1From 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,...
2To John Adams from Anonymous, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
It is generally consdred in this City that you are a party-man; Which is the most Base and Horrid character a man in Your station of Life possibly can possess. Certain it is that every person has some Bad qualities; and in persons that hold s any office of State are certainly and allways sounded by the citizens of the states. Some consider you as (and you are most generally Considerd as) more...
3To John Adams from Anonymous, 15 June 1797 (Adams Papers)
We are a private Committe held at the Natchez on the 13th of June 1797 and beg leave to report as follows. !st That no Attention is or hath been paid by the Spaniards to the Treaty subsisting between America and Spain as they refuse to Evacuate any of the posts included in the Treaty, but contrariwise are repairing Rebuilding and fortifying such Posts. 2d The People of the Natchez do solicit...
4To 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...
5To John Adams from Anonymous, August 1812 (Adams Papers)
Your communication in the late Chonacle has capt all your other transactions—not content with plunging the Provinces in a wicked and unjust Rebellion against the mother Country—not content with hagging with the vilest Nation on Earth, when Great Britain offerd every thing that we could wish, yet by the War was in —Not content after you was forgiven by the Best of Kings & all the true friends...
6To John Adams from Anonymous, August 1798 (Adams Papers)
It will not be denied that permitting as we did by treaty, one of the belligerent powers to alter at pleasure the destination of our Vessels not loaded with contraband Articles, nor destined for ports either blockaded or besieged, was a departure from the duties that neutrality imposes. In like manner perhaps might be considered the loaning of money to either of the powers engaged in War....
7To John Adams from Anonymous, 19 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The desire, Sir, of making you acquainted with what I deem’d it important you should know, made me take the liberty of making you some time past an epistolary communication under the very appropriate signature of “a friend”. The motive which induced that, urges me to ulterior communications on the same interesting subject. My profound admiration of your conduct as chief magistrate—&...
8To John Adams from Anonymous, 30 September 1798 (Adams Papers)
From a desire of seeing every department of the federal Govt filled by respectable characters I am induced to make an observation or two on the pretensions of the persons who I have heard are candidates for the naval office of this port, vacant by the recent death of the late excellent Mr Russell—Mr. Nath. Folsom, & Capt Geo Turner, I have heard are desirous of obtaining it— From enquiry Sir...
9To John Adams from Anonymous, December 1798 (Adams Papers)
It can not have escaped your observation that the Secretary of State has qualities that may be the means of involving this nation in war. He is irascible and resentful. His correspondence is in a Style not conciliating but insulting. His published instructions to Pinkney were not as from a civilised nation, suaviter in modo, they were of the most caustic quality. With the Spanish minister he...
10To John Adams from Anonymous, 1 November 1812 (Adams Papers)
Having got a few seeds from Europe that appear deserving attention, and as some of ‘em may be adapted to a more northern climate than this, I have taken the liberty of sending some of them to Your care—if attending to them will not be convenient for yourself I have no doubt you will put them into the hands of some friend who takes an interest in improving the productions of the country— It is...
11To John Adams from Anonymous, 3 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
We take the liberty through necessity of troubling you with this anonymous letter, which we send with good intention; for we are the Persons who endeavoured to communicate to General Washington by two Special Messengers one of whom miscaried in a Vessel he sailed in from New Orleans which was lost on her Voyage. And the other who was Mr S——n who we suppose hath made his Virbal Report: the...
12To John Adams from Anonymous, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am desired to inform you that thier at present Laws which give you too great power and cause great discontents amongst the citizens of the United states, There is several thousand of the citzens who are ditirmened to have those Laws repealed or undergo the perils of a civil war; to conquer or die; we have frequent corespondance with those patriots in Northampton whom we are to join as soon...
13To John Adams from Anonymous, 3 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
We take the liberty through necessity of troubling you with this anonymous Letter which we send with good intention, for we are the persons who endeavored to communicate to Genl Washington by two special messengers one of whom miscaried in a Vessel he sailed in from New Orleans which was lost on her Voyage; and the other was Mr. J––n who we suppose made his Virbal Report: The substance of...
14To John Adams from Anonymous, 23 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have frequently warned Americans against reposing any confidence in the friendship of any European Nation: and have recommended to them to rely for Safety and Justice, only upon God and the Sword.—Many of my friends have thought this Opinion erroneous, and my Jealousies illfounded; but a circumstance has occurred which convinces some that I have not been widely mistaken, and I trust that all...
