3331From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 7 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The accounts of the last week from Lisbon, announcing an actual declaration of war by France against England and Holland, when applied to the preceding note of the British court ordering the French minister to leave London (which is generally considered as preliminary to a declaration of war) now render it extremely probable that those powers are at actual war, and necessary in my opinion that...
3332From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 4 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
There are in the hands of Colo. Taylor for the use of his regiment of guards about 500 stand of arms. The regiment having gone to Maryland with the Conventioners was ordered at first to be discharged at Winchester and afterwards to be brought back to Charlottesville to be discharged there. It is therefore uncertain at which place those arms will be deposited. Besides these there were lodged in...
3333From Thomas Jefferson to J. Louis Brethoux, 21 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now to acknolege the receipt of the letter you did me the honour to write me on the 21st. of January together with the book on the culture of the olive tree. This is a precious present to me, and I pray you to accept my thanks for it. I am just gratified by letters from South Carolina which inform me that in consequence of the information I had given them on the subject of the olive tree,...
3334From Thomas Jefferson to A. Van Stipriaan Lúïsçiús, 3 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved the treatise describing the very ingenious Bathometer for sounding the depths of the sea, which you were so kind as to send me, and with it a model of the instrument itself. I pray you, Sir, to accept my thanks for this mark of your attention. our Nation, as a publick body, being at present engaged in no pursuit where the use of this ingenious machine could be employed, I have...
3335From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 17 January 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
This serves to advise you that I have this day drawn on you for [150]. Doll. at three days sight in favor of Mr. Charles Johnston & Co. of Richmond, which please to honor. Several little disbursements which you have made for me, of unknown amount, render it desireable to recieve a continuation of your last account. Yesterday came to hand a box of Segars, which I presume is from you. I expected...
3336From Thomas Jefferson to James Buchanan, 22 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
By my letter of Jan. 13. I took the liberty of praying you to send me Hayes’s newspapers to the care of N. Jamieson of New York, by post if free, or otherwise by other opportunities. I have not yet received any: but pre[suming] on past experiences of your goodness I suppose some may [be] on the way. In the mean time experience proves to me that the French postage is exorbitant beyond...
3337[From Thomas Jefferson to George Muter, 15 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 15 Feb. 1781. An entry in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “The Governor, with the advice of the members present of the Council, there not being a Board, directs me to write to Capt. Browne, that he agrees to his being appointed Commissary of Military Stores, but that no sallary can be fixed at present for the Office.” Not located. Muter’s letter to...
3338Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 25 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter will be presented you by mr George Ticknor , a gentleman from Massachusets whose father is of distinguished standing in that state. this gentleman has been 4. years travelling and and sojourning in the different countries of Europe for the purposes of instruction, and with the same views will pass the approaching winter in Edinburg , Oxford , Cambridge and London
3339Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 10 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
It would seem mighty idle for me to inform you formally of the merits of Col o Trumbull as a painter or as a man. yet he asks my notice of him to my friends , as if his talents had not already distinguished him in their notice. on the continent of Europe his genius was placed much above West ’s. Baron Grimm , the arbiter of taste at Paris in my day, expressed to me often his decided & high...
3340From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 20 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am desirous to obtain two copies of the New testament in Greek or Greek & Latin, both of the same edition exactly; and two others in English, both also of the same edition; and all four of the same format, that they may admit being bound up together. the format to be either 8vo. or 12mo. but the latter of preference. will you be so good as to endeavor to procure these for me? Accept my...
3341From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 13 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from Mr. Barclay, and one from Mr. Carmichael, of which I send you extracts, are come to hand this morning, which is in time for them to go by the same gentleman who carries my letter of the 11th. I observe what Mr. Carmichael says on the subject of the Portuguese treaty, and am sorry it meets with difficulties. I doubt however whether he ascribes them to their true cause,...
3342III. Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 28 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the intimation the other day, and indeed according to my own wish in a question, if not difficult, yet very important, I have the honor to inclose you a written opinion on the question Whether the US. ought to declare their treaties with France void, or suspended? This contains my answer to the 2d. 3d. 4th. 5th. and 6th. of the written queries . The 1st. had been before answered...
3343Thomas Jefferson’s Specifications for the Rotunda Planetarium, 1824?, 31 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The concave ceiling of the Rotunda is proposed to be painted sky–blue and spangled with gilt stars in their position and magnitude copied exactly from any selected hemisphere of our latitude. A seat for the Operator movable and fixable at any point in the concave, will be necessary, and means of giving to every star it’s exact position. [GRAPHIC IN MANUSCRIPT] Machinery for moving the Operator....
