401[From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 8 February 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 8 Feb. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Chas. Thomson. Receipt his of Oct. 26.—send letters by Fr. packet. If secret, and not cyphered desire N. J[amieson] to confide to passenger. Span. incroachment not probable—peace and war doubtful—Bav. & Austr. neth.—consequence of repeated lies of Eng. papers towards lowering respect to us. Important to recover their respect—paiment of debts,...
402The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 9 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
In our last of Dec r. 15 we had the honour of communicating to Congress our letter to the Ambassador of Portugal which accompanied the draught of the treaty of Amity & Commerce proposed on our part. Since that date he addressed to us the letter N o. 1. acknowledging the receipt of ours & informing us that he had forwarded it to his court. The Baron de Thulemeier also, the Prussian Minister at...
403From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, 9 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the honour of acknowleging the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of Nov. 12. inclosing a bill of exchange of W. Alexander & co. on Mess. Laval and Wilfelsheim for 8957₶-11 Tournois, as also a duplicate of the same letter with the second of Exchange. These came to hand the 26th. of January. I called on Mr. Laval the 28th. presenting the bill. He said he had no advice of it. I...
404[From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 9 February 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 9 Feb. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “John Jay. The Marq. Fay. gives us hopes he will accept Sec. F. A.—war and peace doubtful—Bav. and Austr. neth.—Prussia and Dantzic settled—distractions of Holld. continue. Hastings and E.I. affairs difficult for Brit. parliament—have forgot us—we must urge them as to separate articles—expect by packet which sails in Feb. to receive orders about...
405VII. To the Baron von Thulemeier, 13 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 24 th: of Jan y. did not reach me, untill two Days ago. I communicated the Observations, inclosed in it, immediately to my Colleagues, who will transmit you our Answers, as soon as Health, and other Circumstances will admit. I have communicated to them also, your personal and confidential observations to me. They will have great Weight as they ought to have. I am weary of...
406[From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Martin, 20 February 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 20 Feb. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Henry Martin—Acknolege receipt of Nov. 15. Dec. 7. and Feb. 4. Subjects such as could not hazard explanation thro the post office, particularly as to Medit. passes—remedy in unfair insurance must be in American and other insurance offices. Expect instructions from Congr.” Not found.]
407Thomas Jefferson to Franklin and John Adams: Résumé, 1 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society ⟨March 1, 1785: Mr. Jefferson sends Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin his notes on the treaty with Prussia. When Mr. Adams has perused them, he should send them to Dr. Franklin. Mr. Jefferson proposes a meeting at Passy on Thursday [ March 3 ] at 12 o’clock. He sends “the Prussian propositions, mr. Adams’s & Dr. Franklin’s notes, & the former project & observations...
408From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 1 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams and Doctr. Franklin and sends them his notes on the treaty with Prussia. He prays Mr. Adams, when he shall have perused them to send them to Dr. Franklin and proposes to meet them on the subject at Passy on Thursday at 12. o’clock. He sends the Prussian propositions, Mr. Adams’s and Dr. Franklin’s notes, and the former project and observations which...
409Proposed Changes in Translation of the Treaty with Prussia, [ca. 1 March? 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
We submit the following passages to the consideration of the Baron De Thulemeyer, collating the English expressions, the French translation and the changes which we think should be made to yeild the true sense. English expression Passages in the translation where the sense seems changed Corrections hazarded Art. X. shall succeed to their said personal goods succederont à leurs biens...
410From Thomas Jefferson to Geismar, 3 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
An unfortunate change in my domestic situation by the loss of a tender connection who joined me in esteeming you, occasioned me to wish a change of scene and to accept an appointment which brought me to this place and will keep me here some time. Since your departure from America I have been altogether uninformed of your subsequent history. I am sure I need not tell you that the regard I...
411From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Henley, with a List of Books, 3 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
An expectation of having the pleasure of seeing you myself in England has for a considerable time since my arrival in Europe prevented my writing to you. This expectation having rather lessened, I take the opportunity of sending you this by a gentleman who promises to enquire your residence, and to have it safely delivered. After your departure from Virginia, Mr. Madison, being authorised by...
412From Thomas Jefferson to Clouet, [11 March 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu Monsr. la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire et je differois d’y repondre en attendant toujours l’arrivée de la caisse renfermant le portrait du Genl. W. afin que je puisse en meme tems vous en annoncer la reception. Je commençois de craindre que quelque malheur l’avoit rencontré chemin faisant, lorsque y reflechissant hier au soir il m’a venu dans l’esprit qu’il...
