21From James Madison to John Milledge, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave through you to inform the honorable Senate of the U, States, that I propose to take the Oath which the Constitution prescribes to the President of the U, States, before he enters on the execution of his office, on Saturday the 4h. Inst. at 12 O’Clock, in the chamber of the He. of Representatives. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, yr. most Obed. & most humble...
22To James Madison from Hezekiah Huntington, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the resolutions adopted by the Legislature of this State at the extraordinary Session, with their inflamatory address to the people. No friend to his Country & Government Can wish the Embargo continued—after the period arives; where in the Judgement of Congress & the Govt. the Honor & Interest of the nation will permit it to be raised. But we hope & trust Congress have not receded...
23To James Madison from John Morrow, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Capt. George Hite of Jefferson County Virginia, stating his intention to apply for an appointment for his son Robert in some of the civil departments of the goverment of the United States, and requesting me to inform him if any opening should take place wherein his said son could get employment. It appears that Mr. Hite, for reasons he has mentioned, did not...
24To James Madison from James W. Stevens, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
At this critical and eventful period in our national Affairs I have ventured with the most perfect respect for the Administration to solicit their Attention to some Matters of minor Consideration, which in the present embarrassed State of our foreign Relations, necessarily occupying so much of the Attention of our Government, have not perhaps been the Subject of their Reflection, or at least...
25To James Madison from William McCreery, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being inform’d that Mr. Tench Ringgold is an applicant for an appointment under the general Government; and believing that the political tenets of Gentlemen are in such cases, very carefully enquired into, I take the liberty to state to you that so far as my knowledge & information extends, he has been invariably attach’d to our republican institutions & principles. I have the honor to be with...
26To James Madison from John Morrow, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Capt. George Hite of Jefferson County Virginia, stating his intention to apply for an appointment for his son Robert in some of the civil departments of the government of the United States, and requesting me to inform him if any opening should take place wherein his said son could get employment. It appears that Mr. Hite, for reasons he has mentioned, did not...
27From James Madison to John Milledge, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave through you to inform the honorable Senate of the U. States, that I propose to take the Oath which the Constitution prescribes to the President of the U. States, before he enters on the execution of his Office, on Saturday the 4th. Inst. at 12 O’Clock, in the chamber of the H se . of Representatives. I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect Sir, Yr. Most Obed. & Most...
28To James Madison from Hez Huntington, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the resolutions adopted by the Legislature of this State at the extraordinary Session, with their inflammatory address to the people. No friend to his Country & Government Can wish the Embargo, Continued after the period arrives; where in the Judgement of Congress & the Govt. the Honor & Interest of the Nation will permit it to be raised—but & tried Congress have not receded , nor...
29To James Madison from James W. Stevens, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
At this critical and eventful period in our national Affairs I have ventured with the most perfect respect for the Administration to solicit their Attention to some Matters of minor Consideration, which in the present embarrassed State of our foreign Relations, necessarily occupying so much of the Attention of our Government, have not perhaps been the Subject of their Reflection, or at least...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Corny, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long, my very dear friend, since I have heard from you, but longer since I have written to you. the constant pressure of matters, which would not admit of delay, has, during my continuance in office, suspended almost entirely all my private correspondence. I am obliged to ask from the candor of my friends their attention to the imperiousness of the circumstances under which I have been...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
my last to you was of May 2. since which I have recieved yours of May 25. June 1. July 23. 24. & Sep. 5. and distributed the two pamplets according to your desire. they are read with the delight which every thing from your pen gives. After using every effort which could prevent or delay our being entangled in the war of Europe, that seems now our only recourse. the edicts of the two...
32To Thomas Jefferson from John Freeman, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
i am sory to say or do any thing to Dis ples you I hope you will for to give me what i have done as you Wosh me to go with you rather then dis ples you i will go and Do the best i Can I hope you will not punish me the Cart brot every thing [melinded?] had when Davy was heare Last Mr Eppes says that there is such a Law as i told you I shall be oblige to Leave hir and the Children DLC : Papers...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Gregg, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received the inclosed with a request that I would lay it before both Houses of Congress. but I have never presumed to place my self between the Legislative Houses & those who have a constitutional right to address them directly. I take the liberty therefore of inclosing the paper to you, that you may do therein what in your judgment shall best comport with expediency and propriety—...
