6001From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 2 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The present is merely to inclose to you a letter I have received from a lady who is distressed on account of her son at Elizabeth town, and to pray you to enquire into his situation and either write it to me, or get him to write to his mother and to forward it through you. I wish you happiness at all times being with very sincere esteem Dr. Sir, Your affectionate friend & Servt., RC ( NN );...
6002Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 14 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A young negro man, named Thruston , brother to Edy , who while I was in Washington , was in the kitchen under the instruction of M r Julien , has escaped from my grandson to whom I had given him . he is supposed to have gone to Washington and to be there lurking under the connivance of some of his sister’s old friends. the bearer, mr Wheat , my grandson
6003To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1820 (Madison Papers)
With this letter I commit for you to the mail a bundle of seeds, one parcel of which was sent by you to mr. Randolph for inspection. The other is seakale seed lodged here for you by Genl. Cocke. Have I returned your Vitruvius to you? I am in great tribulation about it? I keep my borrowed books on a particular shelf that they may neither be forgotten nor confounded with my own. It is not on...
6004Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 13 December 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Our Visitors determined to make a report to the Governor as their patron, of the progress and prospects of our College , with a view to place it before the legislature for their aid or adoption. I have this moment, and at this place prepared such a report, but as it will be some time before it can go the rounds of all the visitors for their signatures, your greater distance requires the...
6005From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having cause to entertain doubts from several Letters transmitted me, whether Mr. Jno. Dodge who was appointed to conduct a commerce with the Indians on behalf of this state has not been guilty of gross misapplication or mismanagement of what has been confided to him and the distance between him and us rendering it impracticable to call the examination before ourselves, you are hereby...
6006Thomas Jefferson to William Wirt, 1 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly respects to mr Wirt , and incloses him an order on Gibson & Jefferson for 50.D. for the kindness of his services in the suit of Scott against him. he is anxious it should be forced on at the first calling that he may be rid of the obligation which the purchaser required of him. he salutes mr Wirt with friendship & respect. PoC ( MHi ); dateline at foot of...
6007From Thomas Jefferson to University of Virginia Faculty, 7 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your several communications intended for the board of Visitors of the University, together with your Journal, were duly laid before them at their late meeting on the 4 th instant, and respectfully considered. The subject of Diplomas and premiums for literary merit, which presented itself at the composition of the original code of regulations was but little attended to at that moment. it was...
6008Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Distances between Monticello and Poplar Forest, [ca. 21 September 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
Mont o Carter’s bridge 10.37 Warren ferry 12.35
6009Thomas Jefferson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 20 April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
It is near 2. months since I made a remittance for some Roman cement to mr Coffee , supposing him to be in N.Y. but recieving no answer I presume he has left it on a very long journey he intended to take. we cannot therefore look to that place. I recieved last night the inclosed letter from mr Andrew Smith on the subject of this cem e nt. as his is imported from England , we have as good a...
6010From Thomas Jefferson to Lister Asquith, 22 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
When I left this place for England I had no suspicion that any thing more would be necessary on my part for your liberation. Being but lately returned I could not sooner acknowlege the receipt of your several letters of Feb. 20. Mar 20. Apr. 10. 21. and May 1. I this day write to Messrs. Desbordes to pay the charges necessary for your enlargement, to furnish you with a guinea a peice, and to...
6011Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 February 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
A letter from Col o Earle of S. C. induces me to apprehend that the government is called on to reimburse expences to which I am persuaded it is no wise liable either in justice or liberality. I inclose you a copy of my answer to him , as it may induce further enquiry, & particularly of Gen l Dearborn . the Tennisee Senators of that day can also give some information. We have not yet seen the...
6012Thomas Jefferson to Joel Barlow, 11 May 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the packet with which I troubled you on the 16 th of April , I have recieved the inclosed letter from for Gen l Kosciuszko ; it is from mr Barnes , his agent here, covering a remittance of £200. sterling to the General on account of interest arising on his money in our funds & banks. I cannot avoid solliciting your care of it, knowing it’s importance to the comfort of the General . it...
6013From Thomas Jefferson to Thayer, Bartlet & Company, 26 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your favor of July 5. and of the two boxes of China, and Mr. Dowse’s letter . From the length of time (4. years) since Mr. Dowse had been so kind as to undertake to bring me a service of China, he apprehended I must have given up the expectation of it and supplied myself, and therefore in his letter desired me to consult my own convenience only, as it was...
