11From Benjamin Franklin to ———, [13 December 1757] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Library of Congress; also copy: Yale University Library; and French translation: The Rosenbach Foundation Both the date and the addressee of this letter have been subjects of much difference of opinion. Each of the three surviving manuscript versions bears a different date line. That on the draft, in Franklin’s hand, has been heavily scratched out, probably long after the letter was...
12From Benjamin Franklin to ——, [1760?] (Franklin Papers)
Draft (fragment): Library of Congress This fragment in Franklin’s hand is written on what appears to be the top segment of a page of letter paper; a caret in the margin of the first line seems to indicate that it was intended, according to his usual method, as an insertion in the body of what he had drafted on the opposite page. Neither the addressee nor the date is known. The wording suggests...
13From Benjamin Franklin to ——, 8 April 1760 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society I received your Favour of the 31st of last Month, the answering of which I delayed and [I] should be glad to accompany you from London, in your next Return to Derbyshire; but doubt it will not be in my Power. I am sorry I cannot be certain as to the time of my going into Derbyshire. For on the very day you purpose coming to Town, viz. the 18th of this...
14From Benjamin Franklin to ——, [11 April 1767] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in The Pennsylvania Chronicle , June 1–8, 1767. We have been very busy about the Paper Money Affair. The Merchants are to wait on Lord Clare with their Opinion in Favour of it in a Day or two. After receiving Dr. F’s Remarks on the Report of the Board of Trade, they have drawn up a new Representation on the Subject, which they have signed, and Dr. F’s Paper...
15From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 28 November 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in part in The Gentleman’s Magazine , XLIX (supplement, 1779), pp. 647–8; printed in full in William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D., F.R.S., &c. (quarto edition, 3 vols., London, 1817–18), II , 169–70. I received your obliging favour of the 12th instant. Your sentiments of the importance of the present dispute between Great-Britain...
16From Benjamin Franklin to ——, 3 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society Yesterday we tapp’d the Porter, and found it excellent. To prevent its being wasted, we have bottled it off, having a safer Place for Bottles, and imagining that in our slow Draught it might not keep so fresh. So we are enabled Herewith to return the Cask. How bountiful a Gratuity for half a Sheet of Paper! I can only say, that ’tis pity you are not...
17From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 10 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Henry E. Huntington Library In Compliance with your Request I this Morning applied to a Virginia Merchant for Information, Whether the Courts of Virginia are now shut? and if so, from what Causes? particularly whether from any Resolutions of the People there to avoid Payment of their English Debts, as you told me had been insinuated by a Person in Administration. Inclos’d I send you the...
18From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 15 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress We are much oblig’d to M. De la Haye and his Friends for their Offer of Supplying the Americans with Merchandize, and we desire them to accept our Thanks; But it does not suit us to enter into any Engagements of the kind; We as Commissioners from the Congress have no Orders for purchasing other Goods than what are necessary for the Arming and Clothing of the...
19From Benjamin Franklin to ―――, 15 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received last Night yours of the 7th. Instant. From what I know of Capt. Wickes and his Carracter, I am persuaded he is not capable of the Injustice you mention, and that the Matter must have been misrepresented to you. However, being desirous not only to procure Justice, but if possible to give Satisfaction to all of this much respected Nation, who...
20From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 2 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am exceedingly oblig’d by the exact Plan and Profile you have been so kind as to send me, of the hydraulic Machine at Chatou. Be pleased to accept my thankful Acknowledgments of the Favour, and be assured that I am, with great Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant A virtually indecipherable notation on the verso, which may have no relation to the...
21From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 26 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society Les affaires dont je suis chargé, Monsieur, ne me permettent pas de quitter paris et par consequent d’accepter vostre invitation; je vous prie de croire cependant que j’y suis tres sensible, et que c’est avéc reconnoissance que je suis, Monsieur, vostre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur. Notation: Le Veillard Possibly to Richelet who had invited BF...
22From Benjamin Franklin to ———, 26 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, avec ma petite Dialogue, votre charmante Epitre & Puisque je trouve que Madame la Goutte est de votre Connoissance, ma tres chere Amie je vous prie de grace que quand elle me fait une autre Visite, vous voudriez bien l’accompagner. Votre Présence me dedommagera de la sienne. Avec une telle Garde, la Peine deviendra Plaisir. We can identify...
23Memorandums to Henry Remsen, Jr., 31 August 1790 [document added to digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Memorandum. Letters received for me at N. York before the last day of September, to be forwarded to me, by the Richmond post , at Monticello. not meaning newspapers however, which mr. Remsen will know by their covers. of newspapers I wish to receive Fenno’s only, while absent. those letters &c recieved after the last of Sep. to be retained. I must get mr Remsen to decide whether it will be...
