1To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, Benjamin Ellicott, and Isaac Briggs, 29 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
We trust we have manifested, during our employment in the city of Washington, our zeal for its success, and the accomplishment of the main object: as a proof of this, we take the liberty of laying before you a statement of facts; and representing the mortifications to which we have constrained ourselves to submit, rather than relinquish an object which we wish to see accomplished and which has...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 24 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
As a member of the American Philosophical Society I take the liberty of addressing its President. Although I feel much diffidence when, from an obscure and private station, I look up to that eminence upon which abilities and honors have placed thee; yet when I consider thee as the known friend and patron of useful Arts and Science, I am encouraged to solicit thy attention to some hints on a...
3To 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...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 26 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It was with a high degree of satisfaction, I observed in a letter I lately received from my friend Dr. Saml L. Mitchill of New York, the following paragraph:—”In consequence of a suggestion of the President of the United States, I had previously written to Mr. L’Hommedieu an account of the Project of attempting to mature a National Agricultural Society. I hope these communications will have...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 26 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Wilt thou condescend to inform me, if a letter I wrote, dated 26th. of the 4th. Month 1802, ever reached thee? I meant it to be expressive of deference and respectful esteem; if I unfortunately used terms not adequate to that purpose, I have no other plea, in extenuation, than ignorance. I have not, nor have I had any views to office or emolument;—were I worthy, I think I know that I possess...
6To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 11 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 October 1802, Baltimore. “I take the liberty of sending for deposit in thy office, as evidence of another invention of my brother Samuel, the enclosed Specification and affirmation. After fully submitting it to the test of experiment, he intends, if it succeeds, to solicit a patent.” Requests an acknowledgment of this letter “directed to Brookeville, Maryland.” Letterbook copy and copy of...
7To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 1 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
Having failed, when I was last in the City of Washington, to procure satisfactory information, respecting what steps, if any, had been taken by the Agricultural Societies now existing in several parts of The United States towards the formation of an Annual Convention in which each might be represented, I take the liberty of soliciting thy assistance. My firm reliance on the purity of thy...
8To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 22 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1803, Washington. “I am directed by the American Board of Agriculture to request thy attendance, in the Library, at the Capitol, 7 o’clock this Evening.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p. Dated “21st. of 2nd. Mo. 1803” by Briggs. Date corrected here on the basis of circumstances described in n. 1. According to both the National Intelligencer and the “Journal of the American Board of...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 1 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to my promise , I have investigated thy Problem for finding the longitude by lunar observation. In reducing the operation to a practical formula, in every modification which I have been able to give it, a knowledge of the time of observation appears essential. Without a knowledge of the time, the Moon’s right ascension, or longitude may be found, and, from the Nautical Almanac, the...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 2 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy letter, dated 20th. of April, I received yesterday. I have had several applications for employment under me, to which my standing answer has been, that I shall make no appointments until I arrive at the scene of operation, and that those who wish a clerkship or deputyship must make their application to me there, where evidence of their suitableness, in all respects, will be my standard and...
11To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 17 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I take the freedom of introducing to thee, and to thy amiable family, my youngest brother Joseph Briggs: having derived both gratification and instruction from my acquaintance with thee, I am anxiously desirous that my brother, whom I tenderly love, may have a small taste of the same benefits. My brother goes with me—he has heard much on what I deem the wrong side of the New Orleans question,...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to thee my youngest brother, Joseph Briggs, who is going with me to the Mississippi Territory, and whom I mean to employ as a clerk. I enclose a copy of a letter which I wrote to thee from Philadelphia, lest the original should have miscarried. I must have misunderstood Henry Voight, or he must have deceived himself, in the probable time when my Transit Instrument would...
13To 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...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 2 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time ago—very long after its date—the mail brought me thy favor of the 11th. of August. I had, as soon as it was possible for me, after my arrival in the Missisippi Territory, to give information which might be of any service to Gideon Fitz, taken the necessary care, by addressing a letter to him at Monticello. I have lately received a letter from him, dated at Louisville in Kentucky,...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 27 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am here, with Robert Williams, on my way to the seat of Government. We expect to sail for Baltimore, within three or four days, in the Schooner Experiment, being the first vessel that offers. She is said to be a swift sailer; our hopes are therefore sanguine that we shall arrive in Washington before the end of next month. On the 10th. instant, by the mail, I wrote to the Secretary of the...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 28 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I had intended to be in the City this day—but my aged Father having come one hundred and thirty miles on a visit to me, and considering that two days delay would increase the probability of my meeting with the Secretary of the Treasury, I have ventured to remain at home until the day after tomorrow. On that day, I expect to be in the City. Accept my respectful esteem. RC ( DLC ); at foot of...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 2 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Attending to the necessary observations under the frequent interruption of clouds—keeping a regular series of notes—& the rest absolutely requisite to repair the fatigues of travelling in weather so extremely hot as we have had it—have prevented us from making a more rapid progress on our journey, & have compelled me to be a much less attentive Correspondent than I expected or intended to have...
18To 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...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 26 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just arrived here in safety and good health after a journey, of the unavoidable delays, embarrassments, and fatigues of which I had no anticipation. I wrote to thee, on the 2nd. of the 10th. mo. from the southeastermost projection of Tallapoosa River, which I call Point Comfort Next morning (3d) we left Point Comfort, and proceeding on the southeast side of Alibama River nearly parallel...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 22 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Although still in state of convalescence, and but just able to attend to business a few minutes at a time, I am fortunate enough to have finished a map of my route from the City of Washington to this place. I send it in a tin case by the same mail with this letter. Several weeks ago it wanted but the labor of a few hours of health to complete it. Having written to thee (on the 26th. of last...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 31 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By last mail, I sent my report of the Post Road—by the present I send a duplicate. I have not yet recovered my health sufficiently to be able to ride; but the day after tomorrow if I continue to mend, although at the very slow rate I have done, I intend to make the attempt—and leave this place for the Mississippi Territory. By the Brigg Friendship, Captain Donne, I send addressed to thee, the...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 29 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
From New-orleans I sent by mail my report of the Post Road dated 22nd. of the 12th. mo. 1804, and by the next mail a duplicate, together with my account of expenses. On the 19th. instant I arrived here in good health. I avail myself of the first mail, to offer my ideas on the political situation of this Territory. The Legislature has been in session seven weeks, but owing to the political...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 9 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to thee was dated at this place, 29th. of the month just past, a few days after my arrival here from New-Orleans. In that letter I ventured some hints on the political situation of this Territory. Having since acquired more certain knowledge of the subject, and more in detail, I think it my duty to communicate it to the President with that candor and simple truth which I have...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 16 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed that the office of United States’ Attorney for the district of Orleans is now vacant, I presume to mention for that appointment Lewis Kerr now resident in New-Orleans. He is a man of genius and very handsome acquirements—of sound integrity and pure republican principles. So far as I am capable of judging, he possesses considerable and competent professional skill, having been...
25To James Madison from Isaac Briggs (Abstract), 20 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
20 April 1805, Washington, Mississippi Territory . “There is reason to expect that there will be applications or recommendations for the office of Secretary for this Territory. Permit me to suggest the idea that some embarrassment might result from the appointment, unless it be made on the President’s or thy personal knowledge, or in conformity with the wishes of the present Governor, whose...
26To 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.—...
27To 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...
28To 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....
29To 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...
30To 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...