1To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honble James Madison of the Virginia delegation in Congress.” Docketed by JM, “August 31. 1783.” Another hand wrote “Mr. Jefferson” below that date and, to the right of it, “Th. Jefferson Augst 31. 1783.” Under this second dating, William Cabell Rives, the first major biographer of Madison, wrote, probably late in the 1850’s, “our allusions in this...
2From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 August 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 17. which came to hand long ago remains still unacknoleged, as from the time of it’s receipt I had constant hope that you would be on the road for Virginia before an answer could reach you. That of the 11th. inst. I received yesterday, and leaves the time of your visit as unfixed as ever, and excites some fear that I shall miss of you. I propose to set out for Congress about...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Morris, 15 August 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Being desirous of getting from England as soon as possible one of those copying Machines invented there not long since, and of which I dare say you have seen Specimens of it’s Execution in Doctr. Franklin’s Letters, I take the Liberty of asking the favor of you to write thither for one for me, with half a dozen Reams of Paper proper for it. If you can think of this in the first Letter you...
4Deed for the Purchase of Lego, 14 August 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
This indenture made on the Fourteenth day of August in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Three, between James Hickman and Hanah his wife of the county of Culpepper and Thomas Garth and Judith his wife of the county of Albemarle of the one part and Thomas Jefferson of the same county of Albemarle on the other part witnesseth that Whereas Edwin Hickman father of the said...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Turpin, 29 July 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have considered the circumstances of your present situation as stated in the papers you have been pleased to communicate to me and will proceed to give you my thoughts on them as clearly as I am able. I shall take the following facts as the ground of my opinion. That previous to the present revolution you had gone to Gr. Britain to qualify yourself for the exercise of the medical profession...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 18 July 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry you have been at the trouble of sending an express to me for information as to the transactions between the Executive and Nathan as I am satisfied I do not recollect a single fact that you are not already possessed of. In the winter of 1779. 1780. Mr. Nathen presented us some bills drawn by Genl. Clarke, Colo. Todd and perhaps others, which he said he had taken up at New Orleans or...
7III. Jefferson’s Draft of a Constitution for Virginia, [May–June 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
To the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and all others whom it may concern, the Delegates of the said Commonwealth send greeting. It is known to you and to the world that the government of Great Britain, with which the American states were not long since connected, assumed over them an authority which to some of them appeared unwarrantable and oppressive; that they endeavoured to...
8To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Ths. Jefferson 17 June. 1783,” also “June 17. 1783. ideas of Constitution.” Many years later William Cabell Rives, author of a detailed biography of Madison’s career to 1797, as well as an editor of his papers, added to the docket, “Mr. Henry’s course as to the Impost Act.” Your favours of the 13th. & 20th. Ult. came to hand about a week ago. I am...
9From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 June 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favours of the 13th. and 20th. Ult. came to hand about a week ago. I am informed the assembly determined against the capacity of reelection in those gentlemen of the delegation who could not serve a complete year. I do not know on what this decision could be founded. My hopes of the success of the Congressional propositions here have lessened exceedingly. Mr. Henry had declared in favor...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Zane, 17 June 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your kind letter of the 7th inst. I have long intended myself the pleasure of visiting you, but fortune has as long been contriving obstacles to it. The appointment with which you inform me I am honoured will oblige me to stay pretty closely at home for some time to get my affairs into such a state as that they may be left. It at the same time perhaps offers me an opportunity of...
11To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 1 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). JM docketed the letter, “June 1. 1783,” and probably at a later date, “Tho. Jefferson 1. June 1783.” The receipt of your letter of May 6. remains unacknoleged. I am also told that Colo Monroe has letters for me by post tho’ I have not yet received them. I hear but little from our assembly. mr. Henry has declared in favour of the impost. this will ensure it. how he is...
