31Answer of President and Directors of Rivanna Company to Thomas Jefferson’s Bill of Complaint, 7 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The Answer of the President & Directors of the Rivanna Company to the Bill of Complaint exhibited in this honble Court against them by Thomas Jefferson These Respondents saving to themselves now & hereafter all manner of exceptions to the various matters & things set forth in the Plaintiff’s Bill of Complaint for Answer thereto, or to so much thereof as they are advised is necessary for them...
32Jane Battles to Ann Carrington Cabell, with Postscript to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I embrace this opportunity to Inform you that I am well and am In hopes that these few lines will find you and famely enjoying the Same Blessing please to recollect that you promised to assist me In geting my pay from the United States I have Been In their Service Considerable time Since I Saw you I went through Kentuckey by the way of the falls of the Ohio river from thence on to wabash river...
33To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, with Enclosures, 27 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I received on the 15th. May the Letter you did me the honor to address me the third of that month and should sooner have replied to it, had I not expected to avail myself of a private conveyance from hence, by which I might write with greater security, than I can do by the Post. It is with the greatest satisfaction that I find you are disposed to cultivate an intercourse, which for the reasons...
34James Dinsmore’s Report on Tin to Central College Board of Visitors, 10 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Haveing been requested by the visitors of the Central College to Examine and report on the Eligibility of Tin as a Covering for Houses as Introduced in Staunton —I beg leave to inform them that I have repaired to that place. was Introduced to the owners of the two Principal Houses Coverd with Tin— m r Smith , and m r Cowan and also to m r Brook the workman who put it on—they all acted with...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, with Enclosure, 9 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to trouble your Excellency on a subject which is of material consequence to me. Colonel Blackden, no doubt, informed you of my being the proprietor of Lands in the western country of Virginia; of which he had some for sale while he was in France, tho they turned out short of my expectations. I have therefore applied my thoughts to another system, which there is a greater certainty...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing an Extract of a Letter from William Claiborne, 3 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 3 May 1781 . Encloses an extract of a letter from William Claiborne, “one of the Gentlemen employed to purchase horses for the use of the Continent, by order of the Marquis”; and inquiring how and when the money will be advanced. Extract of a letter from Mr. William Claiborne dated 3d. May 1781 “In the Marquis’s letter to you I observe he says that the Governor has given his promise...
37Michele Raggi and Giacomo Raggi to Thomas Jefferson and John H. Cocke, [received 1 September 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
Li loro Servi Michele e Giacomo Raggi esebisconsi per fare un Acomodo di fargli tre proggetti, che loro Sig ri potranno apprendersi a quello che gli senbrerà piu Aproposito ⅌ il loro Avantaggio. P mo Che il Súnomato Michele prontamente si porterà nel piu Vicino Porto D’ Europa a prendere sua moglie a proprie Spese e Carico de Viaggi, sempre che gli rinovino il Contrato
38Arthur S. Brockenbrough to Thomas Jefferson, with Jefferson’s Note to John H. Cocke, 12 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Nelson has come over to do the work of Pavilion N o 5 – Before I knew of it was your and General Cocke s intention that M r Nelson should
39Enclosure: Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Cost Estimates for University of Virginia Building Construction, 1 October 1819 … (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to the order of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia , requiring of the Proctor “an estimate of the whole cost of completing ten pavilions, with their appendages, the number deemed necessary for the proper accommodation of the whole number of Professors contemplated by the Legislature , five hotels, and dormitories in number depending on the number of Students who...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Willink & Van Staphorst, with Enclosures, 31 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
We are honored with Your Excellency’s respected favor of 13. Inst. urging us again to pay the ƒ51,000 Guilders reimbursable by the United States the First Instant at the House of Henry Fizeaux & Co. which we should have effected, had you and Mr. Adams wrote us clearly and decidedly to do it; instead of which you both desired us to discharge only the Interest and wait the Orders of the Board of...
