3651From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 29 June 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The very contracted state of my acquaintance in my own country after so long an absence, and the general interest which prompts us to present strangers of distinction passing through it to the best men of our country, render me troublesome to you. The bearer hereof is the Duke de Liancourt of one of the most distinguished families of France, and of the wealthiest, till the events of his...
3652From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 3 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter has been misdirected to me. The services therein offered are for the Philosophical society and I therefore think it my duty, by a transmission of the letter to you, to put it in their power to avail themselves of them if they find occasion. I think it proper to mention to you shortly at this moment a discovery in animal history of which I hope ere long to be enabled to give...
3653From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Williams, 3 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I take shame to myself for having so long left unanswered your valuable favor on the subject of the mountains. But in truth I am become lazy as to every thing except agriculture. The preparations for harvest, and the length of the harvest itself which is not yet finished, would have excused the delay however at all times and under all dispositions. I examined with great satisfaction your...
3654From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, [4 July 1796?] (Jefferson Papers)
[…] after […] Loss by fire you […] I procured 2. bed ticks, 3 pair sheets, and 6. blankets to ask your acceptance of towards replacing those you had lost. They were made up in a bale, and are now at Colo. Bell’s who will forward them to you, or keep them till you pass on to Staunton as you shall direct. With my best respects to Mme. Derieux, I am Dear Sir Your friend & servt P.S. I was so...
3655From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Chastellux, 10 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The letters of May 26. and Sep. 7. with which you honored me found me retired from business altogether and at a very great distance from the seat of government. I immediately forwarded to the President that which was directed to him, and I consulted with some of my friends who were in Congress to know whether that body had in any instance undertaken to provide for or assist any of the officers...
3656From Thomas Jefferson to Tench Coxe, 10 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of June 22. has been duly recieved, and I again avail myself of the permission to trouble you with a letter for Europe which needs an unsuspicious conveyance. I rejoice at the victory obtained by the French over their enemies. I should have rejoiced much more however to have seen them at peace with their continental antagonists, and the whole war reduced to a duel between them and...
3657From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 10 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your brother recieved a letter from you a few days since in which he says you mention having recieved but two from me since you left us. I have not been a very troublesome correspondent to you, I acknolege, but have written letters of the following dates to you, to wit 1794. Mar. 11. Apr. 24.—1795. May 26. Sep. 6.—1796. June 12. In this last I acknoleged the reciept of yours of Nov. 18. and...
3658From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Willis, 15 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I was happy to recieve your favor by your son and happier to recieve him, and to learn that you are in good health. I find by his conversation that he has a fund of information which at his time of life must promise the best success: and should have thought him a valuable acquisition to our neighborhood. But the gr[ound?] had been occupied before the death even of Doctr. Gilmer, by a gentleman...
3659From Thomas Jefferson to William Alexander, 26 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The large and constant remittances of cash which I am obliged to make to Philadelphia for nailrod for the supply of my nailery, constrain me to expect short paiments for the nails I furnish. I have lately even found it necessary to require ready money instead of the three months credit I formerly gave. I have therefore taken the liberty of drawing on you for £16—10—3 the amount of the nails I...
3660From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve with great satisfaction your information that we are likely to get Cary’s claim against us settled on proper terms, and hasten to give my consent to any settlement you shall make, that it may recieve no delay from me. I had hoped indeed that a greater number of instalments would have been allowed us. Even Hanson gave us seven; a number which I would not ask from Mr. Welsh; but from...
3661From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 7 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of July 27. mentioning that Mr. Donath’s arrival with my glass is hourly expected, and that you will forward it immediately. The object of the present is merely to desire it not to be forwarded, but only it’s arrival made known to me, as I mean to have the sashes made and glazed with this glass in Philadelphia before it is forwarded. I thank you for your speedy...
3662From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 8 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The object of my letter of January 16. was the preservation of the laws of this state still in existence; and it is one which I have had much at heart from an early period of my life. Of this, the industry I have used in making the collection is sufficient evidence. I consent therefore chearfully to your making any use of that letter which may promote it’s object. I will take upon me any labor...
3663From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 12 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor from Staunton , and was happy to learn that your journey was agreeing with you. All here are well. Mr. and Mrs. D. Randolph left us the day before yesterday for the springs. Mr. Hurt yesterday, after putting our clocks into very good order. Robertson informs me he has got out about 500. bushels of wheat, and supposes himself half done. He goes on with his fallows at the...
