331From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 17 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not received a letter from you since early in February . This is far short of my injunctions to write once a week by post. I wish this for my own gratification as well as for your improvement. I received yesterday letters from Eppington by which I learn that the families there and at Hors du monde are well, and that your cousin Cary has a son. Lucy has been unwell during the winter but...
332[From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Johnson Hopkinson, 20 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 20 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Hopkinson. Inclosing draught on Turnbull, Marmie & co. for 100. D.—duplicate also.” Neither the letter nor its enclosure has been found. The “duplicate,” of course, was a duplicate of the draft.]
333[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel House, 20 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 20 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “S. House. Whether Harrison’s bill on Holker for 96. D. was paid into bank.” Not found.]
334[From Thomas Jefferson to St. John de Crèvecoeur, 22 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “St. John. Consul of Fr. at N.Y. distillation of the potatoe—maps. Henry’s—Hutchins—F. & Jeff.” Not found.]
335[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 22 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “[Apr.] 22. Mrs. E.—Mr. E.—Polly.” This is a single-line entry and, since TJ rarely if ever recorded more than one letter on a line, it is possible to interpret this as meaning that he wrote only to Mrs. Eppes and discussed Mr. Eppes and Polly. The ambiguity cannot be completely resolved in view of the fact that no letter to any one of the three...
336[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 22 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. For note on entry in SJL , see TJ to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes , this date. Not found.]
337[From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 22 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. For note on entry in SJL , see TJ to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes , this date. Not found.]
338[From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Skipwith, 22 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “H. Skipw. Common news.” Not found.]
339[From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 23 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 23 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “J. Bannister. The imposture of Apr. 2.” Letter not found, but see John Banister to TJ, 15 Apr. 1784 , and references there.]
340[From Thomas Jefferson to James Buchanan, 23 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 23 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Jas. Buchanan. Marb[ois] will send wines addressed to him—send to Charlville with line to Key—Pitt in.” Not found.]
341[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 23 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 23 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “TMR. Garden seeds—Pitt still in and parliament not dissolved—Luzerne going—Marb[ois] charg[é] d’aff[aires].” Not found.]
342[From Thomas Jefferson to John Christian Senf, 23 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 23 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Colo. Senf. List of our curiosities.” Not found.]
343[From Thomas Jefferson to James McClurg, 24 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 24 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “McLurg. Ballons—28. [ i.e., postscript of 28 Apr. ] adjournment of Congr.—Eng. news to Mar. 25 ut infra.” Not found, but the phrase “ut infra” in the entry in SJL for the present letter which occurs above that for the letter to Randolph of 28 Apr. 1784, q.v., and the corresponding phrase “ut supra” in the entry for the letter to Turpin of the...
344[From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Curson, 25 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 25 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Curson. Bannister’s imposture—expect remittance—inclosed Mazzei’s letter to Lynch to find conveiance.” Neither letter nor enclosure found, but see John Banister to TJ, 15 Apr. 1784 and references there.]
345[From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Jones, 25 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 25 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Jos. Jones. Interest on British debts—report on Western territory—Norfolk—Patowm[ac] and Ohio. 28. [ i.e., postscript of 28 Apr. ] Eng. news to Mar. 20. infra.” Not found.]
346From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 25 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 16th. of March, as was the latest I have received from you. By the proposition to bound our country to the Westward I meant no more than passing an act declaring that that should be our boundary from the moment the people of the Western country and Congress should agree to it. The act of Congress now inclosed to you will shew you that they have agreed to it, because...
347[From Thomas Jefferson to Boinod & Gaillard, 26 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 26 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Boinod & Gaillard. Machiavelli—Veneroni gram—Baretti dict. Boyer gram—Vocabol. port. dal Conti.” Not found.]
348From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Morris, 26 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
It is always with reluctance that I trespass on the time of a person whose every moment I know to be usefully emploied. The subject however of the inclosed papers having heretofore occupied your attention and the report you made to Congress being lost so that those who have attended the present year only cannot have the benefit of your then communications, I cannot withstand the desire of...
349[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 27 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Govr. Post delays—not stopped here—Genl. W’s postage—M[ercer]’s letter of Apr. 10.” Not found.]
