2201VI. Resolution on the Privileges and Immunities of Congress, [ca. November–December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
1. Resolved that the object of the several states in appointing delegates to meet in General Congress being that they may therein transact for the good of the Union in general and their State in particular those matters which the Confederation has submitted to the direction of Congress, the said delegates ought to be invested in the place where they may be sitting with such privileges and...
2202II. Notes on Cost of Shipping Rice, &c., 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Riz vaut dans ce moment £14. à £14.5s. de Nice Le cantare qui est composé de 150. lb soit de 6 Rubs de 25. ℔ chaque. Le Rapport du poidt de Nice à celui de Marc doit etre calculé sur le pied de 25.℔ de Nice pour 16 ℔. de Marc de manière que le cantare soit quintal de Nice de 150 ℔. est equivalent à 96 ℔. de Marc. Le louis d’or de france de £24. vaut £25 de Nice en marchandise. Estimate of...
2203III. Some Thoughts on a Coinage, [ca. March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Some Thoughts on a Coinage, and the Money Unit for the U.S. Transition from money to weights. Transition from weights to measures. Transition from measures to time. I find new dollars of 1774,80,81 (qu. Mexico Pillar) weigh 18 dwt. 9 grs.=441 grs. If of this there be but 365 grs. pure silver, the alloy would be of 2.1 oz. in the ℔. instead of 19 dwt. the common Spanish alloy, which is 1 dwt....
2204Notes of a Tour through Holland and the Rhine Valley, 3 March–23 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Memorandums on a tour from Paris to Amsterdam, Strasburg and back to Paris. 1788. March. 3. Post Face of country Soil Produce Animals Inclosures Wood Bourget Louvres Chapelle } broad low hills reddish loam, some sand corn none none none Senlis
2205II. Jefferson’s Notes on Coxe’s Commercial System for the United States, [ca. 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
Federal farmer MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 36: 6230); in TJ’s hand; at head of text: “Tench Cox’s enquiry into the principles of American commerce” undated, but presumably drawn up about the time TJ received a copy of Coxe’s pamphlet in July 1787. The federal farmer was Richard Henry Lee, whose letters in opposition to the Constitution, Observations leading to a fair examination of the system of...
2206Jefferson’s Advertisement of Hopkinson’s Invention, [ca. February? 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
An improvement in the manner of preparing musical instruments which are keyed and quilled. The present mode of quilling a harpsichord is subject to this great inconvenience that some of the quills will after a little use, crack and lose their elastic spring, whilst others retain their full vigour, thereby rendering the touch unequal and some tones full and loud whilst others are so faint and...
2207Lease of House in the Cul-de-sac Taitbout, 16 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Bail M. Guireaud Detalairac à M. Jefferson Par devant Les conseillers du Roy, notaires au chatelet de paris soussignés: fut présent M. françois Guireaud de Taleyrac, conseiller du roy, Juge rapporteur du point d’honneur, demeurant a paris rüe Du mail paroisse St. Eustache, Lequel a par ces présentes fait Bail et donné à loyer pour neuf années entieres et consécutives qui ont commencé dès le...
2208Notes on Resolutions of Congress, [after 4 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
17[83 Jan]. 29. Chairman of Com. of whole by balot [Feb]. 5. Com. of whole to vote by states. 10. Comr. for Virga. to receive proofs instead of vouchers lost 14. Motion to postpone a proposition to take up another cannot be divided Mar. 7. Min. 4/6 sterl. = doll. doll. = £5–5s without regard to variation of exchange Apr. 15. Commandr. in chief to make arrangements with Brit. Commr. for...
2209I. Jefferson’s Suppressed Article in His Observations on Calonne’s Letter, [ca. 4 July 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
6. It is reckoned that this nation employs 30. ships in the African trade, and that these take, one with another, 50 hogsheads of tobacco in part of their loading. The regulations for the protection of the farms forbidding them to take this tobacco from the ports of France, they are obliged to put into Lisbon, and there furnish themselves with the tobaccos of Brazil. It would seem that...
2210Queries Concerning Trade with the French Colonies, [ca. December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Eclaircissements à Tirer Des Amériquains MS ( DLC ); in clerk’s hand; endorsed by TJ: “Commerce with France—French islds. Queries on”; undated, evidently written in late Nov. or early Dec., for on 2 Jan. 1786 TJ wrote Jay that “certain Questions … proposed … by an Individual” were submitted to him “very soon after” his own letter of 20 Nov. 1785 to Vergennes. Tr ( DNA : PCC , No. 87); in...
