1From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 27 March 179[8] (Jefferson Papers)
In the lifetime of mr Rittenhouse I communicated to him the description of the mouldboard of a plough which I had constructed, and supposed to be what we might term the mould-board of least resistance . I asked not only his opinion but that he would submit it to you also. after he had considered it, he gave me his own opinion that it was demonstrably what I had supposed, and I think he said he...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 30 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by your letter of yesterday. tho’ I possess Emerson’s fluxions at home, & it was the book I used at College, yet it had escaped me that he had treated the question of the best form of a body for removing an obstacle in a single direction. that of the wedge offered itself so readily as the best, that I did not think of questioning it. nor does it now occur to me on what...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 31 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you Emerson with thanks. it has suggested a qualification of the expression in my letter , which had supposed the [wedge] the form offering least resistance to the rising sod.—I did at f[irst], as you do now, consider this mould board as a twisted plane. but a little reflection convinced me, as it will you, that it is not, and that it would be impossible to twist a board into that...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 10 December 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
The annual period for electing a President of the American Philosophical society being now approaching, and no circumstances rendering it probable that I may be able to attend their sessions in Philadelphia it is become my duty to desire the society to turn their views to some other person, better situated and more capable of discharging the functions of their President. permit me to do this...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 22 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved your favor by mr Engles . the place desired for him is not given by commission from me, but is a mere appointment by letter from the Secretary at war, and consequently rests solely with him, without my interposition. nevertheless I sent him your letter, and afterwards stated to him the weight of your testimony. you have no conception of the number of applicants for this office. the...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 17 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 12th. is duly recieved. mr Barnes will write by the present post to his friend mr Michael Roberts inclosing funds to enable him to pay the bill for the Hadley’s quadrant and thermometers, which I will pray you to direct the person from whom they are bought to have packed properly: but first to have a stand accomodated to the quadrant: for tho’ at sea the hand is the only...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 16 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is merely the letter of form communicating the paper it covers to the society. but I promised Capt Groves to write you a private & more particular one. he has proposed a new method of observing the eclipses of Jupiter’s satellites at sea. you will percieve that he is not expert at explaining his ideas. he has invented an instrument too for making the observations, but what are...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 2 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now able to inform you, tho’ I must do it confidentially, that we are at length likely to get the Missouri explored, & whatever river heading with that, leads into the Western ocean. Congress by a secret act has authorised me to do it. I propose to send immediately a party of about ten men with Capt Lewis, my secretary, at their head. if we could have got a person perfectly skilled in...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 28 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 18th. with Doctr. Moore’s letter inclosed. by a mistake of the member of Congress who proposed the appropriation for the missions to explore Louisiana, 3000. D. only were given instead of 10, or 12,000. which were deemed necessary. for I had proposed to send two such missions. this error reduced me to a single one, & I fixed on that of the Red and Arkansa...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 10 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof mr Cosa is an Italian Physico-mechanic. he employs himself chiefly in instruments of glass, and executes ingenious things in that line. he has been here about a month, during which time, as far as I have learnt, he has conducted himself correctly. being desirous to go to Philadelphia where he expects to find more employment, he has asked to be made known to some one who might...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 27 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have learnt indirectly that mr Boudinot will shortly resign the office of Director of the mint. in that event I should feel very happy in confiding the public interests in that place to you. will you give me leave to send you the commission in the event of mr B’s resignation? I pray you to consider this as confidential, as what you write me shall be. Accept my friendly salutations. P.S. I...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 13 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having now recieved notice from mr Boudinot that he resigns his office as Director of the mint, on the last day of this month, you will recieve the commission to succeed him in due time to recieve from him whatever he may have occasion to deliver over in form. I write to him on the subject, so that you may now enter into communication with him thereon, and consider the matter henceforward as...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 2 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The failure to send your commission has been an act of forgetfulness of my own, as it should have been with you in time I have directed it to be made out to-day & sent by this evening’s post, under date of the 1st. inst. so that you will recieve it by the mail which carries this letter. Accept friendly salutations and assurances of great esteem & respect. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
14From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 16 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
When Capt Lewis’s mission was under contemplation, and it’s principal object the obtaining a correct map of the Missouri, I recommended to him the making himself thoroughly acquainted with the practice of the Lunar observations for the longitude. but fearful that the loss or derangement of his watch, on which these were to depend, might lose us this great object of his journey, I endeavored to...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 29 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A pressure of business has put it out of my power sooner to answer your letter of the 14th. I entirely approve of your taking measures for executing the wishes of the banks by the coinage of small silver. but mr Gallatin observes that you should immediately furnish him an estimate of the expence you will incur for that purpose that he may have the necessary appropriations provided. Lest you...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 17 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 14th. was recieved last night. as to the salaries at the mint which are to be fixed by yourself with the approbation of the President, you are so much the best acquainted with what is proper, and my confidence in you so entire, that I shall approve whatever you advise, and I consequently approve of the addition of 200. D. to the salary of mr Eckfeldt as you propose. I am glad...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 5 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the Nautical almanacs, and for the two small tracts sent me since. it is only when science is contracted into the volume of a nutshell, as in these tracts, that I can indulge myself with a look into it. having no means of sending the fractional sum of 2. D 50 c the cost of the Nautical almanacs, I inclose a 5. D. bill which will pay for them & for those of the years 9. & 10....