350[From Thomas Jefferson to John Sullivan, 27 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Genl. Sullivan. Acknol. receipt his letters—glad of further information on Moose-correspondence—Western territory—adjournment Congr.” Not found. The letters of Sullivan acknowledged by this were those of 12 Mch. (received 13 Apr.) and 3 Apr. (received 23 Apr.).]
351[From Thomas Jefferson to William Whipple, 27 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Genl. Whipple. Acknol. receipt his letter [of 15 Mch.]—glad of further information on Moose—Western territory—adjournment Congr.” Not found.]
352[From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 28 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 28 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Dr. Currie. Ballons—adjournment Congr.—settle near Monticello.” Not found.]
353[From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 28 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 28 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “P. Mazzei. My proceedings in his affairs—adjournment Congr.—will bear testimony if he can fix particular point—correspond.—communicated de Rieux’s arrival at Chas. T. and letter to me.” Not found. Derieux’s letter is that of 22 Feb. 1784, q.v.]
354[From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton, 28 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 28 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “E. Pendleton. Lottery tickets—Trumbull’s proclamation—Western territory—adjournment of Congress—committee states—requisitions—Luz[erne]. Marb[ois]—Eng. news to Mar. 25.” Not found.]
355[From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 28 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 28 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “E. Rand. Deane’s pamphlet. Western report. land office ordinance—requisitions—business before Congr.—Luzerne, Marb[ois].—London news to Mar. 25. viz. Pitt in—illumination of London. addresses in support—majority in H.C. reduced to 12.—parliament will be dissolved—a M.S. copy of his defence of Western right if it is not to be published.” Not found.]
356From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Turpin, 28 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Supposing you may not have received intelligence to be relied on as to the reality and extent of the late discovery of traversing the air in ballons, and having lately perused a book in which every thing is brought together on that subject as low down as Decemb. last, I will give you a detail of it. I will state the several experiments, with the most interesting circumstances attending them,...
357From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 30 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing you an act of Congress on the subject of Western territory as passed a few days ago. The Ordinance for opening the land office so soon as our purchases are made from the Indians is not yet passed. I also inclose a copy of the estimate and requisitions of the year as they passed Congress. This however you will shortly receive from the President officially....
358From Thomas Jefferson to William Short (Extract), [30 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Whether Congress will keep ministers abroad is still undecided. A disposition however seems to prevail to add to the present commission for negociating foreign treaties of amity and commerce. One of our own delegates and one other gentleman have proposed the mission to
359III. Some Thoughts on a Coinage, [ca. March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Some Thoughts on a Coinage, and the Money Unit for the U.S. Transition from money to weights. Transition from weights to measures. Transition from measures to time. I find new dollars of 1774,80,81 (qu. Mexico Pillar) weigh 18 dwt. 9 grs.=441 grs. If of this there be but 365 grs. pure silver, the alloy would be of 2.1 oz. in the ℔. instead of 19 dwt. the common Spanish alloy, which is 1 dwt....
360IV. Notes on Coinage, [March–May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Notes on the establishment of a Money Unit, and of a Coinage for the United States. In fixing the Unit of money, these circumstances are of principal importance. I. That it be of convenient size to be applied as a measure to the common money transactions of life. II. That it’s parts and multiples be in an easy proportion to each other, so as to facilitate the money arithmetic. III. That the...
361VI. Notes for Reply to Robert Morris, [7–9 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Whether the parts of the Unit had better be a measure of the [curre]nt money of account or of the dollar. Obj. Easy to make any coin circulate at it’s value. Ans. Still it is a duty to make it’s introduction easy as we can to the people. Obj. The dollar is no money of account. No merchant keeps his books in dollars. Therefore the adoption of the dollar as the Unit will not save him the trouble...
362From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 3 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Not being learned in the laws of Pennsylvania I am incertain what will be the event if a prosecution of Scandalum magnatum should be instituted against Claypole for publishing in his gazette of Apr. 27. as an act of Congress a paper which certainly was no act of theirs, and which contained a principle or two not quite within the level of their politics. I mean a pretended act for dividing the...
363From Thomas Jefferson to G. K. van Hogendorp, 4 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Having waited thus long in the vain hope of procuring a private and confidential conveyance for the papers you left in my care, I am obliged at length to trust them to the post, lest a longer detention of them should prove inconvenient. I hope they will pass safely. The desire of establishing a correspondence, which I am sure will be useful to me, induces me to consider as an invitation to it...
