2221To James Madison from Jacob Brown, [31 December] 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have received your friendly letter of Novm: 7th. for which I beg you to accept my thanks. The pursuits of agriculture, in which I was brought up, have ever been my favorite employment; and I look forward with great satisfaction to the time when they will engage my sole attention. The institution of the agricultural society of this county was an object which I had much at heart; and I feel...
2222Thomas W. Griffith to James Madison, 16 September 1831 (Madison Papers)
As the subject of the remarks contained in the inclosed may not be unacceptible to you, I respectfully submit them; and hope they may give occasion to a further exposition of your views on the powers granted the Federal Government, in relation to Commerce and Manufactures. I claim no other right to give the public my opinion, than that which may be derived from years, and it cannot, I trust,...
2223Benjamin Waterhouse to James Madison, 14 February 1829 (Madison Papers)
Here send for your acceptance a production of early life, being my inaugural oration, when inducted into the office of Profr. of the Theory & Practice of Physic in this University, nearly half a century since. On recollecting the labour & study it cost me, at that time, I have spared it from the flames with a few other papers. I have no hesitation in saying, that if it be not classical, it has...
2224Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, [29] January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 9 th was 19. days in it’s passage to me, being received yesterday evening only. and now that I have recieved it, I wish that I could answer it more to your satisfaction. I must explain to you my situation. when I retired from office at Washington my intimacy with my successor being well known, I became the center of application from all quarters by those who wished...
2225From John Adams to Aaron Bancroft, 21 January 1823 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind Letter of Decr. 30 and above all for the gift of a precious vol—It is a chain of diamonds set in links of Gold—I have never heard or read a volume of sermons better calculated or adapted to the age and country in which it was written—How different from the sermons I heard and read in the town of Worcester from the year 1755 to 1758 As my destiny in life has been some...
2226To James Madison from Thomas H. Palmer, 10 March 1825 (Madison Papers)
Knowing that you feel an interest in whatever relates to the improvement of the rising generation, I have taken the liberty of sending you a few copies of a plan of education for a small class of young ladies, which I flatter myself will be found an improvement on the prevailing systems. Should you coincide with me in opinion, after a perusal of the “Outlines,” it wd. confer an obligation on...
2227From Thomas J. O’Flaherty to James Monroe, 3 August 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The Institutions which flourish under the arch of our Constitution strike the scholar with fond surprise. The liberal management held out to Literature shews its importance, and how keenly it is relished by American Freemen. In this State we see an Edifice, which when in operation, will scatter the salutary light of mind throughout “the Old Dominion,” and enable the rising sons of Virginia to...
2228From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 20 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
I see by your favour of May 10th that we must all grow Old—but you have not yet experienced one tenth part of the Infirmitys of Old Age—I am very glad your Physician promises you, that all will be well In your Researches do you find any Evidence of Persecutions of Quakers Anabaptists Witches or any–other Sectary’s amongst your Primitive Dutch Settle’rs in New–york—or amongst the cortier...
2229To James Madison from Alexander Keech, 28 March 1827 (Madison Papers)
This will be presented to you, by Mr. J. T. Shepherd whom I most cheerfully recommend to your favorable consideration—as a young Gentleman of considerable merit; both in relation to his literary acquirements and his exemplary moral deportment. Should the Visitors of the University, at the head of whom, you are placed; contemplate the appointment of a Tutor to aid those who are not well...
2230Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Itch Lotion, [after 29 May 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
60 grs = 1. drachm 8 drachms = 1. oz 480. grs = 1. oz 16 oz. = 1. pint 2880 480 7680 = 1 pint 3840 11520 = 1
2231From James Madison to John Nicholas, 4 January 1820 (Madison Papers)
I recd. a few days ago a copy of your agricultural address under a blank Cover. Presuming that I am indebted for it to your kind attention I offer you my thanks for the favor. I have read your observations with pleasure & not without instruction. Whatever differences of opinion may exist on particular points; the substance and scope of the address, can not fail to be acceptable & useful to...
2232James Madison to Charles Eaton Hayne, 27 August 1832 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. In the very crippled & feeble state of my health I cannot undertake an extended answer to your enquiries, nor should I suppose it necessary if you have seen my letter to Mr. Everett in August 1830, in which the proceedings of Virginia in 98-99 were explained, and the novel doctrine of nullification adverted to. The distinction is obvious between 1st. such...
