28901To Thomas Jefferson from George Helmbold, 3 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will not deem me impertinent if I take the liberty of addressing you:—I am editor of a german gazette in this place, and have uniformly supported the republican cause, but have been rather unsuccessful in my undertaking, owing to the rapid innovation of the english upon the german language; which makes it indispensible to proffer an application to you for an appointment to an...
28902To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 3 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place on the 1st. inst., a few hours only after your departure, Mr. Rapin presented me your very friendly letter of the 31st. ult., and in complyance therewith I have taken up my lodgings in the President’s house, where I feel myself much pleased, and extreamly gratifyed with the attention paid, as well by the Steward, as your other domesticks, to all matters which regard my...
28903To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Rapin, 3 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Depuis que votre Exelence est parti Eduard na parut a la Maison qu’une demi heure pour prandre Son diner C’etoit yer. M’onsieur McMan qui est venut voir la Maison Ma dit qu’il avoit veu a sa Maison Se plaignant que vous aviez donnéz la prefference a un Naigre pluto qua lui pour vous Suivre. Je Lait entendu Moimême Murmurer disant qu’il ne porteroit pas un habillement Sanblable a Celui qu’ un...
28904To Thomas Jefferson from “A Vermont Republican”, 3 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A man, who inhaled with his first breath the genuine spirit of republicanism, and who never abandoned or dissembled his principles in the darkest period of the late administration, a man who has long been a most zealous admirer of the name and character of the illustrious citizen who penned the immortal declaration of his country’s independence; whose predictions have been fulfilled, and whose...
28905To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 2 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
In addressing to you the subject of the following letter, I hope that the presumption may not be thought too great. The established philanthropy of your Character, but especially the Honor of your friendly deportment towards me, have encouraged the Undertaking. It is known to you, Sir, the languid State of the fine Arts in this Country, particularly that of Painting; and it has been my...
28906To Thomas Jefferson from “A. B.”, 2 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A paragraph lately appeared in a Gazette of this City, relative to the resignation or removal of the Director of the Mint; should this be founded in truth, I will take the liberty to remind you of one among many deserving Candidates for Office, whose modest, unassuming merit, you will know how to appreciate—I mean Doctor Thomas Tudor Tucker, whose warm attachment to your Person & Politics he...
28907To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 2 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last I find that the office which was lately filled by Genl. Millar, is (if report be true) offered to Genl. Muhlenburgh. I hope that your numerous and important avocations have not driven entirely from your recollection the case of Mr Hamilton of Northumberland. But lest it should be so, I write to you again on the Subject, without making to you any apology for reiterating the claims...
28908To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Lomax, 2 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered to you by my second Son. You will be pleased to accept of my acknowledgment, and Thanks for your favour of the 25th. of Feby, ’tho it did not reach me till that Day four Weeks; happening probably from its direction near Urbanna, instead of Pt. Royal. I accord most heartly with you in indeavouring to harmonise and bring back the deluded part of our Citizens, to their only...
28909To Thomas Jefferson from Louis André Pichon, 2 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Cit. Pichon prend la liberté de prier Monsieur le Président des Etats Unis de vouloir bien agréer l’expression du regret qu’il a eprouvé d’apprendre le depart de cette ville de Monsieur le Prèsident avant d’avoir pu lui présenter ses devoirs. Le Cit. Pichon, avait cru entendre de la bouche de Monsieur le Secre. d’Etat que Mr. jefferson devait rester jusqu’a vendredi prochain; L’equivoque...
28910To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 2 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A Report prevails & is believed that a fracas took place between the sailors of the French ship at Norfolk & the English & American sailors. I presume no Lives were lost, as I have no Account from Norfolk on the subject— I progress with as much dispatch as possible in putting the Navy in the situation the Law has directed — My son Louis. Buchanan. Smith will go to Europe in two Weeks. permit...
28911To James Madison from Francis Brooke, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Fredericksburg. Recommends Henry Coleman to JM as a person worthy of a clerkship. Coleman has letters of introduction from John Taylor of Caroline and others, so the sole reason for an extra testimonial is the applicant’s “Solicitation and the liberality of your Character.” RC ( ViU ). 1 p.; docketed by JM.
28912To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Port Républicain. Encloses copy of a pamphlet from Toussaint on measures for taking possession of Spanish part of the island, with attendant correspondence. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 2 May. Enclosures not found. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
28913To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Lisbon. Relays reports that Spanish and French are soon to make peace with Portugal, demanding that Portuguese exclude British ships of war and prizes from their ports and pay reparations. Presumes that on these terms peace will result. Notes some of the considerations that prompted Naples to seek an accommodation with France. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5). 1 p.;...
