31From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 11 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose for you under cover to Mr. Madison a copy of Homer. I am anxious to hear from you, to know how your time is employed, and what books you read. You are now old enough to know how very important to your future life will be the manner in which you employ your present time. I hope therefore you will never waste a moment of it. You may be assured that nothing shall be wanting on my part...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 11 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by the post this day fortnight, since which I have received two letters from you. I am afraid that you may not have sent to the post office and therefore that my letter may be still lying there. Tho’ my business here may not let me write to you every week yet it will not be amiss for you to enquire at the office every week. I wrote to Mr. House by the last post. Perhaps his letter...
33From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your determination to avail yourself of the fine weather proved I fear a very unfortunate one. I pitied your probable situation in the tempestuous season which immediately succeeded your departure. It is now above a fortnight since we should have met, and six states only appear. We have some hopes of Rhodeisland coming in to-day, but when two more will be added seems as insusceptible of...
34[From Thomas Jefferson to James Maury, 11 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 11 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Jas. Maury. What ports [posts?] would prefer—whether like the footing.” Not found.]
35[From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 11 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 11 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “P. Mazzei. Account of my transactions for him—how my own time filled up in his absence.” Not found.]
36From Thomas Jefferson to Eliza House Trist, [11 December 1783?] (Jefferson Papers)
Availing myself of the place in P’s letter where a postscript should be, I take the liberty of adding my wishes for your health and happiness, and assurances that I feel myself much interested in those events which may affect either. I hope the day is near when Mr. Trist’s return will make amends for the crosses and disappointments you complain of, and render the current of life as smooth and...
37[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 12 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 12 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Governor. Definitive treaty—British proclamation on commerce.” Not found.]
38[From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Jones, 12 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 12 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Jos. Jones. No Congr. Definitive treaty. Western cession.” Not found.]
39From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 16 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of the 8th inst. with great satisfaction as it anticipated a proposition I want to make you of interchanging communications sometimes. The termination of the war will render what I can send you less interesting perhaps, while your intelligence will retain it’s value. It is very essential to us to obtain information of facts, of opinions, and of wishes from our own...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 12th. instant on the subject of the Definitive treaty. On the day following we made up a Congress of seven states, but nine being requisite to ratify the treaty, we have been unable to get this done; and of course till it be ratified Congress can make no communications on the subject to the states. I am sorry to say that I see no immediate...
41[From Thomas Jefferson to Speaker of the House of Delegates, 18 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Sp. H. Del. European intelligence.—extract from letter of Ministers.” Letter and enclosure not found, but see preceding document and note.]
42[From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Carr, 19 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 19 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Carr. My request of W. S. [William Short] and orders to Key—ill health—heard only once from P. and L. [Polly and Lucy]. Not found.]
43[From Thomas Jefferson to Speaker of the Senate, 19 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 19 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Sp. Sen. European intelligence—extract from letter of Ministers—proposition on G. town to Del. of Maryld.” Letter and enclosure not found, but see TJ’s letter to Benjamin Harrison, 17 Dec. 1783 , and note. The phrase “proposition on G. town” (i.e., Georgetown) clearly refers to a proposal TJ, presumably with other members of the Virginia...
44[From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 19 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 19 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “W. Short. 1st. hope desperate—2d doubtful—to dispose of P. C. [Peter Carr]—call on Key for money and conveiance.” Not found.]
45II. To Elbridge Gerry and James McHenry, [21? December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the sketch, which I have been obliged to obliterate and blot after making what I intended for a fair copy. You will observe my plan was to make a short review in very general terms of those actions which redound to the General’s particular credit, viz. the discouraging circumstances under which he accepted the command—his steadiness and perservance when obliged to retire across the...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 22 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I hoped before this to have received letters from you regularly and weekly by the post, and also to have had a letter to forward from you to one of your aunts as I desired in my letter of November 27th. I am afraid you do not comply with my desires expressed in that letter. Your not writing to me every week is one instance, and your having never sent me any of your copies of Mr. Simitiere’s...
47[From Thomas Jefferson to Eliza House Trist, 22 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Trist—dissuading immediate departure. Pittsbg till Mar. or Apr.—Smith—Browse’s alienage.” Not found. Mrs. Trist had left Philadelphia on 21 Dec.; see her acknowledgment of the present letter from Pittsburgh, 8 Apr. 1784. On Browse’s alienage, see TJ’s notes on British and American alienage, printed at the end of 1783.]
48[From Thomas Jefferson to Jacquelin Ambler, 23 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 23 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “J. Ambler to set apart my dividends and give me notice—will not draw till then—go through £200—far advanced in 3d.” Not found.]
