551Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 14 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
In conversations with mister Carrol, mister Stoddard and mister Dickens they were properly impressed with the idea that if the present occasion of securing the Federal seat on the Patowmack should be lost, it could never more be regained, that it would be dangerous to rely on any aids from Congress, or the assemblies of Virginia or Maryland, & that therefore measures should be adopted to carry...
552II. Jefferson’s Report to Washington on Meeting Held at Georgetown, [14 September 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
In conversations with Mr. Carrol, Mr. Stoddard and Mr. Deakins they were properly impressed with the idea that if the present occasion of securing the Federal seat on the Patowmack should be lost, it could never more be regained, that it would be dangerous to rely on any aids from Congress, or the assemblies of Virginia or Maryland, and that therefore measures should be adopted to carry the...
553To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
In the course of the visit we made the day we left Mount Vernon, we drew our host into conversation on the subject of the federal seat. he came into it with a shyness not usual in him. whether this proceeded from his delicacy as having property adjoining George town, or from what other motive I cannot say. he quitted the subject always as soon as he could. he said enough however to shew his...
554IV. Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 17 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In the course of the visit we made the day we left Mount Vernon, we drew our host into conversation on the subject of the federal seat. He came into it with a shyness not usual in him. Whether this proceeded from his delicacy as having property adjoining Georgetown, or from what other motive I cannot say. He quitted the subject always as soon as he could. He said enough however to shew his...
555Enclosure I: Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll, [17 September 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
T.J. has the honor to present his Compliments to Mr. C—— and to send him a memorandum of the substance of the conveyance he suggested to him as best calculated to remove the difficulties which were the subject of conversation between them. He had not the residence act under his eye at the time of writing the memorandum, not being able to get a copy of it: which must account for its deviations...
556To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your servant now returns with many thanks for the aid of him & your horses. I was disappointed in meeting my family here: however I am told they will arrive today. I wished to have seen mr. Randolph, before the departure of your servant, to know if he had found a horse for me; because if he has not, I should determine to accept the offer of yours. I drove him about eight miles in the Phaeton,...
557From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 20 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your servant now returns with many thanks for the aid of him and your horses. I was disappointed of meeting my family here: however I am told they will arrive today. I wished to have seen Mr. Randolph, before the departure of your servant to know if he had found a horse for me; because if he has not I should determine to accept the offer of yours. I drove him about eight miles in the Phaeton,...
558From Thomas Jefferson to William Ronald, 20 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Nicholas Lewis has communicated to me your letter of Aug. 1. on the subject of the purchase of my lands on the South side of James river opposite Elkisland, whereon you desire an answer as to the time of paiment, and the security. The object of selling the lands being to pay my part of a debt of Mr. Wayles’s to Farrell & Jones, any agreement you can make with their agent Mr. Hanson, so...
559To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 23 September 1790 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Randolph arrived last night without having been able to get me a horse, or even to hear of one which he could approve of. Presuming you had made up your mind as to parting with yours, I take the liberty of sending for him. I should not hesitate to take him at your own price but that I apprehend you think him of less than his real value, and therefore propose that you should have him...
560From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last from Philadelphia. Your public letter of June 29. and private of June 14. and 29. are delivered to me here. My several letters, private, will have left me little to add on the subject of your stay in Europe. One circumstance only in your letters must be corrected, that is, your idea of my influence in the foreign affairs. You have forgotten your countrymen altogether, as well...
561From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Chiswell Carter, 1 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured with your letter of the 19th. Sep. and feel with great sensibility the events which have affected your circumstances. Assuredly I would do any thing in my power which might be useful to a family all the members of which are still very dear to me. I fear however that there is nothing in my position which can be rendered useful to your son at this moment. The office under my...
562From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Remsen, Jr., 1 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I received on the 26th. your favors of the 6th. and 9th. Ult. I had not been apprised of Mr. Mc.Donogh’s mission, and therefore could leave no directions about it. At present it seems to me impracticable that his recognition can take place till the President’s return to Philadelphia. This however need not detain him personally from going to Boston if he can leave his original commission in the...
563Agreement of Sale with William Ronald, [5–13 October 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
Articles of agreement entered into between William Ronald of the county of Powhatan of the one part and Thomas Jefferson of the county of Albemarle of the other part. It is agreed that the said Thomas shall convey to the said William a good and indefeasible estate in fee-simple to his tract of land on the South-side James river opposite Elk-island together with the Little island , containing...
