1To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 16 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
By the death of Mr Hutchins, the Office of Geographer to the United States has become vacant. In consequence of this event, I have by the advice of my Friends, thought proper to offer myself a Candidate to supply his place. As the proper execution of this business, will involve with it, an extensive astronomical knowledge, in both Theory, and Practice, it is with the greatest diffidence that I...
2To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 20 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
My former appointment to run the Line between the Western boundary of the State of New York, and the Lands belonging to the United States, added to the considerable expense I have already been at under that appointment in making the necessary Astronomical Instruments, and commencing the business by forwarding the Baggage to the Tyoga; together with my expenses in this City for three months...
3To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 2 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
I would propose Niagara for the place, and the second Week in next Month for the time of meeting the Commissioners, to be appointed by the Executives of the States of New York, and Massachusetts, to attend making the Survey directed by Congress in their Act of June 6th 1788. If the Express to Quebec should not return to Niagara by that time, that part of the Survey, lying on the South margin...
4To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 15 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I arrived in this City the day before Yesterday, after a long and tedious journey from Fort Erie, and have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that so much of the Survey on which I was employed, that fell within the Territory of his Britanick Majesty is compleated. I find the Geography of the Country about the Lakes very erronious, too much so to be even a tolerable guide. The south...
5To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, [4 February] 1790 (Madison Papers)
Latitude Note These Longitudes though sufficiently correct for common Geographical purposes, will nevertheless be rendered more accurate, when the Meridional Tangent to the west end of Lake Ontario, is carried on to the north boundary of Pennsylvania. Longitude, from the Meridian of Philadelphia ° ′ ″ ° ′ ″ Fort Erie 48.. 53.. 17 N 3.. 39..
6To Alexander Hamilton from Andrew Ellicott, 7 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 7, 1790. Will depart for Lake Erie at the end of May to complete the survey of the northeastern Pennsylvania lands ceded to the United States by New York. Expects to be in New York next week and will furnish Hamilton with an estimate of the expenses involved. ALS , Andrew Ellicott Papers, Library of Congress. Ellicott was a surveyor and mathematician who had worked for both...
7To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 1 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I observe by the treaty of peace between the United States, and Creek Indians, that the running of certain lines agreed upon by the Secretary of War, on behalf of the United States, and the principal Chiefs of the Creeks, (limiting the claims of the two Nations,) is to commence next October. From a long, and extensive practice in the running of astronomical, and other lines, and being likewise...
8XII. Andrew Ellicott to the Secretary of State, [14 February 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this Town on Monday last but the Cloudy weather prevented any observations being made untill friday evening which was very fine. [On Saturday the two first lines were completed. You will see by the enclosed plat that the second line does not touch any part of Hunting Creek unless the spring drain noted in the plat is to be considered a part of it. It appears to me that in order to...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 30 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 21st. has come safe to hand, but I defered answering it immediately, expecting Major L’Enfant’s return from Virginia, whom I should have consulted on the subject, which you submitted to my opinion; but as he is yet absent, and the time of his return uncertain, a longer delay might perhaps be improper.—I shall have every thing in my power done between the Presidents-House, and the...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 23 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Ellicott sends his compliments to Mr. Jefferson, and requests the favour of him to replace the 20 dollars which he paid to the engravers as appears by their enclosed receipt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed; endorsed by clerk as received 23 Mch. 1792 but not recorded in SJL or SJPL ; also endorsed in another hand: “engraver—federal buildings.”
11To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 3 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place on friday evening last, after the Commissioners had sent their Letters for you, to the Post Office; which will account for their not mentioning my arrival in their dispatches:—I understand that Mr. George Walker, has been sent on to Philadelphia by the Proprietors of the Lands in the City of Washington, to prevail upon the President, to restore Mr. L’Enfant to his...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 13 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners for the City of Washington, have had two meetings since my last, and in my opinion have conducted their business with judgment, and firmness; they nevertheless continue to meet with a decided opposition from several Gentlemen in this place; who are doubtless actuated more from private animosity, and disappointment, than a desire to serve the business. This opposition appeared...