34To Thomas Jefferson from James McCracken, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Now in a Deplorable way as I Cannot Get my Business Done by Congress As they have A Greate Multiplicity of Bisiness on hand and I am A Revelusionory Soldier for they United States of America and my Native home Is one Hundred miles from this place on the Upper part of this State and I Derire to Return to take Care of my Mother as she is Now in her Eighty six year but is in A Deplarable way...
35From Thomas Jefferson to John Mullowny, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Feb. 15. has been recieved, as had been also in due time that of June 29. 07. offering your services in the naval line on the occasion of the insult on the Chesapeake. no occasion existing at that time, your letter was filed in the Navy office to be turned to whenever the occasion might arise for calling attention to offers of that kind. this acknolegement of it’s reciept is now...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph O’Neil, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As I have the honour to inform you of the great Discovery I have Made, And which has so long been a Mystery to the known world, when the Mechanics of all Europe and other parts of the whole world have been gathered together together, to Study it and never Yet made a discovery, and as I think I have been endowed with the good luck or fortune of finding it out which has been so far beyond the...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall go to Monticello a day or two before you arrive as it is probable by the return of the waggon you will be able to fix a day for your return. the arrangements necessary for retrenching all possible expense no one can be more thoroughly convinced of the necessity of than my self. your comfort My Dearest Father must however be the only Criterion any Incroachment upon that were it...
38From Thomas Jefferson to William Sampson, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Sampson and his thanks for the Statistical account of Londonderry which he has been so kind as to transmit him. he will still increase the obligation if he will be so kind as to express Th:J’s acknolegements to the author for this mark of attention. he shall read it with pleasure in his approaching retirement from the less pleasant occupations which...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your Approbation Return Bryant Brown of Vermont to be appointed Captain in the 4th Regt. of Infy. in the Troops raised by virtue of an Act entitled “An Act to raise for a limited time an additional military force” Accept Sir &c DNA : RG 107--LSP--Letters Sent to the President.
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Shaw who was nominated as a Surgeon in the navy has withdrawn his application. I beg leave to mention to you the name of Doctor Jasper Hand in his place. Doct. Hand was nominated a surgeon’s mate at the same time that Doct Shaw was nominated a Surgeon: tho’ by a mistake in his name made by the gentlemen who recommended him, his name was written Jesse instead of Jasper Hand his real name.—...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Washington City Tammany Society, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The observations are but too just which are made in your friendly address on the origin & progress of those abuses of public confidence & power which have so often terminated in a suppression of the rights of the people, & the mere aggrandizement & emolument of their oppressors. taught by these truths and aware of the tendency of power to degenerate into abuse, the worthies of our own Country...
Mr Gurney having called on me yesterday, to give notice that he should quit your house next quarter day, and that he wished to settle with you as soon as possible, I have thought it best to write you my beloved friend, he having expressed a desire to leave it immediately, which I did not think you would approved; he mention’d not having it in his power to pay you at present, but will give you...
43To James Madison from Ezekiel Bacon, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sensible that I discharge a very delicate & perhaps officious Duty in mentioning the Name of Gideon Granger Esqr. as a Gentleman who in my opinion would afford much satisfaction to the friends of the Government in the Eastern Section of the Union as the head of one of the Departments composing the Cabinet Council of the President under the next Administration. Nothing but my sincere...
44To James Madison from Joseph B. Varnum, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In selecting Gentlemen for the great heads of Departments, in the Executive branch of the Government, I feel confident, that the greatest good of our common Country will be your primary Object; Yet it must be considered very desirable, that they should be Gentlemen, who combine Your personal confidence, with their Abilities faithfully to discharg their public Functions: In this view of the...
45To James Madison from Henry Daingerfield, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I was informed the last evening by a gentleman lately from the City of Washington that in the course of the ensuing week officers would be appoint’d to fill the various offices under the new territorial government to be established in consequence of the late division of the Indiana territory, and a Judge in the place of Judge Bruin of the Mississippi territory. If you think me qualified to...
46To James Madison from Edmund Bacon, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sensible that I discharge a very delicate & perhaps officious Duty in mentioning the Name of Gideon Granger Esqr. Gentleman who in my opinion would afford much satisfaction to the friends of the Government in the Eastern Section of the Union as Staff hand of one of the Departments composing the Cabinet Council of the President under the next administration. Nothing but my sincere...
