1From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Corny, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long, my very dear friend, since I have heard from you, but longer since I have written to you. the constant pressure of matters, which would not admit of delay, has, during my continuance in office, suspended almost entirely all my private correspondence. I am obliged to ask from the candor of my friends their attention to the imperiousness of the circumstances under which I have been...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
my last to you was of May 2. since which I have recieved yours of May 25. June 1. July 23. 24. & Sep. 5. and distributed the two pamplets according to your desire. they are read with the delight which every thing from your pen gives. After using every effort which could prevent or delay our being entangled in the war of Europe, that seems now our only recourse. the edicts of the two...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Gregg, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received the inclosed with a request that I would lay it before both Houses of Congress. but I have never presumed to place my self between the Legislative Houses & those who have a constitutional right to address them directly. I take the liberty therefore of inclosing the paper to you, that you may do therein what in your judgment shall best comport with expediency and propriety—...
4From Thomas Jefferson to John Mullowny, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Feb. 15. has been recieved, as had been also in due time that of June 29. 07. offering your services in the naval line on the occasion of the insult on the Chesapeake. no occasion existing at that time, your letter was filed in the Navy office to be turned to whenever the occasion might arise for calling attention to offers of that kind. this acknolegement of it’s reciept is now...
5From Thomas Jefferson to William Sampson, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Sampson and his thanks for the Statistical account of Londonderry which he has been so kind as to transmit him. he will still increase the obligation if he will be so kind as to express Th:J’s acknolegements to the author for this mark of attention. he shall read it with pleasure in his approaching retirement from the less pleasant occupations which...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Washington City Tammany Society, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The observations are but too just which are made in your friendly address on the origin & progress of those abuses of public confidence & power which have so often terminated in a suppression of the rights of the people, & the mere aggrandizement & emolument of their oppressors. taught by these truths and aware of the tendency of power to degenerate into abuse, the worthies of our own Country...
7From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate, Nicholas Harwood Robert D. Thorn and John Brown now Surgeons Mates and Saml. R Trevett Jr. of Massachusetts Stephen C Blyden of Massachusetts Samuel Shaw of Vermont to be Surgeons in the navy of the United States, Gustavus R Brown of Maryland Grafton D. Hanson of Maryland Thomas Lawson Jr. of Virginia Henry Fackler of Pensylvania Jesse Hand of Pensylvania John Reynolds of...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In writing to you yesterday I forgot to send you the inclosed letter to Doctr. Wallace at Fauqr. C.H. he has promised me a pair of wild geese, a pair of Summer ducks & some other things, which are at some little distances from there. by delivering him this letter as you come by Fauqr. C.H. he will have them all ready in place by the time you get back there again, so as not to detain your...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Eleuthère Irenée Du Pont, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of the 11th. inst. mr Gallatin undertook to write to mr Gelston Collector of N.Y. that we consented to the Mentor’s recieving and bringing for you the Merino Sheep which were the subject of that letter. it followed that you would have to make your arrangements with the Captain as; by his contract, the benefit would be his. I am sorry the pressure of business did...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Mentor Johnson, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Johnson and returns him the statement of the case of Richard Berry as one which must await the pleasure of his successor. he observes at the same time that his practice has been never to pardon till he recieved the opinion of the judges who sat on the trial of the offender an authentic copy of the judgment is also indispensable, as it is recited in...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
By yesterday’s mail I learn that it would be the desire of many of the good citizens of our county to meet me on the road on my return home, as a manifestation of their good will. but it is quite impossible for me to ascertain the day on which I shall leave this. the accumulated business at the close of a session will prevent my making any preparation for my departure till after the 4th. of...
