1From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. After recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Madison Jas Aug: 11. 1783.” Probably also at that time he heavily excised in ink all of his first paragraph except its opening two and closing two sentences. To the partial decipherments of the thirteen obliterated lines by Irving Brant in his biography of Madison (II, 286, 450, n. 7) and Julian P. Boyd in...
2To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 August 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
At the date of my letter in April I expected to have had the pleasure by this time of being with you in Virginia. My disappointment has proceeded from several dilatory circumstances on which I had not calculated. [One of them was the uncertain state into which the object I was then pursuing has been brought by one of those incidents to which such affairs are liable. The result has rendered the...
3From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. JM docketed the letter, upon recovering it many years later, “Madison, Jas. July 17. 1783.” Your two favors of the 1 & 17 of June, with the debates of Congress and the letter for Miss Floyd and the Cyphers inclosed in the former, and your amendments to the Constitution inclosed in the latter, have been duly recd. The latter came by yesterday’s mail. I...
4To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 July 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 1 and 17 of June, with the debates of Congress and the letter for Miss Floyd and the Cyphers inclosed in the former, and your amendments to the Constitution inclosed in the latter, have been duly received. The latter came by yesterdays mail. I feel too sensibly the value of these communications to omit my particular acknowledgments for them. The usual reserve of our...
5[To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 23 June 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 23 June 1783 . There is recorded in SJL , under date of 16 Apr. 1784, the receipt of a letter from “J. Adams. Paris. June 23. by Mazzei.” Mazzei landed at Hampton, Virginia, in Nov. 1783, but he did not forward Adams’ letter for some months; see Mazzei to TJ, 4 Apr. 1784 , and Mazzei, Memoirs , p. 274. Adams’ letter to TJ has not been found.]
6From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Many years later after recovering the letter, JM wrote “Madison, Jas.” above the date line. The words italicized in the present copy were written in the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2. Congress have recd. two letters from Mr. Laurens dated London [,] one the fiveteenth of March the other fiveth of April . In the former he persists in the jealousy expressed in his letter of
7To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 June 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress have received two letters from Mr. Laurens dated one the fifteenth of March the other fifth of April . In the former persists in the jealousy expressed in his letter of the thirtieth of December of the British Councils. He says that Shelburne had
8To Thomas Jefferson from Wakelin Welch, Sr., with Jefferson’s Account with Robert Cary & Co., 31 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to congratulate You on the happy Restoration of Peace which I flatter myself will be permanent and Satisfactory to all Parties. During the national Misfortunes I have had the Unhappiness to lose both my Partners Cary and Moorey. The Business for many Years was chiefly under my Management and which I flatter myself was so conducted as to meet the Approbation of You and the rest of our...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Wakelin Welch, Jr., 31 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 31 May 1783 . Announcing that he has taken been taken into partnership by his father; solicits TJ’s custom. RC ( MoSHi ); 1 p.; signed “Wake. Welch Junr.”
10From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Addressed to “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.” Following the return of this letter to JM, he docketed it “Madison Jas.” above the date. Many years after the letter was written, he or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the beginning of the second paragraph and another bracket at the close of the third paragraph to designate them for inclusion...
11To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to your request I am to answer by this post your favor of the 7. inst. received yesterday. My brevity will therefore be excused. For the tenor of the conditions on which Congress were formerly willing to accept the Cession of Virga. I beg leave to refer to their resolutions of the 6 of Sepr. and 10 of Oct. 1780. I take it for granted you have their Journals. The expunging of the...
12From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by JM and addressed to “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.” Many years later, after recovering the letter, JM docketed the cover page, “Madison Jas May. 13, 1783.” Henry D. Gilpin printed all of the letter except the last paragraph ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 531–32). The...
13To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Marbois lately took occasion in our family to complain of ungenerous proceedings of the British against individuals as well as against their enemies at large and finally signified that he was no stranger to the letter transmited to Congress which he roundly avered to be spurious. His information came from Boston where the incident is said to be no secret, but whether [it] be the echo of...
14From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Address on cover is no longer legible, except for “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.” Docketed by him, “Madison Jas. May 6 1783.” On the verso of the cover Jefferson deciphered the passages written in the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2, and here italicized. This code was first used by Jefferson in his letter of 14 April 1783 to JM ( Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M....
