1651From Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 12th. and thank you for your attention to the wine & nuts, as well as your purpose of forwarding them on to Washington which is exactly what I wish. being a stranger to the ceremonies requisite from the owner on an importation, I shall be ready to comply with all requisite formalities on your being so good as to inform me what they are, as also to have...
1652From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Cathalan of Marseilles has shipped for me by the ship Fair American of Bath, Capt Spear, bound to Boston, 10. packages, cost there 667. francs, and containing olive oil, olives, capers, dried & preserved fruits & nuts. as I could not foresee to what port of America he might find a conveyance, I desired him to address them to the Collector of the customs of whatever port the ship might be...
1653From Thomas Jefferson to James Mease, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 9th. and proceed to answer the two enquiries made in it on the subject of the Mould board. the 1st. indeed as to the modifications of the simpler form of mould board, is answered in the passage of the Philos. transactions where they are mentioned. these modifications are there described, & the reasons are stated which render them necessary. as to the 2d....
1654From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wagner, 20 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Wagner and will be obliged to him to have put into the National Intelligencer an advertisement for the purpose of obtaining the information desired in the inclosed letter. he supposes no names need be mentioned but that of Francis Serraire & his father, and that the request may be to give the information to the department of state. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
1655From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of Aug. 13. and 15. were recieved yesterday. the appointment of a successor to Samuel Bishop must await our re-assembling at Washington. I inclose you the late letters of Livingston & Monroe, for consideration, & to be returned to me when perused. you will find that the French government, dissatisfied perhaps with their late bargain with us, will be glad of a pretext to declare...
1656From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from mr Simpson to mr Madison shewing very clearly that our plan of having the gun carriages for the Emperor of Marocco made in Europe, cannot take place. to cut short all further delay on this subject, I think we must furnish them from hence. you observe they must be of the very best & fitted for land service. if we have such, really good, tho’ wanting for our own...
1657To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of the 18th. & 20th. were recieved on the 21st. The letters of Livingston & Monroe are sent to mr. Gallatin as you proposed. That of Simpson to mr. Smith for the purpose of execution. All of them will be returned. Thornton’s, Clarke’s, Charles Pinckney’s, Graham’s, Appleton’s, Davis’s, Mitchell’s, Newton’s, & Derieux’ letters are now inclosed. With respect to the impressment of...
1658From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 18th. & 20th. were recieved on the 21st. the letters of Livingston & Monroe are sent to mr Gallatin as you proposed. that of Simpson to mr Smith for the purpose of execution. all of them will be returned. Thornton’s, Clarke’s, Charles Pinckney’s, Graham’s, Appleton’s, Davis’s, Mitchell’s, Newton’s, & Derieux’ letters are now inclosed. with respect to the impressment of...
1659From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your servant finds me just mounting my horse on a call to mr Lilly’s. I have only time therefore to say I must leave the renting &c to yourself entirely, only guarding against repetitions of corn planting so as to injure the fields. I am sorry I have not 10. D. by me. I depend on exchanges with the sheriffs, who collect little. Accept my best wishes. RC ( MA ). Not recorded in SJL .
1660From Thomas Jefferson to John F. Mercer, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of the 6th. inst: I forwarded that to mr Pinckney with the papers accompanying it to the Secretary of state who has, with my sanction, written to mr Pinckney to conform to your wish and forwarded your letter & papers to him. Accept my friendly salutations and assurances of my high consideration & respect. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Govr. Mercer.” i forwarded :...
1661From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Bradley, Jr., 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having carried most of my maps to Washington I find myself much at a loss here for one of the US. if any more are in hand of those made (by yourself I believe) for the Post Office, I should be thankful to receive one by post. I should prefer one in simple sheets pasted together but not on linen. Accept my salutations & best wishes. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Abraham Bradley esq.”; endorsed...
1662From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from mr Jackson of Tennissee, formerly a Senator from that state on the subject of Colo. Butler. he is a man of great integrity and respectability; carried sometimes beyond strict reason by an overwarm and excellent heart. another from judge Campbell on the subject of Doctr. Vandyke. I also return the one from him to you covering mine. on the subject of the robbery...
