1Inventory of President’s House, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Store Room in the Garret 7. Pair of best brass andirons. 32. Brass. Carpet rods. 1. Pair Iron Dogs. Store Room no. 2. 1. Plateau in five parts with a set of ornaments 5. Brass lamps— 2 vase lamps. 1. Cabbin lamp 3. Glass sconces out of order 1. Mahogany Table & large clothes basket 12 pillars & 2 childrens Mattresses. 2. Bolsters 2. large fire tenders. 2. pair large Brass Andirons 1. large...
2Attestation to Agreement between the Miamis and Other Tribes, 21 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it appears by the declareation of Captain Hendrick a Chief and Agent for the Dellaware Indians and is confirmed by the acnowledgement made to me personally by the Little Turtle a Chief of the Miamies, that the said Miamies have granted to the Dellawares, Mohiccaners and Muncies and their descendants forever a certain portion of their Lands on the White River for the sole use and...
3II. Henry Dearborn’s Second Draft, with Jefferson’s Revisions, [20 April 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
having examined the proceedings of a Genl. Court Martial, of which Majr. Thos. Hunt was President, holden at Detroit on the eighteenth day of July last, for the trial of John Spence a private soldier in Captain John Whistlers Company, of the first Regiment of Infantry in the service of the United States, charged with seditious conduct at Fort Wayne on the third day of May 1801, by assailing...
4From 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 &...
5Albert Gallatin: Notes re Orleans Defense Bill, 31 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
And be it further enacted That there shall be granted a bounty of one quarter section containing 160 acres of land, to be located on any of the public lands of the United States not otherwise reserved, in that part of the western district of the territory of Orleans which lies south of the red river & east of a meridian passing through Natchitoches, to each of the said volunteers being a free,...
6Memorandum to Albert Gallatin, with Gallatin’s Reply, [on or before 26 December 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State has sent me the list of officers named during the recess of Senate, and now to be nominated to them, among these are Josiah Hook Inspector for Penobscot as well as Collector Jonas Clark Inspector for Kennebunk M. E. Chisman Inspector for Hampton as well as Collector. Thos. Worthington Inspector of N.W. district John Oakley. Inspector as well as Collector of George town...
7Report by Albert Gallatin, with Jefferson’s Opinion, 9 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to enclose the answer of William Watson Collector of Plymouth to the charges against him transmitted in Mr King’s letter of the 1st. of December last. From the several documents it appears that Anton Powell then resident of Havana having purchased in 1799. 1800. from James Byays of Baltimore a new built Maryland vessel registered in the name of said...
8From 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...
9From James Madison to James Wilkinson, 8 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Represent to Genl. Wilkerson That the great probability of an amicable & early settlement of our differences with Spain at Paris had rendered the Executive extremely desirous of avoiding actual hostilities, because it would be a mere destruction of human life without affecting in the smallest degree the settlement, or it’s conditions, that therefore they had determined to assume the Sabine as...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Miller, 27 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Doctr. Miller, & his thanks for the pamphlet on Yellow fever he was so kind as to send him. he has read it with great satisfaction and as much conviction as he dares permit himself to feel on a subject so little familiar to him. he has directed copies of it to be procured and sent to all our diplomatic and other foreign agents, in order to correct the...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Orleans Territory Legislature, 28 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
To the Speaker & House of Representatives of the territory of Orleans The expressions by which the Representatives of the territory of Orleans, in their address of the 14th. of Nov. are pleased to convey their sense of my public conduct, are gratefully recieved by me, & placed among those testimonies which will constitute the happiness of my future life. the first reward we can recieve for...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Timothy Matlack, 14 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
You have very much gratified me by the collection of choice fruit trees you have been so good as to forward on. it is gone on to Monticello to which place I shall follow it in a few days. thither also I am withdrawing all my views as a place of rest from the labors & contentions of public life which I must turn over to younger hands. sincerely do I pray for a coalition between the two...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The accounts of the reciepts and expenditures during the year ending on the 30th. day of Sep. last, being not yet made up, a correct statement will here after be transmitted from the treasury. in the mean time it is ascertained that the reciepts have amounted to 17,950,000 near 18. millions of Dollars, which with the eight millions & an half in the treasury at the beginning of the year, have...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 17 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson incloses to Genl. Dearborne the draught of his message to Congress, of which he asks his careful examination & to be favored with the alterations which may occur to him on a separate paper. H. Dearborn has looked over & considered the enclosed, without observing any thing that he can consider as a difect, or requiring alteration. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