12From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1 June 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The receipt of your letter of May 6. remains unacknoleged. I am also told that Colo. Monroe has letters for me by post tho’ I have not yet received them. I hear but little from our assembly. Mr. Henry has declared in favour of the impost. This will ensure it. How he is as to the other questions of importance I do not learn. On opening my papers when I came home I found among them the inclosed...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Simon Nathan, 18 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival at home I turned my attention to the transaction between us for wine, which was the subject of your letter of Jan. 16 . I was to pay for the two quarter casks by our original agreement 3000 ℔. of tobacco or it’s price. The current price of tobo. in Philadelphia at the date of your draft on me was 60£ continental or 200 Doll. the hundred. So that the 3000 ℔. of tobo. was then...
14To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Jefferson’s hand. Docketed by JM, “From Ths. J. to J.M. May 7, 1783.” On the docket page someone unknown wrote, “Ths. Jefferson May 7. 1783.” Using the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2, Jefferson enciphered the words which are here italicized. Interlineated on the manuscript is JM’s decoding of these ciphers. Filed with the manuscript are two pages entitled by...
15From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of Apr. 22. and am not a little concerned at the alterations which took place in the Report on the impost &c. after I left you. The article which bound the whole together I fear was essential to get the whole passed; as that which proposed the conversion of state into federal debts was one palatable ingredient at least in the pill we were to swallow. This proposition...
16From Thomas Jefferson to David S. Franks, [March or April 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Colo. Franks and begs the favor of him during his stay in Paris to call on Mr. Pancouck publisher of the Encyclopedie Methodique and endeavor to get him entered as a subscriber for that work. As soon as Mr. Jefferson is informed of the number of volumes ready to be delivered and their price he will instantly remit the sum and will then expect to receive those...
17To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Tho. Jefferson Apl. 14. 1783.” Alongside this docket JM also wrote “April.” Using a new cipher which JM and Jefferson evidently had devised while they were together in Philadelphia, Jefferson encoded the words which are here italicized. This cipher will be designated hereafter as “JM-Jefferson Code No. 2.” Meeting at our quarters with a mr. Levi...
18From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Meeting at our quarters with a Mr. Levi going to Philadelphia and having no other employment, I write by him just to say that all is well, and that having made our stages regularly and in time we hope to make better way than Mr. Nash did. The Carolina letter bearer is here also. We pass one another two or three times a day. I never saw Mr. Ingles to speak to him about my books. Will you be so...
19From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 11 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter which I did myself the honor of writing you by the Chevalr. de Chastellux I informed you of my being at this place with an intention of joining you in Paris. But the uncommon vigilance of the enemy’s cruisers immediately after the departure of the French fleet deterred every vessel from attempting to go out. The arrival of the preliminaries soon after shewed the impropriety of my...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 4 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by the receipt of your favor of to-day and thankful for the honor Congress do me in expressing so kindly their satisfaction with what was no more than duty in me. I beg leave also to acknowlege your goodness in the trouble you have taken with my account. It is perfectly agreeable, settled as you mention it, and I would wish nothing further to be proposed for any time I may...
21[From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 27 March 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 27 Mch. 1783 . Stan V. Henkels’ sale catalogue No. 683 (5–6 Apr. 1892) records as lot 378 a Jefferson A.L.S., 1 p., 4to, of this date, and prints the following extract from it: “I think with you clearly that the three months after notice of recall could only be intended for gentlemen actually in Europe in the execution of their commissions, and that in a case like mine the...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 13 March 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Supposing the dispatches received by the Washington may have enabled Congress to decide on the expediency of continuing or of countermanding my mission to Europe, I take the liberty of expressing to you the satisfaction it will give me to receive their ultimate will so soon as other business will permit them to advert to this subject. I have the honour to be with very great respect & esteem...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Abner Nash, 11 March 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of seeing you at Baltimore I have further reflected on the proposition you were so kind as to make me there of entering into a partnership for the purpose of purchasing some of the escheated territory in your state. I consider it as one of those fair opportunities of bettering my situation which in private prudence I ought to adopt, and which were I to consider myself...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 March 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last, from Baltimore, I informed you that my voyage to Europe was at least suspended till further intelligence should be received. I returned to this place about four or five days ago, that I might be on the spot to act as shall be ultimately concluded by Congress. Though nothing since has come to us, we consider the event of peace as certain and speedy. The hearing nothing is a proof of...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 4 March 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Had it been predicted to you that you would receive a letter from me of this date you would probably have expected it would be from the other side the Atlantic. I had proceeded to Baltimore to embark on board the Romulus. The number of cruisers then off our capes deterred her from sailing. In the mean time I received a copy of the king’s speech, and wrote to submit to Congress a...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
After writing my letter of this date which is to go by Govr. Nash now here on his way to N. Carolina, I went to his lodgings to chat an hour. He has proposed to me a land party which I think is hopeful and great and which he desires may be entirely secret. I have never adventured in this way in my own country because being concerned in public business I was ever determined to keep my hands...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be surprised to hear I am still in America. The vessel, in which Ct. Rochambeau and Chastlux went, having been destined for Cadix it was thought more adviseable for me to take my passage in the Romulus which was to sail within a few days. This was concluded the rather as at the sailing of the Emeraude I had not got half through the necessary communications. The French fleet having...
