2861[From Thomas Jefferson to Speaker of the Senate, 19 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 19 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Sp. Sen. European intelligence—extract from letter of Ministers—proposition on G. town to Del. of Maryld.” Letter and enclosure not found, but see TJ’s letter to Benjamin Harrison, 17 Dec. 1783 , and note. The phrase “proposition on G. town” (i.e., Georgetown) clearly refers to a proposal TJ, presumably with other members of the Virginia...
2862[From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 19 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 19 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “W. Short. 1st. hope desperate—2d doubtful—to dispose of P. C. [Peter Carr]—call on Key for money and conveiance.” Not found.]
2863II. To Elbridge Gerry and James McHenry, [21? December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the sketch, which I have been obliged to obliterate and blot after making what I intended for a fair copy. You will observe my plan was to make a short review in very general terms of those actions which redound to the General’s particular credit, viz. the discouraging circumstances under which he accepted the command—his steadiness and perservance when obliged to retire across the...
2864From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 22 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I hoped before this to have received letters from you regularly and weekly by the post, and also to have had a letter to forward from you to one of your aunts as I desired in my letter of November 27th. I am afraid you do not comply with my desires expressed in that letter. Your not writing to me every week is one instance, and your having never sent me any of your copies of Mr. Simitiere’s...
2865[From Thomas Jefferson to Eliza House Trist, 22 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Trist—dissuading immediate departure. Pittsbg till Mar. or Apr.—Smith—Browse’s alienage.” Not found. Mrs. Trist had left Philadelphia on 21 Dec.; see her acknowledgment of the present letter from Pittsburgh, 8 Apr. 1784. On Browse’s alienage, see TJ’s notes on British and American alienage, printed at the end of 1783.]
2866[From Thomas Jefferson to Jacquelin Ambler, 23 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 23 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “J. Ambler to set apart my dividends and give me notice—will not draw till then—go through £200—far advanced in 3d.” Not found.]
2867[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 23 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 23 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Hopkinson—letter to Bremner—clavichord—spinette—Buffon’s theory—Rittenh’s orrery for k. of Fr.” Not found, but see Hopkinson to Bremner, 28 Nov. 1783. The reference to Rittenhouse’s orrery pertains to a suggestion made by TJ the preceding January at a meeting of the American Philosophical Society. On 3 Jan. 1783 TJ attended his first meeting...
2868From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The present week affords us nothing new for communication unless it be the affecting scene of yesterday. Genl. Washington then had his last audience of Congress, laid down his commission and bid a final adieu to them and to all public life. His address on the occasion was worthy of him. This you will see in the public papers. I cannot help expressing my extreme anxiety at our present critical...
2869[From Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. James Madison, 24 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 24 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “J. Madison of the college—to observe thermometer just before sunrise—Crawford’s theory—Rittenh’s orrery. Hopkinson’s quilling.” Not found, but see Madison to TJ, 22 Jan. 1784 . Hopkinson’s “quilling”: on 21 Nov. 1783 TJ attended a meeting of the American Philosophical Society at which Hopkinson presented “a Plan and directions for improving the...
2870[From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carter, 26 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 26 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “C. Carter. General’s audience—European news—danger of not having 9. states for ratification—queries about white neg[roes].” Not found. On “white negroes” see Charles Carter to TJ, 9 Feb. 1784 , and Notes on Virginia , under Query vi (Ford, iii , 174–5).]
2871[From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Skipwith, 26 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 26 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “H. Skipw. Genl’s audience—European news—danger of not having 9 states—Queries about white negroes. Patsy well disposed of—my ill health.” Not found, but see Skipwith’s reply, 20 Jan. 1784.]
2872Resolution Opposing Ratification of the Definitive Treaty by Less than Nine States, [27 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that however earnestly and anxiously Congress wish to proceed to the ratification of the Definitive treaty, yet < Resolved that Congress > consisting at present of seven states only they ought not to undertake < the > that ratification < of the Definitive treaty > without proper explanations. < 1. Because the 9th. article of Confederation takes from them the power, by declaring that...
2873[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 27 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Eppes. She to write every 1st. Sund. and Mr. E. every 3d.—European news, state of Congr. Ratification. Want of money—[sent?] P. J. [Polly Jefferson] 2 sashes.” Not found.]
2874[From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 28 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 28 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Dr. Currie. Crawford’s theory—his ivory book not read—cypher.” Not found.]
2875[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Hawkins, 28 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 28 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. Hawkins. Vocabulary—Buffon’s character of Indians.” Not found.]
2876[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Hutchins, 29 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 29 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Capt Hutchins. Vocabulary for any Indian tribes.” Not found.]