2211Enclosure: Jefferson’s Report on Conversations with Vergennes, [December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Hearing frequent Complaints in this Country that little of our Commerce came to it, that while our Flag covered the Thames it was rarely to be seen in a Port of France, and that this proceeded from national Prejudices, and observing that this Complaint was often repeated and particularly relied on by those who had opposed our Admission into the French Islands, I thought it necessary on every...
2212VI. Estimate of American Exports, [1785–1786?] (Jefferson Papers)
Estimates of the annual exports of the United States. Those of the American traveller are taken as the basis, but corrected. Massachusetts N. Hampshire Rhode Island Connecticut New York New Jersey Pennsylvania New Jersey Delaware Virginia Maryland N. Carolina S. Carolina. Georgia. Total Exported to Europe Exported to the West Indies Fish. £. sterl. 150,000 £. sterl 7,000
2213Resolution 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...
2214Jefferson’s Reply to the Representations of Affairs in America by British Newspapers, [before 20 November 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
I am an officer lately returned from service and residence in the U.S. of America. I have fought and bled for that country because I thought it’s cause just. From the moment of peace to that in which I left it, I have seen it enjoying all the happiness which easy government, order and industry are capable of giving to a people. On my return to my native country what has been my astonishment to...
2215John Paradise’s Power of Attorney to Nathaniel Burwell, 8 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that I John Paradise of James city county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but now at Paris in the kingdom of France, do by these presents constitute and appoint Nathaniel Burwell esquire of Carter’s grove in the same county and commonwealth my lawful attorney for all my property in the said commonwealth, real and personal, in possession and in action, giving to...
2216Motion 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,...
2217Jefferson’s Amplification of Subjects Discussed with Vergennes, [ca. 20 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Explanations on some of the Subjects of the Conversation which I had the Honor of having with his Excellency the Count de Vergennes when I was last at Versailles. The principal Design of that Conversation was to discuss those Articles of Commerce which the United States could spare, which are wanted in France, and if recieved there on a convenient footing would be exchanged for the Productions...
2218Jefferson’s Suggestions for Republishing the Cruz Cano Map of South America, [ca. August 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Observations for the republication of the map of South America by Don Juan de la Cruz Cano. The same scale should be preserved, and the Spanish names of places. The title, marginal explanations &c. may be in Spanish or English, as shall be thought best. The original is on 8 sheets of paper, numbered as below. Measuring the geographical part I find that it may be comprehended in a parallelogram...
2219Jefferson’s State of the Case of Schweighauser & Dobrée, [ca. November 1788?] (Jefferson Papers)
In 1779 his Majesty ordered a small squadron to be equipped at his expence, to perform an occasional cruize. For reasons known to the court Documents only, they chose it should sail under the American flag, and an American commander. Captain Paul Jones was named Commodore for this purpose. M. de Sartine 1784 Jan. 12 (then minister of marine) requested of Dr. Franklin that the American frigate...
2220Private Agreement for Lease of the Hôtel de Langeac, [5 September 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Entre les soussignés Haut et Puissant Seigneur Auguste-Louis-Joseph-Fidel-Amand De Lespinasse Langeac, Chevalier Comte de Langeac, Colonel d’Infanterie, Chevalier de l’Ordre royal et Militaire de St. Louis, Gouverneur pour le Roi des Villes de Guerande, Le Croisic et St. Nazaire en Bretagne, de celle de Ruë en Picardie, et en Survivance de celle du Puy en Vélay, et ancien Capitaine des Gardes...
2221XIV. “Second Form Proposed on the Part of the United States.” (Jefferson Papers)
Convention entre le R.T.C. et les E.U. de l’Amerique…. Art. II. Les consuls et viceconsuls jouiront d’une pleine et entiere immunité pour leur chancellerie, et les papiers qui y seront renfermés…. Art. VIII. Les consuls et vice consuls auront, abord des batimens de leur nation respective, tout pouvoir et jurisdiction en matiere civile: et à cet effet ils pourront s’y transporter sans qu’aucun...
2222I. Queries concerning Government, Labor, Commerce, &c., [ca. 1 June 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand. This query was originally framed by Hogendorp, but was employed by TJ only in New York and Connecticut; none of the replies for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire contains an answer to it.
2223Memorandum Books, 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 1. Gave the following etrennes at court ₶ Valet de chambre de M. de Vergennes 96 Livery servants of do.
2224XVI. The Official English Text as Ratified, 14 November 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Convention between His most Christian Majesty and the United States of America, for the purpose of defining and establishing the functions and privileges of their respective Consuls and vice-Consuls. His Majesty the most Christian King and the United States of America having by the 29th article of the Treaty of amity and commerce concluded between them, mutually granted the liberty of having,...
