15031Thomas Jefferson to Horatio G. Spafford, 14 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of Apr. 3. with the copy of your General Geography, for which I pray you to accept my thanks. my occupations here have not permitted me to read it through, which alone could justify any judgment expressed on the work. indeed as it appears to be an abridgment of several branches of science, the scale of abridgment must enter into that abridgment judgment....
15032From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 13 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have not had a line from you for several weeks. Your father visits the post-office every post day; and, although he frequently returns with his pockets full of letters, I do not find among them the superscription which is dearer to me than all the rest. You must know, since he has publicly avowed himself the father of the whole nation , he has a most prodigious number of letters from his...
15033From Abigail Smith Adams to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 13 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have not had a line from you for many weeks. Your Father visits the post office every post day and altho he frequently returns with his pocket full of Letters I find not amongst them the Superscription which is dearer to me than all the rest. You must know Since he has publickly avowed himself the Father of the Whole Nation, he has a most prodigious number of Letters from his adopted ospring...
15034To James Madison from John Lang and John Turner, 13 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
For us, in a some-what humble sphere thus to address a man elevated to the highest office in the gift of an enlightened nation, may appear rather presumptuous; particularly, as we have a favor to ask, the granting of which is exclusively in your power. It is—that you would favor us with a copy of your next Message (or Speech) at the extra. session of Congress, at so early an hour that we may...
15035From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 12 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
In a A Letter from Alexander Hamilton concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams Esq. President of the United States printed at New York for John Lang, by George F. Hopkins, 1800. Copy right Secured; the Subject of the Negotiation with France in that year is considered. In the twenty fourth page it is Said that “The Session which ensued the Promulgation of the Dispatches of our...
15036To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 12 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I was honor’d with your esteem’d favor of the 13th. March on the 28th. Ulto. & I most Sincerely congratulate you & our Country on the Success of your election, & hope you may live long to enjoy the fruits of your labours in the full confidence of the worthy part of the Community however they may differ in political matters. The Wines you order’d me to Send you are Ship’d by the Madeira as ⅌....
15037To James Madison from Philip Freneau, 12 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
After a Months ramble through the States of New Jersey and New York, I returned to this place on Saturday last, and found Your friendly Letter on Mrs. Bailey’s table, with the contents. There was no occasion of inclosing any Money, as Your Name was all I wanted to have placed at the head of the Subscription list. I hope You will credit me when I say that the republication of these Poems, such...
15038To James Madison from John Sevier, 12 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
About the 20th of August the Agents for the State of Tennes’see, purpose holding a Treaty with the Cherokee Indians, in expectation of extinguishing the claim of that Nation, to part of the lands Situated within the Chartered limits of the State. Permit me to observe, that on the North Side of Tennessee River, there is yet by computation about one Million three hundred thousand Acres of land,...
15039To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 12 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1809, Navy Department. James Owen, “lately appointed a surgeon’s mate in the navy,” has arrived in Washington too late to join the frigate United States before her departure. An extract of a letter from Commodore John Rodgers to Goldsborough, critical of Owen, is enclosed. “With your approbation I will dismiss him, allowing him his expences back to his home.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG...
15040Robert Williams to William Eustis, 12 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1809, Boston. Asks the secretary of war to intercede with JM on behalf of William Stanwood, who has been arrested “for allowing goods to be landed from his Vessell prior to entry at the Custom House.” This was Stanwood’s first voyage as master of a ship, and he was not only inexperienced but also sick “in body and Mind, being just on the recovery from the Yallow feaver.” Clemency from...
15041To James Madison from David Gelston, 11 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 May 1809, New York. Has received a bill of lading from William Jarvis in Lisbon “for two pipes and one quarter cask Wine, and two boxes Citron.” Promises to send the wine and an account of expenses to JM in Washington. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Docketed by JM.
15042Henry Hiort to Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing that you are a Patron of every useful invention, I take the liberty to enclose to you, a statement of M r Morneveck’s very valuable Patent impenetrable Stucco, as a substitute for Slate, Shingles and Tiles. The Certificate of The Justices of the Supreme Court of The United states , who were witnesses to the experiments on a shingle covered with the same Stucco, would be a sufficient...
15043To John Adams from Joseph Ward, 10 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 15th April I have had the honor to receive; and have read it over and over again with great pleasure. I cannot let go the pleasing hope, that future historians may record with truth & impartiality, the glorious deeds of our revolutionary Patriots, whose preeminent merit in founding our Nation, and framing our System of Government, entitles them to the gratitude and is a...