12From Thomas Jefferson to James Westwood Wallace, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
You were so kind as to procure for me a pair of wild geese & a pair of Summer ducks, & to say you could give me some plants, towit Balsam Capivitrae, Sun briar, Mammoth apple &c. this will be delivered you by the person who comes on with my waggon to remove my effects from this place. he will pass Fauquier C.H. again on his way back about the 10th. or 11th. of March, and as his caravan will be...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As the two cooks which are here, will take the place of Peter Hemings in the kitchen, it will be necessary that one of them should have his room next the kitchen, and that it should be vacant on their arrival. I would wish you therefore before your departure to let him make choice of any one of the log-houses vacant, on the Mulberry row, and to direct your people to proceed immediately to fix...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Lewis Bankhead, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed will, I presume, inform you that all are well at Edgehill. the family will remove to Monticello on the 9th. or 10th. of March. I am in hopes to join them, about the 15th. or 16th. I imagine you will be in motion by that time, the roads permitting. Would it not be better for you, instead of going by Fredericksburg, to find the best road to Anderson’s bridge on the North Anna, which...
15From Thomas Jefferson to James Dinsmore, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 24th. is recieved, and I will send a bunch of good bell wire by the waggon. I would wish the Piazza to be plaistered as soon as the weather will permit. it is not to be white washed. I have given directions through mr Bacon to mr Watkins as to the manner of finishing the stone house now building, to wit, with a roof hipped every way, so that there will be no pediment. he was not...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Latham Mitchill, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to Doctr. Mitchell, & on behalf of mr Thomas M: Randolph, asks the favor of him to take charge of the inclosed letter. presuming that mr Barker will forward it by the Mentor, I suppose it will be early enough when Doctr. Mitchell returns himself. Privately owned.
17From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 17th. and 24th. are both recieved. Beverly T. Randolph called at the hour at which I had rode out, & left your letter of the 17th. Taking for granted he was to stay a day as you mentioned, I wrote an invitation to him the next morning to come and dine with me. but he had already gone on. he called in like manner on his namesake Beverley here, who being out did not see him....
18From Thomas Jefferson to Collins & Perkins, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of Messrs. Collins & Perkins to send him a copy of Smith’s abridgment of John Bell’s Principles of Surgery. if sent by the mail it will reach this place before Th:J. leaves it. he incloses the price announced in a bank bill of this place, the only means of making so small a remittance MHi : Coolidge Collection.
19From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas Douette-Richardot, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14. May 1808. & with it the favor of two Copies of your valuable treatise on the practise of Agriculture. One of them has according to your request been deposited in the library of Congress, where it’s members will have opportunities of being benefited by your experience; the other, by your permission, will be carried with me into that state of retirement to...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Henri Grégoire, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the favor of your letter of Aug: 17. and with it the Volume you were so kind as to send me on the literature of negroes. be assured that no person living wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a complete refutation of the doubts I have myself entertained and expressed on the grade of understanding allotted to them by nature, and to find that in this respect they are on a par...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura Kosciuszko, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by Mr. Coles the bearer of Public dispatches by an Aviso, who has lived with me as my Secretary, being one of my wealthy neighbors. I will say nothing to you on the Situation of our country, because his intimate knowledge of our Affairs, & the unreserved confidence you may repose in him, will enable you to learn from him whatever you desire. he is worthy your friendly...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L’Escallier, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I received duly your letter of Sep: 11. and with it a copy of your valuable Vocabulaire de marine for which I pray you to receive my particular thanks. I recall with pleasure the transient gratification I had in your company here, and am happy that the short stay you made among us has impressed you favorably for our country. we are a peaceable people, and have sacrificed much to remain at...
23Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 25. prest. Secy. State, Treasy. Navy, Atty Genl. What orders shall be given as to English & Spanish ships attempting to pass N. Orleans for Baton rouge? Ans. English ships have been hitherto prohibited, that being the highest port of entry. Spanish ships have been permitted to go up, except when having slaves on board. let things continue so till Congress rises, when their proceedings...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Claude Alexandre Ruelle, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favors of May 29. & July 11. & with this last a copy of your constitution with the new augmentations. Our usages not permitting me to present it formally to the Legislature of the Nation, I have deposited it in their library where all it’s Members will have an opportunity of profiting of it’s truths, and it will be, as you desire, in a depot beyond the reach of...
