51Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 29 November 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from our antient friend Tenche Coxe came unfortunately to Monticello after I had left it and has had a dilatory passage to this place where I recieved it yesterday and obey it’s injunction of immediate transmission to you. we should have known recognised the stile even without a signature, and altho so written as to be much of it indecypherable. this is a sample of the...
52To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I return you mr. Coxe’s letter without saying I have read it. I made out enough to see that it was about the Missouri question, and the printed paper told me on which side he was. Could I have devoted a day to it, by interlining the words as I could pick them out, I might have got at more. The lost books of Livy or Tacitus might be worth this. Our friend would do well to write less and write...
53Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 13 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you mr Coxe ’s letter without saying I have read it. I made out to enough to see that it was about the Missouri question, and the printed papers told me on which side he was. could I have devoted a day to it, by interlining the words as I could pick them out, I might have got at more. the lost books of Livy or Tacitus might be worth this. our friend would do well to write less and...
54To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
My neighbor, friend and physician, Doctr. Watkins, being called to Philadelphia, is desirous to pay his respects to you en passant, and asks me, by a line to you, to lessen his scruples on doing so. You will find my justification in his character when known to you. His understanding is excellent, well informed, of pleasant conversation and of great worth. As a Physician I should trust myself...
55Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 28 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
My neighbor, friend and physician, Doct r Watkins , being called to Philadelphia , is desirous to pay his respects to you en passant , and asks me, by a line to you, to lessen his scruples on doing so. you will find my justification in his character when known to you. his understanding is excellent, well informed, of pleasant conversation and of great worth. as a Physician I should trust...
56To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 January 1821 (Madison 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 & affectte. friendship. We the subscribers, visitors of the University of Virginia being of opinion that it will be to the interest of that...
57Thomas 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...
58To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 August 1821 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to the resolution of the visitors of the university at their last session, the Proctor has been constantly employed in “ascertaining the state of accounts under contracts already made, and the expence of compleating the buildings begun and contemplated”: and we have consequently suspended, according to instructions, “the entering into any contracts for the Library until we see...
59Thomas Jefferson and John H. Cocke to James Breckinridge, Joseph C. Cabell, Chapman Johnson, James Madison, and Robert … (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to the resolution of the visitors of the university at their last session, the Proctor has been constantly employed in ‘ascertaining the state of accounts under contracts already made, and the expence of compleating the buildings begun and contemplated’: and we have consequently suspended, according to instructions, ‘the entering into any contracts for the Library until we see...
60To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have no doubt you have occasionally been led to reflect on the character of the duty imposed by Congress on the importation of books. Some few years ago, when the tariff was before Congress, I engaged some of our members of Congress to endeavor to get the duty repealed, and wrote on the subject to some other acquaintances in Congress, and pressingly to the Secretary of the treasury. The...
61Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I have no doubt you have occasionally been led to reflect on the character of the duty imposed by Congress on the importation of books. some few years ago, when the tariff was before Congress , I engaged some of our members of Congress to endeavor to get the duty repealed, and wrote on the subject to some other acquaintances in Congress , and pressingly to the Secretary of the treasury . the...
62Thomas Jefferson’s View of the Expenses and Funds of the University of Virginia, [ca. 28 September 1821] (Jefferson Papers)
A view of the whole expences & of the Funds of the University Actual cost estimated d o Averages D D D Pavilions. N o 3. & 7. undertaken in 1817.18. 19,149. 81 9,574. 90 N
63To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1821 (Madison Papers)
Mr Brockenbrough has been closely engaged, since our last meeting in settling the cost of the buildings finished at the University, that we might obtain a more correct view of the state of our funds, and see whether a competency will remain for the Library. He has settled for 6. pavilions, 1. hotel, and 35. dormitories and will proceed with the rest; so that I hope, by our next meeting, the...