28914To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 1 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
General Toussaint having sent to me a Pamphlet containing a detail of the measures adopted for taking possession of the Spanish Part of this Island, to which is annexed the attendant correspondence. I take the liberty of enclosing it to you. I am Sir with great respect your ob Hble. Servt. The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of...
28915To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Chas, 1 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Daignés accepter un exemplaire de mon histoire politique, et philosophique de La revolution de L’amérique Septentrionale. cet ouvrage a eté presenté et dedié au premier consul de La republique francoise. J’ai obtenu Les Suffrages, et Les felicitations des savans et des philosophes. Mon ouvrage a eu Le plus grand succès. J’en suis seul L’auteur, quoiqu’il porte Le nom d’un Second cooperateur....
28916To Thomas Jefferson from Auguste de Grasse, 1 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
J’Etais fort Jeune Lorsque Vous allates a Paris, mais je me Rapele parfaitement bien D’avoir Eu L’honneur de Vous y Voir plusieurs fois chez mon Pere . Lorsque j’arrivai ici En 1793 fuyant avec ma famille les dangers qui nous menacaient à St. domingue, ou je m’Etois rendu avant la Revolution pour y prendre possession des biens qui m’y Etoient devolus par la mort de mon Pere, Je n’aurois...
28917To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Hichborn, 1 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with no Small degree of Reluctance that I consent to tax you with an additional Correspondence, when I know you must already have many more than can be profitable to you—but while I feel conscious of a friendship, as disinterested as any man’s on Earth can be; (for it is coupled with no hope of personal benefit) & find myself in a Circle of as respectable Patriots as the Country can...
28918To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Leslie, 1 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
your favour of Feby 8th was duly recieved, I hoped before this time, to have had the honour of thanking you in person, for you attention to me. as I intend visiting the City of Washington, agreable to your recommendation, before I settle, but have been detained here longer than I expected, in winding up the old consern, and have not yet finished, but wish to do it, before I leave the place,...
28919Abigail Adams’ Essay on American Politics, post 18 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
Mr Jefferson in his Speech; makes observes, that, He may [“]I Shall often go Wrong through defect of Judgment, when right, I shall often be thought wrong by those Whose positions will not command a view of the Whole ground, I also ask support against the Errors of others, who May condemn what they Would not if Seen in all its parts;” If the Same measure was to be meeted to the new...
28920From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 31 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
On the evening of the 18, a few minutes after my Arrival at this place commenced a violent Equinoxtial Gale of Wind, accompanied with a flood of rain, from the North East, which has continued with very Short intervals to this day and confined me to my house. This is So old fashioned a storm that I begin to hope that nature is returning to her old good nature and good humour and is substituting...
28921From John Adams to Isaiah Thomas, Jr., 31 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 25th., with the numbers of the Massachusetts Spy inclosed, and I thank you for your civility in Sending them. I am much pleased with their Appearance, and the Sentiments which predominate in them. You will Say this is natural enough, because they are in general conformable to my own and certainly favorable and friendly if not partial to me. Your offer to...
28922To John Adams from William Bayly, 31 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
I hope you will not Deem this Letter Impertinent or Improper,—I was a Justice of the peace for P G County and I am told by a Gentleman of Veracity who saw it, that I was in the Nomination in the List made out by you, but in the Publication in the News papers after you Left this, I was Left out all together,— I shall be thankful if you will be good Enough to Inform me how this happened and...
28923To James Madison from Nathaniel Irwin, 31 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I condole with you on the death of your honoured father, whose politeness & attention I do not forget. Such are the changes in this world, that with the same breath, I congratulate you on your accession (I will not say elevation ) to the Office of Secy of State. On this occasion I would remind you, that “you were once my friend.” Do not be alarmed. I am not going to ask your influence with the...
28924To James Madison from John Minor, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Fredericksburg. Recommends Henry Coleman of Caroline County for a federal office. Expresses surprise that Thomas Newton has not kept him informed concerning the order for cigars but believes the Norfolk merchant seeks the “best possible for us.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.; docketed by JM.
