101Thomas Jefferson’s List of Slave Vaccinations, 17 Mar. 1826, 17 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
1826. Mar. 17. Ursula’s Louisa Caroline Critta George Robert Edy’s Isabella William Daniel Fanny’s Indridge Bonnycastle MHi .
102Thomas Jefferson: Will and Codicil, 16-17 Mar. 1826, 16 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I Thomas Jefferson of Monticello in Albemarle, being of sound mind and in my ordinary state of health, make my last will and testament in manner and form as follows. I give to my grandson Francis Eppes, son of my dear deceased daughter Mary Eppes, in fee simple all that part of my lands at Poplar Forest lying West of the following lines, to wit, Beginning at Radford’s upper corner near the...
103From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Ritchie, 13 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The interest you are so kind as to take in the measures proposed for relieving me from embarrasment brings on you the trouble of the letter I have recieved an application from persons in N.C a desirous of manifesting from their goodwill to me by contributions in money, if acceptable, and offering to dispose of a portion of tickets if the way of lottery is preferred. this renders it necessary...
104From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Ward, 13 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The manifestations of concern taken by my fellow citizens in the difficulties which have befallen me and of which your letter of Feb. 26. is an example give me unexpressible satisfaction. I have been an unskilful steward of my own affairs. but never thought of burthening others with them. a fair market for my property was all I wished, and, could it be obtained, would relieve me from all debt,...
105From Thomas Jefferson to John Brockenbrough, 12 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved in due time your favor of Mar. 1. covering one from mr Yates to mr Richardson in behalf of himself and mr M c intire, offering their services in the business of the lottery allowed me by a late law. age and ill health rendering me entirely unequal to the management of that undertaking myself, I have committed it wholly to my grandson Th: J. Randolph to whom I communicated these...
106From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 9 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d in due time your affect te lre of Feb. 25. and read it with the pleasure one must always feel on such evidence of the virtues of the heart in one so near and dear to us. the sacrifice you offer to my comfort is such as few would be capable of making and is the more deeply felt in proportion as it is more rare. I percieve that you have been led into error, as the public generally was,...
107From Thomas Jefferson to John Fellows, 9 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Fellows for the copy to has been so kind as to send him of Paine’s theological works, that the author should in his day have encountered great abuse was a thing of course. a powerful mind like his, and zealously employed in whatever cause can never be an object of mere indifference to those to whom it is opposed. nor has the genus irrtabile vatum whom he...
108From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 8 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your two favors of Feb.23. and 27. and am truly sensible of the interest you so kindly take in my affair, and of the encoraging aspect of mr Gouverneur’s letter. all that is necessary for my relief is a succesful sale of our tickets, of which the public papers give good hope. if this is effected, at a reasonable value for what I shall sell, what will remain will leave me...
109From Thomas Jefferson to William Cabell Rives, 8 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The approach of the semiannual meeting of the Visitors of the University renders it interesting to learn the probable fate of our application to Congress on the subject of the duties. and the more so, as we gave our bonds personally for the amount, on the presumption that before they should become due Congress would have had time to decide the question. I am well aware how uncontrolable the...
110From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 7 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Col o Peyton is requested to get mr May to obtain of the best window glass of the Boston manufactory the following articles 25 . panes 12. I. square 50. panes 12 by 18 I. ½ doz. panes 18. I. by 2. feet. also the following for print frames 2. panes or sheets 19½ I. by 15. I. for the 2. prints of Pantheon 1. 19½ I. by 14¼ for Comparative buildings 3 . d o 17
111From Thomas Jefferson to Rice W. Wood, 4 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of Feb. 23. my grandson had before informed me of the friendly part you had taken in forwarding the indulgence I had asked of the legislature. that it’s first impression on others might in many cases be unfavorable I had anticipated; while to myself there was nothing of novelty in it familiarised to it’s practice as we were before the revolution. that it had no...
112From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Walker Maury, 3 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your enquiries in behalf of my antient and highly esteemed friend and classmate James Maury I need only say that I was born Apr. 2. 1743. and that consequently, allowing for change of style, I shall be 83. y. old on the 13 th of the ensuing month of April. I should not give you the trouble of saying this form me to my friend, but should do it for myself, were it not that dislocns...
