26351To James Madison from the Inhabitants of Sainte Genevieve, 23 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 November 1811. The signatories recommend Richard S. Thomas, attorney at law, of Sainte Genevieve and formerly of Ohio, to fill the vacancy on the general court resulting from the death of Otho Shrader. “We hope this our recommendation will not be disregarded when it is recollected how deeply we are interested in the appointment of a Citizen whom we intimately know.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ,...
26352To James Madison from John P. Van Ness, 22 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
The vacancy in the Office of Controller affords me an opportunity of asking permission to remind you of the wish of the friends of my brother William P. Van Ness that he should hold some respectable appointment under the present Administration. You have some knowledge of that Gentleman; and for any further information in relation to his talents and merit, I beg leave to refer you to Genl....
26353To James Madison from the Citizens of the Louisiana Territory, 22 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 November 1811, St. Louis. The subscribers regret the necessity of having to recommend a successor to the deceased judge Otho Shrader, but they are motivated by interest in the welfare of the country and the desire some of them have, as attorneys at law, that the appointment be given to “a man whose talents and integrity are known and approved of by us and who has a general knowledge of the...
26354William Lambert to Thomas Jefferson, 22 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
The observations relating to the solar eclipse of the 17 th September last , were made in this city opposite Rhodes’s hotel , North 71.º West, 1. ⅜ . m American measure, from the Capitol . The apparent times of the principal appearances, to the nearest second, are as follow:— h. m. s. Beginning of the Eclipse, 0. 22. 9.
26355From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 21 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
On this our Thanksgiving day, among innumerable other Blessings, I have to thank express my Gratitude for your favour of Nov. 11. I do not believe that Boethius’s Consolations of Philosophy, which however I have never read, would do me more good. I hasten to answer your Questions, that your friendly Sympathies may be no longer afflicted or allarmed. Indeed I almost repent of the Simple Tale I...
26356To James Madison from Lafayette, 21 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
It is a Good fortune for me to Arrive from La Grange in time to improve the Opportunity that is just Going. I ardently Wish the frigate May Soon follow the Flash With Satisfactory Accounts. Hitherto the Emperor Has been on His travels So that Mr. Barlow Could Not be presented before last Sunday. His personal Reception Has been the Most Agreable His friends and the friends to His business Might...
26357To James Madison from Joseph Desha, 21 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 November 1811. Forwards the testimonials that he had mentioned were in his possession “touching the Standing of Judge Coburn in Louisiana.” Trusts that these will be sufficient “to remove objections (if any exist) respecting his not residing in the country.” States that “the inteligen⟨t⟩ inhabitants of the Territory are convinced that the attainment of Justice is verry much promoted, by the...
26358To James Madison from Cowles Mead, 20 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I am instructed by a Resolution of the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, to forward to you, the enclosed copy of a presentment by the Grand Jury for the County of Baldwin, against Harry Toulmin Esqr. Judge of the Superior Court for the District of Washington. The House over which I have the honor to preside, has deemed the charges therein contained worthy of further...
26359Sylvanus Bourne to Thomas Jefferson, 20 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
As you are acquainted with the embarrassing situation in which I have laboured for some years & which has now reached a point bordering on distress , I take the liberty most respectfully to mention to you that I have made an application to the President of the U States to be named to fill the Consular vacancy in London when the State of our relations with that Country may render this...
26360Enclosure: William Lambert’s Calculation of Monticello’s Longitude from Greenwich, 14 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Calculation of the longitude from Greenwich , of Monticello , in Virginia , from the solar eclipse of the 17 th of September, 1811 . Latitude 38.° 8′ Estimated Longitude, 5. h. 14. m. 0. sec = 78.° 30.′ 0.″ West. Ratio of the equatorial diameter to the polar axis of the earth, 320 to 319. Constant Log. to reduce the latitude (320 to 319) 9.9972814. Lat. of the place 38.° 8.′ 0″ log. tangent...
26361Bishop James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Having seen your Observations upon the late solar Eclipse, I took the Liberty to transmit a Copy of them to M r W. Lambert , in Washington , & to request him to favour me with a Calculation of the Longitude of Monticello founded upon them. I now transmit his Paper , & hope it will prove agreable to you. The Facility & Accuracy of M r L. in astronomical Calculation is very remarkable. This I...
26362Oliver Pollock to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your letter dated on the 4 th of may , some time back and delayed making an acknowledgement until I could do it fully to my own Satisfaction. I find to my regret that you do not retain as particular a recollection of the transactions of the Government of Virginia as I had hoped, this indeed is not surprising considering the numerous and important offices which you...
