21Notes on a Conversation with Aaron Burr, 26 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 26. Colo Burr the V.P. calls on me in the evening, having previously asked an opportunity of conversing with me. he began by recapitulating summarily that he had come to N.Y. a stranger some years ago, that he found the country in possn of two rich families, (the Livingstons & Clintons) that his pursuits were not political & he meddled not. when the crisis however of 1800. came on, they...
22Opinion on the Edward Stevens Claim, 12 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctr. Stevens’s case. I consider the annual act which appropriates a given sum to the expences of intercourse with foreign nations, as a sufficient authority to the President (the constitutional organ of foreign intercourse) to expend that sum for the purposes of foreign intercourse, at his discretion. if he abuses that discretion he is responsible for it in a constitutional way. the legal...
23Notes on Dispatches from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
July 4. Govr. Claiborne’s lre May 24. 04. St. Julien’s case the local judge should decide if crimes commd under Span. govmt are cognisable under ours & proceed accdly do. May 29. dispute between 2. priests . let their chief decide French privateer with American prize. do. May 30. his expences . do. June 2. his answer to the impertinencies of Govr. Folch perfect MS ( DLC : TJ Papers,...
24Topics for Consultation with Heads of Departments, 15 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
May. 15. 04 State Judge Davies’s enquiries mr Merry’s case Pichon’s memorial he hazards general assertions neither proved nor true the law of nations does not make a nation responsible for acts of individuals out of it’s limits. yet friendly nations do watch to a certain degree. does France watch the atrocities of it’s privateers men with & without commissions it to be assurd. on our part of...
25Memorandum of Tasks for John Hemings, 24 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
reserved for J. Hemings. All the Chinese railing. Venetian blinds for the Porticos. the 3. remaing. Angular Portals. the Aviary. facings &c of windows of covered ways folds of window shutters. closet of my bed chamber store rooms in the loft. MS ( MHi ); undated; entirely in TJ’s hand; on other side of sheet containing “Work to be done by mr Dinsmore,” dated 24 Sep. (see Memorandum of Tasks...
26Memorandum of Votes in Chase Impeachment Trial, 1 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I II III IV V VI VII VIII Adams – – – – – – – – 0 Anderson +
27Notes on Renominations and Nominations, 26 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Renominations still to be made. Orleans. ✓ Wm. C. C. Claiborne late governor of the Misipi territory Governor of the territory of Orleans [ James Brown of Kentucky Secretary of the territory of O.] [ Ephraim Kirby of Connecticut } Judges of the Superior court for the terry. of O ✓ John B. Prevost of New York original nomn ✓ James Brown of Kentucky ✓ Dominic A. Hall of S.C. judge of the...
28List of Members of the Eighth Congress, 17 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
N. Hampsh. 5. Verm. 4. ✓ — Betton, Silas ✓ — Chamberlain ✓ — Claggett. Clifton. ✓ — Chittenden Martin ✓ — Hough David ✓ Elliott James ✓
29Notes on Treasury Estimates for 1804, [ca. 10 October 1803] (Jefferson Papers)
Resources Balance in the treasury Oct. 1. 1803. say 5,888,000. Revenue of 5. quarters to Dec. 31. 1804 @ 10,400,000. 13,000,000 Arrears of direct taxes & other sources 150,000 Louisiana 200,000. 19,238,000 Demands in last In last quarter of 1803 Balance due to 7,300,000 D. approprn. 2,350,000 ¼ of last years estimate for other objects 650,000. British paiment
30Proclamation Extending Building Regulations in the City of Washington , 28 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By the President of the United States. A PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS by the first articles of the terms and conditions declared by the President of the United States on the seventeenth day of October, 1791, for regulating the Materials and manner of buildings and improvements on the lots in the city of Washington, it is provided that “the outer and party walls of all houses in the said city shall be...
31I. Notes on Diplomatic Etiquette in England, 22 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. King to mr Madison. N.Y. Dec. 22. 1803. 1. all foreign ministers pay the 1st. visit to the ministers of Engld. by going in their carriage & leaving a card without asking for them. this visit is rarely if ever returned. 2. foreign ministers nor their wives never invited to Queen’s balls, concerts, parties. the king gives none. at king’s levee forn. & domest. ministers, dignifd clergy, Ld....