564V. Thomas Jefferson to Zachariah Johnston, 7 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
As the assembly will soon meet, I presume you will be passing down to it a few days before. I shall be at home at that time, and will always be glad to see you here when I am here: but particularly I wish it at this time, as it is highly interesting to our country that it should take up a particular matter now in it’s power, and which never will be so again. This subject can only be opened in...
565From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 8 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I was the other day as far as Richmond, but so circumscribed in time that it was impossible for me to turn either to right or left. I had but four days to go and return and do a good deal of business. The principal was to effect a purchase for my son in law of Edgehill from his father, which I did. He pays £2000 for the lands, stocks, 200 barrels of corn &c. They will now remain here. Another...
566From Thomas Jefferson to John Key, 8 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now engaged in the settlement of my account with Inis wherein I do not think he has credited my tobacco at just prices. As this was during the years you had the management of my affairs, I am obliged to trouble you to endeavor to search for any proofs you have of your contracts with him, or to recollect the contracts. I inclose you a list of the tobaccos and prices, as he credits them. Of...
567To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Barrett, 10 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you of my safe arrival at Cowes, from whence some business has called me to this City, and has detained me longer than I expected. I sent my Trunk in which were your dispatches by a particular friend and fellow passenger from Cowes to paris to my Son, and have directed him immediately on receiving it to deliver the Letters himself to Mr. Short. The last Gazzette...
568From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 10 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my other letter I forgot to ask information of you on the following subject. Mr. Ross sent me, thro’ you, an account, partly in money, partly in tobacco. In this he has departed altogether from a former settlement, whereon I had given him a money and a tobacco bond for balances which I acknoleged. In this too he has undertaken to depart from an agreement with Key to allow 36/ for tobaccos...
569From Thomas Jefferson to Maxcey Ewell, 16 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have communicated to Mr. Madison the subject of your letter. We are unable to say here exactly what is to be done. But Philadelphia is, as he supposes, the place where alone your business can be done. He therefore desires you will instruct Mr. Hopkins to forward your papers to him and he will put them into the necessary train. Perhaps you will be more secure if you obtain your papers from...
570From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 16 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
We are not yet able to settle with Dr. Walker the sums he received from Mr. Mc.Caul for the estate. He has credited 1761. Mar. By Alexander Mc.Caul £200–0–0 1764. Dec. 1. By cash of Alex. Mc.Caul £220–0–0 but he has not credited the £200.received from him Aug. 31. 1766. (and not Aug. 26. 1769. as I had mistated the date in my letter of Feb. 5. to you). He now imagines this £200. charged by you...
571From Thomas Jefferson to John Nicholas, Sr., 16 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
We are not yet able to settle to the satisfaction of all parties the article of £200. omitted to be credited in Doctor Walker’s account in August 1766. He supposes there may be some error of date. This renders it necessary for me to ask from you Kippen & co’s account from which we were furnished with that credit. Your settlement with my brother seems to render that account not important to...
572From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Stith, 16 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am here for two or three weeks more for the purpose of looking after my private affairs, and am much obliged to you for your kind attention to those in Bedford, manifested in your letter of July 10. which I have received only since I came here. The two entries for Mr. Wayles adjoining the Poplar forest I should be glad to have patented in my own name in one patent, including the two entries,...
573From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 22 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The return of Mr. Randolph’s servant affords me the first opportunity of informing you that I mentioned the subject you desired to the gentleman who was to call on me. He is intelligent and close, and has his suspicions always about him. I was obliged therefore to avoid any direct proposition or question, and only prepare him by declaring my opinion in such a way as to avoid suspicion. He has...
574From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 22 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
When you shall have perused the inclosed, be so good as to stick a wafer in it and deliver it. It will explain it’s own object, on which therefore I need add nothing. You are certainly right in deciding to relinquish the purchase if Colo. Randolph desires it. But I rather suppose he means nothing more than that he will not abide by the agreement if all the articles are insisted on. He mentions...
575From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 22 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I understand with much pain that you are dissatisfied with the articles of agreement which, on behalf of your son, I entered into with you for the purchase of Edgehill. I do not write the present with a view to insist on those articles being enforced. Far from it. If you wish to rescind them, it is sufficient ground for me to wish the same: and I know that in this your son has but one mind...