64Thomas Jefferson to University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 30 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Brockenbrough has been closely engaged, since our last meeting in settling the cost of the buildings finished at the University , that we might obtain a more correct view of the state of our funds, and see whether a competency will remain for the Library. he has settled for 6. Pavilions, 1. Hotel, and 35. Dormitories, and will proceed with the rest; so that I hope, by our next meeting, the...
65To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 October 1821 (Madison Papers)
I heard in Bedford that you were attaked with the prevailing fever, and with great joy on my return that you were recovered from it. In the strange state of the health of our country every fever gives alarm. I got home from Bedford on the 27th. and am obliged to return there within 3. or 4. days, having an appointment at the Natural bridge on the 11th. prox. As our proposed petition to...
66Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 October 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I heard in Bedford that you were atta c ked with the prevailing fever , and with great joy on my return that you were recovered from it. in the strange state of the health of our country every fever gives alarm. I got home from Bedford on the 27 th and am obliged to return there within 3. or 4. days, having an appointment at the Natural bridge on the 11 th prox.
67To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 25 February 1822 (Madison Papers)
I have no doubt you have recieved, as I have done, a letter from Dr. Morse with a printed pamphlet, proposing to us a place in a self constituted society for the civilisation of the Indians &c. I am anxious to know your thoughts on the subject because they would affect my confidence in my own. I disapprove the proposition altogether. I acknolege the right of voluntary associations for laudable...
68Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 25 February 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have no doubt you have recieved, as I have done, a letter from D r Morse with a printed pamphlet , proposing to us a place in a self constituted society for the civilisation of the Indians E t c . I am anxious to know your thoughts on the subject because they would affect my confidence in my own. I disapprove the proposition altogether. I acknolege the right of voluntary associations for...
69To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 April 1822 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 29. did not come to hand until the 4th. instant. Only mr. Cabell, Genl. Cocke and myself attended. Messrs. Johnson and Taylor were retained in Richmond on Lithgow’s case, and Genl. Breckenridge hindered by business. It was not material as there was not a single thing requisite to act on. We have to finish the 4. rows and appendages this summer which will be done and then to...
70Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 April 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 29. did not come to hand until the 4 th instant . only mr Cabell , Gen l Cocke and myself attended. mess rs Johnson and Taylor were retained in
71To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for the communication of mr. Rush’s letter which I now return. Mr. Bentham’s character of Alexander is I believe just and that worse traits might still be added to it equally just. He is now certainly become the watchman of tyranny for Europe, as dear to it’s oppressors as detestable to the oppressed. If however he should engage in war with the Turks, as I expect, his employment...
72Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 12 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the communication of mr Rush ’s letter which I now return. mr Bentham ’s character of Alexander is I believe just and that worse traits might still be added to it equally just. he is now certainly become the watchman of tyranny for Europe , as dear to it’s oppressors as detestable to the oppressed. if however he should engage in war with the Turks, as I expect, his employment...
73To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 November 1822 (Madison Papers)
The person who hands you this letter is an interesting subject of curiosity. He was taken prisoner by the Kickapoos when he supposes he must have been about 3. or 4. years of age, knows not whence taken nor who were his parents. He escaped from the Indians at about 19. as he supposes, & about 7. years ago. He has applied himself to education, is a student of Medecine, & has assumed the name of...
74From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 22 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
The person who hands you this letter is an interesting subject of curiosity. he was taken prisoner by the Kickapoos when he supposes he must have been about 3. or 4. years of age, knows not whence taken, nor who were his parents. he escaped from the Indians at about 19. as he supposes, & about 7. years ago. he has applied himself to education, is a student of Medecine, & has assumed the name...
75To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 6 January 1823 (Madison Papers)
I send you a mass of reading, and so rapidly does my hand fail me in writing that I can give but very briefly the necessary explanations. You will observe that mr. Cabell, if the loan bill should pass, proposes to come up with mr. Loyall, probably mr. Johnson, and Genl. Cocke to have a special meeting. This is necessary to engage our workmen before they undertake other work for the ensuing...
