14551Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 14 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
I have time, this morning, for only a single line, to remove all doubt as to the receipt of your last packet. It came in due course of mail, & its contents went with the first dispatches: so also did its previous brother, which ought to have been immediately acknowledged; & would have been, but for collateral causes of procrastination. Mrs Randolph & Virginia have been for two or three weeks,...
14552[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 18 February 1830 (Madison Papers)
In putting up the enclosed for yourself, I take the liberty of adding three packets for the Orange Ct. House post=office. This I do in the conviction that; from the nature of the packets, it is no abuse of your frank, and that the liberty will be excusable in your eyes. Ritchie’s conduct on the occasion has been most inexcusable . His notes to the friend in Richmond whom I had charged with the...
14553Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 12 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
Taking the white sheet in which the papers were wrapped, for a mere envelope; I did not notice your "iterum", until I came to put away my letters, after my last to you was despatched. The extract you desire, is now enclosed. Mr Gilmer’s information leaves it uncertain whether the contract be in this county, or with his uncle, in Liberty. To the latter, I shall write by the first mail. In the...
14554Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 17 December 1835 (Madison Papers)
Until a few weeks ago, I counted with certainty on making my usual pilgrimage to Montpellier during this visit to the U. States. But circumstances beyond my control have put it out of my power, and I am now hastening to New Orleans, by the Way of Charleston, Augusta & Mobile, in company with Septimia Randolph, who has already suffered such effects from the cold weather as to make her friends...
14555Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 July 1833 (Madison Papers)
A note from Mr Kane informs me that Mr Longacre—whom I had previously the pleasure of knowing, and whom he speaks of as "one of our most accomplished & estimable Philadelphia artists, is on his way to Virginia, and proposes to visit Montpelier in the hope that it will not be found too inconvenient to you to allow him an opportunity to take your picture. Mr Kane says he has never seen a good...
14556Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 13 June 1829 (Madison Papers)
Dr Jones has lost his situation in the Patent office, and now holds a clerkship in this Dept. I accidentally learnt yesterday that he had told one of his acquaintance that this was only temporarily, for "he had once been offered professorships in the University of Virginia & some other institution, and would again turn his attention that way." On hearing this, I determined to lose no time in...
14557Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Since my return here (last friday) I have been engaged in the examination of Mr. Jefferson’s papers, for materials to put the measures of ’98-’99 in their true light, and thus to vindicate his memory & that of his co-laborers from the deep reproach of having given birth to the doctrine of Nullification as now understood. I have found several precious things, among which is the memorandum of...
14558Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
The step which I now take, I venture on With the less reluctance, as, if not entirely approved by you, it will rest altogether with you to prevent its reaching the field of impropriety. Mr Davis has written to ask me to procure, & send him without loss of time, a book which I once lent him. I have determined to avoid delay by sending him my copy; but it being altogether uncertain when this...
14559Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 25th came duly to hand. There was a reason for the application to G going from you which I intended, but forgot at the moment, to state. Of this, however, another time. Every day has been devoted to the examination of Mr. J’s papers: beginning at the beginning, & coming down regularly. I have almost got through, and at every step something occurs to confirm my own opinion, &...
14560To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 6 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter, I received yesterday evening and hasten to forward to you, as well as my reply, which is subjoined. From these data, you will be able to judge what will be the intentions of the members in Richmond after the receipt of my letter, as they will have it in their power to judge of your probable decision under all the circumstances which have occurred. “At the momt. of writing...
14561Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 12 January 1829 (Madison Papers)
Thompson received four copies of Lyman’s work, on Saturday. Two were immediately taken—the one by Mr Everett, the other by the Russian minister. These circumstances, together with the annunciation of "considerable additions" to the part formerly published, & the continuation of the history through periods concerning which you may feel the interest of curiosity, determined me on subjecting you...
14562To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 6 May 1827 (Madison Papers)
I owe many apologies for this tardy acknowledgment of your favor of last month. Several causes have contributed to this remissness, but the chief of these is the paradoxical one of that extreme punctuality which you persist in observing towards me, which has been the cause of a compunctious visitation every time that it has been displayed, and which therefore, honestly and sincerely, I do not...
14563Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have not had it in my power to thank you sooner, for your kind compliance with my request in relation to Mr Gallatin. A few evenings after the receipt of your letter, it procured for me an interview in which my high expectations were realised, & I moreover experienced the gratification of having my own views on many points, confirmed by such high authority. It was not the least of the...