24Notes on the Wabash Saline, before 22 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Notes of Wabash Salines. on Saline creek which empties into Ohio 16. mi. below Wabash the Saline is 16. miles up the creek, which is navigable, & 16. miles across from the nearest part of Wabash. the bed or saline marsh is about 20. yards square. it ought to be so worked as to make 100. bush. salt a day. this would require boilers of 15,000. galls. contents. containg. 40. galls. each, they...
25II. Cipher Table, [April 1803?] (Jefferson Papers)
suppose the key word to be ‘antipodes’ write it thus. a n t i p o d e s a n t i p o d e s
26I. Commission for Minister Plenipotentiary to Great Britain, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To Greeting: Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Integrity, Prudence and Ability I have appointed you the said Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of America at the Court of His Britannic Majesty, authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office do...
27IV. Commission for Minister Plenipotentiary to France, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To Greeting: Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Integrity, Prudence and Ability I have appointed you the said Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of France, authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office do appertain, or as...
28Statement of Interest Account with John Barnes, 4 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Interest account between J. Barnes & Th: Jefferson from 1801. Mar. 4. to 1803. May 4. 1801. Monthly balance Int. of month at 6.p.Ct. Articles of discount between those dates paid by Th:J. extracted from the accounts. Mar. 4. 316. 485 1.58 D Apr. 4. 316. 40 1.58 1801. July 25.
29Notes 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...
30Statement of Interest Account with John Barnes, 30 January 1802–10 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Sketch of the Apparent, Monthly Balances—Advances in the Presidents a/c with J Barnes will Appear from the Annexed Statem. Commencing 1802 1802 Monthly Int. a 6 ⅌ Ct Jany 30. To Amt of a/- rendd. ⅌ leds. 117. 5346.55. Feby 8. By Warrt. deducted " 2000. Feby. 8th 3346.55. 16 50. to Mar 4 To Amt includg Errors & Advances 7361.70
31Statement of Interest Account with John Barnes, 10 January-8 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Sketch of Apparent Monthly Balances on The Presidents a/c with J Barnes, will Appear from the Annexed Statemt. Commencing Viz 1803 1803. Monthly Int. a 6 ⅌ Ct. Jany. 10. To amt. of a/c rendered (46) $2268.70 shd be 2268.50 to 31. To additional expenditures 2668.50. 4937. Feby 7. By Warrant deducted 2000. Feby 7th 2937. 14.— to 27 To Amt. of a/c rendered
32II. Table on Party Affiliation of Federal Officeholders in the States, before 11 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
New Hampsh Massachu R. Island Connecticut Vermont New York New Jersey Pennsylva Delaware Maryland Virginia N. Carola S. Carola Georgia Tennissee Kentucky Ohio
33Commissioners of Bankruptcy: List of Candidates, on or before 5 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Jacob I. Cohen William Hull Wm. Vaughan for Portland Worcester . Samuel Flagg Abraham Lincoln Francis Blake MS ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 2:0414); undated but see Lincoln to TJ
34VI. Albert Gallatin’s Comments , 11 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
N. Hampshire— only one Master & one Mate revenue Cutter—Hopley Yeaton & Benj. Gunnison. appd. 31 Augt. 1802—both rep. rep. 6.—.—. Massachusset— Jonas Clarke collect. Kennebunk—fed. appd. only Inspector of revenue by Mr Jefferson } 13. 3.21 Fred. L. Delesdernier collect. Passamaquody rep. certainly } —see page 52
35IV. Gallatin’s Notes on the Draft, 3 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Period —What? of representations or of restoration of deposit? propositions had been authorized—When? prior to that period? Quere subsequent appropriation—to what? to the authorizan. of proposition by executive? enlightened mind of first Consul— Treaties now laid before both houses— —— Introduce idea of possession of N. Orleans being a bond of Union and, if possible, of prevention of early...