15To John Adams from Anonymous, 1797 (Adams Papers)
You can appreciate the value of facts, without reference to the person from whom they are derivted. Circumstances Not be controulled, render this the only method of communication, consistent with the writer’s view of propriety— Mr. Tracy a member of the Senate, from Connecticut, is intriguing to obtain the appointment now held buy Gov. St. Claire; ‘Tis fitting, Sir, that you should know, that...
16To John Adams from Anonymous, 11 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
As people are often last to hear & know, what it concerns them most to know, I take the liberty of enclosing you an article from the Aurora relative to a business which has too much foundation in truth. The love I bear my country induces me to make this communication to you. There are many very powerful reasons why I should not address you, at present , under my legitimate Signature, but the...
17From —— to Madame d’Enville, 8 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Ma belle soeur, madame la Duchesse, vient de me mander que son jardinier attendroit le moment où vous seriez à Chaillot pour vous montrer en detail tout ce qui est dans son jardin. La maîtresse de la maison croit vous faire sa cour en ne paroissant pas. Elle m’assure que toutes les personnes que vous voudrez envoyer chez elle seront reçeues à toutes les heures. Recevez avec bonté les...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 15 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Embargo is violated in the following manner, Ships clear from the Southward for a northern port & go off to the West Indies, The collector at Old York (near Portsmouth) for a certain sum per Barrel & per Hohd. sends on a certificate in due form of the landing of the Goods—about twenty vessels have gone from Old York & its viscinity manag’d in another manner; Bonds to a small amt have been...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 24 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
“Now the coat was without seam; woven from the top throughout.” St. John. This burnouse is Tunisian manufacture—& is the upper dress of the nobility and men of fortune at audiences and visits—It is probably of finer texture than the “White raiment” alluded to in the text; but undoubtedly of the same mode—Hence the mystery of the spotless raiment without seam . DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
20To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 22 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
When I reflect on the protection you give to Genl. Wilkinson and the misfortunes of Commo. Barron who is Left alone to Bare the frowns of the Federalist & Tories I am hurt at your Patiality and alltho I have revered you as the man who saved America From Tyrants and Federal opprssion yet I have considered your support of Wilkinson as hurtfull to your futer high character and I was sorry to see...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 23 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The period is nearly ariv’d when You hope to reallize the pleasure of a retired life. I have no doubt but You have exerted Your abilaties to promote Your Countries honour & interest, with the purest intentions, but Sir experience has prov’d to us, that all Your well ment measures have not had the desir’d effect. if You wish to be happy in Your retirement You must not leave any obstacle in the...
22“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...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 6 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Thomas Jefferson President of America—Debtor to Miss S. T. an orphan child; four months rent of a Store in Boston due this 29 March 1808—which Store the Tenant has left in consequence of the embargo laid by Mr Jefferson; & the said orphan is deprived of the past income without the least prospect of any future tenant occupying her Store left by her departed parents, & has nothing but the...
24Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 26 May 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The numerous, vindictve and malicious Aspersions that have appeared in our public papers to lacerate your Character & reputation—by factious Harpies & party Zealots for the last twenty years have fill’d the breasts of your friends with sorrowfull feelings & vexatious indignation and of none more than the person who now takes the liberty of addressing you— it is a Tax laid on superior Talents &...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 22 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
With diffidence I attempt to address Mr Jefferson on a subject which nearly interests me—I beg to submit myself to your direction—not doubting your care of me as circumstances renderd me incapable of Judging clearly I wish to rectify any evil that May attend Judge Johnson his reputation or interest from the unfortunate circumstanc which has taken place—and any assertions I may have made or...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 4 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Go to Hell you damn’d Buggur —Go to hell— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
27To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 25 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You are the damdest fool that God put life into. God dam you DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
28Anonymous 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...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 8 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctor Buchan says in the Introduction to his Domestic Medicine that “Very few of the valuable discoveries in Medicine have been made by physicians” It has for a long time run strongly in the mind of an old woman that freezing rooms might be constructed where persons might be introduced with good effect in the Malignant or Yellow fever—It is a known fact that nothing but frosty weather stops...
30Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel a reluctance in addressing myself to you, which the knowledge of your character will always inspire. For to occupy one moment of your time so well employed in noble pursuits, will I fear be too great an intrusion. But when I behold you in the character of the Father and Protector of youth, I am inspired with a confidence which at once overcomes every obstacle. As an individual you are...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 31 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Abstract of Monies expended on account of the President’s House from 1st. January to the 31st. December 1806 inclusive To whom paid & for what purpose N. of Check Dolls. Cts Shaw & Birth Stone Cutters work & drayage 1
32To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 1 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Was I to adopt the lofty stile of Junius in addressing you, I think from the opinion I entertain of your charecter, there woud be less certainty in your reading this note, finding it without a Signature. The writer is a real American; his plain remarks altho without the support of his name, perhaps you may deign to cast an Eye over. Well Sir, in the plenetude of your goodness, and the fullness...