26363William Short to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I was exploring the Jersey mountains in search of a farm when your favor of the 15 th Oct. was forwarded here, agreeably to directions left with my agent at Philadelphia , as to my letters. I did not succeed in my search but hope to be more successful next year.— Let me now express all my thanks for your kindness as to Ind. Camp —I am indeed truly obliged by it, & prefer much the plan of...
26364From James Madison to Eleuthère Irénée DuPont, 18 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of a wish expressed by your father in the last letter recd. from him, I mention to you, that a public vessel will sail in a few days from N. York for France, and that any letters you may wish to forward to him, will be taken charge of by the Bearer of dispatches to Mr. Barlow, if previously lodged with the Collector of that Port. No time therefore is to be lost in sending...
26365From James Madison to Pierre Samuel DuPont de Nemours, 18 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of July 4. was duly delivered, together with the two interesting manuscripts on Education & Finance, and the Books addressed to your son & others. The latter were disposed of according to your wishes. For the copy you were so good as to allot to myself, I return my thanks; and still more for your valuable ideas on those interesting subjects. I have run over the Manuscript on...
26366To James Madison from the Chiefs of the Shawnee People, [18 November] 1811 (Madison Papers)
We have just finished the foreg[o]ing talk to our Brothers it is our wish that you may see it also that you may Know our minds. Fathers. We have one request to make: our Annuity comes by the way of Detroit to Fort Wayne for us, and we find it a great distance for our women to go for them, it is our wish if it could be possible in future to have them sent down the Ohio, and delivered to us by...
26367To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 18 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
In order to defray immediate demands on the fund for furnishing the Presidents house, I solicit You to grant me a warrant for 300$ on account. My account up to your departure from the city has been settled at the Treasury, and for the monies since received I have the requisite Vouchers and shall transmit them to the treasury before the end of the quarter. Among the accounts now payable is 100$...
26368To James Madison from Donald Fraser, 18 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1811. Presents a copy of his Compendium , “a thing of more curiosity , than merit.” Expresses his “high regard for [JM’s] amiable Character (for every great man is not a good man).” RC ( NN ). 1 p. Dateline and signature clipped. Docketed by a clerk, “Fraser D. / Nov. 18th 1811.” Donald Fraser (ca. 1754–1820), a Scottish-born author of a wide miscellany of writings on historical,...
26369Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Joseph Fossett’s Account for Plating Saddle Trees, 18 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
1811. Saddle trees plated for M r Burnley D the former acc t
26370From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
The intercourse between us is daily more and more obstructed, it may prolong your tranquility that it is so: I know not how to take up my pen, yet painfull as the Duty is, I must perform it, untill the task may devolve upon some other, to tell you that your Parents are also numberd with the dead. I wrote you in Sep’br, an account of my dear Sister Cranchs Sickness, and of the little prospect I...
26371From James Madison to Joel Barlow, 17 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
You will receive by this conveyance the proper communications from the Dept. of State. You will see in them, the ground now avowed for the B. Orders in Council. It must render them co-durable with the war; for nothing but a termination of it will re-open the continental market to British products. Nor is it probable that peace will do it in its former extent. The pretension which requires the...
26372To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 17 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have read your message, with great attention & pleasure. It is clear, candid, firm & dignified, & cannot fail of convincing G Britain, that your object is just, your demands are reasonable, & that you will support them at all events. In this resolution, you will unite the eastern part of the nation; except british subjects, traders & partizans, who in case of a conflict, would soon...
26373To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 17 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving by your Message at the opening of the present Session of Congress that you entertain the same favourable Sentiments relative to military Seminaries, which you expressed to me last February, I feel emboldened to transmit a Copy of the form of a Bill drawn in consequence of a Council of Field Officers of my Corps, which I called for the purpose. The Bill, except in one Section, is...
26374From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 16 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
I received in season your obliging favour of the 27th of October, but an unusual combination of calamities have prevented an acknowledgment of it till this time. You need not be concerned my good Friend about Timothy’s attack on my moral character. Nobody here believes him. His own most devoted Fools, I beg pardon, I mean even the Artizans who have employed him as their devoted Fool do not...
26375From William Cranch to Abigail Smith Adams, 16 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have not words, my dear Aunt, to express my gratitude for your kind and consoling letter of the 25th. ulto.—It was, as I wished, minute and particular respecting the last moments of my dear and venerable parents. Mr. Norton’s letters having been directed to George town remain’d there some days, so that your letter was contain’d the first information I received of the death of my mother,...
