1To John Adams from John Trumbull, 3 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
You will forgive my having so long delay’d to reply to your very kind letter of January 1st., when you know that I have waited until I could write with certainty: and I did not feel that I could do this, until I knew the decision of the house of Representatives on the agreement made with me by the President:—the passing of the Appropriation bill by that house, including a Sum on account of...
2From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Having considered the bill, this day, presented to me, entitled “An Act to set apart and pledge certain funds for internal improvements” and which sets apart and pledges funds “for constructing roads and canals, and improving the navigation of water courses, in order to facilitate, promote and give Security to internal commerce among the several States, and to render more easy and less...
3To James Madison from Henry Clay, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Knowing that we cannot differ on the question of the object of the Internal Improvement bill, however we may on the Constitutional point, will you excuse me for respectfully suggesting whether you could not leave the bill to your successor? If it receive his approbation, within the ten days, I am inclined to think the law is valid. The notification to the two houses of the passage of any bill,...
4To James Madison from Jeremiah B. Howell, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
I regret extremely that the enclosed letters were received at so late a day as yesterday. If it should so happen, you should be of the Opinion, that the application of our mutual friends, has arrived too late for you to decide on Officially, I flatter myself you will have no hesitation in favouring me, by placing these letters into the hands of your Successor, as soon as may be convenient;...
5To James Madison from Robert Polk, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
In doing myself the honor of addressing you on the present occasion, permit me to say that it is not without reluctance I have prevailed upon myself to add one to the number of those who may appear before you as Candidates for a portion of Executive favor. But relying on the liberality of your disposition for indulgence, I take the freedom to address you. A bill, providing for the prompt...
6To James Madison from Jonathan Roberts, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
I ask the liberty of communicating to you the enclosed letter from Gen Howell of the Senate with the accompaniments and solicit your attention thereto. I had hoped to wait upon you but time hardly promises an allowance of that pleasure. I need not repeat you how sincerely I esteem Gen Howell or how much I should be gratified in his obtaining public employment worthy of his merits. This you...
7To James Madison from William Thornton, [3 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
To prevent any Suspicion of a deficiency in respect to you and your Lady—whom we have never ceased to more than respect & esteem—I am unwilling to permit you to depart without expressing our sincere regret that when your Departure was made known to all our Friends by her farewell visit to them, and they were thereby enabled to pay their parting respects, we remained ignorant thereof, and were...
8Remission for the Brig Franklin, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Rhode Island, lately held in that District the Brig Franklin and Cargo were condemned for a violation of the law of the United States prohibiting intercourse between the United States and Great Britain & France and their dependencies; and whereas it has been made to appear to me that the...
9Remission for the Mercurius, Christian Bodom, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts, held in the year 1816, the Swedish Ship Mercurius and Cargo were condemned for a violation of the Law of the United States interdicting Commercial Intercourse between the United States and Great Britain & France and their dependencies, and whereas it has been made to appear to...
10Nicolas G. Dufief to Thomas Jefferson, 3 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Je vous ai adressé, ce matin, par la poste, le dernier volume de mon dictionnaire. J’espère que les 3 volumes seront arrivés Sans accident. Il me Semble que M r Gibson aurait été beaucoup plus régulier commercialement parlant de ne débiter votre compte des 31 d lls qu’autant que son correspondant de Philadelphie lui eût envoyé un reçu de Moi, que certainement il eût éxigé si l’on m’eût payé...
11Thomas Jefferson to George Washington Jeffreys, 3 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 17. came to hand two days ago. I wish it were more in my power to fulfill the request of furnishing you with a full and compleat catalogue for an Agricultural library. for this first and and most useful of all human arts and sciences I have had from earliest life the strongest partiality. yet such have been the circumstances of the times in which I have happened to live that...
12Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Catalogue of Books on Agriculture, [ca. 3 March 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
Geoponica Bassi. Niclasii. Lipsiae . 1781. Gr. Lat. 2. v. 8 vo Owen ’s translation of the Geoponics. Eng. 2. v. 8 vo Scriptores rei rusticae veteres. [ Cato, Varro , Columella , Palladius .] the edition published at Leipsic by Schneider
13Thomas Law to Thomas Jefferson, 3 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose to you what I deem a sine quâ non in finance— M r Monroe is in favor of it & M r Crawford desired the Com ee on a national Currency to write to him that he might introduce it to a limited amount of five or ten Million— M r Calhoun the Chairman promised to write,
14John Trumbull to Thomas Jefferson, 3 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I trust you will forgive my having so long delayed to answer your very kind letter of January 10 th —the reason has been that I could write nothing with certainty, until by passing the appropriation bill , the House of Representatives had sanctioned the agreement which was made with me by the President I have now the pleasure to say that I am authorized to paint four of the great Events of the...