18From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 5 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am obliged to return you the inclosed with a request to send me duplicates of them; because I have to lay them before each house of Congress, and they must be equally original . would a copy have sufficed without a failure of respect to either house, I would not have given you this trouble. I salute you with affection & respect ICN .
19From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 29 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of the 25th. proposing the appointment of an Assistant engraver to the mint at a salary of 600. D. and that mr Reich should be the assistant. you are so exclusively competent to decide on the want of such an officer, that I approve the proposition on the faith of your opinion. with respect to the person to be appointed, my knolege of the superior talents of mr...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 18 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Two men have been taken up in Kentucky and are confined, on suspicion, merely because they cannot make known who they are, not speaking a word of any language understood there. the inclosed letter from a mr Nash contains all I know of them: but the writings in Arabic characters are supposed to contain their history, as stated by themselves. here we have nobody who understands either the...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 13 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by my grandson Th: Jefferson Randolph, who goes to Philadelphia to attend a course in Natural history, Botany, & anatomy. mr Peale’s museum, mr Hamilton’s garden & the anatomical preparations & dissections give to Philadelphia advantages in those branches of science which are to be had no where else in America. other branches being well taught in Williamsburg he will go...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 30 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
To the best of my recollection, Dr. Barton, Doctr. Wistar and yourself are the Vicepresidents of the Philosophical society; but not being entirely confident in my memory and still less as to the order of the names, I take the liberty of putting the inclosed under a private cover to you, with a request that you will communicate it to your colleagues. I salute you with great friendship and...
23Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 31 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of mr Warden I transmit to the A. Philosophical society an Analysis of tobacco by M. Vauquelin , translated by mr Warden . Having lately recieved from mr Treat , an officer stationed at our post on the Arkansa , a meteorological diary of two years & three months continuance, I take the liberty of presenting it to the society.
24Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 1 October 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Lambert does not, in the inclosed letter , say precisely that he meant it as a communication to the Philosophical society , yet from a particular expression in it, I think it was his idea. I send it to you therefore to be made such use of as the you think proper, and of which you are the best judge. I salute you with constant esteem & respect. RC ( PPAmP : APS Archives, Manuscript...
25Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 7 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I had thought that the copies of the Nautical Almanac which you had been so kind as to furnish me with some time ago, had included the present year, till I had occasion to use one, and found myself mistaken. having no other medium of obtaining it at present this moment, I have indulged myself with the hope that your friendship would permit me to ask the favor of you to send me that of the...
26Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 21 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 12 th is recieved and also the Nautical Almanacs for 1811. 12. for which accept my thanks as well as for the artificial horizon proposed to be forwarded. as it would be liable to be broken, it would come best by some of the vessels sailing daily from Philadelphia to Richmond addressed to me to the care of Mess rs Gibson & Jefferson merchants at Richmond , adding ‘ to be...
27Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 11 September 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed work came to me without a scrip of a pen other than what you see in the title page. ‘A Mons r le president de la societé.’ from this I conclude it intended for the Philosophical society , & for them I now inclose it to you. you will find the notes really of value. they embody and ascertain to us all the scraps of new discoveries which we have learnt in detached articles, from less...
28Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 10 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Sep. 23. came to hand in due time, and I thank you for the Nautical almanac it covered for the year 1813. I learn with pleasure that the Philosophical society has concluded to take into consideration the subject of a fixed standard of measures weights and coins; and you ask my ideas on it; insulated as my situation is, I am sure I can offer nothing but what will occur to the...
29Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 10 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I write this letter separate, because you may perhaps think something in the other of the same date, worth communicating to the Committee. I accept willingly mr Voigt’s offer to make me a timepeice, & with the kind of pendulum he proposes. I wish it to be as good as hands can make it, in every thing useful; but no unnecessary labour to be spent on mere ornament. a plain, but neat mahogany case...
30Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 29 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long since any occasion presented itself of addressing a letter to you. I avail myself with pleasure therefore of that offered by the papers I now inclose you. they were intended for the society as I judge from the superscription. a long journey soon after their reciept from which I am but just returned, prevented my earlier transmission of them. I was very sensible of the solidity of...
31Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 9 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you another paper from our indefatigable calculator William Lambert . I do not know whether he is a member of our society, but I think his assiduities and qualifications render him entirely worthy of the choice of the society. our literary fare must be of homespun materials, I presume, during the continuance of the war, except so far as we may be refreshed by the precarious reciept of...
32Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 27 December 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
After an absence of five weeks at a distant possession of mine to which I pay such visits three or four times a year, I find here your favor of Nov. 30. I am very thankful to you for the description of Redhefer’s machine. I had never before been able to form an idea what his principle of deception was. he is the first of the inventors of perpetual motion, within my knolege, who has had the...
33Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 8 April 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 15 is duly received. I think the time-piece should not be risked until our coast becomes entirely safe by an armistice, or considerably so by some remission in the vigilance of the British cruisers. In the meantime, I should be glad you could take charge of it yourself and keep it agoing. Perhaps, if Mr. Voight has prepared the apparatus for ascertaining the rod vibrating...
34Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 29 June 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper came to my hand for communication to the Philosophical society as you will percieve by it’s contents. this I beg leave to do thro’ you, and to avail myself of this as of every occasion of assuring you of my friendship & respect. RC ( PPAmP : Thomas Jefferson Papers); addressed: “Doct r Robert Patterson Philadelphia”; franked; postmarked Milton , 30 June. PoC ( MHi ); with...
35Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 23 July 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson incloses to D r Patterson a paper from M r Lambert proposing a correction of the Julian calendar additional to that of Gregory , which paper was intended for the use of the society ; and he salutes D r Patterson with sincere friendship & respect. PoC
36Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 23 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heretofore confided to you my wishes to retire from the chair of the Philosophical society , which however under the influence of your recommendations I have hitherto deferred. I have never however ceased from the purpose; and from every thing I can observe or learn at this distance, I suppose that a new choice can now be made with as much harmony as may be expected at any future time....
37Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 13 October 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
A long absence from home must apologise for my delay in acknoleging your favor of Aug. 25. and thanking you for your attention to the time piece. the best method of packing it would be to wrap it in one or more coarse striped woollen blankets (commonly called Dutch blankets) place it in a well jointed case, and if the case could be covered with oil cloth it would be still safer from moisture;...
38Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 22 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Of the last 5 months, I have passed 4. at a possession I have 90. or 100. miles S.W. from this. this must apologise for my having to acknolege your three favors of Oct. 24. Nov. 28. & Dec. 2. all at the same time. on my return, I make it my first duty to comply with your request of Dec. 2. by writing to the President on behalf of mr Hassler , which I have done by this mail. I am sure he will...
39Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 1 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 13. came to hand but two days ago. nothing could be so desirable to me as to have settled in the neighboring village of Charlottesville such a family of artists as is described in mr Hassler ’s letter to you . yet I dare not advise it; because I do not believe they could find employment there. it would be a good stand for a single workman, a real proficient in the...
40Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 18 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long had a disabled telescope which cannot be repaired nearer than Philadelphia , and I have never till now had an opportunity of forwarding it safely to that place; nor do I know who is the best hand there at repairing. the bearer mr Trist , on his way to Westpoint , and going in the stage, is so kind as to take charge of it and to deliver it to you; and the favor I must ask of you is...
41Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 2 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 23. was recieved the day before yesterday, and I was quite mortified to learn that my telescope had been delivered you without the letter of explanation which accompanied it. it must have placed me in an awkward attitude before you. on the preceding page of is a copy of that letter; and to lesson the trouble I occasion you with this commission I inclose a letter for mr...
42Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 14 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, dear Sir, for your book of Arithmetic. it happens, by the division into two parts to coincide with two branches of the triple grade of education I am endeavoring to inculcate with the legislators of our state . I propose 1 . that there shall be a primary school in every ward of every county, having a sufficient number of children to make up a school. 2. a college in every district...
43Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 4 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson takes the liberty of putting his letter and remittance to mr Davenport under the protection of mr Patterson ’s cover, not knowing how otherwise to address it to him. he thanks mr Patterson for the trouble he has been so kind as to take in this business, and salutes him with constant friendship & respect. RC ( PPAmP : Thomas Jefferson Papers); dateline at foot of text; addressed:...
44Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 7 November 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter will be handed to you by mr H. B. Trist , son of a gentleman of the same name a native of Philadelphia whom I think you must have known when young. he was the grandson of mrs House long & well known in that city. he goes to your University for the benefit of your Mathematical instruction in the first place, and to attend some other branches of science. he has been an inmate with...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 8 July 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
There is a periodical work published at Paris, entitled la Revue encyclopedique, of which M. Jullien, a person of distinguished science is the Redacteur, and several gentlemen of high literary grade are Collaborateurs. it’s object is, by correspondents established in every part of the world, to collect, as to a single focus, the discoveries, inventions, and advances of science generally in...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 17 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The Baron de Ferrusac of Paris (not otherwise known to me) has sent me the inclosed letter and pamphlet, proposing to extend to this country a correspondence established with other parts of the world for the purposes therein explained. age and retirement unfit and disqualify me f rom undertaking such a correspondence. I have supposed it possible however that the Philosophical society might...