1To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 1 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
By inclosing to you authentic documents concerning the late inestimable discovery of the Life-Boat , which has been introduced into full practice, in saving the crews of vessels wrecked amidst the most tremendous Breakers of this coast, I acquit myself of a duty to my fellow Citizens and to my country. I flatter myself this contrivance will be found of great use on the Jersey coast, such...
2To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 17 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
During several Years absence, & a month since my arrival here, I have felt myself precluded from paying the respects of a sincere friend to you, in person, on account of information communicated to me by Genl. Henry Lee, (while Governor of Virginia) accompanied by the return of a letter of mine unanswered, that, “I had so intruded on you, the last time, we met at Richmond in Virginia, that you...
3To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 22 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Trivial circumstances sometimes produce great ends:—You mentioned; yesterday after Dinner, your wish that some person would invent a means of facilitating the passage of your decanters round the table. I will engage to furnish you one, in a few days, which shall afford an useful lesson in the public economy of our Country; and it can no where else be so happily introduced. It shall be cheap,...
4To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 15 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
W. Tatham’s Compts. to the President—He has written to Messrs. Learmonth’s & Berry, (the House he is concerned for) Merchts. in London, for a Camera Obscura for the President’s use, to be made as elegantly Plain as possible, by the best Workmen, with spare Glasses of several focuses, Diagonal Head, &c, compleat.—It will be paid for out of W.Ts own private Monies in the Companies hands; but he...
5To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 13 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I lament your going away, at this time, exceedingly; as I am fearful the Secretary of the Navy has too many delicate Scruples to close with me on any ground. I am summoned, by a letter from my Counsel in Carolina, to attend to an important Case where I have the Dfdt. on Sp[ecia]l. B[ai]l. by origl. attachment: If no arrangement is now made, I cannot leave my cumbersome baggage behind me; & to...
6To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 6 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform You that I am thus far on my way to the Southward, having in vain spent the best part of the year, at great expence, without any thing conclusive with the Secretary of the Navy. I beg leave to state to you Sir, nevertheless, that, if that Naval department is designed to exist, there seems to be an Auxiliary one much needed: It should comprehend the economy of our...
7To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 29 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
You will have recieved Your Camera Obscura, which was sent from hence to Alexandria a few days ago, I understand, by Palmers Packet. It was opened at the Custom house, as was also the working drawings of a Seventy four of the latest improved British Construction, which I have found means to come at directly from the Navy office: had Mr. Smith treated me with that gentlemanly respect which I...
8To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 30 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Considering Capt. Hunter’s proposition, herewith inclosed an acquisition to the United States, I became the bearer with a desire to second the application in person, under favorable impressions; and ready to speak to such facts as might be enquired of me so far as I had knowledge. Procrastination by indisposition must appologize to the Government, & to Capt. Hunter, for the delay which has...
9To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 24 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Recd. of the President of the United States (T. Jefferson) The Sum of Seventy Eight Dollars, Eighty four Cents; being the Sum calculated by Mr. Goldsburg on a reference to Colol. Stricker’s letter touching the amount without profit; & which will be at any time adjusted should any error have occurred. London Augt 16 1805 Invoice of Goods Shipped by Learmonths & Berry of London on account & risk...
10To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 25 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting herewith a tolerable correct Fac-simile of the Tomb of Ferdinand Columbus; which, I presume, will be deemed worthy of a place in that valuable repository The Transactions of the Philosophical Society . On my landing in Spain, in January 1796, I was at considerable pains to procure information concerning the great discoverer of this Western Continent. At...
11To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 4 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The declaration you were pleased to make yesterday at my Office, that, so soon as The Topographical surveys were completed, you felt disposed to transmit them to Mr. Aaron Arrowsmith (a London Geographer) for his use, renders it my duty to request, in the most serious & respectful manner, that you will suspend any determination on that subject till a relaxation from a pressure of business...
12To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 7 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
When you did me the honour to mention, the other day, the doubts you entertained concerning the correctness of the ordinary recieved opinions touching the effect of the latteral pressure of fluids acting on the interior of a leading main-pipe, I hesitated to give an immediate answer as to what instances (if any) had occurred to me, in a practical case, where the operation had been risqued...
13To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 26 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of your enquiry of me yesterday, touching the chase of the French Ship by Three Brittish Frigates, I have asked my servant (Joseph Harrison, a Black man of very exemplary truth integrity & confidence) what he reccolects of the circumstances involved in your question. We were four or five nights at Church’s Island, opposite the place where the Ship was burnt, and I flatter myself...
