631To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
It may seem odd considering the important events which have taken place in this State within the course of ten days past, that I should not have transmitted an account of them to your Excellency. but such has been their extraordinary rapidity & such the unremitted exertions they have required from all concerned in Government that I do not recollect the portion of time which I could have taken...
632Report on Appointment of Consul at Copenhagen, 10 January 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State having received information that the Merchants and Merchandize of the United States are subject in Copenhagen and other ports of Denmark to considerable extra duties, from which they might probably be relieved by the presence of a Consul there; Reports to the President of the United States: That it would be expedient to name a Consul, to be resident in the port of...
633From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 15 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Albion Coxe, engaged in England by Mr. Pinckney as Assayer of the mint, has not yet completely qualified himself by giving security as required by law; in the mean time he has been of necessity employed at the mint in his proper capacity, and of course is entitled to paiment for his services. The Director of the mint asks instruction on this subject, and I should be of opinion he might pay...
634VII. Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, [7 June 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor of returning to the President [the report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the proposition of Mr. Genet. He is of opinion that all may be omitted which precedes the words ‘two modes of reimbursing or discharging &c.’] What follows […] [the reasons which are proper] and not offensive. [The following passage should perhaps be] altered. ‘It has repeatedly come under...
635To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to return to the President the copy of questions which had been destined for the judges. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, George Washington’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. For the questions prepared for submission to the justices of the Supreme Court, see Jefferson to GW, 18 July , and enclosure .
636To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia] 23 August 1791. Reports on the official communications from the secretary of the Northwest Territory from 1 Jan. to 30 June that “none of the said communications appear to require any thing to be done on the part of the Government of the United States; That they contain indeed the titles of several acts passed by the Territorial Legislature; but the Acts themselves not being yet...
637From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 13 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President of the U.S. and sends him the letter he has prepared for Mr. Hammond relative to his Commercial commission. He also incloses the rough draught of the one he has prepared on the subject of the treaty of peace, with the documents he proposes to communicate in support of the facts. The 1st. of these (the Substance of the Conference &c.) is...
638To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President Judge Turner’s answer. his office has been thoroughly searched, and no copy exists there of the act of Virginia giving money for the federal buildings: that of Maryland only is there. he is in hopes it may be among the President’s papers. Dr Barton, a learned & very ingenious gentleman of this city, mentioning to Th: J. that he had never...
639From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 8 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President a letter just received from Mr. Hammond, and the answer he proposes to give to it. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “The President of the US.”; endorsed by Tobias Lear. Tr ( Lb in same, SDC ). Not recorded in SJL . Enclosures: George Hammond to TJ , and TJ to Hammond, both 8 Aug. 1793
640To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of state has had under examination the Records of Proceedings in the Executive department of the Northwestern government from the 1st of Aug. to the 31st of December 1791—transmitted by the Secretary, and Reports to the President of the United States That finding nothing therein which calls for the attention or interference of the President, he has deposited them among the...
641From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 7 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
An account presented to me by Mr. John B. Cutting, for expenditures incurred by him in liberating the seamen of the United States in British ports during the impressments which took place under that government in the year 1790, obliges me to recall some former transactions to your mind. You will be pleased to recollect the numerous instances of complaint or information to us, about that time,...
642To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th instant. having found it impracticable to move suddenly the whole Convention troops, british and germans, and it being represented that there coud not immediately be covering provided for them all at fort Frederic we concluded to march of the British first from whom, was the principal danger of desertion and to permit the germans...
643IX. Report of the Secretary of State to the President, 18 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State having received from the Chargé des Affaires of France a note on the Tonnage payable by French vessels in the ports of the United States has had the same under his consideration, and thereupon makes the following Report to the President of the United States. The Chargé des Affaires of France, by a Note of the 13th. of December represents, by order of his Court, that they...
644To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President the draught of a letter to mister Genet, in pursuance of the opinion of Saturday last approved by the President. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, George Washington’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Jefferson wrote the enclosed letter to Edmond Genet of 7 Aug. as a result of the Cabinet Opinion on...
