51From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 28 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
It is so cold that the freezing of the ink on the point of my pen renders it difficult to write. We have had the thermometer at 12°. My works are arrested in a state entirely unfinished, and I fear we shall not be able to resume them. Clarke has sold our wheat in Bedford for 8/6 and the rise to the 1st. of June, with some other modifications. It appears to be a good sale. He preferred it to...
52Deed of Mortgage of Slaves to Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 21 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
This deed made on the 21st. day of Nov. 1796. between Thomas Jefferson of Albemarle in Virginia on the one part and Nicholas Van Staphorst, Jacob Van Staphorst and Hubbard of Amsterdam in the United Netherlands merchants and partner. Witnesseth, that whereas the said Thomas hath conveyed by deeds of mortgage fifty seven negro slaves to William Short, fifty two other negro slaves to Henderson...
53From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 13 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of Sep. 25. and Oct. 15. are duly recieved. It will be proper to have the sashes painted on the outside. Within a fortnight from this time it will be determined whether the walls of my house can be finished this autumn, and consequently whether I shall have occasion to call for any more sashes (other than those before called for) before next spring. I shall then furnish you...
54From Thomas Jefferson to John Carey, 10 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Sep. 1. came to hand three […] [It] had been recieved in due time, but was not answered […] [it did] not appear to require it, and I am so [involved?] in agriculture that like other farmers, I put off all letter-writing to wet days. These being few in our climate, and when they come, the improvement of a plough or a drill or some other implement, usurping the turn, letter-writing...
55From Thomas Jefferson to John Stuart, 10 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your last favor together with the bones of the Great-claw which accompanied it. My anxiety to obtain a thigh bone is such that I defer communicating what we have to the Philosophical society in the hope of adding that bone to the collection. We should then be able to fix the stature of the animal without going into conjecture and calculation as we should...
56From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 22 October 1796 (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...
57From Thomas Jefferson to William Cocke, 21 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter you were so good as to [write me of late?] came duly to hand, and I always learn with great pleasure that I am recollected with approbation by those with whom I [have served]. Our acquaintance commenced on a troubled ocean. We braved the storm like good sailors, never despairing of our [courage]. My [bark] has at length entered port less shattered than I expected, and I wish not to...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 10 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors should have been sooner acknoleged but that I have been in daily expectation of recieving some other bones of the newly discovered animal which would have enabled me to write to you more satisfactorily. There does exist somewhere a thigh-bone which has been seen by many and is believed to be still in the neighborhood where found. This with the bones I have would enable me to give...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Bushrod Washington, 9 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you the record in the case of Dickenson v. Paulett and Marks. Mr. Marks, by purchasing all Paulett’s right, stands completely in his shoes. His first wish is to obtain a confirmation of his right to the land. But if Dickenson notwithstanding his prevarications and delays of paiment shall be decreed to retain still an equitable right to the land on paying the purchase money, then,...
60From Thomas Jefferson to William Booker, 4 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this summer had a threshing machine made on the Scotch model, and have already got out a good part of my crop with it with great success. Hearing however that you had improved it by substituting whirls and bands for cogwheels and wallowers, I desired Colo. Coles to enquire whether your plan could be communicated. He did not see you, but Mr. Graham was kind enough to say I should have a...
61From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 2 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of Sep. 18. and 20. are recieved, and I now inclose letters to Mr. Donath and Mr. Ingles, all of which are left open for your perusal and information. I inclose you also a draught for 300.D. on Messrs. Harrison & Sterett which will enable you to answer that on you in favor of Donath, and to meet the earlier demands of the sash-maker. Further provision shall be made in due time...
62From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Donath, 2 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Sep. 22. came to hand two days ago, by which I observe you have laid by for me 7. boxes of 60. panes each of 12 by 18. I. glass, and 1. do. of 25. panes of 18. by 24. and wish to be informed if this was the amount of my order. My order was dated Oct. 20. 95. and was for 25. panes of 18. by 24. and 600. panes of 18. by 12 I. consequently there will be requisite in addition to the...
63From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 11 September 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved from Mr. Donath a letter announcing that he has brought my glass. The two inclosed letters are on that subject. Mr. Ingle was formerly a cabinetmaker. He is now I believe in some line of commerce. Not knowing his present address I take the liberty of putting his letter under your cover in hopes you will be so good as to find him out. Mr. Crosby knows him well. I am with...
