51From John Adams to Charles Cushing, 13 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
Though the publication of my juvenile Letters to your Father, especially in a Nantucket Gazette is a riddle, a mystery beyon d all comprehension; yet as it was impossible for me to Suspect any unkindness in your Family, the friendly Apology in your Letter of the eleventh of this month was unnecessary, though highly gratifying to m e The Letters, while they have afforded some amusement to my...
52From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
A new Administration has commenced, Mr Monro’s inaugural Oration you will See in the Newspapers. It Seems to be popular. Even Ben Russel Says there has been nothing like it Since Washingtons Administration. If there is any Faith in the Government or any Sincerity in the People, you are appointed by the former, and are elected by the other Secretary of State. My Advice is to accept it without...
53From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
A long time my beloved Friend has elapsed since we have seen each other or even conversed by letters. My eyes are so affected by the fire in winter, that I do not attempt to write. It was my intention when at Quincy to have spent the winter at Scituate; but as soon as dear Sister Bowers relinquished the idea of being there also; I was decided at once to pass it here; A spot rendered very dear...
54To James Madison from Joshua Dawson, 13 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
It is with the hope, that I may be permitted without the imputation of vanity, to convey in this manner to Mr. & Mrs. Madison, upon their retireing to the pleasing scenes of private life, my most sincere wishes, that they may both long enjoy every felicity, which this world can possibly afford; and to beg they will have the goodness to be assured, that although, I have not on particular...
55From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 14 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged to you for your favour of the 5th. the eleven volumes of your Register, shall be paid to your order in Boston or Baltimore as you please, as soon as I receive, or know where they are in Boston. The 12th & 13th shall be paid for in the same manner Of the destination of my Son I know nothing but by rumour, Whatever may be the determination of government I shall acquire. it is the...
56From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 14 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I wrote the inclosed a few days Since, but not having an opportunity to Send it which I liked I have kept it for the memorandum which it contains—Louisa gets a little strength, tho She Swells and puffs in her feet and arms, no perspiration upon her. her appetite is better and She bears the Bark which is a good Symptom. these March winds are intolerable, worse than the coldest we have had...
57From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 15 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
So, so master John, your Back is up, because you have not been written to, as often as you thought your dignity required—why I really think there is Some reason for you to complain of your Hingham School Mates—but I beleive they are Scatterd now, not one of them remaining with mr Thimbull who were your companions—new ones Succeed Politeness requires that notice Should be taken of letters of...
I received your very kind Letter, in which you take so great interest in my health, that I am bound to say much of myself in return; for I have profited by your admonitions and those of my other Friends.In the first place, I indulge myself in the morning, and seldom rise before the sun I use no more exercise than I think my health requires—altho I frequently hear, o do not go there, do not do...
59Fernagus De Gelone to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your orders , I direct to you this day, per schooner Astrea , bound to Richmond , as will appear to you in the herein inclosed bill of lading, a box the direction of which is: Thomas Jefferson , Esq re Monticello , Milton V a , Care of Mess. Gibson & Jefferson , Richmond V
60Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Eston Randolph, 15 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 10 th was handed to me yesterday afternoon only when the Shadwell mills were built, the rent was settled on great enquiry made in this state as well as in those North of us, at one out of every 24. Barrels of flour expected to be manufactured, and to be taken at the place of sale. we supposed the Shadwell mills would manufacture 5000. Barrels of which, according to this...
61Edwin Stark to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
O n my arrival from Washington I found your favor of the 20 th Feb y I am sorry to inform you the two boxes of Wine have not as yet come to hand perhaps they have taken a rong direction as I cannot get any tidings of them in this place If you know the name of the Vessel they were shipt in, from Charleston , be so good as to acquaint me or if you think it necessary I will advertise them as...
62From John Adams to Harrison Gray Otis, 16 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
The information you gave me in your favour of the fifth of this month; for which I kindly thank you, has given me great pleasure, as it affords me a hope of once more embracing my Son. I feel a curiosity to know, the “dissenting Voice”; because a Singular Vote, against a multitude, I am always inclined to consider as a violent presumption; both of Integrity, and Fortitude. As I never had the...
63From James Madison to Benjamin Waterhouse, [ca. 16] March 1817 (Madison Papers)
On a long list of epistolary debts which I could not attend to, during the period of my public duties, is your favor containing explanations relating to “A Journal of a young man &c.” I beg leave now to thank you for that mark of your attention. The reception given by the public to the work is the best evidence of its interesting character; and a perusal of a part of it only, a sufficient one...