33Anonymous 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...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 1 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A report prevails, that the auditor general, Postmaster-general, Treasurer, and other officers of the general government are about to retire from their several stations—Altho unknown to the president of the United States; He will pardon my calling his attention to Mr. George Biscoe Collector of the Port of Nottingham on Patuxent river; an early, and steady friend to his Country, and firmly...
35To 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...
36To 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
37To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 22 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I think it my duty to say to you what I conceeve may be usefull Notwithstand you may have Considered the subject your self but my being on the Ground for a long time & observing What seems to concern our Country I think gives me better Oppys. of Judging—I mean by observation W Florida or that part of the country held by Spain & owned by us which is now a Matter of negotiation between us &...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 28 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
As it is your request that your constituents should write you their opinions concerning our national affairs, I shall send you some of my Ideas in a very crude state in order for you to digest and place in a more regular form, and to lop, prune, or cut up, or girdle, as after perusing you may think proper. To begin, I understand that a 100,000 of the Militia are by our Administration to be put...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 23 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
We the Cetticences of this territory, the liberty to trouble your Excelince to read these few lines the thing that imboldinges us is from your well known Philinthrophy it is natural for subjects to Pettion their suverion & as much natural for children to Petition their father when agrieved or in want our Grevence At this time is Great Jacibine Plots & Spanish intrigue awats us Daly our sincere...
40“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...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 24 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Grand Jury at four o’clock returned both the Bills against A Burr for treason and Misdemeanor—true Bills. The same against Blennerhasset— The Chairman informed the Court that altho’ they had found these bills they had other important matters before them, and had adjourned to tomorrow Upon Motion to committ it was opposed and Burr’s counsel argued for beill. The C.J. inclines to do this ,...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 23 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Song 1 Now my dear friend to me attend And listen what I say sir How on the fourth of Hottest month We made the British pray sir 2d When they in Philadelphia were We floated down the kegs sir Which made a rumpus in the town And most wore out their legs sir 3 And when we floated down the kegs By Washingtons permission O What fun it was to see Them wasete their Amunition 4
43Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [15 November 1809] (Jefferson Papers)
The nature & importance of the Object of this Prospectus is the only apology I can offer, for an intrusion, that may appear novel & singular. The Preamble as published in the Boston papers , is added, & may give some explanation for me, unnecessary to repeat here—but only add, that this is a proposal for a publication, in which I shall never have any other concern, than as a subscriber, &...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, on or before 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Supposing the Muse requested to be informed, of the Presidents Birth day—Would She not justly be Spurned at, for obtruding Herself—On the other hand, the muse will be concious she merited such treatment, And will not dare to think hard—but still, While you protect her Liberty, will determine to be greatfull—application was made at the office of the aurora for the above, and a very polite...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 8 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
A Stranger, an inhabitant of this County, has undertaken the disagreable task pointing out some of your defective appointments; no impure Motive has urged the step—it arose from a sincere wish to do away the ill impressions, which the inhabitants have received towards the Americans from the conduct of Mr. Vacher and Mr. McGruder of the board of Commissioners, neither of whom have been sober...
46Anonymous (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...
47“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...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 19 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Thou art The Man, thy People have ordain’d, On all occations their rights to maintain Thy precepts do shew forth Gods light within He into Thee has pourd his holy Flame On thine Heart his kind rays of Light does dawn Mounting their Splendor like the Rosy Morn Arraying of thine Head with Knowledge bright } So sould thy Reason like the Sun Unite Joining the Fountain which first gave it Light...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 25 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Opposed your Election with all the little power & Influence I had, believeing as I did, and still do, that your Election to the chief Magistracy of the US. wou’d not promote the Interest and happiness of this Country, but that the Riverse wou’d happen, not from any personal Enmity to you Sir, for I can have none, as I have not the Honor of your Acquaintance, but for the following...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 4 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I entreat you to prepare to meet your God. For it will be but a short time before you must stand before his bar to answer for all the deeds done here below. And O may God grant that like the noble Earl, whose life I have sent you to peruse, you may become a sincere penitent before you leave the world. Farewell— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.