2225III. Lafayette’s Inquiries of Francis Rotch, October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish not to be considered as the entire representative of the fishery from Dunkirk, but as an individual much interested therein, whose influence may be supposed to extend to his family connections. In order to ascertain this degree of actual and probable representation I will state the different interests in the fishery as it now exists both out of, and in the port of Dunkirk, under the...
2226Jefferson’s Observations on Calonne’s Letter Concerning American Trade, [ca. 3 July 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
A committee was appointed, in the course of the last year, to take a view of the subjects of commerce which might be brought from the United states of America, in exchange for those of France, and to consider what advantages and facilities might be offered to encourage that Commerce. The letter of Monsieur de Calonnes was founded on their report. It was conclusive as to the articles on which...
2227I. 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 ....
2228Deposition of Richard Riddy, 17 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Richard Riddy esq. merchant of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but now resident at Nantes in the kingdom of France aforesaid made oath before me Thomas Jefferson minister plenipotentiary for the U.S. of America at the court of Versailles, that in the month of January in the year 1783 he was taken prisoner on the high seas by the English, and carried to New York; that while he was there,...
2229Memorandum Books, 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 4. Pd. Marc Dec. 27.—Jan. 2. ₶ postage 2 washing 22 – 8
2230II. Replies to Queries: New York (2), [ca. 1–5 June 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
New York. Mr. Lewis . I. 1. Under 100 ton. They have ½ ton privilege. Above that 1 ton. The use of the cabbin. 2. Before the war from 50/ to £3. The masters £6. a month. 4. In sloops 6. Topsail vessels 8. or 10. 5. Smallest vessel 50 ton. up to 400. II. Had one co. for whale fishing before war. Will revive it. No other. The British used to send several vessels to N. F.land. one or two for each...
2231IX. Projet of a Treaty with the Barbary States, 11 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
See Jefferson’s Draft of a Treaty, printed above as enclosure to TJ to Adams, 6 Aug. 1785 , to which the texts provided Barclay and Lamb on 11 Oct. are identical, except for Article 17. That article reads: “The subjects or citizens of either party may frequent the coasts and countries of the other, and reside and trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures and merchandize, the purchase...
2232Petition of an Impostor, with Jefferson’s Comments, [1786?] (Jefferson Papers)
To his Excll the Honorable Minister of the Unaited State of America The petition of Thos. Smith a Native of America, Humbly Sheweth That whereas Your Excellencys Petitioner, is in this City of Paris Coming from a Slavery, where I being Tuoo years, and a half, taken under, the American colours bound from Lisbon, to America, and remain a Prisoner, a Board an Algerin Galeotta during the...
2233III. Notes for Consideration of the Commissioners, 7 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Notes. French treaty Art. 9. 10. not to disturb rights of fishing. Would it be better to insert such articles with other nations as to our rights at Newfoundland, or to be silent about them? Also the stipulation to leave the Danes in quiet possession of the E. and W. Indies? French. 28. Swed. 5. No searches for prohibited goods after the ships are laden. Will it be best to insert this? Dutch....
2234IV. Replies to Queries: Rhode Island, [ca. 18? June 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Govr. Bowen Rhodeisland. [ca. 18? June 1784] I. 1. About 4500 Doll. 4. About 130,000£ 5. There is an impost of 2 pr. cent on imports appropriated to this. It begins to be paid. 6. At one half their nominal sum. 7. About £20,000. 8. None but that mentioned no. 5. 9. About one twentieth. All born after a day past are free. The master if at any expence with them is to be paid by the public men....
2235VIII. Summary of Replies to Queries, 31 July 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
N. Hampshire Massachusets Rhode island Connecticut New York Whole Pennsylvania Shipping 10. M . ton 1. M .ton— 4. M . ton 4. M . ton
2236I. Preliminary Form of Deed of Cession, [13 February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[13 Feb. 1784] To all who shall see these presents we [here name the delegates] the underwritten, delegates for the Commonwealth of Virginia in the Congress of the United states of America, send greeting. Whereas the General assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia at their sessions begun on the 20th. day of Octob. 1783. passed an act intituled ‘an act to authorize the delegates &c. in these...
2237III. Notes on Abbé Rochon’s Method, [1785 or 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
To prepare the plate of copper. If it be new, sprinkle on it some blanc d’Espagne, and water, and rub it, holding it over a chaffing dish. This is to absorb any grease which might have remained on the plate and which would injure the subsequent process. If it be an old plate it must be rubbed. 1. with a crooked file, till the old letters are well effaced. 2. with pounce and water. 3. with […]...