64From James Madison to John Lewis Thomson, ca. 16 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 16 March 1817. Offered for sale in Anderson Catalogue No. 958 (9–10 May 1912), item 161, where it is described as being an extract of a letter “to the author of ‘Historical Sketches of the Late War’ thanking him for the book, and praising the work.” Also offered for sale in Harmers of New York, Sale 2858 (12 June 1990), item 20, where it is noted the envelope was...
65Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Appleton, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by mr William C. Preston , son of Gen l Francis Preston of this state, who in the course of his travels in Europe , may probably find occasion to call on you. he is not personally known to me, but I am assured of his worth by and distinguished talents by those who know him and command my entire confidence. his standing in this state is high, and I believe I render you...
66Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by mr William C. Preston , son of Gen l Francis Preston of this state, who in the course of his travels in Europe may probably have it in his power to call on you. he is not personally known to me; but I am assured of his distinguished talents and personal worth by those who know him and command my entire confidence. his standing in this state is high, and I believe I...
67Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by mr William C. Preston a young gentleman of this state, either son, or nephew (I know not which) to the gentleman of that name with whom you served in Congress about 1792. I do not know him personelly, but learn from those who do, and in whom I have confidence, that he is of excellent talents, and perfect integrity. his standing in this state is high, and he will...
68Thomas Jefferson to David Higginbotham, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved duly your favor of Feb. 22. on the subject of paints. I shall certainly want a very great quantity in the course of the present year, as I have to renew the whole outer painting of this house and the terrasses, and to paint that in Bedford which has never been done. but I did not make more of any thing scarcely last year than would pay for the corn we did not make. I must therefore...
69Thomas Jefferson to Lucy Marks, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter which came to me by mail yesterday and to which the writer had forgotten to subscribe his name, I received those I now send you, the one sealed, the other open as it now is. observing the name of General Clarke on one of them and my letter being dated at Louisville induces me to suppose it is from him. I tender you the assurance of my great esteem and respect. PoC ( MHi ); on verso...
70Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 28. came to hand yesterday evening only. mr M c Ilhenny is right in saying he left a letter for me; but I did not get it till a month after he went away. however all is well. we have had the good fortune to get a Swiss from Neufchatel , inferior, I think, to no watchmaker I have ever known. sober, industrious, and moderate. he brought me recommendations from Doct r Patterson...
71Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
During an absence of 27. years from Europe , the ordinary course of mortality, aided by a bloody revolution & active guillotine has swept off nearly every personel acquaintance on that side of the Atlantic . with some literary characters I have since had correspondence, but I not knowing them personally or their habits of society, I do not take the liberty of giving letters of introduction to...
72Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Thweatt, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
your favor of the 2 d was recieved yesterday. I am much indebted to you for your attention to our turn-pike road, which was an electioneering maneuver of the scoundrel Yancey . the day the bill was postponed in spite of him he had the base hypocrisy to write to me and insinuate he had had it postponed. he attended our last court with a view of feeling the pulse of the people, but so many of...
73Thomas Jefferson to Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn with real concern that the editor of the Theological Repository possesses the name of the author of the Syllabus. altho he coyly witholds it for the present, he will need but a little coaxing to give it out and to let loose upon him the genus irritabile vatum , there and here. be it so. I shall recieve with folded arms all their hacking & hewing. I shall not ask their passport to a...
74From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 17 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
Have you read certain Strictures upon Painters and Paintings in the Newspapers? What do you think of them? I am pleased with his gratitude to Copeley, but I believe he was not perfect Master of Copeleys Merit. There is a Portrait of Justice Dana in his Robebands and Tie Wigg of a Barrister at Law, now no doubt in possesion of his Descendants. There is a full Length Portrait of Governor Adams,...
75From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I write you a few lines in addition to what I have already written, and inclose you the Copy of a Letter from mr Otis to your Father, by which you will learn that your Nomination as Secretary of State, was confirmd, with one only dissenting vote, just sufficient to save you from the war. whose it was I neither know or care for no president since Washington, has been chosen by the people, with...