28To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1783 (first) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Undocketed and cover missing, but undoubtedly written to JM. Patsy putting the inclosed into my hands, obliges me to make a separate letter of it, that while I give it the protection of your address I may yet pay it’s postage. I suspect by the superscription (which I saw before Majr Franks amended it) and by what I know of Patsy’s hierogliphical writing that miss...
29To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1783 (second) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). At the bottom of the first of four pages Jefferson wrote “Honble James Madison.” Docketed by JM, “Ths. Jefferson. 14 Feb. 1783.” Also on the docket appears, in an unknown hand, “See passage relating to Mr. Adams.” The words italicized are those written by Jefferson in the cipher described in Jefferson to JM, 31 Jan. 1783 , ed. n. Unless otherwise noted, the decoding...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 14 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I apprised you in my former letter of the causes which had so long delayed my departure. These still continue. I have this moment received a printed copy of his Britannic majesty’s speech to his parliament by which we learn that preliminaries between America and Great Britain, among which is one for the acknolegement of our independance, have been provisionally agreed on to his part, that the...
31From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Patsy putting the inclosed into my hands obliges me to make a separate letter of it, that while I give it the protection of your address I may yet pay it’s postage. I suspect by the superscription (which I saw before Majr. Franks amended it) and by what I know of Patsy’s hierogliphical writing that Miss Polly must get an interpreter from Egypt. Be so good as to remind the ladies and gentlemen...
32From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 11th. came to hand last night. From what you mention in your letter I suppose the newspapers must be wrong when they say that Mr. Adams, had taken up his abode with Dr. Franklin. I am nearly at a loss to judge how he will act in the negotiation. He hates Franklin, he hates Jay, he hates the French, he hates the English. To whom will he adhere? His vanity is a lineament in his...
33To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7–8 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Feby. 7. 1783,” and further docketed in an unknown hand, “Ths. Jefferson 7. Feb. 1783.” The italicized words are those written by Jefferson in cipher and decoded interlinearly by JM. For the nature of the cipher, see Jefferson to JM, 31 Jan. 1783 , ed. n. I write by this post to the Minister of foreign affairs, but will repeat to you the facts...
34From Thomas Jefferson to La Luzerne, 7 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The Chevalier de Ville Brun was so kind as to communicate to me yesterday your Excy.’s letter to him of Jan. together with the intelligence therein referred to. I feel myself bound to return you my thanks for your orders to the Guadaloupe frigate to receive me if I should think a passage should be hazarded under present circumstances. According to this information (which is the most worthy of...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 7 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here on the 30th. of the last month, and had a short interview the same evening with the Chevalr. de Ville-Brun Commander of the Romulus. There appeared at that time little apprehension but that we might sail within a few days; but we were not very particular in our conference as we expected so soon to see each other again. The severity of the cold however which commenced that night...
36From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I write by this post to the Minister of foreign affairs, but will repeat to you the facts mentioned to him and some others improper for a public letter, and some reflections on them which can only be hazarded to the ear of friendship. The cold weather having set in the evening of the 30th. Ult. (being the same in which I arrived here) the Chevalr. de Ville-brun was obliged to fall down with...