3344From Thomas Jefferson to the Judges of the High Court of Chancery, 5 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive (on the publick account) are under a Difficulty which will be sufficiently explained by the within Paper. You will perceive by that that we propose to refer the Matter to Arbitration in another State: nevertheless we suppose the only question which occasions a Doubt (that is whether if Mr Nathan took up the Bills bona Fide as he alledges, he is entitled to a paiment in hard Money...
3345From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 23 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 20th. came to hand last night. I sincerely regret that mrs Madison is not likely to be able to come on so soon as had been hoped. the probability of an extensive war on the continent of Europe strengthening every day for some time past, is now almost certain. this gives us our great desideratum, time. in truth it places us quite at our ease. we are certain of one year of...
3346From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 27 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Resuming the subject of the resolutions of the House of Delegates of Dec. 31. 1800. Jan. 16 1802. and Feb. 3. 1804. I have it not in my power to say that any change of circumstances has taken place which enables me yet to propose any specific asylum for the persons who are the subjects of our correspondence . the island of St. Domingo, our nearest and most convenient recourse, is too unsettled...
3347From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Pigott, [3 June 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Montgomery and his mother seem uneasy that such a sum in cash as 8000£ should be tied up in his hands by the marriage settlement. I apprehend this uneasiness may be removed and your daughter provided for more surely by settling lands of the value of 8000£on her for life (if she survives her husband) and after both their deaths, on the children of their joint bed in such proportions as the...
3348Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Provenchere, 8 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respectful salutations to Mons r Provenchere , and with pleasure complies with the request of M. Silvestre , with whom he has the advantage of a correspondence by sending him the inclosed letter , lately recieved under cover from M. Silvestre . PoC ( MHi
3349From Thomas Jefferson to Jones & Howell, 2 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of May 27. is recieved and I now supply the omission of my former letter by stating that it is double rolled sheet iron which I have occasion for. I have this moment recieved a letter from my workman at Monticello stating his want of the iron below described. as this want is immediate, I should be glad you could put the iron on board the first vessel going to Richmond. it will be...
3350From Thomas Jefferson to Philippe Reibelt, 31 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The books mentioned in your letter of Jan. 25. are safely recieved. in your Catalogue No. 3. pa. 25. I observe the following which be pleased to send. ✓ Arabia seu &c } edit. Elzevir in 32mo. ✓ Descriptio Africae ✓ Bohemiae ✓ Galliae ✓ Germaniae ✓ Hungariae ✓ Leudiens
3351From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 25 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. was recieved on the 20th. the post having departed the day before as usual. you ask what shall be done with Shadwell? there was a wish in mr Tom Esting Randolph to have rented it. mr T M Randolph can tell whether he now wishes it. if not, let it to some one tenant, if you please, subject to my approbation which can be asked in a fortnight always. I say to some one...
3352From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 26 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved from Genl. Wilkinson, on the 23d. inst. his affidavit charging Samuel Swartwout, Peter V. Ogden, and James Alexander with the crimes described in the affidavit, a copy of which is now communicated to both houses of Congress. It was announced to me at the same time that Swartwout & Bollman, two of the persons apprehended by him, were arrived in this city, in custody each of a...
3353Thomas Jefferson to William J. Stone, 30 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 4 th and am sorry that I am totally unable to answer the questions you propose. after a lapse of between 30. and 40. years, during which I have been engaged in such a succession of scenes as occupied my mind for the time exclusively, leaving neither leisure nor occasion to look back and refresh my memory as to what had gone by, I retain not a trace of the...
3354From Thomas Jefferson to James Dinsmore, 18 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to mr Jefferson, on my arrival here, to forward 1000 ℔ of lead to Monticello, and yesterday I recieved a letter from him informing me he could find but 50. ℔ of lead in all Richmond, & for that they asked 1/. the ℔ considering the price & difficulty of the article, I refer it to your consideration whether it will not be better to have the weights cast here of iron, where they will be...
3355Thomas Jefferson to Christopher Clark, 4 April 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
In the expectation of your being at Campbell superior court I sent a letter there for you, but understanding it is doubted whether you were there I write this by express to your house. the object is to engage your assistance in conjunction with mr M c lealand in obtaining attaining a writ of forcible entry & detainer against Samuel Scott , who has entered on a tract of my land adjoining him,...