15To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 21. Ult. written at Col: Pendleton’s was brought to hand by the post of last week. Col: Floyd’s family did not set out untill the day after it was received. I accompanied them as far as Brunswick, about 60 Miles from this, and returned hither on friday evening. Mr. Jones will attend the Assembly, and proposes to begin his journey this afternoon, if the present rain should...
16From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Papers of Madison). Jefferson docketed the letter by writing “Madison Jas” above the date line. Using the JM-Jefferson Code N. 2, JM encoded the words that are italicized. Your favor of the 14. inst: written on the Susquehanna with the several letters inclosed were safely delivered to me. I did not fail to present as you desired your particular compliments to Miss K Your inference on...
17To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 14. inst: written in the Susquehanna with the several letters inclosed were safely delivered to me. I did not fail to present as you desired your particular compliments to Miss K. Your inference on that subject was not groundless. Before you left us I had sufficiently ascertained her sentiments. Since your departure the affair has been pursued. Most preliminary arrangements,...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, 4 April 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform you by the direction of Congress in answer to your Letter of the 13th. March “that they consider the object of your appointment as so far advanced, as to render it unnecessary for you to pursue your Voyage; And that Congress are well satisfied with the readiness you have shewn in undertaking a Service which from the present situation of Affairs they apprehend can be...
19Memorandum on a Revenue Plan, [ca. 6 March] 1783 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Jefferson Papers). Three pages of notes, undated and unsigned but in JM’s hand. Probably given to Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia about 6 March 1783. Many years later Jefferson’s secretary, Nicholas P. Trist, attached to the memorandum a page bearing the comment, “This is, I believe, in the handwriting of Mr. Madison, N.P.T .” Ca. 6 March 1783 . The contents of this memorandum,...
20Memorandum from James Madison, [ca. 6 March 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Plan proposed consists of 1st. permanent revenue. 2. abatements in favor of the States distressed by the war. 3. common mass of all reasonable expences incurred by the States without sanction of Congress. 4. territorial cessions. Manner in which the interests of the several States will be affected by these objects: N. Hamshire will approve the establishment of permanent revenue, as tending to...
21To Thomas Jefferson from La Valette, 5 March 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
C’est a moy, Monsieur, a vous faire des remerciments de m’avoir favorisé de votre bonne et agreable compagnie, pendant votre sejour a Baltimore; elle a fait mon agrément et mon bonheur: je me rappellerai toujours avec plaisir ce tems heureux, il me donne infiniment de regrets de la préference que vous venés de donner a philadelphie mais il faut scavoir faire des sacrifices aux personnes qu’on...
22To Thomas Jefferson from La Villebrune, 19 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Baltimore ,] 19 Feb. 1783 . Appends copy of a letter from La Luzerne to La Villebrune of 13 Feb. which shows that “Les Bruits de paix S’accredittent et que Son Excellence persiste a croire quil convient encore de Différer notre Départ.” RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by La Villebrune. La Luzerne’s letter, copied below that of La Villebrune, had enclosed “un hand bill qui ajoute...
23From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The honble T. Jefferson.” Unless otherwise noted, the words italicized are those that were written by JM in the cipher described in Jefferson to JM, 31 Jan. 1783 , ed. n. After recovering the present letter from Jefferson, JM wrote “Madison Jas.” above the date line. In his old age he or someone at his direction placed a bracket at the close of both the...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, 18 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I was yesterday honoured with your favor of the 14th which I shall lay before Congress this morning. As you have by this time received their resolution, which I had the honor to send you by the last Post, and again enclosed, you will be releived in some measure from your embarrassments, tho’ not entirely from your suspence with respect to their final determination. But that cannot be long...
25To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 14th. one of them inclosing a letter to Miss Floyd were received by yesterday’s mail. The last paper from N.Y. as the inclosed will shew you has brought us another token of the approach of peace. It is somewhat mysterious nevertheless that the preliminaries with America should be represented by Secy. Townsend as actually signed and those with France as to be signed , as...
26From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas.” The Committee, to whom was referred your letter to Secretary Livingston, reported to Congress yesterday that they had conferred with Mr. Morris who was of opinion that no vessel would sail from american ports after the arrival of the British King’s speech until the suspence produced by it should be removed, and that if your...