15From Thomas Jefferson to John Mercer, 10 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing that your former studies & views were directed to the profession of the law, but uninformed whether it is your intention to enter again into that line, I have thought it my duty to avail the public of your services in it, should it meet your own intentions. one of the places of a judge of the Superior court of Orleans will be vacant by the resignation of Mr. Prevost who continues only...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Claude Alexandre Ruelle, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favors of May 29. & July 11. & with this last a copy of your constitution with the new augmentations. Our usages not permitting me to present it formally to the Legislature of the Nation, I have deposited it in their library where all it’s Members will have an opportunity of profiting of it’s truths, and it will be, as you desire, in a depot beyond the reach of...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Joel Barlow, 24 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the draught of the Bill for the establishment of a National academy & University at the city of Washington, with such alterations as we talked over the last night. they are chiefly verbal. I have often wished we could have a Philosophical society or Academy so organised as that while the central academy should be at the seat of government, it’s members dispersed over the...
18From Thomas Jefferson to William Pinkney, 13 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer of this is the son of mr Wilson C. Nicholas of Virginia, formerly a Senator in Congress from that state & now of the H. of Representatives in Congress. these circumstances, as well as his high standing in society must have made him known to you, by reputation at least, so far as to have rendered my recommendations unnecessary to secure to him any attentions or civilities which you...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 26 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Glendye a presbyterian clergyman from Ireland, who settled two or three years ago at Staunton about 40. miles from this place, understanding that there is or will be a vacancy at Baltimore, proposes to go there to offer himself. my personal acquaintance with him is small, but I have had abundant attestations of his character from others. he is a man of excellent character, goodhumoured,...
20X. Draft of the Financial Section and Conclusion, 8 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The state of our finances continues to fulfill our expectations. eleven millions & an half of Dollars recieved in the course of the year ending on the 30th. of Sep. last, have enabled us, after meeting all the ordinary expences of the year to pay 3,600,000. Dollars of the principal of the public debt. this paiment, with those of the two preceding years, has extinguished upwards of twelve...
21To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I send you a letter of Short’s for perusal, & one of Edgar Patterson asking what is already I presume provided for. One of General Armstrong which I do not well understand because I do not recollect the particular letter which came by Haley. I presume the counsel he refers to is to take possession of the Floridas. This letter of June 15. is written after the cession by Carlos to Bonaparte of...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 21 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of messrs. Gibson & Jefferson to send him by the first boat 1. doz. teacups & 1. doz. saucers of china of midling quality, also 1. doz half pint tumblers and 1. doz. of a still smaller size, say a jill. the barrel form is preferred if to be had. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
23From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 11 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Madison was to set out on Monday last, & is expected here to-day. we have some matters of considerable interest for consultation on which we shall be glad to have your aid. The death of mr Purviance has vacated an office of value. my knolege of the personal worth of mr Nicholson & of his standing with the nation at large, could leave no doubt in my mind as to the propriety of offering it...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 26 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 21st. is duly recieved, inclosing a commission of Lieutt. for John Williams. but the letters of recommendation to which you refer as inclosed, were in fact not inclosed. there was only a letter from Colo. Wharton speaking of recommendations from Colo. Brent. to save time I have signed & now inclose the commission; trusting that you are either satisfied or will be satisfied...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Gibson & Jefferson, 1 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of May 26. & 28. are both recieved, and their contents duly noted. I this day draw on you in favor of Richard Richardson for 133.33 D to cover which mr Barnes makes you now a remittance of 200. Dol. and on this day week we shall remit you about 900. D. more to cover the purchase of the hams, J. W. Eppes’s draught on you in favor of Bell for 300. D. payable June 16. and some other...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Philippe Reibelt, 19 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Reibelt. he understands from mr Reibelt’s letter of the 16th. inst. that he still has two copies of the Sentimental journey sur petit papier Velin. it is the Petit format size which Th: Jefferson regards rather than the quality of the paper, because he happens to have all the works of Sterne in petit format, except his sentimal journey. if therefore...