3356From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Bancroft, 25 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Expecting to receive by tomorrow’s post a letter from Mr. Trumbull announcing an occasion of getting to America, and that I must leave this place in the same instant I have only time to acknolege the receipt of yours of Aug. 21. in due time after it’s date, to recommend to you the saving my credit as to the bill I drew on you, whenever Mr. Paradise’s remittances shall put it in your power and...
3357From Thomas Jefferson to William Barret, 30 October 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
At the date of my letter of the last month I thought I could not be surer of any thing than that I could within a few days remit you 750.D. I had the flour waiting in my mill for a shower only to enable boats to go down. yet so obstinate has been the drought that it was not till the day before yesterday that a fortunate rain enabled me to send off some boat loads, the sale of which will enable...
3358Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Jamieson, 7 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Goodman my manager here informs me you will furnish me 20. bushels of salt at 5.½ D. taking a draught on Mess rs Gibson and Jefferson , my correspondents at Richmond . I now inclose you a draught on them for 110. Dollars, which you can have remitted by mail before it will be convenient for me to send for the salt, the greater part of which I have to send for from Albemarle . Accept the...
3359Thomas Jefferson to William A. Burwell, 25 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
In the execution of a law for surveying our coast, a mr Hassler was employed, and procured from London in 1815 a set of the necessary mathematical and Astronomical instruments. the survey I am told has been lately relinquished, and possibly the government having no particular use for them, might be willing to accomodate our University with these instruments, at a price reasonable for them and...
3360From Thomas Jefferson to Turner Southall, Robert Goode, John Banister, William Call, and William Greene Munford, 15 … (Jefferson Papers)
For the future protection of the Stores and Country on James River it has been thought necessary to erect a defensive work at Hood’s. Among other requisites forty labouring Slaves are wanting for two months. After trying the exertions of the ordinary Officers to procure them we have been able to procure 13 only, who are to be at the place on Monday next. I must therefore resort to the aid of...
3361From Thomas Jefferson to William Harrison, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lieutenant Bradford brings out three hundred thousand Pounds for you. Two hundred thousand had been sent by Captn. Cherry to Genl. Clarke just before. Whether he will be able to spare any of that to you I know not. We had it not in our power to send more at this time. I had inquiry made at the Auditors Office whether Captn. Berry had obtained any Warrant for Money there and found he had not. I...
3362From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mayo, 3 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not answer the note in the pamphlet you were so kind as to send me for 2. reasons. 1. because the use of my hand is so much impaired, and I write with so much pain that I am obliged to decline answering any lre which is not of the most indispensible urgency & oblign. 2. because I have never permitted myself to assume the office of recommend g to the public particular books or...
3363From Thomas Jefferson to Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 6 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with yours of Mar. 31. Mine to yourself and Dr. Bancroft will already have answered so much of it as relates to Mr. Paradise. The idea suggested of his going with me to America, was intended chiefly as a threat against the refusing creditor. It could only have been carried into execution in the case of that creditor’s continuing obstinate. The propositions he has since made were...
3364Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas G. Dufief, 11 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Dufief to inclose a copy of the Commentary on Montesquieu published by Duane in 1811. to mr Adams at Quincy Mass. charging it to Th:J . he salutes him with friendship & respect. PoC ( DLC ); on verso of a reused address cover from
3365From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Lawson writes me word that he can march 1000 men to-day or to-morrow to reinforce Genl. Greene if he can be aided with arms. I inclosed you yesterday a letter from Colo. Banister informing me there were 400 good Continental arms at Petersburg, of which he seemed to wish about 150. The state stock being already exhausted, I could only inform Genl. Lawson that I would take the liberty of...
3366From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Thompson, 30 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
You will by this time I hope have recieved from Col o Peyton the sum of the freight duty & charges for the 6. boxes of marble recieved from Mr Appleton on my own private account. this you will observe covers the new as well as the old duties, as to which I make no demurrer in what concerns my six; and I wait only your answer to mine of the 13 th on the suspension of the new duties as to those...
3367From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 6 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you was of the 24th. of August. A gentleman going from hence to Cadiz will be the bearer of this, and of the newspapers to the present date, and will take care that the letter be got safe to you if the papers cannot. Mr. Mangnal, at length tired out with his useless sollicitations at this office, to obtain redress from the court of Spain for the loss of the Dover Cutter, has...