364I. On Tobacco Culture, 4 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
In Virginia two species of tobacco are cultivated, very distinct from each other. They are called Oroonoko and Sweetscented. The first is the hardiest and of the greatest produce; the last of the most delicate flavour. I think it used to sell about an eighth higher than the Oroonoko. All other names given to our tobaccoes are arbitrary and particular; every plant of tobacco going from Virginia...
365III. On the Port of Norfolk, [May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
The friends of Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Alexandria may possibly unite to prevent exclusive privileges being given to Norfolk. These collected would form about an eighth part of the legislature and perhaps adding to them their accidental connections and influence they may make one fourth of the legislature. All the country below these which compose one third of the legislature...
366VI. On Weights and Measures, [ca. April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
The English foot is to the Parisian as 1000:1068 The English foot is such that a pendulum which vibrates in a second is 3f.3.2I. long The English mile is 1760 yards = 5280 feet An acre is 208.7 feet square. There are 640 acres in a square mile. The English use two kinds of pounds, viz the Avoirdupois and the Troy pound. by the former they weigh heavy coarse commodities by the latter they weigh...
367[From Thomas Jefferson to D’Anmours, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Chevr. D’Anm. Qu. if Cazeau left the money—countermand kettles—invitation to breakfast and dine—requisitions, Western territory Commercial resolutions.” Not found.]
368[From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Carr, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Carr. Consign P.C. [Peter Carr] to Mr. Madison. Dabney also. Invitation to pass hot season at Monticello.” Not found, but see TJ to Madison, 8 May 1784. ]
369[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Dudley, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Dudley. That I have sent on 2d. pr. spectacles to Virga.-he may expect the 1st or the money in a fortnight.” Not found, but see TJ to Madison , this date, and Madison to TJ, 15 May . While TJ does not give the first name of Dudley in this entry or in the letter to Madison of this date, there can be little doubt that the maker of the spectacles was...
370[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Eppes. Valedictory—inclosed one to Polly.” Neither the letter nor its enclosure has been found.]
371From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 7 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I received by the last post your favour of the 27th. Ult. and am obliged for the communications therein. The ferment on the subject of your society seems just becoming general. They write us from Virginia that it works high there, and that the division is precisely into civil and military. We will not presume to send foreign news from Annapolis to Philadelphia. Congress expect to adjourn on...
372From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The duty of correspondence for the Month being devolved on me, and no authentic intelligence from abroad having been received, I have it in my power to communicate to you only what we get through the channel of the public papers. The inclosed will present to you some of the late debates of the H. of Commons, their addresses to the king and his answers. These seem to exclude the prospect of...
373From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of this morning the post has arrived and brought us a letter from Dr. Franklin of Mar. 9. He had received a letter from Congress informing him of the reasons of delaying our ratification. He apprehends no difficulty from this circumstance, and the rather as he had received a letter from Mr. Hartley dated Mar. 2. (the day before the exchange should have taken place) desiring he...
374[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Hopkinson. Subterraneous city in Siberia.” Not found, but see Madison to TJ, 25 Apr. 1784 .]
375[From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . An entry in SJL of this date indicates that in his letter to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes TJ “inclosed one to Polly.” Neither the letter to Mrs. Eppes nor that to Polly has been found.]
376[From Thomas Jefferson to John Key, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “J. Key. To send Jame.” Not found. This letter was enclosed in TJ’s second letter to Short of this date.]
377From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolutions on the subject of commerce are the only things of consequence passed since my last. You will be surprised to receive another pair of spectacles. The paper with them will explain the error. If you can dispose of the supernumerary pair do so, and I will remit the money to Dudley; if you cannot, return them by the next post and I will return them to him. Congress is now...
378[From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Short. In cypher.” Not found.]
379From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 7 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the departure of the post an event has taken place which obliges me to send this by express in hopes of overtaking him at Marlborough. Congress have to day added me to the commission for negotiating treaties of commerce with the European powers. This was hastened by the receipt of a letter by this day’s post from Dr. Franklin which gives reason to beleive that Mr. Jay is on his passage...
380[From Thomas Jefferson to Anne Wayles Skipwith, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Skipwith. Valedictory.” Not found.]