64From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Donath, 11 September 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I know not how it happened that your favor of Aug. 8. did not reach me till our last post. A letter by post generally comes in 9. days. I am extremely glad to hear of the arrival of my glass, and that it is of the size of 12. by 18. according to my second order. If you will be pleased to forward me the bill of cost, I will immediately replenish my funds with Mr. Barnes, and desire him to pay...
65Questions on the Cow Pea, with Answers of Philip Tabb, [after 30 August 1796?] (Jefferson Papers)
Questions relative to the Cow-pea. Answers. 1. Does dry or moist Land, rich or poor, suit it best? 1 Dry Land of a middle quality. 2. is it best in drills or broad-cast. 2 hills better than either at least 4 feet distant 3. how much seed is sown to the acre in the broad-cast? 3 not known 2 or 3 plants enough to a hill. 4. what is the time of sowing, and particularly where it is to be followed...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Pleasants, [27 August 1796] (Jefferson Papers)
[…] the establishment of the plan of emancipation if it should precede I am not prepared to decide. If it should precede, I would refer to your consideration whether the plan you propose is adequate to the object. I apprehend that private liberalities will never be equal but to local and partial effects. I venture therefore to suggest what alone can, in my opinion, accomplish the general...
67From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 19 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you the draught you desired, which I have endeavored to arrange according to the ideas you expressed, of having the entry, not thro’ a principal room as in Mr. Cocke’s house, but at the cross passage. The notes which accompany the draught will explain it. I will add that it would be possible to contract the plan from front to back by giving less extent in that direction to the...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 19 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
We are all well, and nothing new in our neighborhood. I have not heard from Edgehill this week. My threshing machine will only get to work this afternoon. Mr. W. Hylton senr. who called here on his way to the springs, tells me he has information in a letter from Sr. George Strickland that 2. steers will get out 120. bushels of wheat a day with it. This is encoraging. You will be astonished to...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 12 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor from Staunton , and was happy to learn that your journey was agreeing with you. All here are well. Mr. and Mrs. D. Randolph left us the day before yesterday for the springs. Mr. Hurt yesterday, after putting our clocks into very good order. Robertson informs me he has got out about 500. bushels of wheat, and supposes himself half done. He goes on with his fallows at the...
70From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 8 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The object of my letter of January 16. was the preservation of the laws of this state still in existence; and it is one which I have had much at heart from an early period of my life. Of this, the industry I have used in making the collection is sufficient evidence. I consent therefore chearfully to your making any use of that letter which may promote it’s object. I will take upon me any labor...
71From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 7 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of July 27. mentioning that Mr. Donath’s arrival with my glass is hourly expected, and that you will forward it immediately. The object of the present is merely to desire it not to be forwarded, but only it’s arrival made known to me, as I mean to have the sashes made and glazed with this glass in Philadelphia before it is forwarded. I thank you for your speedy...
72From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve with great satisfaction your information that we are likely to get Cary’s claim against us settled on proper terms, and hasten to give my consent to any settlement you shall make, that it may recieve no delay from me. I had hoped indeed that a greater number of instalments would have been allowed us. Even Hanson gave us seven; a number which I would not ask from Mr. Welsh; but from...
73From Thomas Jefferson to William Alexander, 26 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The large and constant remittances of cash which I am obliged to make to Philadelphia for nailrod for the supply of my nailery, constrain me to expect short paiments for the nails I furnish. I have lately even found it necessary to require ready money instead of the three months credit I formerly gave. I have therefore taken the liberty of drawing on you for £16—10—3 the amount of the nails I...
74From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Willis, 15 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I was happy to recieve your favor by your son and happier to recieve him, and to learn that you are in good health. I find by his conversation that he has a fund of information which at his time of life must promise the best success: and should have thought him a valuable acquisition to our neighborhood. But the gr[ound?] had been occupied before the death even of Doctr. Gilmer, by a gentleman...
75From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Chastellux, 10 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The letters of May 26. and Sep. 7. with which you honored me found me retired from business altogether and at a very great distance from the seat of government. I immediately forwarded to the President that which was directed to him, and I consulted with some of my friends who were in Congress to know whether that body had in any instance undertaken to provide for or assist any of the officers...
