1To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Huntington, 15 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
...to adopt for prosecuting the War. Measures so deeply interesting not only demand the unremitted Attention and vigorous Support of the Legislatures: but Congress ought to be informed of their Progress with the utmost Precision. Both are necessary to public Credit, to the Success of our military Operations, to the very Existence of our Armies. By our Act of the 21st of October the State Agents...
2From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
...Following the return of this letter to JM, he docketed it “Madison Jas.” above the date. Many years after the letter was written, he or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the beginning of the second paragraph and another bracket at the close of the third paragraph to designate them for inclusion in the first comprehensive edition of his writings. See ...the conditions on which Congs...
3From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
I expected to have had the pleasure by this time of being with you in Virginia. My disappointment has proceeded from several dilatory circumstances on which I had not calculated. One of them was the uncertain state into which the object I was then pursuing had been brought by one of those incidents to which such affairs are liable. ...renew my assurances that it will not finally stop on this...
4From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1783 (Madison Papers)
: Madison Papers). Cover missing. In the right margin of the second page, Jefferson wrote in ink, now much faded, what appears to have been “to dispute Buffon theory of temperature.” Upon recovering the letter many years later, JM docketed it by inserting “Decr. 10. 1783”......was so much retarded by rains and their effect on the water courses that I did not complete it till the ninth day after...
5From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1784 (Madison Papers)
...not have extended the implication beyond cases where some palpable & material default in the minister could be alledged by the Sovereign. Wa[i]ving some such plea the language both of the Commission and of reason seems to fix on the latter as clear an engagement to fulfil his ...the Sovereign, and a failure on his part without some absolving circumstance, equally a breach of faith. The...
6From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
. The act is formed precisely on the English pattern, and is nearly a transcript from the bill originally penned in 1776 by Mr. Pendleton except that writs sent blank from the Clk of Genl: Ct. are to issue in the district but retd.... ...give time for this provision as well as by way of collecting the mind of the public, the commencement of the law is made posterior to the next Session of...
7To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
. The act is formed precisely on the English pattern, and is nearly a transcript from the bill originally penned in 1776 by Mr. Pendleton except that writs sent blank from the clerk of general court are to issue in the district but returned to General... ...time for this provision as well as by way of collecting the mind of the public, the commencement of the law is made posterior to the next...
8II. Additional Queries, with Jefferson’s Answers, [ca. January–February 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
2. How far is it permitted to bring on the reconsideration of a question which Congress has once determined?...from the same original, the British parliament. One of those rules of proceeding was, that ‘a question once determined cannot be proposed a second time in the same session.’ Congress, during their first session, in the autumn of 1774, observed this rule strictly. But before their...
9From John Jay to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1786 (Jay Papers)
. on the same Subject from Persons in London who have opportunities of knowing the Truth, and whose Credit A Report has also circulated that the Insurgents have money, and pay not only for supplies & ammunition, but also for personal Services—This Fact is as yet supported by slender Proof, so much so that my Judgm
10To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 14 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The Information relative to Sr Guy Carlton’s Instructions is in direct Opposition to Intelligence I have received on the same Subject from Persons in London who have Opportunities of knowing the Truth, and whose Credit is unquestionable. It is possible however that they may have been either accidentally or designedly decieved. A Variety of Considerations and some Facts afford Room for...
11From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
...the federal level. The real source of injustice, as JM repeatedly emphasized, was to be found at the state level, and the only effective barrier to the policies of oppressive majorities there was a federal veto on state laws. A constitution that did not vest the central government with this prerogative could not effectively provide justice, which JM believed to be the true end of republican...
12To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
...sail. Being detained here by his business with Congress, and being unwilling to put the letter into the mail without my approbation, which could not be obtained in time, he detained the letter also. The second was sent from Philada. to Col. Carrington, with a view that it might go by the last packet at all events in case Commodore Jones should meet with further detention here. By ill luck he...