76From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 6 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you a mass of reading, and so rapidly does my hand fail me in writing that I can give but very briefly the necessary explanations. 1. mr Cabell’s letter to me & mine to him which passed each other on the road will give you the state of things respecting the University, and I am happy to add that letters recieved from Appleton give us reason to expect our capitels by the first vessel...
77To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1823 (Madison Papers)
You already know that the legislature has authorised the literary board to lend us another 60.000 D. It is necessary we should act on this immediately so far as to accept the loan, that we may engage our workmen before they enter into other undertakings for the season. But the badness of the roads, the uncertainty of the weather and the personal inconvenience of a journey to the members of our...
78From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
You already know that the legislature has authorised the literary board to lend us another 60,000 D. it is necessary we should act on this immediately so far as to accept the loan, that we may engage our workmen before they enter into other undertakings for the season. but the badness of the roads, the uncertainty of the weather, and the personal inconvenience of a journey to the members of...
79To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have read mr. Cox’s letters and some of his papers, which I now return you. It is impossible for me to write to him. With two crippled hands I abandon writing but from the most urgent necessities; and above all things I should not meddle in a Presidential election, nor even express a sentiment on the subject of the Candidates. As you propose to write to him, will you be so good as to add a...
80From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have read mr Cox’s letters and some of his papers, which I now return you. it is impossible for me to write to him. with two crippled hands I abandon writing but from the most urgent necessities; and above all things I should not meddle in a Presidential election, nor even express a sentiment on the subject of the Candidates. as you propose to write to him, will you be so good as to add a...
81To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1823 (Madison Papers)
Having received from all our brethren approbations of the loan, I authorised Mr Brockenbrough to engage the work of the Rotunda and have it commenced immediately. We had only two bricklayers and two carpenters capable of executing it with solidity and correctness, these had not capital sufficient for so great an undertaking, nor would they have risked their little all but for a great advance...
82To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 14 March 1823 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed lre. in Gr. Lat. Fr. and Eng. with it’s accompaniments being intended for your inspection as much as mine, is now forwarded for your perusal. You will be so good as to reinclose them that I may return them to the writer. The answer I propose to give is, what I have given on all similar applications, that until the debt of the University is discharged, and it’s funds liberated, the...
83From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed lre in Gr. Lat. Fr. and Eng. with it’s accompaniments being intended for your inspection as much as mine, is now forwarded for your perusal. you will be so good as to reinclose them that I may return them to the writer. the answer I propose to give is, what I have given on all similar applications, that until the debt of the University is discharged, and it’s funds liberated, the...
84To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1823 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dodge, our Consul at Marseilles, wishing to pay his respects to you on his way to Richmd. and apprehending that altho presented to you some half dozen years ago, you may not now recollect him, requests me to give him a line of re-introduction. You will find him a person of very general information and good sense, and particularly familiar with the affairs of Southern Europe. We shall hope...
85From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Dodge, our Consul at Marseilles, wishing to pay his respects to you on his way to Richm d and apprehending that altho presented to you some half dozen years ago, you may not now recollect him, requests me to give him a line of re-introduction. you will find him a person of very general information and good sense, and particularly familiar with the affairs of Southern Europe. We shall hope...
86To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 April 1823 (Madison Papers)
The anxieties expressed in the inclosed letter are pointed to 3. articles. 1. the size of the lecturing rooms. 2. depositories for the Apparatuses. 3. the arrangement of the seats for the Students. 1. If we could have foretold what number of students would come to our University, and what proportion of them would be in attendance on any one Professor at one time, lecturing rooms might have...
87From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The anxieties expressed in the inclosed letter are pointed to 3. articles. 1. the size of the lecturing rooms. 2. depositories for the Apparatuses. 3. the arrangement of the seats for the Students. 1. if we could have foretold what number of students would come to our University, and what proportion of them would be in attendance on any one Professor at one time, lecturing rooms might have...
88To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I communicated to you a former part of a correspondence between Judge Johnson of Charleston and myself, chiefly on the practice of caucusing opinions which is that of the supreme court of the US. but on some other matters also, particularly his history of parties. In a late letter he asks me to give him my idea of the precise principles & views of the Republicans in their oppositions to the...