3368From Thomas Jefferson to André Limozin, 9 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor with my account, balance 180.₶ 7s which shall be paid to your order. I observe it supposed with you that the differences between the courts of London and St. James are nearly settled. But be assured on the contrary that no accomodation is expected, and that war is as certain as it can be, without being actually commenced or declared. There remains indeed a...
3369From Thomas Jefferson to John Marshall, 2 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired two or three days ago to sign some sea letters to be dated on or after the 4th. of Mar. but in the mean time to be forwarded to the different ports; and I understood you would countersign them as the person appointed to perform the duties of Secretary of state , but that you thought a reappointment to be dated the 4th. of March would be necessary. I shall with pleasure sign such...
3370Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 24 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16 th is recieved informing me you had then on hand 370.D. for which I could draw. accordingly on the 21 st I drew on you for 215.33 in favor of James Leitch , and on the 22 d for 150. in favor of
3371Thomas Jefferson to John T. Barraud, 25 December 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents mr Barraud his respectful salutations, and his thanks for the pamphlets from mr Warden which have come safely to hand. he has no reason to believe any letter accompanied them, as he had before recieved a letter on their subject from the Abbé Rochon author of them. with his acknolegements for mr Barraud’s kind care of them he prays him to recieve the assurance of his...
3372From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin H. Latrobe, 23 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Latrobe, and recommends to him, in passing through Baltimore, to examine the covering on the flat part of Genl. Smith’s house. it is with sheet iron in gutturs, is the first & only example yet executed, and may furnish us, by the manner of it’s execution, information both as to what succeeds, and as to what may not succeed & therefore is to be...
3373From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Parr, 26 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
A letter addressed to you from a perfect stranger, undoubtedly requires apology. this I can only find in the character of the subject producing it a subject cherished in every literary breast. the state of Virginia, of which I am a native and resident, is engaged in the establishment of an University on a scale of such extent as may give it eminence on this side of the Atlantic . I am...
3374From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Ellicott, 25 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not seen the publication by the National institute of the documents proving the falling of stones from the Atmosphere; but I have read Izam’s lithologie Atmospherique, an 8vo. vol. which is an industrious collection of all preceding facts of the same nature, and, of all the testimony in favor of the recent fact, & I doubt not it contained the documents you allude to, tho not having the...
3375From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received a confirmation of the arrival of a hostile fleet consisting of 19 ships, 2 brigs, and 10 sloops and schooners. The advance of the fleet were yesterday morning in Warrasqueak bay, and just getting into motion up the river with a favorable wind and tide. Their destination from the intelligence of deserters and some captured mariners whom they put on shore is some...
3376From Thomas Jefferson to David Leonard Barnes, 24 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the trouble you have been so good as to take in Ingraham’s case. it has given more than I had meant, as I should have been perfectly satisfied with your opinion alone. I now return the letter which you desired to have again. I have ordered a pardon as to whatsoever appurtains to the US. leaving the interests of the prosecutor untouched. accept my respectful salutations and...
3377Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 1 June 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
For want of time to consult you on it, I have taken a measure of great responsibility on my self as to Francis , for your pardon for which I must rely on the motives, and what I hope will be the effect of it. French is become the most indispensable part of modern education. it is the only language in which a man of any country can be understood out of his own; and is now the preeminent...
3378From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 8 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 25th. Apr. came to hand only yesterday. I am contented with the sale of my tobacco at 41/. but am uneasy at the account given me of it’s quality by mr Craven. if you think it’s quality was such as ought not to have commanded the price, I authorise you to make whatever abatement you think just to the purchaser. you are to place 19,000. ℔ of the tobacco made here by Craven at...
3379From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Coolidge, 12 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The arrival of our Professors from abroad has at length enabled us to get our University into operation. their failure to arrive by the day we had announced for it’s commencementt lost us for a while many students, who supposing, with most of us, from the length of time they had been out, that they must have perished, engaged themselves elsewhere. we began on the 7 th of March with between 30....
3380From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Claiborne, 21 February 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved with great pleasure your favor of Jan. 8 . informing me of your return to America, and of the measures you have taken for adding useful arts and inhabitants to our country. The machines which perform the labours of man are peculiarly valuable in a country where there is more to do than men to do it. Perhaps we may not be entirely mature for all the articles of your catalogue,...