13To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 11 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
...ascertain the precise numbers of the Convention, but the main question was carried by a majority of sixty six members, not without warm debate. I have mutilated a couple of newspapers which contain nothing beside the intelligence stamp’d on the columns cut out. From the specimen of eloquence and argument impressed on one of them a fair estimate may be formed of the talents of the Minority....on
14To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 31 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
....—The European politics have taken so strange a turn and the Nations formerly allied have become so curiously severed, that there are fewer sure premises for calculation, than are usually afforded, even on that precarious and doubtful subject.—But it appears probable to me, that peace will either take place this year, or hostility be greatly extended in the course of the next.—The want of...
15To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 11 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
...papers searched and had replied that such a violence against the law of nations in the residence of a foreign power concerned the United States and not himself; that he had personally nothing to fear because he had never carried on an illegal correspondence; that he felt it necessary to report this to Jay and Congress because the expedient proposed in his dispatch No. 49 of a mission to...
16From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which was written on sunday last ...taken up your application. As soon as the auxiliary offices to the President shall be established & filled, which will probably not be long delayed, I hope the subject will be decided on, and in the manner you wish. It is already agreed in the form of resolutions that there shall be three departments one for finance, another for foreign affairs...
17To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which was written on Sunday last and included an introduction of young Mr. Colden who is to be the bearer of it from Scotland where he now resides, I have had the pleasure of yours of March 15. My former letters will... ...which will probably not be long delayed, I hope the subject will be decided on, and in the manner you wish. It is already agreed in the form of resolutions that...
18II. John Brown Cutting to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
to receive from the Marquis La Fayette some dispatches for America which were not quite ready on thursday last....fiscal embarrassments alone remain to be borne or overcome. My own opinion is that the sale or mortgage of the church property will be sufficient without other aid to prevent aught like a national bankruptcy—perhaps even to re-establish public credit. You are not to be informed of...
19To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 8 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
On the appearance of the Army before Quebec, I openly espoused the side of America, and the night that General, then Colonel Morgan crost the St. Laurence with his Riflemen being then at my Country Seat at Sillery,......Army under General Thomas, retreating from Quebec were without Money, Credit, or means of subsistence. Unfortunately I at that time had only five hundred Pounds Sterling in Cash...
20To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 21 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last the colonial committee have made their report on the disturbances of St. Domingo, and the conduct of the general assembly of that island.The report was an historical series of the events which have taken place in that colony from the convocation of the States-general in France, together with the proposition of a decree in consequence of them. I refer you for the...
21To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 7 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter accompanies my No. 46. and will be delivered to you with the several papers therein mentioned by M. Louis Osmont. He is a young man that Madame D’Houdetot insists on my recommending to what she calls your protection, viz. your counsel and advice. Notwithstanding I have on all occasions avoided sending you these kind of recommendations, yet I think you will easily see Sir that it...
22To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 23 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you on the 26th. ulto. by the way of the English packet, and the 2d. inst. by an American vessel which sailed from The journals of the national assembly which you will receive regularly by the way of Havre will inform you of the progress of their business. The rapid and successful sales of ecclesiastical property have given a considerable rise to public credit, accelerated the...
23To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 24 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
...will be received in good time as they alone can account for the delay of my other letters written both to yourself and the Secretary of the Treasury since my arrival here. These were put on board American vessels sailing from hence immediately for the United States. Constant contrary winds have prevailed since that time so as to prevent any vessel from leaving the Texel, and of course my...
24To Thomas Jefferson from William Playfair, 20 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope that you will pardon the liberty which I am about to take in writing to you on a subject with which you have not any immediate Since I had the honour of waiting on you in France the Sale of the Sioto lands and a considerable emigrating were Set on foot. To avoid long details it was my Plan and I furnished the money necessary to begin in the Month of November 1789. In less than 4 months...
