11To James Madison from Augustus Woodward, 21 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The last litigated question relative to titles here was decided yesterday. I have the pleasure to add that the form of our report is the only thing of consequence now engaging our attention. I have the honor to be Sir, respectfully your obedient servant, DNA : RG 59—Territorial Papers—TP, Michigan.
12From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 17 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson incloses to Genl. Dearborne the draught of his message to Congress, of which he asks his careful examination & to be favored with the alterations which may occur to him on a separate paper. H. Dearborn has looked over & considered the enclosed, without observing any thing that he can consider as a difect, or requiring alteration. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
25 January 1802, Bremen. Reports that nothing material has occurred since his 13 July dispatch. Encloses list of vessels in port during the last six months. On 20 Nov., received through Pitcairn at Hamburg JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter and is pleased to have directions regarding registers and sea letters. Has notified the duke of Oldenburg, who oversees quarantine regulations on the Weser, of...
14John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Adams, 9 June 1804 (Adams Papers)
I have now received your favour of the 29 th: of last month, enclosing a letter from your Mamma, for M r: Murdoch, which I shall take care to forward, by the first vessel that will go from Boston to England.— You had been so long without an attack of the spasms, that I had flattered my self, they had taken their final leave— I grieve to hear of their return— Perhaps it may only be in...
15To James Madison from John Armstrong, 12 November 1804 (Madison Papers)
I arrived in this city on the 29th. ulto, and found here M[e]ssrs Livingston and Munroe; the one, on the point of setting out for Italy; the other, about to prosecute his journey to Spain. On an intimation from Mr Livingston of my arrival, I had an immediate interview with Mr Talleyrand, and, in a day or two, received from him a notice, that “the next diplomatic audience had been assigned for...
16From Thomas Jefferson to John Mercer, 10 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing that your former studies & views were directed to the profession of the law, but uninformed whether it is your intention to enter again into that line, I have thought it my duty to avail the public of your services in it, should it meet your own intentions. one of the places of a judge of the Superior court of Orleans will be vacant by the resignation of Mr. Prevost who continues only...
17To James Madison from Thomas Strode, 11 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Suffer me Sir to tender You my gratefull acknowledgments for the friendly attention You bestowd. on my application at the War-Office, a favour that no time shall erase from my Memory & that no improper action or Sentiment shall disgrace. I have ever held the Savage character of the Soldier of fortune or ambition in detestation & equally dispised the slothfull wretch who wishd. to be uselessly...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 17 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last respects, I have received a Letter from Mr. Hackley from Algexiras, in answer to my offers of assisting him & family, in which he does not mention a word of having instructions respecting the Union with me; as I took the liberty proposing last year to Your Excelly. I am fearfull it will not take place as he has united with Mr. Meade, who has lately forced me to attack him before...
19To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 11 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since I had this honor on the 11th. April—several Changes have taken place, which I hope you may not find it improper that I state to You. Prusia has desired the Danes to leave Hamburg, which they are preparing to do. The Navigation of the Elbe is become free to all flags (English not excepted) in consequence of the British allowing the Greenland Shipping of Holstein to depart with passports &...
20From John Adams to Massachusetts Legislature, 26 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
The very respectful, affectionate, and obliging address, which has been presented to me by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, by your order, has awakened all my sensibility, and demands my most grateful acknowledgments. As the various testimonials of the approbation and affection of my fellow-citizens of Massachusetts, which have been indulged to me from...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Claude Alexandre Ruelle, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favors of May 29. & July 11. & with this last a copy of your constitution with the new augmentations. Our usages not permitting me to present it formally to the Legislature of the Nation, I have deposited it in their library where all it’s Members will have an opportunity of profiting of it’s truths, and it will be, as you desire, in a depot beyond the reach of...
22To James Madison from James Maury, 18 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
From time to time I lately have had the honor of transmitting you the orders in Council relative to Neutrals. In this you have a price Current with the remark that the apprehension of a rupture with the U: S: A: appears rather increasing and has occasioned some advances in several articles of American produce, tho’ none in Cotton. I have the honor to be with perfect respect your Most Servant...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Dougherty, 17 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your 2 letters and the direction they contained are duly attended to. I got a box for you in stage office at george Town about 12 I. square. it feels light as if it contained books. I will wait your directions what to do with it Mr. Duane is not arived here nor no account of your boxes with the strawberry plants. I thought the box I received might contain the strawberrys but did not...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Terry, 21 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 21, 1803. States: “Your letter of the 2d instant found me in the midst of a Circuit Court.” Discusses a case concerning Jeremiah Wadsworth, one of the executors of Nathanael Greene’s estate. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found. The Circuit Court of the City and County of New York met from March 29 to April 21, 1803. For Greene’s estate, see “Report on...