2877Report on Gerry’s Motion respecting Papers in the Office of Foreign Affairs, [29 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the motion of Mr. Gherry for procuring access to the papers of the office for foreign affairs have agreed to the following < resolution > Resolved that a deputy Secretary for foreign affairs should be appointed at some early day. MS ( DLC : PCC , No. 25, II); in TJ’s hand. Endorsed by Thomson: “Report of Mr Jefferson Mr Osgood Mr Lee On Motion of Mr Gerry...
2878[From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Moore, 29 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 29 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Bernard Moore vocabulary and queries for the Mattaponies and Pamunkies.” Not found. Moore lived at West Point, between the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers whose names were derived from the Indian tribes inhabiting the region.]
2879[From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 29 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 29 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL under this date, immediately following entry for preceding letter to Bernard Moore, reads: “W. Short. do. for the Nottoways.” Not found.]
2880[From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 30 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 30 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “E. Rand. European news. Dutch commotions—but 7. states—not fault of delegates but want of money.” Not found.]
2881[From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Fox, 31 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 31 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Edwd. Fox. On Gilmer’s accounts. Not found.]
2882From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 31 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Letters from Holland from the middle to the last of September inform us that the citizens of the Dutch states are all in commotion. The conduct of the Prince of Orange having been such as greatly to strengthen the republican party, they are now pressing in the firmest tone a restoration of their constitutional rights. Friesland, as usual, leads the way. They have demanded of the sovereign...
2883From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 31 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Just before I left Albemarle a proposition was started for establishing there a grammar school. You were so kind as to tell me you would write me the progress of the proposition: on my part I was to enquire for a tutor. To this I have not been inattentive. I enquired at Princetown of Dr. Witherspoon. But he informed me that that college was but just getting together again, and that no such...
2884Notes on British and American Alienage, [1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Qu. 1. Can an American citizen, adult, now inherit lands in England? Natural subjects can inherit. Aliens cannot. There is no middle character. Every man must be the one or the other of these. A Natural subject is one born within the king’s allegiance and still owing allegiance. No instance can be produced in the English law, nor can it admit the idea of a person’s being a natural subject and...
2885From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 10th. Dec. came to hand about a fortnight after it’s date. It has occasioned me to reflect a little more attentively on Buffon’s central heat than I did in the moment of our conversation and to form an opinion different from what I then expressed. The term ‘central heat’ does of itself give us a false idea of Buffon’s hypothesis. If it meant a heat lodged in the center of...
2886Jefferson’s Compromise Motion concerning Ratification of the Definitive Treaty, [2 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it is stipulated in the definitive treaty of peace between the United states and his Britannic majesty that the ratifications of the said treaty shall be exchanged on or before the 3d. day of March next and there now remains before that period little more time than is requisite for the passage of the said ratification across the Atlantic; And Congress consisting at present but of 7....
2887From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 15 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter by the post is not yet come to hand, that by Mr. Beresford I received this morning. Your long silence had induced me almost to suspect you had forgotten me and the more so as I had desired you to write to me every week. I am anxious to know what books you read, what tunes you can play, and to receive specimens of your drawing. With respect to your meeting Mr. Simitiere at Mr....
2888From Thomas Jefferson to Chastellux, 16 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Lt. Colo. Franks being appointed to carry to Paris one of the copies of our ratification of the Definitive treaty, and being to depart in the instant of his appointment furnishes me a hasty opportunity of obtruding myself on your recollection. Should this prove troublesome you must take the blame as having exposed yourself to my esteem by letting me become acquainted with your merit. Our...
2889From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
No post having arrived here from the Southward during the present month till this day, and being to return in a few minutes I am obliged without an opportunity of asking the concurrence of my collegues to inclose you a copy of the proclamation of the Definitive treaty and of it’s ratification which happily took place on the 14th. instant. Two officers were immediately dispatched to seek...
2890From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 1[7] January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The Southern post, which had not come in for three weeks past, surprised us by his arrival to-day. Being to return in half an hour I could only, after perusal of my letters, hastily inclose to your excellency a copy of the proclamation announcing the ratification of the peace, which we were enabled to expedite on the 14th. inst. that being the first day on which nine states have attended...
2891[From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Carr, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Carr. Not send P. C. [Peter Carr] to Maury. Where is A. S. J. [Anna Scott Jefferson]. My health better.” Not found.]
2892[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. E. Betsy—Congratulations on daughter—P. A. on marriage—health better—hair-powder.” Not found.]
2893[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. E. Authorising him to have R. Rand’s affair settled and all others of Mr. W’s estate—that I will contribute my quota of expenses of agents, and of paiments when become indispensable—letter from Welch—ratification of Treaty—affairs of Europe—disposition of P. C.” Not found.]
2894[From Thomas Jefferson to Anna Scott Jefferson, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “A. S. J. My health better—send what she wants, I will get in Phil. whither shall go in spring.” Not found.]
2895From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 18 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 12th. inst. came to hand yesterday. I have the happiness of informing you that on the 14th. inst. we had nine states on the floor and ratified the definitive treaty. Two copies were immediately dispatched by different officers who were to embark in the first vessels they could find going to France. They had 48 days left for it’s timely delivery. The important business now...
