely ascribing to you improper sentiments may hitherto have occasioned. For the honor of the American name I would wish the letter to be a Forgery, altho\u2019 I must confess, that your silence upon the subject, and the conduct of that party with which  you appear, at present, to act, leaves but little probability of its not having proceeded from your pen. If it is not your production, an explicit disavowal of it appears incumbent on you, for several reasons.\n                        1. Because it implies a contradiction of those sentiments respecting our excellent constitution, which you have formerly held, before a disappointed ambition threw you into the hands of a desperate faction, by whose means you expected, no doubt, to have filled the first office of our government.\n                        2. Because it is a direct libel on the character of those men, whom the choice of a free people called to the exercise of the executive and judiciary powers of our government. And,\n                        3. Because its publication in a country, from whose government and citizens we have met with every kind of injury and insult, has a tendency to encourage a continuance of such conduct in our allies, from a persuasion, that our internal situation would admit of its exercise with impunity.\n                    You stated truly when you represented all our proprietors of land as friendly to republican principles, and if you had gone further and declared all our native citizens as faithful to the government they had formed, and disposed to defend their rights as an independent nation, from the insidious attacks of foreign foes, you would have run no risque of a contradiction. It is to be sure unfortunate for the ancient dominion of Virginia, that the names of the late secretary Randolph, Giles, Madison, Monroe and yourself are found in its rolls of citizens; but whilst she possesses the beloved Washington; and the memory of his great achievements and illustrious character is cherished by Americans, those names, like specks upon the sun\u2019s disk, will be but transiently observed, and detract but inconsiderably from her lustre. But it probably suited your purpose better to say, \u201cOur political situation is prodigiously changed since you left us. Instead of that noble love of liberty, and that republican government, which carried us triumphantly through the dangers of the war, an anglo-monarchico-aristocratic party has arisen. Their avowed object is to impose on us the substance, as they have already given us the form, of the British government. Nevertheless the principal body of our citizens remain faithful to republican principles. All our proprietors of lands are friendly to those principles, as also the mass of men of talents. We have against us (republicans) the executive power, the judiciary power (two of the three branches of our government) all the officers of government, all who are seeking offices, all timid men, who prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty, the British merchants, and the Americans who trade on British capitals, the speculators, persons interested in the banks and public  funds (establishments invented with views of corruption and to assimilate us to the British model in all its corrupt parts.)\u201d\n                    Supposing for an instant, what I can by no means admit, that such is the present situation of our country, is it, sir, the part of a friend to his country\u2014is it the part of a citizen, who had been frequently intrusted with the management of public concerns, thus to expose the failings of his brethren\u2014the weak and vulnerable part of his native land, to a prattling foreigner, whose self-consequence and pride, abstracted from any other motive, might induce him to make an improper use of this, at least, very imprudent confidence? We have not forgotten the fine theme, which the precious confessions of your countryman Randolph furnished to a former French minister, and we can readily conceive, that your letter, under the improving hand of an intriguing Italian, may prove the source of accumulating evils to the United States. Have we not repeatedly shewn our attachment to the cause of liberty and to France? Did we not exert every muscle\u2014strain every nerve, to assist her in establishing her right to make her own form of government untrammelled by the will of other nations? And that too, when those who now basely fawn by her side, and ignominiously lick the dust from her feet, were foremost in their opposition to the regeneration of a numerous people. Did we not, for a long time, patiently bear with the cringing insolence of Genet\u2014the impertinent suggestions of Fauchet\u2014and the dark and insidious man\u0153uvres of Adet, without shewing any intemperance of conduct at their behaviour, or ceasing our good offices to their nation, or their compatriots? True it is, sir, that the feeble attempts of a rising republic, without a navy or large standing army, could be of little service in battle, to either of the contending parties\u2014of this, in the commencement of her struggle, France seemed fully sensible, and was aware of the advantage to be derived from our remaining neutral. And is it for this, we are charged by you with ingratitude and injustice, and are those men, whom you once thought Solomons in council, and Sampsons in combat, for this to be branded by you, with the name of Apostates?\n                    But I am perhaps intruding upon your time, and taking up some moments which might be more profitably employed in attention to public affairs; I shall therefore close this letter, with a wish, that if the writing ascribed to you is spurious it may be disowned. In doing this, you will render a justice due to yourself, and oblige many of your fellow-citizens, but no one more than", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0301", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 19 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    I inclose you a copy of the President\u2019s speech. Before that was delivered the dispositions of all the members from every quarter seemed averse from war. But that disposition appears to be changing, and those are taking the hue of the speech who wish the Executive to be the sole power in the government. The Republican interest has lost by the changes in the last election, particularly by those in our state. The struggle to keep us, while pretending to negociate for peace, from provoking war by putting ourselves into all it\u2019s attitudes will be arduous and doubtful. It would not be so doubtful if all were present; but many of the most distant members are absent, and chiefly of those who are either peaceable or moderate.\u2014Flour is from 8 1/2 to 9. Doll. Good James river tobacco 8 1/2 to 9 D. I have not yet been able to sell mine which I hold at 11. Dol. They admit that price has been given for the best hogsheads of old tobacco and tho\u2019 I have offered a credit equivalent to September (when it would be considered as old tobacco) yet I have not been able to engage. I think I shall keep it on hand till then rather than give up such a difference. Hereafter I will make my money engagements for September instead of July as there is a loss of 25. per cent in selling before September. I believe I could now sell for 10. or perhaps 101/2 Doll. on the credit I have offered of 2. 4. and 6 months, a third payable at each epoch, and the notes would be discountable 2. months before due. I have mentioned always in my propositions your tobacco if it should come, so that if you chuse it it shall go with mine. But I should wish your instructions how far such terms of paiment would suit you. I should have had less difficulty but that there is really none of the purchasers but Lieper I would trust so long. We all expect a session more or less short. I shall be happy to hear how your health is and that of the children, who I presume are still with you. I am impatient to meet you all at Monticello, and to exchange the turbulence and hatred of faction for the delights of domestic affection and tranquility. Adieu affectionately\n                        P.S. There is not a single voice heard for embargo of any kind, so that the exporters may be tranquil on that 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0303", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry, 22 May 1797\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Inclosed is a copy of a letter which I wrote to Mr. Monroe the 4th of april, to the care of yourself; and annexed is the copy of one to yourself of the 27th of march; both of which, I presume from their not being acknowledged, have been intercepted: and if this is the case, I wish to ascertain it. I have the honor to remain with the most perfect esteem & respect yours 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0304", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexandre Giroud, 22 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Giroud, Alexandre\n                    I recieved at this place from Mr. Bache the letter of the 20th. Germinal with the seeds of the Bread tree which you were so kind as to send me. I am happy that the casual circumstance respecting Oglethorpe\u2019s affairs has led to this valuable present and I shall take immediate measures to improve the opportunity it gives us of introducing so precious a plant into our Southern states. The successive supplies of the same seeds which you are kind enough to give me expectations of recieving from you will in like manner be thankfully recieved, and distributed to those persons and places most likely to render the experiment successful. One service of this kind rendered to a nation is worth more to them than all the victories of the most splendid pages of their history, and becomes a source of exalted pleasure to those who have been instrumental to it. May that pleasure be yours, and your name be pronounced with gratitude by those who shall at some future day be tasting the sweets of  the blessing you are now procuring them. With my thanks for this favor accept assurances of the sentiments of esteem & regard with which I am &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0305", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Allen Jones, 22 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jones, Allen\n                    I have lately recieved from a Mr. Giroud of St. Domingue [a] few seeds of the Bread tree, from plants growing there. [Our inform?]ation that Capt. Cook found that tree bearing fully in [New Zealand] in a colder temperature than that of London, [leaves?] little doubt it may be raised in our Southern states. Having only seven seeds, and desirous of [t]aking all the [\u2026] possible for success, I send two to each of the states of Georgia, S. Carolina, and N. Carolina, reserving one for Virginia [and knowing?] your great attention to things of this nature, I cannot better dispose of those destined for N. Carolina than by putting them into the hands of [\u2026] [with the?] sentiment of public interest to [\u2026] plant to the productions of [this country?] [\u2026] accordingly take the liberty of [\u2026] by the first safe conveyance which offers from this place.\n                    I avail myself with great pleasure of this occasion of [recall?]ing myself to your [recollection?] and of assuring you of the constant sentiments of esteem & respect with which I have the honor to be Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0306", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Louis Cl\u00e9risseau, 23 May 1797\nFrom: Cl\u00e9risseau, Charles Louis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Je profite d\u2019une ocasion tres favorable pour vous faire parvenir ces lignes qui vous prouveront que je conserve toujours les Sentiments les plus Sensibles pour une persone qui a bien voul\u00fb m\u2019honorer de Sa confiance et qui a daign\u00e9 estre Satisfait de mes productions en m\u2019en donant les preuves les plus distingu\u00e9s.\n                    Je prend la libert\u00e9 de vous prier de vous resouvenir de moi. Je me trouverois tres honor\u00e9 Si je pouvois vous estre de quelque utilit\u00e9 dans la partie des arts ce qui Seroit pour moi une preuve que vous daign\u00e9 vous resouvenir de moi. Les circonstances facheuses dans les quels nous nous trouvons nous obligent de nous recomander a vos amis. Car etant oblig\u00e9 de tout vendre pour vivre attendue que l\u2019on ne peut nous payer nos rentes et que les artistes Sont oblig\u00e9 de mourir de faim ou de quitter le pays. Et moi je suis proche destre oblig\u00e9 de vendre ma biblioteque. Qu\u2019il me Soit donc permis de me recommader a vous et a vos amis pour m\u2019eviter un tel Sacrifice. Je ne prendrois pas la libert\u00e9 de vous parler ainsi Si je n\u2019etois pas convainc\u00fb de l\u2019amour que vous avez pour les arts, et la Satisfaction que vous auri\u00e9 d\u2019obliger celui qui est avec le plus profond respect Monsieur Votre tres humble tres obeissant Serviteur\n                        Si Vous avez quelques amateurs des arts qui vienent a paris je vous prie de me les adresser. Voila mon adresse Mr. Cle. architecte demeurant a auteuil prest de paris A 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0308", "content": "Title: The Senate to John Adams, [23 May 1797]\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: Adams, John\n                    The Senate of the United States request you to accept their acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail you have given, in your speech to both Houses of Congress, on the existing state of the Union.\n                    While we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening it on this momentous occasion.\n                    The superintendance of our national faith, honour and dignity, being, in a great measure, constitutionally deposited with the Executive, we observe, with singular satisfaction, the vigilance, firmness and promptitude exhibited by you, in this critical state of our public affairs, and from thence derive an evidence and pledge of the rectitude and integrity of your administration. And we are sensible, it is an object of primary importance, that each branch of the government should adopt a language and system of conduct, which shall be cool, just and dispassionate; but firm, explicit and decided.\n                    We are equally desirous, with you, to preserve peace and friendship with all nations, and are happy to be informed, that neither the honour or interests of the United States forbid advances for securing those desirable objects, by amicable negociation, with the French republic. This method of adjusting national differences, is not only the most mild, but the most rational and humane, and with governments disposed to be just, can seldom fail of success, when fairly, candidly and sincerely used. If we have committed errors, and can be made sensible of them, we agree with you, in opinion, that we ought to correct them, and compensate the injuries, which may have been consequent thereon, and we trust the French republic will be actuated by the same just and benevolent principles of national policy.\n                    We do therefore most sincerely approve of your determination to promote and accelerate an accommodation of our existing differences with that republic by negociation, on terms compatible with the rights, duties,  interests and honour of our nation. And you may rest assured of our most cordial co-operation so far as it may become necessary in this pursuit.\n                    Peace and harmony with all nations is our sincere wish; but such being the lot of humanity that nations will not always reciprocate peaceable dispositions: it is our firm belief that, effectual measures of defence, will tend to inspire that national self-respect and confidence at home, which is the unfailing source of respectability abroad, to check aggression and prevent war.\n                    While we are endeavouring to adjust our differences with the French republic by amicable negociation, the progress of the war in Europe, the depredations on our commerce, the personal injuries to our citizens and the general complexion of affairs, prove to us your vigilant care, in recommending to our attention, effectual measures of defence.\n                    Those which you recommend, whether they relate to external defence, by permitting our citizens to arm for the purpose of repelling aggressions on their commercial rights, and by providing sea convoys, or to internal defence, by increasing the establishments of artillery and cavalry, by forming a provisional army, by revising the militia laws and fortifying, more completely, our ports and harbours, will meet our consideration under the influence of the same just regard for the security, interest and honour of our country, which dictated your recommendation.\n                    Practices so unnatural and iniquitous, as those you state, of our own citizens, converting their property and personal exertions into the means of annoying our trade, and injuring their fellow-citizens, deserve legal severity commensurate with their turpitude.\n                    Although the Senate believe, that the prosperity and happiness of our country does not depend on general and extensive political connexions with European nations, yet we can never lose sight of the propriety as well as necessity of enabling the Executive, by sufficient and liberal supplies, to maintain, and even extend our foreign intercourse, as exigencies may require, reposing full confidence in the Executive, in whom the constitution has placed the powers of negotiation.\n                    We learn with sincere concern, that attempts are in operation to alienate the affections of our fellow-citizens from their government. Attempts so wicked, wherever they exist, cannot fail to excite our utmost abhorrence. A government chosen by the people for their own safety and happiness, and calculated to secure both, cannot lose their affections, so long as its administration pursues the principles upon which it was erected. And your resolution to observe a conduct just and impartial to all nations, a sacred regard to our national engagements, and not to impair the rights of our government, contains principles which cannot fail to secure to your administration the support of the National  Legislature, to render abortive every attempt to excite dangerous jealousies among us, and to convince the world that our government and your administration of it, cannot be separated from the affectionate support of every good citizen. And the Senate cannot suffer the present occasion to pass, without thus publicly and solemnly expressing their attachment to the constitution and government of their country, and as they hold themselves responsible to their constituents, their consciences and their God, it is their determination by all their exertions to repel every attempt to alienate the affections of the people from the government, so highly injurious to the honour, safety and independence of the United States.\n                    We are happy, since our sentiments on the subject are in perfect unison with yours, in this public manner to declare, that we believe the conduct of the government has been just and impartial to foreign nations, and that those internal regulations which have been established for the preservation of peace, are in their nature proper, and have been fairly executed.\n                    And we are equally happy, in possessing an entire confidence in your abilities and exertions in your station, to maintain untarnished, the honour, preserve the peace, and support the independence of our country; to acquire and establish which, in connexion with your fellow-citizens, has been the virtuous effort of a principal part of your life.\n                    To aid you in the honourable and arduous exertions, as it is our duty, so it shall be our faithful endeavour. And we flatter ourselves, Sir, that the proceedings of the present session of Congress will manifest to the world, that although the United States love peace, they will be independent. That they are sincere in their declarations to be just to the French, and all other nations, and expect the same in return.\n                    If a sense of justice, a love of moderation and peace, shall influence their councils, which we sincerely hope, we shall have just grounds to expect, peace and amity between the United States and all nations will be preserved.\n                    But if we are so unfortunate, as to experience injuries from any foreign power, and the ordinary methods by which differences are amicably adjusted between nations shall be rejected, the determination \u201cnot to surrender in any manner the rights of the government,\u201d being so inseparably connected with the dignity, interest and independence of our country, shall, by us, be steadily and inviolably supported.\n                            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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0309", "content": "Title: John Adams to the Senate, [24 May 1797]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: United States Senate\nGentlemen of the Senate\n                    It would be an affectation in me, to dissemble, the pleasure I feel, on receiving this Kind Address.\n                    My long experience of the Wisdom, Fortitude, and Patriotism of the Senate of the United States, enhances in my estimation, the Value of those obliging expressions of your approbation of my conduct, which are a generous reward for the past, and an affecting encouragement to constancy and perseverance, in future.\n                    Our sentiments appear to be so entirely in Unison, that I cannot but believe them to be, the rational result of the understandings, and the natural feelings of the hearts, of Americans in general, on contemplating the present State of the nation. While such Principles and affections prevail, they will form an indissoluble bond of Union, and a sure pledge, that our Country has no essential Injury to apprehend from any portentous appearances abroad. In a humble reliance on divine providence, we may rest assured that while we reiterate with Sincerity, our endeavors to accomodate all our differences with France, the Independence of our Country cannot be diminished, its dignity degraded, or its glory tarnished, by any nation or combination of nations whether Friends or 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0311", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Hugh Williamson, 24 May 1797\nFrom: Williamson, Hugh\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    This forenoon I was inform\u2019d by a Letter from N York that Mr. Apthorp is dead and to be buried tomorrow. The family extremely solicitous that I should come on without delay.\n                    I shall from New York write a Letter to Mr. Caffery who wrote me concerning the big Bones and after thanking him for his attention to my former Request shall refer him to such Letter as he may receive from some Officer of the Amer: Phil: Soc: By his Letter that is in the Hands of Dr. Wister you will observe that he promises Attention to any Requests I or any other Gentleman may make touching that Subject. In fact I had informed Mr. Jackson his Brother in Law, that it was for the Amer: Philos: Society that I wished to have as much information as possible on that Subject. A very trusty Man who lives at Nashville a few Miles from the Bones is now in Philada. and proposes setting out next Sunday. Mr. Wm. Blount knows him well and will hand him any Letters from any Officer of the Society. I am Dr Sir with the utmost Respect Yrs\n                        P:S I presume the Society will write in what manner they wish the Bones to be put up and what Quantity 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0312", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 25 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n                    I this moment recieve your [favor] of the 22d. Nine days before that, to wit, May 13. I had [written to you my last] letter acknoleging the [receipt of yours] of May [4.] [\u2026] that that of Apr. 4. with the [one for] Monroe [\u2026] hand. My letter was directed to yourself \u2018to the care of Mr. Osgood New York.\u2019 from which I hoped it would be stopped there as I did not superscribe the place of your residence. I [hope] you will have got it ere now; and I shall be [\u2026] [whether] you have, lest it  get into hands who [may make improper] use of it, and by pretended translations and [re-translations] make it say what they please. Should you not recieve it, I will send a duplicate. What stay do you make in New York? When 12. hours will bring you here, will nothing tempt you to visit us? Adieu Your\u2019s affectionately\n                        P.S. The letter to Monroe shall be taken care of and delivered the moment he arrives.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0313", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 25 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\n                    I wrote to your sister the last week, since which I have been very slowly getting the better of my rheumatism, though very slowly indeed; being only able to walk a little stronger. I see by the newspapers that Mr. and Mrs. Church and their family are arrived at New York. I have not heard from them, and therefore am unable to say anything about your friend Kitty, or whether she be still Miss Kitty. The condition of England is so unsafe that every prudent person who can quit it, is right in doing so. James is returned to this place, and is not given up to drink as I had before been informed. He tells me his next trip will be to Spain. I am afraid his journeys will end in the moon. I have endeavored to persuade him to stay where he is and lay up money. We are not able yet to judge when Congress will rise. Opinions differ from two to six weeks. A few days will probably enable us to judge. I am anxious to hear that Mr. Randolph and the children have got home in good health; I wish also to hear that your sister and yourself continue in health; it is a circumstance on which the happiness of my life depends. I feel the desire of never separating from you grow daily stronger, for nothing can compensate with me the want of your society. My warmest affections to you both. Adieu, and continue to love me as I do you. Yours 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0314", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Linn, 25 May 1797\nFrom: Linn, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I beg you to excuse the liberty I take in enclosing to you a list which has appeared in the newspapers of the names and numbers of the Indian tribes in North America. A circular address which accompanies it will inform you of the occasion of giving you this trouble. I have nothing to plead for interrupting your attention a moment to the affairs of the nation at this alarming and eventful period, but that from your researches into this and other subjects interesting to a philosophic mind, you possess the best information.\n                    Besides the names mentioned in the Address, and which are not found in your list, there are, in the treaty concluded at Greenville, Aug. 3d. 1795, the names of Eelriver and Wee\u00e1s. I find that some to give the whole number of inhabitants, multiply the number of the warriors by six. This proportion is, perhaps, too great. You incline to fix the proportion to be as 3 to 10, and which, for any thing I have yet seen, is nearer the truth.\n                    You will easily perceive that I have not yet read or thought much on this subject. Whatever communications your leisure will permit you make, or whatever directions you will please to give as to the sources of information, will be gratefully acknowledged by Your Obedient And 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0316", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 26 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    Nothing new has occurred this week, except that prices get duller. Embargo is also now beginning to be talked of, and I begin to fear I shall not get the price for my tobacco which I have held it at. Ten dollars may perhaps be yet had, tho\u2019 I have been afraid to ask the fact lest it should be thought a symptom of my falling. No judging yet when Congress will rise as the Representatives have not yet agreed on their answer. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0319", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sebastian Bauman, 29 May 1797\nFrom: Bauman, Sebastian\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have taken the liberty to inclose to you a pamphlet containing a statement of the cause of the resignation of all the Officers of the Regiment of Artillery of the City and County of New York, which I had the honor to command and which I hope will do away any unfavourable impressions our proceedings may have made in the mind of the public. I am Sir with great respect Your Obedt and very Humbe 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0320", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Pinckney, 29 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Pinckney, Thomas\n                    I recieved from you, before you left England, a letter inclosing one from the Prince of Parma. As I learnt soon after that you were shortly to return to America, I concluded to join my acknolegements of it with my congratulations on your arrival; and both have been delayed by a blameable spirit of procrastination for ever suggesting to our indolence that we need not do to-day what may be done tomorrow. Accept them now in the sincerity of my heart. It is but lately I have answered the Prince\u2019s letter. It required some time to establish arrangements which might effect his purpose; and I wished also to forward a particular article or two of curiosity.\n                    You have found on your return a higher style of political difference than you had left here. I fear this is inseparable from the different constitutions of the human mind, and that degree of freedom which permits unrestrained expression. Political dissension is doubtless a less evil than the lethargy of despotism: but still it is a great evil, and it would be as worthy the efforts of the patriot as of the philosopher, to exclude it\u2019s influence if possible, from social life. The good are rare enough at best. There is no reason to subdivide them by artificial lines. But whether we shall ever be able so far to perfect the principles of society as that political opinions shall, in it\u2019s intercourse, be as inoffensive as those of philosophy, mechanics or any others, may well be doubted. Foreign influence is the present and just object of public hue and cry, and, as often happens, the most guilty are foremost and loudest in the cry If those who are truly independant can so trim our vessel as to beat thro\u2019 the waves now agitating us, they will merit a glory the greater as it seems less possible. When I contemplate the spirit which is driving us on here, and that beyond the water which will view us but as a mouthful the more, I have little hope of peace. I anticipate the burning of our seaports, havoc of our frontiers, houshold insurgency, with a long  train of etceteras which it is enough for a man to have met once in his life. The exchange which is to give us new neighbors in Louisiana (probably the present French armies, when disbanded) has opened us to combinations of enemies on that side where we are most vulnerable. War is not the best engine for us to resort to. Nature has given us one in our commerce which, if properly managed, will be a better instrument for obliging the interested nations of Europe to treat us with justice. If the commercial regulations had been adopted which our legislature were at one time proposing, we should at this moment have been standing on such an eminence of safety and respect as ages can never recover. But having wandered from that, our object should now be to get back with as little loss as possible; and when peace shall be restored to the world, endeavor so to form our commercial regulations, as that justice from other nations shall be their mechanical result.\n                    I am very happy to assure you that the conduct of Genl. Pinckney has met universal approbation. It was marked with that coolness, dignity and good sense which we expected from him. I am told the French government had taken up an uphappy idea that Monroe was recalled for the candor of his conduct in what related to the British treaty, and that Genl. Pinckney was sent as having other dispositions towards them. I learn further that some of their well informed citizens here are setting them right as to Genl. Pinckney\u2019s disposition, so well known to have been just towards them; and I sincerely hope not only that he may be employed as envoy extraordinary to them, but that their minds will be better prepared to recieve him. I candidly acknolege however that I do not think the speech and addresses of Congress as conciliatory as the preceding irritations on both sides would have rendered wise. I shall be happy to hear from you at all times, to make myself useful to you whenever opportunity offers, and to give every proof of the sincerity of the sentiments of esteem & respect with which I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0323", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Oliver, 30 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Oliver, John\n                    Tho strongly impressed myself against the possibility of forming a self moving machine, yet I do not place among impossibilities the invention of a machine whose moving power may be constantly renewed by some of the natural agents every where present, as air, gravity &c. If your son has invented any thing effectual in this way he will need no other patronage than the importance and value of his own discovery. When his invention shall be perfectly matured, and it\u2019s performance so certain as to prove itself by it\u2019s action and leave nothing to hypothesis, I presume he will bring it forward here to avail himself of it\u2019s advantages. Should I be here, I shall certainly be one of the forwardest to do justice to his invention, and contribute my mite to the public reputation he will deserve. The law will sufficiently secure to him the emoluments arising from it. Sincerely wishing his discoveries may fulfill expectation I am Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0324", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Gibson, 31 May 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gibson, John\n                    In my Notes on the state of Virginia I have given a translation of the celebrated speech of Logan to Ld. Dunmore with a statement of facts necessary to make it better understood. A Mr. Luther Martin of Maryland has lately come forward, denies the facts and also the authenticity of the speech. As far as my memory serves me we received the speech as a translation of yours, and tho\u2019 I do not recollect that I have heard the facts from yourself, yet I think I understood that you stated them substantially in the same way. I have to ask the favor of you to give me what information you can on this subject, as well respecting the speech as the facts stated by me. I do not mean to enter the newspapers with Mr. Martin. But if any mistake has been committed to the prejudice of Colo. Cresap, it shall be set to rights in a new edition of the book now about to be printed. The book is too large to send you by post, but I imagine you may find a copy of it in Pittsburgh so as to see in what manner the facts are stated. I should express my regrets at the trouble I have proposed to give you, but that I am persuaded you will with willingness give your help to place this transaction on solid ground. It affords me at the same time the satisfaction of recalling myself to your recollection  and of renewing to you assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0325", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1 June [1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                    I wrote you on the 18th. of May. The address of the Senate was soon after that. The first draught was responsive to the speech and higher toned. Mr. Henry arrived the day it was reported. The addressers had not as yet their strength around them. They listened therefore to his objections, recommitted the paper added him and Tazewell to the committee, and it was reported with considerable alterations. But one great attack was made on it, which was to strike out the clause approving every thing heretofore done by the Executive. The clause was retained by a majority of four. They recieved a new accession of members, held a Caucus, took up all the points recommended in the speech, except the raising money, agreed the lists of every committee, and on Monday passed the resolutions and appointed the committees by an uniform vote of 17 to 11. (Mr. Henry was accidentally absent, Ross not then come.) Yesterday they took up the nomination of J. Q. Adams to Berlin which had been objected to as extending our diplomatic establishment. It was approved by 18 to 11. (Mr. Tatnall accidentally absent.) From these proceedings we are able to see that 18. on the one side and 10 on the other, with two wavering votes will decide every question. Schuyler is too ill to come this session, and Gunn is not yet come. Pinckney (the Genl.) John Marshall and Dana are nominated envoys extraordinary to France. Charles Lee consulted a member from Virginia to know whether Marshall would be agreeable. He named you as more likely to give satisfaction. The answer was \u2018nobody of Mr. Mad\u2019s way of thinking will be appointed.\u2019\n                    The Representatives have not yet got through their address. An amendment of Mr. Nicholas\u2019s which you will have seen in the papers was lost by a division of 46. to 52. A clause by Mr. Dayton expressing a wish that France might be put on an equal footing with other nations was inserted by 52. against 47. This vote is most worthy of notice, because the moderation and justice of the proposition being unquestionable, it shews that there are 47. decided to go all lengths, to prevent accomodation. No other members are expected. The absent are two from Massachusets (not elected) one from Tennissee (not elected) Benson from S.C. who never attends and Burgess of N. Carolina. They have received a new orator from the district of Mr. Ames. He is the son of the Secretary of the Senate. They have an accession from S.C. also, that state being exactly divided in the H. of Repr. I learn the following facts which give me great concern. When the British treaty arrived at Charleston, a meeting as you know was called, a committee of 15. appointed  of whom Genl. Pinckney was one. He did not attend. They waited for him, sent for him: he treated the mission with great hauteur, and disapproved of their meddling. In the course of subsequent altercations he declared that his brother T. Pinckney approved of every article of the treaty under the existing circumstances. And since that time the politics of Charleston have been assuming a different hue. Young Rutledge joining Smith and Harper is an ominous fact as to that whole interest.\n                    Tobacco is at 9. Dollars here, flour very dull of sale. A great stagnation in Commerce generally. During the present uncertain state of things in England the merchants seem disposed to lie on their oars. It is impossible to conjecture the rising of Congress: as it will depend on the system they decide on, whether of preparation for war, or inaction.\u2014In the vote of 46. to 52. Morgan, Machir, and Evans were of the majority, and Clay kept his seat, refusing to vote with either. In that of 47 to 52. Evans was the only one of our delegation who voted against putting France on an equal footing with other nations.\u2014P.M. So far I had written in the morning. I now take up my pen to add that the address having been reported to the house, it was moved to disagree to so much of the amendment as went to the putting France on an equal footing with other nations; and Morgan and Machir turning tail (in consequence as is said of having been closeted last night by Charles Lee) the vote was 49. to 50. So the principle was saved by a single vote. They then moved to insert that compensation for spoliations shall be a sine qua non, and this will be decided 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0329", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Wakelin Welch, 4 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Welch, Wakelin\n                    Your favor of Aug. 22. never came to my hands till about a fortnight ago. In the meantime, that is to say about January or February last the subject of it had been included and settled in a general settlement of the debt of the late Mr. Wayles to Cary & Co. between Mr. Wickam acting for them and Mr. Wayles\u2019s executors, of which I have no doubt you recieved information in due time.  Your letter gave me the first news of the death of your late father. Permit me to place here my sincere regrets at this event, regrets founded on a great degree of personal esteem which I entertained for him. Accept yourself assurances of the regard with which I am 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0331", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 7 June 1797\nFrom: Coxe, Tench\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Mr. T. Coxe returns, with his best respects, the pamphlet Mr. Jefferson was so good as to lend him. It certainly has merit both for information, and reasoning. But Mr: Coxe would wish to see An Enquiry into the means of Prosperity to the United States well handled, before he would think it safe to settle finally the commercial course they ought to steer. Commerce would in his opinion be found to be\n                    1st. a business in the hands of a part of our people, and of foreign friends, rivals and indifferent persons.\n                    2dly. tho a valueable auxiliary, yet no more.\n                    3dly. a means of prosperity susceptable of serious perversions and  abuses producing war\u2014expence\u2014loss of honest national reputation\u2014and sacrifices of principles not only of more importance but indispensible.\n                    A work written with wisdom, knowledge and candor upon trade as it should be pursued by the United States would be invaluable. Perhaps nothing is so desireable to this Country except a work upon the nature and orthodoxy of representative 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0332", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 8 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                    I wrote you last on the 1st. inst. You will have seen by the public papers that the amendment for putting France on an equal footing with other nations was clogged with another requiring compensation for spoliations. The objection to this was not that it ought not to be demanded, but that it ought not to be a sine qua non, and it was feared from the dispositions of the Executive that they would seize it\u2019s mention by the representatives as a pretext for making it a sine qua non. The representatives have voted a continuance of the fortifications, and a completion and manning of the three frigates. They will probably pass the bills recieved from the Senate prohibiting the exportation of arms and ammunition and for preventing our citizens from engaging in armed vessels. The Senate have also prepared or are proposing bills for raising cavalry, raising a corps of artillerists, buying 9. more armed vessels, authorizing the Executive to employ them and the frigates as convoys for our commerce, and raising a great provisional army to be called into actual service only in the case of war. All these measures will pass the Senate by a majority of about 18. to 12. probably. That of permitting our merchant vessels to arm was rejected by the committee 3. to 2. Bingham who was of the committee stated to the Senate that he had taken pains to learn the sense of the merchants on this subject and that he had not found one in favor of the permission. Still a part of the Senate are for it, and do not consider it as laid aside. Smith and Harper brought on the same proposition yesterday (being the 5th. of Smith\u2019s resolutions) before the representatives. It was amended by changing the word permitting to restricting. Another amendment was proposed to add \u2018except to the Mediterranean and E. Indies.\u2019 The day was spent in debate,  and no question taken. I believe certainly the general permission will not be given. But what may be the fate of the 3d. 4th. 6th. 7th. and other resolutions is not very certain. We hope favorably. The late victory of Buonaparte and panic of the British government has produced a sensible effect in damping the ardor of our heroes. However they might have been willing at first, partly from inclination, partly from devotion to the Executive, to have met hostilities from France, it is now thought they will not force that nail, but, doing of the most innocent things as much as may be necessary to veil the folly or the boldness of calling Congress, be willing to leave the more offensive measures till the issue of the negociation or their own next meeting. This is the most we can hope, and but for the late successes of France and desperate condition of England, it was more than we should have hoped. For it is difficult to say whether the Republicans have a majority or not. The votes have been carried both ways by a difference of from 1. to 6. Our three renegadoes exactly make that difference. Clay proves to be as firm as a rock, having never separated but in the single instance I mentioned in my last letter, when I presume he must have been struck by some peculiar view of the question.\u2014We expect the arrival of Paine daily. Of Monroe we hear nothing, except that he had not left Paris on the 1st. of April.\n                    P.M. This day has been spent in the H. of Representatives in debating whether the restriction of the merchants from arming their vessels except when bound to the Mediterranean or E. Indies, should be taken off as to the W. Indies also. It was determined by 46. against 34. that the W. India vessels should not arm. This is considered as auguring favorably of the other resolutions. The Senate determined to-day 18. to 11. that 9 vessels should be bought, armed &c. by the president. Their cost is estimated at 60,000.D. each. This was on the 2d. reading of the bill. These bills originated in the Senate and going under their sanction to the lower house, while in so vibratory a state, have a very mischievous effect. We expect to rise on Saturday the 17th. I have written for my horses to be at Fredsbg. on Sunday the 25th. and I may be with you perhaps on the 26th. or 27th. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0333", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\n                    Yours of May 20 came to hand the 1st. inst. I imagine you recieved mine of May 18. about six days after the date of yours. It was written the first post-day after my arrival here. The commission you inclosed for Maria is executed, and the things are in the care of Mr. Boyce of Richmond, who is returning from hence with some goods of his own, and will deliver them to Mr. Johnston.\u2014I recieve with inexpressible pleasure the information your letter contained. After your own happy establishment, which has given me an inestimable friend to whom I can leave the care of every thing I love, the only anxiety I had remaining was to see Maria also so associated as to ensure her happiness. She could not have been more so to my wishes, if I had had the whole earth free to have chosen a partner for her. I now see our fireside formed into a groupe, no one member of which has a fibre in their composition which can ever produce any jarring or jealousies among us. No irregular passions, no dangerous bias, which may render problematical the future fortunes and happiness of our descendants. We are quieted as to their condition for at least one generation more.  In order to keep us all together, instead of a present provision in Bedford, as in your case, I think to open and resettle the plantation of Pantops for them. When I look to the ineffable pleasures of my family society, I become more and more disgusted with the jealousies, the hatred, and the rancorous and malignant passions of this scene, and lament my having ever again been drawn into public view. Tranquility is now my object. I have seen enough of political honors to know that they are but splendid torments: and however one might be disposed to render services on which any of their fellow citizens should set a value; yet when as many would deprecate them as a public calamity, one may well entertain a modest doubt of their real importance, and feel the impulse of duty to be very weak. The real difficulty is that being once delivered into the hands of others, whose feelings are friendly to the individual and warm to the public cause, how to withdraw from them without leaving a dissatisfaction in their mind and an impression of pusillanimity with the public.\n                    Congress, in all probability will rise on Saturday the 17th. inst. the day after you will recieve this. I shall leave Philadelphia Monday the 19th. pass a day at Georgetown and a day at Fredericksburg, at which place I wish my chair and horses to be Sunday evening the 25th. Of course they must set out Saturday morning the 24th. This gives me the chance of another post, as you will, the evening before that, recieve by the post a letter of a week later date than this, so that if any thing should happen within a week to delay the rising of Congress, I may still notify it and change the time of the departure of my horses. Jupiter must pursue the rout by Noel\u2019s to which he will come the first day, and by Chew\u2019s to Fredericksburg the next. I fix his rout because were any accident to get me along earlier, or him later, we might meet on the road. Not yet informed that Mr. Randolph is returned I have thought it safest to commit this article to my letter to you. The news of the day I shall write to him. My warmest love to yourself and Maria. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0334", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to French Strother, 8 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Strother, French\n                    In compliance with the desire you expressed in the few short moments I had the pleasure of being with you at Fredericksburg, I shall give you some account of what is passing here. The President\u2019s speech you will have seen; and how far it\u2019s aspect was turned towards war. An opinion here is that the Executive had that in contemplation, and were not without expectation that the legislature might catch the flame. A powerful part of that has shewn a disposition to go all lengths with the Executive; and they have been able to persuade some of more moderate principles to go so far with them as to join them in a very sturdy address. They have voted the compleating and manning the three frigates, and going on with the fortifications. The Senate have gone much further. They have brought in bills for buying more armed vessels, sending them and the frigates out as convoys to our trade, raising more cavalry, more artillerists, and providing a great army, to come into actual service  only if necessary. They have not decided whether they will permit the merchants to arm. The hope and belief is that the Representatives will concur in none of these measures: though their divisions hitherto have been so equal as to leave us under doubt and apprehension. The usual majorities have been from 1. to 6. votes, and these sometimes one way, sometimes the other. Three of the Virginia members dividing from their collegues occasion the whole difference. If they decline these measures, we shall rise about the 17th. inst. It appears that the dispositions of the French government towards us were of a very angry cast indeed: and this before Pickering\u2019s letter to Pinckney was known to them. We do not know what effect that may produce. We expect Paine every day in a vessel from Havre, and Colo. Monroe in one from Bordeaux. Tobacco keeps up to a high price and will still rise. Flour is dull at 7 1/2 Dollars. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0335", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 9 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    I have scarcely a moment left to write to you, having waited till the morning of the departure of the post to see Barnes in expectation I could inform you of the sale of our tobacco. Your\u2019s arrived yesterday. I had found it safest to sell for 10. Dol. as no more than 9 1/2 D. has been given for new tobacco and Lieper would not take it, as he formerly did, at the old tobacco price, giving a credit till Sep. Having therefore an offer yesterday of half a dollar above the highest market, and on such credit as will put the whole money into a negociable state in a short time I desired Barnes to conclude the bargain. I expect he has done it, and that in my next I shall be able to give you the particulars. The weather has been so fine, that I ventured to take on myself the contradiction of your orders to ensure, so that we have saved that 30. Dol. for you.