14To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 27 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Atty. Genl. will have advised you that Mr. Burr left Fredricksburgh, in a Stage, for Richmond yesterday morning, & would be safe lodged there last Night. Mr. Rodney arrived at Fredricksburgh this morning, quite fatigued; & so soon as his dispatches were ready, I left Fredricksburgh about Nine, & my Servant is dispatched, fifteen Minutes ago on fresh Horses (per Post Masters) to deliver the...
15To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 12 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Rodney will have advised You, officially, of all which concerns the law proceedings against Colol. Burr &c.—As to my own part (subsisting with difficulty as I am obliged to do) I wish to be as little conspicuous as possible in a matter which I have not time to analize, much less to follow it up with my usual zeal. Some suspicious circumstances induce me to conjecture that, whatever may be...
16To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 1 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Official communications will have been made to You, from this place, touching proceedings respecting a Flag of Truce which arrived here last Friday, & was immediately ordered off. As I had just carted my boat from the North Landing (of which I gave you a descrip in my last) & arrived here at the very Moment the Flag vessel was sent away, I determined on following her down, to observe her...
17To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 3 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Just as I am closing this, Mr. Edward Roberts, a respectable person of this place, expeditiously from the Pleasure House, Lynnhaven Bay , reports the three British Ships to be under way—Wind at East— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
18To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 4 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The perpetual anxiety which subsists here, to hear speedily from the Federal City, has induced me to submit to Your consideration the adoption of a public, & commercial , Tellagraph, in some plan similar to the idea transmitted. I would recommend the adoption of the following method vizt. [GRAPHIC IN MANUSCRIPT] As these numerical Characters are competent to denote any extent in Numbers, some...
19To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Proclamation reached this place last night, was printed this Morning, & is gone to London. I presume, by this time, His B. Ms. Ships in the road have it; & they must recieve it as they please! I regret that we cannot draw a line between the duty & inclination of some of their Officers, whose hearts (I really believe) would join us in bringing Admiral Berkley to justice, for an...
20To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 10 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
This morning I recieved yours, inclosed to Mr. Bedinger—I obey your orders immediately, & am mounting for Lynhaven & Cape Henry. Last night, I rode to Lamberts Point: two of the British Ships lay in Hampton Road; &, today, I learn that two others are in Lynhaven Bay. Our Small Vessels seemed to pass among them unmolested; & a Square ryged Vessel was standing up James Rivar, apparently...
21To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 11 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I am already at the Station assigned me, from whence you will be regularly advised of what passes.—A British Seventy Four & Frigate are just now reported to me to be at Anchor here; & we presume the other two remain quiet in Hampton Road; but they are out of sight.—A large Merchant ship is gone up the Bay unmolested. I have arranged matters to send an...
22To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 12 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The absolute want of Forage and provisions compelled me to return to Norfolk last night, from the mouth of Lynhaven River. I hope to remedy this evil tomorrow (and withall, to facilitate a nearer route to Cape Henry) by dispatching one of the small vessels at the Navy Yard to remain stationary as a store & forage vessel, with provisions &c. and for accommodating our own parties with the means...
23To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 13 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mine by last post will account to you for my being this day in Town, without seeing the British Ships: this days Report ( I mean rumour ) states that they are gone; but neither Commodore De Catur nor myself mean to trust to mere appearances, or retrograde possibility. He has dispatched a tender, he writes me, to watch their motions; & he has added, to politeness, a disposition for mutual...
24To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 14 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment examined the 4 British Ships—presumed to be the Triumph, Bellona, Leopard, & Melampus. They lay at Easy Anchor, forming a line of Blockade (for the Chesapeake) from towards Cape Henry, obliquely, towards the Middle Ground—somewhat farther out than in my former Sketch. They have been much on Cape Henry, (the Pleasure House crowd say) after provisions ( livestock ) & water:...
25To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 15 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
After dispatching mine of yesterday, I forded (a bye way) to the Sea Banks, & approached the boats which had been described to me, circumspectly. I found them to be the Schooner & Yawl from the Navy Yard; & my own Whale boat, all belonging to my own party; & which my men, by creditable exertions, had got together & lodged safely in port, in Long Creek near Lynnhaven Inlet. I ordered them...