28925To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Alicante. Gives résumé of his 8 Mar. dispatch. Has placed all U.S. vessels in surrounding waters on alert. Transmits letters just received from U.S. minister at Madrid. Spain has ordered a tax upon all “Commercial People,” including resident U.S. citizens (nearly $4,000 for himself). Has protested to minister of state, quoting seventh article of treaty. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD ,...
28926To James Madison from Moses Robinson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Bennington, Vermont. Offers congratulations on election and JM’s appointment. Recommends Anthony Haswell to publish U.S. laws in Vermont in place of Samuel Williams of Rutland, who has opposed Republican sentiments. Recounts Haswell’s tribulations under the Alien and Sedition acts. Suggests misconduct in post office has interfered with delivery of newspapers from Philadelphia...
28927To James Madison from Benjamin Thompson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801 “ Christa. Bridge State of Delaware .” Recollects past association with JM; complains of ill fortune and losses “as a Canadian Refugee.” Despite unsuccessful request for consular post during Washington’s administration, renews his application for a position. Believes few Americans possess knowledge of the French language and customs superior to his. RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.; docketed by...
28928To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Philadelphia. Encloses a copy of the charter party for the Grand Turk . Stevens has drawn on him for $6,556.60. Requests that he be remitted that sum. The insurance is carried by the owner at 5 percent. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC 1 p. Enclosure 3 pp.
28929To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 31 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of addressing you under the 8th. Expressing inclosing copy of a letter from Mr. Cathcart in Tripoli the d. of January advising that the Bay of that State, and had promised to declare War against the United States of America if before the 22d. of April next he did not receive the Stipulated gratifications from our Goverment. I also advised that I had received letters for Mr....
28930To Thomas Jefferson from Mathew Carey, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your directions, I enclose a copy of your speech on Satin —and am, Sir, with due respect your obt. hble. servt. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 9 Apr. and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure not found, but see below. For TJ’s speech on satin , see our editorial note on the First Inaugural Address, printed at 4 Mch.
28931Statement of Account with Thomas Carpenter, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson Esq. 1801 To Thomas Carpenter Dr. January 1st. Repairing a Surtout Coat Drs.0.25 To Making a pr Breeches and materials, with pocketts 2.62 1⅞ yds Superfine Black Cassimeer @ 22/6 5.62 To Making a Coat, trimings, stays, pocketts &c 4.25 Silk Sleeve Lynings and velvet Collar 3.25 20 Steele Buttons 1.75 2¼ yds Superfine Blue Cloth @ 48/9 14.62 Febry. 14 Facing a Waistcoat and Silk
28932To Thomas Jefferson from John Dawson, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A strong gale from the East detained us untill this moring at sunrise, [on?] Hampton roads we are now under sail with a wind N.W. we have every prospect of a quick and agreeable passage. On looking into the papers delivered to me by the Secretary of State, I find that the one described to the first Consul is signd by yourself but not by Mr. Lincoln, altho the words “acting Secretary of State”...
28933From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Stoddart, Secretary of the Navy having early in this month informed me by letter of his desire to resign that office, and having continued in it ever since, on my request only, I hereby authorize & appoint you to recieve the charge of the department from him, and to perform the duties of it until a Secretary of the Navy shall be formally appointed. Accept assurances of my high...
28934From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Dexter, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment favored with yours of yesterday’s date expressing your wish that your resignation might be accepted to take place on the 20th. of the ensuing month. after continuing so long as an accomodation to myself as well as the public, I can not urge your convenience further, tho’ it would have been materially advantageous if you could have continued a fortnight longer than the time you...
28935From Thomas Jefferson to William Evans, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Being in the moment of departure for Monticello where it is necessary for me to be two or three weeks previous to my final settlement here, I cannot go without thanking you for the trouble you were so good as to take as to James & Francis. I supposed I saw in the difficulties raised by James an unwillingness to come here, arising wholly from some attachment he had formed at Baltimore; for I...
28936From Thomas Jefferson to Walter Jones, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I was already almost in the act of mounting my horse for a short excursion home, when your favor of the 14th. was put into my hands. I stop barely to acknolege it, and to thank you for your kind congratulations, and still more for your interesting observations on the course of things. I am sensible how far I should fall short of effecting all the reformation which reason would suggest and...
28937From Thomas Jefferson to Philippe de Létombe, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve your favor of the 26th. just in the moment of my departure for Monticello, from which I shall not return till the last week of April. I have therefore but barely time to acknolege the receipt of your letter, to thank you for the trouble you have taken to aid me in my domestic administration, and to rejoice in the success which has attended your endeavors. it is a great matter to get...