14564Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
The somersets which have been turned here since I last wrote have changed the aspect of things in more respects than one. It has opened prospects with regard to the prosecution of internal improvements, and among others the Chesapeake & Ohio canal, which will not be without their effect upon the value of property here. Should this new scheme be adopted, the inevitable effect will be a large...
14565[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 7 March 1830 (Madison Papers)
Had the many interruptions been anticipated, which have arisen to prevent an earlier reply to your favor of the 16th ulto., I should have immediately written a line to relieve you from doubt as to its safe transmission. The justness of your criticism is felt, upon the imputation of ignorance as to the doctrines of self government, to the period of the Revolution. I was indeed unaware of the...
14566Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 21 March 1829 (Madison Papers)
The branch of business that has been assigned me, makes this the busiest period of the year: indeed the press scarcely allows me breathing time. This will be a sufficient apology, I trust, for not sooner answering your last favor. In relation to the Faculty report, I took the liberty of departing from your directions, so far as to have it inserted by both the Intelligencer & the Journal, as a...
14567To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 8 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
Owing to my not attending Court on Monday I did not receive your favor of the 3d. till the next day. Nothing has reached me concerning the papers you enquire after. I think it not unlikely, however, that Mr Sparks may have entrusted them to Mr Hilliard of Boston, who set out thence some weeks since, & has been daily looked for for a good while. When he arrives, I shall ask if nothing was put...
14568Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 17 October 1830 (Madison Papers)
In the hurry of folding last Sunday, the enclosed was omitted; and as it may be necessary to assure you, in case of one of those collecting visits, which, from the loose manner in which newspaper accounts are generally & in a great measure unavoidably kept, I know by experience one is liable to a repetition of,— I now enclose it. I have been running over the essay on distress, and found in it...
14569Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 5 July 1828 (Madison Papers)
The two packets containing your letter to Mr Eppes, and those from Mr Hassler, came to hand in due course of mail: the contents of the former were immediately forwarded to Lynchburg, Mr E’s post-office; those of the latter, placed among the papers of the board. I write now for the purpose of saying--lest you should be deterred by the late event--that you are expected to establish yourselves...
14570To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 31 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
I send, with the request that they be returned when you shall have done with them, a couple of Harmony papers, containing some articles on the subject of gymnastics. The flattering reports brought up by Genl. Cocke on the prospects of further assistance from the legislature, and the consequent probability that it will be in the power of the Bd. to do something on the subject, has revived my...
14571Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 May 1829 (Madison Papers)
An accidental opportunity offers to send you a few oranges, which may, perhaps, be a rarity; and will, I trust, be more acceptable than my prescription during your last illness. The news of this, recd. yesterday from Mr Rives, was as unexpected as it was unpleasant: for but a few days had elapsed since I had called at Mr Cutts’s, & learnt you were both well. You must have been thinking me very...
14572Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 21 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
Instead of your hearing from me early in the week, as, in my few lines of last week, I promised you should, the end of it has arrived & found me still delinquent. I have as yet completed but two copies of Mr Monroe’s paper, which go, in separate parcels, by this mail; they had best, I think, be sent to Mr Johnson & Mr Cabell: the former having been on the committee with Mr Monroe, the latter...
14573To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, [3 April 1827] (Madison Papers)
Stepping into the post-office to put my letter in, I am pleased to find the enclosed left here for distribution. It so happened that it was my intention to say Something in my letter, on this very subject, in connexion with one of the transactions at the last meeting, and an account I have since heard of Mr Maxwell’s Speech at Hampden Sydney, in which he triumphantly foretold that they (the...
14574To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 29 January 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have been expecting by every mail for a week past, an answer to a letter I wrote you on the 18th instant; and I begin to fear that it has either miscarried, or found you unwell. It was to apologise for my long neglict of your wishes on the subject of the remaining letters from you to Mr Jefferson, & to apprise you that they were at length separated from the books in which they had been sewn,...
14575To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 30 December 1826 (Madison Papers)
The first thing to be done after the adjournment of the Board, was to make up the record & copy off all those long enactments of Mr Johnson. This I commenced on the succeeding day, & was occupied by, pretty closely, till the Thursday ensuing. Then I went immediately, to the university, where Mr Lomax & myself commenced our joint labours of digesting the enactments, which we got through by...