41Philippe Jacques Dahler to Jefferson and Congress, 6 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
C’est pour procurer à ma famille des renseignemens sur l’existence oû la mort de nôtre Oncle et depuis longtems vôtre compatriote Jean Daniel Hammerer que j’ose Messieurs m’adresser jusqu’à Vous respectables Président & Membres du Congrès. Depuis 1774 époque de la derniere de ses nouvelles, nous lui avons écrit à reïtérées fois, sans avoir pu recevoir reponse, ni de lui ni des Siens. Comme des...
42To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From Mr. Browne’s account it is impossible, I should think, that Col. Innes should be in want of provision. If he has crossed at Ruffin’s, as Mr. Browne says he has, it would be proper to send to New Castle what stores you may under the present circumstances think necessary to order to him. At present we are in great distress for want of waggons. Every one of the public offices almost, as the...
43To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 30–31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The General expressed to me yesterday in such strong terms the great importance of the post at Chesterfield, and urged so strenuously his idea of the necessity of my continuing my superintendance at that place till the march of the new raised troops shall be over, that it was in vain I represented my opinion of the impracticability of discharging my duty towards it, or the fatigue and trouble...
44From Daniel L. Hylton, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place ] 30 Mch. 1781 . Mr. Eppes desires him to inform TJ that “a Gun Smith up the Country will undertake the Cleaning and repairing Arms. He will also get 3 or 4 Men to Assist him provided they are exempt from Military duty.” The arms must be sent up to him. TJ’s instructions follow: “Referred to Colo. Davies; Colo. Muter had the name of this man in a note from me. He lives in...
45To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I need not represent to your Excellency the insecurity of this place. We never can proceed with any degree of certainty in any of our public works while the enemy command the rivers. The state of our arms requires security to the workmen from alarms, and I am confident we shall never be able to get them repaired, unless some buildings are prepared for them in a safe place above the falls. I...
46To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I lay before our Excellency the estimates you were pleased to mention some time ago. Mr. Ross’s indisposition prevented its being presented sooner. Some Gentlemen think them rather too small. Mr. Clark’s proposals respecting the brick work at the point of fork, I have also enclosed, and beg the direction of the Executive. Col. White applies for cloathing. I presume from the inclosed...
47From John Christian Senf, with a Note from Jefferson to William Davies, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Order, Your Excellency pleases to send to the County Lieutnant of Prince George County , may’d be mentioned to send the Hands as soon as possible, and if they send them by Six and ten [the 16th], I shall be at Hoods and receive them myself, write down the Date they arrive, and whenever the time, agread on, is ended, discharge them again. By those Means, the Worck will be advanc’d,...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The equipment of the cavalry is a matter of real consequence to our military operations. The enclosed account appears to have arisen from an application to Mr. Simpson by the officers of the cavalry for a number of articles the troops were in want of. He has applied to Col. Finnie for payment, who tells him he can only give him a certificate for what is due him. Mr. Simpson is very willing to...
49From John Christian Senf, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By our present Situation Your Excellency will find it highly Necessary, that all kind of Intrenching Tools, as well for the defensive as offensive Operations, should be got immediatly ready. I take therefore the Liberty to propose what Kind and Quantity of Tools [there] may be Occasion for, 800 Spades 400 Common Axes 200 Broad and Grubbing Hoes 100 Pick Axes 300 Fashine Knifes and smal...
50To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
One of the Assistants of the Quartermaster general is going over to the Eastern Shore. It appears to me an opportunity, which ought not to be neglected, of disposing and securing the public stores of every kind that are there. A great deal has been lost, a great deal more is in danger, and I submit it to the decision of your Excellency whether it will not be proper to sell what cannot be...
51To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed certificate is produced with a view of obtaining the same quantity of powder that was lent. It is now wanting for a privateer just going to sea. I beg your Excellency’s directions whether the money or the powder shall be paid. I have the honor to be, sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt servt., In Council Apr. 11. 1781. Mr. Elliott having received this powder, not under the orders of...