15To James Madison from Isaac Griffin, 2 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
I take this method, of bidding you a last farewell, and of thanking you, for the benefit I have derived, as one of the citizens of the united states, from your able, and faithfull services, in Some of the most important Stations in the gift of a free people—at your time of life, repose is desirable, and almost necessary—in retirement, I wish you all the happiness, that you can derive, from the...
16Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Corny, 2 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
It had been so long, my very dear and antient friend, since I had heard any thing of you thro’ any channel, that I had become uncertain whether you might still be among the living. I have been relieved from that incertitude by the request of mr and mrs Derby to give them a letter to you, informing me at the same time that they had one for you from mrs Cruger . I give it therefore readily in...
17From James Madison to the Virginia General Assembly, [ca. 1 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
I have recd, fellow Citizens from Governor Preston, your address of the 22d. Ulto: The sentiments which it conveys are particularly endeared to me, as those of a State, with which I am connected by the ties of my birth & of my home; and by the recollections of its confidence & partiality, commencing at an early stage of my life, and continued under different public manifestations, to the...
18From James Madison to James P. Preston, 1 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Having received, through you, the address of the General Assembly of Virginia, of February 10th, I have to request that you will take charge of the enclosed answer to it. I must tender you my acknowledgments at the same time, for the friendly and flattering manner in which you have fulfilled the resolution of the General Assembly. I should express my feelings very imperfectly, if, in recurring...
19To James Madison from John H. Buckley and Others, [ca. 1 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
We take the liberty to inform you of our sad misfortunes, confined in Cuba Prison, at the inhuman mercy of the cruel Spaniards. Our first misfortunes are as follow; Our vessels being sold for the purpose of privateering, we were obliged to take passage in the schooner Margaretta, Peter Anchor, commander, bound to Jamaica. To our sorrow, after being on the passage two days, the Captain brought...
20To James Madison from John B. Colvin, [ca. 1 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
Mr. Colvin presents his respectful compliments to the President, and asks his acceptance of a No.* of the “National Register.” RC and enclosure ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Cover docketed by JM . Undated; conjectural date assigned based on internal evidence and the date of the enclosure (see n. 1). Here JM inserted an asterisk, and below the last line of Colvin’s note wrote:...
21To James Madison from Isaac Wilbour, [ca. 1 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
You will not think it arrogant if it is suggested that until perfection becomes a human priviledge we shall always be indebted to experience for that course which will best subserve publick purposes; & when experience points out every honest Man walks in the path. The Money paid for the faithful discharge of the duties of Office; is presumed to be a complete equivalent ther-for. All the...
22Pardon and Remission for John Hugh Reilly, 1 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at the Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, lately held in this City, John Hugh Reilly was convicted of a misdemeanor, in an assault & Battery committed by the said Reilly, whereupon he was sentenced to pay a fine of five Dollars to the United States, to satisfy the costs of prosecution and to...
23Peter H. Wendover to Thomas Jefferson, 1 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In January 1815 I had the honor to forward you from New York , a small volume of Sermons delivered in that City, by the Rev Dr M c Leod , in the preceding Summer, adapted to the then reasonable expectation that an attack would be made on that part of our beloved Country by the British—To those Sermons you were pleased to give the testimony of your high approbation. That worthy Divine having...
24To John Adams from Gerry Fairbanks, February 1817 (Adams Papers)
The undersigned a Committee of Arrangements for a dinner to be given on the fourth of March next, in honor of the election of James Monroe Esqr. to the Presidency of the United States, beg leave to wait on your Excellency— With the day approaching are associated recollections most dear to the heart of the patriot; recollections which bring to our view, what this Country once was, the hours of...
25Enclosure: Draftt Power of Attorney from Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes for United States Stock Interest, 26 February … (Jefferson Papers)
Know all Men, by these presents That I, Thomas Jefferson , of Monticello in Virginia do subsitute—and Appoint— John Barnes , of George Town in the Territory of Columbia my Attorney in Fact for the purpose of Receiving from the Treasury of the United States —all Sums of Interest, due or to become due on any public Stock standing in the Name of Thaddeus Kosciusko . Now of Soleure in Swiserland...