26To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 16 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The moment I dispatched my Express with my letter to You of yesterday of 8. o Clock—I went to rest for an hour; on waking galloped down towards the Beach, near Lynhaven, where I found one of the Brittish Tenders, with her—of My Boat, had just been on Shore: Capt. Reid with two, Mr. Nimmo’s of Princess Anne, & a Mr. Bowman, went down & conversd with three officers who landed, & Capt. R. is said...
27To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 17 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The moment I dispatched my express of Yesterday, I set out in my Whale Boat to arrange the extension of my line of daily communication to Cape Henry; by the help of some of the leading Characters of Princess Anne. Capt. Reid, who dined at the same house ( Mr. Christian’s ) Lynhaven, & Mr. Christian, mounted their horses at the same moment; & on my respecting & interogating the object of their...
28To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 18 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just returned from Mr. Cornicks, on Linkhorn Bay, where I found a Masters Mate, Midshipman, & three Sailors of the Party I mentioned to you yesterday, who were taken by the Volunteer Cavalry, as I had expected they would be: I presume they will be sent up to you as hostages for the fate of our men taken out of the Chesapeake; as they would have been, by my Men, if they had been armed...
29To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 19 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
After my express of Yesterday was dispatched, I set out across the Haven in the Whale boat with a view to arrange the extension which I have contemplated, about eight miles farther (including boatage) to the Light house. In crossing the Haven I observed several large and small vessels covering near the Seventy fours, apparently as in amity with them: I desisted from crossing the Haven, Landed,...
30To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 20 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just this moment returned from the Coast & Inlet, where I have been my usual reconoitering rounds. Two Ships of the British force, & two of their tenders, under-sail, as usual, (the Ships remaining at Anchor in this Bay) are all that I have discovered. The Schooner lays still at the Cape which was there two nights ago, with her boat along side; & has much the appearance of a Carolina...
31To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 20 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
After recollection !. I forgot to say that, on the 18th. instant, a Negroe, in a Canoe, passed out at the Inlet of this haven under pretext of fishing, & went on board the British Squadron: We have no information that this fellow, or three others have ever returned. It has determined me to be strict; & yesterday, I stopped a very fine Pettimajor with two Negroe fellows in the Inlet. They...
32To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 21 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. Decatur & Capt. Hull will be with me tomorrow, at Lynhaven, in order to examine that place touching the Gun boat service: My whale boat, which arrived here yesterday morning at two O’Clock, will therefore return to meet them in Lynhaven; without pursuing her intended destination to Cape Charles, & its neighbourhood, at present. I regret that a severe rain, all this Forenoon, has so...
33To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 22 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
After dispatching my note to you, of yesterday, from Norfolk, I made haste to return to this place. I found the Skipper of my provision boat much alarmed, having been down to the Inlet in the small boat, & having observed a Boat rowing in at the inlet, which he supposed had come off from the British Ships in this bay. Shortly after the same boat came along side; & was kept off by our french...
34To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 23 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
All today as last night, nothing new. The Tenders said to get supplies at the Wash Woods. I think it probable that the Triumph is sharing the provision taken from on board the Medway & others without the Capes; as they have been alongside each other ever since her veture into Port. Commodore De Catur is now on Board my Boat here; & tells me he is coming to you at Washington immediately: We are...
35To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 24 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
This morning has produced nothing very material that we yet know of. The Triumph, Leopard, & Melampus appear to occupy their yesterdays station; which Capt. Decatur says they shall not continue to hold. The Tenders occupied as usual. Capt. Decatur has rounded the Inlet, out as far as the Tideway in front of the British Ships; & will communicate his sentiments to You on such subjects as we...
36To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 25 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
This morning the Leopard & Melampus are off , in the last 4 Hours. The Triumph remains, but no tenders visible, excepting boats under sail at a distance.—I presume the vollies fired yesterday were by the Militia who were relieved: too much replete with spunk & imprudence. This is, at least, all I can learn on going over to the Cape side of the Havens, last night. I am this moment returned from...
37To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 26 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Last night I dispatched my Whale Boats, with six trusty oars, to Cape Charles, & Smith’s Island; or as far to Sea as prudence requires, in order to observe the movements of the Ships gone out. At ¼ past six (leaving me at the Inlet at 5 OClock) last evening, they were as far as I could well discover them with the Tellescope, towards Cape Charles; and, I doubt not, would make a safe port on the...
