Today's Date in History documents for the years 1757 thru 1862

Woodbridge, NJ - 21 May 1757

Benjamin Franklin letter to brother Peter... I have been now near 6 Weeks waiting for the Sailing of the Pacquet...

Long Island, NY - 21 May 1776

As I have no desire of quitting the service, I hope the Congress will take no measure that will lay me under the disagreeable necessity of doing it.

Philadelphia, PA - 21 May 1776

If your Congress have any spirit, they will at least build fourteen or fifteen light boats capable of carrying a twelve-pounder, to secure Hudson River, which is to be the chief scene of action.

York Town, PA - 21 May 1778

the bulk of us bipeds know well how to balance solid pudding against empty praise. There are other things, my dear Sir, besides virtue, which are their own reward.

Fort Pitt, PA - 21 May 1782

A number of the principal people of this country made application to me, about two weeks since, for my consent to their collecting a body of volunteers to go against Sandusky

Bacon Bridge, SC - 21 May 1782

I have information the enemy intends to make an attack on your post; you will order all the militia around you to your assistance.

Cane Acre, SC - 21 May 1782

I enclose you the instructions for quieting the discontents of the people on Little Pee Dee, with whom you some time ago entered into a truce.

Cane Acre, SC - 21 May 1782

First, You are to take with you four or five judicious, intelligent persons, to meet those appointed on the part of Ganey and others, to confer on the business herein committed to your charge, but they are not to be considered as joined with you in t

Cane Acre, SC - 21 May 1782

I, therefore, desire you would take the command of that brigade, and consider it as annexed to the brigade at present commanded by you

Cambridge, ENG - 21 May 1786

John Quincy Adams letter to father... I am strongly confirmed in your opinion, that this university is upon a much better plan than any I have seen in Europe.

London, ENG - 21 May 1786

I thank you most sincerely for all your kindness to my dear sons, and hope they will ever bear a grateful remembrance of it ; the account you give of their behaviour and conduct is such as I hope they merit.

Hanover, NH - 21 May 1803

Though that sum relieved me from many embarrassments, yet I assure you my finances are not in the most prosperous condition.

Richmond, VA - 21 May 1807

Mr. Tyrrell will tell you of all the strange things which are passing here. Of the bills, the first which you indorsed has been paid by Mr. Alston.

Washington, MD - 21 May 1812

I am rejoiced to hear that you have succeeded in your cause ; and I am not sorry to see that you have once more taken a share in politics.

Jamaica, NY - 21 May 1816

the Federalists will be able to assist the true interests of Freedom & of Justice, by giving their influence to the least wicked Section of the Republicans.

New York, NY - 21 May 1830

I think it probable I may have mentioned to you that it was believ'd here by many that Mr Van Buren had some agency in it, and the reasons assign d if not true are at least curious.

Washington, MD - 21 May 1834

Nothing, I think, will be done as to the currency this session. The administration is going down faster, than it ever rose.

Catalpa, VA - 21 May 1845

I was in Washington a few days past. I saw Mason, Marcy, Buchanan and Bancroft. These people are the vilest of hypocrites if they are not your friends.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 21 May 1848

John Sutter journal entry... Saml Kyburg errected or established the first Hotel in the fort in the larger building, and made a great deal of Money

San Francisco, CA - 21 May 1856

W.T. Sherman letter to Thomas Ewing... I take it for granted you will be sufficiently alarmed at the condition of affairs here as reported by the papers...

Chambersburg, PA - 21 May 1861

cressler reports on governor curtin's visit to chambersburg and says he is preparing for the confederate troops rumored to be headed toward the city. he also predicts victory for the union forces.

Baton Rouge, LA - 21 May 1862

I have had such a search for shoes this week that I am disgusted with shopping.

Beverly, MA - 21 May 1862

C has gone into the army; but first he has "joined the army of the Lord," as he expresses it in his letter to his mother.