76From Thomas Jefferson to Tench Coxe, 10 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of June 22. has been duly recieved, and I again avail myself of the permission to trouble you with a letter for Europe which needs an unsuspicious conveyance. I rejoice at the victory obtained by the French over their enemies. I should have rejoiced much more however to have seen them at peace with their continental antagonists, and the whole war reduced to a duel between them and...
77From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 10 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your brother recieved a letter from you a few days since in which he says you mention having recieved but two from me since you left us. I have not been a very troublesome correspondent to you, I acknolege, but have written letters of the following dates to you, to wit 1794. Mar. 11. Apr. 24.—1795. May 26. Sep. 6.—1796. June 12. In this last I acknoleged the reciept of yours of Nov. 18. and...
78From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, [4 July 1796?] (Jefferson Papers)
[…] after […] Loss by fire you […] I procured 2. bed ticks, 3 pair sheets, and 6. blankets to ask your acceptance of towards replacing those you had lost. They were made up in a bale, and are now at Colo. Bell’s who will forward them to you, or keep them till you pass on to Staunton as you shall direct. With my best respects to Mme. Derieux, I am Dear Sir Your friend & servt P.S. I was so...
79From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 3 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter has been misdirected to me. The services therein offered are for the Philosophical society and I therefore think it my duty, by a transmission of the letter to you, to put it in their power to avail themselves of them if they find occasion. I think it proper to mention to you shortly at this moment a discovery in animal history of which I hope ere long to be enabled to give...
80From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Williams, 3 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I take shame to myself for having so long left unanswered your valuable favor on the subject of the mountains. But in truth I am become lazy as to every thing except agriculture. The preparations for harvest, and the length of the harvest itself which is not yet finished, would have excused the delay however at all times and under all dispositions. I examined with great satisfaction your...
81From Thomas Jefferson to —— Hite, 29 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof is the Duke de Liancourt one of the principal noblemen of France and one of the richest. All this he has lost in the revolutions of his country, retaining only his virtue and good sense which he possesses in a high degree. He was president of the National assembly of France in it’s earliest stage and forced to fly from the proscriptions of Marat. Being a stranger and desirous...
82From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 29 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The very contracted state of my acquaintance in my own country after so long an absence, and the general interest which prompts us to present strangers of distinction passing through it to the best men of our country, render me troublesome to you. The bearer hereof is the Duke de Liancourt of one of the most distinguished families of France, and of the wealthiest, till the events of his...
83From Thomas Jefferson to John Breckinridge, 21 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to you Mr. Volney the celebrated traveller, author, and member of the first national assembly of France. In all these characters his name will already have been familiar to you, and his worth as well as his being a traveller will readily obtain for him your attentions and good offices. To these claims let me add my own sollicitations, and assurances that you...
84From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Baptiste Ducoigne, [21 June 1796] (Jefferson Papers)
This letter will be delivered you by Mr. Volney, my friend, [and a] countryman of old France. He proposes to go to your country and to be acquainted with you, because good people love to know one another. I therefore recommend him to you, and ask you to be his friend, to take ca[re of] him, and to render him all the services he needs while he is at Kaskaskia. [He] came to visit me at my own...
85From Thomas Jefferson to Harry Innes, 21 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Volney is so well known for his celebrated travels and other works, and as a member of the first national assembly of France that I need only name him to put him in possession of your attentions and kind offices. As he proposes to take Kentuckey in his way to the Illinois I have taken the liberty of introducing him to you well assured you will be pleased with an opportunity of becoming...
86From Thomas Jefferson to Henri Peyroux de la Coudrèniere, 21 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Retired to my estate and withdrawn from the bustle of public life I had not expected an occasion of recalling myself to your recollection. This however is furnished me by Mr. Volney whose name is already well known to you as the celebrated traveller into Egypt and Syria, author of some other very estimable publications, and a member of the first national assembly of France. These with his...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Shelby, 21 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Mr. Volney, well known in the literary world and a distinguished member of the first national assembly of France. As he proposes to take Kentuckey in his route Westward, I take the liberty of recommending him to your attentions and friendly offices. The esteem in which he is held both here and in Europe as well as his great personal merit and talents render him...
88From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 21 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof is Mr. Volney the celebrated traveller and author of several works highly esteemed in Europe. His name will also have been known to you among the worthies of the first National assembly of France. As he takes Staunton in his rout Westward I take the liberty of committing him to your good offices while there. He wishes to supply himself there with a cheap horse, just...