89From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 13 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I communicated to you a former part of a correspondence between Judge Johnson of Charleston and my self, chiefly on the practice of caucusing opinions which is that of the supreme court of the US. but on some other matters also, particularly his history of parties. in a late letter he asks me to give him my idea of the precise principles & views of the Republicans in their oppositions to the...
90To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recieved the inclosed letters from the President with a request that after perusal, I would forward them to you, for perusal by yourself also and to be returned then to him. You have doubtless seen Timothy Pickering’s 4th. of July Observations on the Declaration of Independance. If his principles and prejudices personal and political, gave us no reason to doubt whether he had truly quoted...
91From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 30 August 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved the inclosed letters from the President with a request that after perusal, I would forward them to you, for perusal by yourself also and to be returned then to him. You have doubtless seen Timothy Pickering’s 4 th of July Observations on the Declaration of Independance. if his principles and prejudices personal and political, gave us no reason to doubt whether he had truly quoted...
92To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I return you mr. Coxe’s letter which has cost me much time at two or three different attempts to decypher it. Had I such a correspondent I should certainly admonish him that if he would not so far respect my time as to write to me legibly, I should so far respect it myself as not to waste it in decomposing and recomposing his hieroglyphics. The jarrings between the friends of Hamilton and...
93From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you mr Coxe’s letter which has cost me much time at two or three different attempts to decypher it. had I such a correspondent I should certainly admonish him that if he would not so far respect my time as to write to me legibly, I should so far respect it myself as not to waste it in decomposing and recomposing his hieroglyphics. The jarrings between the friends of Hamilton and...
94To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I forward you two most important letters sent to me by the President and add his letter to me by which you will percieve his primâ facie views. This you will be so good as to return to me, and forward the others to him. I have recieved Trumbull’s print of the Decln. of Independance, & turning to his letter am able to inform you more certainly than I could by memory that the print costs 20. D....
95From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I forward you two most imporant letters sent to me by the President and add his letter to me by which you will percieve his primâ facie views. this you will be so good as to return to me, and forward the others to him I have recieved Trumbull’s print of the Decln of Independance, & turning to his letter am able to inform you more certainly than I could by memory that the print costs 20. D. &...
96To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 6 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
The belief is so universal that the ensuing legislature will dispose in some way of the University debt, & liberate our funds, as that we ought to save what time we can by provisional preparations. We have all, I believe, agreed that an Agent to Gr. Britain will be necessary to procure Professors; & I have heretofore mentioned to you that mr. Cabell was disposed to undertake the business. But...
97From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 6 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The belief is so universal that the ensuing legislature will dispose in some way of the University debt, & liberate our funds, as that we ought to save what time we can by provisional preparations. we have all, I believe, agreed that an Agent to Gr. Britain will be necessary to procure Professors; & I have heretofore mentioned to you that mr Cabell was disposed to undertake the business. but...
98To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1823 (Madison Papers)
I return your letter to the President, and that of mr. Rush to you, with thanks for the communication. The matters which mr. Rush states as under consideration with the British government are very interesting. But that about the navigation of the St. Laurence and the Missisipi, I would rather they would let alone. The navigation of the former, since the N.Y. canal, is of too little interest to...
99From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 15 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return your letter to the President, and that of mr Rush to you, with thanks for the communication. the matters which mr Rush states as under consideration with the British government are very interesting. but that about the navigation of the S t Laurence and the Missisipi, I would rather they would let alone. the navigation of the former, since the N.Y. canal, is of too little interest to...
100To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1824 (Madison Papers)
I send you two letters of Dr. Cooper for perusal. Altho’ the trustees of that College and the Legislature have supported him most triumphantly against his clerical persecutors, yet it is evident he does not feel himself secure. I think you will see from these letters that he keeps us in his eye. And altho’ I doubt, were he now offered a place here, whether he would think he could accept it...