15044From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 10 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
On the 6th of March a letter was written by the Secretary of State by my order, in the following words, to Mr. Murray : Philadelphia, March 6, 1799. Sir, I enclose a commission constituting you, in conjunction with the Chief Justice Elsworth and Patrick Henry , Esq. of Virginia, Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary to the French Republic.—By the President’s direction, I enclose...
15045From James Madison to the Chairman of the Republican Meeting of Accomack County, Virginia, [ca. 10] May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received from you a copy of the proceedings of the Meeting of Citizens at Accomac Court House, on the first instant, on the subject of the late negociation with G. Britain, and of the Proclamation by which it was followed. Next to the consciousness of a faithful discharge of public duty, is the satisfaction afforded by a public approbation of it. I can not be insensible, therefore,...
15046Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My younger son, Robert Maskill , having gone thro the usual course of collegiate studies in our Seminary , and of medical studies under D r Barton , and obtained degrees both in the Arts & in medicine; has devoted the last twelve months chiefly to the study of mineralogy under M r Godon ; in which, it is said, he has made considerable proficiency. He has a strong desire of visiting some parts...
15047Gerardus Vrolik to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Sa Majesté, le Roi d’Hollande , aÿant bien voulu honorer de Son approbation le Voeu de la Première Classe de l’Institut Roÿal des Sciences, de Littérature et des beaux Arts , de Vous associer à Ses Membres, j’ai l’honneur, de Vous en informer. La Classe ne doute pas, que Vous ne contribuiez par vos talens distingués, au grand but, que Sa Majesté s’est proposée par cette Institution et que Vous...
15048To John Adams from Jared Ingersoll, Jr., 9 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
A Dispute existing at New–Orleans involving property to an immense amount and also very interesting questions of a legal and Constitutional nature; I thought it would probably gratify your Curiosity, to know precisely the circumstances of a Case of which you might have received an indistinct Report I therefore have taken the Liberty to send you two Pamphlets lately printed upon the subject...
15049From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 9 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
At first I intended to encumber your paper with no Documents but such as were absolutely necessary for my own vindication. But as the peace with France in eighteen hundred was not only an event of great importance in itself, but produced demonstrations of the prejudices, passions, views, designs and systems of parties, more perhaps than any other; I hope you will allow me room for such other...
15050From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 9 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hamilton, in his famous pamphlet, page 23, says, “the conduct pursued bore sufficient marks of courage and elevation to raise the national character to an exalted height throughout Europe.” “Much it is to be deplored that we should have been precipitated from this proud eminence, without necessity, without temptation.” It is the habitual practice of our parties, to affirm or deny, as they...
15051To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 9 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I observed with pleasure in your inaugural speech that you still keep in view the immense importance of public improvements, the advancement of science, & the general diffusion of information, as essential to the happiness of our country. And I cannot but hope that the time is now approaching when some portion of the attention of Congress may be fixt on these objects. The ample scope of your...
15052To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 9 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Encyclopedie methodique which I have to dispose of is complete as far as the 58th. livraison, and I shall agree to complete it as soon as the intercourse is open, as I presume the impression is finished. I have on hand in text 93 whole vols. bound 14 half vols. in boards. in plates 12 whole vos. bound & 15 half vos. in boards The price, as I find by a note stuck into one of the vols. &...
15053Dolley Madison to Thomas Parke, 9 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your obliging favor inclosing $26. I regret that it is not in my power to send the Title deeds as you sugest; haveing left them with other papers in Virginia: but I presume they must be on Record in the proper office in Ph[i]ladelphia & can be consulted. Finding that Property already sells well & is likely to be still higher in that part of the city where Payne’s lot’s lie, I beg...
15054To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 8 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
In answer to Mr. Macgregor’s letter to you —I have informed him that there is not, at this time, any vacancy. The case of the son of W. G Anderson was attended to a few days since. The son is prodigiously clever—but unhappily for him, by severe exposure in gun boats, he has nearly lost the use of his limbs. I have, in consideration of his merit & sufferings, attached him to the Norfolk...
15055To James Madison from Jacob Read, 8 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to offer you my Congratulations on your Election to the Office of the Supreme Executive of the United States, and my Very Sincere Wishes that your Presidency may be happy and honorable to yourself, and peaceful and prosperous to our Country, which has Conferred on you So distinguished a Mark of Confidence and respect. I hope Sir I do not presume too far on our former Acquaintance...