2233To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas W. Gilmer, 1 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
By a resolution of the standing Committee for the county of Albemarle, we have been deputed in the name of our fellow-citizens, to solicit your attendance on friday next at a public dinner to be given to general La Fayette at the university of Virginia. We trust you will do us the honor to attend and unite with us in manifesting to this distinguished benefactor of our country, every evidence...
2234From John Adams to Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward, 17 November 1824 (Adams Papers)
The formidable invasion of my ninetieth year must be my apology for neglecting, and so improperly, your valuable and worthy present of “A System of Universal Science”; but the loss of my sight prevents my making the use of it I wish. It is a work of great labour and research, and must be useful to those who wish to inquire into that subject. I also thank you for the newspapers you sent me. I...
2235From James Madison to James Francis Madison Shepherd, 8 December 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. Ult. was not recd. till yesterday afternoon. I find on recurring to my files and my memory, that I can afford no evidence of the fact in question. I have nothing from the pen of Docr. Shepherd that alludes to it. In a letter of april 7th 1821. He says “A family of the negroes that belonged to my brothers Estate have been taken back for the benefit of Betsy Shepherd: if...
2236Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 27 June 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Instead of the unintelligible sketch I gave you the other day, I send it drawn more at large. mrs Monroe & yourself may take some hints from it for a better plan of your own . this supposes 10.f. in front, and 8.f in flank added to your sills. a flat of 12.f. square is formed at the top, to make your present rafters answer, & to lighten the appearance of the roof. Affectionate and respectful...
2237To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell Rives, 10 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance my brother Robert, who is one of the representatives of the county of Nelson in the next Legislature. He is on a visit to the University, to inspect the plan & condition of that noble establishment, & will be much gratified in the opportunity, which a personal interview will afford, of learning the views of it’s patron & founder.— MHi .
2238To John Adams from James Ronaldson, 16 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
In the generation that follows the Heroes and statesmen of the Revolution, General Andrew Jackson is a most distinguished character, one who has laid aside all personal consideration when the interest of his country required the sacrifice. Under the belief that there exists a fellowship of feeling between strong minds; men who acted on the theatre of War & politics; when , life and reputation...
2239To James Madison from Chapman Johnson, 5 October 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a communication from General Cocke, enclosing Mr. Shorts letters, on the subject of Doctr. Jones, also your letter with Mr. Browns and Mr. Bruces. I wrote to you a few days since, from this place, informing you, that doctr. Patterson had declined being a candidate to for the chair of Nat. Philosophy, in our University, and giving you an extract from his letter,...
2240From James Madison to Francis Preston, 2 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last Mail yours of May 15: and I can not but express my regret that any controversy should have arisen as to the distribution of the laurels gained in the memorable battle of Kings Mountain, where enough were gained for all the heroes of the achievement. I was not what you suppose I was, a member of the Council of State, either at the date of the battle, or when the vote of the...
2241James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
J. M ’s best respects to mr Jefferson . He has the pleasure to send, for his perusal, a late letter from mr Rush , which it may be gratifying to mr Jefferson to see. J. M. will retake it, the next time he calls at Monticello . He hopes that mr Jeffersons health continues to improve. RC ( MHi ); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Sept. 1818 from
2242From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 29 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am almost as troublesome to you, my dear friend, as to my Physician, and with less reason as it is in his line & not in yours. but there being nothing to be had here, I am obliged to avail myself of your kindness for every little 2 d article which my situation requires. in mine of the 24 th I troubled you with a commission for catheters which I am in hopes of recieving by an early mail. I...
2243To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 9 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Hearing that mr Webster & mr Ticknor will call on you, and indeed that their visit is principally intended for yourself & mr Madison, I take much interest in recommending them to your kind attention. They are known to the public, as citizens of great respectability & talents, and the latter, is well known to you personally, in those lights, so that little is left to me to add, than to bear my...
2244William S. Cardell to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 26] February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall need neither apology nor a long introducting introduction in addressing you on a subject which you will not deem unimportant as connected with the good of our country. This is an association of the best Belles Lettres scholars of the United States as a national philological Academy. To settle a point on which some difference might exist, it is not designed to form an American Language...
2245Jerman Baker to Thomas Jefferson, 26 September 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a letter from my friend Co l Burton of North Carolina a few days since in which he requests me to inform you that he had directed a Cask of very superior Scuppernon Wine to be sent you, by way of Norfolk to this place; It will be brought up in the Steam Boat from Norfolk , with one for me, any Directions that you may give about it shall be particularly attended to. May I my dear...
