1To James Madison from Joseph Bartlett, 21 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 October 1802, Cambridge. Regrets calling JM’s attention from official duties to a private letter but feels confident that the writings of “an undignified citizen” will be read with candor and attention. Knows JM must be “crouded with applications” both from personal acquaintances and from those who know his political character. “Stern necessity frequently commands what delicacy in other...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Bartlett, 1 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Delicacy in most instances ought to prevent personal application—Man is too fond to appreciate his own abilities.—Letters of recommendation have become too much the custom of the Day, friends are partial, & they usually write as they feel—seldom as they beleive—There are times when a Man should do justice to himself—those are seasons when imperious, stern necessity should influence his...
3To John Adams from Joseph Bartlett, 2 March 1823 (Adams Papers)
It gives me the most heart-felt pain—to address you another line on the subject of my little Vol: —My only apology Must be—”et necessitate rei .”—to a mind like yours, it will be Sufficent—: My old friend Doctor Danforth—advised me, to remove for a few Weeks into the Country—My State of health, imperiously demands it—I wish to go this Week—if I can gain a trifle for the purpose —I am now out...
4To John Adams from Joseph Bartlett, 17 March 1823 (Adams Papers)
The Most severe sickness has prevented Me, since last Novr. I was confined to a small bed in my Office without any attendant except My faithful Dog—or any Medical Aid— Alas! poor Yorick —I was too Much like Lazarus to take private lodgings—this has delayed my small Vol: to this late period, & which has caust caused—Many errors to creep into its pages—which a Gentleman of Your Head & heart will...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Bartlett, 7 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The writer of this has not the honor of your acquaintance—Yet I have ever bowed to your mind & Talents. & was ever an advocate for your disinterestness & love of Country.—should you ask who I am—I should answer a descentent from the Old Plymouth Pilgrims—I was educated at Harvard University—have been for forty years a counseller at Law—frequently a member of both Houses of the Legislature of...
6Joseph Bartlett: Prospectus for autobiography, 7 Jan. 1824, 7 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
“ Tempora mutantur .” PROSPECTUS. THE SUBSCRIBER PROPOSES TO PUBLISH HIS ADVENTUROUS AND CHEQUERED LIFE, CONTAINING HIS TRAVELS IN EUROPE; AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF FOX, PITT, AND OTHER GREAT MEN. Also his Life, from the time he lived on the Pilgrims’ Rock, in Old Plymouth to the present date, including Biographical Sketches of the first men in our country :—Such as JUDGE PARSONS, FISHER...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Bartlett, 9 February 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d some days since your favor of Jan. 7. and with it a copy of your Aphorisms for which accept my thanks. the patronage you quote of the mr Adamses, Hancock & Gerry is a sufficient voucher that your course has been meritorious, and doubtless those who have been witnesses of it will take an interest in it’s being closed in comfort. the testimony of the Psalmist is encoraging to the good....
8To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Bartlett, 4 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty—to inclose the with in-prospectus to you—Will you allow me to ask your permission—to dedicate the work to you—to shew you—that I am what I profess—I inclose the with in— to shew you what I —am— I have been—& am now—& will ever be NB.—I am yet overshadowed—by Poverty—Please write me by next Mail— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Bartlett, 16 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your fav r of the 4 th inst. has been rec d I am too much enfeebled by age to write letters, and am obliged therefore to withdraw from that labor. I return you the letters of mr Adams & mr Gherry which you would doubtless desire to keep, and with every wish for your health & well-being pray you to accept my best respects DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.