1To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 17 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have, frequently been requested to introduce my friends to you, but have uniformly refused to comply. I have considered your time as the property of your country, and as being too important to be improved a moment on any thing I would propose. I cannot, however, refuse to join with many others in asking your attention to Colonel Lee of Marblehead. I formed an attachment to him on the plains...
2To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 11 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The very great pleasure which I should enjoy, in paying my respects, in person, to Mr. Jefferson, as President of the United States, it is not probable that I shall have very soon, unless you shall give us the honor of a visit to the northward. My son John Langdon Sullivan , who is in the mercantile line, is making a tour to the seat of government; I have requested some of my friends there, to...
3To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 24 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time ago the Secretary of State, Mr Madison, requested of me information in regard to the method of ascertaining the boundary between the United States, on their northern angle, and the British dominions. He was lead to this by my having been the agent of our nation in the settlement of the St. croix line. I readily complied with his wishes; and now observe in the Presidents communication...
4To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 20 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I was exceedingly honoured by your condescention in your letter of the 21st. of may. The mail had scarcely gone from Boston with mine of the 14th. of april before I deeply regretted having troubled you with it. I then knew, on a moments reflection, that there was no vacancy, and that it would be ineligible for me to leave this State. The same friendly feelings which dictated your letter will...
5To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 7 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I should have indulged the pleasure of replying to the letter you condescended to honour me with in June last; but I reflected that there was a vast number, who had a prior claim, and with whom a correspondence with Mr Jefferson, personally, would be more agreeable to him, and I also considered, that the accumilation of business, on the mind of the first magistrate of a nation must be so...
6To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 21 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose to you a hasty sketch of our state politics. The sufferings I have endured would not have been oppressive if my wife, and my only son in America did not feel more than I do. When I say my only son, I mean the only one now in America attached my politics. My oldest son is with the other party and is more bitter against me than any of the federalist, with a few exceptions. My situation...
7To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 21 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
By some letters from Washton lately recieved it appears that there is great interest felt in our state election, among the gentlemen near the seat of government. The republicans have made every possible fair exertion. There will be 80000 votes, 70000 are already known, in which the federal candidate has 1200 more than the republican candidate. There are some scattering votes. If there is a...
8To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 20 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The letters I have presumed to intrude on you have been too much filled with egotism, and I rely on it that they are reduced to a state of illegebility soon after you have the trouble of them; and you may rely on it that you will have no more trouble in this way. A man of strong feelings wounded with the poisoned arrows of malice and calumny will be troublesome, but it ought to be restrained....
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 27 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On what we call western circuit, and whence I returned yesterday, I have had intercourse with Lincoln, Bidwell and other friends of the national administration. We all realize the pain and anxiety incident to your exalted Station; and would by no means add to the burdens you are destined to bear, by letters, from whence you can derive no advantage. The situation of the national government in...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 22 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Leonard Jarvis Esqr. who has been in respectable public life in Massachusetts, is going to the capital on business, and has conceived that a letter from me may have a tendency to procure him the notice of the President of the United States; to whose administration he and his connexions are warmly attached. I do not feel willing to injure myself so much as to say that a recommendation from me...