3664From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 19 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you the draught you desired, which I have endeavored to arrange according to the ideas you expressed, of having the entry, not thro’ a principal room as in Mr. Cocke’s house, but at the cross passage. The notes which accompany the draught will explain it. I will add that it would be possible to contract the plan from front to back by giving less extent in that direction to the...
3665From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 19 August 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
We are all well, and nothing new in our neighborhood. I have not heard from Edgehill this week. My threshing machine will only get to work this afternoon. Mr. W. Hylton senr. who called here on his way to the springs, tells me he has information in a letter from Sr. George Strickland that 2. steers will get out 120. bushels of wheat a day with it. This is encoraging. You will be astonished to...
3666From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Pleasants, [27 August 1796] (Jefferson Papers)
[…] the establishment of the plan of emancipation if it should precede I am not prepared to decide. If it should precede, I would refer to your consideration whether the plan you propose is adequate to the object. I apprehend that private liberalities will never be equal but to local and partial effects. I venture therefore to suggest what alone can, in my opinion, accomplish the general...
3667Questions on the Cow Pea, with Answers of Philip Tabb, [after 30 August 1796?] (Jefferson Papers)
Questions relative to the Cow-pea. Answers. 1. Does dry or moist Land, rich or poor, suit it best? 1 Dry Land of a middle quality. 2. is it best in drills or broad-cast. 2 hills better than either at least 4 feet distant 3. how much seed is sown to the acre in the broad-cast? 3 not known 2 or 3 plants enough to a hill. 4. what is the time of sowing, and particularly where it is to be followed...
3668From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 11 September 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved from Mr. Donath a letter announcing that he has brought my glass. The two inclosed letters are on that subject. Mr. Ingle was formerly a cabinetmaker. He is now I believe in some line of commerce. Not knowing his present address I take the liberty of putting his letter under your cover in hopes you will be so good as to find him out. Mr. Crosby knows him well. I am with...
3669From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Donath, 11 September 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I know not how it happened that your favor of Aug. 8. did not reach me till our last post. A letter by post generally comes in 9. days. I am extremely glad to hear of the arrival of my glass, and that it is of the size of 12. by 18. according to my second order. If you will be pleased to forward me the bill of cost, I will immediately replenish my funds with Mr. Barnes, and desire him to pay...
3670From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 2 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of Sep. 18. and 20. are recieved, and I now inclose letters to Mr. Donath and Mr. Ingles, all of which are left open for your perusal and information. I inclose you also a draught for 300.D. on Messrs. Harrison & Sterett which will enable you to answer that on you in favor of Donath, and to meet the earlier demands of the sash-maker. Further provision shall be made in due time...
3671From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Donath, 2 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Sep. 22. came to hand two days ago, by which I observe you have laid by for me 7. boxes of 60. panes each of 12 by 18. I. glass, and 1. do. of 25. panes of 18. by 24. and wish to be informed if this was the amount of my order. My order was dated Oct. 20. 95. and was for 25. panes of 18. by 24. and 600. panes of 18. by 12 I. consequently there will be requisite in addition to the...
3672From Thomas Jefferson to William Booker, 4 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this summer had a threshing machine made on the Scotch model, and have already got out a good part of my crop with it with great success. Hearing however that you had improved it by substituting whirls and bands for cogwheels and wallowers, I desired Colo. Coles to enquire whether your plan could be communicated. He did not see you, but Mr. Graham was kind enough to say I should have a...
3673From Thomas Jefferson to Bushrod Washington, 9 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you the record in the case of Dickenson v. Paulett and Marks. Mr. Marks, by purchasing all Paulett’s right, stands completely in his shoes. His first wish is to obtain a confirmation of his right to the land. But if Dickenson notwithstanding his prevarications and delays of paiment shall be decreed to retain still an equitable right to the land on paying the purchase money, then,...
3674From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 10 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors should have been sooner acknoleged but that I have been in daily expectation of recieving some other bones of the newly discovered animal which would have enabled me to write to you more satisfactorily. There does exist somewhere a thigh-bone which has been seen by many and is believed to be still in the neighborhood where found. This with the bones I have would enable me to give...
3675From Thomas Jefferson to William Cocke, 21 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter you were so good as to [write me of late?] came duly to hand, and I always learn with great pleasure that I am recollected with approbation by those with whom I [have served]. Our acquaintance commenced on a troubled ocean. We braved the storm like good sailors, never despairing of our [courage]. My [bark] has at length entered port less shattered than I expected, and I wish not to...
