1To John Adams from Anonymous, 21 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
a Bostonian who reveres the “Sage of Quincy” takes the liberty of transmitting him this newspaper from Ohio—as possibly it may not reach his retreat He cannot avoid expressing his gratification, that after all the shallow abuse which has been recently poured forth upon the present administration, there is a good feeling in the Western country, correspondent to that which is felt by the high...
2Abigail Smith Adams, Obituary Notice, 28 October 1818 (Adams Papers)
This lady was not more elevated by rank, than eminent by her virtues. Of her sex, she was an ornament, not less pure, than it was brilliant. At once the charm and the pride of the domestic circle. Exemplary in the fulfilment of every social and religious obligation; and in the native ease and characteristic dignity, with which they were discharged. Presiding, in her family, as though its cares...
3From Anonymous to Abigail Brown Brooks Adams, 20 November 1825 (Adams Papers)
Sonnet. to Miss Brooks by a friend What shall I, maiden, to thee Say, Thou Art, so full of life; so gay; ’Twere Sui, to check thy mirth; By musty l aws, or sermons long; And yet, in spite of Mirth, or Song Thou must, with all the sprightly throng; Descend, to mother Earth. Yet, let not this, your spirits chill; All, must obey dame Nature’s Will; But whilst you still, have Youth; Make choice,...
4John Adams, A Dirge, 25 July 1826 (Adams Papers)
A DIRGE. Praise to the virtuous dead the Heathen owed, And funeral game, and urn, and chant bestow’d; Praise for the virtuous dead the Christian claims From higher motives, and with holier aims Oh, call’d too soon, how late so e’er thy knell, Our earliest, longest hope, "Hail and Farewell! ” That fiftieth Sun who brought his faithful ray To gild thine own, and Freedom’s fav’rite day, His...
5Funeral Solemnities, Order of Religious Service, 31 July 1826 (Adams Papers)
FUNERAL SOLEMNITIES ORDER OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES. 1st. ANTHEM.—“ Child of Mortality. ” 2d. Select Portions of Scripture. 3d. PRAYER. 4th. ORIGINAL HYMN...... Written to Pleyel’s Dirge . By Herman Mann . LO! Two mighty SUNS have set In conjunction, as they rose, On the Day, when
6Faneuil Hall commemoration services at death of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, 2 August 1826 (Adams Papers)
FUNERAL SYMPHONY. PRAYER. ANTHEM. How are the mighty fallen! They that were great among the Nations, and Rulers of the People.—The People will tell of their wisdom:—The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance, as the brightness of the firmament.—Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth evermore. Handel. DISCOURSE. DIRGE. Hark! attendant Seraphs say, Patriot Spirits,...
7Anonymous (Thomas Jefferson) to the Richmond Enquirer, [ca. 29] August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your desire on my departure for the springs I availed myself of a short stay in Charlottesville to enquire into the plan, the progress and prospects of the Central college , which has been sometimes spoken of in your paper. I will give you the result shortly, & so much only as I get from sources to be relied on. A law , it seems, had been past, authorising a board of...
8“Laban Stringfellow” to Thomas Jefferson, [by 19 April 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
This circular which I take the Liberty of addressing to you is the effusion of an old fellow who has like your Honour retired from the world to repose on the Bosom of Literature, and tho: my “ Circular ” will not give me place with Campbell and Tom Moore I dare swear your excellency will agree it is equal to the subject. Before I take my leave allow me in the fullness of my heart to seize upon...
9Enclosure: Poem by “Laban Stringfellow” on a Footrace between William Darby and Joseph Aborn, [by 19 April 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
F or your edification and amusement, I send the following poem , in which my feeble muse endeavors to describe a Match Race , run about the year 1809, at Oppelousas, in Louisiana , between W illiam D arby , Esq. geographer and map maker, and Mr. J oseph A born , deputy collector of the district of the Teche
10Anonymous Republicans in Charleston, South Carolina, to Thomas Jefferson, 16 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing it will give you great pleasure to hear that your old and valued friend M r Charles Pinckney has after much intreating, complied very reluctantly with the wishes of his Republican friends— to become a Candidate in order to keep a very able and popular Federalist General Huger from Representing Charleston in Congress, we have the pleasure to inform you that after the warmest contest...