113From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mills, 3 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of Feb. 15. and with it your beautiful map of S. Carolina, which I place among the many other testimonies of your friendship and with the acceptableness they ever ensure. your general plan will constitute a valuable work even independantly of the statistical adjunct you propose: your idea of the Obelisk monument is a very fine one. I think small temples would...
114From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Shore, 2 March 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, kind Sir, for your very friendly letter of Feb. 22. it supposes in me claims on the attentions of my country to which I have no pretentions. I happened to be born in times which required from all it’s citizens, every service they could render, and gave full value to even the smallest service which any could render. those within the reach of my faculties have been fully remunerated...
115From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Ritchie, 28 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor covering one from a Lottery office offering it’s services for the management of that lately permitted to me. I have for some years been obliged by age and ill health to resign the care of all my affairs to my grandson Th: J. R. who accdly acts for me with full powers in all cases. that of the lottery particularly has been entirely left to him so that I know...
116From Thomas Jefferson to William Logan Fisher, 24 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has duly recieved mr Fisher’s favor of the 7 th and with it his pamphlet on the subject of mr Owen’s establishment. so far as the experiment at Lanare has gone, his faith goes also, & no farther. that it is an excellent scheme for the maintenance and reformation of an establishment of paupers, so long as an Owen can be found to superintend it, the proof is satisfactory; but that...
117From Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 22 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 8 th has been rec d as was in due season. the former one to which you observe you had rec d no reply, the fact was that I had worn out the knees of my pantaloons in the humiliating posture of an eternal suppliant at the feet of the govmt begging favors for others. I became tired of it, and thought ought at length to pay some respect to my own character and to rise from the...
118From Thomas Jefferson to William Gordon, 22 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17 th is rec d and I cannot sffly express to you my sense of the kindness with which my friends have exerted themselves in my behalf—a majority of one only even for leave to bring in the bill, and that too in the legislature of my native state was of appalling aspect. it was a certificate of character to other states and countries which could not but be painfully felt—the...
119From Thomas Jefferson to George Loyall, 22 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the rec t of your favor of the 14 th and still more especially to acknolege the kindness with which you lent your aid to a late measure of extreme importance to me and to my family. the 1 st vote indeed was very appalling, and made me fear I had made a very improper proposition which could be rejected off hand by so great a proportion of the house. the practice of selling...
120From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 22 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13 th was recieved yesterday. your use of my letter with the alterations subsequently proposed, needs no apology. and it will be a gratification to me if it can be of any service to you. I learn with sincere affliction the difficulties with which you have still to struggle—mine are considerable—but the single permission given me by the legislature of such a mode of sale as...
121From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Macon, 21 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
How could you think, my dear friend, of appealing to me for materials for the history of N. Carolina? at the age of 83, scarcely able to walk from one room to another, rarely out of pain, and with both hands so crippled that to write a page is nearly the work of a day? I believe too that I never knew any thing about it , and if I did it is all forgotten. but I have observed, that at whatever...
122From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 21 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very kind letters, with those of other friends were real soothers of a kind of uneasiness I never had before experienced, which was the greater as the less expected. a majority of one in the legislature of my native state was an appalling idea. but it has ended well, and I count on days and nights of quiet which I had never seen since the coup de grace given me by a deceased friend. I...
123From Thomas Jefferson to Sherman Converse, 20 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly reciev d your favor of the 1 st asking my examination and opinion of the plan of mr Webster’s dictionary, of which you inclosed me a sample. but worn down with age, infirmity and pain my mind is no longer in a tone for such exercises. I can only therefore express my regret that I cannot be useful to you in that way and assure you of my respect and best wishes for it’s success. DLC...
124To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1826 (Madison Papers)
My Circular was answered by Genl. Breckenridge, approving, as we had done, of the immediate appointment of Terril to the chair of Law, but our 4. colleagues, who were together in Richmond, concluded not to appoint until our meeting in April. In the meantime the term of the present lamented incumbent draws near to a close. About 150. students have already entered, many of those who engaged for...
125From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
My Circular was answered by Gen l Breckenridge, approving, as we had done, of the immediate appointment of Terril to the chair of Law, but our 4. colleagues, who were together in Richmond, concluded not to appoint until our meeting in April. in the mean time the term of the present lamented incumbent draws near to a close. about 150. Students have already entered, many of those who engaged for...