645From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 25 January 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President of the U.S. and subjoins what he supposes might form a proper introduction to the statement prepared by the Secretary at war. The occasion is so new, that however short the letter proposed, he has no doubt it will need correction both as to the matter and manner. Sir As the circumstances which have engaged the U.S. in the present Indian war,...
646From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 18 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inform the President that having, from a slight expression of Mr. Genet’s yesterday, doubted whether he did not chuse to wait upon the President separately from Mr. Ternant, he called on the latter yesterday evening, but he was not at home. He called again this morning, and left it to himself and Mr. Genet to come together or separately as they should chuse....
647To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inform the President that mr Madison has just delivered to him the result of his reflections on the question How shall communications from the several states to Congress through the channel of the President be made ? “he thinks that in no case would it be proper to go by way of letter from the Secretary of state: that they should be delivered to the houses either...
648IV. Estimates of Funds Required for the Diplomatic Establishment, 1790–1791, [19 July 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
Dollars Minister Plenipotentiary. His salary 9000. His Outfit. Suppose it to happen once in 7. years, will average 1285. His Return at a Quarter’s salary, will average 321. Extras. viz. Gazettes, translating, printing, aids to poor American sailors, couriers and postage about 350. His Secretary 1350. 12,306. Estimate for a Chargé des affaires. Chargé des affaires. His salary 4500 His...
649X. First Opinion of the Secretary of State, 28 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am so deeply impressed with the magnitude of the dangers which will attend our government if Louisiana and the Floridas be added to the British empire, that in my opinion we ought to make ourselves parties in the general war expected to take place, should this be the only means of preventing the calamity. But I think we should defer this step as long as possible; because war is full of...
650To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President a letter received from Mr Maury, Consul at Liverpool, inclosing a copy of the order of the British government for intercepting our commerce in Grain. we shall doubtless receive it authentically & soon from mister Pinckney. in the mean time mister Maury’s information seems sufficient foundation to instruct mister Pinckney provisionally to...
651From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 6 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose several letters for the perusal of the President.— When he wrote to the Governor of Kentuckey , on a former intimation from the Spanish representatives, there was no probability that the intervention of military force would be requisite, and as far as illegal enterprizes could be prevented by the peaceable process of law, his writing was proper. It is...
652Opinion on Compensation to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 11 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Qu. 1? What sacrifice may be made to retain Mr. Johnson in the office of Commissioner for the federal territory? Answ. for such an object it is worth while to give up the plan of an allowance per diem, to give, instead of that, a sum in gross, and to extend that sum to 500. Dollars per annum, and expences; the latter to be rendered in account. If Mr. Johnson persists in resigning, as it is...
653To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
Having had the honor of communicating to you in my letter of the last of July, my purpose of retiring from the office of Secretary of state at the end of the month of September, you were pleased, for particular reasons, to wish it’s postponement to the close of the year. that term being now arrived, & my propensities to retirement daily more & more irresistible, I now take the liberty of...
654From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 30 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President a letter received from Mr. Maury, Consul at Liverpool, inclosing a copy of the order of the British government for intercepting our commerce in Grain. We shall doubtless receive it authentically and soon from Mr. Pinckney. In the mean time Mr. Maury’s information seems sufficient foundation to instruct Mr. Pinckney provisionally to make...
655Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 11 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
to be read at the President’s leisure. Governr H. Lee’s letter. June 28. concerning supposed pestilential disease in W. I. The Suckey. Th: J’s letter June 26. to mister Hammond. Th: J. to mister Hammond. June 25. on insinuation concerning Western posts. do to do do developemt of order about privateers arming. Philips’s letter June 7. cannot be received as Consul at Curaçoa. Chiappe’s letter...