6014Thomas Jefferson to Samuel L. Osborn, [29] August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July came to hand on the 18 th instant. and I am very sensible of the favor with which you are pleased to express yourself towards me. if, in the course of my political term of service, my fellow citizens think I have effected any thing useful for our country, my reward is in their approbation. I am thankful that I have lived to see the sacrifices of the revolutionary generation,...
6015From Thomas Jefferson to Francis dal Verme and Others, 13 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The readiness with which you were so kind as to shew me what was most worth seeing in Milan and it’s neighborhood when I had the honour of seeing you there, encourages me to address to you two of my young countrymen who will pass thro’ Milan in a tour they are taking. The one is Mr. Rutledge, son of Governor Rutledge of South Carolina, the other Mr. Shippen of Philadelphia nephew of Mr. Lee...
6016From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of laying before the General assembly the enclosed letter and memorial from the Consul of his most Christian majesty in this state. That gentleman’s letters of appointment came to hand soon after the date of my letter to you on the same subject . MS not located. Extract printed from Anderson Auction Co. sale catalogue, 10 Jan. 1908 (Henry Goldsmith Sale), lot 134, a one-page...
6017From Thomas Jefferson to Étienne Lemaire, 29 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I find we are in immediate want of Sherry here. I will therefore thank you to pack up 240. bottles of the London Sherry you have and forward it by the first vessel from Georgetown or Alexandria to Richmond to the Address of Gibson & Jefferson merchants of that place, marking the packages T.I. Monticello. I arrived here in good health & found my family well. I hope you will keep yourself...
6018Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter to mr Cabell so fully explains it’s object, and the grounds on which your signature to the paper is proposed if approved, that I will spare my stiffening & aching wrist the pain of adding more than the assurance of my constant & affect te friendship. RC ( DNT , on deposit ViU: TJP ); at foot of text in William B. Sprague ’s hand: “To James Madison ,” with Sprague ’s...
6019Thomas Jefferson to William Champe Carter, 9 November 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter of Sep. 23. I informed you of a claim of Col o Monroe’s to some part of the lands you sold to mr Short , he thinks about 30. acres, and proposed to you a meeting at your convenience to run the lines. Col o Monroe I believe wrote to you at the same time. I was then obliged to limit the time of meeting to some day before the present Date, by the necessity of my visiting Bedford about...
6020From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 9 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two last letters are those which have given me the greatest pleasure of any I ever recieved from you. The one announced that you were become a notable housewife, the other a mother. This last is undoubtedly the key-stone of the arch of matrimonial happiness, as the first is it’s daily aliment. Accept my sincere congratulations for yourself and Mr. Randolph. I hope you are getting well,...
6021From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 6 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed papers, stating the claims of John Jackson, an English pilot, on the justice and liberality of the United states, have been addressed to me. I can do nothing better than to forward them to you, as I suppose the claim to belong properly to your department. I formerly forwarded to the President of Congress an application from the same person, but never learnt whether any thing was...
6022From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 15 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The calls for our gunboats at Charleston, Savanna, Mobille & N. Orleans are very imperious. the late insult to our peace officers at Savannah should never be permitted to be repeated a second time. Capt Casson tells me mr Fox is engaged in making the drawings for the lighter gun boat. but while the drawings are preparing to be sent to the several places of construction, could not your orders...
6023From Thomas Jefferson to Elias Vanderhorst, 11 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved a letter from Mr. Cathalan of Marseilles informing me had sent by the same vessel to Baltimore 4. casks containing 100. olive trees, and a cask of caper plants. Mr. Sterret, who happened to be then setting out for Baltimore promised to send them off immediately to Charleston. I have taken the liberty of having them addressed to you as President of the Agricultural society....
6024From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. came to hand yesterday, & by this day’s post I inclose you a draught on Gibson & Jefferson for 50. D. payable to Majr. Wm. Duval to whom you will be so good as to explain that it is for Genl. Lawson . I now write an answer to the Genl. but will keep it back a couple of days as it furnishes me in that way an excuse for having previously placed the money in Duval’s hands....