11Enclosure: “Detector” to Editor of the New York National Advocate, [ca. 20 October 1818], enclosure no. 1 in John … (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately seen the painting by colonel Trumbull , “ representing the Declaration of Independence ,” which is said to contain “ portraits of forty-seven of the members present in Congress on that memorable occasion .” This picture has been drawn by direction of Congress , and is now submitted to public inspection by permission of the government. It is not my intention to examine the merits...
12Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I rejoice to find you engaged in your latter days, in so laudable an undertaking as that of perfecting a system for the education of our youth: an estabilishement much wanted on your side of the mountains: and which must hereafter prove a great blessing to our posterity. But, what has astonished me more than all the miracles of Moses , is, that the birth state of Washington , Jefferson ,...
13Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 19 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Observing in the Enquirer, a Letter from yourself , addressed to “ Charles Pinckney Esqr. ” I concluded to send you a few remarks on certain passages of your Letter; and, believe me Sir, my design is to say say nothing but what has a direct tendency to promote your happiness in this world and the next . I greatly esteem your character Sir, and am thankful to GOD and you for the great Services...
14Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [between 19 December 1818 and 7 January 1819] (Jefferson Papers)
I feel an increasing concern for your happiness and salvation. Since the enclosed was sealed, the Enquirer again has fell into my hands, in which I find much said in favour of the “ Luminous pen and influence of Thomas Jefferson Esqr.” O! my friend, your Country will never forget you! All ranks extol your character, and praise GOD for your abilities & c But, with the talents of an Angel, a man...
15“Common Sense & Co.” to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
What can be your thoughts on the distracted Country by your Philosophical arts & intrigues ( Embargoes &c) for if the righteous is scarcely saved where will thee &c appear I wish you a warm reception—as also another whom would be duly gratified within the lower regions & would as a Ferryman of Charons Ferry Boat built on the model of Gun Boat N o 1 I wish that you send me a Commodore worthy of...
16“Zed” (“Franklin”) to Thomas Jefferson, 3 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
As the publck has gave you the credit of Drafting the Declaration of Independance, and as you have fill d the greatest office s in the power that the people have to their power give you, which dutis you apear to have Discharg d to their Satisfaction, all this has plac d you on a eminance, that your opinion and good Judgment, or recomendation will go further than any one other Citizeen in the U...
17Enclosure: Anonymous Notes on the Alleged 20 May 1775 “Declaration of Independence” of Mecklenburg County, North … (Jefferson Papers)
N. Carolina , Mecklenburg county , } May 20, 1775. In the spring of 1775, the leading characters of Mecklenburg county , stimulated by the enthusiastic patriotism which elevates the mind above considerations of individual aggrandisement and scorning to shelter themselves from the impending storm, by submission to lawless power, &c. &c. held several detached meetings, in each of which the...
18From Anonymous (Eunice Huntington Stanley) to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Do I presume to far in placing implicit reliance on the well known generosity and philanthrophy of your heart to pardon the presumption of a Stranger who through the medium of pen and paper thus ventures to introduce lay before you the situation of her family to solicit for them pecuniary aid and yet withhold her name permit me sir to say with D r Cotton in the introduction to his visions Let...
19Account of a Visit to Monticello and Montpellier by “W.” (possibly George Watterston), [before 15 August 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
You request me to give you some account of my late excursion to Virginia . I comply with the request, but am sorry to observe, that the time occupied in making it was too short to enable me to take those views of the country through which I passed that are necessary to render any description pleasing or satisfactory. The observations, however, I had the power to make, in my rapid journey, I...
20“A Republican of 98” to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho you are advanced in life—yet your Vision is clear—& Judgment sound—therefore justice must be felt—& patriotism yet uppermost in your Consideration,—an old personal friend—has made up his mind—to say a few words—on the Subject of our next president—Altho’ Strange as it may appear—the present one has just entered on the last term—but such is the State of man—such his activity in the...
21Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 20 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Excuse me of taking the liberty to send you one of the papers inclosed within concerning the African Abolition of Slave Trade RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as an anonymous letter from “a person of colour” concerning “toasts” received 29 July 1821 and so recorded in SJL ; with unrelated calculations by TJ on verso. James Madison received a similar letter in the same hand also dated 20 July 1821...
22Enclosure: Anonymous Description of “Celebration of Freedom” by African Americans in Boston, 16 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
ON Monday the Africans, and descendants of Africans, in this town , held their annual commemoration of the commencement of measures for the abolition of the Slave Trade. A respectable procession passed through many streets, ( which were nearly as much thronged as they are on Election and Independent days, or as when President Monroe , and some of our Naval Worthies passed them in procession)...
23“The Ghost of Franklin” to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Jefferson —will be happy to learn that great progress is making here in gett g suitable (not Tracts and Bibles ) books for each Ship & Vessel.— we are patronized by the wise and patriotic,— we are gett g up an extensive Library for the Forecastle of the Franklin (74) which Ship is getting ready for a 4 Years cruise—how delighted we should be to have a
24“Publick Good” to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Probably you are not aprised of the unparalleled conduct of certain men in this city in traducing, in a new way, men of honorable standing to overthrow the Godly fabrick of philanthopy—: That God created all men at least politically equal, is a principle for which they labor day and night. Aristocracy never was more alive and allert than it is at this time, in this part of the country; the...
25“James Otway Crump” to Thomas Jefferson, 26 December 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with much reluctance that I take the liberty of addressing you, particularly upon such a subject.—To not keep you in suspense, I have, partly by indiscretion, & partly by unavoidable accidents, lost all my estate; & myself and Wife (the daughter of W m Clark , Powhatan ,) are reduced to hard labour to support ourselves and four children. I removed from the state of Alabama last Fall,...
26“X.Y.Z Cosmopolite” (Christian Schultz) to Thomas Jefferson, [30 December 1821] (Jefferson Papers)
My apology for addressing to you the inclosed extract from a manuscript volume of 300 pages and now in my possession, is, that fame has given you credit for cherishing sentiments too liberal for the age we live in. If this should be the case, and you think the enclosed extracts worthy of your notice, I shall be gratified with your permission to send the whole work for your private perusal— at...
27“A Native Born Virginian” to Thomas Jefferson, [received 10 January 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
Without pretensions to the weight of character, that would justify the appearance of my signature, I have attempted to explain to the people their real situation.—Amendments in the Constitution of the state , (amounting almost to a radical change) has become absolutely necessary. The Aristocratic few, who rule, need these amendments, as well as the majority who obey submit; but a love of power...
28Enclosure: “A Native Born Virginian” to the People of Virginia, [before 10 January 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
To the PEOPLE of VIRGINIA , WHO ARE BOUND TO PAY TAXES! WORK ON THE HIGHWAYS!! AND FIGHT FOR A COUNTRY THAT DENIES THEM A VOTE , THE NATURAL RIGHT OF FREEMEN!!! IN addressing you on a subject, of all others the most important of the earthly concerns of the human family, it may be proper to speak of myself and the motives which have induced this undertaking. MY love for Virginia will bear a...
29Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [19 January 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Report of a committee of the Senate , is respectfully sent to Mr Jefferson by a friend, as a specimen of the wisdom of that body in the 19 th century. RC ( DLC: TJ Papers , 221:39507); undated; endorsed by TJ (brackets in original): “Anon. Wash n Jan. 19. 22. [rep t on duty on books]” received 27 Jan. 1822 and so recorded (with slightly variant wording) in SJL .
30“D.W.” to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Are not the best regulated universities in this Country deficient in not embracing the Elements of Military Science in thier courses of Tuition? Persuaded that with me, you will answer this Question in the affirmative, I take the liberty to Suggest for your consideration the propriety of establishing for that purpose a professorship in the University of Virginia . The interest which I...