25From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United States, according to the latest returns recieved by the Department of War DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
26From Thomas Jefferson to David Bailie Warden, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of July 16. since which I have received your several favors of May 25. Jun. 12. July 22. 24. & Sep. 2. & as in the last you mention that you had never received mine of May 1. 1808. I inclose you a copy with the expression of my sincere regrets that the Acknolegements of your favors contained in it should have been so long unreceived. Mr. Humboldt’s work is also received & in...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In the hurry of the approaching close of a session of Congress and of the preparations for my own departure from this place, I must drop you a line by a public vessel going to France, altho’ it can be but a short one. on politics I will say nothing; that being safest for you as well as myself. for those of our own country I will refer you to mr Coles, the bearer of this, my Secretary, who is...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Armistead T. Mason, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much indebted fellow Citizens for your very friendly address, and read with great satisfaction the patriotic sentiments it expresses. The measures lately pursued in preference either to War or an ignominious surrender of our rights as an independent people have undoubtedly produced the beneficial effects of saving our property & Seamen, of lengthening the term of our peace & of giving...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Quin Morton, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor tendering the service of fifty citizens of Tenissee as a company of volunteer riflemen. there are two acts of Congress which regulate the acceptance of these tenders: that of the last year (1808) is for a service of six months, & authorises the Governor to accept; and that of 1807. for a service of twelve months authorising the President to accept, who has...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Hempstead, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The approbation which you are pleased to express of my past administration is highly gratifying to me. that in a free Government there should be differences of Opinion as to public measures & the conduct of those who direct them is to be expected: it is much however to be lamented that these differences should be indulged at a crisis which calls for the undivided councils & energies of our...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Asa Ransom, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The eventful crisis in our National Affairs so truly portrayed in your very friendly address, has justly excited your serious attention. the Nations of the earth prostrated at the foot of power, the Ocean submitted to the despotism of a Single Nation, the laws of nature and the usages which have hitherto regulated the intercourse of nations and interposed some restraint between power and...
32From Thomas Jefferson to James Robertson, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your letter covering the resolutions of the Citizens of West Tennessee assembled in the Town of Nashville. every friend of his Country must feel the regret & indignation they so laudably express at the unjust & unprecedented measures adopted by the belligerent Powers of Europe, violating our Maritime rights as a free & independent Nation, & compelling us, for their...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Caesar Augustus Rodney, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of a consultation with the heads of Depts. tomorrow at 12. Oclock. CtY .
34From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Emperor of Russia has, on several occasions, indicated sentiments particularly friendly to the United States, and expressed a wish, through different channels, that a diplomatic intercourse should be established between the two countries. his high station, & the relations of Russia to the predominant powers of Europe, must give him weight with them, according to the vicissitudes of the...
35From Thomas Jefferson to David Stone, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Capt Isaac Lane offering the service of 35. men as volunteers, but not specifying whether under the law of 1807. or 1808. the former being for 12. & the latter for 6. months. if under the latter, the law has authorised the Governors to accept; if under the former, the authority given to the President to accept, has been by him delegated to the Governors. your...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel D. Tompkins, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a few days ago your Excellency’s favor of the 9th. inst: covering the patriotic Resolutions of the Legislature of New York of the 3d. the times do certainly render it incumbent on all good citizens, attached to the rights & honor of their country to bury in oblivion all internal differences, and rally round the standard of their country in opposition to the outrages of foreign...
37From Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 23 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Having changed my intentions with respect to the destination of the cotton seed, of which I wrote to you in my last, and countermanded it, I now inclose you a ten dollar bill to cover the disbursements noted in your last which crossed mine on the road. I pray you to accept my thanks for the many friendly attentions you have paid to matters of this kind for me, and which it was impracticable...