26To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 28 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
My son was particularly gratified with your account of Governor Pownal. His Impressions towards his Character from reading his Work on the Administration of the colonies, were favourable, though vague. He remarked to me, strongly, how valuable your Letters were, as in this Instance you had given several facts which probably no other Person now living was acquainted with, and which at some...
27From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Baker Johnson, 28 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
In conformity to the request contained in your favour of 28. June last and to that in one of your Letters about the same time to your Sister, we have had our Portraits painted by Mr Leslie an Artist of very handsome talents, from our own Country, whose performance will I hope give you satisfaction. As there has been no vessel bound from London, directly to New Orleans; and as Mr Leslie was...
28To James Madison from James P. Preston, 28 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
By a Resolution of the General Assem[b]ly of Virginia, it becomes the duty of the Governor to transmit you the enclosed valedictory address. In the discharge of this duty it is natural for me to reflect on the astonishing contrast which this moment presents compared with the eventfull period of your Administration. For a time our commerce was annihilated, our sacred rights abused, invaded and...
29Remission for Joseph Osbourn, 28 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that Joseph Osbourn was convicted some time ago before the Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia of a misdemeanor, in uttering and passing counterfeited Bank notes, knowing the same to be counterfeited, whereupon he was sentenced by the said Court to be imprisoned for the term of six months, and to pay...
30John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Esteemed fav r 17 th Acknowledgs Recpt of the Certificates of Gen l Kosciusko ’s 6 ⅌Ct as well Bank Stock of Columbia—as specified—And now inclose you Copy of the form required —for you to Executed Execute —in Order—to my rec e iving the quarterly Interest, on the former—for the dividend on the Bank Stock—I trust is already satisfactory—adjusted—with Referance to the Gen ls
31Thomas Jefferson to Hutchins G. Burton, 28 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 4 th was recieved yesterday evening only; and I hasten to return my thanks for the trouble you have in endeavoring to procure me some of the Scupernong wine. a quarter cask of it would be very desirable; and to be sent to the address of Mess rs Gibson and Jefferson my correspondents at Richmond , which is my only convenient deposit. from thence we have water carriage direct...
32John W. Maury to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
It must be a source of consolation to one like yourself approaching the close of a long & illustrious life, to see by anticipation, the praise which a grateful country will bestow on your memory, by reading what is unanimously accorded to the only one whose services can claim a preference to yours, in our struggle for freedom. That you may long live to enjoy these anticipations and that...
33Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In several visits I made to Philad a after receiving your statement concerning young M c elhany, my inquiries about him was fruitless, at last I meet with him at a Watch -makers who had promised me notice when he should be found in the City. M r M c elhany seemed much confused when he spoke to me, on my asking him why he did not call on you before he left Charlotteville —he told me that he...
34From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 27 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have been So much gratified with the Specimen of your Register, which you were So kind as to Send me and I recollect So many Extracts from it, that I had Seen in the Newspapers, that I wish to possess the whole. If you will get the thirteen Volumes, including the Index, decently and Solidly bound, without Elegance and transmitted to me, I will find means to transmit You your own Price. There...
35From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 27 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
Are the works of Apuileus in Harvard College Library or in any other collection in America Have you read his Metamorphosis which he calls his Ass of Gold, his Assinus Aureus, or Asinus Runi.” Among these novels, fables, tales or whatever you please to call them, is his Amours of Cupid and Psyche. Have you read Molier’s Psyche? Have read La Fontaines Psyche? Have you seen a splendid translation...
36From James Madison to the Senate, 27 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I Nominate Thomas Wynns, of North Carolina, to be Consul at Turks Island in the West Indies. Henry W. Long, of North Carolina, to be Attorney of the United States for the District of North Carolina in the place of Robert H. Jones. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate took no action on these nominations before the...
37To James Madison from William Jones, 27 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I owe you an apology for so long detaining the enclosed letter. You are probably informed that Mr Corbin is a Director of the Office of the Bank of the United States at Richmond which will go into operation as soon as the necessary preparations can be made. You are now my dear sir about to retire from an arduous but glorious carreer followed by the grateful recollections of a free and virtuous...
38To James Madison from William Jones, 27 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I understand a law has passed creating the Office of Solicitor to the Treasury and the intimate knowledge I have of the worth and talents of Mr E W Duval induces a wish that he should obtain that appointment. His services and experience in the Comptrollers Office while his worthy uncle filled that place afford him peculiar advantages, and his Sterling integrity professional talents and zeal...