576From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 25 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I received at New York your letter inclosing your accounts, the result shewing a balance of between 4. and 500£ due from me on an account which I had been told (and, as was said, from yourself) was fully paid, shewed a necessity of examining into the subject. I have made that examination here, where alone it could be made. Mr. Key, who delivered most of the tobaccos, has enabled me to...
577To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 27 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I had intended to have set out about this time for Philadelphia, but the desire of having mister Madison’s company, who cannot return for some days yet, and a belief that nothing important requires my presence at Philadelphia as yet, induce me to postpone my departure to the 8th of the ensuing month, so that it will be about the 12th before I can have the honor of waiting on you at Mount...
578From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Georgia, 27 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved a letter from the Governor of East Florida dated St. Augustine Aug. 18. 1790. wherein he notifies me that he has recieved the king’s order not to permit, under any pretext, that persons held in slavery within the United states introduce themselves as free persons into the province of Florida. The dispositions which the Governor expresses on this, as he had done on a former...
579From Thomas Jefferson to José Ignacio de Viar, 27 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured here by the reciept of your favor of the 7th. instant, covering a letter to me from the Governor of East Florida wherein he informs me that he has recieved the King’s orders not to permit, under any pretext, that persons sold in slavery in the United states introduce themselves, as free, into the province of East Florida. I am happy that this grievance, which had been a subject...
580From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 27 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I had intended to have set out about this time for Philadelphia, but the desire of having Mr. Madison’s company, who cannot return for some days yet, and a belief that nothing important requires my presence at Philadelphia as yet, induce me to postpone my departure to the 8th. of the ensuing month, so that it will be about the 12th. before I can have the honor of waiting on you at Mount Vernon...
581From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 29 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your several favors of Aug. 30. Sep. 24. Oct. 7th. and 8th. have been duly received, together with the articles thereon noted to have been sent. The French brandy and the Lisbon wine both tapped by the waggoners, tho’ the latter was in a double cask. They knocked out the head of the outer one. I will leave directions with Colo. Nicholas Lewis, who superintends my affairs, to make paiment of my...
582From Thomas Jefferson to Reuben Lindsay, 29 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
On further examination of my papers, I find the inclosed as also a note in my memorandum book that Nov. 29. 1773 I recieved 50/ to act as arbitrator. Your letter to me suggests a possibility that our award may have been entered of record, and of course may be found there. But I cannot recall to my memory any part of the transaction with certainty. Perhaps these papers may enable you to give...
583From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Bolling, 31 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being to set out for Philadelphia this week, I cannot take my departure without expressing to you my disappointment in having been unable to see you during my stay in the state. I was once obliged to go as far as Richmond, but my business here permitted only four days for that journey. I had hoped that a contract I had negotiated between Colo. T. M. R. and his son, had secured Edgehill as a...
584From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 31 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I set out for Philadelphia this week, and shall hope to recieve Jack there ere long. I shall not be housekeeping till I recieve my furniture from France. But that may be hourly expected, as it was to leave Paris the middle of July. I will write to you on my arrival at Philadelphia, or as so[on] after as I get my house ready, that Jack may come for[ward.] I hope you will let me know what course...
585From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 31 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being to set out for Philadelphia this week, I cannot take my departure without bidding you Adieu by letter. I had much wished it could have been in person, but my occupations here during my stay did not permit it. I had hoped that a contract I had procured between Colo. T.M.R. and his son had secured to the latter Edgehill for a settlement. But some subsequent motives have rendered the former...
586From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 1 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Majr. Faire is the person whom Mr. Madison and myself mentioned as proposing to set up a glass manufactory. We had recommended James river to him. In passing thro’ Culpeper however he had almost or even quite determined to fix there: induced principally by the offers of credit for their provisions, for the expence of first establishment being great, and their capital not so,...
587From Thomas Jefferson to John Harvie, Jr., 2 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Having had occasion to go to Richmond soon after my arrival here, I took with me the papers relative to the 490. as. of land, in hopes of seeing you there and settling that question. But you were gone to Caroline. Being now near my departure, I see no prospect of settling it before my return, the epoch of which is uncertain. I cannot help thinking but, were we to meet, we could convince one...
588From Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Smith, 2 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Feb. 4. was duly recieved, and the one it inclosed was forwarded to Mr. Short. That this was not announced to you was owing to a succession of untoward circumstances. I found on my arrival at New York a mass of business which had been accumulating for me. This employed me night and day till I was attacked by a headach which rendered me incapable of business for a month or six...
