1To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 20 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have accompanied to this City my friend Jesse Kersey, a minister of our Society, who is desirous to have a religious meeting with such of the inhabitants of this place as are willing to attend. The place appointed is the Baptist Meeting house at the intersection of 18 Street W and J Street N. Meeting to commence at 6 o’clock this evening. Jesse Kersey is a Minister in high esteem not only...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 24 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since, I returned from the Eastward, where I had been viewing and examining in operation the various machinery for manufacturing cotton. Thy favor of the 12 ultimo came to Brookeville during my absence, and remained there until my return. This will account for my not sooner attending to thy request. I am so far from feeling it a trouble, that to have the power and opportunity of...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 29 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to thee the bearer, Joseph Dunbar, a respectable citizen of the Mississippi Territory. The family of which he is a member and his connexions are extensive and respectable. He is now on his way home, expressed a desire to see thee, and will think himself honored and obliged by any commands thou mayst have to that Territory. I duly received, at Brookville, thy note of the...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 9 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Having fully ascertained the fact that I cannot continue my residence in the Southern Territories of the United States without abandoning the endearing Society of a beloved Wife and five promising children, or tearing my bosom-companion, invincibly reluctant, from her numerous relations deservedly dear to her, I earnestly request leave to resign my commission as Surveyor of the lands of the...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 27 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have before me thy favor dated April 26. 06. Thy own benevolent heart can estimate more justly than I can describe the grateful feelings excited in my mind by thy generous offer of reimbursing from thy private purse my expenses in exploring the Post-route to New Orleans. Although even this sum would be very convenient to me; yet, if due to me at all, it is due from the general purse of my...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 15 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy friendly dated April 26. 06 I received some time ago—I intend to reply to it fully by next mail—at present I can only request thy acceptance of all the thanks that gratitude and affection can feel. The object of this is to present to thee the bearer, my esteemed friend, Joseph Chambers, agent to the Chactaw trading house on Tombigbee River. I believe I have mentioned him to thee in some of...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 3 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
About 12 days ago, I returned from an excursion up the Mississippi river. The object of this expedition was to ascertain, by celestial observation, the point where the Parallel of 33 degrees of north latitude intersects the western shore of the river; and also the longitude of that Point—to cause to be traced, marked and measured, as far, at Present, as the Ouachitta river the Boundary between...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 9 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am apprehensive that what I am about to write would by a mind less benevolent than thine be deemed at the present moment intrusive. I am aware of the important concerns which probably at this crisis must fill thy mind with anxiety, yet I venture to interrupt thee with a tale of my private affairs . I am no stranger to thy benevolence. I have been accustomed to commune with thee as with a...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 31 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having heard that the Commissioners for adjusting and reporting the evidences of claims to land in the Territory of Orleans had passed down the River, and considering it important that I should make some immediate arrangements for surveying lands claimed; on the 14th. instant, I departed for New Orleans, in order to consult the Board and make the necessary appointment of deputies. On the 22nd....
10To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 18 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
By last mail, on the 11th. instant, I wrote to thee acknowledging the receipt of thy acceptable favour of March 14. ’05. During my short Stay with Colonel Hawkins, on my way through the Creek Nation, I endeavoured to discover his sentiments respecting a removal of the Indians to the West of the Mississippi. I soon found that with a man of his talents and accuteness of penetration, I had...