\u2014The legislature will probably pass bills prohibiting the exportation of arms and ammunition, and preventing our citizens from going on board armed vessels, and probably will do little more. We expect to rise the 17th. but of this I have written more particularly to Martha, lest you should not be at Monticello. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0336", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Bell, 12 June 1797\nFrom: Bell, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your favor of the 18th. Ult. came to hand the 10th. Inst. The delay was Owing to the Small pox in Fredriksburg and a Neglect of the post master not sending on to Richmond.\n                    I am Sorry to see that there is a probability of Congress Sitting much longer than you expected and that the tone of the house looks rather hostile. Nicholases Amendment Spoke a Mildness which in our Situation, in my weak Opinion, we ought to Observe.\n                    We have just heard of Marshal &c being appointed as Envoys. I hope they may be able to bring about a conciliation for War I dred as the greatest Curse that could befall our happy country.\n                    The failure of the bank of England must materially effect the Merchantile world. And will it not effect our Own bank in case of a War\u2014we are well assur.d that you will use your influence to keep us in peace. God send every one in office would do so. I din.d yesterday at the Mountain. The family are well. Majr. Randolph will write you himself therefore need say no more on that head.\n                    We have generally had exesive dry Weather. Altho there have been partial rains\u2014but in this Neighborhood we have had none since you left us that would give a Season for a collard plant. With due respect, I am your most Ob. Servt.\n                        Any confidential line I may at any time have the pleasure of receiving from you Shall never by me or my means be made publick. I see the unwarantable and Shamefull attacks at your Charactor from the moment you stepd into office. Such infernal Scoundrels ought to be consign.d to the Algerens or to the\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0337", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, 12 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your letters to my sister and myself did not arrive here till the 9th. They were stopt in Fredericksburg by the sickness of the post boy, and were at last sent round by Richmond. We learnt with sorrow indeed that you had again been tormented by your rheumatism, the consolation of seeing you when you are ill is the only one I know\u2014and I never feel the distress of separation as much as then. I have at last written to Sally Cropper and inclose the letter to you to direct to her in Acomac county, and if she will answer it will try for the future to keep up a more regular correspondance with her. Mr. Randolph and the children arriv\u2019d here last tuesday all in perfect health Ann and Jefferson grown so much as to amaze us, Ann seems to promise more every day of resembling her mother. Her disposition is the same allready she will no doubt be worthy of her. We are alone at present. Mr. Hylton and a Mr. Lawrence with whom he is travelling left us to day after a visit of ten days. We have seen no one else and I hope we shall not for some time, solitude after such company as his is by no means unpleasant. I am not able to tell you whether Mr. Richardson is going on well, they to day, began to raise the walls of the hall, the other rooms are done. The garden has supplied us better with vegetables and fine lettuce than it has ever yet done although we have been so much in want of rain. But, I must finish my letter as they are waiting for it, the next we recieve from you I hope will let us know that you are recoverd and when to expect you. We wait in hopes of that in no small anxiety. Adieu Dear Papa I am your most affectionate daughter", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0338", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Moody, 13 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Moody, John\n                    I might sooner have acknoleged the receipt of your favor of May 15. but I could not sooner have done it with any thing satisfactory on the  subject it concerned. The first [offering?] of the session of Congress was rather [inau]spicious to those who consider war as among the greatest calamities to our country. Private conversation, public discussion, and thorough calculation, aided by the events of Europe, have nearly brought every one to the same sentiment, not only to wish for a continuance of peace, but to let no false sense of honor lead us to take a threatening attitude, which to a nation prompt in it\u2019s passions [and] flushed with victory might produce a blow from them. I rather believe that Congress will think it best to do little or nothing for the present to give fair play to the negociation proposed, and in the mean time lie on their oars till their next meeting in November. Still however both English and French spoliations continue in a high degree. Perhaps the prospects in Europe may deaden the [activity] of the former, and call home all their resources, but I see nothing to check the depredations of the French but the natural effect they begin to produce of starving themselves by deterring us from venturing to sea with provisions. This is the best general view I am able to give you of the probable course of things for the summer so far as they may be interesting to commerce.\u2014The liberties which the presses take in mutilating whatever they can get hold of, obliges me to request every gentleman to whom I write to take care that nothing from me may be put within their power. I am Sir Your very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0339", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, [14 June 1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\n                    I learn, my dear M. with inexpressible pleasure that an union of sentiment is likely to bring on an union of destiny between yourself and a person for whom I have the highest esteem. A long acquaintance with him has made his virtues familiar to me and convinced me that he possesses  every quality necessary to make you happy and to make us all happy. This event in compleating the circle of our family has composed for us such a group of good sense, good humor, liberality, and prudent care of our affairs, and that without a single member of a contrary character, as families are rarely blessed with. It promises us long years of domestic concord and love, the best ingredient in human happiness, and I deem the composition of my family the most precious of all the kindnesses of fortune. I propose, as in the case of your sister, that we shall all live together as long as it is agreeable to you; but whenever inclination convenience or a curiosity to try new things shall give a wish to be separately established, it must be at Pantops, which in the mean time while under your improvement will furnish to Mr. E. useful and profitable occupation as a farmer, and to you a occasional rides to superintend the spinning house, dairy &c. You might even have a room there to be in comfort if business or variety should induce a short stay. From thence to Edgehill we can make a road on the dead level which shall make it as near as to Monticello. But I should lose myself, my dear Maria, in these reveries as I always do when I think of yourself or your sister, did not the discordant noises, the oppressive heats and other disagremens of this place awaken me through the channel of every sense to very different scenes. I long the more to be with you, and therefore see with the utmost impatience day after day drawn out here in useless debate, and rhetorical declamation. Take care of your health my dear child for my happiness as well as your own and that of all those who love you. And all the world will love you if you continue good good humored, prudent and attentive to every body, as I am sure you will do from temper as well as reflection. I embrace you my dear in all the warmth of my love, and bid you affectionately 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0340", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Stevens, 14 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Stevens, Edward\n                    I recieved duly through your kindness the survey from Mr. Strode of the road from Georgetown to Stevensburg. I propose on my passage through George town to confer with the Bridge company and get them to undertake having the road conducted from their bridge to the Culpeper line, after which I presume every county will go on with it till it gets into the direct and proper road at Prince Edward courthouse. I observe there are some little difficulties in your county, excited by an inclination in some to draw it by their courthouse. I think it possible that a winter road in that direction may become an object as an appendix to the other. But the main object is to give us the benefit of a straight road through the level country in such seasons of the year as it can be used. I hope therefore that this may be accomodated.\u2014Congress I think will determine to trust to the event of their negociation, and to do little at their present session, such is the complexion of their votes hitherto. They spent most of their fire on the address, and are now rather more temperate. The great events of Europe have not been without their influence on our debates. Buonaparte\u2019s victories, the peace of Austria, bankruptcy of England and mutiny in her fleet, have been differently felt here. British and French spoliations both continue as high as they ever were. I hope myself, that as this must be the last campaign in Europe, we may rub through this summer without war, and in the interval of peace try whether we cannot so arrange our commerce and navigation as to make them the instruments of preserving peace and justice to us hereafter. Our people must consent to small occasional sacrifices, to avoid the greater evil of war. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0341", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Strode, 14 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Strode, John\n                    I have to acknolege the receipt of your favor of May 7. together with the survey of the road from Georgetown to Stevensburgh. As I believe there will be no difficulty in getting the road established from it\u2019s entry into Culpeper till it gets into the established and direct road in Prince Edward, I propose to confer at Georgetown with some members of the Bridge company and get them to undertake to have the road opened to the Culpeper line.\n                    We are in hopes of rising about Saturday the 24th. The immense events which are daily taking place in Europe render it impossible for Congress to know to what state of things to adapt their proceedings. I am in hopes therefore they will conclude it best to do almost nothing for the present, but await the event of their negociation with France, and hope the establishment of peace in Europe will give us leisure and opportunity to devise some means of preserving neutrality in all wars, yet of maintaining a due respect to our honour and our interests. It cannot be denied that these have been grossly trampled on by both the belligerent powers in the present war. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0343", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Malon, 15 June 1797\nFrom: Malon, Pierre\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Le desir d\u2019etre utile a mon Semblable m\u2019avoit fait naitre l\u2019id\u00e9e de donner au public par la voie des journeaux le Secret de deux remedes precieux a l\u2019humanit\u00e9 en general, mais plus precieux encore dans un Vaste pais ou la pluspart des habitants \u00e9pars ne peuvent Se procurer aisement les Secours de la medecine; mais j\u2019ai reflechi que la Classe que j\u2019ai le plus en vue de Secourir, L\u2019honn\u00eate ouvrier, ne S\u2019amusant point a lire des gazettes, Seroit priv\u00e9 d\u2019un Secours extremement important. J\u2019ai donc Cru ne pouvoir emploier une voie mellieure que de vous l\u2019envoier, pour que vous le rendiez public, Si vous le jugez Convenable, par les moiens que vous dictera Votre Sagesse et Celle de messieurs vos Confreres.\n                    Une grande quantit\u00e9 d\u2019ouvriers que j\u2019emploiois en europe, que je pourvoiois dans leurs maladies, beaucoup d\u2019honnetes indigents que j\u2019aimois a Soulager m\u2019ont valu quelque foible experience et la recherche de quelques remedes les plus efficaces, des voisins Compagnons respectables d\u2019infortune, qui partagent avec moi les memes Sentiments, m\u2019ont procur\u00e9 la Connoissance d\u2019autres non moins precieux que l\u2019humanit\u00e9 Seule nous engage a donner au public, aucune vue d\u2019interest ne nous guide, Soiez en Convaincu et l\u2019unique grace que je vous demande que pour ma recompense je vous impose, S\u2019il m\u2019est permis d\u2019user de Ce terme, est que vous ne prononciez mon nom ni au public ni a messieurs  vos Confreres; pour en \u00eatre Sur je me Serois dispens\u00e9 de Signer ma lettre Si je n\u2019avois point Cru qu\u2019il fut utile que vous eussiez mon addresse dans le Cas ou vous pourriez avoir besoin de quelque d\u00e9tail.\n                    Pardonnez, Monsieur, Si je vous interromp un instant dans vos importantes occupations, mais l\u2019ami de Ses Concitoiens ne peut qu\u2019applaudir au desir qu\u2019on a de leur etre utile et en Cette faveur Sacrifier Sans peine quelques moments. Permettez que je Saisisse Cette occasion de vous assurer de la respectueuse Consideration avec la quelle je Suis Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0345", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Aaron Burr, 17 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Burr, Aaron\n                    The newspapers give so minutely what is passing in Congress that nothing of detail can be wanting for your information. Perhaps however some general view of our situation and prospects since you left us may not be unacceptable. At any rate it will give me an opportunity of recalling myself to your memory, and of evidencing my esteem for you.  You well know how strong a character of division had been impressed on the Senate by the British treaty. Common error, common censure, and common efforts of defence had formed the treaty majority into a common band which feared to separate even on other subjects. Towards the close of the last Congress however it had been hoped that their ties began to loosen, and their phalanx to separate a little. This hope was blasted at the very opening of the present session by the nature of the appeal which the President made to the nation; the occasion for which had confessedly sprung from the fatal British treaty. This circumstance rallied them again to their standard and hitherto we have had pretty regular treaty votes on all questions of principle. And indeed I fear that as long as the same individuals remain, so long we shall see traces of the same division.  In the H. of Representatives the Republican body has also lost strength. The non-attendance of 5. or 6. of that description has left the majority very equivocal indeed. A few individuals  of no fixed system at all, governed by the panic or the prowess of the moment, flap as the breeze blows against the republican or the aristocratic bodies, and give to the one or the other a preponderance entirely accidental. Hence the dissimilar aspect of the address and of the proceedings subsequent to that. The inflammatory composition of the speech excited sensations of resentment which had slept under British injuries, threw the wavering into the war scale, and produced the war address. Buonaparte\u2019s victories and those on the Rhine, the Austrian peace, British bankruptcy, mutiny of the seamen, and Mr. King\u2019s exhortations to pacific measures have cooled them down again, and the scale of peace preponderates. The threatening propositions therefore, founded in the address, are abandoned one by one, and the cry begins now to be that we have been called together to do nothing. The truth is, there is nothing to do, the idea of war being scouted by the events of Europe: but this only proves that war was the object for which we were called. It proves that the Executive temper was for war; and that the convocation of the Representatives was an experiment on the temper of the nation, to see if it was in unison. Efforts at negociation indeed were promised; but such a promise was as difficult to withold as easy to render nugatory. If negociation alone had been meant, that might have been pursued without so much delay, and without calling the Representatives: and if strong and earnest negociation had been meant, the additional nomination would have been of persons strongly and earnestly attached to the alliance of 1778. War then was intended. Whether abandoned or not, we must judge from future indications and events; for the same secrecy and mystery is affected to be observed by the present, which marked the former administration. I had always hoped that the popularity of the late president being once withdrawn from active effect, the natural feelings of the people towards liberty would restore the equilibrium between the Executive and Legislative departments which had been destroyed by the superior weight and effect of that popularity; and that their natural feelings of moral obligation would discountenance the ungrateful predilection of the Executive in favor of Great Britain. But unfortunately the preceding measures had already alienated the nation who was the object of them, had excited reaction from them, and this reaction has on the minds of our citizens an effect which supplies that of the Washington popularity. This effect was sensible on some of the late Congressional elections, and this it is which has lessened the republican majority in Congress. When it will be reinforced must depend on events, and these are so incalculable, that I consider the future character of our republic as in the air; indeed it\u2019s future fortunes will be in the air if war is made on us by France, and if Louisiana becomes  a Gallo-American colony. I have been much pleased to see a dawn of change in the spirit of your state. The late elections have indicated something which, at a distance, we do not understand. However, what with the English influence in the lower and the Patroon influence in the upper parts of your state, I presume little is to be hoped. If a prospect could be once opened upon us of the penetration of truth into the Eastern states, if the people there, who are unquestionably republican, could discover that they have been duped into the support of measures calculated to sap the very foundations of republicanism, we might still hope for salvation, and that it would come, as of old, from the East. But will that region ever awake to the true state of things? Can the middle, Southern and Western states hold on till they awake? These are painful and doubtful questions: and if, in assuring me of your health, you can give me a comfortable solution of them, it will relieve a mind devoted to the preservation of our republican government in the true form and spirit in which it was established, but almost oppressed with apprehensions that fraud will at length affect what force could not, and that what with currents and countercurrents, we shall in the end be driven back to the land from which we launched 20. years ago. Indeed, my dear Sir, we have been but as a sturdy fish on the hook of a dexterous angler, who letting us flounce till we have spent our force, brings us up at last.\u2014I am tired of the scene, and this day sennight shall change it for one where, to tranquility of mind, may be added pursuits of private utility, since none public are admitted by the state of things.\u2014I am with great & sincere esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt\n                        P.S. Since writing the above we recieve a report that the French Directory has proposed a declaration of war against the US. to the Council of antients, who have rejected it. Thus we see two nations, who love one another affectionately brought by the ill temper of their Executive administrations to the very brink of a necessity to embrue their hands in the blood of each other.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0349", "content": "Title: Book Dedication from Benjamin Smith Barton, 21 June 1797\nFrom: Barton, Benjamin Smith\nTo: \n                    If the following pages were more perfect, and of course more worthy of your notice, I should have taken additional pleasure in inscribing them to you. Even, however, in their present imperfect state, I flatter myself that you will receive them as a testimony of my high sense of your talents and virtues, and of your eminent services to your country. The only dedications I ever wrote were to two persons whom I greatly esteemed and loved: the last to a common friend, whose virtues and science endeared him to his country, and whose removal from among us, we shall long have occasion to deplore.\n                    These pages are, with peculiar propriety, inscribed to you. I know not that any person has paid so much attention to the subject which they involve: I know no one who places an higher value upon the question  which I have ventured to discuss. Although, in the progress of my inquiry, I have differed from you, in one or two essential points, I cannot suppose that on that account the investigation of the question will be the less agreeable to you. I am confident, from my personal acquaintance with you, that you are anxious for the discovery of truth, and ardent to embrace it, in whatever form it may present itself. It is the jewel which all good and wise men are in pursuit of. It is the punctum saliens of science.\n                    I regret, with you, Sir, the evanishment of so many of the tribes and nations of America. I regret, with you, the want of a zeal among our countrymen for collecting materials concerning the history of these people. I regret the want of the necessary endeavours to introduce among those of them who have escaped the ravages of time, [instead of the vices and the miseries of half-civilized nations] the true principles of social order; the arts which conduce to the dignity and the happiness of mankind, and a rational and lasting system of morals and religion. Let it not be said, that they are incapable of improvement. Such an assertion can only suit those speculative philosophers who retire to their closets inveloped in a thick atmosphere of prejudices, which the strongest lights of truth cannot pervade. Natural History, which opens the door to so much precious knowledge concerning mankind, teaches us, that the physical differences between nations are but inconsiderable, and history informs us, that civilization has been constantly preceded by barbarity and rudeness. It teaches us, a mortifying truth, that nations may relapse into rudeness again; all their proud monuments crumbled into dust, and themselves, now savages, subjects of contemplation among civilized nations and philosophers. In the immense scheme of nature, which the feeble mind of man cannot fully comprehend, it may be our lot to fall into rudeness once more. There are good reasons for conjecturing, that the ancestors of many of the savage tribes of America are the descendants of nations who had attained to a much higher degree of polish than themselves. My inquiries, at least, seem to render it certain, that the Americans are not, as some writers have supposed, specifically different from the Persians, and other improved nations of Asia. The inference from this discovery is interesting and important. We learn that the Americans are susceptible of improvement.\n                    If civilization be a blessing; if man by relinquishing the condition of the savage or barbarian, assumes a more independent station in the range of human affairs; if in proportion to his advancement to improvement (I speak not of a vicious refinement), he is even fitting himself for the enjoyment of higher comforts, of unmeasured happiness else  where; it is surely worthy the attention of the good and wise to endeavour to extend the empire of civility and knowledge among the numerous nations who are scattered over the countries of America. Individuals have often laboured in this business: but it seems to be of sufficient importance to engage the attention of whole nations; and it is peculiarly worthy of the notice of the United-States, who have exhibited the august spectacle of a people relinquishing their dependance, and moving with an unparalleled rapidity to the attainment of knowledge, and of arts.\n                    I know not, Sir, whether ever the government of our country will think the civilization of the Indians a matter of as much importance as I do: but I must confess, that I derive a portion of my happiness from supposing that they will. Should I be disappointed, I shall have no occasion to look back, with pain or remorse, to the times when I have indulged my feelings on the subject. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient and humble servant, and affectionate friend,\n                        Benjamin Smith 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0350", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Aaron Burr, 21 June 1797\nFrom: Burr, Aaron\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I thank you my dear Sir, I thank you sincerely for your letter. The Moment requires free communication among those who adhere to the principles of our Revolution.\n                    The Conduct of some individuals of the Treaty Majority has disappointed me a good deal. That of the executive something also, but much less. From the insidious professions Which were made in Feby. and March I had been led to hope that a more temperate System would have been adopted. All such expectations are now abandoned. The gauntlet  I see is thrown and the fruit of our War with Britain is again in Jeopardy. The prospect is afflicting, but we must not dispond. It would not be easy neither would it be discreet, to answer your enquiries or to communicate to you my ideas with satisfaction to either of us, in the compass of a Letter. I will endeavor to do it in person. Let me hope to meet you in Philadelphia on Sunday. Accept this Apology and be assured of my entire attachment & Esteem", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0351", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 21 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n                    It was with infinite joy to me that you were yesterday announced to the Senate as envoy extraordinary jointly with Genl. Pinckney and Mr. Marshel to the French republic. It gave me certain assurance that there would be a preponderance in the mission sincerely disposed to be at peace with the French government and nation. Peace is undoubtedly at present the first object of our nation. Interest and honor are also national considerations. But interest, duly weighed, is in favor of peace even at the expence of spoliations past and future; and honor cannot now be an object. The insults and injuries committed on us by both the belligerent parties from the beginning of 1793. to this day, and still continuing by both, cannot now be wiped off by engaging in war with one of them. As there is great reason to expect this is the last campaign in Europe, it would certainly be better for us to rub thro this year as we have done through the four preceding ones, and hope that on the restoration of peace we may be able to establish some plan for our foreign connections more likely to secure our peace, interest and honor in future. Our countrymen have divided themselves by such strong affections to the French and the English, that nothing will secure us internally but a divorce from both nations. And this must be the object of every real American, and it\u2019s attainment is practicable without much self-denial. But for this, peace is necessary. Be assured of this, my dear Sir, that if we engage in a war during our present passions and our present weakness in some quarters, that our union runs the greatest risk of not coming out of that war in the shape in which it enters it. My reliance for our preservation is in your acceptance of this mission. I know the tender circumstances which will oppose themselves to it. But it\u2019s duration will be short, and  it\u2019s reward long. You have it in your power by accepting and determining the character of the mission to secure the present peace and eternal union of your country. If you decline, on motives of private pain, a substitute may be named who has enlisted his passions in the present contest and by the preponderance of his vote in the mission may entail on us calamities, your share in which and your feelings will outweigh whatever pain a temporary absence from your family could give you. The sacrifice will be short, the remorse would be never-ending. Let me then my dear Sir conjure your acceptance, and that you will by this act, seal the mission with the confidence of all parties. Your nomination has given a spring to hope, which was dead before.\u2014I leave this place in three days, and therefore shall not here have the pleasure of learning your determination. But it will reach me in my retirement and enrich the tranquility of that scene. It will add to the proofs which have convinced me that the man who loves his country on it\u2019s own account, and not merely for it\u2019s trappings of interest or power, can never be divorced from it; can never refuse to come forward when he finds that she is engaged in dangers which he has the means of warding off. Make then an effort, my friend, to renounce your domestic comforts for a few months, and reflect that to be a good husband and a good father at this moment you must be also a good citizen. With sincere wishes for your acceptance & success I am with unalterable esteem Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0352", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sir John Sinclair, 21 June 1797\nFrom: Sinclair, Sir John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                        Board of Agriculture Whitehall\n                    I have much pleasure in acquainting you, that at the last meeting of the Board of Agriculture, you were admitted a Foreign Honorary Member of that Board, an honour to which your zeal for the improvement of agriculture so justly entitles you, and which I have no doubt will prove an additional inducement, to your assisting the Board in bringing that  most valuable Art to its highest state of perfection. Any communication from you will always be received by the Board with every proper attention. With esteem, I have the honour to be Your faithful and Obedient Servant\nPresident", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0353", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 22 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                    The Senate have this day rejected their own bill for raising a provisional army of 15,000. men. I think they will reject that for permitting private vessels to arm. The Representatives have thrown out the bill of the Senate for raising artillery. They yesterday put off one forbidding our citizens to serve in foreign vessels of war, till Nov. by a vote of 52. to 44. This day they came to a resolution proposing to the Senate to adjourn on Wednesday the 28th. by a majority of 4. Thus it is now perfectly understood that the convocation of Congress is substantially condemned by their several decisions that nothing is to be done. I may be with you somewhat later than I had expected. Say from the 1st. to the 4th.\u2014Preliminaries of peace between Austria and France are signed.\u2014Dana has declined the mission to France. Gerry is appointed in his room, being supported in Senate by the republican vote. 6. nays of the opposite description. No news of Monroe or Paine. Adieu \u00e0 revoir.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0354", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 22 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                    The Senate have this day thrown out their own bill for raising 15,000 men as a provisional army. I think they will also reject the bill for permitting private ships to arm. The Representatives rejected the bill from the Senate for raising artillery, and have this day by resolution proposed to the Senate to adjourn on Wednesday the 28th. Under present appearances I may by possibility be 3. or 4. days later in getting home than I had expected. I still count however on being with you from the 2d. to the 6th. of July. A separate peace between Austria and France is signed preliminarily.\u2014Dana has declined the mission to France and Gerry is appointed in his room: a good exchange.\u2014My love to Martha and Maria. Salutations & Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0355", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Gibson, 24 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gibson, John\n                    I have to thank you for your favor of the 17th inst. and the [infor]mation it contained, but have still to trouble you for an explanation [of a] passage in [which?] you say \u2018Capt Cressop was not present when [Logan\u2019s relations] were killed.\u2019 How then are we to understand that passage in Logan\u2019s speech which says \u2018Colo. Cressop the last year in cold blood and unprovoked killed all the relations of Logan, not sparing even my women and children.\u2019 I must trouble you once more for information as to this. I remember that the narration (which came I think from Ld. Dunmore on his return to Williamsburg) made Cressap the head of the party which destroyed Logan\u2019s family. But you must know this best.\n                    Congress are negativing all the propositions which look towards a war with France, so that I hope that evil will be avoided. They propose to rise on the 28th.\n                    Long acquainted with your merit I should certainly omit no opportunity of availing my country of it. Be so good as to direct your answer to me at Monticello near Charlottesville, and if you have any post line to Winchester it will come to me directly from thence. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0357", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Rutledge, 24 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Rutledge, Edward\n                    I have to acknolege your two favors of May 4. and 19. and to thank you for your attention to the commissions for the peas and oranges, which I learn are arrived in Virginia. Your draught I hope will soon follow on Mr. John Barnes merchant here, who, as I before advised you, is directed to answer it.\n                    When Congress first met, the assemblage of facts presented in the President\u2019s speech with the multiplied accounts of spoliations by the French West Indians appeared, by sundry votes on the address, to incline a majority to put themselves into a posture of war. Under this influence the address was formed and it\u2019s spirit would probably have been pursued by corresponding measures, had the events of Europe been of an ordinary train. But this has been so extraordinary that numbers have gone over to those, who, from the first, feeling with sensibility the French insults, as they had felt those of England before, thought now, as they thought then, that war measures should be avoided and those of peace pursued. Their favorite engine, on the former occasion, was commercial regulations, in preference to negociation, to war preparations and increase of debt. On the latter, as we have no commerce with France, the restriction of which could press on them, they wished for negociation. Those of the opposite sentiment had, on the former occasion, preferred negociation; but at the same time voted for great war-preparations  and increase of debt: now also they were for negociation, war preparation and debt. The parties have in debate mutually charged each other with inconsistency, and with being governed by an attachment to this or that of the belligerent nations, rather than the dictates of reason and pure Americanism. But in truth both have been consistent: the same men having voted for war measures now who did before, and the same against them now who did before. The events of Europe coming to us in astonishing and rapid succession, to wit, the public bankruptcy of England, Buonaparte\u2019s successes, the successes in the Rhine, the Austrian peace, mutiny of the British fleet, Irish insurrection, a demand of 43. millions for the current services of the year, and above all the warning voice, as is said, of Mr. King to abandon all thought of connection with Great Britain, that she is going down irrecoverably, and will sink us also if we do not clear ourselves, have brought over several to the pacific party, so as at present to give majorities against all threatening measures. They go on with their frigates and fortifications because they were going on with them before. They direct 80,000 of their militia to hold themselves in readiness for service. But they reject the propositions to raise cavalry, artillery and a provisional army, and to trust private ships with arms in the present combustible state of things. They believe the present is the last campaign of Europe and wish to [rub?] through this fragment of a year as they have through the four preceding ones, opposing patience to insult, and interest to honor. They will therefore immediately adjourn. This is indeed a most humiliating state of things. But it commenced in 93. Causes have been adding to causes, and effects accumulating on effects, from that time to this. We had in 93. the most respectable character in the universe. What the neutral nations think of us now I know not: but we are low indeed with the belligerents. Their kicks and cuffs prove their contempt. If we weather the present storm I hope we shall avail ourselves of the calm of peace to place our foreign connections under a new and different arrangement. We must make the interest of every nation stand surety for it\u2019s justice, and their own loss to follow injury to us, as effect follows it\u2019s cause. As to every thing except commerce, we ought to divorce ourselves from them all. But this system would require time, temper, wisdom and occasional sacrifices of interest: and how far all of these will be ours, our children may see, but we shall not. The passions are too high at present to be cooled in our day. You and I have formerly seen warm debates and high political passions. But gentlemen of different politics would then speak to each other, and separate the business of the senate from that of society. It is not so now. Men who have been intimate all their lives cross the streets to avoid meeting, and turn their  heads another way, lest they should be obliged to touch their hat. This may do for young men, with whom passion is enjoiment. But it is afflicting to peaceable minds. Tranquility is the old man\u2019s milk. I go to enjoy it in a few days, and to exchange the roar and tumult of bulls and bears for the prattle of my grandchildren and senile rest. Be these yours, my dear friend, through long years, with every other blessing, and the attachment of friends as warm and sincere as 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0359", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew G. Fraunces, 27 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Fraunces, Andrew G.\n                    It would have highly gratified me had it been in my power to furnish the relief you ask: but I am preparing for my departure and find, on winding up my affairs, that I shall not have one dollar to spare. It is therefore with sincere regret I have nothing better to tender than the sentiments of good will of 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0361", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew G. Fraunces, 28 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Fraunces, Andrew G.\n                    I know well that you were a clerk in the Treasury Department while I was in the office of Secretary of State; but as I had no relation with the interior affairs of that office, I had no opportunity of being acquainted with you personally, except the single occasion on which you called on me. The length of time you were in the office affords the best presumption in your favour, and the particular misunderstanding which happened to you with your principals may account for your not having obtained from them those certificates of character which I am not able to supply. I doubt not however that a knowledge of your conduct wherever you establish yourself will soon render all certificates unnecessary, and I sincerely wish you may obtain employment which may evince and reward good conduct. I am, Sir, Your very 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0364", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, 30 June 1797\nFrom: La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, Fran\u00e7ois Alexandre Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric, Duc de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Je recois avec une sensible reconnoissance, Monsieur, lavis que vous voul\u00e9s bien me donner de L\u2019arriv\u00e9 du Colonel Munroe. Votre Obligeante lettre qui auroit du me parvenir hier ne m\u2019est parvenue qu\u2019aujourdhuy. Et j\u2019avois esper\u00e9 des hier Cette importante arriv\u00e9. J\u2019ignorois toute fois Les agreables d\u00e9tails qui me Concernent et ils acquierent un prix de plus en me parvenant par vous. J\u2019ay pris la libert\u00e9 d\u2019ecrire des hier au Colel. que je le priois de ne remettre mes lettres a personne, en suposant qu\u2019il vint bientot a New yorck. Si cependant il differoit je seroi tres aise qu\u2019il voulut bien Les Confier a Mr. Switzer un de mes amis qui doit partir de philadelphie pour se rendre icy lundy prochain.\n                    Je pense que l\u2019arriv\u00e9 du Colo. Monroe va faire allonger bien des visages, et que nous serons promptement instruits de ce dont nous nous doutons si fort depuis longtems. J\u2019espere autant que je le souhaite  qu\u2019il n\u2019y aura pas de rupture entre les etats unis et la france. Mais a quelqu\u2019extremite que puisse Conduire la deplorable Conduite de votre gouvernement, Je serai bien afflig\u00e9 que la france eut tu reellement Les premiers tords avec un pays que Les 99/100emes des francois cherissoient et respectoient meme avant notre revolution.\n                    Jay pass\u00e9 trois fois ch\u00e9z vous avant mon depart, et nomement deux fois la veille. Javois meme charg\u00e9 francis de vous temoigner mes regrets denepas vous voir avant mon depart. Je nose me flatter d\u2019avoir le plaisir de vous revoir avant mon depart pour l\u2019europe, ou chaque chose que j\u2019en entends et chaqu\u2019une de celles que je vois icy me d\u00e9terminent irrevocablement daller en Automne. De la je seray votre meilleur Commissionaire en livres et je vous demande la permission de croire que vous m\u2019autoriser\u00e9s a vous ecrire. Je suis tres aise que mon petit homage ne vous ait pas sembl\u00e9 indigne de votre belle biblioteque. Recev\u00e9s avec bonte l\u2019assurance sincere de lestime profond et de lattachement avec Le quel Je Suis votre affectionn\u00e9 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0365", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 June 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\n                    Yours of Mar. 31. was delivered to me yesterday. I learn by that that my letters must have been unfortunate in their passage to you. I have no papers here which enable me to cite dates; but I know that I have written to you once or twice every year. There had been a longer interval indeed from the time of your leaving Madrid, because the last letter you wrote me thence (which is the last I have received till yesterday\u2019s) gave me constant reason to expect you here every day. In the first week of last March however, having heard nothing from you, and hearing then for the first time of a certainty that you were in Paris, I wrote to you from this place. That letter I imagine you would recieve towards the latter part of April. In that I gave you a general view of such of your affairs as are under my care, to wit, your shares in the James river canal, the remainder of your stock in the funds, and that the interest arising from that had been regularly put to interest secured by mortgage. I am not  able to cite sums, not having my papers here. For some time past, portions of interest have been suffered to lie in the treasury to answer your immediate calls should you arrive here. Should you come, and to this port, apply to Mr. John Barnes merchant in South 3d. street in this place who is my agent, and will furnish whatever you may want, or should you arrive in any other port drop a line to him by post and he will immediately remit to you wherever you are. I shall leave a duplicate of this in his hands to be delivered you here, if you come, and shall send this to reach you in Paris if you continue there some time yet. The apprehensions that we may be engaged in this war, and the probable effects of that on stock in the funds, have induced me to endeavor much to find a mass of ground rents in this place, into which I would have converted the remains of your stock. But as yet no such property has been found at market, and as I shall leave this within a few days, and you give me reason to expect you within a month or so, your stock will lie in it\u2019s present form. Perhaps it may in the mean time gain in value, as the superior security of our funds is likely to draw demands on them from England and Holland. Your presence here would be advantageous to your landed property. The Indian camp lies in it\u2019s original state, which is by no means a desireable one for it to continue in; awaiting your orders. How far landed property here may be the best for you, as you will probably reside in another country, may be the subject of consultation when you come. If you arrive between this and December I shall be at Monticello, happy to recieve you there, and to accomodate you as far as the condition of my buildings will do it. Soon after my return the roof of the house will be taken off, and my family remove away till it shall be replaced. But I shall be there myself, and have some gite for a single friend. Should you arrive after the 1st. of December you will find me here for the winter.\u2014With respect to the 9. M Dol. I have insisted to the proper officers that R. was not your agent here. Your authority to him to invest them in stock occasioned them to consider his receipt as your receipt. I satisfied them that I was your sole and full attorney, and they satisfied themselves on searching that no investiture in stock had actually been made. Had that been done, it could not have been got over. As it is, I have got them to acknolege in conversation that your right is good against the public. I therefore consider it as safe. I thank you for the Siberian barley, which I will certainly endeavor to profit our country of. I am also obliged to you for the recommendation of Monsr. Pougens bookseller. Since the loss of poor Frouill\u00e9 I have wished for a correspondent in that line, and shall with pleasure apply sometimes as you have recommended. Should you recieve this in France present me most affectionately to Madame D\u2019Enville. I considered her  friendship, while in France, as one of the most precious of my acquisitions, have ever cherished the remembrance of it with tenderness, and taken a lively part in all her interests and feelings. May heaven grant her the extension of live she would desire, with all the health of body and mind which the immutable laws of nature permit to the human frame. Make my respects acceptable to Madame de la Rochefoucault also, for whom I have ever entertained a very high degree of esteem. No body was impressed with a higher sense of her merit, and I paid it a sincere tribute of respect and attachment. Accept your self, my dear Sir, assurances of the high constant and unalterable attachment, and tenders of every service which can be rendered by Your affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0366", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Willem H. van Hasselt, 30 June 1797\nFrom: Hasselt, Willem H. van\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    The manner in which I go to adress meself to you hath I confess something extrordinary in it, and deviating from the common forms received by the world, will perhaps surprise you, and dispose you in my disadvantage, as being an utter Stranger to you: but Sir as necessity acknowledges no law, and the report I often heard of you as a Philosopher and a Citizen, I presume to take this step, and perhaps you are the only man in America certainly the first whom I would adress in this manner.\n                    Perhaps tho personally I am intirely unknown to you, my name you might have heard of or seen in some print. I came but in an advanced age in this Country, thus it is not to be Supposed that I can have made  great proficienties in the English Language, so that I must apologise for it as a Stranger, that you would not conclude that my education was equally bad as my language. I flatter me on the contrary that if my application in a language so meanly uttered does not draw upon it your reprobation, in a more elegant dress it might perhaps have reconciled your good Will. But ad rem.\n                    I was born in Gilderland one of the states of the now Batavian Republicq, one of the first victimes to the persecutions of the Prince of Orange, with my intimate friend John Derk van der Capellen tot den Poll, who died in the year 83 with a suspicion of being poisoned. I left Holland in August 81 and came over in the Ship South Carolina commanded by Commodore A: Gillon Capt. John Joyner. My education being not in the mercantile line, but in the way of one who was destined to occupy a place in government as a series of my ancestors had been. I receved my degrees as Juris utriusque Doctor at Leiden but the misfortunes of the times, intirely devoted to the republican party, driving me out of my country the little wrecks of my fortune which I had saved, and as I have Said not being educated as a Marchand, I was soon tricked out, and now I am reduced to loock for Shelter under your protection. As I never hired meself out, I Should be very auckward in proposing conditions; but I will try to expose to your vew my circumstances and the tendency of my wishes with what I think meself capable of performing.\n                    I am already advanced to a certain age which you may call old but having no corruptions hanging upon me I enjoy a continued health, my choice and wish is for retirement and study, but as Agriculture was always my delight and I flatter meself I have made Some progresses in it my wish should be to be employed in it, however My Age would not allow me So much activity as is required in a Menager or overseer, at least in the State of south Car. I would wish for an occupation less laborious, and according to that less expensive to you. I am informed that some where in the back part of Virginia you have Sir a fine country seat, which is and may be greatly improved. My wishes loock that way could you not Employ me there? My expectations of pay would be very moderate as I have no family, to be found in lodging table and plain dress would compass my whole prospect, and if I could I would only ask a reception.\n                    Had you Childeren a little more than infants I should like to give them instructions and form them for society, where as I have seen the world from high to Low, teatchim them their moral duties, Moral and natural Philosophy modern languages as fransh and italian which by the bye I write and speak better than the English, Latin, German, or my own Country Language. I am tolerably well informed in the Theoretical and Practical principles of musicq and draw a little also.\n                    Besides I must Sir inform you of one oddity, which for the worlds treasures I would not give up, tho it is not at all now a day in fashion, I mean I love my religion and am firmly attached to the protestant tenets.