1To Benjamin Franklin from John Paradise and William Jones, 20 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 366n. Mr. Paradise and Mr. Jones present their best respects to Dr. Franklin. They are just arrived at Paris; and, as they were desired by their worthy friends, Dr. Price and Dr. Priestley, to deliver to him their publications, they have left the books and letters at Passy, where they propose...
2To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 28 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Jones presents his best respects to Dr. Franklin. Since I had the honour of seeing you last, I amused myself with the enclosed translation of a curious fragment of Polybius; which, as it may possibly afford you also some little amusement, I take the liberty of sending to you. It will be both an honour and pleasure to Mr. Paradise and myself to be charged...
3To Benjamin Franklin from John Paradise and William Jones, 1 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Paradise and Mr. Jones present their best respects to Dr. Franklin. Being informed that the King’s passport was absolutely necessary for them to go out of France, they sent to Versailles for that purpose, and have just received the enclosed answer. May they trouble his Excellency to insert in his passport what they seem to want namely, that Mr. Paradise...
4To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 17 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Do me the honour to accept the enclosed pieces of poetry, the fruit of a few idle hours: they contain sentiments, which, I trust, you will approve. Your excellent notes on Foster I received, and give you my warmest thanks for them. A few weeks ago I wrote a long letter to you, enclosing one from an amiable young lady, whose venerable father and agreeable...
5To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 5 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure yesterday of receiving your message contained in your letter to an amiable young lady. The translation, which you mention, I will do my best to procure, and will send it by the first opportunity. By the word repeat , which you use, I fear you had honoured me with a letter, which I have not received: this I should think a heavy loss, as...
6To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones and John Paradise, 15 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. Paradise and Mr. Jones present their grateful respects to their inestimable friend Dr. Franklin, and beg leave to trouble him with the enclosed letter for Aleppo by the way of Marseilles, requesting him at the same time, if he has not had leisure to write the letters, with which he kindly intended to favour them, to send them by the post directed to...
7To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 5 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We have been here above a fortnight, but I am sorry to find that there will not be a good opportunity of embarking for America till the beginning of next month, if so soon. I have been on board all the ships here, that are bound for the land of virtue and liberty , and have given the preference in my own mind to the Annette , which will sail in about 5...
8To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should have hastened, if an earlier opportunity had presented itself, to impart to you a piece of intelligence, which, I flatter myself, will give you pleasure. My profile will, I hope, have the honour of being hung up in your apartment with those of a family, whom you love and revere, and by whom you are loved and revered with the greatest cordiality. My...
9XXIV. William Jones to Richard Randolph, 31 May 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have wrote ye several letters since the commencement of the late unnatural Destructive War, but have not had one line in return. I had however the satisfaction some time since of hearing that ye was well. Peace being now restored, I flatter myself that the Trade between this Country and America will in some degree return into its old Channells, and that the same happy confidence and...
10[To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 18 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Bristol [ England ], 18 Nov. 1783 . Entry under 10 Apr. 1784 in SJL reads: “received W. Jones.’ Bristol. Nov.18.1783. Richd. Hanson will bring a letter.” Not found.]
11To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Cain, Mark Collins, and William Jones, 9 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: American Philosophical Society; copies: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Archives départementales d’Ille-et-Vilaine We take The Liberty To address your Excellency on a Subject extremely interesting to us & many other persons concern’d in The Trade between This kingdom & The united states of america, The extention or diminution of which we will venture To Say depends...
12[To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 31 March 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Bristol, 31 Mch. 1786. Entered in SJL as received “while in London.” Letter not found. See TJ to Francis Eppes, 22 Apr. 1786.]
13To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 10 November 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
This day Col. Smith did me the honour to leave your note ordering a Ferguson’s Perspective Machine which I shall immediately put in hand and have it finished agreeable to the Description, and your amendments.—I am sorry Sir that the hurry of business has prevented me from closing investigating the principle, and action of the Air Pump; but I recollect some time back, that myself and two or...
