1To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 7 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to thee, the bearer, John Thomas 3d. as a candidate for a clerkship in some one of the public offices. He is a decided Republican, bears an excellent moral character in his neighbourhood, and is, I believe, an honest man, and well qualified for the employment he seeks. Be so kind as to inform me by the return of John Thomas when the President is expected in the City of...
2To 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...
3To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 16 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having had, for a considerable time past, opportunities of observing the rapid progress of various manufactures in our country—and the increasing production of articles of primary usefulness, and believing in the good policy of promoting and fostering the spirit of enterprise already excited in laying this surest foundation of National Independence, my mind has been forcibly impressed with a...
4To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to thee, two of my young friends from Philadelphia, who will hand to thee this letter—William J. Paxson and William S. Warder. With the former, I have been acquainted from his infancy. He has acquired a fund of knowlege, general and particular, superior to most young men at the age of twenty one. Superior in amount—superior in accuracy of arrangement. These are the...
5To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 4 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Application has been made to me for a letter of introduction to the President U.S. on behalf of Jane—widow of John Dauphin deceased, late a citizen of the United States and an inhabitant of this Borough. She visits the seat of Government, a petitioner for relief. Of her case I know nothing. With her I am not personally acquainted, nor have I had any acquaintance with her late husband; but I do...
6To 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...
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 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...
9To 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...
10To James Madison from Isaac Briggs and Thomas Moore, 16 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer, Thomas Robertson, we understand is an Applicant for the place of Agent of the United States with the Chickasaw Indians, and has applied to us for our recommendation. He was born and educated in the neighbourhood of Georgetown and has been known to us from his infancy. He has sustained a fair reputation for honesty and handsome talents and we believe deserves it. As far as we...
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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.—...
18To 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,...
19To 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...
20From Isaac Briggs to James Wilkinson, 10 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The President directs me to say to thee;—“Three days ago, a pilot-boat, sent by the conspirators, left New York for New Orleans; You must catch her and examine all the papers she may contain, or those who have gone in her may have in possession.” the Clitus 241.16 96.29 155.34, 361.14 T 108.18 226.32 365.33 317.3 365.33 361.18;— “363.39 96.28 11.28 271.28-40.15, 323.19t 49.28 361.14 80.31s,...
21To 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...
22To 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...
23Isaac Briggs to Thomas Jefferson, 17 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to accept the enclosed little pamphlet as a small testimony of that esteem and love for thee which will, I hope, never end. I am employed as Engineer of on the Grand Canal from Lake Erie to New York . Its progress is auspicious. Some miles of it are already finished. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “ Thomas Jefferson ”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1817 and so recorded in SJL ....
24To 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...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 24 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to thee my young friend Herman Boye. He is by birth a Dane, very modest and unassuming, yet possessing a handsome stock of science. He has been appointed to complete the map of Virginia left unfinished by Wood, and I think the appointment a good one. I need not say more, as he will present himself to thy observation. I will speak now of myself. The Board of Public Works...
26To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 15 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Matthew Witherspoon has requested my introduction to thee. He is lately arrived from Liverpool. My impressions, during the short acquaintance I have had with him, are in his favor; he appears to be a young man of intelligence and very decent manners. On thy goodness I rely for my excuse for this liberty, as well as for another on which I am about to venture. If there be no impropriety in it, I...
27Isaac Briggs’s Account of a Meeting with Madison [1 November 1820] (Madison Papers)
“11 mo. 1—Fourth day of the week. This morning, I went 5 miles to Montpelier, the se⟨at⟩ of James Madison, and arrived there before either James or his wife had proceeded from their lodging-room; Of course, I was there long before breakfast was ready. I remained here the whole of this day, and both James Madison and Dorothy entertained me with much friendly conversation, as well as with the...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To 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...