25From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 25 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 25 June 1806, Department of State. “Be pleased to issue your warrant on the appropriation for the Contingent expences of the Department of State for one thousand Dollars in favor of Roger C. Weightman, Agent of William Duane: said Duane to be held accountable for the same.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p. The warrant was issued the same day, as noted in...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas H. Cushing, 1 July 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War has directed me to enquire whether Lieut. Patrick McCarty of the third Regt. of infantry obeyed the order of the War department of the 2nd. of Sepr. 1799, directing all absent Officers of the 1st. Regt. of Artillerists & Engineers and of the first, second, third & fourth Regiments of Infantry to Report themselves to you within four months, and if so, whether any particular...
27To James Madison from Seth Hunt, 18 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1801, Boston. At William Lee’s request, encloses bond for $2,000 executed by Lee, Elbridge Gerry, and himself as security for Lee’s performance of his duties as commercial agent at Bordeaux. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner: “William Lee’s official bond. / For the Secretary’s approbation.” Enclosure not found. A full transcription of this document...
28To James Madison from Joseph Rademaker, 21 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor on the 20th. April to transmit to you a letter of communication from H. R. H. the Prince Regent of Portugal addressed to the United States of America on the happy occasion of the birth of a Royal Princess, but I have not yet been honoured with an answer. I now beg leave to inform You that H. R. H. having taken into consideration the many dangers which vessels are liable to when...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Michael Leib, 22 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Dr. Muhlenberg of this place, whose reputation as a botanist you are not unacquainted with, is very desirous of possessing the seed of any rare plants that Captain Lewis may have brought with him. As you will be in possession of them, I have taken the liberty of requesting a specimen of any that you may have to spare, for my friend the Doctor. As you have always evinced the strongest...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Joel Barlow, 24 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the draught of the Bill for the establishment of a National academy & University at the city of Washington, with such alterations as we talked over the last night. they are chiefly verbal. I have often wished we could have a Philosophical society or Academy so organised as that while the central academy should be at the seat of government, it’s members dispersed over the...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 16 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Before your Letter arrived Dr Priestley was dead: of which I informed you hastily on the same afternoon. The work you mention of Mr Malthus, I have perused with deep interest and melancholy conviction of the general truth of his Theory, but I cannot help thinking he carries it much too far. Granting the tendency of the procreative passion to increase the human species far beyond the ratio of...
32To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The period is now at hand when I intend retireing from the administration of this government. I did hope for the arrival of my successor by that time, but of this I begin now to despair. I shall, therefore, prepare to take an important Step—I mean a dissolution of the general Assembly, which will take place this evening. Were it not Consistant with my duty to assign any reasons for this...
33From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 2 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
Before I left Washington I was called upon by Col. Tousard, who had been charged by Fayette with explanations &c. to his friends. These confirm the need he is in of relief both permanent & present, with respect to his pecuniary affairs. The idea has been entertained by him and is strongly pressed by Toussard, that money can be got on loan from the Banks & that his friends here can greatly...
34From Thomas Jefferson to William Pinkney, 13 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer of this is the son of mr Wilson C. Nicholas of Virginia, formerly a Senator in Congress from that state & now of the H. of Representatives in Congress. these circumstances, as well as his high standing in society must have made him known to you, by reputation at least, so far as to have rendered my recommendations unnecessary to secure to him any attentions or civilities which you...
35To Thomas Jefferson from William Irvine, 18 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
When at Washington I took the liberty to recommend Robert Porter Esqr. of Philadelphia to your notice as one of the Commissioners of Bankruptcy for the District of Pennsylvania—Circumstances probably were not favorable at that time to his appointment—as there is now a vacancy by the death of John W. Vancleve, I again solicit your attention to the pretensions of Mr. Porter for that office,...