14576Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 8 July 1830 (Madison Papers)
In the scrawl I sent you just before my departure for Philadelphia, I adverted to another subject, on which I proposed to write soon. Circumstances have encouraged my procrastinating disposition, until it has brought me to the last moment. The subject in question is the creation of a Professorship for (for this is truly the only light in which the subject can be viewed by an impartial...
14577Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 26 November 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have never lost sight of the report to the Legislature; and yet it has been impossible for me to make the sketch which goes by this morning’s mail, before this moment. The first days of my arrival were entirely engrossed by attendance on the office, & then, receiving & making calls and seeking a lodging. These things, added to the bustle of a tavern, made it so difficult for me to collect my...
14578Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 21 September 1830 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Gales having told me on Saturday that the communication in question would appear in the ensuing paper, I was apprehensive, on the receipt of your last favor, that it would be too late to avail myself of the suggestion contained in it. The paper yesterday morning, however, proved not to contain it; and I went down to the printing office as soon as I could. Mr G. (nor S.) was not in; & after...
14579Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 October 1828 (Madison Papers)
Your kind favor of the 12th (post-mark-14th) was received on the 17th, & I wished to answer it by return of post, but found it impossible. I wrote, however, by that mail to Mr Clay, saying that, provided the duties were such as I felt competent to, the office would be very acceptable; and that my determination would be communicated the moment I could receive the necessary information on the...
14580Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 11 January 1833 (Madison Papers)
On christmas morning, In attempting to rise, I found myself completely nullified , and almost as stiff as a statue, in the body. I had for some days felt a slight pain in the back, which had now almost impreceptibly ripened into quite a severe acute rheumatism, that rendered every attempt at motion excessively painful. In the course of 36 hours, the stiffness disappeared; but I had to confine...
14581Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, December 1830 (Madison Papers)
Under this cover is the speech of Genl. H. which you will oblige me by returning when you have done with it. The particular part in question is in the appendix, p. 44. The consideration I have again bestowed on the subject confirms me in the conviction that it may, without difficulty, be placed in its true light. One of the passengers in the stage obtained at the Ct. House an orange Press , in...
14582Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 7 October 1829 (Madison Papers)
Mr Van Buren is reported to contemplate a visit to Richmond, where he will, of course, see you. He has expressed himself favorably concerning me, to several persons. But I have not had any opportunity to make myself known to him, except in the mere routine of a subordinate clerkship. Should no circumstance exist to make such a thing unpleasant; an expression of the sentiments with which it has...
14583Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 1 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
A steady rain all day yesterday prevented my going to the University then. The hour at which the mail closes just allows me time to send you a copy of the Contract with Mr Long —which I have selected, thinking it might be the one you have occasion for—The others are in substance the same. If copies of them are wanted, please drop me a line to that effect. Affectionately, Your very devoted...
14584Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 29 May 1830 (Madison Papers)
On reading the message of the President on the Maysville road bill, you will be, probably, as astounded as I was, at the preposterous misconstruction of your very plain language, and the ascription to you of a concession utterly at variance with the idea of a limitation of the authority of the Fed. govt, and with the uniform & emphatic tone of your mind on these subjects. Conceiving it to be a...
14585To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 9 January 1827 (Madison Papers)
When I came to make a copy of the report, I was stopped at the first step, by the want of a caption. How was this difficulty to be got over? I could not communicate with you on the subject, without a loss of time that might add still more to the delay of the report. I have determined therefore on the following course. To transpose a portion of body upon the shoulders—thus making a head of...
14586Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 14 December 1831 (Madison Papers)
Your letter & the Speech are recd.—Your signature on the frank indicated but too plainly the state of your hand; and I fear that this unprecedented weather strengthens the enemy to the point of allowing you no rest. I shall write a few lines to-night, if not prevented. Meanwhile Affte adieux RC (ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book).
14587Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 15 December 1829 (Madison Papers)
Mr Pierpont of Boston, whose name as a Minister of the Unitarian church is no doubt familiar to you, having come as far south as this place, finds himself too near the attraction now presented by Richmond, to resist it; and as you constitute one of its most important elements, I presume so far upon the kindness I have myself experienced, as to give him this introduction. With the profoundest...
14588Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 16 September 1828 (Madison Papers)
When I dispatched the packet containing the papers of Mr Tracie, last week, it was in such a hurry as not to allow me time to accompany it by a single line. Dr Patterson came up from Richmond on the monday previous to the opening of the session. Mr Tucker arrived on the same day, in the northern stage. In the sentiments expressed at the dinner to Dr P, you will have noticed what struck me as...