38To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 27 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this minute arrived on shore from the L. House Cape Henry.— The Ship hitherto called the Triumph , I now find, is the Leopard; the Bellona & Melampus gone some days ago; & the Triumph & Patriot cruising just Southward of Cape Henry.— The Triumph & Patriot were close in with the Light House last night; &, in the early part of the evening fired heavy guns (they say at the L.H.) on some...
39To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 28 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment returned from the Cape Henry Light House. The Triumph, & Patriot, came in last night, & took their Station at their accustomed place, in Lynhaven Bay, in Blockade order. No small vessels seem to be molested; but it is uncertain what is done to the outward bound. This morning the Patriot went out, & seemed to be cruising off the Light House, as usual, when I left it. Fifteen...
40To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 29 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
My Whale Boat returned last night, from Smiths Island & the Eastern Shore at Cape Charles.— From the account given by them, & the guard near Cape Henry, signals were given (in vain) for Her capture. My Men report as follows.— On Saterday evening they left me (say 4 to 5, O.Clock at Lynhaven Inlet; & that night at Ten O.Clock, anchord in “ Fisherman’s ” Northampton)—At Daylight on Sunday...
41To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 30 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Patriot went out again yesterday, & in the evening stood close in near the Light House, Cape Henry, from whence I am this moment returned: She is supposed to be cruising off the Cape. The Gun Brig, mentioned yesterday, has been beating all night towards Hampton road, & seems to be, at present, some distance below Willoughbys point: She seems to be a vicious looking thing; & is, I presume,...
42To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 31 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing material this last 24 Hours. I sent off my Store Boat to replenish at Nfk last night; & immediately after She got out of the Inlet, I found a British Gun Brig & Tender had got one on each side of her. I ran out a few miles in the Whale Boat; & then stood for the tender with the Flag of the U. States blown full out in the Wind. Signals were immediately made by the Commodore; & I...
43To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 1 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I came up here yesterday to settle my Monthly accounts; &, by the Evenings Mail, was honor’d with yours dated the 28th. Inst. at Washington. Your conclusions, Sir, touching the procedure of the British Squadron correspond with my own opinion, founded on the best observations I am able to make, & such information as I am in a condition to obtain.—I find the Brig & Tender I mentioned yesterday...
44To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 13 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Pursuant to the permission I asked, and now presume on, I inclose you my ideas on the particulars I formerly refered to at Lynhaven, which I have minutely reexamined since my Men were discharged. I have all my Accounts in order, & shall transmit them to the Secretary of the Navy without giving you the trouble of intermediating in the way your friendship has offered.—Whatever may be my personal...
45To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 24 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 21st. Instant I was enabled to obtain an ultimate settlement of the accounts for current expences accruing near the British Squadron in the Chesapeak Bay, up to the 14th. Instant, to which time they were rendered:—Seven days delay are therefore unnoticed in the accounts, but I submit it to you whether that addition ought not to be all owed me. The accts. are transmitted to the Secy.—...
46To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 7 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
An indisposition which has followed me into this country, and attacked me with slight fevers and sweatings, ever since I left Lynhaven Bay, has prevented me from communicating to you such observations as I might have thought useful to you in the field of Public economy at the opening of the ensuing Session of Congress. I am now so fully recovered as to be able to set out this day (by water) to...
47To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 26 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here last night, after having gone through an additional & thourough examination of Pamptico Sound since my last to you from Newbern, and had designed to have set seriously to work in order to furnish Government with several Communications on the subject of our public economy, particularly one on the defence of the Coast, wherein (corresponding in sentiment with Comodore Decatur...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 2 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment from Lynhaven Inlet, which I thought it proper to visit before I set out to the Southward; & it may be well (if any thing to say to me) to address to Newbern with duplicate to Norfolk: I shall certainly volunteer it there if circumstances require it, for no misfortune shall suffer fame to recognize an inconsistency in a life which has been perpetually oppressed, & persecuted,...
49To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 4 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
After dispatching the Survey &c, inclosed to You last night, Comr. Decatur called on me, in bed, and I have declined going to Carolina till the requisition of the Secy. of the Navy is complied with in the most economical way our economical resources will permit. I shall write You my Sentiments on this subject, at more leisure, & (for the present) I beg the honor of Your Communications to...
50To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 7 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
My last (4th. instant) advised You that I had consented, at Commodore De’Catur’s request, to proceed on the Survey requisite to satisfy the requisitions of the Navy; and I expect to be farther informed on that head; as they certainly do not expect to make me a [s]econd in the business. I have stipulated for the same terms as in the Coast Survey in Carolina, & the same motives which prompt me...