2896[From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Short. P. C. [Peter Carr] disapproving Wmsbg—approving Jmscy [James City] but query as to healthfulness—refer to him—subject in cypher—Nicholas—health better.” Not found. TJ evidently enclosed in this letter a cipher based on the word “Nicholas,” a cipher he used in subsequent letters to Short. In an undated extract of his letter of 30 Apr....
2897I. Notes concerning Boundaries, [1784?] (Jefferson Papers)
Prender of possession, and assumption of boundary, by the Jus gentium of America, gives a right of preemption against all nations and individuals but not of occupation against the native inhabitants. Charters from the crown, whether to proprietors or people , are fundamental rights, vesting in all, and not alterable but by consent of all parties. Consent of people, expressed by acquiescence ....
2898VI. On the Settlement of Disputes between States by Judicial Means, [after June 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
The territory of Wioming which had been in dispute between the states of Connecticut and Pennsylvania having been adjudged to the latter by a court constituted according to the articles of confederation, the individuals claiming the private right of soil under the two states have in pursuance of the same articles asked from Congress and obtained the appointment of a second federal court to...
2899Motion to Obtain an Estimate of Current Expenses, [23 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
That it be an instruction to the Grand committee to prepare and report to Congress an estimate of current expences from the 1st. day of January 1784. to the 1st. day of Jan. 1785. MS ( DLC : PCC , No. 36, ii ); in TJ’s hand. On 23 Jan. 1784 (according to endorsement on the MS motion in the same volume of PCC ), David Howell moved “That the report of 22d. October, 1783 [of Robert Morris,...
2900I. Categories of Powers Appropriate to the Committee of the States, 30 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Powers from which the Committee of the States are excluded Engaging in war Granting letters of Marque in time of peace Entering into treaties or alliances Coining money Regulating it’s value Ascertaining sums necessary for defence or welfare Emitting bills Borrowing money Appropriating money
2901II. Proposed Report on Powers of the Committee of the States, [30 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred a report on the powers with which [a committee] of the states should be vested during the recess of Congress and a Motion on the same subject have agreed to the following resolutions. Resolved that the Committee of the states which shall be appointed pursuant to the 9th. article of Confederation to sit in the recess of Congress for conducting the business of...
2902IV. An Additional Instruction to the Committee of the States, [ca. 29 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
That the Committee of the states be authorized and instructed To appoint proper persons to enquire into the quality of pure silver in the Spanish milled dollars of different dates in circulation with us from the best assays which have been made. To enquire in like manner into the fineness of all other the coins which may be found in circulation within these states. To report to the Committee...
2903[From Thomas Jefferson to Boinod & Gaillard, 1 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 1 Feb. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Boinod & Gaillard. Pfeffel. Hainault. Lignac.” Not found. TJ may have ordered these works from a catalogue recently published by Boinod & Gaillard: “This Day is Published (Price One Quarter of a Dollar) A Catalogue of a large and choice Collection of Books, comprehending most branches of literature in the French, Latin, English, German and Dutch...
2904[From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Crockett, 1 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 1 Feb. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Colo Crockett. Enclosed his papers and Carleton’s letter.” Letter and enclosures not found.]
2905[From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Curson, 1 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 1 Feb. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Rd. Curson. Returned magazines &c.” Not found.]
2906[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel House, 1 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 1 Feb. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “S. House. Books from B. & G.—probable course of Congress.” Not found.]
2907[From Thomas Jefferson to John Key, 1 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 1 Feb. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “J. Key. TMR’s phaeton—bill of scantling—tub mill—Watson to be kept—shall be home in spring—sell grey—furnish TMR money to buy horse—Phill break him—Jame garden and do what Giovannini was to do if gone—Anthony to instruct—smokehouse—stocks—Mazzei papers—Anthy. may live at Bellow’s—2 or 3 days work of Carps and Geo’s.—grass on level—Carr’s mare not...
2908[From Thomas Jefferson to John Moore, 1 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 1 Feb. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Jno. Moore. Accounts at barracks to be settled with Turner in Richmond.” Not found.]
2909From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Morris, [1 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
A grand Committee of Congress is now engaged in preparing estimates of the necessary federal expenses of the present year from the first to the last day of it inclusive and of the articles of interest on the public debts foreign and domestic which call indispensably for immediate provision while the impost proposed ultimately for their discharge shall be on it’s passage through the states;...
2910[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 1–14 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 1–14 Feb. 1784 . Entry in SJL under date of 1 Feb. reads: “TMR. Phaeton—buy horse for me—keep eye on two others—give notice to Key to send for him [i.e., the purchased horse]—I will call on him [i.e., Randolph] in Spring—health—[…] Judy. P.S. of Feb. 14. health—news.” Not found.]