14To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 22 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
On account of the hurry of previous business, I have been prevented from finishing your Perspective Machine as soon as I wished, but herewith you receive it, and in a State which I presume will not be unacceptable. I have improved it, by adding the few requisites for a Drawing Board, which make it a complete Instrument. The use of the several parts of the Machine I presume will be obvious to...
15[To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 25 February 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Bristol, 25 Feb. 1787 . Recorded in SJL as received 26 Mch. 1787, at Aix-en-Provence. Not found, but see TJ to Jones of 5 Jan. 1787 .]
16To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 11 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
It is now a long time since I had the honour of a letter from your Excellency, nor have I or my Agent in Virginia receivd a shilling in part of the large debt due from the Estate of the late Mr. Wayles. The ballance of that Account proved, and sent out by Mr. Hanson (including Interest during the War) was £11,158:19:6 beside the Account of the African Ship Consignd Wayles & Randolph the...
17To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 2 January 178[9] (Jefferson Papers)
Herewith you receive the Two Thermometers, and I believe tolerably consistent with the description contained in the favour of your Letter. Being confined to a small period of time, and that near the most busy of Times, Christmas, I was prevented from paying that peculiar attention to the process in the fabrication of your Thermometers, as I wished. The essential parts, The Tubes and Scales I...
18XXVI. William Jones to Richard Hanson, 30 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I send you John Powells Affidavit that no Bond was given by F & J as Guarantees for the Prince of Wales’s Cargoe of Slaves consign’d to Mess. Wayles & Randolph. But their letters accepting the consignment &c &c will certainly be sufficient to make the Executors answerable for the Deficiency. You will perhaps think it extraordinary that they should not require a Bond but they said that...
19To Thomas Jefferson from William & Samuel Jones, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 26th. of Decr. Ulto. and have accordingly sent herewith, one of the best kind of our Portable Orreries . The price of the one sent is 3 Guineas, the additional half guinea is on account of its having a stand, and the plates under the earth and moon more durable, and not so liable to be loose dirty, and useless after a little while as those made of...
20To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 23 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Deeply penetrated with the confidence you are pleased to evince in proposing to me the Secretaryship of the Navy, I entreat you to believe that I have weighed with mature deliberation all the considerations which ought to influence my decision in a case so important to the public interest and the honor of the administration To be associated with private worth and exalted talents such as...
21To James Madison from William Jones, 2 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 May 1801, Philadelphia. In compliance with request of the subscribers to enclosed recommendation, adds his endorsement of William E. Hũlings for consulate at New Orleans. Hũlings is qualified by experience, political views, “and his mercantile and moral character … for the appointment.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9). Docketed by JM: “Hulings Wm. E. recomd. for Consul at New Orleans by Wm....
22To James Madison from William Jones, 9 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Jacob Mayer Esquire late Consul at Cape Francois for whom I have now the pleasure of addressing you, will visit the seat of government for the purpose of communicating with the administration on the subject of our affairs in that quarter. His long residence and intimate knowledge of the official transactions in that Island will enable him to develope the measures which have been pursued and to...
23To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot repress the emotions excited by your favor of the 16th. Instant—they were of profound respect and gratitude for the reiterated proofs of your kind confidence, mingled with extreme regret and painful reflections arising from the imperious necessity of declining the acceptance of an appointment so honorable in itself and rendered still more so by the manner in which it has been...
24To James Madison from William Jones, 6 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 6 July 1801. Acknowledged in JM to Jones, 13 July 1801 . Encloses memorial from Mr. Torey on appointing a consul at St. Petersburg.
25To James Madison from William Jones, 22 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr Chandler Price a respectable merchant of this City, with whom a friendly intercourse of many years has matured my particular esteem, has occasion to address you on the subject of the lawless depredations of British Cruizers on his property, by which he has sustained material loss and injury. Mr Price has requested a letter from me to accompany his communication, and I can assure you he is...