27From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 3d. came to hand yesterday morning. I shall be happy to hear of the arrival of the groceries &c. in Richmond, as we are much in want of them: so also of the glass when shipped from Philadelphia—a mr Andrews , who lives near the former post office in Washington & works on ornaments for architecture, was to make for me some Doric ornaments, which should be ready before this time. he...
28From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before you a report of the Secretary of state on the case of the Danish brigantine Henrich, taken by a French privateer in 1799. retaken by an armed vessel of the US. carried into a British island, and there adjudged to be neutral, but under allowance of such salvage and costs as absorbed nearly the whole amount of sales of the vessel & cargo. indemnification for these losses occasioned...
29From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed case of Thos. Norris I first observed in the Aurora, and consider it a duty to have it enquired into,& on obtaining credible testimony, to make it the subject of representations to the British government. as I imagine he must have applied to you with his papers, could you find means to invite him to send me his own affidavit in due form, with as many others as he can procure to...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Barry, 18 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here a week ago and shall continue till the middle of May. I shall then return to Washington for two months only, and return here to stay till the last of September. as the most important work you have to do here is to finish the floor of the hall & to paint the floor of the Dome room exactly in the same way, which would not have time to harden during my next short absence, I think...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph T. Scott, 11 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor dated June 13. came to me at this place only one week ago. it is probable that mr Cummings has deposited for me at Washington the copy of your geographical dictionary which you have been so kind as to send me, for which I pray you to accept my thanks. I anticipate with pleasure the satisfaction I shall recieve from it, and am happy that we are to see at length contradicted the...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 22 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You are not unapprised that in order to check the evasions of the embargo laws effected under colour of the coasting trade, we found it necessary to prevent the transportation of flour coastwise, except to the states not making enough for their own consumption, and that to place the supplies of those states under some check, a discretionary power was given to the governors to give licenses to...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The question arising on Mr Simons’ letter of Jan. 10. is Whether sea-letters shall be given to the vessels of citizens neither born nor residing in the US? Sea-letters are the creatures of treaties. no act of the ordinary legislature requires them. the only treaties now existing with us, & calling for them are those with Holland, Spain, Prussia & France. in the two former we have stipulated...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 12 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
My journey to this place was not as free from accident as usual. I was near losing Castor in the Rapidan, by his lying down in the river, where waste deep, & being so embarrassed by the shafts of the carriage & harness that he was nearly drowned before the servants, jumping into the water, could lift his head out & cut him loose from the carriage. this was followed by the loss of my travelling...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Giuseppe Franzoni, 5 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson informs mr Franzoni that he had enquiry made into the subject of his two statues, and he now incloses him the information from the Collector of Baltimore. by this he will percieve that to obtain a more proper appraisement mr Franzoni must appoint one appraiser & the Collector another, who will estimate them on such evidence as mr Franzoni can give of their value. but he will see...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 23 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your letter of the 19th. by which I learn you have done 250. f. of the garden. were we to go on, reducing the whole to the same level we have begun with, the labor would be immense. I therefore conclude to do it in 4. levels of 250. f each, and taking such a level for each as that the earth to be dug away shall just fill up the part which is too low. in this way each...
37From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his affectionate salutations to mr Madison & sends him the inclosed which will explain itself. he hopes to see him & family at Monticello when most convenient to themselves; and observes for his information that the road through Shadwell is put into fine order, the right hand at issuing from the ford on this side to be greatly preferred to the left. the road by Milton is...