49[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 23 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 23 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Hopkinson—letter to Bremner—clavichord—spinette—Buffon’s theory—Rittenh’s orrery for k. of Fr.” Not found, but see Hopkinson to Bremner, 28 Nov. 1783. The reference to Rittenhouse’s orrery pertains to a suggestion made by TJ the preceding January at a meeting of the American Philosophical Society. On 3 Jan. 1783 TJ attended his first meeting...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 24 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The present week affords us nothing new for communication unless it be the affecting scene of yesterday. Genl. Washington then had his last audience of Congress, laid down his commission and bid a final adieu to them and to all public life. His address on the occasion was worthy of him. This you will see in the public papers. I cannot help expressing my extreme anxiety at our present critical...
51[From Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. James Madison, 24 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 24 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “J. Madison of the college—to observe thermometer just before sunrise—Crawford’s theory—Rittenh’s orrery. Hopkinson’s quilling.” Not found, but see Madison to TJ, 22 Jan. 1784 . Hopkinson’s “quilling”: on 21 Nov. 1783 TJ attended a meeting of the American Philosophical Society at which Hopkinson presented “a Plan and directions for improving the...
52[From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carter, 26 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 26 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “C. Carter. General’s audience—European news—danger of not having 9. states for ratification—queries about white neg[roes].” Not found. On “white negroes” see Charles Carter to TJ, 9 Feb. 1784 , and Notes on Virginia , under Query vi (Ford, iii , 174–5).]
53[From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Skipwith, 26 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 26 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “H. Skipw. Genl’s audience—European news—danger of not having 9 states—Queries about white negroes. Patsy well disposed of—my ill health.” Not found, but see Skipwith’s reply, 20 Jan. 1784.]
54Resolution Opposing Ratification of the Definitive Treaty by Less than Nine States, [27 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved that however earnestly and anxiously Congress wish to proceed to the ratification of the Definitive treaty, yet < Resolved that Congress > consisting at present of seven states only they ought not to undertake < the > that ratification < of the Definitive treaty > without proper explanations. < 1. Because the 9th. article of Confederation takes from them the power, by declaring that...
55[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 27 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Eppes. She to write every 1st. Sund. and Mr. E. every 3d.—European news, state of Congr. Ratification. Want of money—[sent?] P. J. [Polly Jefferson] 2 sashes.” Not found.]
56[From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 28 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 28 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Dr. Currie. Crawford’s theory—his ivory book not read—cypher.” Not found.]
57[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Hawkins, 28 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 28 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. Hawkins. Vocabulary—Buffon’s character of Indians.” Not found.]
58[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Hutchins, 29 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 29 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Capt Hutchins. Vocabulary for any Indian tribes.” Not found.]
59Report on Gerry’s Motion respecting Papers in the Office of Foreign Affairs, [29 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to whom was referred the motion of Mr. Gherry for procuring access to the papers of the office for foreign affairs have agreed to the following < resolution > Resolved that a deputy Secretary for foreign affairs should be appointed at some early day. MS ( DLC : PCC , No. 25, II); in TJ’s hand. Endorsed by Thomson: “Report of Mr Jefferson Mr Osgood Mr Lee On Motion of Mr Gerry...
60[From Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Moore, 29 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 29 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Bernard Moore vocabulary and queries for the Mattaponies and Pamunkies.” Not found. Moore lived at West Point, between the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers whose names were derived from the Indian tribes inhabiting the region.]
61[From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 29 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 29 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL under this date, immediately following entry for preceding letter to Bernard Moore, reads: “W. Short. do. for the Nottoways.” Not found.]
62[From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 30 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 30 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “E. Rand. European news. Dutch commotions—but 7. states—not fault of delegates but want of money.” Not found.]
63[From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Fox, 31 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 31 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Edwd. Fox. On Gilmer’s accounts. Not found.]
64From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 31 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Letters from Holland from the middle to the last of September inform us that the citizens of the Dutch states are all in commotion. The conduct of the Prince of Orange having been such as greatly to strengthen the republican party, they are now pressing in the firmest tone a restoration of their constitutional rights. Friesland, as usual, leads the way. They have demanded of the sovereign...
65From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 31 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Just before I left Albemarle a proposition was started for establishing there a grammar school. You were so kind as to tell me you would write me the progress of the proposition: on my part I was to enquire for a tutor. To this I have not been inattentive. I enquired at Princetown of Dr. Witherspoon. But he informed me that that college was but just getting together again, and that no such...
66I. Notes concerning Boundaries, [1784?] (Jefferson Papers)
Prender of possession, and assumption of boundary, by the Jus gentium of America, gives a right of preemption against all nations and individuals but not of occupation against the native inhabitants. Charters from the crown, whether to proprietors or people , are fundamental rights, vesting in all, and not alterable but by consent of all parties. Consent of people, expressed by acquiescence ....
