11To 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...
12Isaac Briggs to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy kind letter of 27 Ultimo , I received on the 2 instant. It was like a healing balm to my wounded mind. I immediately called on the Secretary of the Treasury —He shewed me thy communication to him —on perusing it, his presence was scarcely a restraint sufficient to prevent my tears, the warm effusions of gratitude. On the 4, I wrote to my wife and children, now in Wilmington , a narrative...
13To 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...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 2 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
No doubt it is matter of surprise that we proceed so slowly. Indeed when I undertook this journey and the astronomical survey, I had no adequate anticipation of the difficulties, fatigues and even dangers through which we have so far struggled. They principally arise from the inauspicious season of the year in which we have made the attempt. Had I been gifted with foreknowledge, I think it...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 11 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time ago I received thy acceptable letter of March 14. ’05. I have written to Governor Claiborne on the subject of La Fayette’s lands—be assured I will sedulously attent to it. I intended to have written to thee fully by the present mail, on several subjects, but am compelled by a press of business to defer most of them to the next, or to treat them more superficially than I wish to do.—...
16Isaac Briggs to Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
May I intrude on that retirement where from a dignified elevation the mind looks over the extensive scene of a well spent life, and nothing meets the vision but the placid images of an approving conscience? Yes, there the voice of friendship will be heard—the incidents of former days will be remembered—and the faultering tongue of humility will not plead in vain. I have again petitioned...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 8 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 12th. of the month just past, I arrived at Natchez;—on the day following I waited on Governor Claiborne, who had provided for me an office in this place, and from whom I have experienced the highest proofs of friendship. In a few days after my arrival here, I was attacked with an intermittent fever; a greater prostration of strength, than I ever remember to have felt, was the...
18To 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....
19To 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...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 30 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Will the President do me the favor to accept the enclosed pamphlet ; and the additional one to inform me of the title of Arthur Young’s performance, alluded to in a late conversation, so particularly as to enable me to procure the book? With deep impressions of esteem and respect, I am thy friend RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 31 Jan. and so recorded in SJL ; also endorsed by TJ: “near...