We had the honour of receiving your Letter of Jan ry: 24. covering a translation into French of the Draught of a treaty proposed between His Majesty the King of Prussia & the United States of America, together with answers to the several articles. We have considered them with attention, & with all those dispositions to accomodate them to the wishes of His Majesty which a respect for his...
414The American Commissioners to John Jay, 18 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
We received by the last Packet the favor of your letter of Jan ry. 14. in which we have the agreeable information of your having accepted the appointment of Secretary for foreign Affairs. Besides the general interest we feel in this event as members of the Union which is to availed of your services, we are particularly happy that a channel of communication is opened for us with Congress in...
415To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 March 1785 (Madison Papers)
My last to you was dated Dec. 8. since that yours of Feb. 1. has come to hand; and I am in hopes I shall shortly receive from you the history of the last session of our assembly. I will pray you always to send your letters by the French packet which sails from N. York the 15th. of every month. I had made Neill Jamieson my post master general there, who will always take care of my letters and...
416From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was dated Dec. 8. Since that yours of Feb. 1 . has come to hand; and I am in hopes I shall shortly receive from you the history of the last session of our assembly. I will pray you always to send your letters by the French packet which sails from N. York the 15th. of every month. I had made Neill Jamieson my postmaster general there, who will always take care of my letters and...
417From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 18 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by the packet which sailed from hence in Feb. and then acknoleged the receipt of yours of Dec. 14. which came by the packet arriving here in Jan. That which sailed from N.Y. in Jan. and arrived here in Feb. brings me no letter from any body except from Mr. Jay to Mr. Adams Dr. F. and myself jointly. Since my last the rumour of an exchange proposed between the Emperor and El. of...
418[From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Moore, 19 March 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 19 Mch. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: “Alexr. Moore. Lond. Desire him to give me notice before he goes to Virga.—my ill health—introduce Bolling.” Not found.]
419[From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Tracy, 19 March 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 19 Mch. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: “N. Tracy. Letters received by Pickman and West. Intelligence from Marocco. He may give substance of it and say it comes from us, but not print extract verbatim. Compliments to Jackson and Temple. Communicate intelligence to Martin and Shore.” Not found. The letters “by Pickman and West” have not been identified.]
420Jefferson’s Attestation of Depositions, 22 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Passy in the Kingdom of France to Wit. In obedience to the Commission hereto annexed (in the absence of Thomas Barclay esq. therein also named), I have diligently examined his Excellency Benjamin Franklin, LeRay de Chaumont and Bouchault on their respective oaths first taken before me on the interrogatories to the said commission annexed, and reduced the said examinations to writing in the...
421[From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Holker, 24 March 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 24 Mch. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: “John Holker. Rouen. Answer to his letter of Mar. 12. accompanied by letter to Prothonotary of Pennsylva. and depositions.” Neither letter nor—with the exception of document preceding—accompanying papers found.]
422The American Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 28 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
We have the honour to enclose an extract of a letter from the Commissioners of the United States of America to Your Excellency dated Aug st. 28 th. 1778. Copy of Your Excellency’s ans r dated 27. Sept r. 1778. & Copy of M. de Sartine’s letter to Your Excellency of the 21 st of Sept r. 1778 all relative to a proposed negotiation with the States of Barbary. Not having any particular authority or...
423From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 2 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from l’Orient. When are we to see you? Your letters leave us in doubt whether you mean to protract this odious term of the 4th. of April, or to return to your quarters then and be content to go on with your French at leisure. I am in hopes this will be your choice. You lost much by not attending the Te-deum at Notre dame yesterday. It bids defiance to description. I will...
424Notes on Presents made by Foreign Powers to Algiers, [after 8 April 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
France Livres Algiers. Every French Consul at Algiers. His present on reception 20,027 = 834 Louis Tunis, on treaty of peace, the king 80,000 mercht. 12,000 To the Ambassador 38,840 130,840 = 5451 Louis Morocco, on treaty of peace, to Emperor
425[From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Moore, 14 April 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 14 Apr. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Alexr. Moore. Answer to his letter of Mar. 10.” Not found.]
