1Editorial Note: Rights of Man: The “Contest of Burke and Paine … in America” (Jefferson Papers)
What James Monroe called “the contest of Burke and Paine, as reviv’d in America,” bore a distinctly different character from its European counterpart. Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France and Paine’s Rights of Man , two of the most notable political tracts in the English language, set forth in memorable terms their authors’ commitment to diametrically opposed views of man and...
2I. Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan B. Smith, 26 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Jonathan B. Smith, and in consequence of the inclosed note and of Mr. Beckley’s desire he sends him Mr. Paine’s pamphlet. He is extremely pleased to find it will be re-printed here, and that something is at length to be publicly said against the political heresies which have sprung up among us. He has no doubt our citizens will rally a second time...
3II. Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The last week does not furnish one single public event worthy communicating to you: so that I have only to say ‘all is well.’ Paine’s answer to Burke’s pamphlet begins to produce some squibs in our public papers. In Fenno’s paper they are Burkites, in the others Painites. One of Fenno’s was evidently from the author of the discourses on Davila. I am afraid the indiscretion of a printer has...
4III. Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 1st. came to hand on the 3d. Mr. Freneau has not followed it: I suppose therefore he has changed his mind back again, for which I am really sorry. I have now before me a huge bundle of letters, the only business between me and my departure. I think I can be through them by the end of the week, in which case I will be with you by Tuesday or Wednesday, if nothing new comes in...
5IV. James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was received last evening. To my thanks for the several inclosures I must add a request that the letter to Baynton which came in one of them may be handed to him by one of your servants. The directory will point out his habitation. I had seen Payne’s pamphlet with the preface of the Philada. Editor. It immediately occurred that you were brought into the Frontispiece in...
6V. Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 3 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to Maria this day sennight, and to Martha three days before, to wit June 23. In this letter I asked information to be obtained from Colo. Lewis relative to my tobo. of which I had heard nothing. But having received the day after a letter from him, giving me full information, I mentioned in mine to Maria, that no notice should be taken of my desire expressed in the letter to her sister....
7VI. Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 10 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of June 17. has been duly recieved. I am endeavoring to get for you the lodgings Langdon had. But the landlord is doubtful whether he will let them at all. If he will not, I will endeavor to do the best I can. I can accomodate you myself with a stable and coach house without any expence, as I happen to have two on hand: and indeed in my new one I have had stalls enough prepared for...
8VII. James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last evening your kind enquiries after my health. My last will have informed you of the state of it then. I continue to be incommoded by several different shapes taken by the bile; but not in a degree that can now be called serious. If the present excessive heat should not augment the energy of the cause, I consider myself as in a good way to get rid soon of its effects. Beckley has...
9VIII. Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 17 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have a dozen times taken up my pen to write to you and as often laid it down again, suspended between opposing considerations. I determine however to write from a conviction that truth, between candid minds, can never do harm. The first of Paine’s pamphlets on the Rights of man, which came to hand here, belonged to Mr. Beckley. He lent it to Mr. Madison who lent it to me; and while I was...
10IX. James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 10th. found me here upon the business mention’d in my last. I left Mrs. M. at Monticello to remain till my return. I have been here near three weeks and shall leave it tomorrow on my way back. We have gone thro’ the business, allotted to each his duty and are to meet again in Fredbg. on the 5th. of Octr. next. A part of our duty was to consolidate (when many were drawn) all...