\n                    I have staid with Mr. Thomas Middleton for about seven years, but what was the reason, whether he wanted to get rid of me or for other reasons I do not know he used me so ill at last notwithstanding the real Services I have done him out of friendship during those Seven years, without receiving a Shilling for it that I was obliged to quit him: But as people in such dispositions, cannot be Suspected of partiality in favor of the person whose Character we desire to investigate, chearfully I will appeal to him if you want information, as I defy any person in America to asperse with proofs my moral Character. The Gentlemen I am the most acquainted with and who know me best are the Middletons Pinckneys Izards Draytons Manigaulds &c. by whom you may easily get information, provided Sir that in case you find me true you would agree to my proposals. For if you will not I expect from your Generosity that without taking notice of any thing you will drop the matter at once only informing me in three words that you received my letter, that I might not trouble you over and over again in the uncertainty of the receipt of mine, else I know it would hurt me in the opinions of many wose tempers are not easily managed. Peace quietness and an occupation not exceeding my strength for the rest of my days is all what I wish for in an happy oblivion of the whole world that I might say with Seneca\n                        Sic cum transierint mei\n                        Nullo cum strepitu Dies,\n                        Plebejus moriar Senex.\n                        Illi mors gravis incubat,\n                        Qui notus nimis omnibus,\n                        Ignotus moritur sibi.\n                    I was not so insignificant in my own country as I am here. My education was not neglected and my family in good repute. As I have said I had made some proficiency in sciences and Agriculture so I was chosen member of the Society of Arts and Scientes at Harlem and severall others the diplomata where of are still in keeping of Mr. Thomas Middleton, not thinking it worth my while to carry them all along with me and that I ever Should want them. That I was not despised in Holland the present President of the united states John Adams may witness who hath known me very well in Amsterdam. I begg Sir you would not attribute to any vanity the bringing on of these proofs of my caracter and circumstances, but as being in the necessity that you might not form disadvantageous ideas of me in taking Such an uncommon step, so that I may ground my hopes upon mine upon your circumstances that where the greatest part of your time you are occupied in the important affairs concerning the  government of this extended country, you might be pleased, when you have leisure to visit your Seat with the idea of finding a Man there who thincks himself not unworthy of your confidance in the menagement of your afaires there and who in the same time would not be intirely destitute of those faculties required to support a rational conversation.\n                    If these my hopes are not intirely vain, what ever may be your resolution I begg to favor me with a speedy answer. But as for the present my Abode is very unstable you will be pleased to adress your letter to me to the care of Florian Charles Mey Marchand in Charleston east Bay who transacts all my business and will forward it to me you will oblige Extremely 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0368", "content": "Title: Account with John Francis, 3 July 1797\nFrom: Francis, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                            To 7 Weeks & 5 days board at 26 dollars a week\n                    Phila. July 3d. 1797 Received payment of the above account in full", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0369", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 4 July 1797\nFrom: Campbell, Arthur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Peace being happily restored on the Western Frontier, I had form\u2019d the design of living in quiet, the remainder of my days, that is to decline writing, or almost thinking, of politics. But again we see our Country verging to an eventful crisis. I am fill\u2019d with anxiety respecting her liberty, and independence, lest they are lost, and with them the happiness of so many Millions of the human race, and all this thro\u2019 the insidious  man\u0153vres of our old foe. This may justify all to break silence, to do more, to prepare to act. Altho I cannot help feeling indignation, at some of the measures of the French Directory, relative to the United States: yet I am a thousand times more apprehensive of the measures of the British Ministry: If they can dissolve our connection with France; we of course will have to throw ourselves into the arms of England. A Treaty of Alliance with that Nation may only be a prelude to a restoration of monarchy, a hateful monarchy! under one of the Boobys of that Island. To arouse, and arm the Citizens of America, under the ostensible pretext of being guarded against the unjust enterprizes of France, may be a wise and judicious measure, because it will give us confidence in our own prowess, and make us formidable in the eyes of G. Britain, consequently awe them to respect our independence. France can have no real interest to molest us: but as far as we discover a partiallity to her Rival. She will be peacable, and friendly, if we will generally reciprocate the same dispositions. The difference of language, and manners, and many other considerations, will forever prevent a union with France; with G. Britain it might be otherwise; late injuries, and resentments forgot: The Moses\u2019s and Joshua\u2019s, that conducted the People to the promised land, all gone to rest: Not a few perverse and stiff-necked Americans, may then murmur for the Onions and Garlic of old England. The assiduous endeavours of the Patriot, will be steadily exerted, to avert so direful an event. For my own part, I can yet shoot a Rifle well to the mark. I have three Sons that can excel me, and there is some hundreds that will follow us, and all take the field, with alacrity, rather then become dependant on any nation upon Earth.\n                    Sir, the above is intended as a private communication, it is the effusions of the hour, and to no other could they be offered, with greater propriety, than to him, to whom, all the old Whigs look up with confidence. With every sentiment of Respect & Esteem I am Sir Your most obedient 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0370", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Charles Genet, 4 July 1797\nFrom: Genet, Edmond Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Long Island, 4 July 1797. Stirred from his present tranquil life by a speech Giles made in Congress on 25 May, which blamed Genet for rude conduct toward the executive and for attempting to appeal directly to the American people, Genet responds not to Giles but to TJ, who has been his principal accuser and was the person through whom the government primarily dealt with him when he was minister plenipotentiary. He knows that TJ, as U.S. minister  to France, himself meddled in the internal affairs of France by helping to incite the overthrow of the monarchy but then blocking any efforts to replace it with a genuine stable government of the people. He knows that TJ also corresponded with Mazzei and others whom Genet presumes played a role in the destruction of Poland. Recounting his posting to the U.S. and the subsequent events, he notes that very early on he became suspicious, from the attention given to the Proclamation of Neutrality, that the U.S. government did not really want a renewed relationship with France. With time TJ confided to Genet that Washington was under the influence of aristocrats and the British, and that supporters of republican France no longer had any voice in the government. For his part Genet was always candid about the interests and intentions of the French Republic and instructed his subordinates to say nothing that would even appear to constitute interference in internal political affairs. The expression of the sentiments of the American people, which took the form of support for the democratic societies, was spontaneous and not the result of any action by Genet. Nevertheless it frightened the executive, including TJ, who represented to Washington that Genet was circumventing him to appeal directly to the people. TJ probably did this to protect the administration\u2019s influence of office, and the speculative opportunities it presented, all of which seemed threatened by Genet\u2019s devotion to the cause of liberty. On his own initiative Genet managed to see Washington in person, but without any evident result, and through American influence on Robespierre, who sought to emulate in France the American model of a despotism nominally based on popular will, Genet was replaced by Citizen Fauchet. He would have been executed if Washington had complied with France\u2019s request for his arrest. Instead he withdrew to a quiet life of reflection and farming, and regrets that TJ did not do the same after playing his role in securing American independence. If TJ had done that, France might have had a peaceful transition of government from monarchy to democracy without regicide and terror, the French Republic would be powerful and respected in Europe without the loss of many lives, and the United States would not have earned itself the resentment of France, Spain, other nations, and even William Pitt, who despises the United States and draws closer to it only the better to destroy it. Genet believes that Adams has a good opportunity for successful negotiation with France, for although Adams has written in support of monarchy and aristocracy, the good republicans of France understand his position, which is not the deceptive and weak \u201cdemi R\u00e9publicanisme\u201d of the preceding administration. The accusation that Genet made a direct appeal to the American people and treated Washington with anything less than proper respect is an artifice and a lie. Genet met his downfall acting in France\u2019s behalf, yet also through the actions of the French government, and he believes that France and the United States together owe him reparations at least comparable to the outrages they inflicted on 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0371", "content": "Title: Senate Resolution on William Blount, [4 July 1797]\nFrom: United States Senate\nTo: \n                    That so much of the Presidents Message of yesterday and the papers accompanying the same as relates to a letter purporting to have been written by Mr. Blount Esqe. a senator from the state of Tennisse be referred to a select commmittee to consider and report what in their opinion it is proper the senate should do thereon.\n                    Resolved that the said Committee have power to send for persons papers and records relating to the subject committed 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0372", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Volney, 5 July 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Volney, Constantin Fran\u00e7ois Chasseboeuf, Comte de\n                        Th: Jefferson to Mr. volney\n                    I am really uneasy at your stay here, during the heats of the present season, and in your weak state. You mentioned that you were detained by business. Perhaps it may be some retardation of funds, or some other matter in which I can be serviceable to you. I am rarely rich in money, but probably can command such sums as might accomodate wants as moderate as yours. Be it this, or be it any thing else in my power, command me freely, and you will gratify me the more, as you can render me the more useful to you. Accept my friendly salutations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0376", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 12 July 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I arrived here two days since and sit out in return the day after to morrow for Phila. where I shall probably be a fortnight before I proceed on home. Here I have had an interview with the friend of Mr. or Mrs. R. each of us having a friend present, and which furnished no result, the business being adjourned over to Phila. where we meet the day after my return there in company with the other gentlemen Muhg. and Venable. The details of this interview are reserved till I see you. You may have some idea of them however when you recollect the previous good disposition of some of the parties for each other. The issue is quite incertain as to the mode of adjusting what is personal in the business.\n                    I think you should acknowledge your letter to Mezzai, stating that it was a private one and brought to publick view without your knowledge or design: that the man to whom it was addressed had lived long as your neighbour, and was now in Pisa whither it was addressed: that you do think that the principles of our revolution and of republican government have been substantially swerved from of late in many respects, have often express\u2019d this sentiment, which as a free man you had a right to express, in your publick places and in the walks of private life &ca according to the letter. That you declined saying any thing about it till you got home to examine how correct the letter was. This brings the question before the publick and raises the spirits of the honest part of the community.\n                    13. I dine to day by invitation with a numerous and respectable assemblage of honest men.\n                    You will doubtless exam and decide on the above suggestion soon and give me the result. You are fortunate in having our friend Madison near you. One thing I suggest for you both is, that by not denying it you have all the odium of having written it, and yet without taking a bold attitude which is necessary to encourage 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0377", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Sir John Sinclair, 15 July 1797\nFrom: Sinclair, Sir John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                        Board of Agriculture Whitehall July 15th. 1797\n                    I have the Honor to inclose a Copy of my address to The Board of Agriculture, delivered at the close of our late Session, from which you will perceive the present State of our Pursuits in the great Cause of Agriculture; I hope it will have the good fortune of meeting with your approbation.\n                    I also have the pleasure of herewith sending the remainder of the Original Surveys according to the plan first undertaken which completes that part of our design.\n                    I am persuaded that these Communications, though not so complete as they will yet Be rendered, will not be unacceptable to one, whose Zeal for Improvement is so well known, and universally acknowledged.\n                    Any information upon these important Subjects from America, will be thankfully received by The Board. I have the honor to be, with great regard, Your faithful and obedient Servant\n                        N.B. I hope that you approve of the establishment of a Board of Agriculture in America, and that we shall soon have the pleasure of hearing that it is constituted. A Sample of the virginia forward Wheat would be extremely acceptable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0378", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Wirt, with Jefferson\u2019s Notes, 15 July 1797\nFrom: Wirt, William,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                    In a day or two I will come up and settle with you for the nails which were furnished us some time ago\u2014and at the same time for 500. 8d. and 50. 30d. do. if you will be so obliging as to have them sent by the bearer. Yr. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0380", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Volney, 19 July 1797\nFrom: Volney, Constantin Fran\u00e7ois Chasseboeuf, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Le Surlendemain de Votre d\u00e9part, le propri\u00e9taire du Vaisseau qui r\u00e9unissait Mes Convenances s\u2019etant decid\u00e9 \u00e0 Ne point l\u2019expedier, je me decidai de mon c\u00f4t\u00e9 \u00e0 quitter philadelphie, et depuis cinq \u00e0 Six jours je respire dans la Ville-campagne d\u2019o\u00f9 je Vous ecris un air peut-etre aussi chaud Mais plus pur. Il N\u2019est plus question de la fievre. Vous M\u2019avez demand\u00e9 Mon plan de Marche, le Voici. Le Manque de Vaisseaux, la convenance d\u2019attendre des Nouvelles d\u2019Europe, et diverses autres raisons Me font d\u00e9sormais remettre Mon passage j\u2019usqu\u2019\u00e0 L\u2019equinoxe. J\u2019ai donc Six Semaines \u00e0 Ma disposition et Mon desir est de les passer dans Votre Canton, partie pr\u00e8s de Vous, partie pr\u00e8s de Mr. Madison et Mr. Munro\u00eb: peut \u00eatre M\u00eame irai-je jusqu\u2019au pont Naturel, en profitant de l\u2019invitation du Colonel Cabell. Maintenant il S\u2019agit de Savoir \u00e0 quelle epoque il Vous Sera le Moins genant de Me recevoir; la plus simple case Me suffira, comme Vous savez; Mais \u00e0 son d\u00e9faut, l\u2019expedient de trouver une chambre \u00e0 charlotte\u2019sville peut tout arranger. Il Me Suffit d\u2019y pouvoir disposer d\u2019un domestique Male ou femelle une Seule heure par jour\u2014rien Ne M\u2019embarrassera: pas Meme la cuisine, car je nai point oubli\u00e9 Mon regime arabe; et de Mon g\u00eete; tantot \u00e0 cheval tantot \u00e0 pied, je Vous importunerai presqu\u2019autant que Si j\u2019etais chez Vous. J\u2019ai plus d\u2019un interet \u00e0 Vous aller Voir. Car outre l\u2019inclination, j\u2019ai encore l\u2019objet de l\u2019instruction qui pour divers articles de Mes recherches Ne peut Se remplir que chez Vous. Je me propose aussi de solliciter l\u2019aide de Mr.  Madison, et je lui ecris par ce m\u00eame courier pour M\u2019entendre avec lui Sur le tems de Ses convenances. Je calculerai Ma Marche Sur Votre reponse et la Sienne. En attendant je recueille ici chez Mon Obligeant hote et ami le dr. thornton, des Notes et des dessins de ce local et de ses b\u00e2timens, et je tire le parti que je peux de Ses livres peu Nombreux. Hier j\u2019accompagnai le general Washington dans la Visite qu\u2019il fit au capitole. Aujourd\u2019hui il est all\u00e9 a la grande-chute. Samedi jirai lui rendre Mes devoirs \u00e0 Mount Vernon; du reste comme la Societ\u00e9 N\u2019est plus agr\u00e9able pour un fran\u00e7ais j\u2019ai pris le parti de Vivre tout-\u00e0-fa\u00eet retir\u00e9 et j\u2019ai profit\u00e9 de la premiere inv\u00eetation \u00e0 diner, pour declarer Ma r\u00e9solution de Ne Me rendre \u00e0 aucune. Tout M\u2019affermit dans L\u2019id\u00e9 de repasser en france: et la necessit\u00e9 Seule ou des accidens impr\u00e9vus pourraient M\u2019arr\u00eater encore ici L\u2019hyver prochain. L\u2019etat des affaires publiques Noffre plus \u00e0 un fran\u00e7ais que des d\u00e9go\u00fbts, et trouble pour trouble, j\u2019ai une toute autre Existence une toute autre perspective en Europe que je puis jamais avoir dans les etats-unis. Toute lettre de Votre part Me Sera rendue, jespere, exactement a georgetown sur potowmack post office. Je desire que ce que l\u2019on a publi\u00e9 ici [sur] la Maladie d\u2019une de Mesdames Vos filles Soit aussi faux que [tant] d\u2019autres articles. Je Vous Souhaite la Meilleure Sant\u00e9, ainsi qu\u2019a toute Votre aimable famille. Vous connaissez l\u2019attachement sincere et l\u2019estime distingu\u00e9 de Votre tr\u00e8s humble Serviteur 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0381", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 July 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                    In hopes that Mrs. Madison and yourself and Miss Madison will favor us with a visit when Colo. Monroe calls on you, I write this to inform you that I have had the Shadwell and Secretary\u2019s ford both well cleaned. If you come the lower road, the Shadwell ford is the proper one. It is a little deepened, but clear of stone and perfectly safe. If you come the upper road you will cross at the Secretary\u2019s ford, turning in at the gate on the road soon after you enter the three notched road. The draught up the mountain that way is steady, but uniform.\u2014I see Hamilton has put a short piece into the papers in answer to Callender\u2019s publication, and promises shortly something more elaborate.\u2014I am anxious to see you here soon, because in about three weeks we shall begin to  unroof our house, when the family will be obliged to go elsewhere for shelter. My affectionate respects to the family. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0382", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 26 July 1797\nFrom: Barnes, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I am happy in being favored with yours of 18th\u2014on Receipt of which, I opened the Box, and shall repack, the enormous tooth, Address, and deliver it, as directed. Annexed, you have Invoice of sash doors, as well your account up to this day, which on examining\u2014I trust and hope will be found pretty Correct; though different\u2014from yours\u2019s in some items\u2014and mode of Statement: if any errors\u2014pray Note them for my conformity.\n                    Your draft favor C. Johnston & Co. for $500 shall be duly honored\u2014with\u2014or without a discount Obtained on the 2d Moiety of W. & S. Keiths\u2014Notes. I am Dear Sir most respectfully. Your Obedt: H Servt:\n                        Good Tobacco scarse and risen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0386", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Bee, 1 August 1797\nFrom: Bee, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    It is with pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 22d May received yesterday by Mr. Rutledge addressed to the President of the Agricultural Society accompanied with four Seeds of the Bread Fruit Tree, the greatest Attention will be paid to the raising this Fruit if they once Vegetate, but I am sorry to inform you that very few of the Seeds of the Rice which you sent by Mr. Read ever Sprouted, owing I imagine to their having been heated or damaged in the Voyage either to Europe or since, it being well ascertained by Experiment that the Seed of our Rice will grow and come to Perfection at the end of Seven or Eight Years after it has been gathered and carefully [preserved].\n                    The Society are greatly obliged by your Attention both now and formerly, and if there is any way in which they can return the obligation it will afford them as well as Myself particular pleasure in doing so. Every Measure that can tend to add additional Blessings to the many our Country already enjoys, ought to be Attended to, and many no doubt may be acquired by proper Attention and It will give our Society great satisfaction to be the means of contributing thereto. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of great respect Sir Your most Obt & most humble Sert\nPresident of the Agricultural 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0387", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 August 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    At the desire of Mr. Bringhurst I forward him to Monticello; and make use of the opportunity, the first that has offered, to return you the pamphlet you were so kind as to leave with me. I add to it a late Fredg. paper which has got hold of some important articles of later date than were brought by the last post, and which may therefore be new to you as they were to me. I have had nothing from Monroe since his letter by you. Dawson mentioned on the 10th. that he would be in Virga. in 14 days; but I see by the f\u00eate given him in New York that he was there about the middle of the month. I hope you have shared with us in the fine dose of rainey weather which has restored the verdure of the earth; and if followed by the ordinary course of the season, will save our crops of corn from any essential deficit. Mrs. M. joins in respects to the ladies, and the cordiality with which I remain Dear Sir, Yrs. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0389", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 3 August 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\n                    I scribbled you a line on the 24th. Ult. It missed of the post and so went by a private hand. I perceive from yours by Mr. Bringhurst that you had not recieved it. In fact it was only an earnest exhortation to come here with Munroe, which I still hope you will do. In the mean time I inclose you a letter from him, and wish your opinion on it\u2019s principal subject. The variety of other topics, the day I was with you, kept out of sight the letter to Mazzei imputed to me in the papers, the general substance of which is mine, tho\u2019 the diction has been considerably varied in the course of it\u2019s translations from English into Italian, from Italian into French and from French into English. I first met with it at Bladensburgh, and for a moment concieved I must take the field of the public papers: I could not disavow it wholly, because the greatest part was mine in substance tho\u2019 not in form. I could not avow it as it stood because the form was not mine, and in one place the substance very materially falsified. This then would render explanations necessary; nay it would render proofs of the whole necessary, and draw me at length into a publication of all (even the secret) transactions of the administration while I was of it; and embroil me personally with every member of the Executive, with the Judiciary, and with others still. I soon decided in my own mind to be entirely silent. I consulted with several friends at Philadelphia, who, every one of them, were clearly against my avowing  or disavowing, and some of them conjured me most earnestly to let nothing provoke me to it. I corrected in conversation with them a substantial misrepresentation in the copy published. The original has a sentiment like this (for I have it not before me) \u2018they are endeavoring to submit us to the substance as they already have to the forms of the British government.\u2019 Meaning by forms, the birth-days, levees, processions to parliament, inauguration pomposities &c. But the copy published says \u2018as they have already submitted us to the form of the British\u2019 &c making me express hostility to the form of our government, that is to say to the constitution itself: for this is really the difference of the word form, used in the singular or plural in that phrase in the English language. Now it would be impossible for me to explain this publicly without bringing on a personal difference between Genl. Washington and myself, which nothing before the publication of this letter has ever done: it would embroil me also with all those with whom his character is still popular, that is to say nine tenths of the people of the US. And what good would be obtained by my avowing the letter with the necessary explanations? Very little indeed in my opinion to counterbalance a good deal of harm. From my silence in this instance it can never be inferred that I am afraid to own the general sentiments of the letter. If I am subject to either imputation it is to that of avowing such sentiments too frankly both in private and public, often when there is no necessity for it, merely because I disdain every thing like duplicity. Still however I am open to conviction. Think for me on the occasion and advise me what to do, and confer with Colo. Monroe on the subject.\u2014Let me entreat you again to come with him. There are other important things to consult on. One will be his affair. Another is the subject of the petition now inclosed you to be proposed to our district on the late presentment of our representative by the Grand jury. The idea it brings forward is still confined to my own breast. It has never been mentioned to any mortal, because I first wish your opinion on the expediency of the measure. If you approve it, I shall propose to P. Carr or some other to father it, and to present it to the counties at their General muster. This will be in time for our assembly. The presentment going in the public papers just at the moment when Congress was together produced a great effect both on it\u2019s friends and foes in that body, very much to the disheartening and mortification of the latter. I wish this petition, if approved, to arrive there under the same circumstance to produce the counter-effect so wanting for their gratification. I could have wished to recieve it from you again at our court on Monday, because P. Carr, and Wilson Nicholas will be there and might also be consulted and commence measures for putting it into motion. If you can return it then with  your opinion and corrections it will be of importance. Present me affectionately to Mrs. Madison and convey to her my intreaties to interpose her good offices and persuasives with you to bring her here, and before we uncover our house, which will yet be some weeks. Salutations & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0390-0002", "content": "Title: I. Petition to the Virginia House of Delegates, [on or before 3 August 1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                        To the Speaker and House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia\n                        The Petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the counties of Amherst, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Goochland sheweth\n                        That by the constitution of this state, established from it\u2019s earliest settlement, the people thereof have possessed the right of being governed by laws to which they have consented by representatives chosen by themselves immediately: that in order to give to the will of the people the influence it ought to have, and the information which may enable them to exercise it usefully, it was a part of the common law, adopted as  the law of this land, that their representatives, in the discharge of their functions, should be free from the cognisance or coercion of it\u2019s co-ordinate branches Judiciary and Executive; and that their communications with their constituents should of right, as of duty also, be free, full, and unawed by any: that so necessary has this intercourse been deemed in the country from which they derive their descent and laws, that the communications between the Representative and Constituent are privileged there to pass free of expence through the channel of the public post, and that the proceedings of the legislature have been known to be arrested and suspended at times until the Representatives could go home to their several counties and confer with their constituents.\n                        That when, at the epoch of Independance, the constitution was formed under which we are now governed as a commonwealth, so highly were the principles of representative government esteemed, that the legislature was made to consist of two branches, both of them chosen immediately by the citizens; and that general system of laws was continued which protected the relations between the representative and constituent, and guarded the functions of the former from the controul of the Judiciary and Executive branches:\n                        That when circumstances required that [the] antient confederation of this with the sister states, for the government of their common concerns, should be improved into a more regular and effective form of general government, the same representative principle was preserved in the new legislature, one branch of which was to be chosen directly by the citizens of each state, and the laws and principles remained unaltered which privilege the representative functions, whether to be exercised in the state or general government, against the cognisance and notice of the co-ordinate branches Executive and Judiciary; and for it\u2019s safe and convenient exercise, the intercommunication of the representative and constituent has been sanctioned and provided for through the channel of the public post, at the public expence:\n                        That at the General partition of this commonwealth into districts, each of which were to chuse a representative to Congress, the counties of Amherst, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Goochland were laid off into one district: that at the elections held for the said district in the month of April in the years 1795. and 1797. the electors thereof made choice of Samuel Jordan Cabell of the county of Amherst to be their representative in the legislature of the General government: that the said Samuel Jordan Cabell accepted the said office, repaired at the due periods to the legislature of the General government, exercised his functions there as became a worthy member, and as a good and dutiful representative was in the habit of corresponding with many of his constituents, and of  communicating to us by way of letter information of the public proceedings of asking and recieving our opinions and advice, and of contributing as [far as depend]ed on him, to preserve the transactions of the General government in [unison] with the principles and sentiments of his constituents: that while the said Saml. J. Cabell was in the exercise of his functions as a representative from this district, and was in the course of that correspondence which his duty and the will of his constituents imposed on him, the right of thus communicating with them, deemed sacred under all the forms in which [our government had] hitherto existed, never questioned or infringed even by Royal judges or [governors, was] most dangerously and [injuri]ously violated at a Circuit court of the General Government held at the city of Richmond for the district of Virginia in the month of  of this present year 1797: that at the said court A.B. &c.  having been called upon to serve in the office of Grand jurors before the said court, were sworn to the duties of the said office in the usual forms of the law, the known limits of which duties are to make presentment of those acts of individuals which the laws have declared to be crimes or misdemeanors: that departing out of the legal limits of their said office, and availing themselves of the sanction of it\u2019s cover, wickedly and contrary to their fidelity to destroy the rights of the people of this commonwealth, and the fundamental principles of representative government, they made a presentment of the act of the said Saml. J. Cabell in writing letters to his constituents in the following words, to wit, [here insert the presentment.]\n                        That the Grand jury is a part of the Judiciary, not permanent indeed, but in office pro hac vice, and responsible as other judges are for their actings and doings while in office: that for the Judiciary to interpose in the legislative department between the Constituent and his Representative, to controul them in the exercise of their functions or duties towards each other, to overawe the free correspondence which exists and ought to exist between them, to dictate what communication may pass between them, and to punish all others, to put the Representative into jeopardy of criminal prosecution, of vexation, expence, and punishment before the Judiciary, if his communications public or private do not exactly square with their ideas of fact or right, or with their designs of wrong, is to put the legislative department under the feet of the Judiciary, is to leave us indeed the shadow, but to take away the substance of representation, which requires essentially that the Representative be as free as his Constituents would be, that the same interchange of sentiment be lawful between him and them as would be among themselves were they in the personal transaction of their own business; is to do away the [influence of the] people over the proceedings [of their]  representatives by excluding from their knolege [through fear] of punishment, all but [such] information or misinformation as may suit their own views; and is the more vitally dangerous when it is considered that Grand jurors are selected by officers appointed and holding their places at the will of the Executive, that they are exposed to influence from the judges who are appointed immediately by the Executive, and who, altho\u2019 holding permanently their commissions as judges, yet from the career of additional office and emolument actually opened to them of late, whether constitutionally or not, are under all those motives, which interest or ambition inspire, of courting the favor of that branch from which appointments flow; that Grand juries are frequently composed in part of bystanders, often foreigners, of foreign attachments and interests and little knolege of the laws they are most improperly called to decide on, of which description were some of the Grand jury in question; and finally is to give to the Judiciary, and through them to the Executive a compleat preponderance over the legislature, rendering ineffectual that wise and cautious distribution of powers made by the constitution between the three branches, and subordinating to the other two that branch which most immediately depends on the people themselves, and is responsible to them at short periods.\n                        Your petitioners further observe that tho\u2019 this crime may not be specifically defined and denominated by any particular statute, yet it is a crime, and of the highest and most alarming nature: that the Constitution of this Commonwealth, aware it would sometimes happen that deep and dangerous crimes, pronounced [as such in] the heart of every friend to his country and it\u2019s free constitution, would often escape the definitions of the law, and yet ought not to escape it\u2019s punishments, fearing at the same time to entrust such undescribed offences to the discretion of ordinary juries and judges, has reserved the same to the cognisance of the body of the Commonwealth acting by their representatives in General assembly, for which purpose provision is made by the constitution in the following words, to wit, \u2018the Governor, when he is out of office, and others offending against the state, either by mal-administration, corruption, or other means by which the safety [of the state may be endangered], shall be impeachable by the House of Delegates. Such impeachment to be prosecuted by the Attorney General or such other person or persons as the house may appoint in the General court, according to the laws of the land. If found guilty, he or they shall be either for ever disabled to hold any office under government, or removed from such offices pro tempore, or subjected to such pains or penalties as the law shall direct.\u2019\n                        Considering then the House of Delegates as the standing Inquest of the whole Commonwealth so established by the Constitution, that it\u2019s jurisdiction as such extends over all persons within it\u2019s limits, and that no pale, no sanctuary has been erected against their jurisdiction to protect offenders who have committed crimes against the laws of the Commonwealth within the same, that the crime committed by the said Grand jurors is of that high and extraordinary character for which the constitution has provided extraordinary procedure, that tho\u2019 the violation of right falls in the first instance on us your petitioners and the representative chosen immediately by us, yet in principle and consequence it extends to all our fellow citizens, whose safety is passed away whenever their representatives are placed, in the exercise of their functions, under the direction and coercion of either of the other departments of government: We your petitioners therefore pray that you will be pleased to take your constitutional cognisance of the premises and institute such proceedings for impeaching and punishing the said A.B. &c. as may protect in future the Representatives of this Commonwealth in the exercise of their functions freely and independantly of the other departments of government, may guard that full intercourse between them and their constituents which the nature of their relations and the laws of the land establish, and may serve as a terror to others attempting hereafter to subvert the fundamental principles of our constitution, to exclude the people from all direct influence over the government they have established by [reducing that] branch of the legislature which they chuse directly, to a subordination [under those branches] over whom they have but an indirect, distant and feeble controul.\n                        And your petitioners further submit to the wisdom of the two houses of General assembly whether the safety of the citizens of this commonwealth in their persons, their property, their laws and government does not require that the capacity to act in the important office of a juror, grand or petty, civil or criminal, should be restrained in future (the single case of the medietas linguae excepted) to native citizens of the US. or such as resided within the American lines during the whole of the late revolutionary war, and whether the ignorance of our laws and natural partiality to the countries of their birth are not reasonable causes for declaring this to be one of the rights incommunicable to adoptive citizens.\n                        We therefore your petitioners, relying with entire confidence on the wisdom and patriotism of our representatives in General assembly, cloathed preeminently with all the powers of the people which have not  been reserved to themselves, or expressly given to the General government, and stationed as centinels to observe with watchfulness and oppose with firmness all movements tending to destroy the equilibrium of our excellent but complicated machine of government, invoke from you that redress of our violated rights which the freedom and safety of our common country calls for, and we, as in duty bound, shall ever pray &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0390-0003", "content": "Title: II. Revised Petition to the Virginia House of Delegates, [7 August\u20137 September 1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                        The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the counties of Amherst, Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Goochland, sheweth:\n                        That by the constitution of this State, established from its earliest settlement, the people thereof have professed the right of being governed by laws to which they have consented by representatives chosen by themselves immediately: that in order to give to the will of the people the influence it ought to have, and the information which may enable them to exercise it usefully, it was a part of the common law, adopted as the law of this land, that their representatives, in the discharge of their functions, should be free from the cognizance or coercion of the coordinate branches, Judiciary and Executive; and that their communications with their constituents should of right, as of duty also, be free, full, and unawed by any: that so necessary has this intercourse been deemed in the country from which they derive principally their descent and laws, that the correspondence between the representative and constituent is privileged there to pass free of expense through the channel of the public post, and that the proceedings of the legislature have been known to be arrested and suspended at times until the Representatives could go home to their several counties and confer with their constituents.\n                        That when, at the epoch of Independence, the constitution was formed under which we are now governed as a commonwealth, so high were the principles of representative government esteemed, that the legislature was made to consist of two branches, both of them chosen immediately by the citizens; and that general system of laws was continued which protected the relations between the representative and  constituent, and guarded the functions of the former from the control of the Judiciary and Executive branches.\n                        That when circumstances required that the ancient confederation of this with the sister States, for the government of their common concerns, should be improved into a more regular and effective form of general government, the same representative principle was preserved in the new legislature, one branch of which was to be chosen directly by the citizens of each State, and the laws and principles remained unaltered which privileged the representative functions, whether to be exercised in the State or General Government, against the cognizance and notice of the co-ordinate branches, Executive and Judiciary; and for its safe and convenient exercise, the inter-communication of the representative and constituent has been sanctioned and provided for through the channel of the public post, at the public expense.\n                        That at the General partition of this commonwealth into districts, each of which was to choose a representative to Congress, the counties of Amherst, Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Goochland, were laid off into one district: that at the elections held for the said district, in the month of April, in the years 1795 and 1797, the electors thereof made choice of Samuel Jordan Cabell, of the county of Amherst, to be their representative in the legislature of the general government; that the said Samuel Jordan Cabell accepted the office, repaired at the due periods to the legislature of the General Government, exercised his functions there as became a worthy member, and as a good and dutiful representative was in the habit of corresponding with many of his constituents, and communicating to us, by way of letter, information of the public proceedings, of asking and receiving our opinions and advice, and of contributing, as far as might be with right, to preserve the transactions of the general government in unison with the principles and sentiments of his constituents: that while the said Samuel J. Cabell was in the exercise of his functions as a representative from this district, and was in the course of that correspondence which his duty and the will of his constituents imposed on him, the right of thus communicating with them, deemed sacred under all the forms in which our government has hitherto existed, never questioned or infringed even by Royal judges or governors, was openly and directly violated at a Circuit court of the General Government, held at the city of Richmond, for the district of Virginia, in the month of May of this present year, 1797: that at the said court A, B, &c., some of whom were foreigners, having been called upon to serve in the office of grand jurors before the said court, were sworn to the duties of said office in the usual forms of the law, the known limits of which duties are to make presentment of those acts of individuals  which the laws have declared to be crimes or misdemeanors: that departing out of the legal limits of their said office, and availing themselves of the sanction of its cover, wickedly and contrary to their fidelity to destroy the rights of the people of this commonwealth, and the fundamental principles of representative government, they made a presentment of the act of the said Samuel J. Cabell, in writing letters to his constituents in the following words, to wit: \u201cWe, of the grand jury of the United States, for the district of Virginia, present as a real evil, the circular letters of several members of the late Congress, and particularly letters with the signature of Samuel J. Cabell, endeavoring, at a time of real public danger, to disseminate unfounded calumnies against the happy government of the United States, and thereby to separate the people therefrom; and to increase or produce a foreign influence, ruinous to the peace, happiness, and independence of these United States.\u201d\n                        That the grand jury is a part of the Judiciary, not permanent indeed, but in office, pro hac vice and responsible as other judges are for their actings and doings while in office: that for the Judiciary to interpose in the legislative department between the constituent and his representative, to control them in the exercise of their functions or duties towards each other, to overawe the free correspondence which exists and ought to exist between them, to dictate what communications may pass between them, and to punish all others, to put the representative into jeopardy of criminal prosecution, of vexation, expense, and punishment before the Judiciary, if his communications, public or private, do not exactly square with their ideas of fact or right, or with their designs of wrong, is to put the legislative department under the feet of the Judiciary, is to leave us, indeed, the shadow, but to take away the substance of representation, which requires essentially that the representative be as free as his constituents would be, that the same interchange of sentiment be lawful between him and them as would be lawful among themselves were they in the personal transaction of their own business; is to do away the influence of the people over the proceedings of their representatives by excluding from their knowledge, by the terror of punishment, all but such information or misinformation as may suit their own views; and is the more vitally dangerous when it is considered that grand jurors are selected by officers nominated and holding their places at the will of the Executive: that they are exposed to influence from the judges who are nominated immediately by the Executive, and who, although holding permanently their commissions as judges, yet from the career of additional office and emolument actually opened to them of late, whether constitutionally or not, are under all those motives which interest or ambition inspire, of courting the favor of that branch from  which appointments flow: that grand juries are frequently composed in part of by-standers, often foreigners, of foreign attachments and interests, and little knowledge of the laws they are most improperly called to decide on; and finally, is to give to the Judiciary, and through them to the Executive, a complete preponderance over the legislature, rendering ineffectual that wise and cautious distribution of powers made by the constitution between the three branches, and subordinating to the other two that branch which most immediately depends on the people themselves, and is responsible to them at short periods.\n                        That independently of these considerations of a constitutional nature, the right of free correspondence between citizen and citizen on their joint interests, public or private, and under whatsoever laws these interests arise, is a natural right of every individual citizen, not the gift of municipal law, but among the objects for the protection of which municipal laws are instituted: that so far as the attempt to take away this natural right of free correspondence is an offence against the privileges of the legislative house, of which the said Samuel J. Cabell is a member, it is left to that house, entrusted with the preservation of its own privileges, to vindicate its immunities against the encroachments and usurpations of a co-ordinate branch; but so far as it is an infraction of our individual rights as citizens by other citizens of our own State, the judicature of this commonwealth is solely competent to its cognizance, no other possessing any powers of redress: that the commonwealth retains all judiciary cognisances not expressly alienated in the grant of powers to the United States as expressed in their constitution: that the constitution alienates only those enumerated in itself, or arising under laws or treaties of the United States made in conformity with its own tenor: but the right of free correspondence is not claimed under that constitution nor the laws or treaties derived from it, but as a natural right, placed originally under the protection of our municipal laws, and retained under the cognizance of our own courts.\n                        Your petitioners further observe that though this crime may not be specifically defined and denominated by any particular statute, yet it is a crime, and of the highest and most alarming nature; that the constitution of this commonwealth, aware it would sometimes happen that deep and dangerous crimes, pronounced as such in the heart of every friend to his country and its free constitution, would often escape the definitions of the law, and yet ought not to escape its punishments, fearing at the same time to entrust such undescribed offences to the discretion of ordinary juries and judges, has reserved the same to the cognizance of the body of the commonwealth acting by their representatives in general assembly, for which purpose provision is made by the constitution in the following words, to wit, \u201cThe Governor, when he is out of office,  and others offending against the State, either by mal-administration, corruption, or other means by which the safety of the State may be endangered, shall be impeachable by the House of Delegates. Such impeachment to be prosecuted by the Attorney General or such other person or persons as the house may appoint in the general court, according to the laws of the land. If found guilty, he or they shall be either forever disabled to hold any office under government, or removed from such offices pro tempore, or subjected to such pains or penalties as the law shall direct.