27To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee, to whom was referred your letter to Secretary Livingston, reported to Congress yesterday that they had conferred with Mr. Morris who was of opinion that no vessel would sail from American ports after the arrival of the British King’s speech until the suspence produced by it should be removed, and that if your immediate embarkation were still wished by Congress it would be proper...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, Enclosing a Resolution of Congress, 14 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delayed answering your favor of the 7th Instant until I could obtain the sense of Congress on the matter it contains. I conceive it hardly possible while the british Cruizers retain their present Station for you to elude their vigilance in either of the Ships offered to your choice. This concurring with the late advices from England, has induced Congress to pass the enclosed Resolution....
29From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Madison Jas. Feby. 13. 1783.” The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings Speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself...
30To Thomas Jefferson from La Luzerne, 13 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu la lettre que Vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 7. de ce mois. J’ai été dans le tems très faché des delais que Vous avés été dans le cas d’eprouver, mais je vois avec bien du plaisir que Vous avés approuvé le parti que nous avons pris de retenir les deux Fregattes. J’ai parlé ce matin à un homme qui etoit à bord du Lion il y a dix jours, il m’a dit que ce Vaisseau avec le...
31To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The Chevr. de la Luzerne having just given me notice that he shall send an Express to the Romulus in ½ an hour I sieze the opportunity of inclosing a copy of the British Kings speech which presages a speedy establishment of peace. What effect this circumstance may have on your mission is at present uncertain. For myself I cannot think that any thing short of a final and authentic ratification...
32From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : George B. McClellan Papers, Vol. I). Cover missing, but docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas Feby. 12. 1783.” I acknowledged yesterday by the post your two favors of the 30th. ult: & 7th. inst: I add this by Col: Jameson just to inform you that your letter to the Secy. of F. A. has been referred to a Committee consisting of Mr. Jones, Mr. Rutlidge & Mr. Wilson, who are to confer with...
33To Thomas Jefferson from La Villebrune, 12 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai Recu La Lettre que Votre Excellence Ma fait L’honneur De M’Ecrire Le 8 De ce mois avec La Copie De Sa Lettre à M. Le Cher. De La Luzerne. Je ne peu asse vous Remercier de L’interet que Vous avés bien Voulu prendre pour faire Terminer L’objet en contestation avec M. Le Gros. J’ai fait Choix de M. Pringle comme arbitre Dans cette affaire, et J’ai Lieu de penser grace a vos bons offices...
34To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledged yesterday by the post your two favors of the 30th. Ult : and 7th. inst: I add this by Col: Jameson just to inform you that your letter to the Secy. of F. A. has been referred to a Committee consisting of Mr. Jones, Mr. Rutlidge and Mr. Wilson, who are to confer with Mr. Morris as Agent of Marine, and report to Congs. whether any and what remedy can be applied to your...
35From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “Thos. Jefferson Esq.” Docketed by Jefferson, “Madison Jas. Feby. 11. 1783.” The words italicized in the third paragraph are those written by JM in the cipher described in Jefferson to JM, 31 Jan. 1783 , ed. n. Also in LC : Madison Papers is JM’s draft of the letter. Your favor of the 31 of Jany. was safely brought by Mr. Thomson. That of the 7. inst:...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 31 of Jany. was safely brought me by Mr. Thomson. That of the 7. instant came by yesterdays mail. The anecdote related in the first was new to me; and if there were no other key, would sufficiently decypher the implacability of the party triumphed over. In answer to the second I can only say at this time that I feel deeply for your situation: that I approve of the choice you...
37From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 22d of Jany from Philadelpha. I feel my self much flattered by your kind remembrance of me in the hour of your departure from this Continent—and the favourable Sentiments you are pleased to entertain of my Services for this our common Country. To merit the approbation of good & virtuous Men is the height of my ambition, & will be a full compensation...
38To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 22d. of Jany. from Philadelphia. I feel myself much flattered by your kind remembrance of me in the hour of your departure from this Continent and for the favourable Sentiments you are pleased to entertain of my Services for this our common Country. To merit the approbation of good and virtuous Men is the height of my ambition; and will be a full...
39To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 8 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I fear this will not reach you but I risque it for tis probable you may be detaind a few days at Baltimore. I take the liberty to enclose you a cypher of men and places which will perhaps in some instances form the subject of a correspondence. I beg of you to accept my most sincere acknowledgments for your kind offer. As yet I cannot possibly determine how to act but shall consult Mr. Short....