28938From Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Lewis, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been in hopes you would arrive here in time, with me, to make a little excursion to Albemarle, where I supposed it would be as agreeable to you to see your friends, as necessary to me to make some arrangements for my final removal hither. I shall stay there till the 29th. & then return. the time of your arrival here therefore, & your own inclinations will decide whether you follow me...
28939From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Little, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. White, one of the Commissioners of this city, informs me that he has heretofore had conversations with you on the subject of a road we have been wishing to get from this place to Slaterun church as direct as can be had tolerably level; for levelness is a still more important consideration than distance. it is become more interesting now to me to find such a course. as I am setting out...
28940To Thomas Jefferson from John Thomson Mason, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
George Town and the City of Washington was the Stage upon which Morris & Nicholson acted the last scene of swindling and imposition. They contracted debts and issued notes to an immense amount here, and such was the folly of a numbers of our inhabitants that just before they sunk, they bought up their paper to a very great amount, which paper had been issued a considerable time before. Morris...
28941From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. is put into my hand, just as I am mounting my horse for Monticello, where I shall be about three weeks making some domestic arrangements for my final settlement here. I stop to thank you for your kind congratulations & still more for your judicious observations on the circumstances of my position. one counsel will be very difficult, to draw the veil of confidence over a...
28942From Thomas Jefferson to Caspar Wistar, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By the preceding post you will have recieved some Observations transmitted [here] by Mr. Legaux, [& also] two precious volumes of Comparative anatomy presented to the Society by mr Cuvier , the author. I now inclose you a letter from Chancellor Livingston on the subject of the large [bones] lately found [in New York] with a drawing, & also a paper enclosed me in a former [private] letter, but...
28943Thomas Boylston Adams to Abigail Adams, 30 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
Your kind letter dated this day week, has just come to hand. I rejoice to hear of your arrival once more at the farm house & that you have so far recovered from the unlucky accident, which befel you, as to be able to walk about. The return of my father was announced in the newspapers & with the addition of a line, signifying that “his worth would make him welcome there.” It is a source of...
28944Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 30 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
I had not time to write before the departure of the post to day, to both you & my mother, and having received a letter from her she was best intitled to my earliest regards, though, if I rightly remember, you favor written at Suffield has not yet been acknowledged— Watsons Bill is enclosd as you desire— Dickins is not your debtor But you are his to the amount of four or five dollars, as I...
28945To John Adams from Benjamin Lincoln, 30 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
The extreme bad traveling for some time past has prevented my calling and paying to you the debt of my most dutiful Gratitude While I sympathise with my country in the loss which they have sustained by the events of the late election it is some consolation that you will suffer less by the change than any other of your fellow citizens in the Union. Some few of them may be ingrateful for your...
28946To James Madison from Anthony Haswell, 30 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
For many years past I have edited and printed a public paper in this town, on the proceeds of which I have brought up a large, and expensive family, having been greatly afflicted with sickness. The unhappy political divisions which for some years past have afflicted our country, have been peculiarly injurious to me—the state business has been taken from me: the advertising for the public...
28947To James Madison from David Howell, 30 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I seem to be under the necessity of availing myself of our former acquaintance, in any measure, to answer the expectations of the writer of the enclosed paper No. 1. His character & connexion with me are known to yourself & to the President. His abilities, integrity & diligence in his office are not called in question. I have enclosed his original Letter in proof that his faculties yet remain...
28948To Thomas Jefferson from David Austin, 30 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In revising the order, & judging of the properiety of certain appointments, at the conclusion of the late administration, your indulgence will bear with a request, that the Commission of Collector of the Revenue, at New Haven, State of Connecticut may not be forgotten. The duties of this Office had, from its commencement been discharged, with exactist fidelity by my Hond: father ; & for a few...
28949To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Dexter, [30] March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
On the late change in the administration of the government of the United States I thought it would be improper in me instantly to resign the office of secretary of the treasury, as it would look like a refusal to submit to the public will, & might leave an important department destitute of necessary superintendence. I therefore took an early opportunity of submitting to your consideration the...
28950From Thomas Jefferson to Enoch Edwards, 30 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have a commission to be executed in Philadelphia which would be the better at least of being done with taste and convenience, and to whom […] I apply in a question of taste & convenience so justly as to yourself, who are full of taste, and aided by that of mrs Edwards? the only scruple is on what ground I can claim a right to lay your taste under [contribution?] for my benefit? to this I...