1663To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
By the last post I recieved & forwarded your letter to Duane, in which there was nothing but what was safe and proper. Duane is honest, & well intentioned, but over zealous. These qualities harmonise with him a great portion of the republican body. He deserves therefore all the just & favorable attentions which can properly be shewn him. By the same post I recieve from the collector of Norfolk...
1664From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last post I recieved & forwarded your letter to Duane, in which there was nothing but what was safe and proper. Duane is honest, & well intentioned, but over zealous. these qualities harmonise with him a great portion of the republican body. he deserves therefore all the just & favorable attentions which can properly be shewn him. by the same post I recieve from the collector of Norfolk...
1665From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Morris, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved two days ago your favor of the 25th. and should have been glad to accommodate your son as desired but that my particular situation has required me to make special provisions of his wood & lumber to ensure a perpetual supply. with this view I have purchased at different times the whole of the mountain adjoining the one I live on, & above the level of the gap uniting them. this...
1666Amendment for Annexation of Louisiana and Florida, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Amendment to the Constitution. Louisiana, as ceded by France to the US. is made a part of the US. But as to the portion thereof lying North of an East & West line drawn through the mouth of Arkansa river, no new state shall be established, nor any grants of land made, other than to Indians in exchange for equivalent portions of land occupied by them, until authorised by subsequent amendment to...
1667From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 20th. & 22d. came to hand yesterday, and this will go by return of post tomorrow. I now return the letters of Symonds & others on the smugling of negroes into Georgia. his letter to Payne of the revenue cutter will bring to issue the resistance apprehended, and if it be found too great, we must strengthen her. should the Enterprize return here to be refitted, which she...
1668From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter came to hand by yesterday’s post. you will be sensible of the circumstances which make it improper that I should hazard a formal answer, as well as of the desire it’s friendly aspect naturally excites that those concerned in it should understand that the spirit they express is favorably viewed. you can judge also, from your knolege of the ground, whether it may be usefully...
1669Resolution for Introduction of Constitutional Amendment, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved by the Senate and House of Repr. of the US. two thirds of both houses concurring, that the following amendment to the constitution of the US. be proposed to the legislatures of the several states; which, when ratified by three fourths of the said legislatures shall be valid to all intents & purposes as a part of the sd constitution. Louisiana , as ceded by France to the US. is made a...
1670I. Notes for a Draft, before 1 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress witnessed , & themselves participated in the uneasiness produced at the close of the last year, by the violation of treaty committed by the Intendant of the govmt of N. Orleans, in the suspension of our right of deposit at that place before any other had been assigned. we then believed on good grounds that this was unauthorised by his govmt, and having made proper representns to that...
1671From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on the reciept of your letter from New York, I inclosed it to mr Madison to whom the subject of it belonged, in order that he might be able to answer it without any delay. as I presumed you would immediately [set out] from Washington on reciept of his letter, I thought it unsafe to send your certificate there, & detained it the rather as I hoped you would do us the favor of calling...
1672From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 5 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
About a twelvemonth after we came into the administration we learnt by a letter from mr Simpson that our predecessors had promised to the Emperor of Marocco 100. gun carriages. you have known most of the unlucky circumstances which have baffled our execution of it. the last however is but recently known. we had desired mr Simpson to have them made in Europe, or to offer the value to the...
1673From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 5 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 31st. came by the last post, and conveyed the first information I had recieved since I left Washington of the progress in the public buildings. I see with extreme concern that we shall not accomplish what was hoped. as nothing is mentioned of the covering of sheet iron being put on either building, I fear it is not done. I am now putting such a cover on my own house, &...
1674From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 5 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 28th. came to hand on the 2d. inst. expecting mr Madison daily , I deferred writing till I should confer with him. this is the first post after his arrival, & I write to Genl. Dearborne to contribute his agency with you in such way as may be convenient for both towards carrying into execution the engagement of our predecessors to furnish the hundred gun carriages to the...
1675II. Examination of the Boundaries of Louisiana, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
An examination into the boundaries of Louisiana. The French having for a century and a half been in possession of Canada, and it’s inhabitants penetrating to the remote waters communicating with the St. Laurence, they learned of the Indians that, in the neighborhood of those waters, arose a great river, called the Missisipi, running due South to the sea, and through a fine country unpossessed...