36To James Madison from Valentin de Foronda, 29 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Tengo la honra de poner en noticia de V. S. que el Exmo. Senor Dn. Pedro Cevallos me previene de parte del Rey mi Amo, con fha. del 21. de Marzo, que dé parte à èste Gobíerno, como lo executo, que han resuelto, que en el preciso termino de un mes salgan fuera de los Reynos de España, los Vasallos Suecos. Dios guê. á V. S. ms. as. B. L. M de V S. su mas atento servidor DLC : Papers of James...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I much fear that in performing my duty, and endeavoring to give you all the information possible on the State of the public buildings, I claim an unreasonable portion of your time & attention.—My present letter is on a subject on which I see only one mode of proceeding, and that one , involves a mode of finishing the roof of the North wing on which I solicit your opinion and direction:...
38To James Madison from William Savage, 7 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Annexed is a Copy of my last Since which I have requested of Admiral Montigue the general liberation of all American Seamen. By this measure, I flatter myself I have antici p ated the Presidents wish. For his Satisfaction I inclose a Copy of my letter & the admirals answer. I formerly intimated that it was proper to insert in all Certificates of Native Americans the place of their Birth...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 26 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Glendye a presbyterian clergyman from Ireland, who settled two or three years ago at Staunton about 40. miles from this place, understanding that there is or will be a vacancy at Baltimore, proposes to go there to offer himself. my personal acquaintance with him is small, but I have had abundant attestations of his character from others. he is a man of excellent character, goodhumoured,...
40To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, [30 May] 1803 (Madison Papers)
In a late communication from Col Hawkin⟨s⟩ I received copies of a corrispondence between him & the Govr. of Florida by which it appears that the Govr. had notified Col Hawkins of his having been informed that Bowls had crossed the line into the Territories of the United States, and requested the Col to make every exaction in his power for having him apprehended. I have written to Col Hawkins...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 5 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely hope that you have, on your arrival, found Mrs. Eppes in a fair way of recovering. The weather and city have been gloomy enough since your departure; and Mrs G. is anxious that I should take her to New York. If I can possibly complete in time the business and arrangements resulting from the laws of last session, I will try to do it early enough to be back here when you shall...
42To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 28 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
The President’s message in answer to the call of the House respecting Genl Wilkinson has condescended to notice me. It is expressed in such a manner as not to leave it altogether certain, whether it does not hold me accountable for a bundle of Mr. Clark’s papers, before the public. On the one hand I place a value upon a good name, and on the other am elevated above much anxiety, by the...
43To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your letter of the 21. of March, inclosing a copy of an act of Congress which authorizes the President to accept of such Company or Companies of Volunteers, not exceeding 30,000, as shall make a tender of service. The present state of things on the western side of the Mississippi, as far as I am advised, authorizes a hope that no difficulty will shortly...
44Aaron Burr to David Hosack, [12 July 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Burr’s respectful Compliments. He requests Dr. Hosack to inform him of the present state of Genl. H. and of the hopes which are entertained of his recovery. Mr. Burr begs to know at what hours of the [day] the Dr. may most probably be found at home, that he may repeat his inquiries. He would take it very kind if the Dr. would take the trouble of calling on him as he returns from Mr....
45To James Madison from William Hull, 31 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have constantly given information to the Secretary of War, respecting the state of the Territory, in relation to the Indians. Every thing is now perfectly pacific, and I hope we shall experience no future alarms. When I arrived, all business was suspended, and all the people were engaged in preparations for defence. Much sensibility in upper Canada is excited on account of their Slaves. Some...
46To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 11 October 1801. Acknowledged in JM to Monroe, 24 Oct. 1801 . Encloses letter for Robert R. Livingston.
47To James Madison from James McGreggar, 13 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor of addressing you on the 21st. ulto infor ming you of my arrival here, a Triplicate of which is enclosed I have several times visited the Officers of this Government with a view of cultivating a good understanding with them. I find that a Consul cannot be acknowledged here untill he is first ac knowledged in Denmark, which might be easily accomplish ed by informing his Danish...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William H. Cabell, 21 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I laid before the General Assembly of Virginia the letter which I had the honor to receive from you enclosing the Act of Congress for laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio, together with the partial report of the Commissioners: and I have now the honor to enclose you the Copy of an Act of the General Assembly, giving the assent of this State...