426From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 15 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
We wrote a public letter to Mr. Jay the day before yesterday. We were induced to hasten it, because young Mr. Chaumont was to set out yesterday for l’Orient to go to N. York in the packet, and a private conveyance is alone to be depended on for secrecy. I have put off writing any letters as long as I could, expecting the arrival of the packet. She is arrived, as the packet of the last month...
427From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, 15 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of informing your excellency in my letter of Feb. 3 that I had received and presented Mr. Alexander’s bill on Laval & Wilfelsheim; that they had refused to pay it; that I had had it protested, but on their saying they would then accept, I had sent it to them again, but received no answer, when I was obliged to send off my letter. They returned it to me accepted, paiable in...
428From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Ruston, 16 April 1785 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Rusten and begs the honor of his company to dinner on Tuesday next the 19th instant. RC (Raab Collection, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, 2018); addressed: “Monsr. Rusten Hotel d’Orleans, Palais royal”; wax seal affixed. Not recorded in SJL . According to Ruston’s diary, he dined with TJ on 19 Apr., at which time they discussed Great Britain’s trade policy ( DLC :...
429[From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 17 April 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 17 Apr. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. Carmichael. Acknolege receipt of his of Mar. 29. and Apr. 4. Papers relative to Algrs. sent to Congress—books. Send me note of what will cost, except those which are at common prices and which may be bought—account of Virga. act for surrendering citizens committing offences in other countries. Made principally to restrain our people as to Span....
430[From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Holker, 17 April 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 17 Apr. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. Holker. Rouen. That my Copying press was shipped. Sep. 24. 1784. on board the Rotham Capt. Brookes at London, bound to Rouen addressed to me in Paris, to his care in Rouen. Acknoleged receipt of his of Mar. 29.” Not found. The information in this letter was based on one from John Page of London to Dr. Edward Bancroft, dated at Leadenhall Street,...
431Notes on Alterations Proposed by Favi, [after 26 April 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Alterations made in our propositions to Tuscany. ‘manufactures Art. 2. 3. and merchandize’ ‘produce , manufactures and merchandize, without exception of any.’ ‘whatsoever, Agreed and shall be obliged to observe no other or greater formalities, regulations or cautions , than the most favored European nations are or shall be obliged to pay and observe.’ ‘exemptions
432From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Another packet is arrived which sailed from N. York the 22d. of March. As yet we have only a few letters which come through the post office. We have reason to expect there is a passenger from New York and that he may have letters for us. We know that Mr. Adams is appointed minister to the court of London, and a Colo. Smith his Secretary of legation. The newspapers tell us that Rhode island has...
433From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 2 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
By your servant I inclose you a bill of the Caisse d’escomte for two hundred livres. We have received this day some public letters from America. These contain a permission to Doctr. Franklin to return, and a substitution of myself in his place. There is no appointment of a Secretary of legation, but I suppose it out of doubt that Colo. H. will be annexed to this legation. Smith is fixed in...
434[From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 3 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 3 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Wm. Carmichael. Receipt his of Apr. 19. Rh. isld. passed impost imperfectly.-N.Y. double duties on British bottoms-not passed impost. Georga. brought in bill for impost-Moultrie Govr. S.C. Reed of Pensva. dead-Indian purchase said to be to meridian of falls of Ohio but I doubt it. Mr. A. minister at Lond. Smith Secretary of legation-Dr. F. leave to...
435[From Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 11 May – 3 June 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 May-3 June 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “N. Lewis. Recommending Doradour. My appointment. Not keep long. Have porticos covered with shed roof. Take care of stuff sawed. Key to send me annually his cash account-send two cones of Cedar of Lebanon. Anthony to plant them in a nursery. Anthony to write me a full state of his proceedings since I left home. Send some trifles to Mrs. L....
436To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 9. came to my hands on the 13th. of April. The very full and satisfactory detail of the proceedings of assembly which it contained, gave me the highest pleasure. The value of these communications cannot be calculated at a shorter distance than the breadth of the Atlantic. Having lately made a cypher on a more convenient plan than the one we have used, I now transmit it to...
437[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 11 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Eppes. Receipt of his and Mrs. E’s of Oct. 13. and 14. My appointment will keep me somewhat longer. I must have Polly. As would not have her at sea but between 1st. of Apr. and Sep. this will allow time for decision-is there any woman in Virga. could be hired to come. I sometimes think to send one. Pray his advice and Mrs. E’s.-his wine shipped...