38From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heretofore communicated to Congress the decrees of the government of France of November 21. 1806. and of Spain of Feb. 19. 1807. with the orders of the British government of January & November 1807. I now transmit a decree of the emperor of France of Dec. 17. 1807. and a Similar decree of the 3d. of January last of his Catholic majesty: with the letter of our Charge des affaires at...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 10 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 6th. and the books forwarded by mr Duane. La Grange’s translations are new to me, and I am so much pleased with that of his Seneca, that I will thank you to forward me also his Lucretius with the Latin text. has the Seneca of La Grange been ever printed with the Latin text? if it has I should be glad if you would order it from France. if not, order me...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctr. Bache’s Address is ‘William Bache at Franklin near Charlottesville’ the letter should be put into the Post office before 5. P.M. to-day William White to be Surveyor for the district of East river. approved. Griffin Greene to be collector of the port of Marietta. approved. James Clarke to be Surveyor of customs at Tombstone, district of Edenton N.C. recommended by mr Stone. Selden Jasper...
41From Thomas Jefferson to James Walker, 1 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In an account presented to me by mr Shoemaker are the charges below stated, as to the reasonableness of which I am an entire stranger, and therefore ask the favor of you to inform me what would be the proper charges. I ask this of you the rather because you know exactly the nature of the articles, and because I shall have entire confidence in what you shall think right. Be so good as to lodge...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Elisha Watkins, 22 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
When you were here to offer me your service for the next year, we separated on the subject of price. I offered you 120. Dollars, & you asked an hundred & fifty for the year’s service. I have concluded to give you your asking of an hundred & fifty dollars, with the allowance of 600. lb of pork, & corn as usual. the emploiment the first year will be as a carpenter with 2 or 3 men under you, for...
43From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The road through Ravensworth is rendered absolutely impassable for a four wheeled carriage by a single change made lately by one of the mr Fitzhughs in his plantation. you must not therefore attempt it, but go on to Fairfax C.H. & there turn off to Songster’s. Bull run is now passed at an excellent ford, and the hills by a great deal of work have been made quite good. the road between Elkrun...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Moses Young, 4 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Young and returns him the Vigogna shawl & Map of S. America with his thanks for the opportunity of inspecting them. he had never before seen the cloth of the Vigogna wool or fur in the piece. nothing certainly can be more beautiful. he had, while in Europe seen two or three instances of coats of that manufacture; but he understood it was a royal one...
45From Thomas Jefferson to John F. Oliveira Fernandes, 7 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 30. was recieved on the 12th. of Jan. and I now inclose you a draught of the bank of the US. of this place on that at Norfolk for D 69.50 c the amount of the cask of Lisbon Malmesey forwarded for me by you to Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond. Accept my salutations & assurances of respect DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
46From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mendenhall, 25 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 12th. I can say with truth that I do not remember ever to have recieved such a paper as is the subject of your letter. I might ascertain this by a recurrence to my files; but it is unnecessary for another reason. it is so important to the public service that I should be the center of information as to whatever concerns them, that in order to induce it to...
47From Thomas Jefferson to John Perry, 12 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Tomorrow I shall remit for you to mr Bacon 100. D. in recovering the passage of the S.E. offices, (which I believe is now covered with shingles on laths) the shingles are to be taken carefully off, leaving the laths, then nail on them a coat of perpendicular sheeting, and shingle on that. I wish this to be done immediately. I present you my salutations. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
48From Thomas Jefferson to Mitchell & Buel, 22 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I become with pleasure a subscriber to your paper, the Political barometer . you will oblige me by information of the most convenient place where I can pay the subscription. this would be the most so; but I could have it done in Philadelphia. accept my wishes for it’s success and my respects. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Messrs. Mitchell & Buel”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. TJ received...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 5 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a charge by mr Hanson against Capt Smith & Lieutenants Davis & Dobbins of the militia, as having become members of an organized company, calling themselves the Tar-company, avowing their object to be the tarring & feathering citizens of some description. altho in ordinary cases the animadversions of the law may be properly relied on to prevent what is unlawful, yet with those...
50From Thomas Jefferson to William Pelham, 12 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Pelham and his thanks for the system of the notation of sounds which he has been so kind as to send him, and which he will certainly peruse with pleasure at the first leisure moment. strongly sensible of the importance of a reformation in the notation of the sounds of the English language, he yet despairs of it but in a small and slow way. Voltaire...