15056Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Dolley Madison, 7 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am here & expected to have been tomorrow in Washington. It is however necessary, I find that I should see Mr Finlay, who is making the Chairs & Sofas for your Drawing room in his Shop, & therefore I shall stay tomorrow & arrive in the city on Tuesday. Your Chariot is in great forwardness, & will be one of the handsomest things Philadelphia has produced. The Coachee has its last Coat of paint...
15057Thomas Jefferson to William Hamilton, 7 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have a grandson, Tho s J. Randolph , now at Philadelphia , attending the Botanical lectures of Doct r Barton , and who will continue there only until the end of the present course. altho’ I know that your goodness has indulged D r Barton with permission to avail himself of your collection of plants for the purpose of instructing his pupils, yet as my grandson has a peculiar fondness for that...
15058Thomas Jefferson to John M. Perry, 7 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
When I bespoke of you the other day the thousand feet of heart pine plank, cut crosswise in the stock into bars of a full inch or rather inch & eighth, I forgot to desire that the planks might not after sawing, be separated by splitting them asunder at the butt end but that the stock may come entire. perhaps the end should be bound round with a hiccory withe. if the planks are separated, the...
15059To John Adams from William Cunningham, 6 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
I was duly favoured with yours of the 24th. ult. The species of sensibility excited by your Letters in March, are defined by the interest I take in whatever affects your repose, your happiness, and your just claims on the affection, confidence and gratitude of a Country reared under your paternal care. If it can be necessary to be more particular—they were the various and refined emotions...
15060From Thomas Boylston Adams to William Sullivan, 6 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
Mr: Thomas Greenleaf, who read law in my Office, for the space of Two years and nine months, and who is now under your professional guidance and direction, pursued, while with me, as near as I recollect, the following course of study. Viz: Robertson’s History of Ch: 5th: 1 Vol: Blackstone’s Commentaries Cook Litt: Wood’s Institute—Woodeson’s lectures—Espinasse N P. Fearne on Remainders &...
15061Executive Pardon, [6 May] 1809 (Madison Papers)
James Madison , President of the United States of America, To all who shall see these presents, Greeting : Whereas it has been represented to me that Genl Michael Bright , James Atkinson, William Cole, Charles Westfall, Samuel Wilkins, Abraham Ogden, Daniel Phyle, Charles Hong and John Knipe, all of the state of Pennsylvania, were, at a Circuit Court of the United States lately held for the...
15062Étienne Lemaire to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
j’ai Reçû l’honneur de la votre En date du 25 avril par la qu’elle vous desirré avoire quelque petitte article, aûsitot Je mensuy aucûpé, j’ai áchêtté deux douzainne de boutteille D’huil exellante, une idem de siróp de vinaigre de mail et une demi livre de vanilla; jespairre que vous sérré satisfai t Des trois article, idé doit ce rapeller de la manier que j’employait la vanilla avec Économis,...
15063Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 6 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 28 th ult. came to hand by our last post. I have consulted your father on the subject of your attending mr Godon’s lectures in mineralogy, and we consent to it so long as the Botanical lectures continue. we neither of us consider that branch of science as sufficiently useful to protract your stay in Philadelphia beyond the termination of the Botanical lectures. in what you say...
15064To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 5 May 1809 (Adams Papers)
I am much pleased with the Specimen you have given of the Use of your Wings upon a certain Subject in your last letter. Your publications in the newspapers show still further how important to the public, to posterity, and to your family honor are the words you have preserved of your political life. Your defence of the rights of our Seamen is much admired. It discovers with the Experience &...
15065To James Madison from John Cox, 5 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will receive by the bearer $727 2/100 as ⅌ statement below. Should Mrs. Madison or yourself have commands either to Philadelphia or Balte. It will give me pleasure to execute them; I set out on Sunday Morning. Most respectfully your Obt. St. Amount of your note 5,000 Discount 47 50 Net amt. of note $4952.50 Your Old note 2384.78 Order on Mr Latrobe 840.70 Amount passed to your Cr....
15066To James Madison from George W. Erving, 5 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
With my last dispatches to the department of state I had the honor to address you a private letter dated April 14t; since then the spaniards have been rapidly repairing their military disasters in this quarter, but king Joseph is regulating the affairs of his government at Madrid by the appointment of Tribunals, councils &c as tho he had possession of the whole country; nevertheless his army...
15067To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, 5 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
General Michael Bright certainly acted against Law when he obeyed the orders of Governor Snyder but at the same time the General did believe he had no discretionary powers but to act as he was ordered. The Grand Jury to my knowledge sixteen out of the nin[e]teen found the Bill and the sixteen were astonished at the three when they pronunced the Bill not true. Their are none who justify the...