32I. Topics for Inaugural Address, 8 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. topics the advantages of a peaceful system. that if once our debt is paid & taxes liberated, the surplus (after supportg. govmt) will supply annual exp. of war so that no other tax need ever be laid. removals from office. Philosophy licentiousness of press. MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 234:41878); in TJ’s hand; undated; Documents III and V are on reverse side of same sheet.
33Continuation of an Examination of the Boundaries of Louisiana, 15 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
P.S. the Northern boundary of Louisiana, Coterminous with the possessions of England. The limits of Louisiana have been spoken of, in the preceding statement , as if those established to the West & North, by the charter of Louis XIV. remained still unaltered. in the West they are so, as already explained. but, in the North, a material change has taken place. with this however it was...
34III. Memorandum on Official Etiquette , 12 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to bring the members of society together in the first instance the custom of the country has established that the residents shall pay the 1st. visit to strangers, & among strangers first comers to later comers, foreign & domestic; When brought together in society all are perfectly equal, whether foreign or domestic, titled or untitled, in or out of office. To the 1st. rule there is a...
35III. Partial Draft, 8 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
4. e. The free exercise of religion being placed by the constitution independant of the powers of the Genl. govmt, the acts of fasting praying, thanksgiving, and the times, manner, and matter thereof, are religious exercises, which if free from us must neither be prescribed nor controuled by us: I have left them therefore as the constn found them, under the direction of the state or church...
36Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 26 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
1804. May. 26. Present the Secretaries and Atty Genl. What terms of peace with Tripoli shall be agreed to? if successful, insist on their deliverg. up men without ransom, and reestablishing old treaty without paying any thing. if unsuccessful, rather than have to continue the war, agree to give 500. D. a man, (having first deducted for the prisoners we have taken) and the sum in gross &...
37Commissioners of Bankruptcy: List of Candidates, on or before 5 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Jacob I. Cohen William Hull Wm. Vaughan for Portland Worcester . Samuel Flagg Abraham Lincoln Francis Blake MS ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 2:0414); undated but see Lincoln to TJ
38V. Partial Draft, 8 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
When it was vain to deny that our measures were good, they resorted to motives, & alledged they proceeded from bad motives. the taxes they admitted were unnecessary, but we did not suppress them because they were unnecessary, but because it would be popular. to the public however this question is of no importance. whether their agents do good, because they are good, or because it will please...
39II. Table on Party Affiliation of Federal Officeholders in the States, before 11 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
New Hampsh Massachu R. Island Connecticut Vermont New York New Jersey Pennsylva Delaware Maryland Virginia N. Carola S. Carola Georgia Tennissee Kentucky Ohio
40I. Notes on Injunction against John Henderson, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Bill. in 1802. purchased the dower of Eliz. Henderson that John Henderson is digging a race thro’ the lands prays injunction. Answer of J. Henderson. in Nov. 1801. he entered into written contract with the sd Elizabeth relative to sundry matters, & among others that it was agreed that he should have all the sd Eliz’s right to so much of her sd dower lands as might be necessary for the purpose...
41IV. Commission for Minister Plenipotentiary to France, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To Greeting: Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Integrity, Prudence and Ability I have appointed you the said Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of France, authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office do appertain, or as...
42XIII. Second Inaugural Address, 4 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Proceeding, fellow citizens, to that qualification which the constitution requires before my entrance on the charge again conferred on me, it is my duty to express the deep sense I entertain of this new proof of confidence from my fellow citizens at large, and the zeal with which it inspires me so to conduct myself as may best satisfy their just expectations. On taking this station on a former...
43III. Notes on Henderson Land Deeds, 30 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
✓ 1799. Dec. 28. James L. Henderson to Tucker Woodson. deed for ‘all his right &c in the lands of his father,’ to wit 1 10 & reversion of dower except his interest in the mill now standing, and the lot occupied by Henderson & Connard; but conveys all the other unsold lots in Milton, in considn of a negro man James or £110. & of the relinqmt of a debt of 152. D. due from sd James to Tucker....
44II. Cipher Table, [April 1803?] (Jefferson Papers)
suppose the key word to be ‘antipodes’ write it thus. a n t i p o d e s a n t i p o d e s
45Statement of Interest Account with John Barnes, 4 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Interest account between J. Barnes & Th: Jefferson from 1801. Mar. 4. to 1803. May 4. 1801. Monthly balance Int. of month at 6.p.Ct. Articles of discount between those dates paid by Th:J. extracted from the accounts. Mar. 4. 316. 485 1.58 D Apr. 4. 316. 40 1.58 1801. July 25.