13To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 26 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
With this you will receive an Almanac for the year 1793, which I calculated, and compiled, during my sickness last September. The astronomical part is adapted to the latitude, and meridian of the City of Washington. My design in this work, was merely to assist other (laudable) endeavours, in bringing the City of Washington into Public notice: and if it should be so fortunate as to meet your...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 26 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of sending you an Almanac for the year 1793, which I calculated, and compiled during my sickness last september.—The Astronomical part is adapted to the meridian, and latitude of the City of Washington. I am Sir your Hbl. Servt RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Honble. Thos. Jefferson Esqr.”; endorsed by TJ as received 29 Nov. 1792 and so recorded in SJL . Almanac :...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 9 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
From a conversation which I had with you some time ago, I remember you was desirous of discovering the Indian name of the Eastern Branch of the Potomak: by some old surveys it appears to be Annakostia . The reasons of my disagreement with the Commissioners, and ultimate determination to quit the business of the City of Washington, on the first day of May next, shall be published immediately...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 26 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Some weeks ago I gave you to understand that a disagreement had taken place between the commissioners of the public buildings in the City of Washington, and myself; without any other information on that subject. I shall now be more particular with respect to the cause, which appears to be the remains of the former difference with Major L’Enfant, added to the want of confidence, constantly...
17To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 16 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Commissioners of the public buildings have at length dismissed me from the business in which I have been engaged in the City of Washington without giving me an opportunity though demanded of verbally explaining what from misrepresentation and the want of knowledge of the plan they supposed to be unpardonable inaccuracies. I do assert, and posterity will bear me witness to its truth, that...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 26 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been most injuriously treated by the commissioners: Accused, and dismissed on a charge of errors where there were none, and my character degraded so far, as they could degrade it. In this situation I thought the most respectful mode of obtaining redress, was by an appeal to the President: but by your letter of the 22d. I am cruelly disappointed. Has a man in public service, tho’ under...
19To 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...
20To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 28 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter was to have been delivered by me, to you, last June; but from an expectation founded on my own feelings, I supposed that the commissioners for the public buildings in the City of Washington would certainly in the course of the summer go into an enquiry respecting the conduct of Mr Dermott; which was fully stated to them in several reports, particularly one bearing date June...
21To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 28 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
With this you will receive a copper-plate map of the territory of Columbia, which I find requires much larger paper than can be met with in this country, except amongst drafts-men who have imported it for their own use. It would therefore be necessary if the maps are intended for sale, to have some paper manufactured for that purpose of a proper size. I am in hopes the map will be found...
22To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 31 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
With this you will receive an essay designed to introduce accuracy in the execution of new surveys, and permanency to the work when executed; which from the present improved state of the Sciences, may be done with ease, and expedition, by any person properly qualified for a surveyor. The method which I have proposed, will neither require more time, nor be attended with more expense, than the...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 25 September 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real pleasure that I embrace this opportunity of congratulating you, on the elevated, and dignified station, which you hold by the voice of your country in our national legislature. It is an omen favourable to liberty, when science and legislation are combined. The execution of the business which brought me into this country is yet delayed, and what the result will be I cannot...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 28 May 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived in this City a few days ago after an absence of three years and eight months: On my arrival I immediately enquired for you, but had the mortification to find you had been gone some days. You are not unacquainted with the difficulties I had to encounter in executing the trust reposed in me by my country, but owing to a good constitution, and perseverance, have succeeded. My...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 17 October 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you soon after my arrival in this City last May, but having received no answer, I suspect the letter has not reached you.— My Astronomical Journal which contains the principal part of the report to the Executive of the U.S. and his Catholic Majesty has been ready for the press some weeks, but delayed for want of the plans, and charts; the originals being annexed to the report to our...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 21 December 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Among all those who will address you upon the fortunate issue of the late election for President, and V.P. of the U.S. (an event equally propitious, both to liberty, and science,) no one will do it with more sincerity, and friendship than myself,—and with that sincerity, and friendship, I join my fellow citizens in congratulating you, on your being called by the voice of your country to fill...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 23 December 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
