51To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed certificate is produced with a view of obtaining the same quantity of powder that was lent. It is now wanting for a privateer just going to sea. I beg your Excellency’s directions whether the money or the powder shall be paid. I have the honor to be, sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt servt., In Council Apr. 11. 1781. Mr. Elliott having received this powder, not under the orders of...
52To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired by the Baron before his leaving town to lay before your Excellency, an extract of a letter from General Greene, which unintentionally he omitted to present to you yesterday, altho’ I think he said he had conversed with you on this subject. His great anxiety for an immediate supply of ammunition to be forwarded on to General Greene has induced him to press this matter with so much...
53To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 10–11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 10 Apr. 1781 . Many men already discharged from the army have arrears in pay due them. “It is hard upon these men to lose their pay, and it is exceedingly troublesome to this office, to the Auditors and to your Excellency, for the adjustment of each man’s claim to be thrown individually upon us. I would therefore submit it to your Excellency, whether it will not be...
54To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 31 March–2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Young, the Quartermaster general of the state, who has just arrived, informs me that he saw at Edentown about 30 exceeding fine cannon of 18s and 24s. He asked the Naval officer, whose they were, who informed him they were the property of the State of Virginia, thrown out of a French vessel, who carried the remainder of them to South quay. As I have no return of any thing of the kind,...
55[From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, with Reply, 26 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 26 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter from the Governor respecting the discharge of soldiers for six months, who have no Certificate, nor Witnesses to prove the expiration of their terms of service; and requesting some general plan to be proposed for the regulation of such cases. Answer returned. That in such cases, their oath should be...
56To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 29 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I find the number of waggons in the QMG’s department so utterly inadequate to the wants of the State, that the most common purposes of that department cannot be executed, nor any assistance afforded to the others. At present, indeed, Mr. Brown the commissary general has the greater part of them employed by him. Nothing can be done, therefore, in the collection of military stores without an...
57Additional Instructions by Congress to Franklin, Deane, and Jefferson, 16 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Additional instructions to B F, S D, and T J, commissioners from the united states of America to the king of France. Whilst you are negotiating the affairs you are charged with at the court of France you will have opportunities of conversing frequen[t]ly with the ministers and agents of other european princes and states residing there. You shall endeavour, when you find occasion fit and...
58From William Marshall to Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The president of the United States of America. To Thomas Jefferson, Robert Smith, Henry Dearborne or either of them who may have the papers—hereinafter mentioned or any of them within his or their keeping or power. You are hereby commanded to appear before the Judges of the circuit court of the United States, for the fifth circuit, in the Virginia District in the city of Richmond, at the Court...
59From William Henry Harrison to Henry Dearborn, 27 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Delaware Tribe have determined to remove the ensuing Spring from their present habitations to Settle on the West Side of the Mississippi—Their particular destination is White River to which they Say they have been invited by the Indians of that Country. I can See no injury that will result to the United States from this removal, on the Contrary it will leave vacant a fine tract of Country...
60II. Additional Queries, with Jefferson’s Answers, [ca. January–February 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Additional questions of M. de Meusnier, and answers 1. What has led Congress to determine that the concurrence of seven votes is requisite in questions which by the Confederation are submitted to the decision of a Majority of the U.S. in Congress Assembled? The IXth. article of Confederation, §. 6. evidently establishes three orders of questions in Congress. 1. The greater ones, which relate...
Our Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties We are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. Feb. 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary’s Letter.— I know nothing of Capt Lambs...
62John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Let me request of you, to turn your Attention as soon as possible to the Subject of a Treaty of Commerce between the United States of America and Great Britain, and transmit to me, a Project that you would advise me to propose in the first Instance. For my own Part I like the Plan agreed on with Prussia so well, that I must request you to send me a Copy of it, and with such Changes as you may...
63John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 29 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Our Secretary of State for foreign affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties we are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. Inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. February 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary’s Letter. I know nothing of Capt....
64John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I went early this morning to Versailles and finding the Ct. de Vergennes unembarassed with company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the honour of a conference, in which I told him that my colleagues were very sorry that indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in person, and obliged them to request me alone to...
I have now the honour to inform you that having shewn my Commission to the Right Honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen, and left an Authenticated Copy together with a Copy of my Letter of Credence to the King according to the usage. I had the Honour on the first of this month to be introduced by his Lordship to His Majesty, in his Closet with all the Ceremonies, and formalities, practised on...
66John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Westminster, London, 20 June 1785 . Acknowledges their letter of 15 June; agrees “entirely … in sentiment respecting Gratification to be given to Mr. John Baptist Pecquet and the Letter to be written to him.” RC ( DNA : PCC , No. 84, v); 1 p.; at foot of letter: “Their Excellencies Messrs. Franklin & Jefferson.” FC ( MHi : AMT ); in Adams’ hand.