31Anonymous (Henry Whiting) to Thomas Jefferson, 7 June 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
There is scarcely a young man in the United States , who is not desirous of having among his future recollections, that he has shown some mark of respect to the Patriot and Sage of Monticello . The person who takes the liberty of presenting to M r Jefferson the accompanying little work, does it with no other view; and only regrets that his humble character & name oblige him to do it thus...
32“B.” to Thomas Jefferson, [by 1 August 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
The maker of the enclosed speech, accompanied Lewis & Clark , when he was an uneducated boy, over the Rocky mountains . The sentiments contained in it, are so much like your own, that a person unknown to you, is tempted to forward it to you, and it is without mr. S. knowledge. I ought perhaps to add, that he accompanied the party of Pryor with the Mandane chief up the
33Roberts to James Madison, 1 September 1822, with Postscript to Thomas Jefferson (Jefferson Papers)
[ Ed. Note : “ Roberts ,” who wrote under an apparent pseudonym and claimed to be a Revolutionary War veteran, composed a letter to former president James Madison dated Pennsylvania , 1 Sept. 1822. Although Madison ’s copy has not been found, a transcription of it was later sent to TJ. In a five-page document received at Monticello in the summer of 1824, the author blamed Madison for both the...
34“The Querist” to Thomas Jefferson, 7 September 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Having had my curiosity excited on a few questions which I consider may be explained by those who are conversant with philosophy and Science in general : ; I have from a knowledge of your extensive researches, taken the liberty to request of you a solution of the following queries. 1 st why is the savage state called a state of nature?, 2 d considering that Adam was the first man & he a...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Une lettre toute de sa main et signée addressée de Monticello à M. de Lormerie. Monticello est le nom de la terre en Virginie. J’y joins deux lettres écrites en 1790 par M. de Lormerie à M. Jefferson; alors ministre du congrès. Il y a apparut qu’elles n’ont pu partir dans le temps. Ce M. de Lormerie étoit un home à projets que j’ai eu occasion de voir quelquefois ce qui m’a paru tres vraiment...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 26 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
of my Respects Persented to you This Coms Calling on you for your in fermation in Regard who Shd Be our Next preacedent and vise precedent Crofort or g r Janson or addams as for galliton for vice present I think it is a pitty he was ever Namd with M r Crofort for in My Settion of Country The peapel dont a per to wont a furner and it is much more unplessent one that was in The in Surrecttion of...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 7 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
By your report to the Legislature I gladly learn the success of your agent in obtaining Professors in England. From a former publication I learnt it was the intention of the trustees to appoint one or more American Professors. As I have seen no notice of such appointments, I take the liberty to mention a name for one of the professorships. Mr. Chester Dewey now Prof. of Mathematics and Natural...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 24 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The University of Virginia Bo t of J Bohn (Books omitted in former Shipment or order’d subsequently) Stephani Thesaurus, Valpy, Parts 30, 31 18/ 1 16 Paris’s Pharmacologia 2 vols 8 vo new ed 30/ 1 6 Euleri Calculus Integralis 3 vols 4 to rasc 4 14 6
39Broadside: A Plea for Financial Assistance by Subscription for Thomas Jefferson, 1825, 31 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Ingratitude has been called the vice of Republics. On a late occasion we have seen the Government and people of the United States give a practical and triumphant refutation of this calumny by their conduct to Gen. La Fayette. Another opportunity of removing the reproach now presents itself; and it is for the people of Virginia in their individual capacity, to say, whether they will not eagerly...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 31 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Chemical Apparatus essential to a well furnished Labratory & Lecture Room. Knights improved table furnace $ 30. Forge Bellows, tubes, blow pipes &c. 40 * Small blast furnace for table 10. * Sand heat furnaces to be set on brick work 16. * Bellows table with Lamp & blow pipe 25. Copper still, & Ressigeratory 20 Apparatus for Potassium 10
41To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 4 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I write to you by a special influence while standing at my Desk, I was looking around the world to see if I could find one man, who had arrived, to a state of compleat happiness, eather in the abundance of riches or honour, in those two pursuits most of men, are engaged. while looking for the man of honour, I could think of no man who had arrived to so complete a state, as your self—this leads...