6025To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 23 July 1787 (Adams Papers)
Frouillé, the bookseller here who is engaged in having your book translated and printed, understanding that you were about publishing a sequel to it, has engaged me to be the channel of his prayers to you to favor his operation by transmitting hither the sheets of the sequel as they shall be printed; & he will have them translated by the same hand, which is a good one. It is necessary for me...
6026Thomas Jefferson to George Ticknor, 24 October 1821 (first letter) (Jefferson Papers)
I write this from an occasional residence very distant from Monticello . it will be handed you by mr Jesse B. Harrison , and mr William Beverley Towles , two young gentlemen of this neighborhood who are going on to Cambridge to finish there the education begun here. with them I am not personally acquainted, but much so with their fathers, residents here, and worthy of entire respect. they...
6027Thomas Jefferson to John Wyche, 19 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of March 19. came to hand but a few days ago and informs me of the establishment of the Westward mill library society , of it’s general views & progress. I always hear with pleasure of institutions for the promotion of knolege among my countrymen. the people of every country are the only safe guardians of their own rights, and are the only instruments which can be used for their...
6028From Thomas Jefferson to Gabriel Duvall, 10 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Duval and informs him that in conformity with the report of the Secretary of the Treasury he has directed a commission to be made out for George House to be master of the revenue cutter at New London in Connecticut vice Hindman , who is superceded PrC ( DLC ); undated, but pressed on same sheet as TJ’s memorandum to Madison, 10 May ; at foot of...
6029From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 7 September 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The doubt which you suggest as to our jurisdiction over the case of the grand jury v. Cabell, had occurred to me, and naturally occurs on first view of the question. But I knew that to send the petition to the H. of Represent. in Congress, would make bad worse, that a majority of that house would pass a vote of approbation. On examination of the question too it appeared to me that we could...
6030From Thomas Jefferson to Sir John Peyton, 5 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured with your letter of the 3d. instant desiring a suspension of the Draught law. I have at present no Council before whom I can lay it, but as the same Application had been made before by Colo. Page, and had been declined by the Council on the general principle that the suspending Power given them was intended to be exercised only where such a proportion of Militia had been...
6031Thomas Jefferson to Robert Saunders, 23 October 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
You probably knew the late mr Bellini , one of the professors of William and Mary college , who died at that place. mr Bracken took out administration of his effects. his representatives in Italy have lately sent me a power of attorney for the settlement of the administration account and to have the proceeds remitted to them. understanding that the execution of this power is within your line...
6032From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 8 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
It is really wonderful how compleatly our countrymen, after staying sometime in Europe, forget the constitution, the laws, & the spirit of their own country. mr Cutting’s propositions are evidences of this fact. I would wish however to put them by with a civil answer. this will, I believe, be most effectually done by a reference of the inclosed to you, with a request of an answer which I may...
6033From Thomas Jefferson to William Drayton, 6 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of addressing you on the 6th. of May last by Mr. McQuin, and of sending you by the same gentleman some seed of the Sulla, or Spanish St. foin. I hope it has succeeded, as some seeds of the same parcel which I sowed in my garden have vegetated well and gave me an opportunity of seeing that it is a most luxuriant grass. It’s success in the climate of Malta seems to ensure it...
6034Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Smith, 11 May 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your favor of Mar. 28. with the copy of the oration it covered. accept my thanks for this communication, and still more for the favorable sentiments expressed in it as well as in your letter. the approbation of those who are faithful to the interests of their country, and especially to it’s self-government & independance, is highly acceptable to me, and nothing more soothing...
6035From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 22 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to submit to the President a letter to the Govr. of Georgia, and two others on the occasion of Mr. Ternant’s recall. He sends at the same time the letters which were written on the recall of Mr. De Moustier, as it is necessary to preserve a certain proportion between the expressions used on these occasions. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “The President of the...
6036From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 30 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclosed to Genl. Phillips a passport for the British flag vessel the Genl. Riedesel and delivered it to Captn. Jones who called on me for that purpose by order of Major General Baron Steuben and was to have accompanied the vessel to and from her port of Destination. The movements of the enemy and uncertainty where Genl. Phillips was then to be found delayed his going till you had arrived. I...
6037From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed resolution of the General assembly of Pennsylvania with President Reid’s letter came to hand by yesterday’s post. I now do myself the pleasure of transmitting them to the assembly, and of assuring you that I am with the greatest esteem Your most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( Vi ). Addressed in TJ’s hand. Endorsed: “Governors Letter enclosing Pennsylvania Assembly’s...
