1To 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...
2To 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
3To 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
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7“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...
8Roberts 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...
9“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
10Anonymous (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...
11“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...
12Anonymous 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 .
13“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...
14“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...
15“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,...
16“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...
17“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
18Anonymous 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...
19“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...
20From 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...
21“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...
22“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...
23Anonymous 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...
24Anonymous 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...
25Anonymous 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 ,...
26Anonymous 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...
27“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...
28Anonymous 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 &...
29Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 6 March 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
The hope of giving you some information that my experience and pursuits in life enable me to furnish; and that in your posession may be usefull to the nation, has prompted me to an act of indecorum, in addressing you, without either acquaintance, or business to authorise it. I have read your letter of the 9 th January last to Benjamin Austin Esquire ; and am much pleased with your explanation...
30Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [received 19 November 1814] (Jefferson Papers)
I have looked to your Library as a source from whence the late national loss might be nearly, perhaps fully, supplied with many valuable works not elswhere to be found; permit me to say therefore, that I shall exceedingly regret to hear that it is, at present , placed any nearer within the reach of those modern vandals, who are the enemies of Literature, the Arts and Sciences. Will a remark...
31Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 21 February 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed was written by Judge Innis —after perusing the dispatches of gen l Harrison to gov. Shelby . Does your successor pursue your policy? For Gods sake send your mantle to him—or your party here, is ruined —
32Anonymous ("Goodwill") to Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friend, who has been long silent, desires once more to address you. And, as it may be the last time, permit him to do it with plainness & solemnity. Thousands of times your unknown friend, has addressed the Almighty Sovereign in your behalf; praying, thro Jesus Christ , our Divine Advocate, that you may be brought to embrace & enjoy, that holy religion, which is taught in the sacred...
33Anonymous ("Goodwill") to Thomas Jefferson, 1 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Being retired, as you now are from the affairs of State, you doubtless have much time which you devote to reading. Permit a friend to recommend the writings of Bishop Porteus , the late Bishop of London . Also Dr. Buchanan’s researches in Asia . And should you wish to look at the productions of any Lady I think you would find the writings of Miss Hannah Moore , especially her late work ,...
34Anonymous (“Goodwill”) to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
You will not doubt the sincerity of the writer when he assures you, that he has been upon his knees before God , during a large part of the night, beseeching the Almighty Soverign to have mercy upon our nation & save our devoted land from the horrors of war, with which we are threatned. If God saved Nineveh when it was threatened, we know not but we may be saved by looking up to his throne of...
35Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [received 22] November 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
John Polly is a crazy man and wants to see you very much, If you (or any body) who this should fall in the hands of will Make him hold his tongue it is more than any one else can do previous to this. there fore do not trouble yourselves he is a good Democrat and says bonypart Good man therefore you know how he stands I J K L & M for John Polly RC ( MHi ); partially dated; two words illegible;...
36Samuel Overton to Thomas Jefferson, 14 November 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
What do you think of y e times & c NB—the times are better y n yesterday or y e day before in y e opinion of RC ( MHi ); addressed: “The Late President of US of N AM a Mail”; franked and postmarked; endorsed by TJ as an “insane” letter received 12 Dec. 1810 from an “Illegible” author (see reproduction elsewhere in this volume) and so recorded in
37Anonymous 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, &...
38Anonymous 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...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 3 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I Flatter myself you will pardon The very great liberty; I take in addressing A few Lines to you; as nothing but dire Necessity, and the Re nown generosity of your Character Should ever have compelled me to Sutch A Step; the very Idea of Applying to you for pecuniary asistance; harrows my Soul; I am at A loss for words to express my Feelings on the occation; my hand trembles my pulce throbs...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 30 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I Redoured my Sicers thanks for your Good Condeck in Puting on the Embargo With any foundeson onley to Roying the Countrie in Avery Partkler the first Plac marchands vessels Lying by the Wars Rating and the Worms Gading them upe and Going to Destrausun Second ther is Pour People that Got Larg famlies and Cannot Get but 75 A Day to Maindain there famlie in vitles and Close and fire Wood and...
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 19 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have agreed to pay four of my friends $400 to shoot you if you dont take off the embargo by the 10th of Octo 1808 which I shall pay them, if I have to work on my hands & nees for it, here I am in Boston in a starving Condition I have by working At Jurney wurk got me a small house but what shall I git to eat I cant eat my house & it is the same with all the Coopers I cant get no work by...
46To 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.
47To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 10 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous avez raison. Portugal est subjugé. Mon Roi a perdu son Royaume, et une Etrangier portera sa Couronne. Les obligations d alliance sont dissolus—et qu’en voulez vous.— translation the 10th. August 1808 You are right—Portugal is conquered—My King has lost his Kingdom & a stranger will take his Crown—the obligations of allegiance are dissolved—and what then?— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
48To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 10 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
THy DEStruction is nEAr At HAND THOMAS. THE, REtriBUTive, Sword is SuspENDED OVEr THy HEAD, BY A SlENDER THREAD— BEWARE DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
49To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 1 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
here inclosed I Send you a paper under the influence of the Enemies of our peace, that you may See how they exult, (T). if Vessels without discremenation are Cleared out under the Orders of the Court fully Loaded with Rice or other provissions, what will be the Consequince, will the embargo in that case prevent a Repetition of our Vessels bound Coastwise, Springing Leaks, and putting into...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 30 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
See the inclosed (W) the Court asked the US Attorney, if he objected to the Jurisdiction of the Court in this Case he answered no, upon this principle, every vessel in or to come in, port, will compel, the Collector to clear them out for some other port fully Loaded with provisions, and I need not tel you its no difficult matter for them to be blown off, or to be taken by appointment and...