438From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 11 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of February 25th came to hand on the 26th of April. I am not a little at a loss to devise how it has happened that mine of November 11th, which I sent by colonel Le Mair, and who I know arrived at New-York the 15th of January, should have been so long kept from your hands as till the 25th February. I am much afraid that many letters sent by the same hand have experienced the same...
439[From Thomas Jefferson to George Gilmer, 11 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Dr. Gilmer. Recommending Doradour. My appointment not keep me long. Ill health. That I send for Polly. Patsy well. Peace.” Opposite entry in SJL is the notation: “delivered Monsr. Doradour. May. 11.” Not found.]
440[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Hardy, 11 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Saml. Hardy esq. Recommend Adams, Doradour. What become of Monroe? Mercer married and you? Peace. Emperor inquiet. No propositions to this court occupied with Dutch quarrel and great ferment about arrêt as to W.I. trade. Perhaps American measures may produce change in dispositions of Engld. Write me history proceedings of Congress. Send letters by...
441From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 11 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured on the 2d. instant with the receipt of your favor of Mar. 15. inclosing the resolution of Congress of the 10th. of the same month appointing me their Minister plenipotentiary at this court; and also of your second letter of Mar. 22. covering the commission and letter of credence for that appointment. I beg permission through you, Sir, to testify to Congress my gratitude for this...
442From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 11 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
As it frequently happens that we cannot meet with passengers going hence to the packet to whom we may commit our letters, and it may be often necessary to write to you on subjects improper for the inspection of this government to which the letters by post are subject, I have made out a cypher which I now inclose and deliver to young Mr. Adams who will have the honor of delivering you this. The...
443From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 9. came to my hands on the 13th. of April. The very full and satisfactory detail of the proceedings of assembly which it contained, gave me the highest pleasure. The value of these communications cannot be calculated at a shorter distance than the breadth of the Atlantic. Having lately made a cypher on a more convenient plan than the one we have used, I now transmit it to...
444[From Thomas Jefferson to James Maury, 11 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “James Maury. Recommending Doradour.” Opposite entry is the notation: “delivered Monsr. Doradour. May 11.” Not found.]
445From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered you by young Mr. Adams whom I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance and recommend as worthy of your friendship. He possesses abilities, learning, application, and the best of dispositions. Considering his age too you will find him more improved by travel than could have been expected. A Monsr. Doradour also goes in the packet to New York, and from thence proceeds...
446[From Thomas Jefferson to John Walker, 11 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “J. Walker. Do. [recommending Doradour]. My appointment for 3. years. Probably longer than I may stay. Ill health. Patsy well and well fixed. Peace. Engld. not treat. Compliments to Mrs. W., Kinl[och] and Dr. W.—write to me, or Mrs. W. write.” Opposite entry is the notation: “delivered Monsr. Doradour. May 11.” Not found.]
447[From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Burd, 12 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 12 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Edwd. Burd prothonotary supreme court Pennsylva. Inclosing commission and depositions in Guillebaut et al. v. Wharton.” Opposite the entry is the notation: “by Mr. Adams.” Not found. The enclosures were doubtless the same (with the addition of the certification by Siot de St. Pol of 26 Mch.) as those enclosed in TJ to Holker, 24 Mch. 1785. See also...
448From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, 12 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that at length Messrs. Laval & Wilfelsheim have paid the bill of exchange remitted. It will enable me to furnish Monsr. Houdon for his voiage to Virginia when he shall be sufficiently reestablished in his health to undertake it. Dr Franklin proposing to return either the next month or the month following, I think it probable that Houdon will accompany him. I have...
449[From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 12 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 12 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “P. Mazzei. Receipt of his of Dec. 1. Peace. Likely to form rational connection with Tuscany, but barren unless Tuscans carry on in own bottoms. Barbary states. Query if ask peace with sword or money. Ill health. Begin now to go out. My appointment. Send for Polly next spring. Patsy well. Mr. Short also, and at St. Germ.’s. Mr. Ad. goes to Lond. His...
450From Thomas Jefferson to John Quincy Adams, 12 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams and begs his care of the inclosed letters . Those directed to Messrs. Monroe and Hardy will make him acquainted with two very worthy gentlemen of the Virginia delegation. Should Colo. Monroe not be at New York Mr. Jefferson begs the favor of Mr. Adams to deliver his letter either to Mr. Hardy or Mr. Charles Thomson with a request to keep it till they...