3676From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 22 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The return of Mr. Randolph’s servant affords me the first opportunity of informing you that I mentioned the subject you desired to the gentleman who was to call on me. He is intelligent and close, and has his suspicions always about him. I was obliged therefore to avoid any direct proposition or question, and only prepare him by declaring my opinion in such a way as to avoid suspicion. He has...
3677From Thomas Jefferson to John Carey, 10 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Sep. 1. came to hand three […] [It] had been recieved in due time, but was not answered […] [it did] not appear to require it, and I am so [involved?] in agriculture that like other farmers, I put off all letter-writing to wet days. These being few in our climate, and when they come, the improvement of a plough or a drill or some other implement, usurping the turn, letter-writing...
3678From Thomas Jefferson to John Stuart, 10 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your last favor together with the bones of the Great-claw which accompanied it. My anxiety to obtain a thigh bone is such that I defer communicating what we have to the Philosophical society in the hope of adding that bone to the collection. We should then be able to fix the stature of the animal without going into conjecture and calculation as we should...
3679From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 13 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of Sep. 25. and Oct. 15. are duly recieved. It will be proper to have the sashes painted on the outside. Within a fortnight from this time it will be determined whether the walls of my house can be finished this autumn, and consequently whether I shall have occasion to call for any more sashes (other than those before called for) before next spring. I shall then furnish you...
3680Deed of Mortgage of Slaves to Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 21 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
This deed made on the 21st. day of Nov. 1796. between Thomas Jefferson of Albemarle in Virginia on the one part and Nicholas Van Staphorst, Jacob Van Staphorst and Hubbard of Amsterdam in the United Netherlands merchants and partner. Witnesseth, that whereas the said Thomas hath conveyed by deeds of mortgage fifty seven negro slaves to William Short, fifty two other negro slaves to Henderson...
3681From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 28 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely congratulate you on the change which you expect shortly to make in your state of life. You may be assured in advance that the greatest source of human happiness is in the tender connubial connection of the two sexes. You have the better reason too to count on it from the character of the lady who unites her destiny with yours, and of whom fame has brought us so many good reports....
3682From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 28 November 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
It is so cold that the freezing of the ink on the point of my pen renders it difficult to write. We have had the thermometer at 12°. My works are arrested in a state entirely unfinished, and I fear we shall not be able to resume them. Clarke has sold our wheat in Bedford for 8/6 and the rise to the 1st. of June, with some other modifications. It appears to be a good sale. He preferred it to...
3683From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 4 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The advance of the cold season has now determined that my walls are not to be finished this year, and consequently not to be covered in. I shall have no occasion therefore to order any more sashes till the next spring. Those already made, to wit, 12. sets of trebles and 6. pair of doubles I shall be obliged to you to forward to Richmond to the care of Mr. Johnston, retaining the boxes of glass...
3684From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Donath, 4 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favor of Oct. 19. and become sensible of the error in calculating the 180. panes as so many feet. It makes a difference, as I state it, of 20.D. 25c. which sum or whatever it may be Mr. Barnes will pay you on application in consequence of a letter I write him this day. With respect to the glass 14. by 12. instead of 12 I. square, I believe I must decline taking it, on...
3685From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Banks, 5 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Nov. 20. has come to hand. I should be perfectly willing to do any thing which would accomodate you as to the land mortgaged to me, if the matter depended on myself alone. But it is extremely delicate for me to take any step without the consent of Mr. Hanson . He is in your neighborhood, and if you will be pleased to consult him, I will forward the patents to him or to any other...
3686From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 5 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
About the latter end of the last assembly I wrote to sollicit your endeavors to procure an act giving the character of citizens to Nicholas and Jacob Van Staphorst and Nicholas Hubbard merchants and bankers of Amsterdam. My letter got too late to your hands, and as you may not now have it with you I will state the subject again from the beginning. On the failure of the revolution attempted in...
3687Enclosure: Power of Attorney to John Barnes for William Short, 10 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Jefferson named in a certain letter of attorney from William Short of the state of Virginia, late one of the ministers of the US. abroad, to me, bearing date the 2d. day of April 1793. and now lodged in the bank of the US. by virtue of the power and authority thereby given me, do substitute and appoint John Barnes of Philadelphia as well my own as...