2246To James Madison from William H. Sumner, 22 February 1824 (Madison Papers)
In the hope that you will derive some gratification from the perusal of the letters of some of the distinguished citizens which are contained in the enclosed Pamphlet which has lately been published in this Town I have taken the liberty to address one to you, & avail myself of this occasion to express the respect and high consideration with which I shall always subscribe myself as your most...
2247Thomas Jefferson to John Wood (of New York), 9 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
It is so very troublesome and difficult to make small and fractional remittances into other states. a proof of this is my present remittance of a 5. Dollar note of the Bank of Virginia , because one of the US. bank cannot be had in this interior part of the country. this I believe pays my subscription to the New York sales report to the end of the present year, after which, for the reason...
2248From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 12 November 1821 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the 4 Nov. I am very glad you have got so far through Hallams middle ages to hear that you are so nearly through Hallam’s middle ages. I am travelling through the same country from the benevolence of your friend Quincy, who after travelling through it himself gave me a lease of it for a term. It is a valuable compendium and I am very glad to find that he gives so...
2249From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 19 November 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The books from Liverpool after which your letter of the 16 th enquiries, on behalf of the collector were sent by mr Dennison one of the members of parliament who was with us the last summer. I inclose you his letter which accompanied them it is so worded, that I might have considered them as a present to myself. but he says he had seen in the library of the University Tim Bobbin on the...
2250From Abigail Smith Adams to Julia Stockton Rush, 15 October 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am indebted to you, for two very kind Letters The first, was written after my Grandaughter miss de Wint, had made you a visit. I ought to have inform’d you, how much She regreted, that it was not in her power to repeat it, and writing to me upon her return, that She was gratified in having visited a Lady, whom She knew; was much esteemd by her Grand Parents: as well as by her own Father, and...
2251To Thomas Jefferson from George Blaettermann, 7 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to return you your excellent little tract on the Anglo Saxon language and mode of teaching it. I have perused it with attention and am delighted with your idea on the subject. I have found, in the course of my experience as a teacher, that assimilating, even by forcing and straining a little, the language of the learner to that he is to acquire greatly facilitates his labor....
2252John Laval to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you was written & forwarded on the 1 st of April, it has been delayed by the fault of Some of the Post Offices. The Potter ’s Euripides, I offered to you, was the Only one in the City, & is, as well as Woodhull ’s, bound Calf extra, which is the Cause of their high prices. I Shall have in September or October next Potter ’s Euripides in boards, & will be able to afford it at...
2253Robert Barnard to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I have observed the report of the Trustees or Committee of the College or Institution about to be formed in the state of Virginia for the purpose of Education—Altho’ your name does not appear, your well known Character for literary & Scientific acquirements Would lead me to suppose that you are neither indifferent to the success of the Institution , nor decline to take An active part in...
2254To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1823 (Madison Papers)
You already know that the legislature has authorised the literary board to lend us another 60.000 D. It is necessary we should act on this immediately so far as to accept the loan, that we may engage our workmen before they enter into other undertakings for the season. But the badness of the roads, the uncertainty of the weather and the personal inconvenience of a journey to the members of our...
2255Toasts for Lafayette’s Dinner, [ante–5 November 1824] (Madison Papers)
Toasts suggested for the dinner to Genl: Lafayette + The Guest of the Nation: no where more welcome than in Virginia. She received his best services. He enjoys her best affections. “To love liberty a nation need but know it: to possess it, but to will it.” *La Fayette —The Rights of man, the Gift of God: The powers of Government the Grant of the people. The President of the U.S. (Monroe) the...
2256From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 11 May 1823 (Adams Papers)
I received yesterday my dear Charles your Letter of the 4th. and hasten to answer it as I really feel anxious lest the heated atmosphere in which you appear to have lived for the last week or two should produce have a bad effect and produce the fever which is so common at Cambridge towards the end of a term and generally so frightfully infectious— We are much obliged to you for the information...
2257To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 24 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your esteem d of the 21 st has been rec d , covering bill lading for 11 Cases &c: from New York, which have just arrived, & 8 of them already forwarded by a Waggon, to J & Raphael Charlottesville, the other three will follow by first chance. The money you request remitted to J. Thompson, collector of New York, shall go by tomorrow’s mail. Jefferson is here, & I trust will accomplish all his &...