2238Notes of a Tour into the Southern Parts of France, &c., 3 March–10 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Memorandums taken on a journey from Paris into the Southern parts of France and Northern of Italy, in the year 1787 . Champagne . March 3. Sens to Vermanton . The face of the country is in large hills, not too steep for the plough, somewhat resembling the Elk hill and Beverdam hills of Virginia. The soil is generally a rich mulatto loam, with a mixture of coarse sand and some loose stone. The...
2239II. Memoranda Concerning Distribution, Cost, and Makers of Medals, [ca. February 1789] (Jefferson Papers)
S. C. S. C. S C 1 1. Denmark. 1 Spire 1. Norway 1 Hungary. 1. 1. Sweden. 1 1
2240III. Analysis of Votes of 7 October 1783, November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Absent N. Hampshire and Georgia N. Hampshire } for any place in preference to Philadelphia. the further North however the more agreeable to them. Massachusets Rhodeisland Connecticut New York. for the most Northern situation New Jersey. the same. Pennsylvania. for Germantown, next Lamberton Delaware. for Wilmington. but for Georgetown in preference to Lamberton or any other situation which...
2241Jefferson’s Statement of Refusal to Authenticate Writings, December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The minister plenipotentiary for the United states of America finds himself under the necessity of declining to authenticate writings destined to be sent to the United states, for this main reason, that such authentication is not legal evidence there. After a reason so sufficient it seems superfluous to add that, were his authentication admissible in the courts of the United states, he could...
2242Notes on Alterations Proposed by Favi, [after 26 April 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Alterations made in our propositions to Tuscany. ‘manufactures Art. 2. 3. and merchandize’ ‘produce , manufactures and merchandize, without exception of any.’ ‘whatsoever, Agreed and shall be obliged to observe no other or greater formalities, regulations or cautions , than the most favored European nations are or shall be obliged to pay and observe.’ ‘exemptions
2243Jefferson’s Affidavit Concerning John and Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 6 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
We, Thomas Jefferson, Minister plenipotentiary for the United States of America at the court of Versailles certify to all whom it may concern: That we are personally and well acquainted with the family of Mrs. Lucy Paradise, wife of John Paradise esquire, with their connections and condition: That the said Lucy was born in the state of Virginia, in the lawful wedlock of her parents, of a...
2244II. 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...
2245II. Bounds of Six Proposed Northwest Colonies, 1 January–1 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 234: 41926); entirely in TJ’s hand, with deletions and interlineations that are indicated in notes below. Accompanying this is another fragment in TJ’s hand ( DLC : TJ Papers, 234: 41927) giving the bounds of what may be another “colony” south of the Ohio that perhaps was drawn up around 1783–1784. These bounds coincide almost precisely with those of the colony of...
2246Memorandum on Wine, [after 23 April 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
Burgundy. The best white wines are Dabbadie, ou Lionville } all these, when fit for use cost from 40.s. to 50.s. the bottle, and sometimes 3.₶ I doubt whether the best the 4. crops unless he tastes them together. La Rose Quirouen Durfort […] […] the three upp[er parishes?], viz. A general observation as to all wines is that there is great difference in those of the same vineyard in different...
2247III. Notes Comparing Carolina Rice with that of Piedmont, [ca. September 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Les deux seules qualités de Riz actuellement en usage en france, sont, le Riz de Caroline, et celui de Piemont. Le Riz de Caroline, a une consommation en france d’un tiers plus considerable que le Riz de Piemont. Le Riz de Caroline est généralement plus blanc que celui de Piemont. Il seduit parla le général des acheteurs qui ne s’arretent qu’a la vue. Les Connoisseurs trouvent dans le Riz de...
2248IV. Notes on Coinage, [March–May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Notes on the establishment of a Money Unit, and of a Coinage for the United States. In fixing the Unit of money, these circumstances are of principal importance. I. That it be of convenient size to be applied as a measure to the common money transactions of life. II. That it’s parts and multiples be in an easy proportion to each other, so as to facilitate the money arithmetic. III. That the...
2249IV. 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...
2250VI. Notes for Reply to Robert Morris, [7–9 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Whether the parts of the Unit had better be a measure of the [curre]nt money of account or of the dollar. Obj. Easy to make any coin circulate at it’s value. Ans. Still it is a duty to make it’s introduction easy as we can to the people. Obj. The dollar is no money of account. No merchant keeps his books in dollars. Therefore the adoption of the dollar as the Unit will not save him the trouble...