656To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 18 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inform the President that having, from a slight expression of mister Genet’s yesterday, doubted whether he did not chuse to wait upon the President separately from mister Ternant, he called on the latter yesterday evening, but he was not at home. he called again this morning, & left it to himself & mister Genet to come together or separately as they should chuse....
657From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 5 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson has the honor of inclosing for the perusal of the President rough draughts of the letters he supposes it proper to send to the court of France on the present occasion. He will have that of waiting on him in person immediately to make any changes in them the President will be so good as to direct, and to communicate to him two letters just received from Mr. Short. RC ( DNA : RG...
658Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson on examination of the subject finds that the resolution for restoring or compensating prizes taken by the proscribed vessels was agreed to by the heads of departmts & Attorney Genl on the 5th. there was a difference of opinion how far it should be communicated to mister Hammond; the President was pleased to call at the office of Th: J. and to decide in favor of a full...
659To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of state, according to the requisition of the President of the US. of the 8th instant has examined the laws passed during the late session of Congress and Reports That none of those laws relate to, or require the immediate or special agency of the President, except the “Act regulating foreign coins & for other purposes,” (a copy of which is hereto annexed) whereupon it would be...
660From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 19 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to return to the President the minutes of the 17th. inst. The letters then agreed on are sent to the Secretaries of the Treasury and war for their corrections, and will then be handed to the President. He sends him also a letter from the Attorney of Kentuckey for his information, and because the subject of it belongs to another department. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR );...
661II. Thomas Jefferson’s Questions for the Supreme Court, [ca. 18 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
✓ 1. < Are we free, by the treaty , to prohibit France from arming vessels within our ports to cruize on her enemies? > 2. If we are free to prohibit her, are we, by the laws of neutrality, bound to prohibit her? agreed. 3. What are the articles, by name, to be prohibited to both or either party? 4. May the prohibition extend to the use of their own means e.g. mounting their own guns,...
662Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Qu. 1? What sacrifice may be made to retain mister Johnson in the office of Commissioner for the federal territory? Answ. for such an object it is worth while to give up the plan of an allowance per diem, to give, instead of that, a sum in gross, and to extend that sum to 500. Dollars per annum, and expences; the latter to be rendered in account. If mister Johnson persists in resigning, as it...
663Enclosure: Report on Commerce, 23 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Footing of the Commerce of the United States, with France & England; and with the French & English american Colonies. Wheat, Flour &c. France Grt. Britn: & Ireland French Ama. English Ama: Free Prohibited till it is 6/3 a Bushel Wheat, Flour &c. Prohibited by a genl. Law, Free by Suspensions from Time to Time. Free by Proclamaton Rice Free 7/4 sterlg. the Kent.
664From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 21 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President incloses a letter from the Governor of Pensylvania in answer to one from Mr. Genet praying him to deliver the French sailors (whom he calls deserters ) on board a vessel to be transported to New York, there to be put on board a man of war. The Convention having directed the proceeding to be observed in this case, and the laws having directed the...
665Notes on Arthur Young’s Letter to George Washington, 18 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Notes on Mr. Young’s letter. pa. 3. Is the labour (of negroes @ £9. sterl.) to be commanded in any amount?—If taken by the year it may be commanded in any amount: but not if wanted on particular occasions only, as for harvest, for particular dressings of the land &c. pa. 4. The labour of a negro Mr. Young reckons cent per cent dearer than the labour of England.—To the hirer of a negro man his...
666From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 9 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President has the honor to inclose him draughts of letters to Mr. Genet and Mr. Hammond, as agreed on Saturday. If Genl: Knox and the Atty. Genl. should wait on the President to-day, it would be well they should see them. Th:J. will have that honour before he leaves town. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “The Preside[…]”; endorsed by Bartholomew...
667From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
It may seem odd considering the important events which have taken place in this State within the course of ten days past, that I should not have transmitted an account of them to your Excellency, but such has been their extraordinary rapidity and such the unremitted exertions they have required from all concerned in Government that I do not recollect the portion of time which I could have...