26376From James Madison to John Quincy Adams, 15 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have received your several favors of February 8 April 19 June 3 and August 17, all of them in triplicates or duplicates. I need not say how agreeable it would have been to me, and I am persuaded satisfactory to the public, if your inclination and circumstances had favored the new allotment of your Services. Being ignorant of the obstacle arising from the particular state of your family, and...
26377From James Madison to Jonathan Russell, 15 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of June 10 was duly delivered. I feel a pleasure in being able to say, that the information conveyed to you with respect to an unfriendly language towards you, having been held by Mr. Pinkney, is not confirmed by any thing heretofore known to me. He certainly has lodged no complaint with me, nor have I ever heard that he has censured you to others. If the reports to you therefore...
26378To James Madison from Thomas S. Manning, 15 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
In addressing you, I am at a loss to know whether I might address you by the endearing appellation I could one of your predecessors, were he living; but be that as it may, I have ventured to arrest your attention by forwarding you the 7th No. of The Freemason’s Magazine. I do not wish you to throw away your precious moments in delving through 80 pages of a periodical publication, nor shall I...
26379To James Madison from Jesse Atwater, 15 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 November 1811, New Haven. Mentions that “last summer” he understood from Barlow that JM had been informed of his desire for an appointment that would afford “a comfortable support.” Knowing how often the president is pressed by applicants, he proposes to give no further trouble on this occasion beyond soliciting the consulate in London if the vacancy is not already filled. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
26380Thomas Jefferson to Henry A. S. Dearborn, 15 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Oct. 14. was duly recieved, and with it mr Bowditch’s observations on the comet, for which I pray you to accept my thanks, and to be so good as to present them to mr Bowditch also. I am much pleased to find that we have so able a person engaged in observing the path of this great phaenomenon; and hope that from his observations & those of others of our philosophical citizens on...
26381Destutt de Tracy to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
j’ai eu l’honneur de vous ecrire le 21 du mois dernier une lettre qui vous parviendra en meme tems que celle-cy. j’espere qu’elle vous aura montré combien je Suis reconnoissant de vos bontés, et combien je Suis heureux de l’indulgence avec la quelle vous avez acceuilli mon petit ecrit Sur Montesquieu . elle vous aura meme prouvé que cette indulgence me donne une bien grande confiance, puisque...
26382Thomas Jefferson to Melatiah Nash, 15 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your letter of Oct. 24. on the publication of an Ephemeris. I have long thought it desirable that something of that kind should be published in the US holding a middle station between the Nautical, & the common popular almanacs. it would certainly be acceptable to a numerous & respectable description of our fellow citizens, who, without undertaking the higher astronomical...
26383From Thomas Boylston Adams to Orchard Cook, 14 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have just received, on my return from Boston, this Evening, your favour of the 10th: instant, and cannot but express my regret that you have found it necessary, for your own vindication, to enter into so ample an explanation of the difficulties you have recently encountered. I am very desirous of avoiding any personal interference in the disputes of individuals, with whom I have no immediate...
26384From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 14 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
I did not need your last token of love to remind me of my duty to one who is unwearied in exertions of friendship towards me. My mind dwells much on my dear absent Friends & it is with truth I can say that you & yours have a large share of my contemplations. By my own woful experience I can & do most sensibly feel for you under your bereavments. The society of a good Brother & Sister is...
26385To James Madison from George Joy, 14 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
The Constitution is at length arrived, and Mr: Russell informs me that she is to return to France before she will proceed to America; which will not probably be till some time in the Month of Janry. My Plan of embarking in her is by this means disconcerted; and the detail of Communication, that I was desirous of making personally, delayed. I am now strongly persuaded to defer my departure till...
26386Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 14 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Gelston, & his thanks for his statement of the tonnage of steamboats now actually employed. he has no doubt that this invention will materially improve the condition of our country. he avails himself of this occasion of assuring mr Gelston of his constant esteem & respect. RC ( NNGL , on deposit NHi ); dateline at foot of text; lacks address cover....
26387William Lambert to Thomas Jefferson, 14 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of William and Mary college having lately sent me the result of your observations of the solar eclipse of Sept r 17 th at Monticello , I have calculated the longitude from Greenwich , using the first and last contacts, which will always give a near approximation to the truth, if the apparent times and latitude of the place have been correctly ascertained. I have taken great pains...
26388Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 14 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
We have safely recieved the cask of timothy seed, as also the very excellent parcel of butter which you have been so kind as to send us; for which be pleased to accept my thanks, or perhaps I should more properly request you to tender them with my respects to mrs Stuart . You have, days since, seen the most excellent, rational & dignified message of the present president , & the documents...