6038From Thomas Jefferson to Montmorin, 29 November 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the honour of mentioning to your Excellency the proposals of an American merchant for establishing packets between Havre and Boston, you were pleased to express a wish to see his proposals. I have it now in my power to inclose you a copy of them for your consideration, if nothing better should have been proposed, and if this should merit your attention. I have the honour to be with...
6039From Thomas Jefferson to William Wenman Seward, 12 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I received the honor of your letter of the 25th. Ult. written by desire of the Associated company of Irish merchants in London and return you thanks for the kind congratulations you express therein. The freedom of commerce between Ireland and America is undoubtedly very interesting to both countries. If fair play be given to the natural advantages of Ireland she must come in for a...
6040Thomas Jefferson to William H. Fitzhugh, 31 May 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to the enquiries of your letter of the 18 th as to the communications between Georgetown ferry & this quarter, I must observe there are three general routes practised, the lower one by Fredericksburg , the upper one by Fauquier C.H. and a middle one by Stephensbg . this last is many miles shortest, much the levellest, and being the particular one enquired after in your letter, I...
6041Thomas Jefferson’s Memorandum on James Bowdoin’s Letter, 18 September 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Bowdoin’s letter of May 1. 1807 with Ch. M. Somers’ affidavit as to the negociation for 3. millions of a s of land in the Floridas between Omeely ,
6042Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas G. Dufief, 16 September 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 6 th with the MS. accompanying it comes to hand just as I am preparing to set out on a journey of considerable time and distance. I am therefore able to give it but a hasty perusal. this added to my want of familiarity with the technical methods of conveying instruction makes me an inadequate judge of that you propose. I have not indeed heretofore made myself acquainted, but...
6043From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 4 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured with your letter of Aug. 21. by Mr. Smith who arrived here on the 29th. I am sorry you did not repeat the commission you had favoured me with by Mr. Short as the present would have been an excellent opportunity of sending the articles you wished for. As Mr. Short’s return may yet be delayed, will you be so good as to write me by post what articles you desired, lest I should not...
6044From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carroll, 15 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 10th. with Mr. Brown’s reciept, and thank you for the trouble you have been so kind as to take in this business. Our news from the Westward is disagreeable. Constant murders committing by the Indians, and their combination threatens to be more and more extensive. I hope we shall give them a thorough drubbing this summer, and then change our tomahawk into...
6045From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Van Staphorst, 13 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly rec d your favor of Sep. 8, informing me that your connections of business with mess rs Leroy & Bayard of N.Y. are discontinued, and that your agency in this country , is now transferred to M r Gul Ludlow of the same place, to which notice I shall pay due attention in the payments I have still to make on your account. I am truly sensible of the kindness with which your house his...
6046From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Lenox, 22 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 14th. I would observe that mr Foxall was to make two sizes of grate-linings, a larger & a smaller. their destination as follows. the larger for the smaller for 1. the Cabinet (this is put in) 1. the Secretary’s room 2. Sitting room 2. my bedroom 3. Circular room 3. the room over the sitting room 4. breakfasting room 4. do. over the breakfasting room. 5.
6047From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 27 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of writing to you on the 5th. of Oct. and since that have received yours of the 1st. of the same month. We were highly pleased here with the health you enjoyed on your voiage, and with the reception you met with at home. This was no more than I expected. Had I had a vote for the Presidentship, however, I doubt whether I should not have witheld it from you that you might have...
6048From Thomas Jefferson to Oliver Towles, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The same very disagreable Intelligence which you have been pleased to communicate to me of the operations of our savage Enemy on Patowmac has come to hand from several Parts of that River. Colo. Skinker particularly had written on the subject of Arms. The Order I inclosed him tardy as the supply may be is the utmost it is in our power to do. From his letter we are to judge about a third of his...
6049To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud & the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, & may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission,...
6050From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 7 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
In your letter of Oct. 23. 1790. you informed me there was a balance due to Kippen & co. from my mother of £126–9–5. currency before the beginning of the war. This letter having been delivered me just as I was setting out for Philadelphia I informed you I could give no answer to it till I should come here this present fall. I have now had time to examine papers on that subject and find no...