47To James Madison from Joseph Bradley Varnum, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In Seluting Gentlemen for the great heads of Departments, in the Executive branch of the Government, I feel confident, that the greatest good of our common Country will be your primary Object; Yet it must be considered very desirable, that they should be Gentlemen, who combine Your personal confidence with their abilities faithfully to discharg their public Functions: In this view of the case,...
48To Thomas Jefferson from John Martin Baker, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Consequence of the present state of affairs in Spain, and the uncertainty of when tranquillity will again be permanent, and trade current, I take the liberty to solicit Sir, a letter of Credence to act as Consul on the Island of Sardinia.— I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect and Gratitude. Sir Your Most Obedient humble Servant DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
49To Thomas Jefferson from Collins & Perkins, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
We are this morning favoured with thy letter inclosing five dollars, and requesting us to send thee Smiths Abridgment of John Bell’s Principles of Surgery . We are under a little embarrassment how to act, in consequence of that work not having yet been published—and will not for some months. We, however, conclude to place thy name on the list of Subscribers; and, unless otherwise directed by...
50To Thomas Jefferson from William Compton, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of soliciting your interference on a subject that I think calls loudly for redress—The Fact is this—I arriv’d in this Country in the Ship Corn-Planter from London in July 1808 & brought with me sundry articles for my own private use & amusement; (it being my intention to reside in this Country) amongst others a small Bust of Sir Francis Burdett, made of Plaister Paris, & a...
51To Thomas Jefferson from John McConacho, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
your are about to retire from the helm of a beloved country and independent nation which you have Steared with thruth and patriotism when the peace of our country was disturbed you hasten to prevent further hostilitys. your measures which our government took to court peace with the belegerent powers of europe is disregarded and our ministers in london and paris is grossly insulted i hope as...
52From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate, Nicholas Harwood Robert D. Thorn and John Brown now Surgeons Mates and Saml. R Trevett Jr. of Massachusetts Stephen C Blyden of Massachusetts Samuel Shaw of Vermont to be Surgeons in the navy of the United States, Gustavus R Brown of Maryland Grafton D. Hanson of Maryland Thomas Lawson Jr. of Virginia Henry Fackler of Pensylvania Jesse Hand of Pensylvania John Reynolds of...
53To James Madison from United States Congress, 28 November 1808 to 28 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
It will be very agreeable to us that Mr. Granger should be advanced to one of the Cabinet Departments under the next Administration. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
54From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, February 1809 (Adams Papers)
The Saturday after you left Boston, I went to Town, and brought up George. he went the next week to his uncle Cranch’s, and goes daily to school to mr Whitney. he appears well pleased, and learns to the Satisfaction of mr Whitney as I hear, who has put him into Lattin, which George Says is not so hard as French, in his French Bible his Aunt hears him daily. he is a Good Boy, save now and then,...
55To James Madison from Peter Early, February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Genl. Meriweather is confined at his lodgings in G. Town. His signature therefore cannot be had to the recommendation herewith sent to the President. Were he here, t here is no doubt he would heartily unite with us. I am your Obt. Sert. DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
56Enclosure: Philip Freneau’s Poem on Thomas Jefferson’s Retirement, February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
LINES Addressed to Mr. Jefferson, On his approaching Retirement from the Presidency of the United States . Trenton, N.J. February , 1809. from the true american. Præsenti tibi maturos largimur honores — Hor. To you, great Sir, our heart-felt praise we give, And your ripe honours yield you—while you live. AT length the year, which marks his course, expires, And Jefferson from public life retires;
57From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 28 February 1809 (Adams Papers)
I intended to have written to you when at your own house or Office in Boston, but was prevented by the intense severity of the weather , added to the general ill health of both your & my family, during the whole time we sojourned under your Roof, which, by the assiduity of your wife & Catharine and the faithful attendance of their domesticks was made, in every respect, our own house . My...
58To James Madison from Pseudonym: "Cassandra", 28 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your predecessor has brought the Commonwealth to the very jaws of destruction. Whether through supineness, timidity, or enthusiasm, is unimportant, as it respects the public. It may affect his character with posterity. Treason, Treason, has stalked through the land for two or three years, in all the glare of day. Its brazen front has audaciously bearded the government, & appeared to court its...