\u201d\n                        Considering then the House of Delegates as the standing inquest of the whole commonwealth so established by the constitution, that its jurisdiction as such extends over all persons within its limits, and that no pale, no sanctuary has been erected against their jurisdiction to protect offenders who have committed crimes against the laws of the commonwealth and rights of its citizens: that the crime committed by the said grand jurors is of that high and extraordinary character for which the constitution has provided extraordinary procedure: that though the violation of right falls in the first instance on us, your petitioners and the representative chosen immediately by us, yet in principle and consequence it extends to all our fellow-citizens, whose safety is passed away whenever their representatives are placed, in the exercise of their functions, under the direction and coercion of either of the other departments of government, and one of their most interesting rights is lost when that of a free communication of sentiment by speaking or writing is suppressed: We, your petitioners, therefore pray that you will be pleased to take your constitutional cognizance of the premises, and institute such proceedings for impeaching and punishing the said A, B, &c., as may secure to the citizens of this commonwealth their constitutional right: that their representatives shall in the exercise of their functions be free and independent of the other departments of government, may guard that full intercourse between them and their constituents which the nature of their relations and the laws of the land establish, may save to them the natural right of communicating their sentiments to one another by speaking and writing, and may serve as a terror to others attempting hereafter to subvert those rights and the fundamental principles of our constitution, to exclude the people from all direct influence over the government they have established by reducing that branch of the legislature which they choose directly, to a subordination under those over whom they have but an indirect, distant, and feeble control.\n                        And your petitioners further submit to the wisdom of the two houses of assembly whether the safety of the citizens of this commonwealth in their persons, their property, their laws, and government, does not require  that the capacity to act in the important office of a juror, grand or petty, civil or criminal, should be restrained in future to native citizens of the United States, or such as were citizens at the date of the treaty of peace which closed our revolutionary war, and whether the ignorance of our laws and natural partiality to the countries of their birth are not reasonable causes for declaring this to be one of the rights incommunicable in future to adoptive citizens.\n                        We, therefore, your petitioners, relying with entire confidence on the wisdom and patriotism of our representatives in General assembly, clothed preeminently with all the powers of the people which have not been reserved to themselves, or enumerated in the grant to the General Government delegated to maintain all their rights and relations not expressly and exclusively transferred to other jurisdictions, and stationed as sentinels to observe with watchfulness and oppose with firmness all movements tending to destroy the equilibrium of our excellent but complicated machine of government, invoke from you that redress of our violated rights which the freedom and safety of our common country calls for. We denounce to you a great crime, wicked in its purpose, and mortal in its consequences unless prevented, committed by citizens of this commonwealth against the body of their country. If we have erred in conceiving the redress provided by the law, we commit the subject to the superior wisdom of this house to devise and pursue such proceedings as they shall think best; and we, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0391", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 August 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Yours of the 3d. arrived safe yesterday. I will converse with Col. Monroe, as you desire, on the subject of his letter to you, and listen to all his reasons for the opinion he gives. My present conviction is opposed to it. I have viewed the subject pretty much in the light you do. I consider it moreover as a ticklish experiment to say publickly yes or no to the interrogatories of party spirit. It may bring on dilemmas, not to be particularly foreseen, of disagreeable explanations, or tacit confessions. Hitherto the Precedents have been the other way. The late President was silent for many years as to the letters imputed to him, and it would seem, deposited in the office of State only, the answer which the zeal of the Secretary communicated to the public. Mr. Adams has followed the example with respect to Callendar\u2019s charge, probably well founded, of advising the extermination of the Tories. Col. M. thinks that honest men would be encouraged by your owning and justifying the letter to Mazzei. I rather suspect it would be a gratification and triumph to their opponents; and that out of the unfixed part of the Community more converts would be gained by the popularity of Gen: Washington, than by the kind of proof that must be relied on against it.\n                    Wishing to return the \u201cPetition &c\u201d to your Court as you recommend, I must be brief on that subject. It is certainly of great importance to set the public opinion right with regard to the functions of grand juries, and the dangerous abuse of them in the federal Courts: nor could a better occasion occur. If there be any doubts in the case, they must flow from the uncertainty of getting a numerous subscription, or of embarking the Legislature in the business. On these points the two gentlemen you mean to consult can judge much better than I can do. The Petition in its tenor, cannot certainly be mended. I have noted with a pencil, the passages which may perhaps be better guarded against cavil.\n                        (1) The term \u201cappoint,\u201d strictly taken includes the Senate, as well as, Executive.\n                        (2) Is it true that the foreign members of the late Grand-jury, lie under all the defects ascribed to them? I am a stranger even to their names.\n                        (3) \u201cwithin the same\u201d Does not impeachment extend to crimes committed elsewhere, by those amenable to our laws?\n                        (4) \u201csuch as resided within the American lines during the whole war.\u201d Would not this apply to persons who came here during the war, and were faithful, to the end of it. Gallatin is an example. Would such a partial disfranchisement of persons already naturalized be a proper precedent?  The benefit of stating the evil to the public might be preserved and the difficulty avoided, by confining the remedy to future naturalizations, or by a general reference of it to the wisdom of the Legislature. This last may be a good expedient throughout the Petition, in case the assembly cannot be relied on to adopt the specific remedies prayed for.\n                        (5) This change is, to avoid the term \u201cexpressly\u201d which has been a subject of controversy, and rather decided against by the public opinion.\n                    Your letter of the 24 has come to hand since mine by Mr. B. It is so much our inclination to comply with its invitations that you may be assured it will be done if any wise practicable. I have engagements, however, on hand of sundry kinds which forbid a promise to myself on that head. The situation of my health may be another obstacle. I was attacked the night before last, very severely by something like a cholera morbus or bilious cholic, of which, tho\u2019 much relieved, I still feel the effects, and it is not quite certain what turn the complaint may take. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0392", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Volney, 5 August 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Volney, Constantin Fran\u00e7ois Chasseboeuf, Comte de\n                        Th. Jefferson to Mr. Volney\n                    Our post having failed to come as far as Charlottesville the last week delayed my reciept of yours of July 19. and consequently the answer to it one whole week. I consider it the more unfortunate as the period you have still to stay with us is flowing out. It is the wisest philosophy which directs us always to view circumstances under their most pleasing aspect. I will not consider therefore the change of destination in the vessel which was to have taken you away, as it is a disappointment to you, but as giving us a hope of seeing you here. And the sooner the better for the double reason of giving us more of your time, and that we are still in a condition to offer you a cover. It will probably be a month now, before we take off the roof of our house: consequently we can lodge you as before. It\u2019s inconveniences I felt and feel on your account, but your braving them will be a proof the more of your friendship. I shall hope therefore to see you soon, and that you will give me the first portion of your time, as Mr. Madison and Colo. Monroe will not be in the act of dismantling their dwelling. I rejoice that you have left your fever at Philadelphia. The place and the season gave me real uneasiness for you, as I know that strangers have frequently a severe initiation into the knolege of our climate. My daughters are well and have been constantly so. The inquietude you are so kind as to express on the rumor of their having been otherwise, proves your friendship, but also that Monticello has partaken of the libels heaped on it\u2019s master. We are never sick here. Hasten therefore to pass as much of the heats of August here as you can, and in the mean time accept my affectionate salutations & Adieu.\u2014My respects to Doctr. Thornton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0393", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Citizens of Vincennes, 7 August 1797\nFrom: Citizens of Vincennes\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Altho\u2019 we have not the Honor of being acquainted with you, we trust our rights as Citizens Will not be the less regarded.\n                    The enclosed memorials will express the Object of our desires. We beg leave however to observe, that we understand a Petition has Gone forward to Congress, praying all concessions Whatever heretofore Granted May be confirmed; These concessions all became forfeited by their being no actual improvements Made. That the object of the Said  Petition is founded in Speculation, and Should the Prayer of the Same be Granted Very Large and Extensive Bodies of Land of the United States Will be covered; the Small farms of your Memorialists Which they have toiled thro\u2019 a Savage War to Improve, Will be Swallowed up, and themselves Materially distressed.\n                    We would farther request that you would have the Goodness to have one of the Enclosed memorials laid Before 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0394", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John F. Mercer, 9 August 1797\nFrom: Mercer, John F.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have sent you small parcels of the two different kinds of wheat, I shew\u2019d you when I saw you last.\n                    No. 1. The Manyheaded wheat, commonly call\u2019d \u00c6gyptian\u2014the triticum spica multiplici, a Smyrna wheat of Millar. This wheat is liable to rust, and shoud be sow\u2019d early, any time after the 15th. Augt. It requires strong ground or it will not produce more heads than the common-sorts of wheat. It is mention\u2019d as growing to great profit in So. America, by Ulloa.\n                    No. 2. A great, white bearded Wheat. This I was told was brought into America lately by a Priest, who gave it to a M. Tubman a Catholic on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and call\u2019d it Sicilian Wheat. This by repeated experiments by myself, must not be sow\u2019d early\u2014or it will joint and be Cut by the winter frost, in a great measure. If sown at all in the fall it shoud be about 10th. or 15th. October. But from information I was led to sow a little in the beginning (about 10th.) of March, and it came to perfection soon after that sown in the fall, so that it is certainly a Spring wheat. A little, might be tried 10th. Oct. and again from 10th. to 20th. February or as early as the weather will admit of spring sowing. Will you be so good as to make my Compliments to your daughters as those of an old friend and receive the assurances of the esteem & respect of Yr. friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0395", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 10 August 1797\nFrom: Barnes, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    In conformity to your favor 31st. past, I have transposed\u2014to your debet $47.25 and to Mr. Lott, Credit for said Amount, being the Ballancing Amount of said Gentleman\u2019s account rendered him\u2014through you 30th June, at least, my Ledger tells me so; if not correct, I hope Mr. Lott, will please Notice it\u2014and shall at all times be happy, in Rendering him, any services here, I am Dear Sir Most respectfully Your Obedt: H 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0397", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Strickland, 16 August 1797\nFrom: Strickland, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    The largest bag contains, what I believe to be the true winter vetch, grown in this neighbourhood under my own inspection. The small bag is of Perennial Darnel grass, (Lolium perenne) commonly called Ryegrass; and the box is filled up with Trifolium agrarium, Hop trefoil, or Hop-Clover. The first I send according to your request; the two last merely to fill up the box with something that possibly may be useful. The ryegrass is much cultivated here; tho not a good grass is very valuable on account of producing early herbage and hardiness; it is frequently sown among the red clover, in the manner and for the purpose that Timothy is in America; I saw an instance of its being cultivated in America where it throve greatly. The Trefoil is also much cultivated,  sown with a crop of grain after the manner of red clover; and frequently mixed with Ryegrass; The climate and soil of the United States being peculiarly favourable to the growth of the Trifolia I cannot but think that this species of it may prove a valuable acquisition and in the course of my tour I did not observe an instance of its cultivation or natural growth. It is more hardy than the red or white clover, and will grow on more barren land, and in more exposed situations. As I have written another letter which I apprehend you will receive by the same conveyance which brings you this; both being committed to the care of Mr: King, I shall here only add that I hope you may yet receive the box I formerly sent you, the loss of which I more particularly regret, as I am unable to make another collection of seeds the same as it contained, and that I am Dear Sir Your very faithful humble Servant\n                        P:S: I regret that having only lately returned into York I am unable to send you the vetches, so as to afford you any chance of sowing them in the Autumn of the present 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0398", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Strickland, 18 August 1797\nFrom: Strickland, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    You will already have been informed by my letter of the fourth of June which I committed to the care of Mr: King before I left London of the receipt of yours dated the 12th: of March. Since my return home I have received a letter from Mr: Donald informing me that the box I committed to his care for you about the end of May 1796 lay in his possession several weeks before a safe conveyance offer\u2019d itself, and that, tho\u2019 he cannot now inform me by what vessel it was sent, yet as all the vessels that sailed at that period are known to have arrived safe; and as the box was sent according to your direction, he hopes you will have received it long since; least however that should not have happend; and as you are desirous of possessing the winter vetch; I send you another venture, in a box which I send along with this letter to the care of Mr: King and which I hope may be attended by the wished for success both  in its arrival and future cultivation. The seed I send you is the true winter vetch, or at least certainly the one we cultivate as such, as I saw it growing on the farm of a friend of mine in this neighbourhood the last winter; and from him I have just now procured it to send to You. If this plant will thrive, among the chilling fogs, the cold rains and varying frosts of the long winter of latitude 55; I cannot imagine why it should not thrive in your milder climate, your short, not more variable and never severe winter; but apprehensions may arise from the sudden and too violent heats that succeed; the plant is so valuable to us from producing early pasturage in the spring, and would be still more so to you, where it is less plentiful, that the attempt to cultivate it, is highly worthy of your attention. The winter vetch is usually sown after the wheat is cut; about the latter end of September, and thro winter shews scarcely any appearance of life; but shoots into vigorous growth with the first approach of warmth in the Spring; and in the southern counties will afford good pasturage in April; It is not unusual to sow a small quantity of rye with it, to support it in some degree and prevent it, should the crop be heavy, from lying too close to the ground.\n                    In order that no space might be left unoccupied in the box I have filled it up with a bag of rye-grass seed, (the Lolium perenne) and the Hop-Trefoil or hop-Clover (trifolium agrarium) this latter I do not recollect to have seen growing either in cultivation or spontaneously in any part of the United States; It is here much cultivated, being sown either with red-clover, or ryegrass, when meant to stand for a single crop, or mixed with other grass seeds, when intended to produce permanent pasturage. Tho it may not in general produce as large a crop as Red Clover, yet being the hardiest of the genus, and growing on more barren grounds, and in more exposed situations, it is still of great value. The rye grass I once saw cultivated in America, and producing a more luxuriant crop than is usual in this country: it is not esteemed here a very good grass, being coarse when standing for hay; but is greatly cultivated, producing the first herbage for our sheep in the spring. These seeds are contained in a box about a foot square, marked on the top  which I send from hence this day to the care of Mr: King, requesting him to put them in a way of being safely conveyed to You. I shall with great satisfaction hereafter learn that these seeds prove of the service to you that I wish; should it occur to you that I can be of any future use, I beg you will freely command me; it is the least return I can make for your kind attentions; and which I cannot but make with greatest pleasure to one, I have every reason to esteem and regard, and whose acquaintance I have reason to regret that I could not in person more intimately cultivate; entertaining, therefore such sentiments, and happy in  standing also well in your estimation; I shall hope, that should occasion call for it our correspondence will not cease with this letter, as I am truly Dear Sir Yours very sincerely & faithfully", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0399", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Allen Jones, 20 August 1797\nFrom: Jones, Allen\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    By Mr. Macon I was honoured with your favour of May 23d. Phila., also a tin box containing the seed of the bread tree mentioned in your letter, only that there were four instead of two Seeds. Accept my sincere thanks for this communication and be assured no attention shall be wanting on my part to render your benevolent intentions successful. If they could be raised for two or three years in a Greenhouse and then in the Spring of the Year turned into the full ground, I should make no doubt raising them, but I have no Greenhouse, and must therefore do the best I can without one. Whatever may be the issue, I am bound to acquaint you with the progress of this experiment to add this valuable plant to the list of our cultivated Vegetables. As I have long known your ardent wishes for the ease and happiness of your fellow Citizens, I have frequently asked the Gentlemen from your State whether the Teffe or Ensette had been raised, or any attempt made to do it at Monticello? The answer has always been in the Negative. This has surprized me as I knew you had Correspondents both in France and England; where I suppose these plants have been raised, as Mr. Bruce gave liberally of the seeds to both Kingdoms. Perhaps the Teffe is the most valuable acquisition that could be made for the lower parts of Virga. and the Southern States. As it is an annual and reaped like other small grain, there can be no doubt but it would grow any where in the Southern States, and as the Seed is protected by a Capsule I should hope it would escape the Weavil which renders the raising wheat so precarious. As to the Ensette I have not the same hopes, but think it might be cultivated probably as we do the Tannier, which I suppose the same plant that Cap. Cook found in the Islands of the South Sea, and called by the Natives Taro. This does not appear to me to be a name given it by the Natives, but by the Spaniards, and is a corruption of the word Arum of which this plant is a Species. Be this as it may it grows here in great vigour and is a  valuable addition to our esculents. The roots are planted in April in hills three feet apart, they are sown twice or rather hilled twice and taken up in the fall and preserved like potatoes, and those who are accustomed to this root prefer them much to any kind of Potatoes. Our Success with this plant which is a native of the hottest parts of Africa induces me to think we might also raise the ensette. I hope we shall before long hear of Peace in Europe, and then the means of communication will be both frequent and safe, when I wish you would add to the favours you have already done the Public, the introduction of the Seeds of those two plants if to be had. Surely nothing can be so gratifying to an enlightened mind as adding to the felicity of your fellow Citizens by increasing the means of Subsistence. I shall make no apology for this long letter and the Hints in it, but that you have drawn it on yourself, by writing to an old man on his favourite Subject, and I verily believe we must have our hobby\u2019s as long as we live. Believe me with the most Sincere Respect & Esteem Sir Yr Mo. Ob. Hum. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0400", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Rufus King, 22 August 1797\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have requested Capt. Newel of the Ship Cleopatra, who is bound to Philadelphia to take charge of a Diploma delivered to me for you by Sir John Sinclair, President of the Board of Agriculture.\n                    I have just received from Mr. Strickland a letter for you; but as he informs me that the letter is to accompany a small box, containing an assortment of seeds which is also to be sent to my care, but which has not yet been received, I shall detain this letter to be sent with the box by a future opportunity. With perfect respect I have the honor to be, sir, Your obed. & faithful 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0402", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 August 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    The inclosed letter for Mr. B. came to my hands last week; but not till the opportunity by the then mail was lost. I hear nothing of Monroe but thro\u2019 the Newspapers containing his correspondence with Pickering. As that appears to have been closed on the 31st. of last month, I am in hourly expectation of seeing him. I am also without any late information with respect to the progress of the Committee on Blount\u2019s and Liston\u2019s Conspiracy. Dawson wrote me some time ago \u201cthat they were going on well, and that he had well grounded reasons, which he could  not communicate by letter, to say, that they should bring in some large fish.\u201d It is much to be wished none of this description may escape; tho\u2019 to be feared that they will be most likely to do so. Mrs. M. offers her respects to the ladies, and joins in my inclinations to visit Monticello; but I am so compleatly plunged into necessary occupations of several kinds, that I can[not] positively decide that we shall have that pleasure. Yrs 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0403", "content": "Title: Notes on Alexander Hamilton, 24 August 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                    Aug. 24. About the time of the British treaty, Hamilton and Taleyrand, bp. of Autun dined together, and Hamilton drank freely. Conversing on the treaty, Taleyrand says \u2018mais vraiment Monsr. Hamilton, ce n\u2019est pas bien honnete, after making the Senate ratify the treaty to advise the Presidt. to reject it.\u2019 \u2018The treaty, said Hamilton is an execrable one, and Jay was an old woman for making it, but the whole credit of saving us from it must be given to the President.\u2019 After circumstances had led to a conclusion that the President also must ratify it, he said to the same Taleyrand, \u2018tho\u2019 the treaty is a most execrable one, yet when once we have come to a determination on it, we must carry it through thick and thin, right or wrong.\u2019 Taleyrand told this to Volney who told it to me.\n                    There is a letter now appearing in the papers from Pickering to Monroe dated July 24 97. which I am satisfied is written by Hamilton. He was in Philadelphia at that 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0404", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Willem H. van Hasselt, 27 August 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hasselt, Willem H. van\n                    I have to acknolege the receipt of your favor of June 30. and feel myself indebted to the partiality which at so great a distance, has drawn your attention to me. It is with great sincerity I assure you that there are traits in your letter which interest me strongly in your favor, and increase the regret that my particular position does not permit me to avail myself of talents so well entitled to be employed. My fortune is entirely agricultural, consisting in farms which are under the management of persons who have been long in my employ, have behaved well, and are therefore entitled to be continued as long as I continue to occupy my farms myself. But in fact I mean shortly to tenant them out, in order to relieve myself from the attention they require.\u2014My family consists of only two daughters, the one married and just beginning an infant family; the other marriageable; and consequently the business of education is past.\u2014The office to which I have been called, takes me from home all the winter, during which time my daughters also go into the lower country to pass their winter, so that our house is shut up one half the year.\u2014No commentaries on these circumstances are necessary with you to shew that they furnish me with no means of being useful to you. I trust with confidence however that qualifications as good as yours, with views as moderate, cannot fail of meeting employment advantageous and agreeable to yourself. In this hope I have only to add assurances that  your confidence in my silence to others is not misplaced, and that I am with great respect 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0406", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lawson, 31 August 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lawson, Robert\n                    I have to acknolege the receipt of your favor of June 27. and to assure you of my sincere dispositions to render you the service therein desired, in the best way in my power. This cannot be however to any effect during my absence from Philadelphia. But on my return to that place at the meeting of Congress I shall be able to interest those on behalf of your son whose applications at the war office will be favorably received. In the mean time as you mention your acquaintance with Genl. Wilkinson, it would be adviseable that a recommendation should originate with him, as he is at the head of the military, and particularly situated to be informed of the merits of your son: and if I am apprised when his recommendation comes to Philadelphia I will take measures to promote it\u2019s success. I am happy in this occasion of recalling to memory antient times when we acted together in a virtuous cause, in hoping that you continue in good health, and subscribing myself Dear 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0407", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan, 31 August 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vaughan, Benjamin\n                    I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of July 20. and have read with great pleasure the piece it contained. I have just heard too of the publication of a pamphlet which I had expected with impatience, as I am sure it will convey to the world some truths which require some caution in their conveyance. The mind of the people is not prepared to recieve them abruptly. Your manner is well calculated to form the point of an entering wedge, and I am in hopes that the activity of your mind will render your residence among us an epoch which will be marked.  The season is now so far advanced that we can hardly expect that your curiosity may lead you to make a circuit thro\u2019 any considerable part of our states: but the ensuing summer may induce you to take some survey of them. Should your course lead this way I shall be happy in receiving and possessing you here whatever time you can spare to us. I am with sentiments of sincere esteem & respect Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0409", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur Campbell, 1 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Campbell, Arthur\n                    I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of July 4. and to recognise in it the sentiments you have ever held, and worthy of the day on which it is dated. It is true that a party has risen up among us, or rather has come among us, which is endeavoring to separate us from all friendly connection with France, to unite our destinies with those of Great Britain, and to assimilate our government to theirs. Our lenity in permitting the return of the old tories gave the first body to this party, they have been increased by large importations of British merchants and factors, by American merchants dealing on British capital, and by stockdealers and banking companies, who by the aid of a paper system are enriching themselves to the ruin of our country, and swaying the government by their possession of the printing presses, which their wealth commands, and by other means not always honorable to the character of our countrymen. Hitherto their influence and their system has been irresistable, and they have raised up an Executive power which is too strong for the legislature. But I flatter myself they have passed their zenith. The people, while these things were doing, were lulled into rest and security from a cause which no longer exists. No prepossessions now will shut their ears to truth. They begin to see to what port their leaders were steering the vessel during their slumbers, and there is yet time to haul in, if we can avoid a war with France. All can be done peaceably, by the people confining their choice of Representatives and Senators to persons attached to republican government and the principles of 1776, not office hunters, but farmers whose interests are entirely agricultural. Such men are the true representatives of the great American interest, and are alone to be relied on for expressing the proper American sentiments. We owe gratitude to France, justice to England, good will to all, and subservience to none. All this must be brought about by the people, using their elective rights with prudence, and self-possession, and not suffering themselves to be duped by treacherous emissaries. It was by the sober sense of our citizens that we were safely and steadily conducted from monarchy to republicanism, and it is by the  same agency alone we can be kept from falling back. I am happy in this occasion of reviving the memory of old things, and of assuring you of the continuance of the esteem & respect of Dear Sir Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0410", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 2 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barnes, John\n                    I have to acknolege the reciept of your favors of July 26. and Aug. [10.] the former covering your account to July 24. balance in my favor 6[\u2026] since which your\u2019s of Aug. 10. advises the acceptance of my draught in favor of [\u2026] Lott for 47.25 which consequently leaves me in your hands only 14.36. This is exclusive of Mr. Short\u2019s dividends left in your hand for his purposes. Having now to pay for him a requisition of the James river Co. on his canal sh[ares] 330.D. I have this day drawn on you for that sum payable at 10. days [sight] to Chas. Johnston & Co. or order.\n                    The chief difference between your account recieved in yours of July 26. and mine forwarded to you in my letter of July 18. arose from the excess of the bills of Trump, Stock and Ker above what I had conjectu[red]. Mr. Ker\u2019s was 15.D. more and Trump and Stock\u2019s 46.83 more. This last I suppose will be explained to me when I see his bill. I am with esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0412", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John F. Mercer, 5 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Mercer, John F.\n                    I recieved safely your favor of Aug. 9. with the two packets of Smyrna and Sicilian wheat. The latter I shall value as well because it lengthens our fall sowing, as because it may be sown in the spring. And in a soil which does not suit oats (as is the case of ours) we want a good spring grain. The May wheat has been sufficiently tried to prove that it will not answer for general culture in this part of the country. In the lower country it does better.\n                    We have now with us our friend Monroe. He is engaged [in] stating his conduct for the information of the public. As yet how[ever] he has done little, being too much occupied with re-arranging his houshold. His preliminary skirmish with the Secretary of [State] has of course bespoke a suspension of the public mind till he can lay his statement before them. Our Congressional district is forming under the presentment of their representative by the G[rand] jury: and the question of a convention for forming a state constitution will probably be attended to in these parts. These are [the] news of our canton. Those of a more public nature you know before we do. My best respects to Mrs. Mercer and assurances to yourself of the affectionate esteem of Dr. Sir Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0413", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 5 September 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I enclose the paper you were so good as commit to my care yesterday. I have perused it with attention and pleasure, and think its contents ought to be used so as to produce to the publick the beneficial effect likely to result from them. The only doubt which I entertain is as to the channel into which it is proposed to put the paper, whether for example, a state legislature can interfere in a question between a citizen of the U. States and his representative in Congress. It may be urged that the establishment of the principle may lead to great extent, and even make all the members of the National Govt., by a code of crimes and punishments, amenable to state tribunals. I suggest this for your consideration, to which I beg to add whether it would not be better to address it to the Congress? I will endeavor to see you as soon as possible. Sincerely I am yr. friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0414", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 5 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Stuart, Archibald\n                    I furnished to Wm. Alexander of Augusta in 1795. nails to the amount of \u00a316-10-3. The year following I gave Mr. Saml. Clarke an order on him for the amount. He talked about some suit he had employed Joseph Monroe to bring for him in my county, the proceeds of which were to pay me. But lawsuits against others are not paiments to me; and in fact Joseph Monroe has removed into a distant part of the country with which we have no communication. I inclose you Alexander\u2019s original letter, and press copies of two I wrote him, the originals being in his hands. They contain the account. If you can collect the money from him with or without law, I shall be obliged to you: and you will be so good as to deduct from what he pays your fees of suit and commission for collecting. I am Dear 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0415", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Stuart, 6 September 1797\nFrom: Stuart, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your favour of the 15th. ult. with the Diploma adopting me a member of the philosophical society came safe to hand\u2014this Honour lays me under every obligation, and very greatful acknowledgments to you\u2014be asured Sir, I shall be careful to enquire and deligent to communicate any thing that may fall in my way that I conceive will be interesting to the society. I fear no more of the bones of the Megalonyx will be got as I promised a reward for any that might be found in the cave. I was long in hopes the head bones or teeth would be got, which would more effectually proved his kind. I belive I before mentioned to you that there is a figure of a Lion carved on a rock on the Kenawha\u2014which I presume is no small evidence that such an animmal had once an existance here,  Espesially as that figure with many others rudely cut bears every mark of very great antiquity. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your Most. Obd. Humbe 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0416", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 7 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\n                    The doubt which you suggest as to our jurisdiction over the case of the grand jury v. Cabell, had occurred to me, and naturally occurs on first view of the question. But I knew that to send the petition to the H. of Represent. in Congress, would make bad worse, that a majority of that house would pass a vote of approbation. On examination of the question too it appeared to me that we could maintain the authority of our own government over it.\n                    A right of free correspondence between citizen and citizen, on their joint interests, whether public or private, and under whatsoever laws these interests arise, (to wit, of the state, of Congress, of France, Spain or Turkey) is a natural right: it is not the gift of any municipal law either of England, of Virginia, or of Congress, but in common with all our other natural rights, is one of the objects for the protection of which society is formed and municipal laws established.\n                    The courts of this commonwealth (and among them the General court as a court of impeachment) are originally competent to the cognisance of all infractions of the rights of one citizen by another citizen: and they still retain all their judiciary cognisances not expressly alienated by the federal constitution.\n                    The federal constitution alienates from them all cases arising 1st. under that constitution, 2dly. under the laws of Congress, 3dly. under treaties &c. But this right of free correspondence, whether with a public representative in General assembly, in Congress, in France, in Spain, or with a private one charged with a pecuniary trust, or with a private friend the object of our esteem or any other, has not been given to us under 1st. the federal constitution, 2dly. any law of Congress, or 3dly. any treaty, but as before observed, by nature. It is therefore not alienated, but remains under the protection of our courts.\n                    Were the question ever doubtful, it is no reason for abandoning it. The system of the General government is to sieze all doubtful ground. We must join in the scramble or get nothing. Where first occupancy is  to give a right, he who lies still loses all. Besides it is not right for those who are only to act in a preliminary form, to let their own doubts preclude the judgment of the court of ultimate decision. We ought to let it go to the H. of delegates for their consideration, and they, unless the contrary be palpable, ought to let it go to the General court, who are ultimately to decide on it.\n                    It is of immense consequence that the States retain as complete authority as possible over their own citizens. The withdrawing themselves under the shelter of a foreign jurisdiction, is so subversive of order and so pregnant of abuse, that it may not be amiss to consider how far a law of praemunire should be revived and modified against all citizens who attempt to carry their causes before any other than the state courts in cases where those other courts have no right to their cognisance. A plea to the jurisdiction of the courts of their state, or a reclamation of a foreign jurisdiction, if adjudged valid would be safe, but if adjudged invalid, would be followed by the punishment of praemunire for the attempt.\n                    Think further of the preceding part of this letter, and we will have further conference on it. Adieu.\n                        P.S. Observe that it is not the breach of Mr. Cabell\u2019s privilege which we mean to punish: that might lie with Congress. It is the wrong done to the citizens of our district. Congress has no authority to punish that wrong. They can only take cognisance of it in vindication of their member.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0417", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander White, 10 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: White, Alexander\n                    So many persons have of late found an interest or a passion gratified by imputing to me sayings and writings which I never said or wrote, or by endeavoring to draw me into newspapers to harrass me personally, that I have found it necessary for my quiet and my other pursuits to leave them in full possession of the field, and not to take the trouble of contradicting them even in private conversation. If I do it now it is out of respect to your application, made by private letter and not thro\u2019 the newspapers and under perfect assurance that what I write to you will  not be permitted to get into a newspaper, while you are at full liberty to assert it in conversation under my authority.\n                    I never gave an opinion that the government would not remove to the federal city; I never entertained that opinion; but on the contrary, whenever asked the question I have expressed my full confidence that they would remove there. Having had frequent occasion to declare this sentiment, I have endeavored to conjecture on what a contrary one could have been ascribed to me. I remember that in George town, where I passed a day in February, in conversation with several gentlemen on the preparations there for recieving the government an opinion was expressed by some, and not privately, that there would be few or no private buildings erected in Washington this summer, and that the prospect of their being a sufficient number, in time, was not flattering. This they grounded on the fact that the persons holding lots, from a view to increase their means of building, had converted their money, at low prices, into Morris and Nicholson\u2019s notes, then possessing a good degree of credit, and that having lost these by the failure of these gentlemen they were much less able to build than they would have been. I then observed, and I did it with a view to excite exertion, that if there should not be private houses in readiness sufficient for the accomodation of Congress and of the persons annexed to the government, it could not be expected that men should come there to lodge, like cattle, in the fields, and that it highly behoved those interested in the removal to use every exertion to provide accomodations. In this opinion I presume I shall be joined by yourself and every other. But delivered, as it was, only on the hypothesis of a fact stated by others, it could not authorize the assertion of an absolute opinion, separated from the statement of fact on which it was hypothetically grounded. I have seen no reason to believe that Congress have changed their purpose with respect to the removal. Every public indication from them, and every sentiment I have heard privately expressed by the members, convinces me they are steady in the purpose. Being on this subject, I will suggest to you, what I did privately at Georgetown to a particular person in confidence that it should be suggested to the managers. If, in event, it should happen that there should not be a sufficiency of private buildings erected within the proper time, would it not be better for the Commissioners to apply for a suspension of the removal for one year, than to leave it to the hazards which a contrary interest might otherwise bring on it? Of this however you have yet two summers to consider, and you have the best knolege of the circumstances on which a judgment may be formed whether private accomodations will be provided. As to the public buildings every  one seems to agree that they will be in readiness.  I have for five or six years been encouraging the opening a direct road from the Southern part of this state, leading through this county to George town. The route proposed is from George town by Colo. Alexander\u2019s, Elk run church, Norman\u2019s ford, Stevensburg, the Raccoon ford, the Marquis\u2019s road, Martin Key\u2019s ford on the Rivanna, the mouth of Slate river, the High bridge on Appamattox, Prince Edward C.H. Charlotte C.H. Cole\u2019s ferry on Stanton, Dix\u2019s ferry on Dan, Guilford C.H. Salisbury, Creswell\u2019s ferry on Saluda, Ninety six\u2019s, Augusta. It is believed this road will shorten the distance along the continent 100. miles. It will be to open anew only from Georgetown to Prince Edward courthouse. An acutal survey has been made from Stevensburg to Georgetown, by which that much of the road will be shortened 20. miles and be all a dead level. The difficulty is to get it first through Fairfax and Prince William. The counties after that will very readily carry it on. We consider it as opening to us a direct road to the market of the federal city, for all the beef and mutton we could raise, for which we have no market at present. I am in possession of the survey and had thought of getting the Bridge Co. at Georgetown to undertake to get the road carried through Fairfax and Princewilliam, either by those counties or by themselves. But I have some apprehension that by pointing our road to the bridge, it might get out of the level country, and be carried over the hills which will be but a little above it. This would be inadmissible. Perhaps you could suggest some means of our getting over the obstacle of those two counties. I shall be very happy to concur in any measure which can effect all our purposes. I am with esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0418", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 11 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vaughan, John\n                    I inclosed you by last post a letter meant for your brother. It was in answer to one I had recieved, signed James Martin. I begin now to suppose it possible that letter may not have come from your brother. If you have forwarded him mine, it is well as it is immaterial whether it  goes to him or you send it back to me. But do not let it go to any hands but his or mine. Perhaps I may write you again on this subject. I am with esteem Dear Sir Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0419", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander White, 12 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: White, Alexander\n                    In my letter of the 10th. I mentioned that I had the original survey of a road from George town to Stevensburg. Since that I have had time to copy it on a reduced scale, and to forward the copy by a conveyance which will reach you perhaps as soon as that letter. You will be pleased to observe that the roads which pass directly from George town towards Norman\u2019s ford on the Rappahanock, traverse a country which is a dead level running in that direction. But any road which passes a little higher, (as that to Culpeper C.H.) engages with the hills making down from the South West and Bullrun ridge of mountains. For this reason we propose our road to be opened from George town directly to Norman\u2019s ford, and to lead it off from the bridge instead of George town would engage us in the hilly country. As we have this matter much at heart, and it will be interesting to your city also, as opening a long line of rich country to it, if you can put any spring in motion which will get it through Fairfax and Prince William, it will accomodate yourselves as well as an extensive and thickly inhabited country. I am with esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0420", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 14 September 1797\nFrom: Barnes, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your favor 2d: received Yesterday, advise, your having drawn on me for $330: at 10 days on Mr. Shorts account will be duly honored. The excess of Messrs. Trumps and Stocks account you will find particulars  of, in my Invoice 18th July with charges deducted $96.83. I most sincerely wish, I could say\u2014the fever abates; if we are only so happy as to Arrest its progress, and wait patiently the certain effectual remedy, a frost\u2014or two\u2014(for nothing else, I fear will intirely eradicate its subtle poison).\n                    So very great is the desertion of the City in general\u2014that in 3d St. from Market to Chesnut\u2014I can count Only 4 shops, Open\u2014beside my Own; a street, I believe, as yet, intirely free from infection\u2014tho\u2019 Melancholy, to View\u2014is no small satisfaction, in point of safty\u2014in 1793 We lost, 14 a 16, same Neighbourhood. I am Sir\u2014most Respectfully\u2014Your Obedt: H 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0421", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 17 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barnes, John\n                    I wrote you on the 2d. inst. The present is merely to advise you that counting on your recieving a quarter\u2019s salary for me on the 1st. of the ensuing month, I have this day drawn on you in favor of Joseph Roberts Junr. for 446.D. 76c. payable Oct. 3. and that my buildings here will occasion me to draw on you for nearly the whole of the balance of salary almost immediately. I learn from Mr. Randolph that you continue in Philadelphia notwithstanding the prevalence of the fever there. I sincerely wish you may escape it, being with esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0422", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 24 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\n                    It is with sincere pleasure I learn that Wayles and Maria have concluded to run their course of life together. From his prudence I presume he has not proceeded thus far without knowing it would be  agreeable to Mrs. Eppes and yourself. I have thought it right on this occasion to do precisely what I did on a former similar one. I have made what I gave to my daughter Randolph the measure of what I propose to give to Maria at present: with this difference, that, instead of lands at Poplar Forest, I propose my upper tract here of 819 1/2 acres, lying opposite to Monticello. For this tract with thirty one negroes, corresponding almost individually in value with the individuals given on the former occasion, I shall execute a deed expressing to be in consideration of the marriage and of the advancement he recieves from you, considerations which being deemed valuable in law, shelter them against all accidents. As you had before executed a conveyance to Wayles for the Hundred, nothing would now remain to be done on your part, had not the occasion presented a ground for reexecuting it on higher considerations, to wit of the marriage, and the advancement Maria receives from me, which render the conveyance firmer than that of natural affection, expressed in the former one. I have therefore prepared a deed which I inclose for this purpose. It is a surrender of the estate of the Hundred from Wayles to yourself, and a reconveyance to him at a single operation.