52To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired by the Baron before his leaving town to lay before your Excellency, an extract of a letter from General Greene, which unintentionally he omitted to present to you yesterday, altho’ I think he said he had conversed with you on this subject. His great anxiety for an immediate supply of ammunition to be forwarded on to General Greene has induced him to press this matter with so much...
53To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 10–11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Richmond ], 10 Apr. 1781 . Many men already discharged from the army have arrears in pay due them. “It is hard upon these men to lose their pay, and it is exceedingly troublesome to this office, to the Auditors and to your Excellency, for the adjustment of each man’s claim to be thrown individually upon us. I would therefore submit it to your Excellency, whether it will not be...
54To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 31 March–2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Young, the Quartermaster general of the state, who has just arrived, informs me that he saw at Edentown about 30 exceeding fine cannon of 18s and 24s. He asked the Naval officer, whose they were, who informed him they were the property of the State of Virginia, thrown out of a French vessel, who carried the remainder of them to South quay. As I have no return of any thing of the kind,...
55[From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, with Reply, 26 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 26 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter from the Governor respecting the discharge of soldiers for six months, who have no Certificate, nor Witnesses to prove the expiration of their terms of service; and requesting some general plan to be proposed for the regulation of such cases. Answer returned. That in such cases, their oath should be...
56To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 29 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I find the number of waggons in the QMG’s department so utterly inadequate to the wants of the State, that the most common purposes of that department cannot be executed, nor any assistance afforded to the others. At present, indeed, Mr. Brown the commissary general has the greater part of them employed by him. Nothing can be done, therefore, in the collection of military stores without an...
57Additional Instructions by Congress to Franklin, Deane, and Jefferson, 16 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Additional instructions to B F, S D, and T J, commissioners from the united states of America to the king of France. Whilst you are negotiating the affairs you are charged with at the court of France you will have opportunities of conversing frequen[t]ly with the ministers and agents of other european princes and states residing there. You shall endeavour, when you find occasion fit and...
58From William Marshall to Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The president of the United States of America. To Thomas Jefferson, Robert Smith, Henry Dearborne or either of them who may have the papers—hereinafter mentioned or any of them within his or their keeping or power. You are hereby commanded to appear before the Judges of the circuit court of the United States, for the fifth circuit, in the Virginia District in the city of Richmond, at the Court...
59From William Henry Harrison to Henry Dearborn, 27 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Delaware Tribe have determined to remove the ensuing Spring from their present habitations to Settle on the West Side of the Mississippi—Their particular destination is White River to which they Say they have been invited by the Indians of that Country. I can See no injury that will result to the United States from this removal, on the Contrary it will leave vacant a fine tract of Country...
60II. Additional Queries, with Jefferson’s Answers, [ca. January–February 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Additional questions of M. de Meusnier, and answers 1. What has led Congress to determine that the concurrence of seven votes is requisite in questions which by the Confederation are submitted to the decision of a Majority of the U.S. in Congress Assembled? The IXth. article of Confederation, §. 6. evidently establishes three orders of questions in Congress. 1. The greater ones, which relate...
Our Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties We are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. Feb. 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary’s Letter.— I know nothing of Capt Lambs...
62John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Let me request of you, to turn your Attention as soon as possible to the Subject of a Treaty of Commerce between the United States of America and Great Britain, and transmit to me, a Project that you would advise me to propose in the first Instance. For my own Part I like the Plan agreed on with Prussia so well, that I must request you to send me a Copy of it, and with such Changes as you may...
63John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 29 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Our Secretary of State for foreign affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties we are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. Inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. February 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary’s Letter. I know nothing of Capt....
64John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I went early this morning to Versailles and finding the Ct. de Vergennes unembarassed with company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the honour of a conference, in which I told him that my colleagues were very sorry that indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in person, and obliged them to request me alone to...