14589[Nicholas P. Trist] to James Madison, 1 June 1830 (Madison Papers)
By a singular coincidence, just after your last note was recd. Elliott came into my office, from which the cold reception I have made it a point to give him, had kept him more aloof than he was first disposed to me. He mentioned that "partly on business, partly on pleasure" he was going to pay you a visit; I availed myself of the opportunity to say that you were indisposed at present, which...
14590Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 6 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
At the recommendation of Commodore Elliot, (a gentleman of great intelligence who knows all about the West Indies, and Havana particularly) I have purchased a volume of letters, which none of us will have time to read for a couple of weeks or more. I have dipped into it, & think it will prove entertaining to Mrs Madison & yourself, independently of the interest the subject will derive from its...
14591Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 8 April 1828 (Madison Papers)
I have searched the papers here in vain, for the power of attorney; and it will be impossible to return to Monticello and get back, in time for to-day’s post. You may expect to hear from me again, by the next. Meanwhile, with thanks for the English papers, accept my affectionate salutations RC ( ViHi : Nicholas P. Trist Album Book). Docketed by James Madison.
14592Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, August 1834 (Madison Papers)
Private. A circumstance came to my knowledge the other day, which, as (according to the impressions which prevail here) it may have some connexion with your affairs, I deem it proper to communicate to you. Mr. Eugene Vail some time since rented of the Newells a house (marked V’s house) adjoining the ground in possession of Mr. Cutts. V’s father in law, a wealthy monied man of New York,...
14593Nicholas P. Trist to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
If M rs Randolph had not fortunately mentioned that you had written to me, I should not probably, have had the pleasure of receiving your kind favor at all; owing to this, however, it has only been a few weeks longer in reaching me than if it had stopt at Donaldsonville . You had the kindness to furnish me with the list of Law-books, before I left Monticello : but as I knew it would be useless...
14594To Thomas Jefferson from Nicholas Philip Trist, 18 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Several circumstances, in relation to the University, have come to my knowledge, which, under the impression that it may promote the interests of that institution, I have determined, even at the risk of appearing presumptuous, to call your attention to. I do so by letter, because the benefit already derived from my jaunt will induce me to prolong my absence, probably till the eve of the...
14595To Thomas Jefferson from Nicholas Philip Trist, 18 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I avail myself of the first opportunity that offers to return your catalogue, the absence of which will have proved, I fear, a greater inconvenience than can be compensated by the copy I have made.—I should certainly not have taken it with me, had I Anticipated the long detention I am experiencing; but this has been caused by a chain of unhappy circumstances which it was as impossible to...
14596Nicholas P. Trist to Thomas Jefferson, 14 April 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
This work has just made its appearance here, and I am confident You will not consider as thrown away, the time you will have spent in reading it.— I leave this tomorrow, after a tedious stay of more weeks than, on my arrival, I expected to spend days.— Browse writes that there are letters w from Monticello waiting for me at home; From them, I hope to have the pleasure of Learning in a few...
14597Gerard Troost to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you two books one of M r Faujas de S t Fond and the other of D r Kesteloot with a letter of M r Thoúin . having been Captured at Sea—and having been Subjected to other disasters of war, are the reasons why I was not able to forward them Sooner as I only receive them this Spring. It is only by accident that I can Send you this works put under my care; it was not my...
14598To John Jay from Richard Varick and Robert Troup, 8 March 1828 (Jay Papers)
In Obedience to the Direction of the Board of Managers of the American Bible Society, We have the Honor to inclose You a Copy of their Proceedings relative to your late Resignation of the Office of President of the Society. We are deeply sensible of the serious Injury the Society will inevitably sustain from the Want of your illustrious Name to patronize its important Concerns; We cannot...
14599To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 1 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have omitted to reply to your most welcome & kind Letter of the 15 th of July, until I could announce the Completion of my print of the Declaration of Independence. I have now the pleasure to say that not only the Engraving has been finished with great beauty, but that the printing has also been executed with uncommon success. The sloop Virginia which sails tomorrow for Richmond, will convey...
14600To James Madison from John Trumbull, 4 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
May I beg your acceptance of the enclosed “Description[”] of the Four paintings which I executed under your Auspices, & which are now finished, & permanently placed. I thought well to accompany each subject with a Sketch of the History of the Event: & hope that what I have said, may meet your approbation. There is also, in the introduction, an allusion to the favorable impression made by my...