59To James Madison from Samuel Latham Mitchill, 28 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Sam L. Mitchill has, tho perhaps indiscreetly, ventured to entertain a Sentiment that the speedy cessation of his Senatorial functions might coincide with the President’s wish to find a man that would answer to represent this country in a diplomatic capacity at St. Petersburgh. He therefore ventures to suggest the hint, not obtrusively, but with the intention of signifying his willingness to...
60From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In writing to you yesterday I forgot to send you the inclosed letter to Doctr. Wallace at Fauqr. C.H. he has promised me a pair of wild geese, a pair of Summer ducks & some other things, which are at some little distances from there. by delivering him this letter as you come by Fauqr. C.H. he will have them all ready in place by the time you get back there again, so as not to detain your...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "Cassandra", 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I address you without apology a few words on a subject of magnitude. You have brought the government to the jaws of destruction. I do not undertake to say whether by supineness, timidity, or enthusiasm. The effect is certain. On the cause I cannot pronounce. Sedition & Treason have prowled abroad in the glare of day. They have scorned concealment. They have gloried in their turpitude, and...
62From Thomas Jefferson to Eleuthère Irenée Du Pont, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of the 11th. inst. mr Gallatin undertook to write to mr Gelston Collector of N.Y. that we consented to the Mentor’s recieving and bringing for you the Merino Sheep which were the subject of that letter. it followed that you would have to make your arrangements with the Captain as; by his contract, the benefit would be his. I am sorry the pressure of business did...
63To Thomas Jefferson from William Duane, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A letter from Natchitoches now before me contains the following Statements, which I think it proper to communicate, tho’ it may probably be obtained from other quarters. The letter is from a gentleman of undoubted credit & integrity “Some interesting Events are likely soon to occur in this quarter. Our Spanish neighbors talk of nothing but independence and are determined to Effect it the...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "Hamlit", 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is an applauded saying that a virtuous man rising above his misfortunes is a scene which the Gods themselves look upon with pleasure. but it seems unfortunate for human nature that its sympathy is only reserved for success and that a young man struggling for his soscial existance and almost for his life has no claim to it. Your Excellencies erudition will inform you that the Delphic pithia...
65To Thomas Jefferson from John Hollins, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Allow me once more to use the freedom of addressing you & of introducting to your acquaintance, my friend Mr Van Alphen, a Native of Holland, but for some years past a resident of the Island of Java, from whence he arrived a few months past in a Ship, in which I am a part owner Mr Van Alphen being (with his friend) desirous of viewing the Seat of our Governmt, before their departure for...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Mentor Johnson, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Johnson and returns him the statement of the case of Richard Berry as one which must await the pleasure of his successor. he observes at the same time that his practice has been never to pardon till he recieved the opinion of the judges who sat on the trial of the offender an authentic copy of the judgment is also indispensable, as it is recited in...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard McMahon, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of sending you by the mail stage a collection of Flower seeds, some Early York & Sugarloaf Cabbage, Red Celery, Long French Turnep (Navet de Freneuse) so much and I think so justly admired, for its flavour, in France, together with 8 Quarts of Leadman’s Dwarf Peas; they are contained in a small box address’d to you, and will reach you at the same time of this letter. Price...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
By yesterday’s mail I learn that it would be the desire of many of the good citizens of our county to meet me on the road on my return home, as a manifestation of their good will. but it is quite impossible for me to ascertain the day on which I shall leave this. the accumulated business at the close of a session will prevent my making any preparation for my departure till after the 4th. of...
69To Thomas Jefferson from Caesar Augustus Rodney, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have read and considered the inclosed papers. The subject they furnish is interesting to the cause of humanity. The questions presented are new and important. The American Government must feel an anxious solicitude, for the complete success of those laws, which have been wisely enacted, to abolish that deplorable species of commerce, the slave trade, and to preserve the liberties of a...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed list of surgeons and Surgeons mates is sent to you for nomination to the Senate should it be approved by you.— The Surgeons are required for the vessels now in commission under the act of the 31 Jany; the surgeons mates are also required for these Vessels, and for the Norfolk and New Orleans station. It may be proper to state to you that of the 6 surgeons mates nominated to the...