28901From Thomas Jefferson to John Hollins, 1 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of Dec. 29. and have certainly every disposition to do for your friend what would be gratifying to you, as far as consistent with the laws which I have laid down for my own conduct. but I have made it an invariable rule never to intermeddle with the appointments of the governors. from my own difficulties in the exercise of that duty, I know what theirs are &...
28902Proclamation re Building Regulations, 1 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
By the President of the United States. Whereas by the first article of the terms and conditions declared by the President of the United States on the 17th. day of october 1791 for regulating the materials and manner of building and improvements on the lots in the City of Washington, it is provided “that the outer and party walls of all houses in the said City shall be built of brick or stone,”...
28903To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Preston, 1 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The State of Virginia granted to the heirs of Gen William Campbell by resolution a warrant for 5000 acres of Land, which by the Mismanagement of the Guardians of the heirs of Gen Campbell has never been located—And before I became interested in it by my marriage, the limitation for locating in the State of Kentucky had occurred—I thought then the only prospect I had for obtaining the Land was...
28904To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 1 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you another letter My Dearest Father, irksome as it is for me to add to your vexations of the kind Mr. R. thinks he can not refuse without danger of giving offense, friends who think they have a claim upon him. Mr Hackley also wrote to beg him to mention his name to you. we recieved the vaccine safe and will innoculate our children immediat ly as well as our neighbours. Jefferson was...
28905To Thomas Jefferson from Moses Young, 1 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On the supposition that the president may not yet have seen of the manufacture of the vicuña wool, or Faden’s new map of South America, Moses Young, the american consul from Madrid (confined to the house by indisposition) has the honor of sending them for the president’s inspection. MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
28906To Thomas Jefferson from Barnabas Bidwell, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that Mrs. Eleeta Barrell, of Northampton, widow of Joseph Barrell Junr. late of Boston, Merchant, deceased, has petitioned, or is about petitioning for permission to send to La Plata, to recover a debt due to her late husband’s estate from Wm. P. White, formerly of Boston, afterwards of London, now resident at La Plata; and I am requested to state such circumstances relating to...
28907To Thomas Jefferson from James Jay, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On a presumption that the information contained in the enclosed paper will be agreeable, I do myself the pleasure to send it to you. It certainly affords great reason to think that if the Embargo be continued, and vigorously executed, it will answer the End. Some measures should be taken to render it more effectual in this Port. With the Compts. of the Season I remain Dear Sir Your Most Obt....
28908To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander McCaraher, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment been informed that Mr Jacob Spieir has made application to Your Excellency for an appointment in the navy of the U.S— In order therefore that you may not be induced from the respectable recommendation which the Gentleman has obtainid, to make the appointment I think Sir I would be wanting in fidelity to my Country, were I not to inform Your Excellency of a Declaration made...
28909To Thomas Jefferson from James Mease, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A few of my friends have with myself had it in Contemplation to form a Society to call forth the resources of our Country, to patronize Merit, to direct the exertions of persons engaged in useful projects, and to teach the application of the principles of Science to the Common purposes of life. The plan will be a combination of that of the Society of Arts, and the Royal institution of London,...
28910To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor, once more, of laying before you an Annual Report of the operations of the Mint. From the Treasurers statement, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that during the last year there have been struck at the Mint, 1,368,600 pieces of silver coins, amounting to 684,300 dolls. 58,288 pieces of gold coins, amounting to
28911To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Pinckney, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour to write to you from Co Lum Bia lately & to send you the communication I made to that Legislature & I now send you the proceedings of our representatives founded thereon—At a time like this when attempts are made by resolutions like those from Massachusetts, & speeches such as Mr [Wirts] & Pickerings to prove that Great Britain has not wronged us but that every thing is owing...
28912From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The general mind of Congress seems now to be rallying to a certain course of proceeding. a bill will be brought in tomorrow for convening Congress about the middle of May. it will be of course that in the debate members will declare the intention to be then to take off the embargo & if the belligerent edicts be not repealed, to issue letters of marque & reprisal. this will let Europe see that...
28913To Thomas Jefferson from J. Phillipe Reibelt, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Je Suppose ma Lettre du 12 Dec. reponse a la Votre du 28 Oct. dans Vos Venerables mains et continue de me donner la Consolation de Vous ecrire. Les mesures recentes du Congres, les plus propres sous tout point de Vüe—me mettent hors d’etat non seulement d’aller en Europe et de revenir avec des nouvelles resources, mais aussi—puisque chacun restreint ses depenses,—d’executer mon projet,...
28914To Thomas Jefferson from Rosewell Saltonstall, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As the protector & lover of the first country under Heavens Canopy & the first Magistrate over Columbia’s peaceful shore Suffer me to say: we are o’er shadow with unhappy clouds. the only thing that can unite us is war with both England & France with France amicable, for Gods whole race will not enjoy tranquility or harmony untill Britania’s Navy lets nations have mutual interchanges &...
28915To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Sprogell, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have unfortunately fallen upon a few Native Americans (called Indians) who appear to be in extreem distress I have taken them in and fed—them Upon Application to Major Rogers—have been informed the United States would not pay their expences My Situation is such that it is out of my Power to afford them any further Assistance unless I have some assurance of being paid from the United States....
28916To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 3 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I Flatter myself you will pardon The very great liberty; I take in addressing A few Lines to you; as nothing but dire Necessity, and the Re nown generosity of your Character Should ever have compelled me to Sutch A Step; the very Idea of Applying to you for pecuniary asistance; harrows my Soul; I am at A loss for words to express my Feelings on the occation; my hand trembles my pulce throbs...
28917From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 3 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My letter by Davy would lead you into an error as to the day of his departure, as I dated it Dec. 30. instead of 31. by mistake. if it is now as cold with you as it is here I am in hopes you will be able & ready to fill the icehouse. it would be a real calamity should we not have ice to do it, as it would require double the quantity of fresh meat &c in summer had we not ice to keep it. I had...
28918To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard McMahon, 3 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
With many thanks and obligations, I acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter of the 28th. ulto. and also, the very valuable collection of seeds you were pleased to send me per favour of Capt Jones; and I hope the confidence you reposed in me on this, as well as on several other similar occasions, will not be disappointed. I have pleasure and pride in the successful cultivation of plants;...
28919To Thomas Jefferson from James Melvin, 3 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
1808 Thomas Jefferson Esqr. To James Melvin Dr. Octr. 3 To
28920To Thomas Jefferson from John Milledge, 3 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
J Milledge’s respects to the President of the United States, begs his acceptance of a bundle of sugar cane, the growth of Mr. Spaldings plantation, on the Island of Sapelo, in Georgia,—Mr. Spalding mentions, that they are far inferior to any that have been produced here tofore on his Island, but they seem to shew, what our climate is capable of, he planted fifteen acres last year—himself and...
28921To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "An Old Soldier", 3 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Having lived in obscurity for a long time my counsel will perhaps have but little weight with our modern philosophers, but to your Excellency I shall write freely for I think you are better informed respecting mankind. I have for a long time been patient in reading the proceedings of congress which I think are very futile, I for my own part & for the sake of my posterity can devise no way for...
28922From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 3 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I had letters from home of last Thursday informing me all there were well. the disturbance among the negroes of which you heard took place in Nelson county (part of Amherst) under the blue ridge and so remote from Charlottesville that it had no other effect there than to produce some vigilance. it was prevented entirely by a previous arrest of the small band concerned in it.—I have never yet...
28923To Thomas Jefferson from Cherokee Nation, 4 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Sent By my peopel the princeabel Chefes of the Lower towns on my way to this plase—I found the Rode to be verey Brite and Clear and when arived at this plase I found your Dores open farther my part of the Nation the Lower towns is Deturmed to move over the massippa if they Like the Cuntrey when they Exploar it pervided there father will assist them in there persute a fathers knowes the...
28924From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Guest, 4 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A constant pressure of business must be my apology for being so late in acknoleging the reciept of your favor of Nov. 25. I am sensible of the kindness of your rebuke on my determination to retire from office at a time when our country is labouring under difficulties truly great. but if the principle of rotation be a sound one, as I conscientiously believe it to be with respect to this office,...
28925From Thomas Jefferson to Moses Young, 4 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Young and returns him the Vigogna shawl & Map of S. America with his thanks for the opportunity of inspecting them. he had never before seen the cloth of the Vigogna wool or fur in the piece. nothing certainly can be more beautiful. he had, while in Europe seen two or three instances of coats of that manufacture; but he understood it was a royal one...
28926To Thomas Jefferson from Cherokee Nation, 5 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
this is twenty two Days Sence we arived at this plase we hant heard Nothing as yet from our farther there is Six of us Sent as a delatation we are all Cherokees and Raisd as it war in one house the old Cheefs that Sent us hear—they Cant Deturmmin at there Consels at home on one tolk the Lower Towns Delatation when we Came to this plase we agreed in our oppinons—the first we knowd they have...
28927To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Pope, 5 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is a truth most undeniable sir that for a proper administration of justice and a correct exicution of law’s, the persons who are to administer the one—and enforce the other—ought to love and respect both, but unfortunately for this State and perhaps for others—the most prominent public men neither regard one—nor mind the other—This truth has been fully exemplifyed during the term of the...
28928From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 5 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate for the information of Congress the report of the Director of the mint, of the operations of that establishment during the last year. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
28929To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I had neglected to put Col Smith of S. Carolina, into the list which I presented to you this day, he is highly recommended as an old revolutionary Officer of great merit & sound principles with this I send his name, for appointment. yours respectfuly DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
28930To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your approbation the following appointments in the troops to be raised by virtue of an act entitled “An Act to raise for a limited time an additional military force” passed on the 12th day of April 1808 viz. Thomas Sumpter Junr. of South Carolina to be appointed Lieut. Colonel in the Regiment of Light Artillery. Leonard Covington of Maryland to be appointed...
28931To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your approbation, John Smith of South Carolina, to be appointed Lieut Colonel in the third Regiment of Infantry in the service of the United States Accept Sir assurances of my high respect & consideration DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
28932To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your approbation Ensign Milo Mason of the fourth Regiment of Infantry, Cadets Christopher Vandeventer , Solomon G Conklin , & Augustus W. Magee and/or John Erving Junr. of Massachusetts / and John Fitzgerald of Maryland , to be appointed Second Lieutenants in the Regiment of Artillerists in the service of the United States Accept Sir assurances of my high...
28933To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Having fully concidered the question relating to the allowence of extra rations to Genl. Wilkinson while commanding the Army at New Orleans and its vicinity, and having had a conversation with Mr. Rodney on the subject, I am fully satisfied that the allowence is authorised by law & practise, and Mr. Rodney appears to have no impressions contrary to my own opinnion. I have made a statement of...
28934To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose the following papers vizt. 1. another letter from Collector Ellery. We cannot enforce the embargo in R. Island with Howell for dist. atty. & Barnes for judge 2. a letter from Bates. Has Govr. Lewis received any instructions respecting either actual settlers or lead mines? He had none from this department. What should be written to him on that subject? 3. a letter from Collector of...
28935To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Chalkley James, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It again becomes my duty to inform you, that, at an Election of Officers for the American Philos. Society held this Afternoon, pursuant to Notice, at their Hall, you were unanimously reelected their President; and I perform this Office with more pleasure, as I well know your Zeal for the promotion of useful Science; which you have never ceased to evince, in many ways, but particularly by your...
28936To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your desire, your letter of the 30th. Novr. last, directed to the Vice Presidents of the American Philosophical Society, was laid before them, and by them, before the Society, at a stated meeting, on the 2d of Decr. and again, on the afternoon of this day, at thier annual meeting for the election of officers. The Society, as such, have had no opportunity of expressing their...
28937To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
P. Carr who is here at present has just suggested to me that my land at Varina would suit Mr. Patterson, the son in law of Colo. Nicholas, who is as he says looking out to make a purchase somewhere near Richmond. Having come to a resolution to part with it, allthough I know it to be the most valuable spot for a farm in the state, I have determined to ask the favor of you to enquire of Colo. N....