668I. Statement of the American Debt to France, [ca. 12 February 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Loan of 18. Millns. 6. Millns. Interest payable 10. Millions Total due in Dollars. Payments made each year. Balance unpaid at end of each year. Principal payable Interest payable Principal payable Interest payable day of paiment Sep. 3. day of payment Jan. 1. day of payment Nov. 5. 1784. 900,000 300,000 1785. 900,000 300,000 }
669To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
According to the desire you expressed the other day when speaking of the application of France for 3. millions of livres, I have the honour to inclose a statement of the Questions which appear to me to enter into the consideration of that application. after putting them on paper, I saw that some developements & observations would be necessary to explain their propriety & connection. these...
670From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 11 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Majr. Galvan as recommended by your Excellency was dispatched to his station without delay, and has been furnished with every thing he desired as far as we were able. The line of expresses formed between us is such as will communicate intelligence from one to the other in twenty three hours. I have forwarded to him information of our disasters in the South as they have come to me. Our...
671To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson, with his respect to the President incloses him the draught of a letter to mister Pinckney: also some Canada gazettes, with the letter from Colo. Fay accompanying them. he perceives from this letter that Colo. Fay had not awaited his approbation to make use of the name of Th: J. in the land-job. he thinks it possible the government of Canada may get hold of this, & perhaps make...
672To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 29 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
Mr Jefferson has the honor to submit to the President draughts of letters to mr Short and the Marquis de la Luzerne. as to the former he asks his attention to the paragraph respecting the devices for the Medal. he hopes he will change and accomodate the letter to M. de la Luzerne to his own ideas of the part that gentleman acted, & of the length proper to go in expressing our sense of it. the...
673From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 5 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President has the honour to inclose him the following papers. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); endorsed by Tobias Lear. PrC ( DLC ). Tr ( Lb in DNA : RG
674From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 30 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Certain proceedings of the Ministers of the United States abroad, on behalf of M. de la Fayette rendering it necessary that I should do myself the honor of addressing you on that subject in order that the proper sanction may be obtained for what is done, I shall be justified by the interest which yourself and our fellow citizens generally feel in the fortunes and sufferings of that Gentleman...
675To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have duly considered the letter you were pleased to refer to me, of the 18th of August from his Excellency Governor [Charles] Pinckney to yourself, together with the draught of one proposed to be written by him to the Governor of Florida claiming the redelivery of certain fugitives from justice who have been received in that Country. The inconveniencies of such a receptacle for debtors and...
676To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inform the President that the Spanish papers are now all ready. he sends him a set for his examination & will send two others Monday morning. he also sends the draught of the message he would propose, with the blank filled up which had been left in it whenever the President is satisfied about it, either with or without amendments, Th: J. will have copies made...
677To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have determined to make the subject of a letter, what, for some time past, has been a subject of inquietude to my mind without having found a good occasion of disburthening itself to you in conversation, during the busy scenes which occupied you here. perhaps too you may be able, in your present situation, or on the road, to give it more time & reflection than you could do here at any...
678Jefferson’s Opinion on Fiscal Policy, 26 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
On consideration of the letter of our bankers of Jan. 25. 1790. the Secretary of the Treasury’s answer to it, and the draught of powers and instructions to him, I am of opinion, as I always have been, that the purchase of our debt to France by private speculators would have been an operation extremely injurious to our credit; and that the consequence foreseen by our bankers, that the...
679Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 14 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
In conversations with mister Carrol, mister Stoddard and mister Dickens they were properly impressed with the idea that if the present occasion of securing the Federal seat on the Patowmack should be lost, it could never more be regained, that it would be dangerous to rely on any aids from Congress, or the assemblies of Virginia or Maryland, & that therefore measures should be adopted to carry...
680To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to return to the President the minutes of the 17th inst. the letters then agreed on are sent to the Secretaries of the Treasury & war for their corrections, & will then be handed to the President. he sends him also a letter from the Attorney of Kentuckey for his information, & because the subject of it belongs to another department. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous...