4251From William Stephens Smith to John Quincy Adams, 22 December 1804 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the perusal of the Bill, For establishing rules and articles for the Government of the Armies of the United States— I think the 24th. article not sufficiently explicit—It furnishes the superior officer with an opportunity of punishing an inferior without redress, the arresting officer being the sole judge of what speaches are reproachful, and what gestures are provoking—He may...
4252To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 15 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I was much disappointed in finding this morning that you were gone; for I had understood that you did not set off till to morrow. There were three points only on which I wished your decision. 1st. Revenue cutters . How many new armed ones shall be provided, one, two, or three? & what shall be their forces? the greatest which is allowed which will be about 130 tons 12 guns (sixes) & 70 men?, or...
4253To James Madison from Levett Harris, 4 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit You the herewith inclosed Copy of a declaration of this Court explaining the present state of its relations with that of Sweden, which was communicated to me by the Imperial Ministry the 13 Ult. As our intercourse with England through Sweden is now at an end, I have no means of writing You but by way of France or Holland, from whence opportunities to the United...
4254To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 23 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
From some late circumstances, I have reason to believe that neither Mr Priestley’s directions nor mine to transmit to you a copy of the memoirs of his father’s life have been complied with, though a set was appropriated for you to be sent at the first moment of publication. If you have not received one, be good enough to let me know: it will be a cause of much chagrin to Mr Priestley and...
4255To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson Eppes, 24 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It makes me blush to think of the length of time which has elaps’d since I wrote to you last My Dear Papa, deprived for 6 weeks of the use of my hands , I was after recovering them so closely employ’d with work which during that time had greatly accumulated that without intending it it has been postponed ’till now, I have only thought the more of you My Dear Papa, of that I hope you need never...
4256From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
To avoid the expence to which we are exposed for the rent of Houses for the messengers of the Departments of State, War and navy, General post office and of the accountants of the War and navy Departments, & to provide against accidents of fire to the Buildings occupied by these Departments we conceive that it would be expedient for Congress to make provision for building six small brick...
4257From Thomas Jefferson to John Strode, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing is so common as to see men value themselves most for what they know least about. in truth ignorance is always the parent of vanity. this accounts for my valuing myself on the invention of a mould-board for a plough and venturing to submit it to your judgment. in a small box which went by my cart from hence two days ago I sent you two models, and the block to shew how they were made. I...
4258From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 29 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of state, charged with the civil affairs of the several territories of the United States, has recieved from the Marshal of Columbia a statement of the condition, unavoidably distressing, of the persons committed to his custody on civil or criminal process, and the urgency for some legislative provisions for their relief . there are other important cases wherein the laws of the...
4259To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 15 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Io non saprei a che attribuire la total mancanza di sue lettere, dopo quelle del 29 Aprile 1800, e 17 Marzo 1801. Per quanto sento, arrivarono a salvamento nei porti degli S.U. quei bastimenti che portavano le mie lettere, datate come segue. 5 Febbraio, 2 Luglio, 30 detto, 28 7bre, e 15 9bre 1801, 10 Aprile, 17 detto 1802, 15 Febbraio, 15 Aprile, 20 Maggio, 25 8bre 1803, con un aggiunta del 27...
4260To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 6 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Receipt of your highly flattering & friendly Letter , & to return as I do my best Thanks for it. That you should have proposed to hold me up as worthy of being the Successor of Rittenhouse in the Office of Director of the Mint, is to my Feelings in my present Situation highly gratifying, & to be informed of this in the manner I was, has afforded me much Consolation....
4261To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 7 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 May 1802, Georgetown. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 6 May ; will write to Leclerc on the subject of it at the first opportunity. Assures JM that the general in chief, when he sees the impressions his actions have produced, will speedily make the reparations due to the U.S. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , France, vol. 1); letterpress copy of RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers); Tr ( NHi : Livingston Papers).
4262I. Address of Handsome Lake, [10 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank the Great Spirit above that I have a very bright day to talk with the Great Chief of our White Brothers—It is the Great Spirit’s doings he has appointed me for that purpose—The Great Spirit looks down upon us— The Great Spirit has appointed four Angels and appointed me the fifth, to direct our people on earth—I thank the Great Spirit that the Great Chief of my White brothers is well &...
4263To James Madison from William Charles Coles Claiborne, 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
Previous to the receipt of this letter, you will have heard of the escape of Col. Burr from the Mississippi Territory, and of the reward offered by Governor Williams for his apprehension. The reports are variant as to the course Colo: Burr may pursue in his flight. One conjecture is, that he is making to the sea Coast, & from thence to Europe; another, that he has gone to the City of...
4264To James Madison from Dolley Madison, 1 November 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have great pleasure, my beloved in repeating to you what the Doctor has just now said, that the knee would be well in one day more and in two or three I might begin to ride—so that I may reasonably hope that a fortnight more will be the extent of my stay in Philadelphia, I am so impatient to be restored to you. I wish you would indulge me with some information respecting the war with Spain...
4265To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel D. Tompkins, 5 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Mr. Elisha Jenkins Secretary of this State. He is a Gentlemen of the first respectability here and a uniform and decided friend and supporter of your administration. Any attentions you may be pleased to shew him will be deemed a favour conferred upon me. Accept Sir, an assurance of my respect and esteem. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
4266To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 26 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I find upon enquiry that the State of New York did in the year 1800, obtain credit, under the several acts of Congress respecting the fortifications of harbours, for a sum of 222,810 dollars, by that State expended in fortifying the islands in the harbour. The accounts &c. will be transcribed by to morrow and transmitted to you so as to enable you to make an official answer to the House— With...
4267To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 15 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 15 March 1806, New Orleans. “The Carrier of the Mail of the United States, from hence to Fort Stoddart, by the way of the Lake, is now in my office, and reports—that, on his arrival at the Town of Mobile, he waited upon Governor Folche, who informed him that the mail would not be permitted to pass by water—upon which the Carrier asked and received permission to...
4268To James Madison from John Henry Purviance, 19 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to address you a short letter on the 10th. instant, merely to acquaint you with Mr. Monroe’s departure from this on the 8th. and of the favorable prospect of his landing speedily in Holland. I have not yet received that intelligence, tho’ I hourly expect it. I am now to inform you of the receipt this day of your dispatch of the 20. of July, enclosing various correspondences,...
4269From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 21 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 14th. was recieved on the 18th. and this goes by the return of the first post, that which brought it not affording time for an answer. No. 2. in the draught mr King was so kind as to send me is exactly what Dr. Thornton explained to me as the original design except that he did not mention the two middle rows of trees, but only the two outer ones on each side: and, omitting...
4270To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with your instructions, William Liddle was indicted, in the Circuit Court of the United States, for an assault and battery, upon Don Ignacio Peres de Lema (a gentleman discharging the duties of the Secretary of the Legation from Spain) under the 28: section of the Act of the 30. of April 1790. At the trial, the Counsel for the Defendant urged, 1o. That, on the evidence, Don de...
4271To James Madison from William Jarvis, 29 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
My last respects of the date of the 26th. Inst. covering a dispatch from Mr. Pinckney was ⅌ the Brig Washington, Captn. Dyer via Provincetown in Massa ts. I have now the honor to inclose another from him which I recd. at the same time. The following is an extract of a letter from Mr. Gavino dated 9 Novr. “You will have heard of the American Ship Prosperity of Philada. being ordered out of...
4272To Thomas Jefferson from James Jackson, 9 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Relying on your goodness to excuse this intrusion on your time, I beg leave to interest myself in behalf of Brigadier General Wilkinson—That Gentleman by his conduct on the Frontiers of Georgia and at the late Creek treaty, has won the affections of I may almost say, all the Citizens of that State—Had the other Commissioners acted with the same Zeal and candor which guided the General, there...
4273To James Madison from George W. Erving (Abstract), 8 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
8 February 1805, London . No. 49. “I had the honor to receive in due course your letter of Novr. 24th. 1804 directing me to make application to the British Admiralty for the discharge of Joseph Trowbridge and inclosing regularly authenticated Documents to prove his Citizenship. “I am sorry to inform you that the ship on board of which he is detained having sailed on a foreign station, their...
4274From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 22 December 1806 (Adams Papers)
Last Evening I received your’s of the 14th: which makes me anxious to hear from you again—Your sore throat and George’s cough will keep me upon thorns untill I hear better tidings of you—I am perhaps the more susceptible on this subject from the heavy calamity so recently befallen the family here.—It is vain to lament or to anticipate—and would be vain to attempt expressing what I feel. The...
4275To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 20 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
G. Jefferson sends the box of hinges &c by the Stage agreeably to Mr. J’s direction. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
4276To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1803 , “ Frigate Adams at Sea .” No. 11. Wrote in his last letters (nos. 9 and 10 [ 24 and 25 July ]) that he was drawing on the State Department for $20,000 “in order to facilitate a negotiation between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli.” Believes “it would have been of no service what ever but the reverse, to have proceeded to Tripoli without funds or credit.” Also...
4277To James Madison from Julius Oliver, 16 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
In my last of the 28th Ulto. I had not the time, to have the honor, to send you as per this an account of some of my proceedings, for the benefit of the United States, & the citizens of the U. States. 1o. My notice of the 7th. December last concerning the Discharge of Seamen. 2o. My letter to Consul Appleton in Leghorn for ha ving sent me 15. American Seamen. 3o. My letter to Genl. Armstrong,...
4278From Thomas Jefferson to Anne-Louise-Germaine Necker, Baronne [de] Staël-Holstein, 16 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved, Madam, the letter which you have done me the favor to write from Paris on the 24th. of April, and M. le Ray de Chaumont informs me that the book you were so kind as to confide to him, not having reached Nantes when he sailed, will come by the first vessel from that port to this country. I shall read with great pleasure whatever comes from your pen, having known it’s powers...
4279To Thomas Jefferson from George Hay, 3 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24th of February, reached me this evening, and in conformity with your request, I now transmit to you, the papers relating to the question, between Mr Short and Mr. Randolph. You will permit me to add, that I am much gratified by your ready admission of the apology, which my situation made it necessary for me to offer, and that I am, with real respect Yr. mo. ob. Sert. RC (...
4280To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have been as busily engaged as circumstances would admit, in making such arrangements for the temporary government of this province as I esteemed most consonant to the intentions of the President, and the expectations of the inhabitants. The difficulties I meet with in this undertaking are peculiarly embarrassing on account of the neglected state in which I found the colony....
4281To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, 18 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 1st inst: on the 5th. of this month. I waited at Wilmington for its’ arrival, considering it essential that I should hear from Government before my departure for this place, in order that arrangements might be made corr⟨es⟩pondent with the advice received. Permit me to express my sincere thanks for the confidence you have reposed in us who act...
4282To Thomas Jefferson from Gottfried Heise, 19 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
As the US have obtained, by the acquisition of Louisiana, so much uncultivated and fertile lands, and as I hope they will allot a part thereof for the cultivation of the German Evangelical congregations; they may be desirous of obtaining a number of German cultivators. Among these am I and my family. Will your Excelly. permit me to explain my proposal, which shall be realised without delay as...
4283From John Adams to John Marshall, 17 July 1806 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received from the Post Office your obliging Letter of the Sixth of this month. It is not necessary for me to recurr to my Letter Books, and examine the few Letters I wrote to General Washington, before I assure you, that I Shalt take no offence at your inserting in your History, parts or the whole of them. They were written under great Agitation of Mind, at a time when a cruel...
4284John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 15 March 1804 (Adams Papers)
A few days since, I received your kind favour of 25. ult o: and am greatly rejoyced at the restoration of your health— But I have delayed answering it hitherto, because as the Session draws to a close, we find ourselves more driven for want of time; in addition to which we have had the extraordinary business of trying an impeachment, and I have been in trouble with illness in the family— Both...
4285To James Madison from John Gavino, 29 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 June 1802, Gibraltar. No. 93. “After referring you to mine No. 91 & 92 ⅌ this Conveyance, still detaind by Contrary Wind, have now to inform you that Yesterday Saml: Moor Commander of the English Brig Mary from Mahon, who parted Company on the 24th: Inst: to the Eastward of the Rock with the American Brig Rose whose Commander deliverd him the following note, Vizt: ‘Captain Andrew Morris,...
4286To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 16 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have not been honored with any Letters from you since my last of the 10 January, dispatched in Original & Duplicate. On the 28 ulto. our Governor communicated to me the decree passed by this Government on the 19 Feby. of which a copy goes enclos’d, as also of my; answer, wherein you will observe I have made a point to alone accuse it’s receit, and mention that I would make it Known to you;...
4287To Thomas Jefferson from John Thomson Mason, with Jefferson’s Query, 21 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
John Duffy of the County of Alexandria who now stands committed to the Jail of that County was tried and convicted at the last term in the month of December for keeping a disorderly house, for the fine then imposed he then was committed and has ever since remained in Jail. I know not the man or his situation in life, the witnesses on the trial were respectable persons, they deposed that he was...
4288To James Madison from David Gelston, 16 December 1805 (Madison Papers)
I received in due course your letter of the 24th. ultimo with $137.56 and supposed after you had arranged the small amount paid for duties &ca. you would remit the remaining sum. But by a letter received this day from the President, I am persuaded my accounts transmitted the 7th. ultimo were not sufficiently explicit, as he says—“for the wines from Marseilles via Halifax Mr. Madison remitted...
4289To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 27 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received your much esteemed favor of the 24th, and lost not a moment in ascertaining what could be done to relieve you from your present embarrassed situation. It is not I trust necessary for me to inform you, that I am always much averse to making professions of friendship, and of a desire to serve those I esteem—My character and disposition I hope being in some degree known to...
4290To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. James M. Bradford, the Editor of the Orleans Gazette proposing to visit Washington, and having expressed a desire to pay his respects in Person to the President of the United States, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to your Acquaintance; his pursuits have led him to a knowledge of the Territory, and you will find him possessed of much local Information. Mr. Bradford’s political...
4291From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 12 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Martin Wanscher writes to me for 40. Dollars. there will then remain due to him about 90. or 100. D. which he will be drawing for from time to time. the demand of his balance having been expected to have laid over till the spring, will be an addition to my last estimate . I am to inclose the money to him in Alexandria, so that I suppose it should be in bills of that bank or the Washington. I...
4292To James Madison from William Lyman, 6 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 December 1804, “Barnys Hotel District of Columbia.” “I waited several Times this day at the Office of State to know your further pleasure not less than to perform the due Homage of my Respects and to acquaint you that I leave this place tomorrow morning early for New York where I will remain untill further Notices from you which permit me to say I hope will not be many days and from whence I...
4293Notes on Nathaniel Ingraham’s Case, ca. 9 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Ingraham’s case for carrying on the slave trade. 1801. Feb. action of q.t. institd. by J. W. Leonard Nov. verdict & jdmt for 14,000 D. & costs. does not appear that any term of imprismt entered into the quantum of punmt adjudged. act of 1794. c.11. §.4. inflicts 200. D. for every slave, by qui tam. 1800. c.51. respects slave trade betw. foreign ports, or in forn. vesls. the conviction then has...
4294To James Madison from John Gavino, 28 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to have the honour of claiming your refference to the Copy of my last Communication herewith No. 65 under 30: Ulto: & to add on the Subject of the Schooner Philada. Packett, & that by the Register of the Vessel, the Master is called Nathaniel Noyes, & not Norris as reported at the health office. This I obtaind thro the information of a freend, but could get no other Particulars; He...
4295To James Madison from Peter S. Du Ponceau, 8 July 1805 (Madison Papers)
Agreeably to your desire communicated to me by Mr. Wagner, I have Sat down to collect & put together in the form of Notes, the facts which had struck me in the course of my reading as throwing light on the history & motives of the British prohibition of the Trade of neutrals with the Colonies of her Enemies. The Subject being very interesting has grown upon me, & this interest, added to an...
4296From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 2 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Daniel Symmes of Ohio to be Register of the land-office at Cincinnati Samuel Gwathney of Indiana to be Register of the land-office at Jeffersonville in Indiana. Thomas G. Gibson of Ohio to be Register of the land office at Canton in Ohio. Edmund H. Taylor heretofore (and perhaps yet) of Kentuckey to be Reciever of public monies at Jeffersonville. John Sloane of Ohio to be Reciever...
4297To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 13 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of writing you on the 1st. 2d. & 3d inst., by the Ship Philadelphia and Brig Betsey from Antwerp. The Ministers plenipotentiary of the United States near this Government having honoured me with the appointment of Commissioner under the late Convention with france, I left Antwerp on the 29th. Ultimo. and my Powers with my Secretary Mr. John Robertson a Native of Gravelines who,...
4298To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 11 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Last Evening I was honor’d with The Presidents favor of the 6th. inst— The business therein alluded to has this morning been transacted, agreeably to direction, & perfectly consonant with former usage—In this stage of business, after the Entries have been made, the insertion of names is unnecessary—It was only requisite to Credit the U.S with $22.50—for Duties received, & to endorse the Rect....
4299To James Madison from William Cooke (Abstract), 28 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
28 March 1805, Darien . “Under date of the 20th. of Novr. last I took the liberty of addressing you, from New York. & of forwarding to you, Original Documents, together with their translations. in an important Case; on which I am Compeled to Appeal to the Supreme Council of Madrid for Justice. I suplicated you, to be pleased, to deposit in the office of your department, the Translations, and...
4300To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel R. Preston, 10 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will pardon this Address, in which I lay open my circumstances, situation &c.; when you consider that no person, in the United States, has more power or influence than yourself, to succour depressed merit, & rise up the wretched. Many addresses have I made to relations in affluence many of whom have became so by the prop erty of my deceased Father unjustly acquired; but their hearts...