38From Thomas Jefferson to John Hollins, 23 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your friendly letter of the 21st. being determined that no act of mine, which may be avoided, shall give countenance for clamour to the enemies of the government, or trouble to it’s friends for justification, the sentence on the cotton seed is irrevocable. in answer to your enquiries I will observe that it is usually planted in May, and that the seed being very full of...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Williams, 23 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by mr Beverley Randolph a Cadet, who goes on to take his place under you. he is the son of a friend of mine in Virginia, born to independant expectations, but by the entire reduction of his father’s circumstances, left without any resource but in himself. my concern for the family induces me to sollicit on his behalf your friendly counsel & tutelage on all occasions;...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Have you obtained the name & character of the son of Made. Bonneville? I believe there remains a single vacancy of a Cadet. it seems extremely difficult to say what had best be done as to militia at N. London. I am assured that if I designate a militia officer there, the legislature now meeting, will immediately remove him. perhaps the proper way to ensure an effectual enforcement would be...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Allyne Otis, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Otis and observes that, by information just received, he learns that in his nomination of the 21st. inst. after the name of John W. Guion as Military agent in the Southern department of the US. it is necessary to insert ‘in the place of Abraham D. Abrahams’ in order to designate more precisely the extent of his agency. he prays mr Otis to permit the...
42From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Nelson Luckett now a Lieutenant of Marines to be a Captain in the regiment of Light Dragoons raised by virtue of an act entitled an act to raise for a limited time an additional military force. John W. Guion to be military agent for the Southern Department of the United States, in the place of Abraham D. Abrahams. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
43From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I suppose that for the waggon &c. to get here on the 6th. of March, they must set out on Thursday the 2d. of March. and as the post will arrive that morning at Milton, it will be better not to set off till after the arrival of the post, as it is possible something may occur which I might wish to write to you before you set off, altho’ I do not foresee any thing. As your waggon will come empty,...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you stated the plants which had been sent, & I was in hopes, after you had been enabled to distinguish them, you would have informed me of their respective conditions. but no post has arrived for this week from Milton & consequently no letter from you. in about three weeks I hope to be with you, and then we shall properly be devoted to the garden. what has become of mrs...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Claxton, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you your list of the furniture of the President’s house, lately made, with mr LeMaire’s supplement of the Kitchen furniture, & an insertion by myself of some articles of plate lately obtained. I communicated also your letter to mr Madison, and bore just testimony to the satisfactory manner in which you had conducted yourself in the purchase of furniture for the house. in truth, I say...
46From Thomas Jefferson to John Hollins, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A little transaction of mine, as innocent an one as I ever entered into, & where an improper construction was never less expected, is making some noise I observe in your city. I beg leave to explain it to you because I mean to ask your agency in it. the last year the Agricultural society of Paris, of which I am a member, having had a plough presented to them, which on trial with a graduated...
47Inventory of President’s House, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Store Room in the Garret 7. Pair of best brass andirons. 32. Brass. Carpet rods. 1. Pair Iron Dogs. Store Room no. 2. 1. Plateau in five parts with a set of ornaments 5. Brass lamps— 2 vase lamps. 1. Cabbin lamp 3. Glass sconces out of order 1. Mahogany Table & large clothes basket 12 pillars & 2 childrens Mattresses. 2. Bolsters 2. large fire tenders. 2. pair large Brass Andirons 1. large...
48From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 18 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I submit a treaty concluded at Brownstown in the territory of Michigan, between the United States, and the Chippewas, Ottawas, Potawatamies, Wyandots & Shawanese on the 25th. day of November last, whereby those tribes grant to the United States two roads therein described: for the decision of the Senate whether they will advise & consent to the ratification of it. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
49From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Stoddert, 18 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 25. had been duly recieved, and I was waiting in the hope I might find a moment of less pressure in which I might answer it somewhat in detail, when that of the 14th. instant came to hand. finding that instead of any relaxation of business it crouds more on me as I approach my departure, I can only indulge myself in a very brief reply. as to the rights of the US. as a...
50From Thomas Jefferson to John Gassaway, 17 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved the resolutions of the republican citizens of Annapolis and Anne-Arundel county, of the 4th. inst. which you were so kind as to forward to me. That the aggressions & injuries of the belligerent nations have been the real obstructions which have interrupted our commerce, & now threaten our peace, & that the embargo laws were salutary & indispensably necessary to meet those...