25To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 8 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
...other opportunity of writing to you than by merchant vessels which have hitherto so illy served me as would prevent my making further use of them if I did not think it an indispensable duty on my part to give you the most regular information in my power.—This information would be more satisfactory perhaps if by communications from America I was better enabled to judge of the progression...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 16 August 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
...Argument nor Perswasion can then avail. It remains to be provd by the Fact whether they possess such Force. If they do, it must be in the Hands of Monsieur de la Fayette, and as all must depend on an ...You know the State of Morals here and can of Course (if it be necessary) form the Calculation for yourself. The Circumstance of foreign Force is however on the present occasion a... ...on...
27To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 23 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The last private letter which I have had the happiness of recieving from you was of the 3d. of Jany. with a postscript of the 15th. I answered it on the 5th. of April (having previously acknowleged its reciept ...minutely and went into such lengthy details and in so long, prolix and tedious a letter, that I have not had courage to take up my pen on the same subject since that time, although it...
28To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 7 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the pleasure of recieving by Mr. Blake your kind and friendly letter of July. 11th. I cannot too warmly express my grateful feelings on the subjects it treats of, and particularly for the new proofs it gives me of your friendship. The intelligence with respect to my funds in Mr. Browne’s hands was agreeable and satisfactory beyond measure and the more......instruction on such a...
29From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1795 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ nearly three months have passed since the signing of the Treaty by Jay, the official account of it has not been received, and the public have no other knowledge of its articles than are to be gleaned from the imperfect scraps of private letters. From these it is inferred that the bargain is much less in our favor than might be expected from the... ...even conjectured that on some...
30To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 February 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ nearly three months have passed since the signing of the Treaty by Jay, the official account of it has not been received, and the public have no other knowledge of its articles than are to be gleaned from the imperfect scraps of private letters. From these it is inferred that the bargain is much less in our favor than might be expected from the... ...even conjectured that on some...
31To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 11 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Cruel report by some ill disposed person...: (1) Commissioned officers of the Militia Legion of Philadelphia to TJ, 5 Mch. 1801, offering congratulations on the “revival of the republican conduct opinions and feelings which have procured to us the gratification and to our Country the benefit of your recent election” and recommending John Smith, a “uniform and active republican Character...
32Henry Dearborn’s Report on the War Department, [12 May 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The proposed Plan for a Fortification on Castle Island in the Harbor of , New Hampshire. Col. Nicholas Gilman has been requested to make report thereon which it is expected will soon be received.
33To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, [15 December 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
No Letters which required immediate answers having been received these three days, I have delayed acting on them until I had got rid of the report to Congress. This is the reason of your not receiving any these two days...., and noting the service it provided to the public, Duane thought it “not unreasonable to expect the preference of printing for Congress,” and many influential members of...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 24 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
on the subject...was well known in Richmond. The fact of the weekly returns being in my possession, & of the data stated in the paragraph are precisely his own statement as contained in his letter to me on the subject, which, as it remains unanswered, until the business shall have been closed, has never been in the possession of any clerk.—Yet I may be mistaken & it may have been written by a...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry, 9 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
& his sons have high claims on the gratitude of their country, have for this reason, for a number of years, been persecuted by faction, & are justly entitled to the rewards of their services & sufferings. the promotion therefore of Major Warren, abstractedly... ...& triumphant enemies, & pecuniary losses which will fall heavy on my numerous young family, rather than to have imparted to any...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 16 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a sketch of the conditions on which the salt springs on Wabash
37To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
of mine residing at Nachitoches on the Red River, informs me, that he has nearly completed an accurate Map of the Country between the Mississippi and the River Grand, including the Province of Sta. Fee. I will endeavour to procure a copy of...2d. What are the Boundaries of Louisiana, and on what Authority does each portion of them rest?