37II. Jefferson’s Notes relating to Foreign and Domestic Affairs, [January 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, without date, taken down in Jan. 1783 .] Several series of notes, the order of which is not determinable, from papers principally in the office of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs. (1) Notes captioned “Journal of Foreign Affairs. Vol. I. they begin Nov. 29. 1775.” These were taken by TJ from the “Secret Journal of Foreign Affairs” kept separately by Secretary Thomson from the...
38To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Jany. 31, 1783,” and further docketed, in an unknown hand, “Ths. Jefferson 31. Jan. 1783.” The italicized words are those written by Jefferson in cipher. The present letter makes clear that Jefferson, before leaving Philadelphia for Baltimore, had “concerted” with JM in preparing a code for the greater security of confidential portions of their...
39From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
A gentleman returning from this place to Philadelphia gives me an opportunity of sending you a line. We reached Newport the evening of the day on which we left you. There we were misled by an assurance that the lower ferry could not be crossed. We therefore directed our course for the Bald friar’s: and thence to another ferry 6 miles above. Between these two we lost two days, in the most...
40Jefferson’s Statement of Losses to the British at His Cumberland Plantations in 1781, [27 January 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
State of the losses of Thomas Jefferson in the county of Cumberland by the British in the year 1781. Slaves who went off with the British and died Hannibal Patty Prince Sam 9. years old Sally Nanny Fanny Nancy.
41To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having lately received a call from Congress to pass the Atlantic in the character of one of their ministers for negotiating peace, I cannot leave the Continent without separating myself for a moment from the general gratitude of my country to offer my individual tribute to your Excellency for all you have suffered & all you have effected for us. were I to indulge myself in those warm effusions...
42From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 22 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Having lately received a call from Congress to pass the Atlantic in the character of one of their ministers for negotiating peace, I cannot leave the Continent without separating myself for a moment from the general gratitude of my country to offer my individual tribute to your Excellency for all you have suffered and all you have effected for us. Were I to indulge myself in those warm...
43[From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Carr, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Carr. Not send P. C. [Peter Carr] to Maury. Where is A. S. J. [Anna Scott Jefferson]. My health better.” Not found.]
44From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 1[7] January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The Southern post, which had not come in for three weeks past, surprised us by his arrival to-day. Being to return in half an hour I could only, after perusal of my letters, hastily inclose to your excellency a copy of the proclamation announcing the ratification of the peace, which we were enabled to expedite on the 14th. inst. that being the first day on which nine states have attended...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 14 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
You will hardly expect to receive a letter from me at this place, and of so late a date. Yet I have apprehensions of being here ten days or a fortnight longer, for though ready myself, some time since, the vessel in which I go is not ready. Yesterday’s post brought no mail from Virginia. I was not disappointed in this, as I was pretty certain that under expectation of my being gone you did not...
46From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 6 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you a letter from the neighborhood of Richmond during the course of the last month , but as there were no delegates at the assembly from the counties on the Ohio, and the conveiance of that letter may therefore be incertain, I will mention again a part of the subject of it. You were so kind in a former letter as to inform me you had procured for me some teeth and bones of the big...
47From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 6 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Having unluckily got the blade broke of the sword you were so kind as to lend me I brought it with me to this place and have got a new blade made to the same handle and scabbard. Being just on my departure for Europe I leave it with Mr. Madison one of our delegates who will deliver it to your order. Accept of my sincere thanks for the friendly loan of it and assurances of the esteem & respect...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud & the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, & may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission,...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 3 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud and the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, and may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission, it shall be my endeavor to do it no injury. I understand that I...
50From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 3 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Having arrived here a few days ago in order to proceed to Europe, I had hoped to have been able to accompany the Generals Rochambaud and Chastellux, the latter of whom is so kind as to undertake the delivery of this. But their vessel sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days and may perhaps have the pleasure of being with you as soon as this will. Had I joined you...