After writing, and sealing the enclosed, your favour of the 18th. came to hand.—I am much pleased with Mr. Dunbar’s complaisance in giving you the satisfaction of perusing his journal.—he is a gentleman of singular acquirements, and would make a figure in any country.— It is difficult for me to suppose that any doubt can arise in the house of representatives with respect to the late election,...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 18 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The first part of the fifth volume of the transactions of our Philosophical Society is now with the printer.—more than one half of it will consist of the astronomical journal kept on our southern boundary.—The charts, and plans, are yet with our executive, and I do not expect to obtain them till after the 4th. of March next.—I have been told by Mr. Pickering and others, that the work done on...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 5 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
With this you will receive a Map of the western part of the State of New York which I am requested by my brothers who reside near Niagara to present to you,—it is all laid down from actual survey.—I have accompanied it with a small tract which I drew up while congress had the act for establishing a land office under consideration, and agreeably to which the surveys were directed to be made;...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 20 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed the first 12 pages of my astronomical observations :—you will perceive they are intended as an appendix to another work, and which I fear, I shall not be able to put to the press in less than six, or seven months.—I began with the observations at this time, to make the trouble as little as possible, both to the printer, who is now at work upon the fifth volume of our...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 13 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have accompanied this by a few sheets of my observations, they contain an account of the work on the boundary as far as to Pearl, or half-way river. The manner of describing the prime vertical as mentioned at the beginning of the line, I have not found noticed by any writer, but should think it too obvious to be new.—I am sorry the plate containing the references is not yet engraved.— Whilst...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson and Andrew Ellicott, 9 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Should the office of Superintendant of the military stores of the United States, created by an Act of Congress passed the 2d of April 1794, and now held by Mr. Harris , become vacant; we would take the liberty of recommending Mr. George Ingel, of this place, as a suitable person for that office. For several years during our revolutionary war , and till the close of it, he served in a similar...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 16 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
No two branches of science have been so much improved the last two centuries as chemistry, and the theory, and practice of navigation. The first may be considered the most entertaining, as furnishing a greater variety of objects for the employment of the mind; but the latter appears to have the advantage in usefulness. By navigation all portions of the world become connected, and constitute...
34To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 20 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 8th. did not come to hand till the 12th. I should have acknowledged the receipt of it immediately, but was prevented by a complaint in my head, which was occasioned in the first instance by the hardships I underwent on our southern boundary, and in sitting up night after night for whole weeks, that no one observation should be lost, or care wanting, to fix with precision the...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 26 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed three more sheets of my astronomical observations.—Pages 109, and 110, contain a critical examination of a meridian traced agreeably to one of the methods which I proposed some years ago in a small publication , with this difference, I had to take γ casiop. in the vertical above α ursæ minor. on account of our latitude being too far south to take it below.—Page 111 contains the...
36To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 27 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 May 1801, Philadelphia. Introduces Winthrop Sargent, “who as well as myself has been abused, and injured by a faction in the Mississippi Territory. I call it a faction, because with a few exceptions , it is composed of the most abandoned, and profligate part of the community, and consists of british subjects, discontented americans, and fugitives from justice.” Describes supporters of...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 4 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
With this you will receive the last pages of my astronomical observations with an extra half sheet, which you will please to substitute in place of the first half sheet I sent you.—You will find on the 150th. page a determination of the geographical position of the south end of cumberland island, which is the extreeme southern inclination of the U.S. on the Atlantic.—For the references to...