38To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Étienne Boré, 10 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
. il est tres facheux de commencer ainsy. ce n’est pas au Sein des plaisirs, dans des bals, au milieu d’un Cercle nombreux de femmes qui en faisaient le charme, et l’ornement, qu’on devait S’attendre a voir èclore cet esprit de trouble et de division. Les torts, il faut que vous Sachiez la verité, ont été favorisés ou même accrus par ceux à qui il appartenait de les réprimer. des......publics...on
39To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 20 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Treasury Department on 20 Feb. and “Banning Collector at Oxfd. Maryld. to be removd Willis to be appointed” and so recorded in ...1803, stating again their complaints against the collector Robert Banning, who refused to give a second bond unless the first was paid or to provide certificates to allow...
40To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
better recommendation.—On the Messrs. Morgan, Watkins, Kenner & Donelson of New Orleans are Men of sense and property;—The first & second are decidedly attached to Republican principles;—of the sentiments of the latter, I am not so well advised;—But they are moderate, prudent Men:—The three last are said to be in a small degree interested in...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Roche, 9 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
...given me a more liberal education than their circumstances could well afford, and who could give me little more, I emigrated from the Kingdom of Ireland, and after having visited France, & Portugal, proceeded to Philadelphia, where on application to the orphans court I was bound an apprentice to a reputable Merchant; with whom I continued to serve until I was twenty one years old....Credit...on
42To Thomas Jefferson from William A. Burwell, 18 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
An unwillingness to trespass on your time has hitherto prevented any communication from me, But as the period for closing the Session of Assembly approaches, I have determind to request that my attendance at Washington may be dispensed with until the Spring; It... ...public Sensation during the pendency of that very important, interesting, & novel Occurrence; more especially when my long absence...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 17 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In the selfdenial which I have practiced for some time in forbearing to intrude for one moment on your
attention, which must have been pressed with the weight of an unusual mass of important public concerns, especially in the last session of Congress, you will perceive only proofs of my attachment to your person, & respect for your character,... ...draughts on...
44To Thomas Jefferson from William Lattimore, 9 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The public situation which I have lately occupied, devolves on me the duty of soliciting your attention to an
act of Congress, passed at their last session, entitled “An act to prevent settlements being made on lands ceded to the United States, until authorised by law,” which involves, by the discretion it invests, the interests of a very large......, on the 27th...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 23 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Report of the Surveyor of the Publick buildings of the United States, at Washington March 23d. 1808My Report on the progress and state of the publick buildings of the United States in the City of Washington during the year 1807 has been delayed untill all the work performed at the Capitol and the Presidents house could be measured and...
46To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of my late visit to Opelousas, your Letters of the 9th. and 17th. July, did not reach me, until my return to this City which was on the evening of the 25th. Ultimo;—This circumstance, will I hope, plead my apology, for the delay, of my answer.—...the President and Directors of the Navigation Company, and I find a sincere disposition on their part to meet the wishes of... ...on...
47Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 28 July 1810] (Jefferson Papers)
couté, n’eussent pu être repoussées que par des dépenses qui auraient nécessité des Emprunts; et vous dites: “Si la diminution des Revenus publics exige que les Etats-unis ...quelques années pour satisfaire à leurs engagemens et maintenir leur Gouvernement, lequel n’est nullement prodigue, ils emprunteront plus aisément et à meilleur marché Sur le crédit de la Paix que sur celui de la Guerre...on
48Benjamin Galloway to Thomas Jefferson, 12 September 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
The recent appearance, in a public paper, of a letter reported to have been written and transmitted by you to the ...Cast. It has compleatly thrown them on their Beam Ends: nor will their shattered Barques from present appearances, be speedily refitted for active service—The shot was a most unexpected one: judiciously aimed, and struck first between wind and water—The character of... ...credit...
49William H. Crawford to Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
to Second the efforts of her ministers, with a powerful army. ...it ever happens. The representations given in the Gazettes, of the extreme Popularity of the King, and of the happiness of the People, are entitled to the same Credit that Representations of the Same character were entitled to, twelve months ago, and no more. Indeed I believe the latter were less false than the former. The...
50James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 21 December 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
On enquiry I found that , it was decided on the distributive principle to confer the other office on some person in another county. The on the 1 & I return’d on the 27 surrender a second time, & The pressure on approaching attack on