49X. Draft of the Financial Section and Conclusion, 8 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The state of our finances continues to fulfill our expectations. eleven millions & an half of Dollars recieved in the course of the year ending on the 30th. of Sep. last, have enabled us, after meeting all the ordinary expences of the year to pay 3,600,000. Dollars of the principal of the public debt. this paiment, with those of the two preceding years, has extinguished upwards of twelve...
50To James Madison from William Lee, 14 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 14 September 1805, Bordeaux . “I have the honor to enclose you a bill of Loading & Invoice of six Cases of Wine, one Tierce of Vinegar and two Cases of Cordials which I have shipped for you on board the Brig Lyon to the address of Mr Purveyance of Baltimore. I hope they will arrive safe and be to your liking.” RC and enclosures ( DLC ). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. For...
51To James Madison from Anthony Merry, 11 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honour to transmit to you inclosed the Copy of a Letter which, though dated yesterday, has just been sent to my House by Mr Henry Suttle, the Person named in the Representation which I had the Honour to make to you on the 4th of this Month. In Consequence, Sir, of this Letter, it is now necessary that I should trouble you farther by stating that on the Day (the 2nd Inst. now Nine...
52To Thomas Jefferson from W. Jennings, 27 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The leizure hours of a few months residence in the United States have enabled me to prepare for the Press ‘The Foundling of Belgrade’ a tale intended as a series to ‘The memoirs of Charles Westcote’ published by me about a twelve month since in Great Britain. Apart from the honor of receiving a dedication to the first magistrate of a free people the liberty of placing this volume under the...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Preble, 26 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Having established myself at this Port; and finding that Mr. Peter Dobell who was some time since appointed Commercial Agent of the US. at Havre, intends to resign that office, I beg leave to solicit the same when vacant; it would be particularly valuable to me, as I shall most probably pass great part of the remainder of my life at this Place. I have thought it needless to trouble you with...
54To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 12 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you yesterday & finding a safe opportunity of a gentleman going this morning to Corunna or to Ferrol I avail myself of it to repeat to you the intelligence I sent yesterday which is that they are fitting out for sea immediately there three sail of the Line two frigates & some transports to join others at Cadiz as it is said to go to strengthen their forces in Cuba & Florida. I have...
55To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I send you a letter of Short’s for perusal, & one of Edgar Patterson asking what is already I presume provided for. One of General Armstrong which I do not well understand because I do not recollect the particular letter which came by Haley. I presume the counsel he refers to is to take possession of the Floridas. This letter of June 15. is written after the cession by Carlos to Bonaparte of...
56Report of the Georgia Land Commissioners, 14 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 February 1803, Washington. Describes the land in the Mississippi Territory disputed by South Carolina and Georgia and the land grant practices of Spain and Great Britain in the region. Defines the criteria for confirming grants as given in the articles of agreement and cession between the U.S. and Georgia. Lists the classes of claims derived from Spanish or British land grants, or from...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 12 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In my answer to Sergt. Dunbau I observd that there would be an impropriety in giving him a discharge at present, but that if his fears were such as to render it painfull to to join his Company he might be transfered to an other Company, and that he might remain with the guard in this City the ensuing winter.—I think Capt. McComb would be a suitable charactor to attend any experiments that Mr...
58To Thomas Jefferson from William Evans, 5 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour of the 1st Instant, and am sorry to inform you that the report respecting James Hennings Having commited an act of Suicide is true. I made every enquiry at the time this melancholy circumstance took place, the result of which was, that he had been delirious for Some days previous to his having commited the act, and it was the General opinion that drinking too freely was...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 21 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of messrs. Gibson & Jefferson to send him by the first boat 1. doz. teacups & 1. doz. saucers of china of midling quality, also 1. doz half pint tumblers and 1. doz. of a still smaller size, say a jill. the barrel form is preferred if to be had. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
60To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 18 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1803, Bremen . Wrote last on 12 June of the occupation of Hanover by French troops. Feared that “on the shores of the Elbe, it might … come to bloody actions,” due to the Hanoverian troops’ having refused to “lay down their arms” when the king of England did not ratify the Convention of Suhlingen. “However upon repeated remonstrances made to them of their resistance being fruitless,...