2258Enclosure: Recommendation of James Leander Cathcart [ca. July 1818], enclosure no. 1 in James Leander Cathcart to Thomas … (Jefferson Papers)
We the undersign’d having a satisfactory knowledge of James Leander Cathcart Esq r either personally, or by character from Gentlemen in whom we place confidence, & from his public character, do recommend him to the President of the United States , & to the heads of Departments, & especially to the Secretary of the Navy , as a fit candidate for the office of Purser or Paymaster of the naval...
2259Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 2 September 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I was favor’d last evening with yours covering chk: on Farmers Bank for $1059–66 which is at your credit in ℀ as directed— Any dfts: you may have occasion to draw will be honor’d as heretofore— I have this morning procured the 8 Boxes Tin, 3 Bundles spike Rods, & 1 Box Glass 12/18, but could not find, at Smith ’s, or any where else, 12/12 Glass, he is good enough to say he will order it...
2260From William Smith Shaw to Joseph Barlow Felt, 28 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
I had proposed to come & see you on Saturday last but hearing of the dangerous sickness of my Aunt Adams I was induced to visit Quincy. She has been afflicted with a violent bilious fever, which has left her almost prostrate. I came to town last evening. This morning Dr Welsh who stayed there yesterday came to town & informed me that the symptoms were little more favorable but I fear the...
2261From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1819 (Adams Papers)
I have transmitted you a letter to Samuel Adams Welles Esqr. in Boston as you desire This gentleman is a singular character he is I believe the only surviving male of his Grandfather the late govenor of Massachusetts Samuel Adams who never had but two children a son and a daughter; his son who bore his name died early a surgeon in the army of the Revolution—without issue; his daughter married...
2262Thomas Jefferson to James W. Wallace, 29 May [1818] (Jefferson Papers)
On the Suddenness of the request in the moment of your departure for a keep- sake in the style of Gen l Washington ’s & General Braddock ’s razors, I could not at once recollect any thing exactly suitable. it has since occurred that the travelling razor case which I have been in the habit of using, might be a deposit for those razors, and make a compact thing of the whole, and as it is light I...
2263To Thomas Jefferson from James Cutbush, 29 September 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding that we laboured under many difficulties for want of a text book on Military Pyrotechny, as works on that subject are principally in French, I was induced from that consideration to compile a complete system for the use of our Chemical department to be used in conjunction with the usual Chemical class books. As to Chemical instruction, we have two classes; the first and second. To the...
2264From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Samuel L. Southard, 11 October 1824 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Adams requests the pleasure of Mr. Southard’s company on Thursday Eveng at 1/2 past seven o clock to meet Genl La Fayette— NjP : Samuel L. Southard Papers.
2265James Madison to Robley Dunglison, 12 March 1830 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 12th. I cannot think it will be amiss, scanty as our funds are, to make the small draft on them for the pertinent object you suggest. I have made the use of your friendly communication relating to young Willis that was proper without disclosing the source of it. I recd. some days ago a letter from L. P. Perry, seeking an exemption from the enactment on the...
2266From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 2 November 1819 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of 1 September N. 42 with the receipts enclosed, and the Book, containing the statement of Account between us has been received—It had escaped my recollection that the £20 for which I gave you an order upon S. Williams the day that I left London was for the same sum which I had at the same time borrowed of you. But I have no doubt that your memory is correct, and my forgetfulness...
2267George Fisher: A Manifesto, 2 Oct. 1824, 2 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A MANIFESTO, TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. “FELLOW CITIZENS—When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the law of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent...
2268Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 30 June 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I am become quite delinquent in epistolary correspondence; my right wrist, from an antient dislocation, grows now so stiff, as to render writing a slow and painful operation, and has produced an aversion to the pen almost insuperable. I go therefore to the writing table under the spur of necessity alone. The delay in the opening of our seminary in this neighborhood has proceeded entirely...
2269From John Adams to Aaron Clark, 23 February 1820 (Adams Papers)
Accept my thanks—for your favour of the 16th. and for the prospectus—of a most magnificent Publication—which if it can be accomplished must be a Magazine of important Documents for the Study of Posterity— I hope Judge Vanderkemps translation of the early records of the Dutch Languages will be a part of great Collection but my forces are two far Spent to contribute anything, but my good wishes...
2270From James Madison to Thomas Todd, 6 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
A letter just recd. from Mrs. Todd has given us very great pleasure first because it assures us of the progressive restoration of your health, and secondly because it pledges anew the visit so long & as anxiously wished by us. I hope your health will continue to improve and that nothing will interfere to keep our families apart the ensuing fall & winter. I have recd. a letter from R. B. Lee...