\u2014So far on the supposition that he keeps the Hundred. But he tells me you would not be averse to the exchanging Angola for that. This would certainly be a most important object for him, not only as to present convenience, but in considering his future interests here and in Bedford. Angola would, with those, form a circuit practicable enough to be regularly attended while in one hand, and of convenient communication if given to different members of a future family, a circumstance of no small comfort in life. On this idea I have prepared a second deed, which is also inclosed, and is an Exchange of the two tracts between you, ingrafted on the considerations of marriage and advancement. You will execute which you please. Any difference in value, if necessary, can be settled by yourself in some separate paper. The deed on my part cannot be executed till I know which of these you prefer, as it must be grounded on that fact.  I have given lands here rather than in Bedford, because their inclinations concur with my wishes that they should live here. I consider them as equal in value to those I gave Martha; but whether they are or not, will make little odds, as on any future division of my property between them, I shall establish the principle of Hotchpot. In the mean time a plantation here will furnish him daily employment, which is necessary to happiness, to health and profit. As I am at home eight months in the year, I shall wish them to be here with me during that time; and the four winter months they can divide between their other friends and their affairs at Angola. This will put off  the expence of building till it shall be convenient; and remove also to a distance that of housekeeping, so that they may begin the world square at an age when they will be disposed to keep themselves so.\n                    I have been thus lengthy, because I thought it best to be explicit for your satisfaction on a subject which cannot but be interesting to you.\n                    The ceremony of the marriage happens to come precisely when our house will be unroofed. I shall endeavor however to retard the uncovering one end if possible, till it is over. This will enable us to place Mrs. Eppes and yourself, and the younger members of the family under cover, if you can be of the party, as I hope you will. Against another summer I hope I shall have good accomodations for you, and that the family intercourse may be revived on the footing of old times. Accept assurances of the sincere and constant esteem of Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0423", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 25 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barnes, John\n                    Yours of the 14th. inst. is recieved. In mine by last post I advised you that, counting on your receiving a quarter\u2019s salary on the 1st. of Oct. I had drawn on you in favor of Joseph Roberts for 400 and some dollars payable Oct. 3. On the same ground I have this day drawn on you in favor of Charles Johnston & Co. for six hundred and fifty dollars payable Oct. 3. Be pleased also to credit Peter Lott 210. Dollars by me, and to debit my account therewith.\n                    The fever now visiting Philadelphia is indeed a very serious calamity, and cannot but have serious effects on it\u2019s commerce and growth. The desertion of it\u2019s citizens will undoubtedly lessen the extent of the evil and shorten it\u2019s duration. No one more sincerly prays for it\u2019s cessation than myself; and that you may personally avoid it. I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt.\n                        P.S. Mr. Hamilton\u2019s pamphlet in answer to certain Documents in the History of the US. would be very acceptable by the post, if you can procure me a copy. It has not yet reached 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0424", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 25 September 1797\nFrom: Ellicott, Andrew\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    It is with real pleasure that I embrace this opportunity of congratulating you, on the elevated, and dignified station, which you hold by the voice of your country in our national legislature. It is an omen favourable to liberty, when science and legislation are combined.\n                    The execution of the business which brought me into this country is yet delayed, and what the result will be I cannot pretend to determine: I can only say, that appearances are rather more favourable than they were some time ago.\n                    The British have a considerable influence in this quarter, many of the inhabitants have an habitual prejudice for that nation, and government, and from some circumstances I am of the opinion, that Mr. Blunts intrigues have extended into this district and the Florida\u2019s. The British party are at this time very turbulent, in this quarter, and in daily expectation of hearing of an attack upon the spanish possessions on this side of the Mississippi. This party, in this district, I have reason to suspect are secretly encouraged in their factious conduct by the spaniards, not to aid Great Britain, (but to produce an apparent necessity for bringing more troops into this settlement to protect the quiet, and well disposed,) but in fact to oppose the U.S.\n                    The British party in this district is headed by Col. Anty. Hutchins, who is certainly at this time in the pay of that nation. He is shortly going on to Congress with an address, or memorial, respecting this country. His business however plausible, is doubtless suspicious, and his intrigues to be guarded against. I have written more perticularly to Judge Tazewell concerning this man. It is certainly necessary for Congress to take some effective measures for securing this country, and quieting the minds of the inhabitants.\n                    I have made a great number of Astronomical Observations since I left Philadelphia, which I shall arrange and publish on my return. The mouth of the Ohio I find has been laid down in our maps very erroniously: the latitude is 37\u00b0.0\u2032.23\u2033. N. and longitude 5h.55\u2032.7\u2033. west from the Royal observatory at Greenwich. The latitude of the Town of Natchez is 31\u00b0.33\u2032.46\u2033, and longitude 6h.5\u2032 west.\n                    That your exertions in the cause of liberty, and your scientific pursuits, may secure to you that fame, and happiness, to which I am sure you are entitled, is the undisguised wish of your Friend, and Hbl. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0425", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Thomson Callender, 28 September 1797\nFrom: Callender, James Thomson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I expect that your remaining numbers of the History of 1796 have come duly to hand. The other copy will be ready for you on your return to town.\n                    I would not have intruded on you at this time about that; but am to request your indulgence for a few moments. I have begun another volume on American History; and it will be ready for the press in about a month. Having been in bad health, for a time, now better, having by the desertion of the town been reduced to some inconvenience, and having a small family, I laid my plan before M. Leiper and M. Dallas, who handsomely gave me most effectual assistance, till the time of printing and Selling the book.\n                    In this dilemma, I recollected something that dropt from you, when I had the honour of seeing you at Francis\u2019s hotel. It related to Some assistance, in a pecuniary way, that you intended to make me, on finishing my next volume. Now, Sir, my design at present is to hint that, in the present dreadful situation of the town, if the matter in reserve could be made in advance, it would really treble the greatness of the favour. If it was a draft or Check for 5 or 10 dollars, say, it might be in favour of a third person, my name not being very proper to appear; vizt. \u201cMr. James Ronaldson,\u201d a particular friend of mine.\n                    I hope in a few months to be (if I escape the fever) much less dependent than I have been upon my pen. Bookselling is at present in an entirely ruined State, otherwise my two last volumes would have put me far beyond the need of asking help. Your answer to me, to be left at the Post office till called for, will much oblige Sir Your very much obliged & humble Servant\n                        Jas. Thomson Callender\n                        P.S. Since the printing of Mr. Hamilton\u2019s Observations Bishop White has, in a public Company, declined to drink his health, assigning the pamphlet as a reason. If you have not seen it, no anticipation can equal the infamy of this piece. It is worth all that fifty of the best pens in  America Could have said against him, and the most pitiful part of the whole is his notice of 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0426", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 30 September 1797\nFrom: Campbell, Arthur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your favour of the first instant came safe to hand, by last Post. I have read it over and again, and will treasure up the ideas. We have but little of the party spirit in the Western Country when compared with the great Towns, but we have seen and felt too much. A jealousy must be awakened, and a resistance to foreign influence formed, or we may ere long repent our torpid state as a People. We have an enquiry to make. Will it, or not conduce to the revival of the spirit of 1776 the calling of a Convention to revise and amend the State Constitution?\n                    Sober Men on this side the Blue-Ridge have their fears in setting matters afloat again on account of the probability of representation in the legislature being proportioned according to the number of People in the State, that is black People as well as White; The evils already experienced from that degraded species of population must afterwards be increased tenfold: Our Sons in that case might live to see like calamities come to pass in Virginia that have lately taken place in St. Domingo and instead of us progressing in moral and political improvment, and our national character become a safeguard to us, we would rapidly decline, and ere a century be past be as debased as the present Grecians, or the more feeble Gentoos of Hindostan.\n                    You will excuse Sir, flights into futurity, love for our Country, and the happiness of posterity will be my apology. Accept my unfeigned Respects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0427", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Dugnani, 30 September 1797\nFrom: Dugnani, Antonio\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Je me flatte, que cette lettre Sera plus heureuse d\u2019autres, que je vous ai ecrit, et que enfin je parviendrai a me rappeller a votre Souvenir, et a vous exprimer mon desir d\u2019avoir de vos nouvelles. Deux des vos Nationaux Americains el\u00e8ves de la Propagande de Rome auront l\u2019honneur de vous la presenter; leurs noms sont Raffael Smyth du Maryland, et Felix dougherty de Philadelfie; Ces jeunes hommes d\u2019apres avoir fait leurs etudes iront rejoindre leurs familles, et comme j\u2019espere, qu\u2019ils seront de bons Citoyens, aussi je prends la libert\u00e9 de vous les reccomander; et je vous serai bien reconnoissant, de ce, que vous aurez la bont\u00e9 de faire pour eux.\n                    Depuis que nous nous separ\u00e2mes a Paris, Combien des choses sont arriv\u00e9s dans l\u2019Europe, et bien au dela de, qu\u2019on pouvoit, s\u2019y attendre! Ces ann\u00e9s forment une Epoque, qui Sera a jamais memorable. Nous sommes dans ce moment a la Conclusion de la paix, ou de la Guerre; le Ciel voulut nous donner la paix, ce premier bien, qui est le Seul qui puisse nous faire jouir des autres.\n                    Enfin, Monsieur, je vous prie de vouloir bien en bon ami agreer un essai des beaux-arts [dessin\u00e9], et d\u2019\u00eatre persuad\u00e9 que quelle soit la distance, qui nous Separe, mes Voeux pour votre Satisfaction vous Suivront par tout, et que rien ne peut ajouter au sincere, et tendre attachement, que je vous ai vou\u00e9. J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre, Monsieur, avec toute la Consideration, qui vous est d\u00fce Votre tres humble et tres Affection\u00e9 Serviteur, et Ami", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0428", "content": "Title: Statement of Nailery Profits, 30 September 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                        Statement of annual disbursements and receipts on account of the Nailery.\n                            To coal @ 2d. per bushel & 666. bushels for every ton is 18.50 per ton. for 2. ton\n                            Profit from beginning to this day\n                            By amount of sale of nails during this period \u00a349.2.11 =\n                            By amount of sale of nails during this period \u00a3432.7.7 =\n                            To Fleming & Mc.lanachan on their sales of\n                            transportn to Staunton\n                            By amount of sales of nails during this period \u00a3638.4.\n                            To Flem\u2019 & Mc.lan. on their sales of this year\n                            transportation to Staunton\n                            By amount of sales of nails during this period\n                            received for the nails from each ton of rod.\n                            note the nailrod was all out Sep. 30. 97. which makes it a proper epoch for 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0429", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 3 October 1797\nFrom: Barnes, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I am this Instant favoured with yours, 25th Ulto: and Note your Additional draft, to the Order of Messrs. C. Johnston & Co: for $650. as well $210. to the Credit of Mr. P. Lott.\n                    Very fortunately, the inclosed pamphlett, (which you request,) was some few days since, left with me\u2014in the state you find it. Mr. H\u2014has assuredly, reduced his Consequence, to the most degrading and Contemptable point of view; And I am much pleased to find Mr. Monroe would not, humour his restless, unreasonable, and foolish Vanity, for under All circumstances, the several Gentlemens treatment towards him\u2014was, throughout polite, and respectfull.\n                    Such another piece of ridiculous folly: sure, never Man was guilty of\u2014first, in Committing himself via his Dear\u2014(dear indeed;) Maria; and than, to publish it, himself; as if, it were possible\u2014by that means\u2014to justify, his public Conduct, by a simple confession of his private ridiculous Amour, at the expence of both\u2014his Reputation and future peace of mind; how it must, on Reflection, torture him, on poor Mrs. H. Account whose feelings on the Occasion\u2014must be severely injured, if not expressed; how you came\u2014(innocently) to be luged in\u2014at the latter end of the fray, is yet to be explained; it seems, this poor Frauncis\u2014to, whom you addressed the two letters in question\u2014was met by Mr. H. on  the Battery New York, and questioned respecting his situation and Circumstances\u2014and withal Asked, who was his friend, and if he stood in Need of Assistance\u2014his look, and condition plainly evinced the supposition\u2014and Mr. H. Afforded him\u2014a present relief. In the course of conversation F\u2014informed Mr. H. he had waited upon you\u2014in Philada. and to confirm it, produced your two letters, and withal added your promise of employment (at least so he expressed himself to me). Mr. H\u2014immediately requested the persual of them, with a promise of Returning them. Imprudently F. Assented\u2014and they still rest, with Mr. H. And by this sorry Means made Use of to Grace\u2014as he suppose, his ungracious defence. In pity to F\u2014s immediate wants\u2014(Rather\u2014than his Merits) I could not but Assist him; After a short breakfast he left me, and I have not seen him since\u2014nothing but his extreme want, and expectation of seeing a worthless Brother, of his Here\u2014(Absent) brought him\u2014at this Crisis\u2014to Town\u2014and it is\u2014more than probable, he will pay you another Visit on your Return\u2014to Philada. I intimated too him the improbability of your employing him\u2014and added, the very imprudent disclosier, of your letters\u2014to Mr. H. could not but displease you.\n                    We are still in the same very Anxious and unhappy situation, respecting the fever\u2014as when I last wrote you: favoured however, with some cool refreshing showers\u2014have and will, I hope\u2014damp the Rage\u2014tho. not, effectualy destroy, the Cause\u2014which frost alone, must subdue. Most respectfully, I am Sir, Your Obedt: Hbl 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0431", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 8 October 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barnes, John\n                    Your favor of Sep. 29. is at hand. The paiment to Mr. Bache is right. Myself and some of my neighbors have to pay for some of the pamphlets of Callendar, which they have desired me to do for them. Be so good therefore as to pay him twenty dollars on my account. He is to be found at the printing office of Snowden & Mckorkle No. 47. North 4th. street. If you will be so kind as to send a note there, he will call on you, and will consider this act as a sufficient acknolegement of the receipt of his letter and attention to it\u2019s contents. It is probable I may write you on another subject by this post. Wishing yourself and fellow citizens safely thro\u2019 the dangers surrounding you I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0432", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 8 October 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barnes, John\n                    Colo. James Monroe having immediate occasion for a sum of money in Philadelphia, I have concluded it better to let him have Mr. Short\u2019s quarter\u2019s dividends payable the 1st. instant, than to leave them lying in an unproductive state, on the expectation now beginning to be weak, of Mr. Short\u2019s arrival this autumn. I therefore inclose you a power of attorney to receive them, and as I do not know the exact amount I have not given a draught on you, but by this present, desire you to pay the amount whatever it is to Colo. Monroe\u2019s order. I have informed him it will be a few dollars over 300. He will accordingly authorize some person to call on you for the amount be it what it may, as soon as you shall have received it. I am with esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0433", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Power of Attorney to John Barnes, 8 October 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barnes, John\n                    Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Jefferson named in a certain letter of Attorney from William Short of the state of Virginia late one of the ministers of the US. abroad, bearing date the 2d. day of April 1793. and now lodged in the bank of the US. thereby constituting me his attorney with full powers to act for him in all cases as validly as he could do himself were he personally present, by virtue of the power thereby given me do make, constitute and appoint John Barnes of Philadelphia as well my own as the true and lawful attorney and substitute of the said William Short to recieve the dividends which were payable according to law on a certain certificate No. 2424. for 15,342. Dollars 18. cents bearing an interest of 6. per cent from the 1st. of Oct. 1793. and standing in the name of the said William Short, registered in the proper office of the US. at the seat of government in Philadelphia, on the 1st. day of this present month of October, and to do all lawful acts requisite for effecting the same; hereby ratifying and confirming the paiment so to be made to the said John Barnes and the discharge which he shall give for the same as done by virtue of the power of Attorney aforesaid. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8th. day of Octob. one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0434", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Taylor, 8 October 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Taylor, John\n                    We have heard much here of an improvement made in the Scotch threshing machine by Mr. Martin, and that you have seen and approved it. Being myself well acquainted with the original geered machine, and Booker\u2019s substitution of whirls and bands (as I have one of each kind) it will perhaps give you but a little trouble to give me so much of an explanation as will be necessary to make me understand Martin\u2019s. And let it apply if you please to the movements by horses or by hand.\u2014I must ask the favor of you to get me one of the same drills you sent me before,  made in the best manner, with a compleat set of bands and buckets, and packed in a box, in pieces, in the most compact manner the workman can do it, and forwarded to me at Philadelphia, as soon after the meeting of Congress as possible. It is for a friend, and to go still further, which renders this mode of packing necessary. For the amount when you will make it known I will either inclose you a bank bill from Philadelphia, or send it you in fine tea, or any thing else you please to order.\u2014How did your turnep seed answer?\u2014I have received from England, and also from Italy some seed of the winter vetch, a plant from which I expect a good deal. If it answers I will send you of the seed. I have also received all the good kinds of field pea from England. But I count a great deal more on our Southern cow-pea.\u2014If you wish any of them I will send you a part. I have not yet seen Hamilton\u2019s pamphlet: but I understand that finding the straight between Scylla and Charybdis too narrow for his steerage, he has preferred running plump on one of them. In truth it seems to work very hard with him; and his willingness to plead guilty as to the adultery seems rather to have strengthened than weakened the suspicions that he was in truth guilty of the speculations. Present me respectfully and affectionately to my old friend and file-leader Mr. Pendleton, and accept yourself my friendly salutations & Adieux.\n                        P.S. Your answer by the 1st. or 2d. post will find me 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0435", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 10 October 1797\nFrom: Eppes, Elizabeth Wayles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    The contents of your friendly letter gave me the highest satisfaction, and I long for the happy moment to call dear Maria my daughter, to say how much poor Betsy, and myself are disappoint\u2019d at not being present requires a better pen than mine.\n                    We look forward with the utmost pleasure for a happy meeting, and hope you will be able to visit us this month, we will then talk of their settling, you are too generous, I am sure not to let us have half their company. Yours affectionatly", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0436", "content": "Title: Marriage Settlement for John Wayles Eppes\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                    This indenture made on the 12th. day of October one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven between Francis Eppes and Elizabeth his wife on the first part, John Wayles Eppes their son on the second part, all of the county of Chesterfield, Thomas Jefferson on the third part and Mary Jefferson daughter of the said Thomas on the fourth part, witnesseth that Whereas the said Francis, being seised in feesimple in his own right of a certain tract of land at Bermuda hundred on the South side of James river in the county of Chesterfeild containing by estimation 750. acres and one other tract in Martin\u2019s swamp adjoining to the lands of David Meade Randolph, containing by estimation one hundred and thirty one acres, in consideration of the natural love which he bore to his said son John Wayles Eppes, did, by deed indented, proved and recorded bearing date on the  day of April one thousand seven hundred and  convey the same to him in feesimple, and thereof delivered possession; and a marriage being now intended shortly to be had between the said John Wayles Eppes and the said Mary Jefferson, and the said Thomas from natural love for his said daughter and for her advancement and in consideration of the said marriage and of the advancement so heretofore made and by these presents confirmed on the part of the said Francis and Elizabeth his wife to the said John Wayles, hath conveyed or undertaken to convey before the said marriage to the said Mary in fee-simple a certain tract of land in the county of Albemarle on the North East side of the Rivanna river, called Pantops, containing by estimation eight hundred and nineteen acres and one quarter; heretofore the property of the Smiths, of which said tract the said Thomas is seised in feesimple, as also thirty one slaves, with certain stock of horses cattle and hogs, and certain plantation utensils specified or to be specified in the said conveyance, and it being the desire of the parties interested, for their greater security, that the said John Wayles Eppes shall again convey the said lands at Bermuda Hundred and Martin\u2019s swamp to the said Francis, in order that the said Francis and Elizabeth may reconvey the same to him in feesimple on more valuable, valid, and beneficial considerations Now therefore this indenture  witnesseth that the said John Wayles Eppes for the purpose aforesaid, and in consideration of the sum of five shillings to him in hand paid by the said Francis, hath given granted bargained and sold unto the said Francis the said tract of lands before described at Bermuda Hundred and Martin\u2019s swamp with their appurtenances: To have and to hold the same to him and his heirs, for the sole use and purpose before expressed: And that the said Francis and Elizabeth his wife for the natural love they bear to the said John Wayles Eppes and his more certain advancement, and in consideration of the marriage aforesaid and of the advancement given or to be given as aforesaid before the marriage by the said Thomas to the said Mary his daughter, and of the sum of five shillings to them the said Francis and Elizabeth in hand paid, do give grant bargain and sell to the said John Wayles Eppes the same tracts of land at Bermuda Hundred and Martin\u2019s swamp before described with their appurtenances: To have and to hold the said tracts of land with it\u2019s appurtenances to him the said John Wayles Eppes and his heirs free of all incumbrances. In witness whereof the said Francis and Elizabeth his wife and the said John Wayles have hereto set their hands and seals on the day and year first beforementioned.\n                    Signed sealed and delivered in presence of (the interlineations here noted)\n                        Richard Richardson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0439", "content": "Title: Notes on Conversations with John Adams and George Washington, [after 13 October 1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                    Under date of May 10. 1797. ante is a memorandum to note in due time Mr. Adams\u2019s free conversation with me Mar. 3. 1797. at Mr. Madison\u2019s. It was as follows.\n                    Mar. 2. 1797. I arrived at Philada. to qualify as V.P. and called instantly on Mr. Adams who lodged at Francis\u2019s in 4th. street. The next morning he returned my visit at Mr. Madison\u2019s where I lodged. He found me alone in my room, and, shutting the door himself, he said he was glad to find me alone for that he wished a free conversation with me. He entered immediately on an explanation of the situation of our affairs with France, and the danger  of a rupture with that nation a rupture which would convulse the attachments of this country. That he was impressed with the necessity of an immediate mission to the Directory; that it would have been the first wish of his heart to have got me to go there, but that he supposed it was out of the question, as it did not seem justifiable for him to send away the person destined to take his place in case of accident to himself, nor decent to remove from competition one who was a rival in the public favor. That he had therefore concluded to send a mission which by it\u2019s dignity should satisfy France, and by it\u2019s selection from the three great divisions of the Continent should satisfy all parts of the US. In short that he had determined to join Gerry and Madison to Pinckney, and he wished me to consult Mr. Madison for him. I told him that as to myself I concurred in the opinion of the impropriety of my leaving the post assigned me, and that my inclinations moreover would never permit me to cross the Atlantic again: that I would as he desired consult Mr. Madison, but I feared it was desperate, as he had refused that mission on my leaving it in Genl. Washington\u2019s time, tho\u2019 it was kept open a twelvemonth for him. He said that if Mr. Madison should refuse, he would still appoint him and leave the responsibility on him.\u2014I consulted Mr. Madison who declined as I expected. I think it was on Monday the 6th. of March, Mr. Adams and myself met at dinner at Genl. Washington\u2019s, and we happened in the evening to rise from table and come away together. As soon as we got into the street I told him the event of my negociation with Mr. Madison. He immediately said that on consultation some objections to that nomination had been raised which he had not contemplated, and was going on with excuses which evidently embarrassed him, when we came to 5th. street where our road separated, his being down Market street, mine off along 5th. and we took leave: and he never after that said one word to me on the subject, or ever consulted me as to any measures of the government. The opinion I formed at the time on this transaction was that Mr. A. in the first moments of the enthusiasm of the occasion (his inauguration) forgot party sentiments, and as he never acted on any system, but was always governed by the feeling of the moment, he thought for a moment to steer impartially between the parties; that Monday the 6th. of Mar. being the first time he had met his cabinet, on expressing ideas of this kind he had been at once diverted from them, and returned to his former party views.\n                    A note under same date of May 10. The reason Genl. Washington assigned to me for having called such a body of Militia to the siege of Yorktown was, that by doubling with our own forces, the numbers of our French auxiliaries, the honour might more indisputably result to 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0441", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Peregrine Fitzhugh, 15 October 1797\nFrom: Fitzhugh, Peregrine\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I took the Liberty of thanking you for your favor of the 4th. of June in a Long Letter directed to you at Philadelphia but having seen in the papers a few days after an account of your departure from thence for Virginia I had then my doubts and am still under an uncertainty whether it arrived in time to find you there or whether it ever got to your hands. As that Letter contained some communications relative to Cresops extermination of Logans Family as stated in the Notes on Virginia and may possibly have miscarried and as you appeared desirous of receiving every information which might tend in any degree to ascertain the correctness or error of that statement, I deem it not inexpedient to repeat what I there express\u2019d on the subject and to add some further accounts, the result of my inquiries agreeably to your Wish. I wrote you that Colo. Francis Deakins a very respectable character in this State had informed me that some time in the year 74. he was on the Frontiers of this then Province laying off a Proprietors Manor and executing some other Surveys when Capt. Michael Cresop and his party called at his Camp on their way to the Ohio and remained there some days, that they were in a state of intoxication when they came, continued so during their Stay and left him in a similar State and vowing destruction to  every Indian they should meet with\u2014that some little time after their departure (perhaps ten days or a fortnight) he received intelligence of the above murder and a few days after while he was still surveying from 3 to 500 of the back Settlers consisting of Men Women and Children passed him some half naked and all half starved flying in confusion from their homes to avoid the just resentment of the Indians who had begun their retaliations and that he never had since heard it denied or even doubted that Cresop and his party committed the act. From the above it appears there has been an error in statement as to the Person that it was Capt. and not Colo. Cressop who headed the Party and the Father and not the Grand Father of Mr. Martins \u201cChildrens Mother.\u201d I have now further to notify that Colo. Daniel Hughes one of the first Characters among us who has resided a great many years in this County and is well acquainted with the characters of old Colo. Cresop and his Son, assured me that shortly after the destruction of Logans Family he was informed by a respectable Friend Mr. Patric Allison that he was at the Station on the Ohio from whence issued Capt. Cresop and his Party the morning of the transaction, that Capt. Cresop pressed him to join the detachment which however he declined\u2014that a few hours after they left the station he heard the firing which commenced the horrid business and in the evening received the particulars of it. Mr. Allison is now a resident of Kentucky near either Lexington or Washington and Colo. Hughes has not a doubt will confirm the above account if a Letter is address\u2019d to him. Of the general conduct and character of both Colo. Cresap and his Son, Colo. Hughes just observed that he thought Mr. Martin had better have been silent on that subject for he believed the least said would be the most favorable to them. I am told that Martin has a certificate or affidavit, I cannot say with precision which from a Mr. Tomlinson of Alleghany County (Md.) who was one of the Party (on which he [bottoms] his attempts to exculpate his friends) purporting that Cresop was 60 miles from the scene of Action when the murder was committed. Such is the information I have as yet been able to obtain to this I can add that the general opinion seems to be that Cresop and his party did destroy Logans Family and that Mr. Martins publications have not when I have heard the subject mentioned made the smallest impression in favor of his cause. Should any further information occur I will with pleasure communicate it.\n                    From the enclosed papers it is evident how necessary the caution at the conclusion of your last Letter was and with how much avidity your good Friends the Artistocrats grasp even at a Phantom when they think there is the smallest Chance of doing you an injury. A day or two after the receipt of your Letter I communicated its contents to my Father and  consulted with him on the propriety of suffering them to go further; He was decidedly of opinion that it was neither your wish nor intention to have your sentiments kept from your republican Friends who [\u2026] receive much pleasure from them\u2014that a correspondence which had for its basis inviolable secrecy instead of being pleasing and instructive would become irksome and disagreeable and that your caution was intended merely to prevent any extracts from being suffered to be taken or get into the public papers\u2014in company therefore some days after with Genl. Sprigg and a few other Gentlemen all your warm admirers I mentioned the contents of the Letter which afforded them much satisfaction but one of them repeating part of the substance again in Hagers Town it got to the Ears of one of the opposite party who stripping it of its zeal and d[\u2026] it in false and exagerated colors forwarded it to Frederic and Geo. Towns the two hotbeds of Aristocracy in this state. Having occasion to visit the latter place shortly after I was informed of the report in circulation to wit that you had written me the President had informed you \u201che was clearly of opinion that War ought to be immediately declared against France and that he would certainly have done it if he and his party had not found the majority of Congress opposed to the Measure.\u201d It was my purpose to have this fals[ehood] effectually contradicted and I know that a bare denial of it by myself or any other republican would be given little credit to by the other party. I therefore thought it adviseable to shew that part of your Letter which touched on the subject to one of my Connexions in confidence and without seeming to have heard the report mentioned nearly the substance to two other Gentlemen (all however aristocrats) in order that they might contradict the calumny wherever they heard it and this had in a great degree the desired effect; [\u2026] nearly two months after I was told that the enclosed Quere had appeared in a Frederic Paper and had been extracted by others. I immediately obtained it and gave th[ru?] the same channel the denial which is also covered and have since heard nothing [of] the subject. You have I doubt not had Hamiltons Pamphlet. Dreadful indeed have been the dilemmas into which the \u201cspirit of Jacobinism\u201d had driven this great and virtuous Man when all his wellknown talents and ingenuity could not furnish him with means of escape short of so great a Sacrifice when to shield his public, he [was?] himself compell\u2019d to abandon to destruction his private character; nay to become the public recorder of his own infamy. Genl. Forest who married my Niece and myself [in?] our correspondence frequently direct political Squibs at each other. In a late [Letter] I asked him if he had seen the adulterous confessions of his Friend and whether he did not think them nearly equal to the precious confession of Mr. Randolph especially as the first  was acknowledged and the latter merely supposed by Mr. Randolph\u2019s Enemies. Without giving a direct answer to the Question he endeavors to get over it by abusing the hearts of the \u201cCitizen Minister and Displaced Clerk\u201d who (he says) knowing Mr. H.\u2019s innocence of the charge of speculation had taken a disgraceful advantage to make him unhappy at home and subject to reproach abroad. He then rails with bitterness like his fallen Angel against the spirit of Jacobinism and in the progress of his Paroxism seems to have placed prudence and even consistency in the back Ground\u2014and displays sentiments which would do honor to a despot or his Courtiers. After affecting to congratulate himself and all other friends to real Liberty and good government upon the low ebb into which the Leaders of the \u201cDemocratic Party\u201d had dwindled he almost in the same breath says \u201cI believe in my soul there is such a spirit of Jacobinism in our Country that if it be not immediately check\u2019d by the interposition of virtuous, honest, wise Characters\u201d (such I have written him I presumed as Mr. Forest, Mr. Jay, Mr. Webster Mr. Liston Mr. Porcupine Colo. Hamilton Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. A\u2014his man Timothy, Mr. Wilcocks and Geo. 3d.) \u201cwill prove destructive of the happiness and prosperity of the United States.\u201d I have asked him what he meant by \u201cthe spirit of Jacobinism\u201d? Whether it was the use in certain Citizens of their undoubted right to give their opinions freely upon the measures of their servants\u2014whether he did not approve of a free country a free discussion of public measure or whether he did not with our President deplore that \u201crevolutionary Spirit, that opposition to every species of Government which has been fashioned into a sort of Science in Europe &ca.\u201d which was clearly advocating the doctrine of Passive Obedience and non resistance to every species of Government\u2014by what means he wished the restless spirit of which he complained check\u2019d? Whether by emollient or corrosive medicines, whether by perswasion or by Seditious Bills\u2014if the former I ventured to prophecy that the republicans would never suffer themselves to be lull\u2019d into Slavery\u2014if the latter, that the same Spirit which manifested itself in opposition to one Tyrant in 74. 5. and 6. would again burst forth and crush another. I expect by next post to have these Questions solved. I am sorry for the difference which appears to have taken place among the different branches of the French Government; it is more unfortunate at the moment of negotiation for a General Peace as it will probably if attended with no worse consequences retard that measure. Our last Accounts say that one popular General (Pichegru) is exhorting the soldiery and citizens of Paris to rouze and defend the Constitution by protecting the legislative Councils, while another General (Hoche) equally popular is moving to Paris with his army and threatening destruction to the enemies of the  Executive Directory. I hope however that these accounts having gone thro the London [Prints?] may if not promotion be at least much exaggerated. As your opportunities of information must be far better than mine if you have received any intelligence more from [those] which I have stated I shall thank you for it and for your sentiments as to the state of that Country and the probable issue of their domestic misunderstandings. I derive a consolation from a belief that if they should unhappily arrive to the spilling of blood\u2014they are strong enough to 1 or 200,000 men and still be more than a Match for all their Enemies\u2014Buonaparte seems to be immersed in the business of regulating the concerns of the new republic\u2019s. He appears as absolute as ever C\u00e6sar was but I hope not with C\u00e6sars disposition and Views\u2014if he has he will it is to be hoped without his successes meet his Fate.\n                    We have experienced the most wonderful drowth that was ever known in this Country, having only had one Rain (this was a great one) to wet the Ground two inches since harvest\u2014and scarcely a drop since We began to Seed. Our Grain must of course look dreadfully but in addition to the above we are laboring under the ravages of that destructive insect the Hessian Fly which made their appearance last fall and damaged us a little but are this season tearing up our Crops literally Root and branch. I hope it will be long before they reach your part of the Country if they ever do. We have had a succession of high Northerly Winds which with the Sun have parched our Grasses to mere Cynders. On Tuesday and Wednesday night [\u2026] pretty severe Frosts. They caught my little Crop of butter corn \u00beths. in a perfect roasting Ear State and have very much injured it as also the Pumpkin Crop which was not quite secured. Mr. Beall a Friend of Hagers Town keeps a Waggon plying from thence to the S. Westward, thro Staunton and promised to give me notice when it would start. He this morning sent me word that it would start tomorrow and politely offered to have any Package for you carefully lodged with Mr. A. Steward [of] Staunton as you directed. I therefore forward some of the butter Corn which however had not time to make itself\u2014but will answer well for seed in your Roasting [Ear] Crops. I also forward the most early kind perhaps in America and if you [\u2026] not already of it you will find it an acquisition. I once planted some of it on the 30th. of May in my Garden and gathered from the produce Roasting Ears on [\u2026] of the month of July\u2014but the season was remarkable\u2014and from the [lateness] of Planting they shot before they were 3 feet high\u2014they are however vastly earlier than any other kind I ever knew and upon the Table a great delicacy.\n                    My White dutch Clover has never got two inches above Ground nor shown a blossom\u2014of course I fail in getting seed this season. I sow\u2019d it  with Oats in the spring which while they were in the Ground [Stifled] it and since there [has?] not been moisture enough to bring it forward. I have really tired myself with writing as I fear I shall you with reading this Scrawl. My Father [told?] me when I wrote to present you with his aff. respects\u2014you will therefore be so good as to accept them and those of Dr. Sir Yr Most obedt & most Humble Servt\n                    Peregne. Fitzhugh\n                    I had almost forgot and should not have soon forgiven myself if I had, [to] tell you that your favor of the Peas got safe to hand but not till July. I however planted them in my Garden and had them regularly water\u2019d\u201412 Hills 5 in each from whence I have saved 3 Pints of clean full grown Peas\u2014these will furnish me with a good Patch the ensuing season. Accept my thanks for 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0442", "content": "Title: Enclosure I: A Citizen to the Rights of Man, 4 July 1797\nFrom: \u201cCitizen\u201d\nTo: \n                    EnclosuresIA Citizen to the Rights of Man\n                    Frederick, (Anniversary of Independence) \u201997.\n                    Whether Mr. Jefferson did say, since he has taken his present position that \u201cit was the intention of mr. Adams (the president!) and his party, on the call of congress, to declare war against France if there had been a respectable majority\u201d\u2014or, whether he had indubitable authority for it, if he did say so, is not satisfactorily ascertained. Report says, two gentlemen of respectability in George-Town, lately averred that major F\u2014told them he had received a letter from Mr. Jefferson since he went to Philadelphia, containing the above sentiments.\n                    Report also says, however, that a third gentleman, equally respectable, declared, when he heard it mentioned in company, that the letter was shewn him by mr. F\u2014, in confidence, and that the above sentence was not in it; but that it was an improper letter.\n                    As the solution of this question may be gratifying to the citizens at large, at the present interesting crisis, the investigation is humbly submitted to Peter Porcupine, Mr. Bache, and other critics.\n                    It is supposed that the names of the within-mentioned gentlemen might readily be had if necessary.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0443", "content": "Title: Enclosure II: Peregrine Fitzhugh to the Rights of Man, 15 September 1797\nFrom: Fitzhugh, Peregrine\nTo: \n                    IIPeregrine Fitzhugh to the Rights of Man\n                    Mr. F\u2014 takes the Liberty of informing the Public that the report contained in a Quere published in this Paper of the 4th. of July last of Mr. Jeffersons having written him \u201cthat it was the intention of Mr. Adams and his party at the call of Congress to have declared war against France if there had been a greater majority\u201d is without foundation and that the Gentlemen who are said to have averr\u2019d that Mr. F. told them so if they did aver it must have grossly misapprehended him as their respectability precludes them from the suspicion of a designed misrepresentation. There is not a word in the Letter about Mr. Adams\u2019s Party or intentions nor does it express a sentiment which can be justly construed into disrespect for the President of the United States. Mr. F\u2014\u2019s never having seen the above quere till very lately will account for its not having been earlier noticed. It is hoped the Printers who have published the said Quere will in justice to Mr. Jefferson and Mr. F\u2014 be so obliging as to give this a place in their papers also.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0444", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 19 October 1797\nFrom: Barnes, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Your two favours of the 8th: are at hand, and Mr. Callendar wrote to\u2014as you desired. Your power of Attorney\u2014though One Witness Only\u2014was\u2014by sending it, to Grays ferry, confirmed by the Comptrollar\u2014and Colo. Monroes draft, shall meet my pointed Attention. From  the late frosts, our Neighbours are daily returning to Town\u2014too early I fear, from the continued indisposition of sundry persons especially to the Southward of the New Market, where New Cases still make their Appearance daily\u2014and some few instances on persons returned. I am Sir Your most Obedt 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0446", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, [22] October 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I shall send Mr. Bache tomorrow about two thirds of my narrative and the residue by the next post. I have nothing from him by the last which gives cause to apprehend either that his people or himself are sick of the yellow fever. It becomes necessary that I give the publication a  title, and therefore I wish your opinion upon that point. I subjoin one which is subject to your correction. You mentioned some time since the propriety of my discussing the question whether a minister was that of his country or the administration. It is a plain one, but yet I will thank you to put on paper what occurs to you on it, any time within a day or two and send it me.\n                    There are letters of the Secry. of State which are omitted, such for example as that which I send, being rather a document accompanying one, than a letter. You will perceive it is lengthy and not applicable to the object of my publication. As also another respecting Mr. Fenwick, containing a charge against him of which some notice is taken in one of mine by way of reply. It was omitted as a personal thing from motives of delicacy to him. Would you publish both or either of these in the appendix? Skipwith\u2019s report to me is omitted also; would you instruct Bache to publish it in the appendix. The one I refer to is that published by Pickering with Mr. Adams\u2019s message to the last session of Congress.\n                    Yours respectfully\n                        \u201cA view of the conduct of the administration in the managment of our foreign affairs for the years 1794. 5. and 6. by an appeal to the official instruction and correspondence of James Monroe late Minister p: of the U. States to the French republick, to which is prefix\u2019d an introductory narrative by the said James M.\u201d\n                        \u201cA view of the conduct of the Executive of the U. States in the managment of the affairs of those States with foreign powers for the years 1794. &ca\u201d as above.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0447", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 October 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I am placed under circumstances which make it proper I should inform you that Mr. Knapp of Philada. is a candidate for the office of Treasr. to the Mint, vacated by the death of Dr. Way, and is particularly anxious that you should be possessed of that fact, and of the testimony I may be able to give as to his qualifications and character. During several of the last winters I spent in Phida. Mr. K. was a near neighbour, and a familiar intercourse prevailed between our families. I really believe him to be a worthy man, and the line of life he has been in supports the character he bears, of being skilful in the sort of business he aspires to. If you should be invited by any opportunity to say as much to the quarter from which appointments issue, it will be highly acceptable to Mr. K. and ought to be so to me. I have however intimated to him, that I did not expect that your opinion in any way would be asked, and that it would not be proper for you to give it unasked. It is astonishing that it does not occur in these cases that the patronage of those whose politics are adverse to the politics of the Administration is more likely to be of injury than service to the suiters for office.\n                    We just have the pleasure of learning that an event has taken place in your family which calls for our joint and warmest congratulations, which we beg you to make acceptable to all to whom [they] are due.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0448", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 25 October [1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\n                    I like your second title better than the first because it [is shorter.] I should like the following better than either. \u2018The Foreign affairs of the US. during the years 1794. 5. 6. laid before his fellow citizens by J.M. their late M.P. to the republic of France.