1676From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now return you the proceedings of the courtmartial held at Fort Jay with an approbation of the sentence against Lt. Van Renslaer, & a remission of the corporal punishment of Ferguson & Rush as you advised. I am sensible of the risque we run in returning to Washington before the commencement of the [frost?] but the collection & copying of documents & other preparations for the meeting of...
1677From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 3d was delivered me at court: but we were much disappointed at not seeing you here, mr Madison & the Govr. being here at the time. I inclose you a letter from Monroe on the subject of the late treaty. you will observe a hint in it to do without delay what we are bound to do. there is reason, in the opinion of our ministers, to believe that if the thing were to do over again,...
1678From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now send you the deed, and a copy of the Virginia law made by D. Carr, which will serve to instruct your agent in Kentucky what is to be done. I think it should be made the interest of Fontrees to stay in Kentucky till a court sets, before which mrs Henderson may appear & acknolege the deed, or the witnesses be summoned & prove it. the deed being proven, he should bring it back to have it...
1679From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 8 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot consider the mill as worth either to the proprietors or myself more than the [price] of stone & the because they can never again make and I consider should not. her position, construction & condition makes her unworthy of being set to work for the dam is taken down, which will be from this time. it will till her condition is seen to be. by the [. . .]. that they will muster [more...
1680From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Bradley, Jr., 12 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Bradley and asks the favor of him to let nothing be sent for him to this place after the mail which leaves Washington on Friday the 16th. PrC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
1681To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
I now return you the several papers recieved by the last post, except those solliciting office, which as usual, are put into my bundle of like papers. I think it possible that Spain, recollecting our former eagerness for the island of N. Orleans, may imagine she can, by a free delivery of that, redeem the residue of Louisiana: and that she may withold the peaceable cession of it. In that case...
1682From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now return you the several papers recieved by the last post, except those solliciting office, which as usual, are put into my bundle of like papers. I think it possible that Spain, recollecting our former eagerness for the island of N. Orleans, may imagine she can, by a free delivery of that, redeem the residue of Louisiana: and that she may withold the peaceable cession of it. in that case...
1683From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wagner, 14 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to fill up a commission for Abraham Bishop of Connecticut to be Collector of Newhaven. the stile of the commission to Samuel Bishop, his father, now dead, will be a guide in the present case. I believe it will be best for you to send it to mr Madison direct for his signature, & to be returned by him to you instead of forwarding it to me, as I shall then probably be on the road to...
1684From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 17 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
According to request I have examined here my papers respecting the bond to R. Harvie, and a memorandum in writing given me by him during the interval of his visit to this neighborhood preceding his death, enables me to add the following facts & observations to those contained in my note of July 22 1795, furnished to you. the difficulties in R. Harvie’s account respect those sums of £25, of £19...
1685From Thomas Jefferson to David Campbell, 19 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your favor of July 1. I communicated with the Secretary at war on the subject of the robbery committed by the Cherokee Indian, and we both concur in the opinion that your proceedings were strictly proper, and conformable to the provisions of the act of Congress of 1802. c. 13. in cases of violence committed by Indians on our citizens within their territory. where within our...
1686From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Jackson, 19 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On reciept of your favor of Aug. 7. I made it the subject of some communication with the Secretary at War. he informs me that the charge against Colo. Butler on which stress is laid is for disobedience of orders & neglect of duty for not going to fort Adams when ordered, & for an absence from his command of near twelve months without leave. on this he will have the benefit of a trial by his...
1687From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Thacher, 19 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respectful salutations to mr Thatcher, and his thanks for the excellent oration of which he was pleased to send him a copy. while such sentiments as are therein expressed animate the breasts of our citizens, we have every thing to hope for their happiness & freedom. he owes mr Thatcher his particular thanks for the friendly terms of his letter . RC ( MeHi );...
1688Agreement with John H. Craven, 20 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Articles of agreement made & concluded between Th: Jefferson and John H. Craven, both of the county of Albemarle. It is agreed between these parties that the lease of lands & other property of the sd Thomas at Monticello, originally made by the sd Thomas to the sd John H. for five years, & now existing , shall be renewed and continued from the end of the sd five years for the term of four...
1689From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 20 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the settlement of interest made by you, and mentioned in your last letter to be sixty four pounds, I now inclose you an order on Gibson & Jefferson for that sum, to wit two hundred & thirteen & a third dollars, which closes the paiments principal & interest for all the lands & interests of the Henderson family hitherto bought. it is payable in 30. days which is as early as I could...