46Notes on Curing Herring, 22 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Hollis —Hollis near Bushtown Maryland, comes every year to fish in the Patowmac opposite Alexandria. he says that it is best to leave the head on the fish, because when taken off the fish becomes much drier. he considers what is called gobbing them as much the best method, that is to take out the gills & entrails, & leave the row and head. he has sold this year @ 3⅓ D. the barrel he will...
47Memorandum of Tasks for James Dinsmore, 24 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
work to be done by mr Dinsmore. ✓ finish the Dome room. ✓ double the door of the cellar under the tea-room. ✓ do the gutturs of the house with sheet iron. h hang the sashes of all the windows. ✓ a. finish <base & caps & architraves of> Hall & parlour ✓ put up the Venetian blinds from Washington ✓ a. remodel the 2. pr sash doors of the parlour. the outer new folding doors to be made of pine,...
48Declaration of Trust with Craven Peyton, 4 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
This indenture made on the 4th. day of May 1804. between Craven Peyton of the one part and Thomas Jefferson of the other, both of the county of Albemarle, witnesseth that Whereas the said Craven hath, at various times, and by various contracts deeds & other instruments, purchased from the widow & representatives of the late Bennet Henderson all their rights & interests in a tract of land held...
49List of Interim Appointments, 8 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
List of appointments made by the President of the United States, subsequent to the rising of the Senate in March 1804 John Armstrong Esq. Minister Plenipotentiary to France. James Monroe Esq. Minister Extray. and Plenipotentiary Singly, to the Court of Spain, for the same purpose that Charles Pinckney Esqr. was heretofore united with him, and submitted to, and approved by the Senate. Ephraim...
50Memorandum of Tasks for John Perry, 24 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Perry. to floor & shelve the loft ✓ lath the Wood-room & put a good door. ✓ pale in the nursery, enlarging it to what it used to be. pales 4. f. high, to be rived, & made close enough to keep out hares. ✓ make the chicken coop. do the roof of the N.W. offices. mr Stewart will put on the sheet iron when it comes. the North passage is to be covered next; then the South passage, taking off...
51Thomas Jefferson to A. & J. W. Picket, 25 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your favor of the 10 th asking an opinion from me on the subject of female education. it is one to which nothing has happened to draw my attention particularly, & therefore I am really not qualified to give an opinion worthy of your acceptance, and still less of being used for any public purpose. approaching the entrance into my 80 th year, repose & tranquilit y are with me the...
52Thomas Jefferson to "Abbe Salemankis," 14 March 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of Feb. 27. and am very thankful for the friendly sentiments therein expressed towards myself, as well as for the pamphlet inclosed. that it contains many serious truths and sound admonitions every reader will be sensible. at the same time it is a comfort that the medal has two sides. I do not myself contemplate human nature in quite so sombre a view. that there...
53From Thomas Jefferson to John Abernethie, 12 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of Dec. 1. I referred it to the Secretary of the Treasury for information, sending him the inclosed loan-office certificate, his answer is that if the certificate be genuine it might have been funded under the funding act, until it became barred by the act of limitation of Mar. 3. 1795. & that act having been further suspended till the 12th. of June 1799 in favor...
54From Thomas Jefferson to Achard Frères, 7 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly honored with your favor of the 2d. instant, and thank you for your attention to the wine forwarded for me by Messrs. le freres Roussac. I expect every moment to receive a proper order to the Douane of Rouen to permit these wines to pass on to Paris free of duty, which order shall accompany this letter, or be sent directly to the officers of the Douane at Rouen. I will beg the...
55From Thomas Jefferson to Achard Frères, 15 October 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 9th. inst. informing me of the arrival of two cases of wine from Lisbon addressed to me. I now inclose a passport for it. I will beg the favor of you to send it to this place by water, and shall be ready to answer your draught for any expenses you have incurred, with many thanks for your kindness. I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect...
56From Thomas Jefferson to Achard Frères, 22 November 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the honor to inclose you the acquit à caution for the two cases of wine. They arrived only two days ago which has occasioned the delay of returning you this paper. I return you many thanks for your services and have the honor to be gentlemen your most obedient & most humble servant, PrC ( MHi ); endorsed. Enclosures not located.