76From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 17 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
There is Surely a Secret Sympathy between us, for the very week in which you have written me I was contemplating to write you a Letter. I was only doubtfull where to address it. You have kindly removed this difficulty, and I have the pleasure to learn by your Letter that you have past the winter Socially with your Friends at Plimouth—Solitary you never were when inhabiting your own...
77To James Madison from Nicholas Gouin Dufief, 17 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favour with its inclosure and shall attend to your commands as soon as the work is published. The deviation from the rule you have adopted in regard to publications as you explained to me in your letter impresses me with a high sense of the honor conferred on my work. I entertain well grounded hopes that the American discovery of a new principle of...
78Joseph Delaplaine to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have already acknowledged the receipt of your last obliging favours.— I beg you to inform me whether you ever had any children besides M rs Eppes & M rs Randolph —what are the ages of these ladies—and how many children they have and all their names?— What Literary and other societies you may be a member of in this & other countries? or what societies you have been a member of? Where were you...
79Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favord this morning with yours of the 11th Current — I have searched the City for the best Velvet Corks, & have succeeded in procuring the six Gross wished of excellent quality, which shall be forwarded by tomorrow’s stage, to the address of M r Vest Milton — I wrote you a few days since on the subject of M r Preston —I hope you may find it convenient to comply with my request— I have...
80Edwin Stark to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the pleasure to address you a few days since on the subject of your wine from Charleston I was then under the impression they were missing but I have this morning had the satisfaction to learn from our Collector that the two boxes in question was put on board of the sloop Antelope Capt Laurence for Richmond on the 22 d Feb y , to be deliverd to your friends Mess rs
81From John Adams to John Trumbull, 18 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 3d. and congratulate you on your success; which I hope and believe will be an honourable and a noble Establishment, though it may not be so lucrative as I wish it, for Life There is a coincidence of circumstances which affects me very sensibly. A son of Governor Trumbull so meritorious and so conspicuous a character in the Revolution; an Officer of Rank and...
82From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 19 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
Can you prescribe rules for painting, a perception? A reminiscens,? a judgment? a ratiocination? Do you think there will ever arise an original Genius who will invent an Art of painting a debate in a Boston Town Meeting, or an Argument at the Bar? It would not be a Wonder, equal to your Jennerian Inoculation! If Such a Phenominon Should appear, I have a Subject to propose to him. The local...
83From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 19 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
There have been a multitude of American Vessels, wind–bound at Liverpool near two months, several of which have Letters for you, and for my father, and which I suppose will nearly all arrive about the same time—In the interval there will be a wide chasm during which you will be without advices from us, as we have now been long without any from you—The present will go by Mr A. H. Everett, who...
84Thomas Jefferson to Fitzwhylsonn & Potter, 19 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Vest , postmaster of Milton , who committed the volumes of Edinburg review to the stage, which I sent you, thinks he shall be able to recover them. the difficulty has arisen by a change of the driver. he says they were left by the former driver at the old stage office. perhaps you can find them there. I have generally had a good deal of bookbinding to do, and am likely still to need it...
85Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Milligan, 19 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The last proof sheet I recieved from you was to pa. 48. Mar. 1. and dispatched it Mar. 2. I am anxious to get as forward as possible, as 4. weeks hence I go to Bedford , & shall be absent 4. weeks. I send thro’ the care of mr Gray a small box, containing Homer 9. vols, Juvenal 4. vols, & Horace 2. vols, to be bound as they are tied up. I wish them to be done in your handsomest & solidest...
86Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 19 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A considerable time ago I recieved from the Historical committee of the Philosophical society of Philada a letter informing me they were in possession of a MS. volume, which from their description I concluded must be a copy of Col o Byrd ’s journal of the Carolina boundary. it was on that occasion I asked the favor of you to procure me the reading that work. as they meant to print it, they
87Thomas Jefferson to Joel Yancey, 19 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The waggons arrived yesterday forenoon with every thing safe except that Jerry left one of his mules dying on the road. this I dare say was the effect of poverty, which is the stamp of all our animals here. they have no forage short or long but what he I buy, and people are now talking of 8. and 10.D. a barrel for corn. I hope, if there is to be such another year, I shall not live to see it. I...
88From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 20 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter of Feb’ry 19th inst, was rejoiced to find you writing again. It was my intention Sooner to have replied to you, but your own experience under Similar Circumstances will allow for my omission, when I inform you that Louisa was Suddenly seizd with bleading, like that which has twice attackd you, and this from being a large vessel in the Stomack, was so profuse, as to...