36Notes on Reducing Navy Expenses, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Navy estimate Oct. 1803. D In actual service. 2. frigates 209,807.36 5. small vessels 185,158.19 394,965.55 In ordinary. 11. frigates 180,845.17 Pay of officers on shore 27,500. 208,345.17 Contingencies 40,000. Ordnance & stores 15,000. Marine corps
37Notes on Treasury Estimates for 1804, [ca. 10 October 1803] (Jefferson Papers)
Resources Balance in the treasury Oct. 1. 1803. say 5,888,000. Revenue of 5. quarters to Dec. 31. 1804 @ 10,400,000. 13,000,000 Arrears of direct taxes & other sources 150,000 Louisiana 200,000. 19,238,000 Demands in last In last quarter of 1803 Balance due to 7,300,000 D. approprn. 2,350,000 ¼ of last years estimate for other objects 650,000. British paiment
38List of Members of the Eighth Congress, 17 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
N. Hampsh. 5. Verm. 4. ✓ — Betton, Silas ✓ — Chamberlain ✓ — Claggett. Clifton. ✓ — Chittenden Martin ✓ — Hough David ✓ Elliott James ✓
39I. Notes on Diplomatic Etiquette in England, 22 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. King to mr Madison. N.Y. Dec. 22. 1803. 1. all foreign ministers pay the 1st. visit to the ministers of Engld. by going in their carriage & leaving a card without asking for them. this visit is rarely if ever returned. 2. foreign ministers nor their wives never invited to Queen’s balls, concerts, parties. the king gives none. at king’s levee forn. & domest. ministers, dignifd clergy, Ld....
40Proclamation Extending Building Regulations in the City of Washington , 28 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By the President of the United States. A PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS by the first articles of the terms and conditions declared by the President of the United States on the seventeenth day of October, 1791, for regulating the Materials and manner of buildings 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...
41Enclosure: Benjamin Galloway to Maryland General Assembly, 5 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Benjamin Galloway of Elizabeth Town Washington County and State of Maryland respectfully presents the Underwritten to the Senate and House of Delegates of the State aforesaid in General Assembly convened— That the State of Maryland now is, and of Right has been a free and independant State ever since the fourth day of July one thousand seven hundred and seventy six. That Luther Martin now is,...
42II. Canons of Etiquette, 12 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Canons of Etiquette to be observed by the Executive. 1. Foreign ministers arriving at the seat of government pay the first visit to the ministers of the nation, which is returned: and so likewise on subsequent occasions of reassembling after a recess. 2. The families of foreign ministers recieve the 1st. visit from those of the National ministers, as from all other residents and as all...
43III. Memorandum on Official Etiquette , 12 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to bring the members of society together in the first instance the custom of the country has established that the residents shall pay the 1st. visit to strangers, & among strangers first comers to later comers, foreign & domestic; When brought together in society all are perfectly equal, whether foreign or domestic, titled or untitled, in or out of office. To the 1st. rule there is a...
44Continuation of an Examination of the Boundaries of Louisiana, 15 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
P.S. the Northern boundary of Louisiana, Coterminous with the possessions of England. The limits of Louisiana have been spoken of, in the preceding statement , as if those established to the West & North, by the charter of Louis XIV. remained still unaltered. in the West they are so, as already explained. but, in the North, a material change has taken place. with this however it was...
45Notes on a Conversation with Aaron Burr, 26 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 26. Colo Burr the V.P. calls on me in the evening, having previously asked an opportunity of conversing with me. he began by recapitulating summarily that he had come to N.Y. a stranger some years ago, that he found the country in possn of two rich families, (the Livingstons & Clintons) that his pursuits were not political & he meddled not. when the crisis however of 1800. came on, they...
46IV. Response to the Washington Federalist, 13 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Washington Federalist of the 1st. inst. has published what he calls the ‘Etiquette of the court of the US.’ in his facts, as usual, truth is set at nought, & in his principles little correct to be found. the Editor having seen a great deal of unfounded stuff on this subject, in that & other papers of a party whose first wish it is to excite misunderstandings with other nations, (even with...
47I. Notes on Injunction against John Henderson, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Bill. in 1802. purchased the dower of Eliz. Henderson that John Henderson is digging a race thro’ the lands prays injunction. Answer of J. Henderson. in Nov. 1801. he entered into written contract with the sd Elizabeth relative to sundry matters, & among others that it was agreed that he should have all the sd Eliz’s right to so much of her sd dower lands as might be necessary for the purpose...
48II. Notes on Agreement between Elizabeth Henderson and John Henderson, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
relative to the written agreement between Eliz. & John Henderson the probability is it was only an agreemt instead of a lease of the house . Kemp Catlett was the only witness to it; but he knows nothing of it’s contents, nor does he even remember the appearance of the face of it, having had nothing to do with it but to sign it as a witness. Richard Price saw the instrument soon after it’s...
49Instructions for Arkansas River and Red River Expedition, 14 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The government of the US. being desirous of informing itself of the extent of the country lately ceded to them under the name of Louisiana, to have the same, with it’s principal rivers, geographically delineated, to learn the character of it’s soil, climate, productions, & inhabitants, you are appointed to explore , for these purposes, the interesting portion of it which lies on the Arkansa...