126From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Miller, 17 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Miller for the trouble he has taken with his Polygraph, and unwilling to add to it by that of bringing it here, as it can only come in a carriage, he sends a boy with a small vehicle for it; and hopes mr Millar by coming to dinner tomorrow, or next day, or any day which suits him will give him an opportunity of expressing his thanks personally. OCHP .
127From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 14 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 8 th and 10 th were recieved yesterday, and I will endeavor to get this into the mail which is to be closed this evening. if they have not cheered me in all things they greatly do it in the prospect they hold up of succeeding in our intermediate plan of schools. but I am sorry you waited a moment to consult me, on the subject, and the more so as it finds me under a...
128From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 11 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Bad news, my dear Jefferson, as to your sister Anne. She expired about half an hour ago. I have been so ill for several days that I could not go to see her till this morning, and found her speechless and insensible. She breathed her last about 11 o’clock. Heaven seems to be overwhelming us with every form of misfortune, and I expect your next will give me the coup de grâce . Your own family...
129From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Bonnycastle, 8 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
With my sincere congratulations on your transition to that condition of society which nature has wisely made indispensable to the happiness of man, and my request that you will communicate the same on my part to your chosen companion, I inclose you a letter, recieved in your absence in one from mr Barlow, and one also to myself from mr King, containing an assurance from mr Canning, on the...
130From Thomas Jefferson to N. & S.S. Jocelyn, 8 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Dec. 6. did not come to hand until the 1 st inst. and with it I recieved the copy of your Atlas of the world, which I have examined with attention and great approbation. the combination of the Gazetteer with the map is a great convenience, and the substitution of figures for the names of such places as would have too much crouded the map or could not be got into it at all, adds...
131From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 8 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly rec d your affectionate letter of the 3 d and percieve there are greater doubts than I had apprehended whether the legislre will indulge me in my request to them. it is a part of my mortifin to percieve that I had so far overvalued myself as to have counted on it with too much confidence. I see in the failure of this hope a deadly blast of all peace of mind during my remaining days. you...
132From Thomas Jefferson to John Quincy Adams, 8 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I know nothing of the facts in this petition, nor of the person on whose behalf they are stated, but I know most of those who subscribe it, and can certify that they are persons of the first degree of respectability in the county in which I reside and of unquestionable credit as to any thing which they affirm. Given under my hand this 8 th of February 1826. To the President of the United...
133From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 7 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your kind letter of the 2 d and am truly sensible of the interest you are so good as to take in my affairs. I had hoped the length and character of my services might have prevented the fear in the legislature of the indulgence asked being quoted as a precedent in future cases. but I find no fault with their strict adherence to a rule generally useful, altho’ relaxable in...
134From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 4 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday the joint letter of our colleagues of Jan. 26. and your separate one of the 30 th . the vote of the house of delegate was too decisive to leave any further expectations from that quarter, or doubt of the necessity of winding up our affairs and ascertaining their ground. I went immediately to the University and advised the Proctor, to engage in no new matter which could be...
135From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 4 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 31 st was recieved yesterday and gave me a fine night’s rest which I had not had before since you left us, as the failure to hear from you by the preceding mail had filled me with fearful forebodings. I am pleased with the train you are proceeding in, and particularly with the appointment of valuers. under all circumstances I think I may expect a liberal valuation, an...
136From Thomas Jefferson to John Henry Sherburne, 4 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
It is not in my power to give you any certain information of the issue of Commodore Jones’s claim on Denmark. my impression is that that government persevered in refusing the claim. I salute you with respect DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
137Thomas Jefferson: Inventory of imported wines and foods, 1 Feb. 1826, 1 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 1. 26 old stock on hand now rec d total vin rouge de Bergasse 142. 142 Red Ledanon 37 150 blanquetle de Limoux 49 49 Muscat de Rivesalte 36 150 Scuppernon quant. suff. Claret from Richm d
138From Thomas Jefferson to William Wertenbaker, 30 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The office of librarian to the University of Virginia having become vacant by the resignation of mr Kean, and the authority of ultimate appointment being in the Board of Visitors, it becomes necessary in the mean time to place the library under the temporary care of some one; you are therefore hereby appointed to take charge thereof until the Visitors shall make their final appointment. you...