15068To James Madison from James Lovell, 5 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
As the fiercest Tyrant and the mildest philosopher possess equally the power of self-examination, so the whole human race may be allowed to search after the source of Life & of Morals. Such search, conducted by Reason, and proceeding downwards from the branching-ends of both those Trees, will assuredly find only the single common tap-root to be Self-Love. As no President of these United States...
15069John Graham to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed was written on the day I received the Letter you did me the Honor to write me —accident prevented its going by the last Mail; but I hope it will yet be in time to inform you of the Residence, and to give you the name of the Gentleman who promised you the wild Geese. I have written to him as you requested, and I beg you to beleive, Sir, that I shall always be proud to receive and...
15070George Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 1 st leaves me no hope of recovering the trunk N o 28.—it confirms me in the opinion that I sent four trunks, than which I never had been more confident of any thing in my life, until by referring to the bill of lading, I found that you had only three: but since the receipt of your letter, it occurs to us that W m A. Burwell had an empty trunk here, which we find is gone. It...
15071Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 5 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Apr. 3. came to hand on the 23 d of April . I have no doubt that the marked differences between the elephant & our colossal animal entitle him to a distinct appellation. one of those differences, & a striking one, is in the protuberances on the grinding surface of the teeth, somewhat in the shape of the mamma, mastos, or breast of a woman, which has induced Cuvier to call it the...
15072To James Madison from James Dinsmore, 4 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favours of the 16th & 24 Ult have been received and Shall be attended to, the articles Sent for by the waggon have Come to hand except the Grindstone which the waggoner Says he forgot to Call for. We are at present engaged in preparing flooring plank for the Colonnade it being the only Stuff we have kiln dryed, or indeed I May Say Sawed, Mr Gooch has engaged Sawyers to Cut by hand, to...
15073To James Madison from Charles W. Goldsborough, 4 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
With your approbation the enclosed letter to Comre. Rodgers will be forwarded and a similar proposition will be made, through the commanding officers, to all the supernumerary meritorious sailing masters. I incline to the opinion that the Government can retain the greater portion without any expence; and thus, on emergency, have a corps of valuable men, selected from personal knowledge of...
15074To James Madison from William Pinkney, 4 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit me to make known to you a young Gentleman (Mr. Robert Walsh Junr. of Baltimore) for whom I have a particular Regard and whose extraordinary Merit will I am sure recommend him to your Notice & Esteem? I can truly say of him that he has the best Heart in the World—that he possesses a superiour Mind cultivated with Care, and informed by the most extensive Knowledge, and enriched...
15075To James Madison from John Frazer, 4 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 May 1809, Washington. Frazer, a slave dealer, has lost a considerable sum owing to a peculiar circumstance. A cargo of his slaves consigned to the U.S. was forced into St. Kitts on a vessel “found to be unseaworthy.” While the ship was being repaired a U.S. law was passed prohibiting further slave importations. In St. Kitts, all the slaves were sold except four afflicted with leprosy. Frazer...
15076To James Madison from William Duane, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Public motives, such as I conceive calculated to render service to the interests and honor of your administration, induce me to take the liberty of addressing you. The unhappy conflict which has arisen out of the case of Olmstead is now quieted so far as the law and the parties in that case are invol⟨ved⟩. The Militia men who under a blind opinion of obedience to their superiors have...
15077To James Madison from Michael Leib, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday General Bright and those associated with him in resisting the process of the district court, were sentenced to fine and imprisonment, and accordingly committed to prison. The public sensation on this event is considerable, and is transferring itself from the outrage upon the law, to those who are now suffering under it. A distinction is made between the legality and the justice of...
15078To James Madison from James Maury, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to present you my congratulations on your becoming president of the United States, hoping you will experience that comfort in the office, which those, who undertake so arduous an one under the influence of such motives as your’s, so highly merit. The partial repeal of the Embargo law was indeed very unexpected in this country; but the late revocation of the orders in council has...
15079To James Madison from William Pinkney, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have had the Honour to receive your Letter of the 17h. of March, and thank you sincerely for your kind Wishes. Permit me to offer you my cordial Congratulations upon the Manner in which you have been called to the Presidency. Such a Majority at such a Time is most honourable to our Country and to you. My Trust is that with the progress of your administration your Friends will grow in...
15080To James Madison from Larkin Smith, 3 May 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having at all times felt the most ardent desire to promote the interest and happiness of my Country, and to give my zealous support to a Government which I consider to be entirely calculated to produce these desirable effects; I now take the liberty to suggest to your Excellency the advantages which I believe would result, from the appointment of an officer of intelligence, and correct...