40To Thomas Jefferson from Lewis R. Morris, 31 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The packet accompanying this directed to Mr. Adams, contains the Treaty and Convention lately received from him, and this day ratified by Congress, which I have the honor to present for your care to Europe. The great dearth of news in this City deprives me of the pleasure of communicating any information to you, either interesting or entertaining, unless I may be permitted to assure you of the...
41To Thomas Jefferson from William Livingston, 25 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Being just returned to this place from a Journey to the eastern parts of the State, I find myself honoured with your very kind and obliging Letter of the 3d. instant. My host here having neglected to transmit it to me from his daily expectations of my return, I fear that this letter will not find you in America, and in such case I have desired the President of Congress to do me the favour of...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Rush, 24 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Rush’s Compliments to Mr. Jefferson and sends him herewith a packet for Mr. B: Vauhan to whom he has taken the liberty of introducing Mr. Jefferson as a fellow worshipper in the temple of Science. Mr: Vauhan is a gentlemen of knowledge and taste in Science, and possesses a most extensive acquaintance among the literati in London. Dr. Rush wishes Mr. Jefferson a safe voyage, and a...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 29 November 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
On my way here I shewed Colo. Preston the tooth I sent you. At first sight, before I told him where it was found, he give it as his opinion that it was of the same animal as those found near the Ohio, a tooth of which he had obtained above 30 years ago and thinks it was sent to England. Doctor Lee says it is the same species, of that sent to England from the Ohio, that being a member, he was...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, enclosing Jefferson’s Appointment as a Peace Commissioner, 13 November … (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a resolution of Congress, appointing you one of their Ministers Plenipotentiary for negociating a peace. I rejoice in this fresh proof of their confidence in your Virtue and abilities. The sacrifices you have heretofore made to the interests of your Country, induce me to hope that you will suffer no personal consideration to prevent their being employed in its...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Campbell, 7 November 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to present to you a large Jaw tooth of an unknown Animal lately found at the Salina in Washington County. The Salina lyes near that branch of the Cherokee River called North Holstein in a Plain or Meadow ground of about three Miles in circumference surrounded by a number of high round Hills or Knobs: in the center of the Meadow is a Pond of Water, adjoining it is a Marsh except in...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 3 October 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
Payment has been some time order’d for the rent of the House you lived in whilst Governor of the State and Colo. Turpen may receive the Money whenever he pleases to apply to the Agent. Should Mr. Nathan, Mr. Smith or any other person bring a Suit against you for any Contracts or Acceptances made by you on behalf of the State, whilst chief Magistrate, the Executive will take your defence on...
47To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, with Jefferson’s Opinion on Mary Wayland, [16 August 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
Your most Curious Council is required on the following Cases. Case the 1st. Adam Wayland of Culpeper County in the Virga. State, after 1st. Lawful Marriage had 6 Children by his wife and She pregnant with the 7th.—Made a Will by which will he bequeath’d his wife one full Third part of his Estate, his wife in time of her pregnancy was Taken with the Small pox and Died—after remaining a widower...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Turpin, [before 7 August 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
Not having had the Pleasure of Seeing or even of hearing from you for a long time I am at length oblig’d to apply to you for Payment of the rent of my Tenemen[t] at Richmd. I have forborn to apply to the Assembly for Pay as I think I had no right having had your Promise for the Payment of the rent tho’ you have Promised to Pay me 8000 wt. of Tobo. I think 10000 is no extravagant demand as...
49From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library I was in great Hopes when I saw your Name in the Commission for treating of Peace, that I should have had the Happiness of seeing you here, and of enjoying again in this World, your pleasing Society and Conversation. But I begin now to fear that I shall be disappointed, as I was in my Expectation of your Company, when I first undertook the Voyage hither.— Mr....
50To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 15 July 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
I was in great Hopes when I saw your Name in the Commission for treating of Peace, that I should have had the Happiness of seeing you here, and of enjoying again in this World, your pleasing Society and Conversation. But I begin now to fear that I shall be disappointed, as I was in my Expectation of your Company when I first undertook the Voyage hither. Mr. Jones, who possibly may have the...