139Thomas Jefferson: Diagram of Halos, 28 Jan. 1826, 28 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
[GRAPHIC IN MANUSCRIPT] s. the sun. it’s altitude being about 23° h.h. the horizon t.u. a complete horizontal circle of white light passing thro’ the sun. a. a very bright and dazzling parhelion, not prismatic. b.c. prismatic parhelia, at the intersection of a circle a.b.d.c. whose radius was 22½ with the horizontal circle t.u. x.d.u. an arch of an inverted circle having it’s centre apparent...
140From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Meriwether, 28 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 24 th was not recieved till the afternoon before your sons and nephew set out on their return. An earlier delivery would have gratified me by furnishing an opportunity of proving my esteem for you by my attentions to them. the same circumstance prevented my answering at the moment. I was glad to be informed by one of your sons that he expected to return to our university. As...
141From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Walker Gilmer, 23 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been anxious to visit you and think I could do it; but D r Dunglison protests against it. I am at this time tolerably easy, but small things make great changes at times. I can only in this way then ask you how you do? and not requiring an answer from yourself but from such member of the family as is well enough. we have had a fine January, but may expect a better February. that month...
142From Thomas Jefferson to Chapman Johnson, 22 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of the day before yesterday I committed a quid pro quo which just now occurs to me and must be corrected. I had before me the Riot act 1786. c. 142. and the Gaming act c. 147. §. 28 in the 1 st Rev. Code 536 and 590. in the designation I named the former instead of the latter. of the Riot act we already have the use. but it is the 28 th § of the Gaming act of which no use can be...
143From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 21 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 15. is recieved, and I am entirely sensible of the kindness of the motives which suggested the caution it recommends. but I believe what I have done is the only thing I could have done with honor or conscience. mr Gilmer requested me to state a fact which he knew himself, and of which he knew me to be possessed. what use he intended to make of it I knew not, nor had I a...
144From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 21 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a bill of lading for 11. cases from Marseilles arrived at N. York and now on their way to Richmond, for freight, duties and charges on which there is due to mr Jonathan Thompson 39.D, 37c which I must pray you to remit to him and forward the cases on arrival by waggon to mr Raphael. Jefferson will be with you tomorrow charged with all my affairs with you. affectionately yours MHi .
145From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Thompson, 21 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 12 th is just now recieved and by this mail I have desired Col o Peyton to remit you 39.D 37 the amount of Duties and charges. with my renewed thanks be pleased to accept assurances of my great esteem and respect. MHi .
146To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
Circular It is with the sincerest regret I inform you that we are likely to be again at default for our Professor of law. Mr. Gilmer’s situation is become decidedly pulmonary and hopeless. He has not yet been made sensible of the real character of his case and therefore only notifies me in a letter that it is certain he shall not be in health for the commencement of the term, and suggests the...
147From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 20 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Under a different cover I send a Circular on the subject of our Law Professor; and to save writing, which is laborious to me, I must pray my Colleagues on the Assembly to consider the single copy as addressed equally to all My grandson Tho s J. Randolph attends the legislature on a subject of ultimate importance to my future happiness. My own debts were considerable, and a loss was added to...
148From Thomas Jefferson to University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 20 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Circular It is with the sincerest regret I inform you that we are likely to be again at default for our Professor of law. M r Gilmer’s situation is become decidedly pulmonary and hopeless. he has not yet been made sensible of the real character of his case and therefore only notifies me in a letter that it is certain he shall not be in health for the commencement of the term, and suggests the...
149Thomas Jefferson’s Thoughts on Lotteries, ca. 20 Jan. 1826, 20 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Thoughts on Lotteries, and that on particularly which is now asked It is a common idea that games of chance are immoral. but what is Chance? nothing happens in this world without a cause. if we know the cause , we do not call it chance; but if we do not know it we say it was produced by Chance. if we see a lo a ded die turn it’s lightest side up, we know the cause and that it is not an effect...
150From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas J. Rogers, 18 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Rogers for the copy of his 3 d edition of his Biographical Dictionary which he has been so kind as to send him. he sees with pleasure so many worthy names rescued from oblivion, and he hopes that a ready demand for them will continue to call for renewed and enlarged editions. he salutes mr Rogers with esteem & respect. MHi .