26389From James Madison to Congress, 13 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, copies of a correspondence between the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, and the Secretary of State, relative to the aggression committed by a British Ship of War on the United States Frigate Chesapeake; by which it will be seen that that subject of difference, between the two Countries, is terminated by an offer of reparation which...
26390To James Madison from the Chiefs and Warriors of the Ottawa, Chippewa, Potawatomi, and Wyandot Nations, 13 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
We the undersigned Cheifs and warriors of the Mawwa Chipowa Potawawtomie and Wyandots Nations, living within the United States of America upon the waters of the Lakes and vicinity, On behalf of Ourselves and Nations, request Our Father the President of the United States listen to Our desires. It is well known to Our Father the President that we your red Brethern cannot make known our mind and...
26391From James Madison to Congress, 13 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 November 1811. “I lay before Congress the Result of the census lately taken of the Inhabitants of the United States, with a letter from the Secretary of State relative thereto.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E3). RC 1 p. In the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For surviving enclosure, see n. 1. JM enclosed a letter he had received from James Monroe, dated...
26392Henry Foxall to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 31 st Ulto came to hand in due course— Two Days ago I was fortunate enough to find a Vessel bound from this place Direct to Richmond on which I have put your Stove, pipes &c the bill of lading is sent on to your Corrospondents Gibson & Jefferson Richmond I have put the whole in cases but not Exactly as you requested, I have put the Intire Stove in case, without taking it...
26393Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 13 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
M r M c kinney tells me I misunderstood him when I considered a part of the flour formerly shipped as destined to pay me a quarter’s rent: but he yesterday sent off Johnson’s boat with 50. barrels to be delivered to you on my account. it will probably arrive before this letter. be pleased to recieve and sell it for the best price you can, as I do not know the state of the market, I fix no...
26394Thomas Law to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
For several months I did not think the Baltimore printers “ family anecdote ” of consequence enough to send home, but in May I forwarded it, & my B r Lord Ellenborough says that “ Fox never did or would have used the expressions quoted as his,—it was not his manner of acting” — I am induced to intrude with this, out of justice to so worthy a man, & not to convince you that the Federal...
26395William Mann to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have in my possession a Spa in Chay at The Suit of Randolp h s e xe cutiors againest Randolph and others—among the Parties you are named as a defendant and I have other Business to call me another way you I am told are nothing more Than a nominal Party. will you Give me leave to returne It Executed as to yourself. If So be pleased to take the Trouble to Drope me a line I have enc l osed you...
26396To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 11 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
Alas! What a difference between your last, and former letters!—Instead of being charmed with the effusions of your vigorous highly cultivated Understanding and sportive imagination, your letter of the 2nd of Novr contains nothing but accounts of “graves & tombs” and “dust converted into paper,” and of “sorrows written with rainy eyes upon the bosom of the earth.”—It affected me in the most...
26397From Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody to Abigail Smith Adams, 11 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
The excellent Sermon you sent, me was indeed “a cordial to my Heart—” I thank Mr Whitney for the justice he has done to departed excellence, & for his sympathetick remembrace of me, & the absent Relatives—It was my ardent wish to have been present at the mournful Obsequies, but it was not to be—Mr Peabody’s Indisposition, & a number of contingencies prevented—I have been laying plans in my own...
26398To James Madison from Robert Williams, 11 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
I took the liberty of addressing you, ⅌ last Mail, in the event of the death of Judge Matthews, which was at that time, reported here to be a fact, but which report I am happy to inform you has been Since Contradicted. I am with great & usual respect yrs RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Williams to JM, 2 Nov. 1811 ( PJM-PS Robert A. Rutland et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Presidential...
26399From James Madison to José Rafael Revenga, 11 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Monday, 11 November 1811. Invites Revenga to dine next Friday at 4 P.M. Requests a reply. Printed copy ( Cristóbal L. Mendoza, ed., Las primeras misiones diplomaticas de Venezuela [2 vols.; Caracas, 1962], 2:68). In Spanish. For an account of the dinner, see Manuel Pérez Vila, José Rafael Revenga (1786–1852) (Caracas, 1953), pp. 16–17.
26400To James Madison from Craven P. Luckett, 11 November 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 November 1811, Louisville, Kentucky. Reminds JM of letters of recommendation he presented in April in seeking a territorial judgeship or secretarial position. Requests now the Louisiana judgeship vacated by the death of Otho Shrader and promises to discharge the duties of the position faithfully. “I have married the Daughter of an old Friend of yours Colo. Greenup late Gove[r]nor of this...