39To James Madison from Joseph Osbourn, [ca. 27 February 1817] (Madison Papers)
The petition of Joseph Osbourn respectfully sheweth. That your petitioner was committed to the prison of Washington county in month of October 1815 on a charge of having counterfeited bank notes & at a trial in the December term following of the Court he was found guilty of said charge, from the absence as he avers of his testimony & from the suspicion excited by counterfeited money having...
40George M. Dallas to Thomas Jefferson, 27 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed proposals have been issued, after receiving the repeated solicitations of my late father ’s friends. I am, however, unwilling to effectuate them, unless sanctioned and encouraged by those for whom he often expressed the highest admiration and respect. Though fearful of obtruding myself upon your notice, I cannot refrain from soliciting your sentiments as to the propriety and...
41Chapman Johnson to Thomas Jefferson, 27 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter , enclosing your bill in Equity , with the accompanying documents—with which, however, I have not yet had an opportunity to make myself acquainted. I expect to be detained here, until some day next week, and then to set out, with my family, on my return home. I shall pass through Louisa to see my friends there, where it is probable I may be detained...
42From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 26 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
Where the Fine Arts are Studied or practiced there Should be a Trybunal of Criticism always in Session, before which every new production Should be arraigned and tried; by no other laws however than Truth or Nature, and no other penalty than Reputation in the public Opinion. “Are We not in too great a hurry, in our Zeal for the fine Arts”? This is as noble and beautiful a question, as that of...
43To James Madison from George M. Dallas, 26 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have flattered myself that you would not be disinclined to patronize a publication of my father’s life and writings. His last years were devoted to your service, and his exertions were, I beleive, rewarded by your friendship as well as by your applause. Will it be conferring too great a favour to permit the appearance of your name on the page of dedication? And, should you think my...
44To James Madison from Theodorick Lee, 26 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have a son, who commenced his naval life, as soon as he was prepared by his education and this I think was in the year, 12. and from the date of his warrant, has been in constant & active Service. He served for more than two years under the command of Capt Jacob jones, first in the Macedonian, and then on Lake Ontario in the Mohawk. On the return of peace, he returned to the Macedonian, and...
45To James Madison from George Robinson and Others, 26 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
We beg leave to call your attention to the situation of a worthy family residing near Pittsburgh, in the state of Pennsylvania. A Mr. James Baird, (blacksmith) removed some years ago from this neighbourhood to St. Louis, in Upper Louisiana from which place he embarked with a number of others, on a trading voyage to New Spain, leaving behind him his wife and Seven children; On this voyage he...
46Remission for Charles Bird and Benjamin Walton, 26 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that Charles Bird and Benjamin Walton, trading under the firm of Bird and Walton, having imported a quantity of Goods, Wares and Merchandize from the Port of Liverpool in England in the ship Tiber, which vessel arrived in the River Delaware in the month of february 1813, and, with the cargo referred to, became liable to forfeiture to the United States, and...
47William A. Burwell to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo Taylor & myself, equally regret having troubled you with Mr Graham ’s papers, & feel Satisfied that you have expressed no opinion—I expected you would receive many letters in your retirement from those who have your happiness at heart, or wish the Sanction of your name to Support favorite opinions, but I had no idea that your labors were So great; I am only Surprised that you have...
48From John Jay to John Clarkson Jay, 25 February 1817 (Jay Papers)
I have rec d . your Letter and am pleased to find it written as well as it is. A late Letter from your Papa informed me of your Sickness and Recovery— Remember Him by whose kind Providence your Life has been preserved— and be thankful— From your translating Latin into English, I conclude that you have paid proper Attention to the latin Grammar— endeavour to learn it perfectly. Your being...
49To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 25 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor to submit to your consideration the object to which my recent memoir related, accounts from GBritain & India, the arrival of unprivileged American Vessels with invoices of cotton wool from in our ports and other circumstances have more deeply impressed me with the importance of the Subject. I beg leave to add the enclosed document A as an appendix to the Memoir. A region...
50To James Madison from Richard C. Derby, [ca. 25 February 1817] (Madison Papers)
I took the liberty to address a letter to you in great haste a day or two past, intending the next day to leave this to pay a visit to Mr Jefferson before my departure for Europe. There were parts of my letter it would not be amiss to explain, I mention’d my property being over $200,000 so that should Mr Monroe think proper to appoint me a station, that united with the sum allow’d by the...