50Notes on Lease to Richard Gamble, 22 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Heads of a lease to Richard Gamble. 5. fields North of the road, of 40 acres each. to wit 4. on the Shadwell tract now leased to J. Perry, and one on the Lego tract, adjoining to the Upper field of Shadwell, including the ground already open there & about Reynolds’s house, & as much more to be opened adjacent as will make up 40. acres. the lease to commence Oct. 15. 1804. (being John Perry’s...
51To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Rodney, 23 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Washington, Mississippi Territory, 23 Apr. 1804 . Rodney sends TJ a detailed account of the western country, including descriptions of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and their respective valleys. He has received only imperfect information regarding the west side of the Mississippi. The business of the land office is progressing, but he awaits the supplementary act from Congress before...
52III. Notes on Henderson Land Deeds, 30 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
✓ 1799. Dec. 28. James L. Henderson to Tucker Woodson. deed for ‘all his right &c in the lands of his father,’ to wit 1 10 & reversion of dower except his interest in the mill now standing, and the lot occupied by Henderson & Connard; but conveys all the other unsold lots in Milton, in considn of a negro man James or £110. & of the relinqmt of a debt of 152. D. due from sd James to Tucker....
53Declaration of Trust with Craven Peyton, 4 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
This indenture made on the 4th. day of May 1804. between Craven Peyton of the one part and Thomas Jefferson of the other, both of the county of Albemarle, witnesseth that Whereas the said Craven hath, at various times, and by various contracts deeds & other instruments, purchased from the widow & representatives of the late Bennet Henderson all their rights & interests in a tract of land held...
54VI. Draft Bill in Chancery, 5 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
To George Wythe, judge of the High court of Chancery of the district of Richmond in the commonweatlth of Virginia. Humbly complaining sheweth unto your honor your orator Craven Peyton of the county of Albemarle that Bennet Henderson late of the same county being in his lifetime seized & possessed in feesimple of a tract of land therein on the Rivanna river surrounding & adjacent to the town...
55Enclosure: Party Affiliation of South Carolina State Senators, 12 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Names of the Senators of Sou. Carolina Those marked R. are Republicans, D. are doubtful, and F. are Federals Jno. Gailliard President, R J Blake R R Marion R R Barnwell F Jno. McPherson F J Blasinghame D C. C. Pinckney F Josh. Calhoun R R Pinckney, F Levy Casey—R J. Postell Senr. F Wm. A Deas—F B Rogers—F Elias Earl—R Arthur Simpkins R Ths. Farrar R OBrian Smith R C Godwin
56Topics for Consultation with Heads of Departments, 15 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
May. 15. 04 State Judge Davies’s enquiries mr Merry’s case Pichon’s memorial he hazards general assertions neither proved nor true the law of nations does not make a nation responsible for acts of individuals out of it’s limits. yet friendly nations do watch to a certain degree. does France watch the atrocities of it’s privateers men with & without commissions it to be assurd. on our part of...
57Topics for Consultation with the Secretary of War, 16 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
May 16. Deptmt War. Pichon’s complt of not returng salute to flag at N.O. Presents to Indns. at St. Louis. tobo. Whiskey. Capt. Lewis says 2000 D war between Kickapoos & oth. Indns. E. of Misipi, & Osages Homestubbe’s talk. Poutewatamies have killed the Indian murderers Capt Stoddart . barracks wanted at St. Louis a stone fort intended as only a bastion. gorge wants closing best to erect...
58Notes on Curing Herring, 22 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Hollis —Hollis near Bushtown Maryland, comes every year to fish in the Patowmac opposite Alexandria. he says that it is best to leave the head on the fish, because when taken off the fish becomes much drier. he considers what is called gobbing them as much the best method, that is to take out the gills & entrails, & leave the row and head. he has sold this year @ 3⅓ D. the barrel he will...
59Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 26 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
1804. May. 26. Present the Secretaries and Atty Genl. What terms of peace with Tripoli shall be agreed to? if successful, insist on their deliverg. up men without ransom, and reestablishing old treaty without paying any thing. if unsuccessful, rather than have to continue the war, agree to give 500. D. a man, (having first deducted for the prisoners we have taken) and the sum in gross &...
60Memorandum on Appointments, 29 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Tomson J. Skinner of Massachusets to be Commissioner of loans for Massachus ets William Few of New York to be Commissioner of loans for New York Daniel Humphreys of New Hampshire to be Atty for the US. in the district of New Ha mpshire Thomas Rutter of Maryland to be Marshal for the district of Maryland. Joshua Prentiss of Massachusets to be Surveyor of the of Marblehead and Inspector of the...