89From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 20 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I will teise you no more, at present, with Metaphysicks or Books. I expect with Something very like impatience, once more to embrace You and the dear Creatures about you, meaning your Wife and Children. One Star Sitts with brilliancy, and another rises with brilliancy, notwithstanding certain Spots, which you and I have had opportunities to observe. Mr Monroe has certainly had the good Fortune...
90From James Madison to Joseph Delaplaine, 20 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of with the preceding one on the same subject. I sincerely wish the success to your Biographical Undertaking which your exertions merit; both for your own sake, and for the gratification it is capable of affording to the Public. But having not yet perused the half volume I possess, I can not say more than was said in the few lines heretofore dropt you. In truth, considering...
91From James Madison to Gabriel Slaughter, 20 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Feby 6th Covering the Resolution & address of the General Assembly did not reach me till the 18th instant. I request the favor of you to communicate the enclosed answer, and accept assurances of my high respect. I have receivd from his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor your address of Feby. 4. with the sensibility due to the kind expressions which distinguish it. Although I...
92To James Madison from Edward Coles, 20 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Birkbeck, a very extensive, and one of the most scientific and best practical agriculturalists of England, not liking the present state of things here, and having a very exalted opinion of our Country, and being also a great admirer of its political institutions, has determined to remove to and settle in it with his Family. Knowing your partiality for agriculture, I take the liberty of...
93To James Madison from Richard T. Fenner, 20 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Actuated by the influence of respect for your private Character as a Citizen retiring from public duty to enjoy the Sweet reflection of a life spent in the Service of Your Country; though a Stranger I hope you will pardon my presumption in thus intruding this Epistle on Your attention— Have you a Son !! the prop of your declining years! the hope of your illustrious house!! Such a one once was...
94Patrick Gibson to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your note in bank for $2000. falling due the 4 th of next month I send you the inclosed for your signature—With great respect I am RC ( MHi ); between dateline and salutation: “Thomas Jefferson Esq re ”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Mar. 1817 and so recorded in SJL ; with TJ’s notes (one word illegible) for his 1 Apr. 1817 reply on verso: “note wine molasses boo k s. sell flour.” Enclosure...
95David Michie to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Some recent reports, not correct, as they respect myself, in relation to my pretensions to the mill scite at Milton , have induced me again to address you on that subject. It is not a fact, that I have determined to postpone the prosecution, of what I consider a legal & just claim, untill your death. It is not a fact, that I either dread you, as an opposing litigant, or fear the severest...
96Thomas Eston Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have maturely consider’d the contents of your letter of the 15 th instant, which I received on the day of its date— I do not hesitate to acknowledge that I am very desirous to retain the Mill , and, far from wishing you to make any sacrifice of Rent, I feel most sincerely disposed to pay a Rent fully adequate to all the advantages which its situation offers—From the former amount of mony...
97From John Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 21 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I now hope to see you, after 8 years Absence. I cannot write you a formal Letter. You have a kind of fame for a facility of learning Languages. Let me caution you against indulging that Curiosity too much. Languages are a boundless and unfathomable Ocean. Greek and Latin and Arithmatick and Geometry are your most proper Studies at present. French and Italian and German will be easy here after...
98From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 21 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have been pleased with your Journal. I envy, or rather I wish, I could have Shared with you, your Evenings with, your Father. Your Worthy Præceptor might have Said that the whole Christian World is and has been divided, in their Interpretations of Some Texts in the Epistles of St. Paul. But Greek and Latin, and Mathematicks ought to be your Objects at present. Metaphisicks you may leave,...
99From John Adams to John Adams, 21 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
Nothing from your Family gives me more pleasure than to hear as I do, that you are a diligent Student and good Schollar. Do you know the meaning, of the Words, Patience of Application ? Patience of Study ? My little reading, you may well Suppose is not fresh in my head: but I remember to have somewhere read that Sir Isaac Newton used to Say that “all he had done in Science was by patient...
100Edmund Bacon to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The time has at length arrive when the situation of my family requires that I should indeavour to get a home my three sons haveing now arrive to an age and size necessary to commence the maner of labour by which they must get their living I must really declare that nothing but necessaty induceis me to Proceede in the undertaking which I now think of ingageing with my intention is to indeavour...