1690From Thomas Jefferson to James Walker, 20 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The walls of my tollmill will be finished in a fortnight, and the mason mr Hope wishes immediately to begin the manufacturing mill, as he thinks he can raise the walls to the lowest floor this season. I must therefore ask the favor of you to come over in the course of a fortnight & lay off the foundation & give him a plan to proceed on. you know we agreed to make it 10. f. longer than mr...
1691From Thomas Jefferson to William Dunbar, 21 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor in answer to my queries came to hand a few days ago, and I thank you for the matter it contains & the promptness with which it has been furnished. just on my departure from this place, where I habitually pass the sickly months of Aug. & Sep. I have time only to ask information on a particular point. it has been affirmed by respectable authority, that Spain on recieving the East &...
1692From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 21 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Tomorrow I leave this for Washington . on the 6th. instant I drew on you for 600 D. paiable to Dabney Carr , and this day I have drawn on you in favor of Joel Yancey for 375 D. & of Thos. Carr for 408 D. 55 c. these two [last] will probably be presented towards the close of the month & are paiable at sight. yesterday I drew on you in favor of Craven Peyton for 213 D. 33 c paiable at 30 days ....
1693From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 21 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof is mr Robert Carter , one of the sons of Colo. Charles Carter of Shirley in this state, our first citizen in point of wealth, and head of one of the oldest & most distinguished families in it. the son having past some time in the study of medicine & surgery in Philadelphia, now goes to London, Edinburgh, & Paris to pursue the same studies. apprehensive that in the present...
1694From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 21 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof is mr Robert Carter, one of the sons of Colo. Charles Carter of Shirley, whose person & character are so well known to you that nothing on that subject need be said. the son is a character of great respectability, has passed some time at Philadelphia in the study of medecine & surgery, & now goes to London, Edinburgh & Paris to pursue the same studies. apprehensive that in...
1695From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Snowden, 29 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I pray you to recieve & apply the within sum of one hundred dollars to the use of those among you afflicted with the present sickness, who may be in need of it. I further request that no acknolegement may be made of it in the public papers, nor otherwise in any manner. I offer my best wishes for the reestablishment of the health of Alexandria, & to yourself my respectful salutations. PrC (...
1696From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 30 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having understood that you have been unwell, & that your family is still so, I have not asked your attendance here, lest these circumstances should stand in the way. Mr. Madison, Dearborne & Gallatin are here & mr Lincoln expected tomorrow. we have not only to decide on the matters to be communicated to Congress, but as early a decision of the administration as possible is requisite on one of...
1697Draft of a Proclamation for the Temporary Government of Louisiana, on or before 31 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By H.E. W.C. Commandant & Intendant of the Province of Louisiana A Proclamation Whereas by treaties entered into between the governments of France and Spain on the 1st. day of Oct. 1800. at St. Ildefonso & on the 1st. day of March 1801. at Madrid the latter ceded to the former the colony & province of Louisiana, with the same extent which it had at the date of the first mentd treaty in the...
1698From Thomas Jefferson to John Condit, 1 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your kindness on a former occasion in procuring me the cyder of Newark, encourages me to trouble you again in the same way. I should be very glad to get eight barrels of the first quality, to be forwarded here as soon as it is in a proper state to move. your engaging this for me will be thankfully acknoleged. I hope we shall see you on the first day of the session, as the unavoidable absence...
1699III. Referral of the Draft to Albert Gallatin, 3 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Gallatin to examine with rigour the inclosed projet of the message to Congress, and to note on a separate paper the alterations he thinks advantageous. as it is to go thro’ the hands of the other gentlemen of the Cabinet, his immediate attention to it is desireable. he also asks the favor of mr Gallatin to meet the heads of department here tomorrow at 10....
1700Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 4 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Oct. 4. Present Secretaries of State, Treasury, War. will it be adviseable for forcible possn of N. Orleans to be taken, if refused. unanimous it will. should we now prepare force, so as to have it ready the moment Congress authorises it? unan. it will. what force? 400. regulars from F. Adams, 100. do. from Chickasaw bluffs & Massac, 500. militia of Mis. tery. boatmen & sailors. MS ( DLC : TJ...