26To James Madison from William Jones, 6 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1801, Philadelphia. Introduces Robert Ritchie, U.S. consul at Port Républicain, whose private concerns have caused him to return briefly to Philadelphia. RC ( ViU ). 1 p. Cover marked by Jones: “Mr. Ritchie.”
27To James Madison from William Jones, 22 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1802, Philadelphia. Writes on behalf of some of his mercantile friends of Philadelphia who wish to recommend Isaac Cushing, “a citizen of the United States and resident merchant and partner in a very respectable House in Marseilles,” for the office of commercial agent at that city. Notes that because Cathalan is a French citizen, his “holding of the office of a foreign Consulate … is...
28To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones and Joseph Clay, 30 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
As the Judiciary bill now pending before the Legislature invests the Executive with the power of nominating the commissioners of Bankruptcy, we are invited to address you on this subject by motives of justice to an individual, and a knowledge of your disposition to appoint men in all respects worthy of the public confidence. We therefore beg leave to represent that Mr Thomas Cumpston one of...
29To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 1 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I would reluctantly intrude upon your attention and particularly on the subject of appointments, aware that the numerous applications and recommendations may have a tendency rather to embarrass than lead to a correct choice. I hope however the liberty I have occasionally taken may be viewed with indulgence. I beg leave Sir on this occasion to recommend to your notice Mr Robert Porter of this...
30To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 12 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Guy Bryan Merchant of this City has made me acquainted with his intention of soliciting for his nephew Mr Morrison the appointment of Collector at Massac in the Indiana Territory. My particular respect for and knowledge of the character and circumstances of Mr. Bryan excite a wish that he may succeed if the office shall be vacant. Knowing as I do the scrupulous delicacy and integrity of Mr...
31To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones , 1 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request I have investigated every probable source of information relative to the affairs of the late Viscount Noailles and the result is that he left this place very much embarrassed and largely indebted to many persons whose claims remain unsatisfied. This was communicated to me by a Mr Carpentier a french gentleman residing here who was one of the particular intimates...
32To James Madison from William Jones, 23 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter I received in Augt. last and intending to visit the seat of government before my departure again for Canton I reserved its contents for the subject of a personal communication, and during my short stay at Washington called twice at the office of the department for the purpose, but your momentary absence and my private engagements deprived me of the pleasure of an interview....
33To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 23 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Bought of W. and S. Jones Optical and Mathematical Instrument Makers. No. 30. Opposite Furnivals Inn, Holborn. Removed from their old Shop No. 135, nearly opposite. £ s d A pair of 18 Inch new British Globes 7–
34To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 23 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Received 23rd July1805 of His Excellency, T Jefferson by the hands of Mr Tunnicliffe the Sum of Thirty Pounds One Shilling amount of Bill delivered for Goods. Rec’d for Self & S. Jones— £ 30– 1– Deduct 5– 29– 16– MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
35To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 3 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The favor of your order was handed to us by Mr. Tunnicliffe & during the short time allowed me have used our best exertions to furnish the articles. They are of the best workmanship & we hope they will please. The small pamphlet on Cyder & Perry is out of print & very scarce but we will endeavour to procure you one by the time we may next be favored with an order. Mr. Tunnicliffe has paid us...
36To James Madison from William Jones, January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. January 1806. “The value and importance of the commerce of the united states with the port of Canton in China—the casualties to which our countrymen navigating those remote regions are frequently exposed, and the deep interest we have in that trade, we trust will sanction the representation we are about to mak⟨e⟩ on the subject of the commercial agency of our Government...
37To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 13 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Whatever weight may be due to the subject of the enclosed letter I am persuaded you will justly appreciate the motive for its communication The writer is a young gentleman of strict veracity and considerable penetration—A real american, alive to the interests of his country, and the persons from whom he received the information are native american merchants of excellent character residing in...
38To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 16 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 13th. I enclosed to you a letter I had received from the Havanna, and the same motive suggests the propriety of communicating the following extract of a letter I have this instant received from the same person and place dated the 23d ulto. viz. “I yesterday informed you of an order from his C. Majesty by way of New Providence to the government of this Island, stating that whenever the...