\u2019 The reason of my preference  is that it implies no inculpation of the Executive. Such an implication will determine prejudiced men against buying or reading the book. The following title would be better, but for one reason. \u2018An account of the foreign affairs of the US. during the years 1794. 5. 6. rendered to his fellow citizens by J.M. their late M.P. to the republic of France.\u2019 But that it would raise the old hue and cry against the attempt to separate the people from their government. For this reason it might be questionable whether the words \u2018laid before his fellow citizens\u2019 in the first title I propose, had not better be omitted. In that case the words \u2018a view of\u2019 should be premised, so as to make it \u2018a view of the Foreign affairs of the US. during &ca\u2014by J.M.\u2019 &c. Decide among them.\n                    I should not be for publishing the long letters from the Secy. of state to Fauchet, and Hammond, because they were no part of your business and because they were already printed by the Executive. Perhaps it would be well to refer in a note to E.R.\u2019s letter to you that it inclosed such and such letters which may be seen in such a publication, quoting the pages.\u2014I rather think that to you relative to Fenwick ought to be published 1. because it is to you. 2. because it will shew how [vigorous] they were when the English interests were affected. 3. because it was a malversation in Fenwick if true, and ought to be published for the honor of the US. and warning to other Consuls.\u2014Skipwith\u2019s report might be referred to as already printed.\u2014As to the question Whether a Minister is that of his country or of G.W. or J.A. I do not think it will need a very formal discussion. A bare statement of it with a few such strong observations as will occur, currente calamo, will suffice. Still it is necessary to be stated, to bring indolent readers to reflection. Appearances might otherwise lead them astray. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0450", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Galloway, [October 1797]\nFrom: Galloway, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Benjamin Galloway of Washington County and State of Maryland presentest his republican respects to Citizen Jefferson and begs leave to offer his perfect approbation of his Conduct and principles\u2014if opportunity should suffer him, he will be happy to shake Mr. Jefferson by the Hand\u2014he is an American, but at the same time, he would wish to be considered as a Sans, Culotte\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0451", "content": "Title: Memorial of Charleston Merchants to the Senate, 2 November 1797\nFrom: Charleston Merchants\nTo: United States Senate\n                    Charleston, 2 Nov. 1797. They represent that by the laws of South Carolina and by practice of long standing, the wharves onto which imported goods are unladen in the city of Charleston are privately owned and the proprietors of the wharves have collected fees for the weighing of merchandise. The present collector of the port refuses to recognize the wharfholders\u2019 agents as weighers. He insists, according to his construction of the 4 Aug. 1790 act for regulating the collection of duties, that customs officers weigh all landed goods. The proprietors of the wharves refuse to allow custom house officials to weigh merchandise on their wharves, and the collector requires that importers convey goods to locations away from the wharves for weighing. The memorialists represent that they are \u201cburthened with the performance of duties and loaded with Expences not contemplated by any Law of the United States,\u201d suffer injury to their merchandise by exposure to the weather, and believe the present arrangement provides opportunities for fraud. Many of them became proprietors of stores and warehouses near the wharves in order to superintend the unloading, weighing, and storage of their goods and to avoid the expense and risk of transporting goods. They pray that the previous practice of weighing be sanctioned by law, or hope that they may obtain some other legislative relief.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0452", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Bradford, 6 November 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Bradford, William\n                    To be present at the meeting of Congress would have required me to set out on this day. But circumstances of necessity oblige me to ask of the Senate the indulgence of some time, probably of about a fortnight. Whether it be more or less I shall repair to my station the first moment it is possible for me to do so. A knolege that in the mean time it is so worthily filled, leaves me nothing to regret but the controul of those circumstances which, in witholding me from my duties, impose them on another. With these my apologies, permit me through you to present the homage of my respect to the Senate, and be pleased to accept yourself assurance of the great and sincere esteem and respect with which I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0454", "content": "Title: Memorial of Charleston Wharfholders to the Senate, 10 November 1797\nFrom: Charleston Wharfholders\nTo: United States Senate\n                    Charleston, 10 Nov. 1797. The owners and lessees of wharves in the city of Charleston represent that a compact among planters, merchants, and wharfholders to regulate the docking of vessels and the landing, weighing, and storage of goods in the city was codified by an act passed by the assembly of South Carolina on 12 Apr. 1768. That law specified rates for weighing merchandise, established penalties for neglect or abuse of the statute\u2019s provisions, and required owners of wharves to provide scale houses and weighmasters, who were bound by oath. Subsequent legislation continued these practices, and after the incorporation of the city of Charleston the municipal government took on the regulation of the harbor and wharves. A number of the memorialists purchased wharves \u201cfor very large prices, the essential right to weigh and to receive the compensation which was deemed very valuable, forming an important consideration in the price demanded by the Seller and paid by the purchaser.\u201d The memorialists maintain that the right to weigh goods landed on their wharves \u201cis exclusively vested in them.\u201d That privilege, \u201cbeing essential to this Kind of property, forms a part of their freehold and cannot be invaded or infringed without a violation of Rights founded in an Unbroken Custom\u201d that predates the passage of any federal law. When the convention of South Carolina ratified the United States Constitution, \u201cIt could not be presumed, that they intended to surrender the private rights of individuals, founded on long usage and upon State Laws of many years existence.\u201d The wharfholders of Charleston have refused to allow the United States collector of customs to erect scales on the wharves, their private property, whereupon the collector has established locations in less accessible parts of the city for his officers to weigh imported merchandise. In addition, the memorialists claim that under the previous system the wharfholders\u2019 own best interests compelled them to appoint reputable weighers, whereas the collector\u2019s practice adds to the government\u2019s expense and creates opportunities for fraud. In conclusion the memorialists pray that the Senate will revise the law to \u201cmake it the duty of the Collector to conform to the Rights of your Memorialists.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0455", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Paroy, [before 10 November 1797]\nFrom: Paroy, Capt.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                        Monsieur Le Vice President\n                        A Belmont Pr\u00e9s Royan En Saintonge\n[before 10 Nov. 1797]\n                    Daign\u00e9z Excuser La Libert\u00e9 que je Prends De me rappeller a votre Souvenir, et De vous Prier De me rendre Le Service ainsi qu\u2019a toute ma famille De faire Parvenir Le Paquet \u00e7y-joint a mon frere. Ce Paquet  contient Des Papiers importants Comme Procuration, Certificat De Residence, Lettre Du Ministre &c qui lui Sont absolument necessaires pour rentrer En Possession De nos Biens qui Sont S\u00e9questr\u00e9s Entre Les Mains De L\u2019administration; J\u2019ai Expedi\u00e9 Depuis un an plus De 25 Paquets a peu pr\u00e9s Pareils par la voie Des Batiments americains, quoi qu\u2019ils ayent et\u00e9 Bien recommand\u00e9s aux Capitaines, et que Plusieurs ayent et\u00e9 adress\u00e9s a Des negotiants De Philadelphie ou D\u2019autres Places de Commerce avec Priere De Les faire Parvenir Le plus Promptement et Le plus Surement Possible a mon Malheureux frere au Cap; aucun De ces Paquets ne lui est Parven\u00fb, et il est toujours Dans Les Plus grandes inquietudes Sur Le Sort De tout Ce qui lui Est cher En france, et faute Des titres necessaires pour recouvrer nos Biens, il est Plong\u00e9 Dans la plus affreuse D\u00e9tresse apr\u00e9s avoir Echapp\u00e9 Comme par Miracle a tous Les Dangers aux qu\u2019els il a Et\u00e9 Expos\u00e9, et Dont tant D\u2019infortun\u00e9s Colons ont et\u00e9 Les D\u00e9plorables victimes. J\u2019etois Pass\u00e9 avec Lui et un autre De mes freres a St. Domingue au Commencement de 1792. Apr\u00e9s La Catastrophe De La revolte Des negres qui a Detruit La Partie Du nord et occasionn\u00e9 La ruine de toute notre fortune Compos\u00e9 De Deux Sucreries et de trois Caffeteries. Ma Sant\u00e9 m\u2019avoit forc\u00e9 De Les quitter et De revenir En france a La fin De La m\u00eame ann\u00e9, j\u2019aurois Bien Desir\u00e9 qu\u2019ils Eussent pris Le m\u00eame Parti, je n\u2019aurois pas Eu Le Malheur De Perdre L\u2019ain\u00e9 Des Deux qui a et\u00e9 massacr\u00e9 18 mois apr\u00e9s, nous ne L\u2019avons appris que L\u2019ann\u00e9 Derniere par Le Cadet qui apr\u00e9s plus De Deux ans De Silence a Enfin p\u00fb nous faire Savoir De Ses nouvelles.\n                    Si je ne connoissois pas La Bont\u00e9 et La Sensibilit\u00e9 De votre ame, Monsieur, je n\u2019aurois pas os\u00e9 vous Prier De vous charger Du Soin De faire Parvenir Ce Paquet a mon Malheureux frere, quoi qu\u2019il Soit Bien interessant pour lui et pour nous qu\u2019il Le re\u00e7oive Le plus Promptement Possible, il L\u2019est Encore plus qu\u2019il Le re\u00e7oive Surement, ainsi je vous Prie De vouloir Bien Le recommander au Capitaine Dont Le Batiment Sera Destin\u00e9 pour Le Cap fran\u00e7ois, m\u2019en rapportant Entierement a votre Prudence pour choisir La Circonstance La plus favorable, et La voie La plus Sure, au reste Ce Paquet ne contient que Des Papiers qui ont raport a nos interets Particuliers, et nullement a ce qui regarde La Politique.\n                    Depuis La Derniere fois que j\u2019ai Eu L\u2019honneur De vous voir a Paris et Dans ma famille, Monsieur, et que vous av\u00e9z quitt\u00e9 notre continent, il S\u2019est Pass\u00e9 De grands Evenements qui Pourront Servir De Le\u00e7on a La Posterit\u00e9, Puisse votre heureuse et Sage Nation continuer a Se Pr\u00e9server Des m\u00eames orages! Je fais Les m\u00eames voeux pour que L\u2019union et L\u2019harmonie qui ont toujours regn\u00e9s Entre nos Deux nations ne Soient jamais troubl\u00e9s. Je ne Perdrai jamais Le Souvenir Du Sejour que j\u2019ai fait pendant La guerre Derniere En Virginie et a Boston, et  Particulierement De toutes Les Bont\u00e9s que j\u2019ai rec\u00fbs ch\u00e9z vous a Williamsbourg. J\u2019ai appris avec La plus vive Satisfaction La justice que vous av\u00e9z rec\u00fbe De vos Concitoyens En vous Elevant a la Place Eminente que vous occup\u00e9z, et Dont je vous fais mes Sinceres Compliments. Je ne D\u00e9sespere pas D\u2019avoir Encore Le Bonheur De vous voir, mes interets me mettant Dans Le Cas De faire par la Suite Des voyages a St. Domingue, je Pourrai Sans me D\u00e9tourner Beaucoup passer par La nouvelle Angleterre, et il me Sera Bien Doux De vous renouveller De vive voix Les assurances Des Sentiments D\u2019attachement et De veneration, ainsi que Du Respect avec le qu\u2019el je Suis Monsieur Le vice President Votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s Obeissant Serviteur.\nAncien Captne De Vaisseaux", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0456", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 15 November 1797\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    E. Randolph informs his friend Mr. Jefferson, that he shall by the mail of tuesday next, put into his hands such documents, as have been promised by him respecting Mr. Short\u2019s affair.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0457", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, [17 November 1797]\nFrom: Eppes, John Wayles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    The badness of the roads prevented our reaching Millers last Evening. We arrived here at an early hour after being overset once without receiving the smallest injury. The Carriage went down so gradually that the glass windows which were up received no injury.\n                    Marias foot improves with traveling. She walked last evening conveniently without her stick. She is well this morning in good spirits and  recovered from the fatigue of her journey. She sends her love to all at Monticello and begs you will request her sister to forward her shawl and veil by the first opportunity. Be kind enough to present my love &c. to Mr. and Mrs. R and to accept for yourself my best wishes. I am yours 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0458", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, 19 November 1797\nFrom: Taylor, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                        Jno. Taylor to the Vice President\n                    Herewith I have forwarded to you the drill you requested, packed into a crate basket, in a secure manner. This machine is an improvement upon that heretofore sent you, in having cups cut into iron rollers, instead of being fixed to bands. The effect, is perfect regularity in the sheding of the grain, because no change will be produced by the quantity in the box\u2014because these cups must fill with exactness, because no grain received by them will fall into the box\u2014and because a spring is so contrived, as to strike every cup before it deposits its contents. Further, in lieu of a rake, two moveable latteral pieces, having iron ferrels, by sliding them into the proper position, will cover the grain with great neatness. The price is ten dollars.\n                    In the same basket is the threshing machine, described in my last letter; and in this I have taken the liberty of inclosing the papers necessary to support an application for a patent, because I know not a warmer patron of the arts, beneficial to mankind; and because you have been so good as not to forbid me to do so. If however my request is improper, Colo. New of the house of representatives (whose constituent the inventor is) will do all he can to cure my mistake. This model has iron beaters, in place of wooden, because as their surface may be diminished, the resistance of the air will be lessened, and of course the same power will bestow greater velocity and more execution upon the machine; an effect very important, when it is worked by hand.\n                    It is necessary to advance thirty dollars previous to an application. Of this, the price of the drill may constitute a part\u2014and the residue I will place in your hands in a few days, by a bill on philadelphia. Be happy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0459", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 21 November 1797\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    While I supposed, that every thing was completed by Mr. Morris relative to Mr. Short\u2019s money, for which he (Mr. M.) gave me his note for stock in 1794, I have been deceived. Immediately I obtained from Mr. Lyons and Mr: Pendleton, who hold six per cent stock the inclosed assumpsit for \u00a32,000 within thirty pounds; which you will find satisfactory; as it is certain. I am the absolute owner of the inclosed decree, not as administrator only, but in my own right. \u2019Till this moment I thought I had the decree of the 19th. of March 1795; but I must send it by the next mail. The papers sent shew, that judgment was obtained in 1767 by one Johnston against Royle on a bill of Speaker Robinson\u2019s, on which Royle was an indorser for \u00a3788.5.7. Sterling with interest \u2019till paid. Royle paid it, and Robinson\u2019s administrators endeavoured to postpone it to debts of the first dignity. A bill was filed against them to give it its true dignity, and, as a second resource, the scire facias was prepared, as is now [seen] by the inclosed; but it was never used; as Mr. Wythe decided and the administrators acquiesced in the decision; namely for the above Sum at 25 per cent and twenty years interest thus: \n                    I have arranged the balance in an equally sure way, and equally agreeable to Mr. Short; being for stock. You shall hear from me again the beginning of next week. I am dear sir yr. obliged 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0460", "content": "Title: Bond to Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 25 November 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Van Staphorst & Hubbard\n                    Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Jefferson of Monticello Albemarle county Virginia am held and firmly bound [unto] Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst and Nicholas Hubbard bankers and partners of the city of Amsterdam in the republic of the United  Netherlands in the sum of five thousand six hundred florins currency of the said republic, to the paiment whereof I hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven.\n                    The Condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Thomas his heirs executors or administrators shall pay or cause to be paid, on or before the 25th. day of December one thousand eight hundred and two, to the said Nicholas and Jacob Vanstaphorst and Nicholas Hubbard their executors administrators or assigns the sum of two thousand eight hundred florins with interest thereon at the rate of six per centum per annum from the 25th. day of December in this present year, then this obligation to be void: otherwise to remain in full force.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0461", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Tazewell, 28 November 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Tazewell, Henry\n                    In a letter addressed to the President p.t. of the Senate at the commencement of the session, I expressed the regret occasioned me by a detention from the place of my duty, and hoped sooner to have been on my way to it. The first cause which kept me was an accident to one of my daughters, who fell out of a door. As soon as she was well enough to be removed, I was taken with a cold myself and a consequent indisposition, caught during a spell of eight days continual snows and rains. Our rivers too were raised by these; but they are now subsiding so that within a day or two they may be forded without danger. There are four of these within my two first days journies which have neither bridges nor boats. In the mean time I am so far reestablished that I shall set out within two days from this time. I presume according to the usual course of things that the addresses, appointing committees, settling the subjects of bills &ca will have filled up the session so far, and that I shall still  be in place by the time the real business comes on.\u2014Should you have an opportunity I will thank you to desire Mr. Francis to have my rooms immediately in readiness, as I shall be there, without an accident, nearly as soon as this letter. I am with sincere esteem Dear Sir Your friend & 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0462", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, [November 1797]\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have a letter from Mr. Bache with the printed documents complete all but a page or two, and 12. pages of \u201cthe view &c.\u201d I enclose a note to correct by way of erratum an important omission of almost a line in the latter. He tells me the late explosion at Paris has produced a wonderful effect on our rascals at home, who he thinks were in harmony with those there. I have no doubt that the stronger the attack upon them is, hinting a belief of bribery (I mean by the members in debate) the better: for yet the republican cause has never had a chance. Be assured the people are ready to back those who go most forward. I repeat my best wishes for your happiness. Remember me to Mr. M. and Lady. Mr. Barnes has paid the money. If I can place funds I shall begin soon to trouble you about windows [&ca] as my cabbin castle goes 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0463", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 2 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Mary Jefferson\n                    You will be surprised at receiving a letter from me dated here at this time. But a series of bad weather having suspended our works many days, has caused my detention. I have for some time had my trunk  packed and issued my last orders, and been only waiting for it to cease raining. But it still rains. I have a bad prospect of rivers and roads before me. Your sister removed to Belmont about three days ago. The weather ever since has kept us entirely asunder. If tomorrow permits my departure I shall be in Philadelphia in [about] a week from this time. You shall hear from me there, should it be only to provoke answers to my letters assuring me of your health, of Mr. Eppes\u2019s and the good family of Eppington. I received his letter from Mrs. Payne\u2019s which gave us great comfort: but we have apprehended much that you did not get to Eppington before the bad weather set in. Tell Mr. Eppes that I leave orders for a sufficient force to begin and finish his house during the week after the Christmas holidays; so that his people may come safely after New-year\u2019s day. The overseer at Shadwell will furnish them provisions. Present my affections to him, and the family, and continue to love me as you are tenderly beloved by 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0464", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 2 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, George\n                    I perceive, by an advertisement of yours in the public papers that you have commenced business in the Commission line. I have heretofore employed in the transaction of my business at Richmond, Mr. Charles Johnston, who has executed it with the greatest punctuality [and attention]. Rendering to him a just tribute on every occasion I feel myself bound on several grounds to transfer the mite of my employ to you, but most especially on that of your personal worth of which I have received honorable testimony from many. My business in Richmond consists chiefly in the lodging there my crops of tobacco to be shipped, sold, or delivered to my order as may happen: in receiving and forwarding to me by the Milton boats about 120. faggots of nail rod from Philadelphia every three months; in negotiating from time to time bills on Philadelphia, which tho drawn on John Barnes my agent there, are in fact bills on the Treasury; in receiving and forwarding to me packages which come addressed to me from Philadelphia, Europe, &c. [preferring] water transportation for heavy goods, and in being the [\u2026] for me in that quarter. [\u2026] have [\u2026] for me. I [wish] you may find the profits [\u2026]. [I shall] set out for Philadelphia the moment the weather will  permit, having been detained for some time by rains and high waters: and it is still raining. I am with great esteem Dear Sir Your friend & Servtp", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0465", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 2 December 1797\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I enclose you a letter for Mr. Dawson, one for Mr. [Gates,] one for Mr. Knox, and one for Colo. Burr. The last [is] left open for the inspection of Mr. Madison. That to Mr. Knox, you will be so good as put in the post office as soon as you arrive in Phila. I sincerely wish you peace and comfort thro the winter. The latter you may have in some respect\u2014but the former I think you will not have. However tis possible a decided majority on the [port] side may give our country repose and safety, [and] of course extend those blessings to those who des[ire?] them. Very sincerely I wish you well.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0467", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 10 December 1797\nFrom: Campbell, Arthur\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I take the liberty to send you some political items received from Correspondents that may amuse you in a leisure moment. They may only be the effusions of the writers on hearing of so important an event.\n                    May not all our fears of a war with France now evanish. Let republicans in America also take an erect attitude. Let them loudly proclaim their principles, and unite their voices with their friends and Allies across the Atlantic. This will conciliate, it will enable us to renew and improve the Alliance, to meet again as Brothers.\n                    The occurrence is an important and critical one. The Executive, the Legislature, can make the first movement, and I auger that We the People will press fast after them in our Ranks. This will do more than half the Work of our Commissioners, at least it will introduce them to our Brethren, with eclat. When so received we trust they have both hearts and minds to improve an advantageous situation for the good, the lasting good of their Country. Please place these sentiments, to the account of an effusion, that your better judgment can appreciate, and use as you think proper. I am Sir, with the greatest Respect, 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0469", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 14 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann\n                        Th: Jefferson to T M Randolph\n                    I arrived here on the 8th. day of my journey from Belmont, having suffered much with the severity of the weather, and taken moreover a violent cold which still indisposes me. Not so much however as to prevent my attendance on business, and it is going off. The Senate had as yet only a single bill before them, so that I found myself in place in time for business. They have since received and passed a law from the Representatives for suspending the stamp act till July. A law is also on the carpet for continuing the currency of foreign coin. The same motive which occasioned the postponement of the Stamp act, to wit, the approach of the elections, will occasion a postponement also of the land tax. Flour here is 9. to 10. dollars; wheat 1 1/2dollar. I have a letter from the first merchant at Cowes informing me that in consequence of the bad weather during harvest, the quality as well as quantity of their wheat will be low: that wheat had risen from 6/6 sterl. to 8/ and 9/ and probably would get up to 10/ sterl. the bushel: and that we may count on 8/6 at least through the whole season. You will see the extract in Bache\u2019s paper, wherein I had it inserted for the information of both the merchant and farmer, and it may not be amiss to let our neighbors of both descriptions know that the extract is genuine, from me, and to be relied on. We have nothing late from Europe more than is in the newspapers. Colo. Monroe\u2019s pamphlet has not yet appeared but soon will. A great explosion in commerce is hourly expected. Great fall of prices in labor and at the markets has already taken place. The market here is now lower than it has been for four years past. It is expected that every thing will soon be down at old prices. My love to my dear Martha, and kiss the little ones for me. Adieu 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0470", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 15 December 1797\nFrom: Wolcott, Oliver, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                        Treasury Department\nDecember 15th. 1797\n                    I have the honour to transmit herewith, a Report on the Petition of William Imlay Commissioner of Loans for the State of Connecticut, which was refered to me by order of the Senate on the 5th. instant. I have the honour to be very respectfully Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0471", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Richardson, 16 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Richardson, Richard\n                    Within a day or two after my arrival here, I called on Mr. Traquair, the Stonecutter, to whom I meant to apply for you. I explained to him your character and motives for wishing to pass a winter in learning to cut stone. He approved much of your motives, and immediately entered cordially into the desire to serve and aid you. On the subject of giving you board for your work he said he did not know whether it would be in his power to lodge you, as his house was small and his wife had a day or two before brought him his eighth child, but he promised to consult his wife and let me know. I have not seen him since; but I am so perfectly satisfied that if he cannot board you, he will nevertheless give you all the instruction in his power and employ you solely with a view to your instruction, that you may safely come on [immediately?] after the Christmas holidays; and in the mean time I will make the best bargain for you that I can. You may take the stage at Fredericksburg, and on the 5th. day you will be here. Enquire for me at Francis\u2019s hotel, South 4th. street between Market and Chesnut. I am Sir Your 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0472", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 21 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, John Wayles\n                    Presuming that you get the newspapers I shall not repeat the public news which they detail. The great victory obtained by the English over  the Dutch fleet is placed beyond doubt, they have taken 9 out of 16.  As to the proceedings of Congress, they have passed a bill putting off the commencement of the Stamp act till July next. The land tax will not be taken up this session. It is suspected that the approaching elections have had as much influence in both these measures, as the condition of the treasury, which is said to be better than was expected. Congress therefore have absolutely nothing to do, but to wait for news from our Parisian envoys. If that is of a peaceable aspect I know nothing which ought to keep us long from home. And that it will be of peaceable aspect there is solid reason to expect, notwithstanding the newspaper paragraphs of a contrary import, fabricated to give a hostile impulse to Congress. We learn from Norfolk that Barny is made judge of admiralty in the French West Indies, and has forbidden the capture of any American vessels except going to rebel ports. This looks as if they wished to distinguish between real American vessels, and English ones under American papers. They suppose and probably that Barny will be able to distinguish them.\u2014I send according to your desire Paine\u2019s letter. In my next I will inclose another pamphlet on the same subject. Monroe\u2019s book appears this day. It is of near 500. pages, consequently too large to go by [post.] Bache will send on 2. or 300 copies to Richmond.\u2014I have put on board Stratton\u2019s schooner an anvil, vice and beak iron for George, proposing as soon as he receives them, that Isaac shall take those he has. We had hoped 2 or 3 days ago that the vessels here would have got out. But the weather has now set in so as to render it doubtful whether they are not shut up for the winter. If so, it will be February before these things get on. You would do well to employ Isaac in the mean time in preparing coal for his year\u2019s work. He should have about 2000. bushels laid in. Nor will it be amiss to cord his wood in order to excite him to an emulation in burning it well. I am in hopes you or Mr. Randolph will prepare for the road-contract. It is very interesting to us all. Tell my dear Maria I received her letter of the 8th. from Chesnut grove this day. I will write to her next. In the mean time convey to her the warmest expressions of my love. Present me affectionately to Mr. and Mrs. Eppes and to all the younger ones. Adieu with sincere affections.\n                        P.S. I am entirely at a loss to what post office to direct your letters, I have conjectured you have most intercourse with Petersburg.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0475", "content": "Title: John Henry to Henry Tazewell, 24 December 1797\nFrom: Henry, John\nTo: Tazewell, Henry\n                    In Mr. Jeffersons Notes on Virginia it is stated (I have not the Book by me) that the Family of Logan were murdered by one of the Cresops. Mr. Martin the Attorney General of Maryland married into that family. He has heretofore and also within the last two weeks addressed a letter or letters to Mr. Jefferson upon this subject. He has likewise stated to me in a conversation which I had with him at my own request, that he now has in his possession documents which will shew that the passage in the Notes is incorrect.\n                    As the feelings of Mr. Martin and his friends have been wounded by this part of the Notes, I am anxious that there should be an understanding upon this subject and their Minds made easy.\n                    I can see no good reason why Mr. Jefferson should not give some speedy assurance directly to Mr. Martin or to some of his friends that the correction shall take place.\n                    Altho in the Great Concerns of our Country we have differed as to the course which it was best to pursue; yet there has never been a time when I had not the highest respect and Esteem for the Character of Mr. Jefferson and of late having resided under the same roof with him, and been an eye witness of his deportment both public and private; I am free to declare that his Virtues have endeared him to me.\n                    To lessen the Number of his Enemies and to assuage the accrimoney of those which he now has, are objects which I have much at heart.\n                    I have the disposition to say much upon this subject, but a future occasion may be imbraced with more propriety.\n                    I however now, from a strong and sincere desire to quiet the Mind of my friend Mr. Martin, as well as for other considerations, entreat you to press upon Mr. Jefferson the propriety of not adding unnecessarily to the Number of his Enemies. They are already numerous and bitter enough God knows.\n                    Whatever he does upon the subject Matter of this letter, I know will  be strongly marked with that Sincerity Candour and simplicity which has so eminently distinguished his character.\n                    I will thank you for any communication respecting our public affairs. I am dear Sir with Sentiments of respect & Esteem Yr hbe 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0476", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 December 1797\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have let Col. Monroe know that you was furnished with a draught on a House in Philada. for 250 drs. and finding that it would be convenient to him, have authorised him to draw on you for that sum. I have also given him a draught on Genl. Moylan, of which the inclosed is a letter of advice. I reserve the note of Bailey towards covering the advance made by you, unless it should be otherwise settled by Col. Monroe and yourself, as he intimated a desire that it might be. Perhaps it would save delay and trouble to Mr. B. if you should find a convenient opportunity to drop a hint to his friend Van Cortland that the note was in your hand; as it is more than probable he may be the channel of taking it up.\n                    According to the bill of nails given in by the Workman I shall want from your nailory, 50,000 sixes, 3,000. eights, 20,000 tens, 5,000 twentys. and 12,000 flooring Brads. I shall also want 50,000. fours for lathing, 4,000 sprigs sixes, and 3,000 do. eights. You can inform me whether these are also made at your shops, or whether it would be better to get them in Philada. I shall write as you suggested to Col. Bell; but it may not be amiss for you to confirm the orders for having the supply prepared for me, according to the above list.\n                    We have had a great proportion of cold weather since you passed us. The Thermometer however has not been lower than 10\u00b0. It was at this point, on the morning of the 21st. instant. The drought also is equal to the cold. Within the last 31 days the fall of water has been but 1 1/4 inches only. Of snow there has been none. This cold and dry spell succeeding the dry fall and late seeding, gives to the Wheat fields the worst of appearances.\n                    You will not expect political occurrences from this quarter. The objects of enquiry here are Liston\u2019s Plot\u2014the envoyship to France, and  Monroe\u2019s publication. The delay of this last occasions some surprize. I observe that the President, has laid hold of the late endemic at the seat of Government as an occasion for getting the prerogative of prorouging the Legislature. Fortunately the Constitution has provided an important barrier in this case, by requiring a session at least within every year. But still the power may in unforeseen emergencies, be made an instrument of party or of usurpation; and it is to be hoped will not therefore be granted. I have not examined it in a constitutional view, but that also merits attention. Ambition is so vigilant, and where it has a model always in view as in the present case, is so prompt in seizing its advantages, that it can not be too closely watched, or too vigorously checked.\n                    When you do me the favor to write, let your letters leave Philada. in the mail of friday morning. They will then come without any halt. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0477", "content": "Title: Notes on Comments by John Adams and Robert Goodloe Harper, 26 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                            Langdon tells me that at the 2d. election of Pr. and V.P. of US. when there was a considerable vote given to Clinton in opposition to Mr. Adams, he took occasion to remark it in  conversation in the Senate chamber with Mr. A. who gritting his teeth said \u2018Damn \u2019em\u2019 \u2018Damn \u2019em\u2019 \u2018Damn \u2019em\u2019 you see that an elective government will not do.\u2019\u2014He also tells me that Mr. A. in a late conversation said \u2018Republicanism must be disgraced, Sir.\u2019 The Chevalr. Yruho called on him at Braintree, and conversing on French affairs, and Yruho expressing his belief of their stability in opposition to Mr. Adams\u2019s, the latter lifting up and shaking his finger at him said \u2018I\u2019ll tell you what, the French republic will not last 3. months.\u2019 This I had from Yruho.\n                    Harper lately in a large company was saying that the best thing the friends of the French could do was to pray for the restoration of their monarch, then says a bystander \u2018the best thing we could do I suppose would be to pray for the establishment of a monarch in the US.\u2019 \u2018Our people says Harper are not yet ripe for it, but it is the best thing we can come to and we shall come to it.\u2019 Something like this was said in presence of Findlay.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0479", "content": "Title: Notes on a Conversation with Tench Coxe, [27 December 1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                    27. \u2003\u2003 Tenche Coxe tells me that a little before Hamilton went out of office, or just as he was going out, taking with him his last conversation, and among other things, on the subject of their differences, \u2018for my part, says he, I avow myself a Monarchist; I have no objection to a trial being made of this thing of a republic, but\u2019 &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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0480", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\n                    I am at length got well of a terrible cold, which I think must have proceeded from the intense cold of the day I left Belmont. It became very bad by the time I got to Baltimore, and has been worse here. However it is now entirely passed off. We are here lounging our time away, doing nothing, and having nothing to do. It gives me great regret to be passing my time so uselessly when it could have been so importantly employed at home. I cannot but believe that we shall become ashamed of staying here, and go home in February or March at furthest. Nor are we relieved by the pleasures of society here. For partly from bankruptcies partly from party dissensions society is torn up by the roots. I envy those who stay at home, enjoying the society of their friendly neighbors, blessed with their firesides, and employed in doing something every day which looks usefully to futurity. I expect you will of course charge me before my departure with the procuring you such articles of convenience here as you can get best here. I shall be sending some things for myself in the spring. Tell Mr. Randolph I shall be glad from time to time to exchange meteorological diaries with him, that we may have a comparative view of the climates of this place and ours. I received a letter from Maria last week. She had got quite well of her sprain and was then at the Chesnut grove. However I suppose you hear from one another more directly than through me. Let me also hear from  you, as your welfare, Mr. Randolph\u2019s and the little ones are the things nearest my heart. Do not let them forget me. Adieu my dear Martha 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0481", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 27 December 1797\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    Jefferson. Dec. 27. Acknowlege his of March. 12. and June 30. 97\u2014successive causes of delay of my departure for Ame.\u2014death of an old lady\u2014gratitude of the young one for the expressions of his letter\u2014have passed most of my time here in the country\u2014in calm and study\u2014an extensive library here. The affair of the 9. m. dol.\u2014the last letter from S. of S. of July 17. 96.\u2014never received any letter from Mr. R. of any other than a public nature\u2014he was not therefore my private agent\u2014beg Jff. to press the conclusion of this affair\u2014and if necessary to recur to Mr. R\u2019s letters in the Dep. of State from Nov. 94. Drew on our bankers last spring for the quarter\u2019s salary for return\u2014but this has nothing in common with the 9. m. doll.\u2014my hope that my salary will be allowed until I received the letter of recreance, notwithstanding an expression in a former letter to the S. of S. from Madrid. Wish Ind. camp to be tenanted out if possible\u2014desire to place all I have disponible in this way\u2014shall be one of my pursuits on my arrival in America\u2014suppose the farther north, the better the chance for tenants\u2014prefer his neighborhood if tenants to be found\u2014do not intend to acquire slaves\u2014consider land rent at 5 p ct. equal to funds at 6. p. ct. Desire that my cash may be employed as he may judge best\u2014but employed\u2014and that Barnes, may constantly apply the interest as it accrues\u2014as I shall have with me for my immediate expences\u2014know nothing from my brother of my western lands\u2014ignorant of the [acreage] a tract\u2014consider property every where as in an unhinged state, and therefore wish to attend to the little I have (disposed generally to see en [noir]\u2014combat this disposition but it is too often confirmed by my experience). Have never received Colo. Skipwith\u2019s account\u2014although faithfully promised for the winter of 90. Inclose a letter for my brother, and one from Cleresseat, which had been accidentally long detained by me\u2014Pougens, and his wish to send his editions to the U.S. for sale. (Sib. barley\u2014wish that the Agents of the U.S. should be instructed to collect in the several countries where they be, what may be useful to be introduced into the  agriculture and manuf. of the U.S.\u2014this might be more useful than their political speculations, or the treaties they have or may make. Mention that concluded in Spain\u2014did not approve it\u2014have been silent since its conclusion and why\u2014a well intentioned man\u2014[\u2026]\u2014advised me to publish something in America, as he was sure it was generally thought there I had been recalled. A long time since I have so much dwelt on such subjects\u2014have divorced with public affairs since leaving Spain)\u2014have not seen our 3. commissioners (for 5. or 6. years back\u2014it seems to me \u201cwe have done these things &c.\u201d The pleasure I expect in talking over with him past scenes. The pain of appearing in some degree a stranger to my country by my long absence\u2014my love not diminished). My fixed intention to embark in the spring\u2014but wish him to [send] a line 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0482", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 30 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n                    I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st. instant enclosing Mr. John Barnes\u2019s draft on Mr. Joseph Boyce at three days sight for $200., which is accepted, and which shall be applied as you direct.\n                    In making this first acknowledgment Sir, I cannot refrain from making another\u2014I cannot refrain from endeavouring to convey to you by words some faint idea of the obligations I feel myself under to you; and that, not on my own account alone. In doing this I find myself much at a loss; for it has been but seldom that my gratitude has had cause of excitement: when it has, I have ever been desirous to evince by other means than words, my sense of the obligation\u2014but to you at present, I  have no other mode\u2014indeed perhaps I never shall; for even admitting I may be more attentive to the business which your extreme goodness prompts you to put into my hands, than ever any one was to that of another, I shall only be performing a duty, for which I am hired.\n                    In the performance of that duty though, to you at least, I must be bold to say, I will never be deficient.\n                    With this resolution, and a determination to seize with avidity any opportunity of serving you which may ever present itself to my poor ability, I must endeavour to be content.\n                    But I am forgetting myself\u2014my great desire to extricate myself in some small degree from the debt of gratitude I owe you, induces me to make promises which I can never be called upon to fulfil.\n                    I ought to reflect too that those who take most pleasure in conferring favors, are least desirous of receiving promises of a return. I will therefore only add that I am with the utmost sincerity, Your truly devoted friend & servt.\n                    For the future government of your friend Mr. Barnes I will inform you, that Mr. Boyce to my knowledge is far from being punctual; and in my opinion, is not to be relied upon in any 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0483", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Gibson, 31 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gibson, John\n                    I took the liberty the last summer of writing to you from hence making some enquiries on the subject of Logan\u2019s speech and the murder of his family, and you were kind enough in your answer, among other things, to correct the title of Cresap, who is said to have headed the party by observing that he was a Captain and not a Colonel. I troubled you with a second letter asking if you could explain to me how Logan came to call him Colonel. If you have favored me with an answer to this, it has miscarried. I therefore trouble you again on the subject, and as the transaction must have been familiar to you, I will ask the favor of you to give me the names and residence of any persons now living who you [\u2026] were of Cresap\u2019s party, or who can prove his participation in this [\u2026] [either] by direct evidence or from circumstances, or who can otherwise throw light on the fact. A Mr. Martin of Baltimore has questioned  the whole transaction, suggesting Logan\u2019s speech to be not genuine, and denying that either Colo. or Capt. Cresap had any hand in the murder of his family. I do not intend to enter into any newspaper contest with Mr. Martin; but in the first republication of the Notes on Virginia to correct the statement where it is wrong and support it where it is right. My distance from the place where witnesses of the transaction reside is so great that it will be a lengthy and imperfect operation in my hands. Any aid you can give me in it will be most thankfully recieved. I avail myself with great pleasure of every occasion of recalling myself to your recollection and of assuring you of the sentiments of esteem & attachment with which I am Dr. Sir 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0484", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Henry, 31 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henry, John\n                    Mr. Tazewell has communicated to me the enquiries you have been so kind as to make relative to a passage in the Notes on Virginia, which has lately excited some newspaper publications. I feel with great sensibility the interest you take in this business and with pleasure go into explanations with one whose objects I know to be truth and justice alone. Had Mr. Martin thought proper to suggest to me that doubts might be entertained of the transaction respecting Logan, as stated in the Notes on Virginia, and to enquire on what grounds that statement was founded, I should have felt myself obliged by the enquiry, have informed him candidly of the grounds, and cordially have co-operated in every means of investigating the fact, and correcting whatsoever in it should be found to have been erroneous. But he chose to step at once into the newspapers, and in his publications there, and the letters he wrote to me, adopted a style which forbade the respect of an answer. Sensible however that no act of his could absolve me from the justice due to others, as soon as I found that the story of Logan could be doubted, I determined to enquire into it as accurately as the testimony remaining after a lapse of twenty odd years would permit, and that the result should be made known either in the first new edition which should be printed of the Notes on Virginia, or by publishing an Appendix. I thought that so far as that work had contributed to impeach the memory of Cresap, by handing on an erroneous charge, it was proper it should be made the vehicle of retribution. Not that I was at all the author  of the injury. I had only concurred with thousands and thousands of others in believing a transaction on authority which merited respect. For the story of Logan is only repeated in the Notes on Virginia precisely as it had been current more than a dozen years before they were published. When Ld. Dunmore returned from the expedition against the Indians in 1774. he and his officers brought the speech of Logan, and related the circumstances of it. These were so affecting, and the speech itself so fine a morsel of eloquence that it became the theme of every conversation, in Williamsburg particularly, and generally indeed wheresoever any of the officers resided or resorted. I learned it in Williamsburg; I believe at Lord Dunmore\u2019s; and I find in my pocket book of that year (1774.) an entry of the narrative as taken from the mouth of some person whose name however is not noted, nor recollected, precisely in the words stated in the Notes on Virginia. The speech was published in the Virginia gazette of that time: (I have it myself in the volume of gazettes of that year:) and though it was the translation made by the common Interpreter, and in a style by no means elegant, yet it was so admired, that it flew thro\u2019 all the public papers of the continent, and thro\u2019 the magazines and other periodical publications of Great Britain; and those who were boys at that day will now attest that the speech of Logan used to be given them as a school-exercise for repetition. It was not till about 13. or 14. years after the newspaper publications that the Notes on Virginia were published in America. Combating in these the contumelious theory of certain European writers, whose celebrity gave currency and weight to their opinions, that our country from the combined effects of soil and climate, degenerated animal nature, in the general, and particularly the moral faculties of man, I considered the speech of Logan as an apt proof of the contrary, and used it as such: and I copied verbatim the narrative I had taken down in 1774. and the speech as it had been given us in a better translation by Ld. Dunmore. I knew nothing of the Cresaps, and could not possibly have a motive to do them an injury with design. I repeated what thousands had done before, on as good authority as we have for most of the facts we learn through life, and such as to this moment I have seen no reason to doubt. That any body questioned it, was never suspected by me till I saw the letter of Mr. Martin in the Baltimore paper. I endeavored then to recollect who among my cotemporaries, of the same circle of society, and consequently of the same recollections, might still be alive. Three and twenty years of death and dispersion had left very few. I remembered however that General Gibson was still living and knew that he had been the translater of the speech. I wrote to him immediately. He, in answer, declares to me that he was the very person sent by Ld. Dunmore to the Indian town, that after he had delivered his message there, Logan took  him out to a neighboring wood, sat down with him, and rehearsing with tears the catastrophe of his family, gave him that speech for Ld. Dunmore; that he carried it to Ld. Dunmore, translated it for him, has turned to it in the Encyclopedia, as taken from the Notes on Virginia, and finds that it was his translation I had used, with only two or three verbal variations of no importance. These I suppose had arisen in the course of successive copies. I cite General Gibson\u2019s letter by memory, not having it with me; but I am sure I cite it substantially right. It establishes unquestionably that the speech of Logan is genuine: and that being established, it is Logan himself who is author of all the important facts. \u2018Colo. Cresap, says he, in cold blood and unprovoked, murdered all the relations of Logan, not sparing even my women and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any living creature.