3688From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 11 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a power of Attorney to recieve a quarter’s interest due on Mr. Short’s stock. Be pleased to place one hundred dollars of this to the credit of Mr. Peter Lott with you, and to hold the residue subject to my draughts which will be made shortly. I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt PrC ( CSmH ); at foot of text: “Mr. John Barnes”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
3689From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas A. Taylor, 11 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your last favor requesting that Mr. Banks’s patents may be lodged with some friend in Richmond to facilitate his disposing of the lands. Mr. T. M. Randolph will leave this in about a week for Richmond. I will deliver them to him to be lodged with Mr. Hanson or otherwise disposed of as he shall direct. I wrote to Mr. Banks on this subject by the last post, but I did not then...
3690To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 December 1796 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 5th. came to hand last night. The first wish of my heart was that you should have been proposed for the administration of the government. On your declining it I wish any body rather than myself: and there is nothing I so anxiously hope as that my name may come out either second or third. These would be indifferent to me; as the last would leave me at home the whole year, &...
3691From Thomas Jefferson to John Garland Jefferson, 17 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
At the time your favor of Nov. 11 . came to hand I had not yet recieved an answer from Genl. Smith. It came some time after and I now inclose it to you. You will percieve that from a different construction of the same clause in the constitution in the superior and inferior courts, you would be refused in the former and admitted in the latter the first year. You would therefore not be merely...
3692From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 5th. came to hand last night. The first wish of my heart was that you should have been proposed for the administration of the government. On your declining it I wish any body rather than myself: and there is nothing I so anxiously hope as that my name may come out either second or third. These would be indifferent to me; as the last would leave me at home the whole year, and...
3693From Thomas Jefferson to Volney, [17 December] 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of [July 12th.] from Gallipolis and of Aug. […] from Lexington were duly received, and [as I have seen?] by [the news]papers you have got no farther [than] […], and [must] go to Boston according to the plan announced in your last, I presume this letter with the key of your valise will be in Philadelphia before you. By Mr. Randolph (my son in law) who was going to Richmond early in...
3694From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Rutledge, 27 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I am afraid of being a troublesome correspondent to you. I wish to obtain about 20. bushels of the Cowpea, a red field pea commonly cultivated with you, and a principal article for the subsistence of your farms, which we have not yet introduced. I understand it is always to be had at Charleston, ready barreled for exportation: and the favor I ask of you is to engage some merchant of Charleston...
3695To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
The public and the public papers have been much occupied lately, in placing us in point of opposition to each other. I trust with confidence that less of it has been felt by ourselves personally. In the retired canton where I am, I learn little of what is passing: pamphlets I see never: papers but a few; and the fewer the happier. Our latest intelligence from Philadelphia at present is of the...
3696I. To John Adams, 28 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The public and the public papers have been much occupied lately in placing us in a point of opposition to each other. I trust with confidence that less of it has been felt by ourselves personally. In the retired canton where I am, I learn little of what is passing: pamphlets I see never; papers but a few; and the fewer the happier. Our latest intelligence from Philadelphia at present is of the...
3697II. Copy from Memory, 28 December 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The public and the public papers have been much occupied lately in placing us in a point of opposition to each other. I confidently trust we have felt less of it ourselves. In the retired canton where I live we know little of what is passing. Pamphlets I see none: papers very few, and the fewer the happier. Our last information from Philada. is of the 16th. inst. At that date the issue of the...
3698To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
Yours of Dec. 19. has come safely. The event of the election has never been a matter of doubt in my mind. I knew that the Eastern states were disciplined in the schools of their town meetings to sacrifice differences of opinion to the great object of operating in phalanx, and that the more free & moral agency practised in the other states would always make up the supplement of their weight....
3699I. To James Madison, 1 January 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Dec. 19. has come safely. The event of the election has never been a matter of doubt in my mind. I knew that the Eastern states were disciplined in the schools of their town meetings to sacrifice differences of opinion to the great object of operating in phalanx, and that the more free and moral agency practised in the other states would always make up the supplement of their weight....
3700II. Copy from Memory, 1 January 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Dec. 19. is safely recieved. I never entertained a doubt of the event of the election. I knew that the Eastern troops were trained in the schools of their town meetings to sacrifice little differences of opinion to the solid advantages of operating in Phalanx, and that the more free and moral agency of the other states would fully supply their deficiency. I had no expectation indeed...