1961To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you last on the 12th. of Jan. since which I have received your’s of Octob. 17. Dec. 8. & 12. That of Oct. 17. came to hand only Feb. 23. How it happened to be four months on the way, I cannot tell, as I never knew by what hand it came. Looking over my letter of Jan. 12th. I remark an error of the word ‘probable’ instead of ‘improbable,’ which doubtless however you had been able to...
1962From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 25 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 8th. and 15th. came to hand yesterday. I have this morning revised your former letters to see what commissions it would be best for me to execute here for you. In that of Feb. 17. you desire a recommendation of a fit bookseller in Paris and London. This certainly I can better do from the spot. In the mean time address yourself to me as your bookseller for either place,...
1963From Thomas Jefferson to Parent, 13 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Quoique Monsieur de la Tour nous a demandé pour son vin de Monrachet plus que nous n’avions attendu, encore je me propose de prendre une feuillette de celui de l’année 1782. dont nous avons gouté chez lui le 8me. de ce mois, au prix qu’il nous a nommé, c’est à dire à 275₶ pour la feuillette. Vous avez bien voulu vous charger de ces petites commissions pour moi. Je vous prie donc Monsieur d’en...
1964From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Osgood, 5 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
It was with very sincere pleasure I heard of your appointment to the board of treasury, as well from the hope it might not be disagreeable to yourself, as from the confidence it’s administration would be wise. I heartily wish the states may by their contributions enable you to reestablish a credit which cannot be lower than at present to exist at all. This is partly owing to their real...
1965To John Jay from Thomas Jefferson, 14 January 1789 (Jay Papers)
In my letter of the 11 th . I have said nothing of the Arret explanatory of that of Sep. 28. on the subject of whale oils, which my letter of Nov. 19. gave you reason to expect. tho this explanatory arret has been passed so long ago as the 7 th . of December it has not been possible for me to obtain an authentic copy of it till last night. I now inclose that to you with a copy of a letter to...
1966To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 20 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
Col o. Franks will have the honor of delivering you the treaty with the emperor of Marocco, & all it’s appendages. you will perceive by mr̃ Barclay’s letters that it is not necessary that any body should go back to Marocco to exchange ratifications. he sais however that it will be necessary that Fennish receive some testimony that we approve the treaty: and as, by the acts of Congress, our...
1967From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 21 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received duly the honor of your letter, and am now to return you thanks for your condescension in having taken the first step for settling a correspondence which I so much desired; for I now consider it as settled and proceed accordingly. I have always found it best to remove obstacles first. I will do so therefore in the present case by telling you that I consider your boasts of the...
1968From Thomas Jefferson to Chastellux, with Enclosure, 2 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
You were so kind as to allow me a fortnight to read your journey through Virginia. But you should have thought of this indulgence while you were writing it, and have rendered it less interesting if you meant that your readers should have been longer engaged with it. In fact I devoured it at a single meal, and a second reading scarce allowed me sang froid enough to mark a few errors in the...
1969From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 22 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of June 16. July 15. 18. and 31. I have the honour now to acknowlege. I have been for a month past so closely employed that it has been out of my power to do myself the pleasure sooner of writing to you on the several subjects they contain.—I formerly wrote you the reason why Mr. Grand had not paid your bills, that is to say, the want of a letter of advice. As to the notary’s...
1970From 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...