89To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
In Bache’s Aurora of the 9th inst. which came here by the last post a paper appears which, having been confided, as I presume, to but few hands, makes it truly wonderful how it should have got there. I cannot be satisfied as to my own part till I relieve my mind by declaring, and I attest every thing sacred & honorable to the declaration, that it has got there neither thro’ me nor the paper...
90From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 19 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you May 22. advising you of a draught for 100.D. payable to Saml. Howell junr. & Co. The present serves to cover a power of attorney to recieve about 300.D. July 1. from the bank of the US. and to advise you that I have this day drawn on you for 300.D. payable to Samuel Howell & Co. July 2. which be pleased to honor on account of Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt PrC ( MHi ); at foot of...
91From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington du Motier de Lafayette, [19 June 1796] (Jefferson Papers)
The enquiries of Congress were the first intimation which reached my retirement of your being in this country, and from Mr. Volney, now with me, I first learned where you are. I avail myself of the earliest moments of this information to express to you the satisfaction with which I learn that you are in a land of safety where you will meet in every person the friend of your worthy father and...
92From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 19 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
In Bache’s Aurora of the 9th. inst. which came here by the last post, a paper appears which, having been confided , as I presume, to but few hands, makes it truly wonderful how it should have got there. I cannot be satisfied as to my own part till I relieve my mind by declaring, and I attest every thing sacred and honorable to the declaration, that it has got there neither thro’ me nor the...
93From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 12 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The dreadful misfortune of poor Derieux , who has lost his house and all it’s contents by fire occasions the present letter to cover one from him to his aunt. I send it open for your perusal. Be so good as to seal and send it. I hope she will if she has not done it already, send him some relief. I recieved only 3. weeks ago your favor of Nov. 18. It had been 5. months on it’s way to me. The...
94From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 5 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved a proposition from Europe which may perhaps be turned to account for the enlargement of your Museum. The hereditary prince of Parma, a young man of letters, of 22. years of age, lately married to a daughter of the K. of Spain, is desirous of augmenting his cabinet of Natural history by an addition of all the American subjects of the 3 departments of nature and will give those...
95From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Marx, 4 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with yours of May 29. Some time in the course of the last year I was informed by Mr. Meade that he held a draught of Mr. Ceracchi’s on me for 1000 D. and desired to know if it was good. I explained to him, too much at length to be here repeated, how unfounded the draught was, and that I should not accept it. Nothing further therefore is now necessary than to repeat to you that I...
96From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 26 May 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Two or three days before the reciept of your favor of the 20th. I had recieved a letter from Mr. John Stuart of Greenbriar, accompanied with a leg bone and two joints of the toe of the animal mentioned in your letter. They are of a species not yet known most certainly, and the animal must have been as preeminent over the lion, as the big buffalo was over the elephant. The bones are too...
97From Thomas Jefferson to John Stuart, 26 May 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have great acknolegements to make you for your favor of April 11. which came to hand a few days ago with the bones you were pleased also to send, towit the leg bone and two phalanges of the toe of the animal mentioned in your letter. One of these (the claw) was broke, but so that we could put it together. This animal is certainly hitherto unknown, and seems, from the dimensions of these...
98From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 23 May 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph tells me that a hogshead of my P. Forest tobacco has been lately sold by the inspectors as having remained there too long, and that you are kind enough to search into it in order to save the proceeds. It must of course have been of the following crops. To wit. of the growth of 1789. sold to Mr. Donald of 1790. } shipped in 91. & 92. on my own acct. to Philadelphia by D. Hylton of...
99From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 2[2] May 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 22d. of the last month I drew on you in favor of Robert Barclay for twenty seven dollars thirty one cents. The present serves to advise you that I have this day drawn on you for one hundred dollars in favor of Messrs. Samuel Howel junr. & Co. Will you be able to give me any information by what conveyance were forwarded the boots, gongs and tea, so as to enable me to trace them? I am...
100From Thomas Jefferson to Mann Page, [16 May 1796] (Jefferson Papers)
I am growing old, and am grown lazy, and particularly [in wri]ting letters. Yet, when any circumstance of business [orders] […] to take up a pen for an old friend, I […] feel the warmth [of earlier] years rekindle in my heart. While writing to you I am (in imagination) at Rosewell, 25 years old, in all the vigour of love and liberty. It is unpleasant that we should have been made, like our...