57From Thomas Jefferson to Jean-Baptiste Acher, 8 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 29th. of November. The Arret of Sep. 28. had been the subject of discussion with his majesty’s ministers as soon as it appeared. They will within a few days publish an explanatory arrêt exempting American oils from the operation of that of Sep. 28. In the mean time they have sent orders to all the ports to receive our oils. Tho’ these orders might not...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Acheson, 29 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 12th. inst. has not come to hand. I have now recieved that of the 18th. informing me that on a call for 480. men from your brigade 1119 young & active citizens have voluntarily offered their service to their country. this offer merits & meets the highest praise: and whenever the moment arrives in which the public rights must appeal to the public arm for support, they will be...
59From Thomas Jefferson to James B. M. Adair, 1 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been favored with your letter from New York, [and I] am very thankful for your care of the letters from Mr. Pinckney and particularly so also for your attention to the threshing machine, which, if it answers what I have heard of it will be a vast acquisition to the states of Virginia and North Carolina. If you should not be coming on yourself to Philadelphia in the course of the present...
60From Thomas Jefferson to James Adam, 29 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 18th instant came to hand yesterday. You seem in that to decline meddling with the grain in the counties of Westmoreland, Northumberland because the quantity is small and the commissions too trifling to be worth your attention; while you undertake the care of the grain in those counties, where the quantity is considerable. You will please to recollect that the charge we...
61Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 13 June 1804 (Adams Papers)
The affectionate sentiments which you have had the goodness to express in your letter of May 20. towards my dear departed daughter, have awakened in me sensibilities natural to the occasion, & recalled your kindnesses to her which I shall ever remember with gratitude & friendship. I can assure you with truth they had made an indelible impression on her mind, and that, to the last, on our...
62Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 20 November 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have been honoured with your two letters of Octob. 19. and 25. by Mr. Fox and Doctor Rodgers since the date of my last. I am to thank you for your state of Stanhope’s case. It has enabled me to speak of that transaction with a confidence of which I should other wise have been deprived by the different state of it in the public papers and the want of information from America. I have even...
63Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 25 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Short’s return the night before last availed me of your favour of Aug. 12. I immediately ordered the shoes you desired which will be ready tomorrow. I am not certain whether this will be in time for the departure of Mr. Barclay or of Colo. Franks, for it is not yet decided which of them goes to London. I have also procured for you three plateaux de dessert with a silvered ballustrade round...
64From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 22 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknolege the honor of your letter of Jan. 29. and of the papers you were so good as to send me. They were the latest I had seen or have yet seen. They left off too in a critical moment; just at the point where the Malcontents make their submission on condition of pardon, and before the answer of government was known. I hope they pardoned them. The spirit of resistance to government is...
65Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 10 July 1787 (Adams Papers)
This being the day on which, according to my calculation, my daughter would be crossing the channel, I had calculated the course from Dover to Calais and was watching the wind when your favour of the 6 th. was put into my hands. that of June 27. had been received four days ago. I perceived that that had happened which I had apprehended, that your goodness had so attached her to you that her...
66Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 22 July 1804 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 1 st. inst. was duly recieved, and I would not again have intruded on you but to rectify certain facts which seem not to have been presented to you under their true aspect. my charities to Callender are considered as rewards for his calumnies. as early, I think, as 1796. I was told in Philadelphia that Callendar, the author of the Political progress of Britain, was in that...
67Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 9 August 1786 (Adams Papers)
It is an age since I have had the honor of a letter from you, and an age and a half since I presumed to address one to you. I think my last was dated in the reign of king Amri, but under which of his successors you wrote, I cannot recollect. Ochosias, Joachaz, Manahem or some such hard name. At length it is resumed: I am honoured with your favor of July 23. and I am at this moment writing an...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 25 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Short’s return the night before last availed me of your favour of Aug. 12. I immediately ordered the shoes you desired which will be ready tomorrow. I am not certain whether this will be in time for the departure of Mr. Barclay or of Colo. Franks, for it is not yet decided which of them goes to London. I have also procured for you three plateaux de dessert with a silvered ballustrade round...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, [November 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
I am never happier than when I am performing good offices for good people; and the most friendly office one can perform is to make worthy characters acquainted with one another. The good things of this life are scattered so sparingly in our way that we must glean them up as we go. Yourself and Madame de Corny then must avail yourselves of the short time she will remain in London to make each...
70From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 9 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
It is an age since I have had the honor of a letter from you, and an age and a half since I presumed to address one to you. I think my last was dated in the reign of king Amri, but under which of his successors you wrote, I cannot recollect. Ochosias, Joachar, Manahem or some such hard name. At length it is resumed: I am honoured with your favor of July 23. and I am at this moment writing an...