Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Has been unable to get Hand's hard money, and his efforts with Mr. Delaey and Richard Peters were unfruitful as they left town in a hurry. "We this morning announced the Ratification of the federal Constitution at the Court House. The inclosed is the Order of Procession [not present] & thirteen Guns were fired in Memoriam." Comments on deliberations on "the 10 miles square for the Exclusive Jurisdiction of Congress," and ratifying "the System." See also J[asper] Yeates to William Hamilton, March 23, 1789.

Fondly reminiscences of their student days and celebrates their lasting friendship. "I rejoice to find, that, my friend, who is pleased to stile himself, the Hebrew, has not, upon being called to take a seat in the first Council of America, overlook his old friend Ezra, who still attends to the feeding his few sheep in the wilderness." Comments on settling disagreements, discovering truth, and his longstanding views on religion. "The influence of your words, reach ye millions of America, and generations yet unborn. Your feeling and benevolent heart now has scope."

Read of the death of Hart's wife in the newspaper and sends condolences. Comments on grief, sympathy, and religion.

Yeates writes in the same folio as a letter sent to him from William Maclay, dated March 13, 1789, concerning "the permanent residence of Congress." Maclay wants to "bring forward information from every part of Pennsylvania to throw light on this important subject," and is disturbed by having not heard from Lancaster. Maclay presses Yeates to send the requested information and to have Hamilton "furnish some Member of Congress with proposals... relating to the Terms on which he will give grounds for the public Buildings, and let out Lots for private Persons." Yeates expresses surprise at the letter and "The Propriety of being peculiarly active at this Period." Advises Hamilton to speak to Clymer and Fitzsimmons about his "Intentions & Dispositions" as well as to write to members of Congress. Has heard that Congress "will in all Probability settle at some Place between Delaware & Susquehannah." See also J[asper] Yeates ALS to Edward Hand, December 13, 1787.

"List of the In[n]holders & Retailers in the Town of Newburyport the last year." Affirm that the list corresponds with licensed innholders and retailers from the past year, "and to the best of our knowledge, the persons named therein, have maintain'd good rule and order in their respective houses and shops..." Signed by Thomas Thompson, Benjamin Balch, William G. Johnson, and Edward Rand.

Orders the Windham sheriff to summon Moses Spafford to appear in court at Norwich to answer a suit brought by Levi Huntington. Huntington accused Spafford of neglecting his promise to provide "a good Merchantable House Frame" in 1787. "...in raizing the same the Deft. by Negligence & deceipt and for want of Integrity & Deligence & Skill in his profession raized said House Frame with one End thereof Nine Inches lower than the other." Notes the costs incurred in fixing the mistakes. Docketed on the verso by the Windham sheriff September 16, 1789, asserting that he read the writ to the defendant. Includes a list of costs, continuations, and defaults through May 27, 1790.

Offers his opinions on government and politics upon hearing Addison is participating in the Convention. Believes the [Pennsylvania] Constitution needs amending but that the assent of the citizens is necessary for "any alteration which without subverting the liberties of the people might gratify the wishes of that numerous & powerful body of Men who from the first establishment of our Constitution have been averse to it." Discusses splitting the Legislature into two houses and the difficulties in making them true checks to the other's power. Comments on the Bill of Rights and the limitations it imposes on the branches of government. Notes the dangers to changing the government so soon after implementing it. Sending resolutions he hopes will be adopted [not included]. [Original in to be Gold Star collection]

"A bill of Rates Carpenter and House-Joiner Work Settled and agreed on by the Subscribers, For the County of Franklin and Shippensburg." Lists charges for various jobs and names of the subscribes. Also includes several pages of accounts dated from 1795 to 1803, ranging from labor costs to the sale of meat and hay.

Discusses financial issues related to Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Trustees have procured 1000 pounds from the State Assembly but still have as much unpaid in subscriptions and overdue tuition. They have threatened to sue but Nisbet believes it will be fruitless.

Cyrus King's ticket of admission into the Columbia College "Second Mathematical Class from May 1791 to May 1792." NOTE: John Kemp became professor of mathematics at Columbia in 1786. With: Cyrus King AN regarding the ticket of admission.