38To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 15 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Ellicott presents his most respectful compliments to his friend Mr. Madison, and requests, (if it should not be improper,) the favour of having for two, or three days, the report, and chart of our eastern boundary as returned by the commissioners. Mr. Ellicott was informed by Mr. Pickering, that the report contains some very important observations, for the determination of the source, and...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 18 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately upon my return from the City of Washington I began the reduction of my Charts to a scale of 8 inches to a mile, which I find will be as small as they can be reduced, and at the same time retain all the waters, and the bends, or crooks of the rivers.—The Mississippi river, and the line will now make one map of about 6 feet, by 5., to which will be added a Chart of the coast of the...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 10 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed the observations made by Mr. Patterson and myself on the lunar eclipse of september last,—if you think them of sufficient importance you are at liberty to communicate them to the American Philosophical Society.— The Map on which I informed you some time ago I was engaged is completed:—it comprehends the Mississippi from the mouth of the Ohio down to the Gulf of Mexico, the...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 2 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have forwarded by the bearer Mr. Brown the notes to accompany the map which I informed you some weeks ago was finished:—from these notes you will be able to judge in some degree of the value of the map, and whether it will be worth sending on to Washington;—I have it enclosed in a tin case Six feet 2 inches long.— I have the honour to be with great esteem your Hbl. Servt P.S. I intend...
42To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 24 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 18th. has just come to hand, and the first leisure hour I have, shall be employed in furnishing Mr. Churchman with the information he is requesting. Mr. Churchman is at least entitled to credit for his perseverance, but his theory is unfortunately entitled to none, because it cannot be rendered useful, even admitting the principles to be correct. It is well known to every...
43To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 29 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Some time ago I completed a map of the Mississippi, from the mouth of the Ohio, to the Gulf of Mexico; to which is added the southern boundary of the U. S. and the whole of West Florida. A manuscript explanation of the map, with some account of the country, was forwarded to the President about two months ago; but want of an opportunity, and the difficulty of finding a person willing to take...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 29 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed a few astronomical observations ; they are principally intended to determine by practice, what dependence may be placed in the lunar theory , for the determination of the longitude.— If I could have found leisure, the observations should have been more numerous, but the duties of my office require so great a proportion of my time, that I have none left for the pursuit of any...
45To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 31 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1801, Lancaster. Since writing the enclosed, has given the map to Duane who will deliver it. Examination of it will require reference to the manuscript sent the president. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers). 1 p. Cover marked by Ellicott: “Captn. William Duane.” Ellicott to JM, 29 Dec. 1801 . See Ellicott to JM, 24 Nov. 1801 , and n. 1.
46To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 31 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately received some valuable astronomical observations, made at several places on the Mississippi, by my ingenious friend Jose Joahin de Ferrer : by these observations I shall be enabled to make some small corrections in the Map sent on some weeks ago by Mr. Duane; and which I presume has been safely delivered.— Owing to a great press of business in the land office, and an uncommon...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 7 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 29th. Ultimo has been duly received, and the proposition which it contains, I consider as one of the most honourable, and flattering incidents of my life; and was my own feelings, and inclination, alone concerned, I should not hesitate one moment in accepting the place you offer: but as there are some other considerations to be brought into view, and duly weighed, before I...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 14 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
If the following proposed arrangement, for executing the Office of Surveyor General of the United States, should coincide with your ideas upon that subject, and come within the meaning of the law , I shall have no objection to the appointment. First , The Surveyor General shall determine every geographical position necessary for forming a chart, or map, by which the vacant lands belonging to...
49To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 20 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
At the request of Mr. Delambre one of the Secretaries of the National Institute of France; I want to forward to him some observations on the eclipses of Jupiters satellites to compare with his new Tables, which he is anxious to publish soon; but is at the same time desirous to make them as perfect as possible. As this exchange of Astronomical observations is of importance to a useful branch of...
50To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 15 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 8th. came to hand yesterday, and I have taken the earliest opportunity of forwarding the packet for Mr. de Lambre, and thanking you for your willingness to take charg⟨e⟩ of it. Your health is a matter of great importance to your Country at this time, and I fear that too close an attention to the duties of your office has occasioned your present indisposition: If my...