589From Thomas Jefferson to Garland Carr, 3 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you some papers on the matters in dispute with Mr. and Mrs. Riddick. There is a copy of the answer I shall put in, which I communicate that the executors may not place the matter on any ground inconsistent therewith. When these papers shall have been communicated to them, be so good as to put them into the hands of the lawyer you shall employ to defend the interests of Sam Carr in...
590From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 3 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 23d. Ult. and wish I could have permitted your trouble on the subject to end there. But the sum is become too important by near 30. years interest to be left in doubt. Doctr. Walker does not question his receipt of such a sum in 1761. or 1762. His entries prove it beyond doubt and his recollection also probably. He only supposes that McCaul failed to...
591From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Walker, 3 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have paid due attention to the memorandum you were so good as to put into my hands. Since I recieved it, it occurred to me that as Mr. Harvie was a very exact accountant his accounts would probably throw light on the transaction of 1761. I have turned to his book, and in fact find that in the account he stated between Dr. Walker and my father’s estate he has charged Doctr. Walker ‘1762. To...
592From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 4 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Be so good as to send to this place for my use two gross of bottles and 6. gross of corks, and add them to the account you make out for Mr. Lewis. They will arrive here after my departure, but orders relating to them are left. I take the liberty of sending to you 3. large boxes addressed to myself in Philadelphia. 2. of them contain books, the other a musical instrument . I must beg the favor...
593From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L. Hylton, 4 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter to Mr. Eppes being of great consequence to me, and not knowing any other sure means of conveying it to him I take the liberty of inclosing it to you, and of begging the favor of you to send it by the first sure conveyance. I set out for Philadelphia three days hence. I hope Mrs. Hylton continues satisfied with our chaffer , and that she enjoys good health. Present my...
594Jefferson’s Deed of Gift of Certain Slaves, [6 November 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Jefferson of Albemarle county in Virginia in consideration of the affection I bear to Thomas Mann Randolph the younger and Martha Randolph my daughter, and of the sum of five shillings to me in hand paid, have given and conveyed unto the said Thomas Mann and Martha in full and absolute property the following slaves, to wit, Suck and Philip Evans her...
595From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Carr, 7 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
That you may have no uneasiness from what you will hear from Peter, I will mention to you that a worthless fellow, named Rind, wrote a libel on the inhabitants of Charlottesville and neighborhood, which P. Carr and G. Jefferson were imprudent enough to suffer him to communicate to them. Rind then pasted it up in Charlottesville, and from expressions of his, the suspicions were directed on all...
596From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Donald, 7 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved at New York your account, but could not do any thing in it till I could come here, and have recourse to my papers. I find the balance of £27–3–9 due, which I have desired Colo. Nichs. Lewis, who takes care of my affairs, to pay you with interest from the 19th. of April 1783. This will be done as soon as money, for which judgments have been already obtained, can be collected. We hope...
597From Thomas Jefferson to George Gilmer, 7 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not sufficiently recollect the case of Mr. Harmer’s will to venture any opinion. When I arrive at Philadelphia I hope to find there my papers arrived from Paris, among which is your letter stating the case. I will there revise it, and write you what I think of it. I will confer with Madison on it also. Perhaps he will be able to give me a sight of the act of assembly respecting it. I wish...
598From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Hanson, 7 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Having visited my estate with a view to settle the affairs of the year, and being now on my departure, I presume it will be desireable to you to know, as it was to myself, the prospect of making my stipulated payment of the ensuing year. The wheat and other small resource of the estate, with the outstanding debts, are found somewhat more than sufficient to pay every existing demand against me,...
599Memorandum for Nicholas Lewis, [ca. 7 November 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph and my daughters being to remain at Monticello, are to be furnished with whatever the plantations will furnish, to wit, corn, fodder, wheat, what beeves there may be, shoats, milch cows, fire-wood to be cut by the plantation negroes, and brought in by the mule-cart or ox-cart. Tom or Phill to go to mill for the house as usual. They are to have also the use of the house-servants,...
600From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 7 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being just on the wing I have only time to acknowledge the reciept of your favors of the 20th. and 22d. and to express a hope of seeing yourself and Mrs. Monroe at Philadelphia where you are wanting. In the event of your election, I beg you to make me useful to you. Will you trust me to search lodgings for you at which you may alight, Mrs. House’s for instance, or in any other quarter you may...