\u2019 The person, and the fact, in all it\u2019s material circumstances, are here given by Logan himself. Genl. Gibson indeed says that the title was mistaken: that Cresap was a Captain, and not a Colonel. This was Logan\u2019s mistake. He also observes that it was on a water of the Kanhaway, and not on the Kanhaway itself that his family was killed. This is an error which has crept into the traditionary account: but surely of little moment in the moral view of the subject. The material question is Was Logan\u2019s family murdered, and by whom? That it was murdered, has not I believe been denied. That it was by one of the Cresaps, Logan affirms. This is a question which concerns the memories of Logan and Cresap; to the issue of which I am as indifferent as if I had never heard the name of either. I have begun and shall continue to enquire into the evidence, additional to Logan\u2019s, on which the fact was founded. Little indeed can now be heard of, and that little dispersed and distant. If it shall appear on enquiry that Logan has been wrong in charging Cresap with the murder of his family, I will do justice to the memory of Cresap, as far as I have contributed to the injury by believing and repeating what others had believed and repeated before me. If on the other hand, I find that Logan was right in his charge, I will vindicate as far as my suffrage may go, the truth of a Chief, whose talents and misfortunes have attached to him the respect and commiseration of the world.\n                    I have gone, my dear Sir, into this lengthy detail to satisfy a mind, in the candour and rectitude of which I have the highest confidence. So far as you may incline to use the communication for rectifying the judgments of those who are willing to see things truly as they are, you are free to use it. But I pray that no confidence which you may repose in any one may induce you to let it go out of your hands so as to get into a newspaper. Against a contest in that field I am entirely decided.  I feel extraordinary gratification indeed in addressing this letter to you,  with whom shades of difference in political sentiment have not prevented the interchange of good opinion, nor cut off the friendly offices of society and good correspondence. This political tolerance is the more valued by me who consider social harmony as the first of human felicities, and the happiest moments those which are given to the effusions of the heart. Accept them sincerely, I pray you from one who has the honor to be, with sentiments of high respect and attachment 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0485", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Tazewell, 31 December 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Tazewell, Henry\n                    I found that my statement would be too long to give you the trouble of copying in the form of a narrative from yourself as had been at first proposed. I therefore wrote it in a letter directly to Mr. Henry himself. Indeed I thought it a proper respect for the candid views with which he seemed to ask explanations. While it is in your hands make what use of it you judge expedient by permitting it\u2019s perusal by Mr. Blount, Mr. Beckley and any others you think proper. When you forward it, be so good as to put a wafer in it, and inclose it in your letter. Health and happiness. 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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0486", "content": "Title: Design for Chimney and Flues, [1797]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                        the base of the chimney is 6 1/2 bricks wide and 5. deep\n                        the hearth is 4. br. wide in front, 2. bricks wide in back, & 1 1/2 brick deep\n                        the opening of the chimney 32. Inches high.\n                        the external of the flues is 3 1/2 bricks square\n                        all the figures express measures in bricks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-29-02-0487", "content": "Title: Notes on John Jay\u2019s Mission to Great Britain, [1797 or after]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n                            Commn. of Envoy Extr. to his Britannic majesty to John Jay. To hold the said office during pleasure.\n                            letter from the Pres. to the King\n                            Full powers concerning\n                            1. inexecution or infraction of the Armistice of Jan. 20. 83. or treaty of Sep. 3. 83.\n                            2. Instructions to British ships of war &c of June 8. 93. and Nov. 6. 93, and Jan. 8. 94. Compensation &c\n                            3. full powers, for each of the above objects separately\n                    Instructions to Mr. Jay.\n                    The mission upon which you are about to enter as envoy extraordinary to the court of London has been dictated by considerations of an interesting and pressing nature. You will doubtless avail yourself of these to convince Mr. Pinckney our minister in ordinary there of the necessity of this measure and will thus prevent any wound to his sensibility. He may be assured that it is the impression which will naturally accompany this demonstration of the public sentiment, and not the smallest abatement of confidence in him which has recommended a special appointment, nor will any of his usual functions be suspended except so far as they may be embraced in the present commission. It would be unnecessary to add, but for the sake of manifesting this fact and removing difficulties which may arise in your own breast that you will communicate with him without reserve. \u00a7. A full persuasion is entertained that throughout the whole negociation, you will make the following it\u2019s general objects. To keep alive in the mind of the Brit. minister that opinion which the solemnity of a special mission must naturally inspire of the strong agitations excited in the people of the US. by the disturbed condition of things between them and Gr. Br. To repel war, for which we are not disposed, and unto which the necessity of vindicating our honor and our property may, but can alone drive us. To prevent the Br. Ministry, should they be resolved on war from carrying with them the British nation and at the same time to assert with dignity and firmness our rights and our title to reparation for past injuries. \u00a7. One of the causes of your mission being the vexations and spoliations committed on our commerce by the authority of instructions from the British Govmt. you will receive from the Secy. of state the following documents viz. The instructions of the 8th. June 93. 6. Nov. 93. and 8. Jany. 94. The Secy. of state\u2019s letter to Mr. Pinckney, on the 7. Sep. 93. Mr. Hammond\u2019s letter to the Secy. of state on the 12th. Sep. 93. Mr. Pinckney\u2019s note and memorial to Ld. Grenville, Mr.  Hamm.\u2019s 2d letter to the Sec. of state 11. Apr. 94. The Sec. of state\u2019s answer on the 1st. instant. A list and sketch of the cases upon which complaints have been made to our government and the instructions given to N. C. Higginson who has been lately sent as agent to the Brit. islands in the W. Indies. \u00a7. These several papers develope the source of our discontent on this head, the representations which have been offered, the answers which have been rendered, and the situation of the business at this moment. \u00a7. You will perceive that one of the principles upon which compensation is demanded for the injuries under the instructions of 8. Jun. 93. is, that provisions, except in the instance of a seige blockade or investment are not to be ranked among contraband. To a country remote as the US. are from Europe and it\u2019s troubles it will be of infinite advantage, to obtain the establishment of this doctrine. \u00a7. Upon the instructions of 6. Nov. 93. Mr. Pinckney has made a representation, and perhaps a Memorial to Ld. Grenville, both of which you will procure from Mr. Pinckney. The matter of these instructions fills up the measure of depredation. They were unknown publicly in Engld. until the 26th. Dec. 93. There is good reason to suppose that they were communicated to the ships of war before they were published, and that in consequence of a private notification of them, a considerable number of new privateers were fitted out. The terms \u2018legal adjudication\u2019 in spite of the explanation on the 8. Jany. 94. was most probably intended to be construed away or not according to events, and many vessels have been condemned under them. \u00a7. Compensation for all the injuries sustained and captures will be strenuously pressed by you. The documents which the agent in the W. Indies is directed to transmit to London will place these matters in the proper legal train to be heard on appeal. It cannot be doubted that the Brit. ministry will insist that before we complain to them, their tribunals in the last resort must have refused justice. This is true in general. But peculiarities distinguish the present from past cases. Where the error complained of consists solely in the misapplication of the law it may be corrected by a superior court. But where the error consists in the law itself it can be corrected only by the law maker, who in this instance was the king, or it must be compensated by the government. The principle therefore may be discussed and settled without delay, and even if you should be told to wait until the result of the appeals shall appear it may be safely said to be almost certain that some one judgment in the W. Indies will be confirmed, and this will be sufficient to bring the\n[Page 2:]\nprinciple in question with the British ministry. \u00a7. Should the principle be adjusted as we wish and have a right to expect, it may be adviseable  to employ some person to examine the proper office in London for such vessels as may have been originally tried or appealed upon and finally condemned. You will also reserve an opportunity for new claims of which we may all be ignorant for some time to come. And if you should be compelled to leave the business in it\u2019s legal course you are at liberty to procure professional aid at the expence of the US. \u00a7 Whenever matters shall be brought to such a point as that nothing remains for settlement but the items of compensation, this may be entrusted to any skilful and confidential person whom you may appoint. \u00a7. You will mention with due stress the general irritation of the US. at the vexations, spoliations, captures &c. And being on the field of negociation you will be more able to judge than can be prescribed now, how far you may state the difficulty which may occur in restraining the violence of some of our exasperated citizens. \u00a7. If the Brit. ministry should hint at any supposed predilection in the US. for the French nation as warranting the whole or any part of these instructions, you will stop the progress of this subject as being irrelevant to the question in hand. It is a circumstance which the British nation have no right to object to us, because we are free in our affections, and independant in our government. But it may be safely answered upon the authority of the correspondence between the Secy. of state and Mr. Hammond that our neutrality has been scrupulously observed. \u00a7. 2.\n A 2d cause of your mission, but not inferior in dignity to the preceding, though subsequent in order is to draw to a conclusion all points of difference between the US. and Gr. Br. concerning the treaty of peace. \u00a7. You will therefore be furnished with copies of the negociation upon the inexecution and infractions of that treaty and will resume that business. Except in this negociation you have been personally conversant with the whole of the transactions connected with the treaty of peace. You were a minister at it\u2019s formation, the Secy. of foreign affairs when the sentiments of the Congress under the Confedn. were announced through your office and as chief justice you have been witness to what has passed in our courts, and know the real state of our laws with respect to British debts. It will be superfluous therefore to add more to you than to express a wish that these debts and the interest claimed upon them and all things relating to them be put out right in a diplomatic discussion, as being certainly of a judicial nature, to be decided by our courts. And if this cannot be accomplished that you support the doctrines of government with arguments proper for the occasion, and with that attention to your former public opinions which self respect will justify, without relaxing the pretensions which have been hitherto maintained. \u00a7. In this negociation as to the treaty of peace we have been amused by transferring the discussions concerning it\u2019s inexecution  and infractions from one side of the Atlantic to another. In the meantime one of the consequences of holding the posts has been much bloodshed on our frontiers by the Indians and much expence. The British government having denied &c [as in Callender\u2019s Hist. US. for 1796. page 173. l. 8. to l. 23. as corrected in my copy,] the words \u2018interfered with by the other.\u2019 \u00a7. It may be observed here as comprehending both of the foregoing points that the US. testify their sincere love of peace, by being nearly in a state of war, and yet anxious to obviate absolute war by friendly advances, and if the desire of G.B. to be in harmony with the US. be equally sincere she will readily discover what kind of sensations will at length arise when their trade is plundered, their resources wasted in an Indian war, many of their citizens exposed to the cruelties of the savages, their rights by treaty denied, and those of Gr. Br. enforced in our courts. But you will consider the inexecution and infraction of the treaty as standing on distinct grounds from the vexations and spoliations, so that no adjustment of the former is to be influenced by the latter. \u00a7. 3.\n   III.\n It is referred to your discretion whether in case the two preceding points should be so accomodated as to promise the continuance of tranquility between the US. and G.B. the subject of a Commerical treaty may not be listened to by you, or even broken to the British ministry. If it should, let these be the general objects. I. Reciprocity in navigation &c [as in Callender 174. l. 6. to 175. 26. to the words \u2018beyond 15. years\u2019 as corrected in my copy.] \u00a7. 4. This enumeration presents generally the objects which it is desireable to comprize in a commercial treaty; not that it is expected that one can be effected with so great a latitude of advantages. \u00a7. If to the actual footing of our commerce and navigation in the Brit. European dominions, could be added the privilege of carrying directly from the US. to the Brit. W.I. in our own bottoms generally, or of certain defined burthens, the articles which by the act of parl. 28. G. 3. c. 6. may be carried thither in Brit. bottoms and of bringing from thence directly to the US. in our bottoms of like discription the articles which, by the same act may be brought from thence to the US. in Brit. bottoms, this would afford an acceptable basis of treaty for a term not exceeding 15. years, and it would be adviseable to conclude a treaty on that basis. But such a treaty instead of the usual clause concerning ratification must contain the following. \u2018This treaty shall be obligatory\u2019 &c [as in Callender pa. 176. 1. 16. to line 30. \u2018a formal conclusion\u2019 then \u2018Some of the other points\u2019 &c as in Callendar 177. l. 3. to l. 19. \u2018valuable ingredient\u2019 then \u2018you will have no difficulty\u2019 &c as in Callender 178. l. 18. to 179 l. 7. \u2018fit for enquiry.\u2019 then \u2018Such are the outlines\u2019 &c as in Callender 180. l. 33. to 181. l. 16. \u2018foregoing prohibition\u2019 as corrected in my copy.] \u00a7. Besides the papers and documents  mentioned in the former parts of these instructions you have recieved your commision as Envoy Extraordy., letters of credence to the K. and Q. of Engld. the latter of which being without superscription you will address as may appear proper and deliver or not as you find to be right on such occasions: 4 sets of powers, one general, comprehending all the points to be negociated with G.B. the other 3 special for each separate point in order that you may be prepared to exhibit your authority altogether or by detachment as may be most convenient. Copies of Ld. Dorchester\u2019s speech to the Indns. the authenticity of which, tho not absolutely ascertained is believed, and of certain affidavits respecting the Brit. interference with our Indians\u2014and a cypher. \u00a7. You are too well acquainted with the nature of the great functions which you are called to exercise to render it necessary for me to add the earnest wish of the Pres. of the US. that your communications to the Secy. of state should be frequent and full and that you should correspond with our ministers abroad upon any interesting occasion which may demand it. For the latter of these purposes you will avail yourself of Mr. Pinckney\u2019s cyphers. \u00a7. Your expences will be paid together with the allowance of 1350.D. per annum for a Secretary. \u00a7. On your return you will be pleased to deliver into the Secy. of State\u2019s office such papers as you may possess of importance sufficient to be filed there, and will prepare a general report of all your transactions. \u00a7. Not doubting that you will execute this trust in a manner honorable to yourself and salutary to the US. I beg leave to offer you my sincere wishes for your health and safe return. Edmund Randolph. Secy. of state.\n                            A letter of 4. pages. Nothing interesting except that Hammd. seems catching at materials for a manifesto, as if he foresaw a rupture, and this paragraph \u2018We take for granted that the nature of the subject, the opinions expressed to you by the Presidt. the instructions which were delivered to you and indeed your own judgment and inclination rendered it unnecessary to use any very pointed prohibition of a surrender of the posts or any part of our territory to G.B. upon any consideration. The interesting magnitude of the business will therefore be my apology for mentioning the decided and irrevocable sense of the Presidt. relative to this affair.\u2019\n                            Documents on spoliations.\n                            That he arrived the day before. Had immediately notified Ld. Grenville and Mr. Pinckney. Received Aug. 16.\n                            Arrived here 15th. Received by Ld. Grenville the 18th. Another interview the 20th. The topics generally touched on. Friendly appearances. Wishes no irritating news from America. Does not regard preparations for war of that nature. They ought to go on even in state of peace. Received Aug. 2.\n                            The minister has appointed tomorrow for conference. Appearances continue favorable. Received Aug. 28.\n                            (Received Sep. 20.) States conference of June 27. still of a general nature. Ld. Grenville had seen none of the cases of spoliations. Jay promised to procure some. Dr. Nicholl\u2019s opinion that the Admiralty &c. would maintain the principle that where France had not permitted a trade to her islands before the war, and only opened her ports during the war, as an expedient to protect their property against Brit. captors, that neutral nations had no right to afford that occasional protection. That Gr. Br. acted on this principle in the war before last, but not in the last because France opened her colonial ports before the commencement of hostilities. She did not do this before the present hostilities. Ld. Dorchester\u2019s speech not defended by any body.\n                            To explain complaint of Hammd. and Govr. of Bermuda, about a vessel sent out by Fauchet during embargo under  pretence of carrying dispatches (a like indulgence having been allowed Cong. ministers) and captured with 150. barrels powder on board.\n                            Received Sep. 20. Nothing material.\n                            Complains of Mr. Ham.\u2019s irascible disposition.\n                            Agreed to forbid hostilities on our frontier, and keep things in statu quo.\n                            Sends more spoliation cases.\n                            Received Oct. 7. Nothing done yet.\n                            On the reports that the British aid the Indians.\n                            Received Oct. 7. Has had conference this morning on subject of spoliations.\n                            Received Oct. 7. Ld. Grenville\u2019s answer giving expectation of compensation, distant but ultimate.\n                            His memorial to Ld. Grenville on spoliations and impressment of our seamen.\n                            Ld. Grenv.\u2019s answer. In general agreeing to do justice on both points.\n                            Received Oct. 13. Hopes in a fortnight to give him agreeable details.\n                            Received Oct. 13. Incloses order of king and council of Aug. 6. relative to appeals.\n                            Spoliations. Pensva. insurrection. Richmond expedition against a vessel arming in Jas. river.\n                            Hammond\u2019s letters seem to admit Dorchester\u2019s speech genuine. Affair of fort Recovery.\n                            Received Oct. 11. We are endeavoring to mature and digest a final settlement.\n                            He heard yesterday that Mr. Monroe had arrived at Paris.\n                            Complaints of Simcoe\u2019s proceedings, and of Hamd. having intermitted visits to the Pres. 2. months and gone to N.Y. without taking leave.\n                            Western insurrection. Affair of Sodus.\n                            Received Nov. 11. States conference. The carrying away negroes justified by Ld. G. On this could not agree. As to 1st. violation of treaty, Ld. G. insists the treaty not conclusive till exchange of ratifications, which was May. 84. but before this, states had past laws violating it. In short he convinced Mr. Jay that his construction was right. Proceeded then to try reciprocal concessions. After conference he sends to Ld. G. a project of a treaty which in fact was the basis of the treaty\n                            see Jay\u2019s projet pretty fully pa. 4.\n                            which took place, containing almost every proposition we have complained of except the navigation of the Missisipi except also the renunciation of free bottom free goods, and contraband and no provision for our sailors. It appears then that the restriction on cotton of US. moved from Jay himself.\n                            Ld. Grenv.\u2019s modifications of Jay\u2019s projet dated Aug. 30. It adds stipulation for Indns. to pass freely, and duty free. A curtail of boundary in our N. Western corner. Navigation of Missisipi. It is remarkeable he omits Jay\u2019s proposition that in case of war between Gr. B. and US. neither shall arm privateers against the other.\n                            see his commercial projet pretty fully. pa. 4.\n                            His projet of treaty of commerce. He reduces Jay\u2019s 100. ton vessels for W.I. to 70. ton.\n                            see these remarks more fully pa. 5.\n                            Jay\u2019s remarks to Ld. Grenville. He mentions a fact, that at the treaty of peace the Amer. minister offered the Brit. minister his choice of 2 lines, from Connecticut river at the 45th. degree along that degree to the Missisipi, or the line which was established. The Brit. minister chose the latter. He makes several proper remarks  on Ld. G.\u2019s projet, in subsequent\n                            Notes he adds \u2018there should be an article against the impressment of each other\u2019s people.\u2019\n                            Ld. G.\u2019s Observations. He adds the Contraband and corn article, which he says was \u2018to meet the object which was this morning suggested in conversation.\u2019 He says also that in conformity to what was mentioned by Mr. Jay he has used the words of Vattel. As to the article about impressment he says \u2018he sees no reason whatever to object to this article.\u2019\n                            Received Jan. 10. 95. That they have agreed to incorporate the 2. projets viz, settlement and commercial. Propositions for new line in N.W. corner suspended. Survey to be made. Foreign tonnage objected. His letter of Oct. 27. to Ld. G. expressing sense of Pres. on his gracious reception. Mr. Jay undertook the incorporation of the 2. projets.\n                            On evidence of British debts in Virginia.\n                            Incloses treaty. He thinks the 3d. article favorable. Difficult to obtain. The 6th. he says was a sine qua non. It concerns Brit. debts. He proposed it in his original projet. The 10th. art. (against sequestering debts and property in funds) he thinks  will be useful, because the credit of some of the states has suffered from their being favorable to sequestration.\n                            The 12th. art. is of short duration, but if we meet the disposition of this country to good humour and cordiality he is much inclined to believe it will be renewed. The 13th. art. (E. Indies) he says is a manifestation and proof of good will towards us. 18th. respecting contraband and provisions. He says that Britain should not admit principles which would impeach the propriety of her conduct in seizing provisions bound to France, and enemy\u2019s property on board neutral vessels does not appear to me extraordinary. The 19th. about privateers taken from treaty between Gr. Br. and France, and that for treating natives commanding privateers as pirates was partly taken from ours with Holland. \u2018The prohibition to sell prizes in our ports had it\u2019s use, and we have no reason to regret that your instructions to me admitted of it.\u2019\n                            General remark that his letters are full of encomiums on the candour, liberality, good humour, cordiality, conciliatory disposition, friendliness, delicacy &c &c &c of the government of Engld. and particularly Ld. G.\n                    Particulars of the report in the letter of Sep. 13. more minutely stated than in the preceding pages for beginning of it see pa. 6. Jay\u2019s original projet. Preamble agrees to merge all complaints and claims in the following articles. Confirmation of treaty of peace. St. Croix to be settled by Commrs. Missisipi to be surveyed and closing line established by Commrs. His Majesty shall withdraw troops from posts of US. by June 1. 95. Settlers and traders within the precincts to enjoy their property, and become citizens of the US. or sell and remove within 2 years. Spoliations to be compensated by government where cannot be done in judiciary way. And whereas British debts have probably been prejudiced and rendered more precarious by the lawful impediments  which after the peace did for some time exist, agreed that US. shall make reparation where cannot be obtained judicially. And for this purpose Commrs. to settle. US. may carry in vessels of 100 tuns or under whatever Brit. vessels may carry from US. paying there such tonnage as Brit. pay in US. and same duties as Brit. vessels pay there. And may bring away from said islands all articles and on same duties which Brit. may. Provided they land in US. and no W. India productions or manufactures to be transported in American vessels either from Brit. islands or from US. to other parts of world; except rum made of molasses. All other Brit. ports (not within chartered companies) to be open to citizens of US. paying for their vessels and cargoes same duties as Brit. pay. Both on importation and exportation except a tonnage equivalent to the foreign tonnage of US. And reciprocally all the ports of US. without exception shall be open to British on same terms. The trade between US. and B.W. Indies to be considered as regulated by the preceding (12th.) article and therefore excluded from operation of the following articles all productions and manufactures of Brit. dominions or US. may be imported in vessels of either party paying equal and like duties. That these duties may be made reciprocal, additional articles shall be negociated and added to this convention as soon as may be. When either party is at war and the other at peace, prizes taken from the belligerent shall not be sold in ports of the neutral party. If war between G.B. and US. they shall not arm privateers against each other, and merchants have 9. months to withdraw, and not liable to capture on return. Brit. or Americans now holding lands in dominions of the other, shall continue to hold according to the nature and tenure of their estates and titles therein and may grant sell and devise as if they were natives, and neither they nor heirs &c so far as respects the lands or legal remedies incident thereto shall be regarded as aliens. Neither debts nor property in funds or banks of either party shall in event of war be sequestered or confiscated, except that during the war payment may be suspended. Ld. Grenv.\u2019s projet. He says he proceeds on the foundation of Mr. Jay\u2019s, making occasional variations. 1. Troops from posts to be withdrawn by 1st. June 96. Settlers and traders within the precincts to enjoy property and be protected so long as they think proper\n to remain and may withdraw and sell lands &c. Shall allways be free to his\nMaj.\u2019s subjects and \nIndns. to Southward and Westward of lakes to pass and repass with goods and to commerce within or without jurisdiction of posts as heretofore without hindrance from officers or citizens of US. The waters carrying places and roads adjacent to lakes or communicating with them shall be free to his Maj.\u2019s subjects and Indns. for that purpose, and no duty to be levied. Art. 2.\n The boundary of the St. Croix to be determined  by Commrs. in London.\n The boundary towards the Missisipi to 5. run from lake Huron to the Northward of the isle Philippeaux in L. Superior, thence to the bottom of West bay in the said lake thence due W. to the river of the Red lake or Eastern branch of the Missisipi and down it to the Main river Misipi. [or 2dly. through L. Superior and from thence to the water communication between the said lake of the Woods, to the point where the said water communication shall be intersected by a line running due N. from the mouth of the river St. Croix which falls into the Misipi. below the falls of St. Anthony, and that the boundary line shall proceed from such point of intersection in a due Southwardly course along the said line to the Misipi.] and that as well on the said branch [or 2dly. the said water communication] as on the Misipi.\n where it bounds the territory of the US. the navigation shall be 6 free to both parties and his Maj.\u2019s\n subjects shall always be admitted to 7 enter freely into the bays ports and creeks on the American side and to land and dwell for commerce, and ratifies and confirms this boundary and the others in treaty of peace. Art. 3. Alledged that by operation of lawful\n impediments debts are impaired in their security and value and 8 that relief cannot be obtained judicially, where relief cannot be had for whatever reason, the U.S.\n will satisfy, and for this purpose commrs. &c and the Commrs. to take into consideration and to determine all claims on account of principal or interest in respect of the said debts and to decide respecting the same according to the merits of the several cases [as in the actual treaty to the words \u2018see cause to require.\u2019] Then fixes board to consist of 3 at least, viz 1 on each side and the 5th. \u2018the award of the said commrs.\u2019 &c [as in Art. 6. of treaty to \u2018may be directed.\u2019] Art. 4. Same as Art. 7 of treaty to the words \u2018Brit. govmt. to the said complainants\u2019 then \u2018that for the purpose\u2019 &c as in same Art. of treaty substantially to the words \u2018taken by vessels originally armed in ports of the said states\u2019 the US.\n will make full satisfaction for such loss or damage, to be assertained by commrs. as before mentioned. Art. 5. With respect to the Neutral commerce which one party may carry on with the European enemies of the other, the belligerent shall observe to the other the principles which they observe towards the most favored neutral nation of Europe. Art. 6. As in 17. of treaty omitting \u2018and if any property\u2019 &c\u2014to \u2018and it is agreed.\u2019 Art. 7. When one of the parties is at war and the other at peace, the neutral shall not suffer prizes made on the other to be brought into or sold in it\u2019s ports, and if brought the master and crew and passengers shall be set at liberty and the prize to depart. Saving previous treaties; but in all cases to which these do not apply this article\n to be in force, and neither party will make any future treaty in derogation of this article. Art. 8. In substance as the 21st. of treaty,  except that Ld. G.\u2019s does not make it piracy, but only says the transgressor shall be severely punished by laws \u2018to be provided.\u2019 Then it goes on substantially (but rather more in detail) as Art. 22. of treaty. Art. 9. Same as latter part of Art. 25. of treaty from the words \u2018Neither of the said parties shall permit\u2019 &c but instead of \u2018the party whose territorial &c\u2014or merchant vessels\u2019 it is \u2018both parties shall employ their united force to obtain reparation of the damage thereby occasioned.\u2019\n Art. 10. Verbatim as had been proposed in Jay\u2019s projet [not fully copied above] to wit \u2018if it should unfortunately happen that a war should break out between G.B. and the U.S. all merchants and others residing in the 2 countries respectively shall be allowed 9. months to retire with their effects and shall be protected from capture in their way home. Provided always that this favor is not to extend to those who shall act contrary to the established laws. The treaty here varies remarkeably from Ld. G.\u2019s projet. And it is further agreed that neither debts due from individuals of the one nation, to individuals of the other, nor shares or monies which they may have in the public funds\n or in the public or private banks &c exactly as Art. 10. of treaty. Art. 11. Same as Art. 9. of treaty and verbatim as in Jay\u2019s 1st. projet.\n                    Ld. Grenv.\u2019s Commercial projet. Art. 1. Precisely as Art. 14. of treaty except that after \u2018commerce and navigation\u2019 Ld. G. inserts \u2018and a free admission of all ships belonging to either party whether the same be ships of war or merchant vessels.\u2019 Art. 2. Same as Art. 16. of treaty except that Ld. Grenv. required that Consuls \u2018should be of the nation on whose behalf they are appointed and not otherwise\u2019 and had not the provision of the treaty for punishing or sending away a consul acting improperly. Art. 3. and 4. In substance as Art. 15. of treaty from beginning to \u2018any other foreign country\u2019 except Ld. G. proposed that they should pay same tonnage as natives. Art. 5. This article (instead of \u2018nor shall any prohibition &c\u2014to all other nations\u2019) is in these words. \u2018No new prohibition shall be laid in any of the territories or dominions aforesaid, by one of the contracting parties on the importation of any article being of the growth produce or manufacture of the territories or dominions of the other, nor shall articles being of the growth produce or manufacture of any other country be prohibited to be imported into the dominions of one of the contracting parties by the vessels of the other, except such articles only as are now so prohibited.\u2019 Art. 6. Same as Art. 12. of treaty from beginning to \u2018reasonable seastores excepted.\u2019 Except some changes in the 1st. paragraph concerning our foreign tonnage duty, and in 3d paragraph, Ld. G. has it \u2018the US. will prohibit the carrying any W. India productions or manufactures\u2019 and the treaty has  it \u2018any molasses, sugar, coffee, cocoa or cotton.\u2019 The paragraph beginning \u2018Provided also\u2019 and ending \u2018or exported in American vessels\u2019 is not in Ld. G.\u2019s projet. Then it proceeds as in the Treaty \u2018it is agreed\u2019 &c to \u2018advantage and extension of commerce.\u2019 The rest of the paragraph in the treaty \u2018and the said parties\u2019\u2014\u2018inserted on those subjects.\u2019 is not in Ld. G.\u2019s projet. Art. 7. Answers to Art. 28. of treaty but is very different. It is thus \u2018this treaty and all the matters therein contained except the 6th. article shall continue to be in force for 12. years from the day of the exchange of ratification. And if during the continuance of this treaty there shall arise on either side any complaint of the infraction of any article thereof, it is agreed that neither the whole treaty nor any article thereof shall on that account be suspended until representation shall have been made to the government by the minister of the party complaining, and even if redress shall not then be obtained, 4. months notice shall be given previous to such suspension.\u2019\n                    1794. Sep. 4. Jay\u2019s Remarks on the 2d Art. of Ld. Grenv.\u2019s projet respecting the N. Western boundary. As to the 1st. reason urged that a West line from the Lake of the Woods will pass above the source of the Missipi., he observes that this is entirely unknown and therefore proper to be examined by survey. As to the 2d. reason, that the treaty of peace gave the navigation of the Misipi. to both parties and shews an intention that each should border on a navigable part. He sais \u2018a right freely to navigate a bay, a straight, a sound or a river is perfect without, and does not necessarily presuppose the dominion and property of lands adjacent to it.\u2019 He argues that it was always known that the La. of the Woods was so far North that a due W. line from that would pass far above the falls of St. Anthony which interrupt the navigation of the Misipi. So it was not intended the English territory should come to a navigable part. How far navigable above those falls is unknown. He then mentions the fact of the 2. lines before stated to have been offered to the British minister and his choice of the Northern water line. So it was the navigation of that water line which was aimed to be kept uninterrupted, as it would have been had the 45th. degree been taken. He adds that the stipulation for the navigation of the Misipi. was an after-thought and gave occasion to a new and subsequent article to wit the 8th. No connection was introduced between that right and the boundaries, no facility stipulated for a communication between Canada and the navigable part of Misipi.  The 1st. line proposed by Ld. G. would include 35,575 square miles and the 2d. 32,400 besides the country between the Redlake river and the Misipi.\n                    Sep. 5. Ld. Grenv.\u2019s Observations [more fully than the previous extracts]. The boundary in the treaty is a due West line from the La. of the Woods to the Misipi. That it shall strike the Misipi. is as much required as that it shall strike the La. of the Wood. However he agrees to the survey. [The true argument is this. The line required by treaty has 4. characteristics. 1. That it shall strike the L. of the Woods. 2. The Misipi. 3. Be a line, singular, not several lines. 4. East and West. All these are impossible. If an E. and W. line be proposed from the L. of the Woods and a meridian from that to the head of Misipi. or an E. and W. line from the head of the Misipi. and a meridian to the La. of the Woods, these will have but 2. of the characteristics, for there will be a N. and S. line and 2. lines. And in either way one of the parties will lose territory. Let a line then be run from the head of the Misipi. to the La. of the woods. This has 3. of the 4. characteristics, and divides diagonally the territory in dispute so as to give a part to each. This is my own thought, not suggested by either of these negociators.]\n                    Mr. Jay\u2019s Notes on Ld. G.\u2019s projet. 1. In what capacity are they so to remain? As Brit. subjects or Amer. citizens. If the first, a time to make their election should be assigned. 2. If his Maj.\u2019s subjects are to pass into the Amer. territories for the purposes of Indn. trade, ought not Amer. citizens to be permitted to pass into his Maj.\u2019s territories for the like purpose? If the Amer. Indns. are to have the privilege of trading with Canada, ought not the Canada Indns. to be privileged to trade with the US? 4. If goods for Indn. trade shall be introduced duty free by Brit. traders, how is the introduction of other goods with them to be prevented? And for this privilege, operating a loss to the Amer. revenue, what reciprocal benefit is to be allowed? 5. Why should the Commrs. for ascertaining the river St. Croix, meet and decide in London? Is it not probable that actual views and surveys, and the testimony and examination of witnesses on the spot will be necessary? 6. Why confine the mutual navigation of the Misipi. to where the same bounds the territory of the US? 7. Why should perpetual commercial privileges be granted to Gr. Br. on the Misipi. &c when she declines granting perpetual commercial privileges to the US. anywhere? 8. This preamble connected with the silence of the treaty as to the negroes carried  away implies that the US. have been aggressors. It also unnecessarily impeaches their judicial proceedings. 9. On no principle ought more to be asked than that the US. indemnify creditors for losses and damages caused by the impediments mentioned. 10. The word had is not sufficiently definite, the object being not only sentence, decree or judgment but payment and satisfaction. 11. Sterling money fluctuates according to exchange. This should be fixed. 12. Why not place these captures on the footing with the others, and charge the US. only in cases where justice and complete compensation cannot be had from judicial proceedings. 13. Why provide only for neutral commerce with European enemies? The whole of this article is so indefinite as to be useless. 14. What are or shall be deemed contraband in the sense of this article? 15. As the US. have permitted the French to sell prizes in the US. should not the restriction not to do it in future commence at the expiration of the present war? 16. There should be an article against the impressment of each others people. 17. This United force should be confined to the moment of aggression. 18. The confiscation of debts &c. This Article should be in the treaty of commerce.\n                    Sep. 6. He sais he waited on Ld. Grenv. Discussed these points. He promised to consider. Manifested every disposition to accomodate. \u2018We may not finally be able to agree. If we should not, it would in my opinion occasion mutual regret, for I do believe that the greater part of the Cabinet, and particularly Ld. G. are really disposed and desirous not only to settle all differences amicably, but also to establish permanent peace, good humor and friendship between the 2 countries.\u2019\n                    Sep. 8. Ld. Grenv.\u2019s Observations, with \u2018a Note of 2. alterations in the Commercial projet in consequence of the conversation of yesterday.\u2019 1. Add in the 1st. Art. after the words \u2018property thereof\u2019 these \u2018and such of them as shall continue to reside there for the purposes\u2019 &c as in Art. 2. of treaty to \u2018evacuation.\u2019 2. 3. 4. Reserved for further examination. 5. The meeting of the Commrs. respecting the river St. Croix is proposed to be in London, because it is supposed that the great mass of evidence on the subject is here. A power may be given to them, either to direct a local survey, or to adjourn to America, but it seems very unlikely that this would become necessary. 6. No idea was entertained of confining the mutual navigation of the Misipi. to that part of the river where it bounds the territory of the US. That qualification was intended only to have reference to the free admission  of Brit. merchants and ships into the bays ports and creeks of the US. on the Misipi., nor would it have been proposed at all to repeat in this article what is so distinctly stipulated in the treaty of peace respecting the free navigation of the Misipi., except for the purpose of expressly extending that stipulation to every part of the waters now proposed to form a part of the boundary. 7. The right of admission into ports &c for the purposes of trade and the general liberty of commerce spoken of in this article, are not considered as commercial privileges, such as are usually made the subject of temporary regulation by special treaties of commerce. Gr. Br. by no means declines to give the same rights permanently to America, as with respect to those parts of her dominions which are open to foreign commerce. These rights are indeed now generally acknoleged to be incident to a state of amity and good correspondence, and if it is proposed to particularize them as with respect to the Misipi., this is done only with the view of removing the possibility of such doubts as were formerly raised here upon the subject. 8. On the fullest reconsideration of this preamble Ld. G. sees no ground to think it liable to the objection made by Mr. Jay, particularly when compared with the preamble proposed for the 4th. art. The proceedings in both articles are grounded on the allegations of individuals. The truth of those allegations is referred to the decision of the Commrs. Ld. G.\u2019s opinion with respect to the prior aggression of the US. as well as his reasons for that opinion are well known to Mr. Jay. But he has no wish to introduce into the proposed treaties any discussion of that point. He is therefore very ready to consider any form of words which Mr. Jay may suggest for those articles as better suited to the two objects to which they are directed. Those of justice to individuals, and conciliation between the governments, and this applies equally to the remarks No. 9. and 10. 11. The substitution of the word specie as suggested by Mr. Jay seems fully to meet the object here mentioned. 12. What Mr. Jay here desires was intended to be done, and was indeed concieved to be implied in the general words at the end of the article. But Ld. G. sees no objection to the insertion of express words for the purpose. 13. Ld. G. explained to Mr. Jay this morning the reason of the insertion of the word European in the place here referred to. The subject is connected with the larger consideration to which their conversation led, and from the further discussion of which Ld. Grenville is inclined to hope that mutual advantage  may arise. Mr. Jay will observe that the subject to which his remark No. 15. applies is one instance among many which might be brought to shew that this article would not be inefficient. 14. To meet the object which was this morning suggested in conversation on this article Ld. G. would propose the adoption of the following additional article to come in immediately after the 8th. Ld. G. has in conformity to what was mentioned by Mr. Jay used the words of Vattel. \u2018In order to regulate what is in future to be esteemed contraband\u2019 &c as in 18. of treaty to end of paragraph \u2018to an enemy\u2019 except that the word \u2018horses\u2019 before \u2018horse furniture\u2019 in Ld. G.\u2019s note is omitted in treaty. \u2018And whereas corn grain or provisions can be considered as contraband in certain cases only, namely when there is an expectation of reducing the enemy by the want thereof it is agreed that in all such cases the said articles shall not be confiscated but that the captors or in their default the government\u2019 &c as in 2d. paragraph of 18th. art. to end of it \u2018such detention.\u2019 15. It seems by no means unreasonable that the effect of this stipulation should be extended to the existing war, as a natural consequence of the good understanding to be established by this negociation, and by the removal of all existing differences. And it would tend to prevent so many occasions of acrimony and dispute on both sides that Ld. G. thinks it highly desireable to maintain this article in it\u2019s present form. 16. Ld. G. sees no reason whatever to object to this article. 17. This remark seems also perfectly just and will be best met by omitting the concluding part of this article. 18. \u2018Ld. G. rather thinks this Art. ought to be permanent for the mutual interest of both countries. But he is content to leave this point to the decision of Mr. Jay who is much too enlightened not to see the effect which a contrary conduct to that here prescribed must produce as with respect to America.\u2019  Commercial projet. Art. 2. Omit these words \u2018the same being of the nation on whose behalf they shall be so appointed and not otherwise\u2019 and insert in lieu thereof \u2018the same being first approved by the government of the country in which they shall be so appointed to reside.\u2019 3d. The last sentence to run thus \u2018by which the vessels of the one party shall pay in the ports of the other any higher or other duties than shall be paid in similar circumstances by the vessels of the foreign nation the most favored in that respect, or any higher or other duties than shall be paid in similar cases by the vessels of the party itself into whose ports they shall come.\u2019  Jay proceeds in his letter to E.R. [viz of Sep. 13. 94] \u2018thus Sir I have given you a very particular and correct account of the negociation. Many observations and explanatory remarks might be added. I might also inform you that I had strenuously urged the justice of compensation for the detention of the posts, and that I consider the privilege of trading to the W. Indies as providing for claims of that kind. On this privilege and the probability of it\u2019s being revived after the expiration of the term assigned for it\u2019s duration I could enlarge. But not necessary &c.\n                    The following is the preceding part of the letter or report of Sep. 13. and ought to have come in between pa. 3. and 4.\n                    After a few preliminary sentences in the letter, he states that a number of informal conversations took place &c. The enquiry naturally led to the fact which constituted the 1st. violation of the treaty of peace. The carrying away the negroes contrary to the 7th. Art. of the treaty of peace was insisted on as being the first aggression. It was answered this meant that would not carry away any negroes or other property of the Amer. inhabitants or in other words that the evacuation should be made without depredation. That no alteration in the actual state of property was intended to be operated. That every slave like every horse which escaped or strayed from within the Amer. lines, and came into possession of the British army, became by the laws and rights of war British property, and therefore ceasing to be American property, it\u2019s exportation was not inhibited. That to extend it to negroes who had come to them under the faith of proclamations, and to whom, according to promise, liberty had been given was to give it an odious construction contrary to the established rules for construing treaties. To this he replied the several considerations from a report he once made to Congress on this subject. That on this point the negociators could not agree. Then urged that from the documents recited and stated in Mr. Jefferson\u2019s letter to Mr. Hammond the posts were not evacuated within reasonable time, nor ever ordered to be evacuated. Answered the provisional articles were signed at Paris Nov. 30. 82. These were to constitute the treaty, but not till terms should be concluded between Gr. Br. and Fr. The treaty of peace was not concluded till Sep. 3. 83. Not ratified in Amer. till Jan. 14. 84. Ratification not received in Lond. till May 28. 84. nor exchanged till the end of that month. That according to the Laws of Nations treaties do not oblige the parties to begin to execute them till they have received their whole form, i.e. till ratification and exchange of ratifications. That therefore Gr. Br. was not obliged to give orders for evacuation till May 84. which could not arrive at Quebec till July 84. That  therefore allegations of infraction prior to July 13. 84. are unfounded. That in the interval between the arrival and publication in America of the provisional articles and July 84. violations of the treaty had taken place in the US. That reason and the practice of nations warrant during a suspension of hostilities only such measures as result from a continuance of the status quo, until the final exchange of ratifications. That in opposition to this new legislative acts had passed in the interval, evidently calculated to be beforehanded with the treaty, and to prevent it\u2019s full operation in certain points when it should be ratified and take effect. That these acts were the first violations and justified detention of the posts till the injuries caused by their operation should be compensated. Jay admitted the proposition that Gr. Br. was not obliged to evacuate till ratifications exchanged and that certain legislative acts had passed inconsistent with the treaty: but that it does not thence naturally follow that those acts were without justice even as relative to the treaty, for precedent violations on the part of Gr. Br. would justify subsequent retaliation on the part of the US. Here again the affair of the negroes emerged and was insisted on and answered as before. He confesses that this answer made an impression on his mind and induced him to suspect that his former opinion on that head might not be well founded. They therefore abandoned the question of the 1st. aggression. After free conversations on various points and returning home he prepared the outlines for a convention and treaty of commerce and inclosed to Ld. Grenville. [To wit the same which are before stated pa. 4. and called Jay\u2019s original projet. Note from the top of this page to this place being inserted at the head of pa. 4. makes this abstract of the whole letter or report of Sep. 13. pretty complete and full.]\n                    Jay\u2019s letter of Nov. 19. \u2018Sir. The long expected treaty accompanies this letter. A probability of soon concluding it has caused the packet to be detained more than a week. The difficulties which retarded it\u2019s accomplishment frequently had the appearance of being insurmountable. They have at last yielded to modifications of the articles, in which they existed and to that mutual disposition to agreement which reconciled Ld. G. and myself to an unusual degree of trouble and application. They who have levelled uneven grounds know how little of the work afterwards appears. \u00a7 Since the building is finished it cannot be very important to describe the scaffolding or go into all the details which respected the business. Explanatory remarks on certain articles might be useful by casting light on governing principles, which in some instances are not so obvious as to be distinctly seen on the 1st. view. Feeling the want of leisure and relaxation, I cannot undertake it in this moment of haste. I must confine myself to a few cursory observations and  hope allowances will be made for inaccuracies and omissions. My opinion of the treaty is apparent from my having signed it. I have no reason to believe or conjecture that one more favorable to us is attainable. Perhaps it is not very much to be regretted that all our differences are merged in this treaty, without having been decided. Disagreeable imputations are thereby avoided and the door of conciliation is fairly and widely opened by the essential justice done, and the conveniences granted to each other by the parties. The term limited for the evacuation of the posts could not be restricted to a more early day. That point has been pressed. The reasons which caused an inflexible adherence to that term I am persuaded were these. Viz. that the traders have spread thro\u2019 the Indn. nations goods to a great amount. That the returns for those goods cannot be drawn into Canada at an earlier period: that the impression which the surrender of all the posts to Amer. garrisons will make on the minds of the Indns. cannot be foreseen. On a former occasion it was intimated to them (not very delicately) that they had been forsaken and given up to the US. That the protection promised on our part, however sincere, and however in other respects competent, cannot entirely prevent those embarrasments which, without our fault, may be occasioned by the war. That for these reasons the traders ought to have time to conclude their adventures which were calculated on the existing state of things. They will afterwards calculate on the new state of things; but that in the mean time the care of government should not be withdrawn from them. \u00a7. The 3d. art. will I presume appear to you in a favorable light. A number of reasons which in my judgment are solid support it. I think they will on consideration become obvious. It was proposed and urged that the commercial intercourse opened by this article ought to be exempted from all duties whatever on either side. The inconveniences which we should experience from such a measure were stated and examined. It was finally agreed to subject it to native duties. In this compromise, which I consider as being exactly right, that difficulty terminated. But for this compromise the whole article would have failed and every expectation of an amicable settlement been frustrated. A continuance of trade with the Indns. was a decided ultimatum. Much time and paper and many conferences were employed in producing this article. That part of it which respects the ports and places on the Eastn. side of the Misipi. if considered in connection with the  article in the treaty of peace, and with the article in this treaty which directs a survey of that river to be made, will I think appear unexceptionable. \u00a7 In discussing the question about the river St. Croix before the Commrs. I apprehend the old French claims will be revived. We must adhere to Mitchell\u2019s map. The V. President perfectly understands  this business. \u00a7 The 6th. art. was a sine qua non, and is intended as well as calculated to afford that justice and equity which judicial proceedings may on trial be found incapable of affording. That the Commrs. may do exactly what is right, they are to determine according to the merits of the several cases, having a due regard to all the circumstances and as justice and equity shall appear to them to require. \u00a7. It is very much to be regretted that a more summary method than the one indicated in the 7th. art. could not have been devised and agreed upon for settling the capture cases. Every other plan was perplexed with difficulties which frustrated it. Permit me to hint the expediency of aiding the claimants by employing a gentleman at the public expence to oversee and manage the causes of such of them as cannot conveniently have agents of their own here. And whether in some cases pecuniary assistance might not be proper. I do not consider myself at liberty to make such an appointment, nor to enter into any such pecuniary engagements. It would probably be more easy to find a proper person on your side of the water than on this. Here there are few fit for the business &c. [about 12. lines respecting an agent.]\n                    You will find in the 8th. Art. a stipulation which in effect refers the manner of paying the Commrs. very much to our election. I prefer paying them jointly. The objection to it is that the English pay high. I have always doubted the policy of being Penny wise. \u00a7. The Ld. Chancellor has prepared an Art. respecting the mutual admission of evidence &c which we have not had time fully to consider and decide upon. It contains a clause to abolish alienism between the 2 countries. His Ldp.\u2019s conduct and conversation indicate the most friendly disposition towards us. A copy of his article shall be sent, and I wish to recieve precise instructions on that head. \u00a7. The credit of some of the states having to my knolege suffered by appearances of their being favorable to the idea of sequestrating British debts on certain occasions, the 10th. art. will be useful. Persons wishing to invest their property in our funds and banks, have frequently applied to me to be informed whether they might do it without risk of confiscation or sequestration. My answer has been uniform, to wit, that in my opinion such measures would be improper, and therefore that in my opinion they would not be adopted. Some pressed me for assurances, but I have declined giving any. \u00a7 The 12th. art. admitting our vessels of 70. tons and under into the British islands in the W. Indies, affords occasion for several explanatory remarks. It became connected with a proposed stipulation for the abolition of all alien duties of every kind between the 2 countries. This proposition was pressed but strong objections opposed my agreeing to it. A satisfactory statement of the negociation on this point would be prolix. At present I  cannot form a very concise one, for that would not require less time. The selection and arrangement necessary in making abridgments cannot be hastily performed. The duration of this article is short, but if we meet the disposition of this country to good humor and cordiality I am much inclined to believe it will be renewed. The duration of the treaty is connected with the renewal of that article, and an opportunity will then offer for discussing and settling many important matters. \u00a7 The article which opens the Brit. ports in the E. Indies to our vessels and cargoes needs no comment. It is a manifestation and proof of good will towards us. \u00a7. The questions about the cases in which alone provisions become contraband, and the question whether and how far neutral ships protect enemy\u2019s property have been the subjects of much trouble and many fruitless discussions. That Britain at this period and involved in war should not admit principles which would impeach the propriety of her conduct in seizing provisions bound to France, and enemy\u2019s property on board of neutral vessels does not appear to me extraordinary. The articles as they now stand secure compensation for seizures and leave us at liberty to decide whether they were made in such cases as to be warranted by the existing law of nations. As to the principles we contend for, you will find them saved in the conclusion of the 12th. article, from which it will appear that we still adhere to them.\n                    The articles about privateers were taken from the treaty of commerce between Gr. Br. and France, and the one for treating natives commanding privateers as pirates in certain cases was partly taken from ours with Holland. \u00a7 The prohibition to sell prizes in our ports had it\u2019s use: and we have no reason to regret that your instructions to me admitted of it. \u00a7 Various articles which have no place in this treaty have from time to time been under consideration, but did not meet with mutual approbation and consent. \u00a7 I must draw this letter to a conclusion. Ld. G. is anxious to dismiss the packet as soon as possible. \u00a7. There is reason to hope that occasions for complaint on either side will be carefully avoided. Let us be just and friendly to all nations. \u00a7 I ought not to omit mentioning the acknolegements due from me to Mr. Pinckney &c. \u00a7. It is desirable that I should have the earliest advice of the ratification &c. \u00a7. I had almost forgotten to mention that on finishing and agreeing to the draught of the treaty I suggested to Ld. G. as a measure that would be very acceptable to our country the interposition of his Maj. with Algiers and other states of Barbary that may be hostile to us. This idea was favorably received and it is my opinion that this court would in good earnest undertake that business, in case nothing should occur to impeach the sincerity of that mutual reconciliation which it is to be  hoped will now take place. \u00a7 It will give you pleasure to hear that great reserve and delicacy has been observed respecting our concerns with France. The stipulation in favor of existing treaties was agreed to without hesitation. Not an expectation nor even a wish has been expressed that our conduct towards France should be otherwise than fair and friendly. In a word: I do not know how the negociation could have been conducted on their part with more delicacy, friendliness, and propriety than it has been from first to last. I have the honor to be &c\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": 1797},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1797", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/02-02-02-0007", "content": "Title: Memorandum Books, 1797\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n              Agreed with William Wood to keep James, Dick, Patrick & Moses another year @ \u00a316\u201310. I shall give Lucy Wood the same for James.\n              Gave W. Beck order on T. Carr for 46/8 in full for his work.\n              Gave D. Watson ord. on Flem. & Mclan. for 15/6 and pd. him 6/ cash.\n              Accept Wm. C. Bugg\u2019s ord. in favr. of Reeves & Brown for \u00a35\u20130\u20135 in full for bringing up nailrod, and gave Snelson an order for the money on Flem. & Mclanahan.\n              Executed bonds to Wakelyn Welch as follows.\n                1st.\u2003 \u00a3300. \u2003with int. from Dec. 1. 96. paiable July 1.\u2005 1798.   2d. 300. do. 99\u2005   3d. 381\u2005 do. 1800\u2005    \u00a3981\u2005   4th. 150.with int. from Aug. 26. 93. paiable July 1.1801. The three first are for my part of Mr.Wayles\u2019s debt to Cary & Welch, the 4th. for thebalance of a debt of my own to the same.   \n              Inclosed the bonds to John Wickham.\n              Assumed to Joseph Moran John Steele\u2019s order for the balance due Steele for his work.\n                Settled with John H. Buck. I owed him balance of\u2002 \u00a317\u201318\u20137   \u2003now give him ord. on Flem. & Mclan. for 10\u2013   \u2003balance remaining due to him 7\u201318\u20137  \n              Gave Wm. Page for exp. to Goochld. 2.D.\n              Gave Watson ord. on Lott 1. gall. rum.\n              Recd. from Old in part pay for nails furnished Moore 6.D.\n              Paid Joshua Key for 1200. \u2114 oats 7.D.\n              Bot. 50. Bar. corn from John Watson @ 14/.\n              Recd. from R. Jefferson a negro boy Cary on same acct. as Ben ante Sep. 3.\n                 Alexr. Garret has recd. for me from T. Carr on acct. \u2005D. \u2003of postage14.46  \u2003gave him now an order on P. Lott for balance of do.\u2002 11.335   \u2003whole amt. postage from Oct. 1. to Feb. 7. 25.795   \n                Gave bonds\u2005 to Lucy Wood senr. for\u2005 \u00a333. for hire of Dick & Moses    to Lucy Wood junr. \u00a316\u201310 do. of James    to William Wood \u00a316\u201310 do. of Patrick    all payable Jan. 1. 98.  \n              Gave my note to Flem. & Mclanahan for \u00a38\u20135\u20132 for Hugh Petit, this being the balance due him on a deduction of one third of his year\u2019s hire, to wit \u00a311\u201313\u20134 for lost time. Note he had given them an order on me for whatever balance I owed him.\n                Recd. from Peter Lott \u00a385\u201315\u20137 cash\u2002=\u2002285.94 \u2003which with the ord. of the 11th. inst.\u2003 11. 335\u2005for Garrett   make\u2003\u2002 297.275\u2005dollars which I am to replace for him in Philadelphia to John Barnes.  \n              Gave Jupiter to bear expences to Staunton 2.D.\n              Recd. of Mr. Jones by Esom 32/7\u00bd for the beef ante Jan. 22.\n              Recd. of Price \u00a35\u201312 cash which with 4. turkies formerly bought makes up his rent for 96.\u2003Credit Mr. Short.\n              Bot. of Price 20. bush. oats @ 2/6 paiable when I return.\n              Recd. of Saml. Clarke by Jupiter \u00a339\u20130\u20132 on acct. for nails.\n              Settled with N. Lewis junr. as follows.\n               \u2003boot in exchange of lands settled ante Dec. 21.\u00a316\u201315\u201306. gallons whiskey furnd. by N. Lewis senr. to Biddle\u2003\u20031\u2013\u20022\u2013617\u201317\u20136Cr. By nails4\u201313\u20134balance due him\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u200313\u2013\u00a0\u00a04\u20132\u2003\u200317\u201317\u20136 \n              Gave him order to Colo. Bell to pay out of some money which Saml. Clarke is soon to lodge with him for me.\n              Gave Peter Martin order on Flem. & Mclan. for 40/ in full for a ton of nailrod brought up in 1794.\n              Sent by Wm. Page to Mrs. Carter \u00a340\u201310 for hire of her two sawyers last year & took in my bond.\n              Credit TMRandolph 36\u00bd bushels rye sowed at Shadwell.\n              Gave TMR\u2019s Peter for waggoning 12/.\n              Gave Maria pocket money \u00a37.\n              Gave Silknitter order on T. Carr for \u00a36.\n              Pd. Garner mending spectacles 1/6.\n              Gave Robt. Baillie ord. on John Watson for \u00a34\u20134\u20138 which with the 35/6 ante Sep. 3. pays Lively\u2019s rent for 96. Credit Mr. Short accordly.\n              Gave do. order on Flem. & Mclanachan which with the 12/ ante Dec. 26. makes \u00a320. in full for his wages last year.\n              Gave Page to buy oats \u00a34\u20134.\n              Set out for Philadelphia. \n              Pd. for oats at Gordon\u2019s 2/.\n              Chew\u2019s. pd. dinner lodging &c. 21/6.\n              Fredsbg. pd. at Benson\u2019s breakft. &c. 6/4\u00bd\u2003barber 1/3\u20032 pr. straps 6/.\n              Dumfries. Smock\u2019s. lodging &c. 22/6.\n              Colchester. ferrge. 3/\u2003breakft. &c. 5/.\n                Alexandria.\u2005 gave Jupiter for his expences 12.D.    pd. stage hire to Baltimore 4.75\u2003dinner &c. 20/9.   \n                George town.\u2005 ferrge. .5.    Sewel\u2019s.entt. 2.63. waiter .5. \n              Bladensbg. driver .25\u2003breakft. .5.\n              Spuryear\u2019s dinner &c. .75\u2003vales .25.\n                Baltimore.\u2005 Brydon\u2019s lodging &c. 2.92.    Stage hire to Philada. 7.D. barber .25\u2003vales .25.  \n              North Point. driver .25.\n              Rockhall. entt. on vessel .5\u2003watermen .5\u2003breakft. .5.\n              Wilmington driver .25\u2003barber .25\u2003breakft. .25.\n              Philadelphia. charity .25\u2003dinner 1.\n              Whole amount of travelling expences are 49.03.\n              Vales at Mr. Madison\u2019s 1.\u2003ribbon .1875.\n              Deposited with John Barnes gold 173.81.\n              Recieved back from him 20.D.\n              Paid Bache for 1. year\u2019s papers 8.D.\n              Barnes has recd. for Mr. Short reimbursemt. of principal & interest as follows\n              which he has credited me & I must credit Mr. Short. He holds now a balance in my favor 411.13.\n              Gave Crosby order on Barnes for 18.32 for newspapers &c.\n              Pd. Chaudron for J. Randolph\u2019s watch 1.25\u2003gave barber .25.\n              Executd. a power of atty. to J. Barnes to recieve my salary during the present year. Pd. notary public .5.\n              Recd. from Barnes cash 150.D.\n              Pd. seeing elephant .5\u2003pd. for soap & pomatum .75.\n              Pd. for 6. seats in mail stage to Baltimore 48.D.\n              Pd. for Nautical almanac 1.25.\n              Drew on Barnes in favor of C. Johnston & co. 178.30. This was to cover their advance for me.\n              Drew on do. in favr. of John Mason of George town for 100.D. to pay balance for which I had given him an order ante 1794. June 29. on Lownes for 92.8 which he had failed to present in time.\n              Drew on Chas. Johnston in favr. Richardson \u00a320. (bricklayer)\n              Pd. Bedford for a pr. of Boots 9.D.\n              Pd. Billington for a cloth coat and fleecy waistcoat 24.23.\n              Pd. Richardson (optician) for case of pocket instrum. for TMR. 6.D.\n              Pd. Bache a year\u2019s papers for J. Randolph 5.D. from Apr. 1.\n              Recd. from J. Barnes 21.40 which exactly balances our accts.\n              Cash on hand 92.50 (+ 5.5 left at Monticello).\n              Charity 2.D.\u2003Chaudron cleaning watch 2.D.\n              Pd. seeing elks .75\u2003barber 2.25\u2003servt. 4.D.\u2003vales 2.D.\n              Left with J. Brown to pay Richardson for spectacles for F. Eppes 8.5.\n              Pd. Francis 10. days board, wood & wine 23.D.\n              Left Philadelphia.\n              Chester. gave driver .25.\n              Wilmington. dinner 1.\u2003apples .125.\n              Susquehanna. breakfast .5\u2003watermen .2\u2003driver .25.\n                Baltimore.\u2005 dinner &c. 2.38.    recd. back from Tazewell, Brown & Blount 36.D. of the 48.D. pd. ante Mar. 10. for stage seats. pd. stage hire to Alexandria 4.75\u2003vales .5.  \n              Spuryear\u2019s. breakfast .5\u2003vales .25.\n              Bladensburg dinner & vales 1.D.\n                George town.\u2005 driver .25\u2003Dr. Brown for a book 1.D.    stage hire to Alexandria 2.17.   \n              Alexandria. lodging &c. 1.40\u2003vales .25\u2003stage hire.\n              Colchester. driver .25\u2003dinner & vales 1.\n                Dumfries.\u2005 barber .25\u2003supper &c. .7\u2003old balance 1.25.    vales .25.   \n              Fredsbg. driver .25\u2003barber .25.\n              Mansfeild. vales 1.5.\n              Fredsbg. pd. Benson 4\u00bd days board servt. & horses 9.25\u2003vales .25.\n              Guide .25\u2003mending chair at Colo. Minors 1.\n              Davidson\u2019s oats. Arrived at home.\n              Amount of travelling expences, excluding Benson\u2019s bill 39.1.\n              Recd. back from Jupiter .25 of the money ante Feb. 23.\n              Agreed with Saml. Hogg to waggon for me at 18/ finding himself.\n              The pipe of Termo broached ante May 21. is out.\n              Broached another 27. I. diameter, of which 9. I. is ullage.\n              Executed to Van Staphorsts & Hubbard of Amsterdam two bonds for the 2000. Doll. for which I drew on them ante Sep. 18. and Oct. 24. The one bond is for 1000. Doll. payable Oct. 1. 1800. with interest @ 6. pr. cent from Oct. 1. 96. The other is for 1000.D. payable Oct. 1. 1801. with like interest from Nov. 1. 96.\n              Executed a bond to Donald Scott & co. for \u00a380\u201313\u201310\u00bd with int. at 5. per cent from Oct. 1. 96. payable July 1. 1798. This is for a debt due them from my brother Randolph and is to go in part paiment for the two boys Ben & Cary recieved ante Sep. 3. and Feb. 9.\n              Hogg\u2019s waggon begins to work.\n              Accepted Hastings Marks\u2019s ord. in favr. of Ludlow Bramham for \u00a319\u201310. to be paid July 1. This is in part paiment for Nance as well as the article ante Oct. 9.\n              Bought of Barb\u00e9 75. Bar. corn @ 12/ paiable July 1.\n              Pd. for wintering a stray heifer 6/\u2003small exp. 3/.\n              Recd. 144. \u2114 beef from Rogers.\n              Recd. from George Haden 15.D. in part of rent for Mr. Short.\n              Richardson, Duke & Chisolm begin work. The 2 first @ 6/.\n              Small exp. 1.D.\u2003gave T. Walker\u2019s Titus 1.D.\n              Pd. Duffy the taylor in full 50/\u2003small exp. .7.\n              Recd. by Mr. Coalter from Saml. Clarke \u00a336\u20137 on account.\n                Paid Garrett for\u2005 postage for TMRand.\u2003 1.52\u2002}\u200321.92    do. for myself 16.40    1. year\u2019s gazette      \u2003for Pleasants 4\u2005   \n              Pd. Bruce for the beef ante Apr. 1. 9/7.\n              Left with Colo. Bell for T. Walker \u00a38\u201313\u201310 balance of acct. due for mares to the Jack.\n              Note Colo. Jouett had in his life time recd. from John M. Haden as security for Anthony Haden in Fluvanna \u00a314\u20132\u20138 the amount of my judgmt. against him. He being at the same time authorized to recieve from me the balance due to Donald, Scot & co. (which on balancing all accts. would be \u00a37\u201314\u201311\u00bd with int. from the peace Apr. 19. 83. till paid) I authorized him to consider the money when recd. as paid to Donald Scot & co. of which I notified Colo. Morris this day that he might apply to Fletcher admr. of Jouett.\n              Paid Garner for mending buttons 4/6.\n              Pd. Richd. Richardson for Joshua Key for oats @ 3/ \u00a37\u20131.\n              Pd. Jacob Silknitter \u00a310. still owe him \u00a313\u201314. He has worked here 101. days @ 4/ himself & 2/ his son.\n              Bought a waggon horse of him for \u00a333. payable July 1.\n              Desired Flem. & Mclanachan to pay Haden \u00a336 for the hire of Isaac & Tom last year.\n              Accepted N. M. Lewis\u2019s order in favor of Isaac Millar for the \u00a313\u20134\u20132 ante Feb. 15. & taking credit from Millar for the 2 articles of Jan. 22. & Feb. 5. making \u00a33\u20131\u20136 desired P. Lott to pay him the balance of \u00a310\u20132\u20138.\n              Accepted Chas. L. Lewis\u2019s ord. in favr. Chas. Wingfield for \u00a312 to be paid in nails.\n              Sm. exp. 2.D.\u2014do. 1.D.\u2003lent Mrs. Day 3. gall. molasses. Mrs. Burgess 2. gall.\n              Mrs. Taliaferro 3 gall. 1. pint.\n              Settled with David Watson. Balance due him \u00a37\u20139.\n                Recd. of Dr. Wardlaw\u2002 77.17 \u2002for Dr. Jackson No. 43. N. 3d. street \u2003Philadelphia and8.for Bache, to pay old paper & engage new.85.17  \n                Mr. Lott now puts cash into my hands\u2003\u2003\u2003 \u00a354\u201317\u20134 \u2003He paid Millar for me (ante Apr. 19)10\u20132\u2013865\u20130\u20130\u2005=\u2005216.67\u2003which I am to replace for him to Barnes. \n               Sent Fleming & Mclanachan by Mr. Lott\u00a312 \u2003pd. Mr. Fleming cash 24   \u2003which repays what they paid Haden for me Apr. 18.\u2002 36  \n              Accepted Hastings Marks\u2019s order in favr. Peter Marks for the balance I owe him.\n                Gave Wm. Page\u2005 to pay Rogers for beef ante Apr. 4. 10.D.    to pay W. Beck in full 2.D.   \n              Pd. small expences 1.6.\n                Chas. Johnston informs me he has recd. from Pope on acct. of my exn. v. Robt. Lewis\u00a3110\u20130\u2013\u20027\u2003I owed Chas. Johnston a balance of\u00a353\u20132\u2013\u20021 I now draw on him\u2005 for Davd. Clapton 33\u20134\u2013\u20020    for Stephen Willis\u2003\u2003 24\u20130\u201310\u2003 110\u20136\u201311   \u2003which places me in his debt  0\u20136\u2013\u20024   \n              Note the draught in favor Willis pays him off the last part of the balance settled ante Nov. 30. That in favor Clapton is for principal & intt. of the notes to the Woods mentioned ante Dec. 31.\n              Sent Isaac Millar by Phill 8.D. to pay an omitted claim for a saddle.\n              Left with Patsy for small expences 27.D.\n              Set out from Monticello for Philadelphia. \n              Paid at Noah\u2019s lodging &c. 1.87.\n                Fredsbg.\u2005 pd. Mr. Hay to buy bottles for beer 9.33.    Jupiter expences returning & coming 6.D. stage to Alexandria 3.D.entertt. at Benson\u2019s 3.D.\u2003barber .25.vales .25.  \n              Stafford C. H. brkft. &c. .5\u2003driver .25.\n              Dumfries driver .25\u2003Colchester dinner &c. 1.25.\n                Alexandria.\u2005 driver .25\u2003seat to Baltimore 4.75.    stage to George town 2.5.  \n                 George town.\u2005 driver .25\u2003ferrge. .05\u2003portage .25.    lodging &c. 1.   \n              Bladensbg. breakfast .5.\n              Spuryear\u2019s. driver .25\u2003dinner &c. .97\u2003pd. for Dr. Jones .9.\n                Baltimore.\u2005 barber .25\u2003charity 1.    lodging &c. Evans\u2019s 1. stage to Phila. for Dr. Jones & Clay 18.67\u2003myself 9.33.  \n              Susquehanna. ferrge. &c. .25.\n              Elkton dinner &c. 1.\u2003driver .25.\n              Christiana.\u2003driver .25.\n                Wilmington.\u2005 supper &c. .75\u2003recd. from Mr. Clay 9.33.    vales .25.   \n              Chester. driver .25\u2003breakfast .5\u2003servt. .25.\n              Philadelphia. driver .25 (exp. of journey 38.06 + 6. to Jupiter).\n              Pd. Richardson for spectacles 1.5\u2003portage .5.\n              Recd. of Dr. Jones in full 10.13.\n              Pd. J. Bringhurst for a facsimile of my name 2.\n              Pd. for pamphlets .3\u2003books 1.25\u2003tooth brush .1.\n              Gave my note to J. Barnes for 600.D. to be discountd. at bank.\n              Pd. Bache for Dr. Wardlaw arrears 2.67. year\u2019s advance 5.\n              Gave Dr. Jackson ord. on J. Barnes for 77.14 on account of Dr. Wardlaw ante May 1.\n              Pd. pontage at Grey\u2019s .04\u2003recd. ord. from J. Barnes on Boyce for 50.D.\n              Indorsed & inclosed sd. ord. to Chas. Johnston & co.\n              Inclosed to John Shell ord. on C. Johnston for 21.21. See Nov. 30.\n              Pd. Richardson balce. for spectacles 8.5.\n              Gave Mr. Dawson\u2019s servt. 1.\n              Gave my note at bank US. for 400.D. paiable to Barnes.\n              Pd. Bringhurst for facsimiles 1.5\u2003for pencils .5.\n              Pd. Samuel Harrison Smith for 1. year\u2019s gazett 3.D. to commence with publication.\n              Pd. Bache for books 10.D.\u2003pd. for 4. chimney ornaments 3.D.\n              Recd. from Barnes 30.D.\n              Paid for soap .375\u2003glasses .55\u2003pd. J. Bringhurst for oiled silk coat on acct. 8.D.\n              Agreed with\u2003\u2003Bohlen to give 3000 livres Tournois for my bust made by Ciracchi if he shall agree to take that sum. \n              Pamphlets .5\u2003prints 3.\u2003servt. Theodore a month\u2019s wages 10.D.\n              Pd. J. Bringhurst for books 5.12\u2003mending box 1.\n              Recd. from Barnes 30.D.\n              Pd. Gatty for a thermometer for myself 6.D.\u2003do. for TMR. 6.D.\n              Pd. washing woman 4.D.\n              Repaid Dr. Jones 3.D. pd. to Simonet to me for a dinner.\n              Pd. J. Bringhurst for books 3.\u2003crucibles .625.\n              J. Barnes has sold to Wm. & Samuel Keith my crop of tobo. 17. hhds. which by the Lynchburg weights were 25,300. \u2114 & now weighs only 24,014 \u2114 @ 10. Doll. per C wt. @ 60. & 90. days paiment. 354 \u2114 of the above were drawn out & not reprised, and sold @ 7.D. The whole amount of sales was 2390.78 to wit.\n                \u2003freight 85.D.\u2003haulage 6.37\u2003storage 13.60\u2003} D.   weighing @ 2. cents pr. C 4.74 124.70  \u2003porterage, turng. out &c. 3.19 cooperage 11.80   commission on amt. of sales 2\u00bd pr. Cent. 59.75   postage of letters .42    184.87   Nett proceeds 2205.91    2390.78   \n                \u2003the analysis of the whole is\u2005 loss of weight\u2003 5.\u2005 pr. cent commission2\u2005\u00bdpr. centfreight & other charges .52 pr. Cwt. or5\u2005pr. cent12\u00bd \n              so that 10.D. on the Philadelphia weights nett me but 8.75 on the weights at the Lynchburg warehouse.\n              Recd. from J. Barnes 300.D. & deposited in Mint to be coined in half dimes.\n              Paid Gale for his newspaper to commence July 1. 4.D.\n              Recd. from Barnes 20.D.\u2003pd. for tinwork 1.5.\n              Pd. Callender for Hist. of US. 15.14.\n              Gave J. Fretwell ord. on J. Barnes for 46.90 for coach and chair springs for TMR.\n              Pd. Bringhurst 2.5\u2003pd. for 2 packing boxes 1.82.\n              Pd. Hyde for bookbinding .93\u2003pd. for a trunk 12.\n              Recd. from Barnes 20.D.\n              Gave do. power of atty. to recieve W. Short\u2019s dividends of Apr. 1. & July 1.\n              Pd. Lohra on executing it .5.\n              Pd. packer .75\u2003pd. Bringhurst for putting on trunk lock 2.5.\n              Pd. Genl. Varnum for Adams & Larkin\u2019s newspaper 3.D. to begin July 1.\n              Gave Andr. G. Fraunces in charity 4.D.\u2003small exp. .125.\n              Gave do. in charity 4.D.\u2003pd. barber to this day 7.D.\n              Directed J. Barnes to pay John Ross an old balance of 59.38 omitted to be paid by Lownes. See ante 94. Apr. 30.\n              Recd. from the mint (thro\u2019 J. Barnes) the 300.D. in dismes and half dimes ante June 17.\n              Recd. from J. Barnes 500.D. in eagles & half eagles.\n              Pd. Hyde, bookbinder .50.\n              Recd. from Wm. Mclure & co. by order from Caleb Tate of Lynchburg 449.52 for wheat sold him from Pop. For. by Bowl. Clarke.\n              Deposited the sd. 449.52 in the hands of John Barnes on account.\n              Drew the following orders on John Barnes payable July 3.\n                \u2003in favor of\u2005 John Bedford shoemaker 17\u2005    Michael Roberts 53\u2005    Wm. Richardson, optician 45\u2005    Thos. Billington taylor 48.50    Joseph B. Barry. cabinet maker 46.75    Joseph Roberts for nail rod 400. desired him to remit to H. Remsen\u200220.67\u2002630.92  \n              Pd. for a hat 6.D.\u2003pd. Richardson .50 to make up deficiency in the above order for a chain, price 2.50 for TMR. which with 40.D. for a compas charge to TMR.\n              Recd. from Barnes 8.D.\n              Recd. from J. Barnes 32.D.\u2003pd. a sadler 1.5.\n              Pd. Henrietta Gardner for washing 5.\n              Pd. for yesterday\u2019s dinner at Oellers\u2019s 4.\n              Pd. small exp. to Logan\u2019s .0625\u2003coachhire to do. 3.5.\n              Pd. coach hire to do. for Colo. Monroe 3.5.\n              Pd. passage in mailstage to Baltimore for myself 7.D.\n              Pd. do. for Mr. Jones, to be charged to Colo. Monroe 7.D.\n              Gave John Cole ord. on Barnes for 15.50 balance for oiled silk great coats for TMR. & myself (ante June 10).\n              Gave John Francis order on Barnes for 225.55 for rent, board &c. to this day.\n              Gave J. Francis additional order on Barnes for 2 days 7.D. and postage 2.5 = 9.5.\n              Pd. barber 1.5\u2003vales 2.D.\u2003porterage .5\u2003servt. in full 10.D.\n              Left Philadelphia between 8. & 9. aclock A.M.\n              Chester. gave driver .25.\n              Wilmington. 2 dinners 2.25 viz. for Jones & myself.\n              Susquehanna ferrges. .26\u2003ferrymen .25\u20032 lodgings & suppers 1.5.\n                Baltimore\u2005 barber .25\u20032 seats in stage to Alexandria 9.5.    dinner, lodging &c. myself 3.26\u2003do. Jones 1.87\u2003vales .0625.   \n              Spuryear\u2019s 2 breakfasts 1.\u2003servt. .25\u2003driver .25.\n              Vanhorn\u2019s driver .25.\n              Bladensburg 2 dinners 2.06\u2003servt. .125.\n              Georgetown driver .25\u20032 ferriages .25\u2003ferrymen .125.\n                Alexandria\u2005 barber .25\u2003do. for Mr. Jones & a comb 1.    2. suppers 1.58\u2003guide on road 1.   \n              Colchester 2 lodgings .4\u2003ferrge. .5.\n              Dumfries 2 breakfasts .8\u2003servt. .08.\n              Stafford C. H. 2 dinners 2.3\u2003servt. .08.\n              Falmouth ferrge. .4.\n              Fredsbg. \u2153 of stage hire from Alexa. for self 10.D.\u2003\u2153 do. for Jones 10.D.\n              Benson for days of Jupiter & horses 25.125\u2003servt. .25.\n              Noah\u2019s breakfast &c. 1.\n              Arrived at Monticello between 8 & 9. aclock A.M.\n                Amount of travelling exp. above, to wit my part40.12 \u2003Jupiter\u2019s bill 25.125    65.245   \u2003Mr. Jones\u2019s part 31.737   \u2003to which add coach hire for Colo. Monroe July 2.\u2003\u2003 3.5    35.237   \n              Arrearages of Small expences at home 8.D.\n              Gave Silknitter order on Peter Lott in full (ante Apr. 18) 155.67. Note my draught on Lott is in part of 200.D. I paid Barnes for him.\n              Paid Wm. Page on account 120.D.\n              Paid Nimrod Bramham for Ludlow Bramham on Hastings Mark\u2019s order assumed by me ante Apr. 1. \u00a319\u201310 in part for Nance.\n              Sent Mrs. Carter by Wm. Page for corn bot. in my absence 50.D.\n              Paid Saml. Hogg in full for waggoning 144.75.\n              Accepted John Spiers\u2019s order in favor of Flem. & Mclan. for 30.D. in part paimt. of his relinquishmt. of claim to 100 acres of my Pouncey\u2019s tract of land. \n              Paid Richardson 10.D.\n                Promised P. Lott to pay Barnes for him 47.25   \u2003delivered him in dimes & half dimes 10. \u2003which makes additional charge to him of\u200357.25  \n              Page agrees with Mrs. Key for 30. B. corn @ 3.D.\n              Inclosed her this day ord. on P. Lott for 40.D. in part paimt.\n              Drew on John Barnes in favr. C. Johnston & co. for 500.D.\n              Drew on C. Johnston & co. in favr. J. Darmstadt for 100.D. in part for fish.\n              Inclosed to C. Johnston & co. a certificate of the inspectors of Byrd\u2019s warehouse for a hhd. tobo. TI.PF of mine sold by them in 1795. nett proceeds \u00a316\u20137\u20136 = 54.58.\n              Sent Mrs. Carter by Barb\u00e9 13.2 D. balance for 31B\u20133b corn bot. in my absence as mentd. July 14.\n              Pd. Barb\u00e9 for 75 Barr. corn 150.D. ante Apr. 1.\n              Inclosed to Benj. Jordan order on Chas. Johnston & co. for 249.08 for 1\u00be tons nail rod @ 142.33.\n              Pd. Wm. Page for plantation expences 2.25.\n              Patsy for small exp. 5.D.\n              Desired Barnes to credit P. Lott by me 47.25 D. I am to pay Lott for Flem. & Mclan. \u00a37\u201314\u20138.\n              Pd. Ezekiah Faris bringing up 8. Barr. fish 230. \u2114 each @ 2/6 7.67 D.\n              Agreed with William Page to serve me another year on the same terms exactly as the last.\n              Credit Haden in his acct. of rent due to W. Short 9/ for Richd. Richardson.\n              Recd. from Mrs. Gilmer in full for nails to this day an order on James Brown for \u00a317\u20132\u20136.\n              Pd. Watson 4.D. & gave order on Kelly for 2 shirts, cost \u00a31\u201314s\u20133d.\n              Pd. Francis Walker in full 103.14 to wit by order on C. Johnston.\n              Pd. 9d short paid to Bramham ante July 14.\n              I am to pay the balance of Hastings Marks\u2019s money ante May 2. to Mr. Bullock.\n              I am to pay to Bullock an old acct. of Thomas Mitchell\u2019s of Louisa, \u00a34\u20137\u20139 for steel in 1775. if I find it unpaid.\n              Paid James Lewis in part for hire of Wm. Wood\u2019s negroes (ante Jan. 4. 96.) \u00a39. in addition to paimt. of Oct. 22. 96.\n              Recd. from Reuben Lindsay 40.D. to pay for 2. stoves I ordered for him from Joseph Roberts Philadelphia.\n              Horseler at Charlottesville 1/.\n              Arbitrated my acct. with Hugh Petit and paid him the balance awarded in presence of the arbitrators \u00a31\u201313\u20134.\n              Settled with Mr. Peyton my acct. with Chas. L. Lewis as follows.\n                \u2003I owe C.L.L. for water carriage at sundry times \u00a340\u201313\u20138   \u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003interest on do. 5\u2013\u20027\u20131     46\u2013\u20020\u20139  Cr.\u2005by nails furnished C. Wingfield on his order ante Apr. 20 \u00a3\u2003\u00a312\u20130\u20130\u2003   by do. now furnished Mr. Peyton\u2003\u2003 21\u201316\u20138   by cash now paid to Mr. Peyton 12\u2013\u20024\u20131 34\u20130\u20139 46\u2013\u20020\u20139   \n              Sent Wineburger for butter by Burwell 1.D.\n              Paid William Burton by order of Wm. Davenport 10.D.\n              Pd. James Lewis in full principal & interest for William Wood \u00a36\u201317\u20136. (see ante Aug. 7.) & took in bond.\n              Settled my private acct. with him, balance due \u00a32\u201318\u20136 which he recieves in nails.\n              Note in the private acct. I allowed him for Mazzei, taxes of the Colle lands 14/ & for Wm. Short, a Commissioner\u2019s ticket 2/6.\n              Subscribed 5.D. to John Thomas for clearing Henderson\u2019s falls and paid the money to James Lewis for him.\n              Inclosed to Chas. Johnston & co. Mrs. Gilmer\u2019s order on James Brown for \u00a317\u20132\u20136 (ante Aug. 2) to collect.\n              Recd. from W. Page for smith\u2019s work 1.D.\n              Recd. from Saml. Findlay (Augusta) \u00a37. for nails.\n              Settled with Wm. Page & pd. him in full \u00a34\u201311\u20134.\n              Sent Younger Grady (by his boy) on acct. for meat 18.D.\n              Pd. Price a balance for geese 1.D.\n              Inclosed J. Darmsdat ord. on C. Johnston for 44.37 D.\n              Pd. Wells, sadler, for Marocco 1.375.\n              Pd. Thos. Walker for D. Watson a quarter\u2019s board of his son 50/.\n              Drew on John Barnes in favr. of Chas. Johnston & co. for 330.D. to be applied to pay the 3d. requisition of the James river co. on W. Short for his 33. canal shares.\n              Pd. Divers\u2019s man for 3\u00bd galls. timothy seed for H. Marks 21/. Note my balance to him now accurately settled is \u00a338\u20138.\n              Paid my sister Marks for Hastings Marks 42/.\n              Pd. Richard Richardson 8.D.\n              Saml. Clarke has paid \u00a344\u20134\u20139 to Flem. & Mclanachan for me, which credit him and charge to them.\n              Wm. Page receives this day from Francis Taliaferro 100.D. and pays to\u2003\u2003Faris for a horse he bought of him for me, and I am to replace it to F. Taliaferro by a draught on C. Johnston.\n              Pd. John Bringhurst for a lock 3.D.\n              Do. 2.D.\u2003recd. from Peter Lott 10.D.\n              Pd. Ursula for D. Watson 21/.\n              Charge Wm. Davenport a tiller 2/\u2003also 10/6 for a poll axe made about last of Aug.\n              Recd. from my sister Bolling the \u00a32\u20134. ante Dec. 5.\n              John Barnes having a power of atty. to recieve my salary of this year, drew on him this day in favr. of Joseph Roberts junr. for 446.76 D. amount of iron shipped me in July. At same time order for ensuing quarter 3. tons rod, & \u00bc ton hoops.\n              Paid W. D. Hunt for Buck for a pr. of shoes on my order 8/.\n              Gave Frederick Gauder ord. on P. Lott for 44/ for 133 \u2114 beef @ 4d.\n              Colo. Coles & Mr. Cocke have valued the two boys I bought from Rand. Jefferson (Carey & Ben) at \u00a3155.\n              Drew on Charles Johnston in favr. of David Bullock \u00a355\u20139s\u20136d \n                \u2003= 184.91 D. to pay the following sums. \u2002\u00a3   to Hastings Marks, for Nance, Principal & interest\u2003 38\u201312\u20133 for Thomas Mitchell (ante Aug. 7) do. & do.7\u201311\u20135for\u2003\u2003Anderson on Rand. Jefferson\u2019s order9\u2013\u20026\u2013055\u2013\u20029\u20136  \n              Desired P. Lott to pay William Davenport for me 30.D.\n              Recd. from Samuel Clarke by Colo. Bell 80.D.\n              Directed J. Barnes to debit me for Peter Lott 210.D. which I debit to P. Lott.\n              Drew on him also in favor of C. Johnston & co. for 650.D.\n              Directed C. Johnston to debit me for Peter Lott 30. Doll. which I debit to P. Lott.\n              Gave Wm. McGehee ord. on Lott for 11.D. for a beef.\n              Settled with H. Mullins. He having paid \u00a320. to Wm. Sampson May 11. 96. remained 7/9 in my debt, which with 12/ cash I now pay him, pays the land tax of Elkhill for 1792. the last year I held it.\n              Note that \u00a320. with \u00a310\u201313\u201310 overpd. Menan Mills by the order ante 1794. Sep. 1. and which William Sampson undertook to him to credit my acct. fully pays Sampson the specie balance and certificate balance claimed by him. See the accounts & papers of Mullins, Mills & Sampson.\n              Gave order on P. Lott in favor of John Spiers for \u00a39\u201314\u20136 = 32.20 D. in full for the price of his claim to 100. acres of my Pouncey tract of land.\n              Pd. Fleming & Mclanachan \u00a324.\n              Accepted Wm. Sampsons order in favor of Menan Mills for \u00a310\u201313\u201310 which balances my account with Mills. See Ante Sep. 27.\n              Gave Chas. McGehee ord. on P. Lott for \u00a33\u201318\u20139 = 13.12 D. for 5. qrs. of beef @ 3d. weighing 63\u00bc \u2114 pr. quarter.\n              Charge W. Davenport 2. qrs. of do. 31/7.\n              Gave Davy to pay expences of Nail rod to Columbia 6.D.\n              J. Barnes has pd. Bache the currt. year of his paper for me 5.D.\n              Desired J. Barnes to pay James Thompson Callendar 20.D. for his pamphlets. \n              Executed a power of Atty. to J. Barnes to receive Mr. Short\u2019s quarter\u2019s dividends payable the 1st. day of this month & to pay them to Colo. Monroe\u2019s order, who is to repay to Mr. Short with interest.\n              Gave Younger Grady order on P. Lott for balance in full 9.5 D.\n              Directed him to pay Bart. Kindred 31.67 for 2 beeves. (part for Davenpt.\n              Pd. Mrs. Sneed fees for Rachael, Isabel & Minerva 6.D.\n              Pd. Jones for a lamb 2.D.\n              Recd. back from Davy 3.D. of the money ante 6th. inst.\n              Settled with Bowling Clarke. Balance this day due me was \u00a316\u201313\u20136 which balance he now pays me in cash.\n              Gave Walter Key for himself & Ann Key order on P. Lott for 100.D. on account for corn.\n              \u2005D.Gave J. Watson an order on Chas. Johnston & co. for\u2005 285.15\n                    balce. due Mclure Brydie & co. Apr. 6.\u2003\u2003\u2003\n                    order from Groves the sadler\n              My daughter Maria married this day. \n              Paid Watson 2.D.\u2003gave in charity 1.D.\n              Recd. of Stephen Moore for nails 48/10\u00bd.\n              Pd. Chiles Terril for sheep \u00a315\u20132\u20136.\n              2 casks of cyder of 60 galls. each are made.\n                Gave Francis Taliaferro order on Chas. Johnston for\u2005165.15 \u2003to wit\u2005 for the money ante Sep. 5.\u2003100    for my\u2003\u2003\u2003taxes payable this year\u2003\u2003\u200325.15 on the order of Wm. Davenport40.165.15Recd. of F. Taliaferro in cash50.Took in the above order & gave him a new one for215.15  \n              Gave Flem. & Mclanahan order on Chs. Johnston & co. for 50.D.\n              Charge W. Davenport \u00a34\u201318\u20138 of the \u00a39\u201310 pd. to Kindred Oct. 9.\n              Recd. from F. Walker a beef wt. 448 \u2114 @ 4d.\n                \u2003of this I take 2. quarters, wt. 220. @ 4d. is\u2003\u2003\u2003 \u00a33\u201313\u20134   deduct 52. \u2114 Xd. nails @ 11\u00bdd 2\u20139\u201310   leaves due to him for my part 1\u20133\u20136    and for the other 2. qrs. taken by W. Davenport 228 \u2114\u2003\u2003\u2003 3\u201316\u20130 4\u201319\u20136  \n              Gave in charity 1.D.\n              Recd. of Dr. James Hopkins 5.4 to pay for Bache\u2019s paper for him.\n                Gave order on P. Lott in favr. John Kerr for 10. B. corn\u200230. D. in favr.\u2003\u2003Rhodes for Phaeton tax 9. D.    in favr. Tarlton Woodson depy. sheriff for taxes for St. Anne\u2019s now payable and for tickets\u2003 60.04    99.04   \n              Note 80 cents of the 60.04 was for tickets in Giannini\u2019s suit chargeable to Mazzei.\n              Gave William Garner order on P. Lott for 11.75.\n               D. Dr. Wardlaw\u2019s acct. agt. me this year amounts to\u2003 12.20   he gives me an order on J. Watson for cash 113.55  and I am to pay for him to Dr. Jackson of Phila. the amt.\u2003125.75  \n              Sold my crop of wheat to Flem. & Mclanachan. See written agreemt.\n              Settled with Elijah Hog, balance due him \u00a311\u201310\u20136 which I assumed to Isaac Millar.\n              Settled with G. Divers an old acct. balance in his favor \u00a39\u201313\u20136 for which he takes nails.\n              Bot. a beef of John Kirby @ 3d. & 4d. and gave him an order for \u00a35. the amount on John Watson in part of Wardlaw\u2019s order in my favr.\n              Recd. from Kinsolving by the hands of Colo. Bell 100.D.\n              Acceptd. W. Davenport\u2019s ord. in favor of Mr. Lott for 21.70.\n              Desired Mr. Lott to pay Walter Key in full for corn 10.60.\n              Settled with Mr. Lott, & he is in advance for me (including the two last mentd. sums 221.74 which I am to pay for him to Barnes.\n              Pd. Wells the sadler in full 3.D.\n              Recd. from John Watson \u00a329\u20131\u20133 which with the \u00a35. ante Nov. 17 makes \u00a334\u20131\u20133 = 113.55 Wardlaw\u2019s ord. on him ante Nov. 10.\n              Paid postage for myself .75\u2003for D. Watson .125.\n              Pd. John H. Buck for a spur wheel & wallower 12.D.\n              Pd. Garner for clasps 7/.\n              Discharged Cyrus. I owe H. Marks for his work 31.17.\n              Settled with Henry Duke, bricklayer. He has worked 198 days & 5. nights for which I owe him \u00a358\u201313.\n              Settled with D. Watson. Balance due him 37/6. He leaves my service this day. Paid him 38/ in full.\n              Pd. Small expences & debts 12.D.\n              Pd. Bagwell for skins for bellows 1.D.\n              Assumed to pay P. Lott for W. Davenport \u00a35\u20139\u20139 = 18.30 which I am to pay to Barnes in addition to the 221.74 ante Nov. 19.\n              I am to pay F. Walker for W. Davenport 100.D. including the \u00a33\u201316 ante Oct. 27.\n              I am indebted to John Rogers for beef \u00a314\u201315\u20138 which I am to remit from Phila. to John Harvie.\n              Settled with Richard Richardson.\n              and the balance due him, including last year\u2019s account is \u00a398\u201312\u20133. I observe that their food & liquor has cost exactly 2/ on the day\u2019s labor.\n              Paid Richard Richardson D47.08c.\n              Paid Frederic Gauder for leather 12.38.\n              Set out in the evening for Philadelphia. \n                 Left with Mr. Davidson for Mr. Maury 17.7  \u2003he is to pay him what he owes me for nails, to wit\u2003 13.33   \u2003which pays up my subscription to end of this year\u2003 31.03 \u2003Note the subscription 15.D.  \n              Gave vales at Mr. Madison\u2019s .25.\n              Stevensbg. dinner &c. at Zimmerman\u2019s .93.\n              Elkrun church oats .33.\n              Darrington\u2019s (formerly Gaines\u2019s) lodging &c. 3.\n                George town.\u2005 ferrymen .125\u2003barber .25\u2003supper at Suter\u2019s 1.54.    seat to Baltimore 4.\u2003Jupiter for expences back 10.33. vales .25. \n              Bladensburg. driver .25\u2003breakft. .5\u2003vales .125.\n              Spuryear\u2019s driver .25\u2003dinner .75\u2003vales .25.\n                Baltimore.\u2005 driver .25\u2003socks .5.    entt. at Evans\u2019s 5.33\u2003seat to Phila. 8.\u2003vales .25. vales again .25.  \n              Susquehanna.\u2003portage over ice .125\u2003ferrymen .25.\n              Elkton.\u2003driver .25\u2003dinner 1.\u2003vales .187.\n                Wilmington.\u2005 driver .5\u2003supper &c. .9.    vales .25.   \n              Philadelphia. driver .5.\n              Paid Callendar 16.\n              Callendar for pamphlets 4.33.\n              John for small exp. .5.\n              Pd. Callendar for Hist. US. for James Hopkins 1.25\u2003overpaid .75.\n              Pd. J. Bringhurst for a pistol 5.D.\n              Recd. of Barnes 30.D. and gave him 2. ps. gold 8.61.\n              Recd. from him a draft on Boyce of Richmd. for 200.D. payable to Geo. Jefferson. \n              Inclosed the draft to Geo. Jefferson.\n              Inclosed to F. Walker a draft on G. Jefferson for 103.92 of which 100.D. is for Wm. Davenport.\n              Inclosed Isaac Miller draft on G. Jefferson for 73.62 in full.\n              Pd. at the Treasury of the U.S. 10.D. for Thos. C. Martin (in paymt. for a drill) which with 20.D. inclosed to me by J. Taylor & pd. into the treasury at the same time pays Martin\u2019s patent fee for his hand threshing machine.\n              Pd. Callendar for books & pamphlets 5.D.\n              Pd. Bache for pamphlets 2.5.\n              Pd. him for his newspaper for the ensuing year 5.D.\n              Pd. Gatty for a thermometer by ord. on Barnes 6.D.\n              Gave in charity 4.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": 1797}
]