39To James Madison from William Jones, 28 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
By the mail of this day I was honored with your private and confidential communication and while I am sensible of the distinguished proof of respect and confidence which it conveys, I regret my incompetency to the task of elucidating a subject of so much interest and intricacy; nevertheless my best efforts shall be directed to the investigation in the manner you desire and with as little delay...
40To James Madison from William Jones, 31 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Believing that if my view of the subject on which you did me the honor to ask my opinion could be of any use it would be expedient to transmit it without delay I have seized a few moments from the bustle of preparation for my intended voyage to give you in the best order and as correctly as the time and circumstances would admit my views of the several articles and in the order you prescribed....
41To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 17 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honored with your’s of last year, Dated Octr 25th. and have used my best endeavours to execute such Instruments for you as I thought would best answer your purpose As you expressed that you wanted the Astronl Quadt for an important purpose, & that Instrument, being on a confined and limited principle of Accuracy I judged it best to send you the Reflecting Circle. This Instrument will...
42To James Madison from William Jones, 9 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter to your address I received this day from an american friend in Paris who is eminently entitled to my confidence and esteem. He speaks in the highest terms of the moral character respectability and intelligence of Mr. Robertson and of his attachment and devotion to our Country. I also take the liberty of enclosing documents authenticating the nativity and Citizenship of...
43To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 24 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
By order of a general Town Meeting of the Citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia (the most numerous it is believed ever assembled in this place on any occasion) convened at the State House on the 23d Instant, I transmit to you the Resolutions adopted in support of the late measure of the general government, and an address expressive of the respect attachment and gratitude of the...
44To James Madison from William Jones, 11 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed circular is I believe the only one of the kind received here this day and as none of our papers have published it although it was here before noon, I deemed it of some importance to put it in your possession as soon as possible. I know not whether the translation be correct, but it appears to me necessary to enclose in a parenthesis the words “the vessels taken or detained before...
45To James Madison from William Jones, 21 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
As information from respectable private sources may in the absence of Official intelligence serve to throw some light upon the equivocal policy of france in her professed cessation from the violation of our neutral commerce, I take the liberty of enclosing an extract from a letter recd by a gentleman in this city, by the Osmin lately arrived here from Rochelle, which letter was not delivered...
46To James Madison from William Jones and Others, 30 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 April 1812, Philadelphia. Recommend John Dayton, merchant of Philadelphia, for the position of consul at a “Port in South America.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Dayton”). 1 p. Signed by Jones and twenty others, including Clement Biddle, George Latimer, Henry Pratt, and Robert Patton.
47To James Madison from William Jones, 22 May 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 May 1812, Philadelphia. Transmits the proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of the first congressional district of Pennsylvania held in the statehouse square on 20 May. Assures JM that the “enclosed address and resolutions were adopted with the utmost unanimity zeal and determination.” 20 May 1812, Philadelphia. “The friends of the United States and of their Constituted authorities, …...
48To James Madison from William Jones, 22 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a Resolution of the General Assembly of this State pass’d on the 8th Inst and in conformity therewith permit me to request your Excellency to give orders to the proper officer to furnish me with two thousand stand of arms & six pair of Field peices vizt two pair of six pounders & four pair of four pounders with such quantities of ammunition &c for...
49To James Madison from William Jones, 22 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Upon a presumption that my letter of July 22d must have miscarried I now do myself the honor to forward you a Copy thereof, observing to your Excellency that a supply of Arms &c &c as a part for which an Annual appropriation was made by Act of Congress April 2d 1808 is highly necessary, the reception of which would be highly gratifying to the State & very pleasing to me. I have the honor to be...
50To James Madison from William Jones, 28 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
As it is possible my letters of July 22d & of August 22d may not have reached your Excellency, I am advised by the Council of War of this State to forward a triplicate & to inform your Excellency that in consequence of an Alarm by the appearance of three British Frigates near point Judith on the 13th Inst the Citezens of the Island of Rhode Island with a promptness that does them very great...