28938From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before Congress a statement of the works of defence which it has been thought necessary to provide in the first instance for the security of our seaport towns & harbours, & of the progress towards their completion. their extent has been adapted to the scale of the appropriation, & to the circumstances of the several places. The works undertaken at New York are calculated to annoy and...
28939From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Benade, 7 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request, and for account of mr Craven Peyton of Albemarle in Virginia, I inclose you a draught of the bank of the US. at this place on that at Philadelphia for two hundred & seventy five dollars. in justice to mr Peyton I must add that he had reason to expect that this sum would have been larger by one hundred dollars; but the situation of my funds obliged me to place the other hundred...
28940From Thomas Jefferson to James Dinsmore, 7 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I had informed you that about this time I would place in Richmond 500. D. for yourself & 500. D. for mr Nelson. but being desirous of paying off my bills here as fast as I can get them in, I find it will be more convenient to me to postpone that remittance to the beginning of the next or perhaps of the following month, if it will be no inconvenience to either of you. I had presumed it would...
28941From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 7 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two letters of Dec 27. & Jan. 3. were recieved in due time. the former lays me under high obligations to you, not more for the real service rendered me than the affectionate manner in which it has been done. but I forbear writing to you on this subject till I learn how you have finally arranged the matter whether with the bank or a private individual. the latter would be much more...
28942To Thomas Jefferson from William Lambert, 7 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the numerous visitors who assembled at the President’s house to congratulate you on the commencement of a new year,— to eat your cake, and drink your wine, I did not make my appearance,—not because I had less veneration for your talents and character than any one of the company; but that I had good reason to suppose, a few of them, imitating the fashion of European courts, ventured to...
28943To Thomas Jefferson from Armistead T. Mason, 7 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The members, of the Troop of Cavalry, attached to the 57th Regiment of Virginia Militia, whose names are subjoined, have authorised me to tender their services to the United States, in the event of a War. It is not a vain parade of Patriotism which induces them to make this Tender; they are influenced by no motive; and they have no object but to serve their Country in the time of need. They...
28944From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 7 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 23. was duly recieved, and I am in hopes the Polygraph got safe to hand, & that you found it in good condition except so much as concerned the writing of the upper part of the page. I believe I mentioned to you in a former letter that if the one of yours with which I am now writing was not for your own use, I should be contented to retain it instead of mine, paying whatever...
28945To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Semple, 7 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn with real concern that my answer of Nov. 21 to the address of the six Baptist associations, which you were so kind as to forward me, never got to your hands. it nevertheless was written & forwarded at that date to your address at King & Queen courthouse Virginia according to the directions in your letter. I take the liberty now of inclosing a copy of it with the expressions of my...
28946From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 7 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate the persons whose names are stated in the letters marked A. B. and C. signed by the Secretary at War for the military appointments therein respectively proposed for them. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
28947From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 8 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have found it more convenient to have money sent to you from Richmond this month than from this place. you will accordingly recieve by mail from mr George Jefferson 700. D. under cover to mr Higginbotham. they are to be disposed of for the debts due & becoming due as follows. D mr Belt 12.
28948From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard McMahon, 8 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Gloucester hiccory nut, after which you enquire, has I think, formerly spread extensively over this continent from East to West, between the latitudes of 36°. & 38°. but only in the richest bottom lands on the river sides. those lands being now almost entirely cleared, I know of no remains of these nuts but a very few trees specially preserved in Gloucester, and some on the Roanoke. in...
28949To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 8 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your favor, of the 28th. of December, on the subject of John Moss. Some of the difficulties which you were pleased to suggest, had occurred to my self; but that which I now remove by the inclosed copy of the judgment, was supposed by me to have been obviated by a communication from the attorney of the District. With the application for mercy, you would never,...
28950From Thomas Jefferson to Cherokee Deputation, 9 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have maturely considered the Speeches you have delivered me and will now give you answers to the several matters they contain You inform me of your anxious desires to engage in the industrious pursuits of agriculture & civilized life; that finding it impracticable to induce the nation at large to join in this you wish a line of separation to be established between the upper and lower Towns,...