67John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
According to your desire, I went early this Morning to Versailles, and finding the Count de Vergennes unembarassed with Company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the Honour of a Conference, in which I told him that my Colleagues were very sorry, that Indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in Person, & obliged them to request me alone...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, with Gallatin’s Reply, [23 February 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
the inclosed case is entirely unintelligible to me. can you make any thing of it? [ Reply by Gallatin :] Nicholas Reib is an old German who has tormented Congress & more particularly the Pennsylvania delegation for several years with his claim. It has been repeatedly rejected. If an answer is thought necessary, it will be sufficient to tell him that the Executive has no power in that case &...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, with Gallatin’s Reply, [on or before 24 February 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Are the within terms admissible? [ Reply by Gallatin :] The 1st, 2d & 4th are either in pursuance of, or, not inconsistent with the law, excepting only the words “all other documents belonging to the land department;” the Surveyor general superintends the surveying department, & has nothing to do with the sales of the lands, these being under the superintendence of the several registers, who...
70Enclosure: Account of Flour Shipped by Thomas M. Randolph & Company, [ca. 12 March 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
flour sent by Col o T. M. Randolph & T. E. Randolph to mr Gibson on account of Th:J. Barrels 1814. Oct. 30. 24. by T. E. Randolph ’s boat. 1815. Jan.
71George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
72George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
73George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, March 21st [–22] 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To The Secretary of State—The Secretary of the Treasury—The Secretary of War and The Attorney General of the United States. Gentlemen, The Treaty which is agreed to be held on or about the first of June next at the Lower Sandusky of Lake Erie, being of great moment to the interests and peace of this Country; and likely to be attended with difficulties arising from circumstances (not unknown to...
74George Washington to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, [12 June 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
As you are about to meet on other business, it is my desire that you would take the enclosed application into consideration. It is not my wish, on one hand, to throw unnecessary obstacles in the way of gratifying the wishes of the applicants. On the other it is incumbent on me to proceed with regularity. Would not the granting of a Patent then, which I believe is always the concluding act, and...
75Alexander Hamilton’s Notes on Jefferson’s Letter to George Hammond, with Jefferson’s Response, [20–27 May 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his respectful Compliments to The Secretary of State. He has perused with as much care and attention as time has permitted the draft of a letter in answer to that of Mr. Hammond of March 5th. Much strong ground has been taken, and strongly maintained, particularly in relation to— And many of the suggestions of the British Minister concerning particular acts and...
76George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 12 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
As you are about to meet on other business, it is my desire, that you would take the enclosed application into consideration. It is not my wish, on one hand, to throw unnecessary obstacles in the way of gratifying the wishes of the applicants. On the other, it is incumbent on me to proceed with regularity. Would not the granting a Patent then, which I believe is always the concluding Act and...
77From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 9 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
78Alexander J. Dallas to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 27, 1791. “In Obedience to the directions of the Governor, I have the honor to present to you, a Copy of the Laws of this Commonwealth, passed at the last Sessions of the General Assembly.” LC , Division of Public Records, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg.
79I. The President to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, 4 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances, and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
80George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Fresh occurrences, but communicated thro’ private channels, make it indispensable that the general principles which have already been the subject of discussion should be fixed, & made known for the government of all concerned, as soon as it can be done with propriety. To fix rules on substantial ground, conformably to treaties & the Laws of nations, is extremely desireable. The verdict of the...
81George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, [9 March 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Expecting that my private affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25 of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your Department as may require my attention or agency before I set out, as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during the time of my absence from the Seat of Government (which will...
82George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 24 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States requests the attendance of the at Nine o’Clock tomorrow morning ; at the President’s house, on the subject of the note sent to the on the 17~. inst: and that the will bring with him such remarks as he may have committed to writing in pursuance of said note. At the same time the President will lay before the Heads of the Departments & the Attorney General some...
83George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [29 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
It will not be amiss, I conceive, at the meeting you are about to have to day, to consider the expediency of directing the Customhouse Officers to be attentive to the arming or equipping Vessels, either for offensive or defensive war, in the several ports to which they belong; and make report thereof to the Governor or some other proper Officer. Unless this, or some other effectual mode is...
84George Washington to Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, [18 December 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The President requests that Mr —— would give the Letter & statement herewith sent, from the Secretary of War a perusal and return it to him in the course of the day with his opinion as to the propriety of the manner of making the communication to Congress: and whether it ought not, at any rate, to be introduced in some such way as this, (if it is to pass through him to Congress) “Pursuant to...
85From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances—and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
86George Washington to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
87To Thomas Jefferson from John Hay, with Jefferson’s Instructions, 1 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 1 Apr. 1780 . In consequence of executive’s request in reply to Hay’s previous application to borrow 500 lbs. of powder from the state, John Fisher has been sent to Williamsburg for a final answer. The powder is wanted for an “armed vessel now lying at four Mile Creek” she will sail in about eight days. Powder will be replaced in a reasonable time. Signed by John Hay. Countersigned:...