67IV. Draft of a Model Treaty, 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The parties being willing to fix in a permanent and equitable manner the rules to be observed in the commerce they desire to establish between their respective countries, have judged that the said end cannot be better obtained than by taking the most perfect equality and reciprocity for the basis of their agreement. On these principles I. Cases where both parties are in full peace . , after...
68VII. Exports from Eight Northern States before 1776, [ca. 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Before the late revolution, the eight states, from Delaware to New-Hampshire inclusive, exported to the West Indies, Great Britain and Ireland £ sterl. Flaxseed 60,000 } These articles are still received in Gr. Britain and Ireland, as formerly. Bounty taken off, but not subject to Aliens duty. Pot-ash 50,000 210,000 Furs 100,000 Naval stores 75,000 75,000 Shipping 200,000 200,000 ...
69Memorandum Books, 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 1. Paid Mrs. Gheeseland to this day for myself £13–2–6. Note this is a guinea a week or 5/ a day for lodging and 2/6 a day for wood. 3. Pd. for corn £2–16–3. Charge 14/1 of it to Colo. Monroe. 4. Pd. Mrs. Gheeseland for servt. to New year’s day £4–7–6. Note this was at half a guinea a week. Began this day to dine with Mrs. Gheeseland. 5. Pd. Plane the barber 12/6—sundries 9/6 door lock...
70II. Bounds of Six Proposed Northwest Colonies, 1 January–1 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 234: 41926); entirely in TJ’s hand, with deletions and interlineations that are indicated in notes below. Accompanying this is another fragment in TJ’s hand ( DLC : TJ Papers, 234: 41927) giving the bounds of what may be another “colony” south of the Ohio that perhaps was drawn up around 1783–1784. These bounds coincide almost precisely with those of the colony of...
71To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1784 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by JM, “Thos. Jefferson Jan 1 1784.” Beneath the docket appears in an unknown hand, “Buffons theory respecting the Globe.” Your favour of the 10th. Dec. came to hand about a fortnight after its date. It has occasioned me to reflect a little more attentively on Buffon’s central heat than I did in the moment of our conversation and to form an...
72From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 10th. Dec. came to hand about a fortnight after it’s date. It has occasioned me to reflect a little more attentively on Buffon’s central heat than I did in the moment of our conversation and to form an opinion different from what I then expressed. The term ‘central heat’ does of itself give us a false idea of Buffon’s hypothesis. If it meant a heat lodged in the center of...
73Jefferson’s Compromise Motion concerning Ratification of the Definitive Treaty, [2 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it is stipulated in the definitive treaty of peace between the United states and his Britannic majesty that the ratifications of the said treaty shall be exchanged on or before the 3d. day of March next and there now remains before that period little more time than is requisite for the passage of the said ratification across the Atlantic; And Congress consisting at present but of 7....
74From Thomas Jefferson to William Whipple, 12 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Being anxious to procure information on the subject of the black moose or Caribou which cannot be procured in any of the United states but New Hampshire I take the liberty of addressing myself to you on the foundation of the acquaintance I have had the pleasure of contracting with you, and my beleif that you will be so obliging as to lend me your assistance. Mr. Forster, your delegate here,...
75From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 15 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter by the post is not yet come to hand, that by Mr. Beresford I received this morning. Your long silence had induced me almost to suspect you had forgotten me and the more so as I had desired you to write to me every week. I am anxious to know what books you read, what tunes you can play, and to receive specimens of your drawing. With respect to your meeting Mr. Simitiere at Mr....
76From Thomas Jefferson to Chastellux, 16 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Lt. Colo. Franks being appointed to carry to Paris one of the copies of our ratification of the Definitive treaty, and being to depart in the instant of his appointment furnishes me a hasty opportunity of obtruding myself on your recollection. Should this prove troublesome you must take the blame as having exposed yourself to my esteem by letting me become acquainted with your merit. Our...
77From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 17 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
No post having arrived here from the Southward during the present month till this day, and being to return in a few minutes I am obliged without an opportunity of asking the concurrence of my collegues to inclose you a copy of the proclamation of the Definitive treaty and of it’s ratification which happily took place on the 14th. instant. Two officers were immediately dispatched to seek...
78[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. E. Betsy—Congratulations on daughter—P. A. on marriage—health better—hair-powder.” Not found.]
79[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. E. Authorising him to have R. Rand’s affair settled and all others of Mr. W’s estate—that I will contribute my quota of expenses of agents, and of paiments when become indispensable—letter from Welch—ratification of Treaty—affairs of Europe—disposition of P. C.” Not found.]
80[From Thomas Jefferson to Anna Scott Jefferson, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “A. S. J. My health better—send what she wants, I will get in Phil. whither shall go in spring.” Not found.]