I have now the honour to inform you that having shewn my Commission to the Right Honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen, and left an Authenticated Copy together with a Copy of my Letter of Credence to the King according to the usage. I had the Honour on the first of this month to be introduced by his Lordship to His Majesty, in his Closet with all the Ceremonies, and formalities, practised on...
66John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Westminster, London, 20 June 1785 . Acknowledges their letter of 15 June; agrees “entirely … in sentiment respecting Gratification to be given to Mr. John Baptist Pecquet and the Letter to be written to him.” RC ( DNA : PCC , No. 84, v); 1 p.; at foot of letter: “Their Excellencies Messrs. Franklin & Jefferson.” FC ( MHi : AMT ); in Adams’ hand.
67John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
According to your desire, I went early this Morning to Versailles, and finding the Count de Vergennes unembarassed with Company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the Honour of a Conference, in which I told him that my Colleagues were very sorry, that Indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in Person, & obliged them to request me alone...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, with Gallatin’s Reply, [23 February 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
the inclosed case is entirely unintelligible to me. can you make any thing of it? [ Reply by Gallatin :] Nicholas Reib is an old German who has tormented Congress & more particularly the Pennsylvania delegation for several years with his claim. It has been repeatedly rejected. If an answer is thought necessary, it will be sufficient to tell him that the Executive has no power in that case &...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, with Gallatin’s Reply, [on or before 24 February 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Are the within terms admissible? [ Reply by Gallatin :] The 1st, 2d & 4th are either in pursuance of, or, not inconsistent with the law, excepting only the words “all other documents belonging to the land department;” the Surveyor general superintends the surveying department, & has nothing to do with the sales of the lands, these being under the superintendence of the several registers, who...
70Enclosure: Account of Flour Shipped by Thomas M. Randolph & Company, [ca. 12 March 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
flour sent by Col o T. M. Randolph & T. E. Randolph to mr Gibson on account of Th:J. Barrels 1814. Oct. 30. 24. by T. E. Randolph ’s boat. 1815. Jan.
71George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
72George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
73George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, March 21st [–22] 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To The Secretary of State—The Secretary of the Treasury—The Secretary of War and The Attorney General of the United States. Gentlemen, The Treaty which is agreed to be held on or about the first of June next at the Lower Sandusky of Lake Erie, being of great moment to the interests and peace of this Country; and likely to be attended with difficulties arising from circumstances (not unknown to...
74George Washington to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, [12 June 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
As you are about to meet on other business, it is my desire that you would take the enclosed application into consideration. It is not my wish, on one hand, to throw unnecessary obstacles in the way of gratifying the wishes of the applicants. On the other it is incumbent on me to proceed with regularity. Would not the granting of a Patent then, which I believe is always the concluding act, and...
75Alexander Hamilton’s Notes on Jefferson’s Letter to George Hammond, with Jefferson’s Response, [20–27 May 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his respectful Compliments to The Secretary of State. He has perused with as much care and attention as time has permitted the draft of a letter in answer to that of Mr. Hammond of March 5th. Much strong ground has been taken, and strongly maintained, particularly in relation to— And many of the suggestions of the British Minister concerning particular acts and...
76George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 12 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
As you are about to meet on other business, it is my desire, that you would take the enclosed application into consideration. It is not my wish, on one hand, to throw unnecessary obstacles in the way of gratifying the wishes of the applicants. On the other, it is incumbent on me to proceed with regularity. Would not the granting a Patent then, which I believe is always the concluding Act and...
77From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 9 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
78Alexander J. Dallas to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 27, 1791. “In Obedience to the directions of the Governor, I have the honor to present to you, a Copy of the Laws of this Commonwealth, passed at the last Sessions of the General Assembly.” LC , Division of Public Records, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg.
79I. The President to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, 4 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances, and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
80George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Fresh occurrences, but communicated thro’ private channels, make it indispensable that the general principles which have already been the subject of discussion should be fixed, & made known for the government of all concerned, as soon as it can be done with propriety. To fix rules on substantial ground, conformably to treaties & the Laws of nations, is extremely desireable. The verdict of the...