88Albemarle County Circuit Court Order in Jefferson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson, [9 October 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson Demandant } against upon a writ of Right John Hudson & Charles Hudson Tenants On motion of the Demandant by his attorney it is ordered by the Court that the Surveyor of this County, do go upon the land in controversy , survey the same, and return five fair plats thereof to this Court— MS ( Albemarle Co. Law Order Book [1809–21], 306); in Alexander Garrett
89To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 27 April 1781, enclosing a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard, 7 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency the enclosed Copy of a Letter from Ebenezer Hazard. You will observe by the Journals of Congress under the 20th of July 1778, Encouragement given to this Gentleman to collect Materials for a History, and a Recommendation to the several States to aid and assist him in such Collection. If any of the Manuscripts &c. to which his Letter...
90From James Innes, enclosing a Letter from William Davenport to Innes, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Fourteen flatt bottomed Boats a ship two brigs two sloop’s and one schooner heavily manned, have just arrived at Burwells Ferry. From every appearance I think they mean to land, as they have halted with a favorable Tide. I believe they wait for nothing but the arrival of two schooners which have their Cavalry on board. These vessells I am this moment informed have just turned Mullberry Island...
91To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 25 November 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was dated the 23d. September last. It mentioned my having received your Letters of 4th. 23d. and 30th. May. I have since been favored with four others, vizt. 29th. July and 3d. 10th. and 11th. August with the Papers mentioned to be enclosed. They have not been laid before Congress, although I transmitted them to the President for that Purpose; for a sufficient Number of Members...
92To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, with List of Purchases for Mary Jefferson, 10 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
When I wrote you last I did not know that petit had taken places in the Stage and paid for them. This being the case I have represented it to your little daughter and endeavourd to prevail with her to consent to going at the time appointed. She says if I must go I will, but I cannot help crying so pray dont ask me to. I should have taken great pleasure in presenting her to you here, as you...
93From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 6 September 1787 (Adams Papers)
I am Sorry to give you the trouble of this Commission: but I fear it will not be effectually done but by you—and therefore let me beg the favour of you to send for M r de La Blancherie and withdraw my Subscription to the Society of whose affairs he has the direction, and put a stop to his sending me the Nouvelles de la Republique des Lettres et Des Arts.— he persuaded me at the Hague to...
94To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 18 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
In settling some business with M r Garrett to day I find (for the first time I have known it) $200— paid to M r Giacomo Raggi which is that am t more than he should have recieved—- In your statement (to M r Garrett) of M r Appletons acc t May 8 h 1822. You state it thus Proceeds of former remittance $1239 .00 to be paid to Giacomo Raggi 200
95To Thomas Jefferson from James McGurk, 10 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I Beg lave once more to adress yaur Exilency as the Onley and last means that I have for my life in my Latir to you By Mr. wodward I mentioned that Judge keltey and Cranch was willing to have my life Saved But Since there has Been a politicle partey that has Ecused Me with faulls Storeys in the washinton feaderelist I Bleive That Induced the Judges to not Concent to my Pardon I Bleive the...
96To Thomas Jefferson from James Oldham, 5 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
on the forth of February I rote you Respecting some ornaments for a Frize and Incloasd a Letter to Cpt. Andrews under cover to you which am fearful has bin miscarried: the drawing of one of the modillions which I incloasd to you was for to now of Cpt. Andrews what would be the cost of composition for each Modillion: The agreement with Mr. Hudson and my self was, that he should furnish his...
97Jason Chamberlain to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel myself highly flattered by the notice you were pleased to take of my Oration, in your letter of July last. Your speculations, on the study of the Classicks, meet my own views on that subject; and the method, you recommend, is exactly the one I adopted. I have seen many an ingenious young man, after a course of Classical reading in the manner you propose, become well versed in most of...
98From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, [25 June 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The letters to Mr. Hammond & Mr. Pinckney appear to me proper, according to the facts stated in them. The object of that to Mr. Genet also appears to me desireable; but I am not wholly without scruple as to the proposition going from the UStates. ALS , Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see Jefferson to H and Henry Knox, June 25, 1793 . H’s reply was...
99To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Thompson, 9 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 30 th ultimo, with two Invoices enclosed, for the Marble by the Ship Caroline from Leghorn. The Invoices are returned herewith agreeably to your request. The marks do not agree with the Invoices & bill of lading received. I have entered the Marble and paid the duly thereon copies of the entries are enclosed, & have shipped the same on board the Sloop Eliza Allen,...
100Lucy F. Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 23 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the long and earnest desire of my son Walter , to enter the Navy, and the advice of his friends seconding his views, I have consented to gratify him— Presuming on the friendship which subsisted between yourself and his father, Meriwether Jones , I will take the liberty of requesting your assistance in procuring him a Midshipmans warrant—his friends are respectable and...