1Rockfish Gap Report of the University of Virginia Commissioners, 4 August 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners for the University of Virginia having met, as by law required at the tavern in Rockfish gap on the blue ridge , on the 1 st day of August of this present year 1818 , and having formed a board, proceeded on that day to the discharge of the duties assigned to them by the act of the legislature intituled an “act appropriating part of the revenue of the literary fund and for...
2To 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...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To James Madison from William Jones, 11 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a copy of captn Perrys letter of the 2d Inst received this day. You will perceive he has returned to Sandusky waiting for the movements of Genl Harrison. The following is an extract from Genl Boyds private letter to the War Depmt recd this day. It is dated 5th. Inst. at F’ George. “Gen Wilkinson arrived late last evening—the fleet is also here—the British fleet in sight.” Official...
6To James Madison from William Jones, 25 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
Circumstances over which I have no controul having coerced a determination on my part to retire from the honorable station in which your confidence and good will had placed me, it is proper that I should apprise you of my intention in anticipation of that event though I shall not intimate my design to others. I shall endeavour to remain at my post if possible until the next meeting of Congress...
7To James Madison from William Jones, 14 June 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 14 June 1814, Navy Department. “The Christian name of Mr French not being known at this Department, I have to ask the favour of you to give the enclosed such direction as will ensure its reaching him.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p. The enclosure may have been intended for Robert F. French, who was commissioned as a midshipman on 11 June 1814 ( Callahan, List...
8To 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....
9To James Madison from William Jones, 15 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I return the proceedings of the Court Martial at Sackets Harbour for your decision on the Sentence of dismission, of sailing master Hutton which forms an exception to the power vested in the commander of the fleet. See act. April 23. 1800 Vol. 5. page 121. art. XLI. I believe the Sentence to be perfectly correct. I am very respectfully Sir your Obdt Servt Permit me to observe that the sentence...
10To James Madison from William Jones, 14 October 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 14 October 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose, herewith, a list of the Promotions and appointments, in the Navy, marine Corps, and Flotilla Service, of the United States, during the late Recess of Congress.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3)....
11To James Madison from William Jones, 8 July 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 8 July 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose for your Signature the Blank Commissions herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Jones sent JM similar letters enclosing blank warrants and commissions on 17 and 30 Nov. 1814 (ibid.).
12To James Madison from William Jones, 22 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received the details of Perrys Victory. It was sanguinary & severe. We lost 27. Killed 96 Wounded. Lieut Brooks of the Marines & Midshipman Laub. the only officers of note killed. The Laurence, Perrys flag ship lost 22 killed—61 Wounded and the ship utterly disabled so that in the midst of the action he shifted his flag to the Niagara when her Commander the gallant Elliot...
13To James Madison from William Jones, 17 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I returned at 6 this evening much fatigued having overset but without injury. The roads are intolerably bad. My visit has produced a good effect—our friends at Baltimore are particularly gratified by the arrangements I have made, and those who are not of that character appear satisfied. It happened very opportunely as the enemy anchored off the mouth of the river yesterday, sent their Barges...
14To James Madison from William Jones, 29 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 29 November 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose, for your Signature the Brevet Commission herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p.
15To James Madison from William Jones, 14 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herewith the proceedings of a Court martial held on board the United States Ship United States in the Harbour of New London for the trial of William S Cox Lieutenant—J W Forrest and Henry P Fleshman midshipmen—William Brown Bugleman and Peter Frost John Joyce and Joseph Russell seamen in the Navy of the United States late of the U S. Ship Chesapeake upon charges...
16To James Madison from William Jones, 18 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
A letter from Genl Boyd and a private one from Genl Williams states that Com Chauncey lost two of his smallest vessels by upsetting in a squall and that by a sudden shift of wind the enemy were enabled to get between two more of his smallest vessels and the squadron but it is not known whether they were captured or escaped. They state however that Chauncey was still pursuing the enemy in order...
17To James Madison from William Jones, 11 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is copy of a letter received this morning from Capt Perry. Thus Sir you see the vessels that were “built in a pond from whence they could not be removed” are afloat in safety on the broad Lake having passed the Bar in the presence of the enemy without interruption which I take to be an acknowledgement of inferiority. You will observe that the eight vessels which had passed the Bar...
18To 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...
19To James Madison from William Jones, 15 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
At 4 AM I received the enclosed from Captain Morris and immediately came to this place to order the three scows armed with 32 & 24 pounders to take a position at Greenleaf Point and to order some heavy Cannon from the Yard to that place with every other means of defence in preparation. My opinion is that though the force is formidable the real object is to menace this place and to get Water...
20To James Madison from William Jones, 23 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 23 February 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to submit, for your consideration, the appointment of William Boyd, of Maryland, as Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, during the late recess of Congress, and whose name was omitted in the list presented to you on the 17th. instant. He received his appointment on the 24th: of September last.” Adds in a postscript:...
21To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 15 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
With respect to money the Department is truly in the most untoward Situation. I have now laying over the requisitions of the agents for the months of July august & Septr that is the balance due on those requisitions to the amt $800,000. and my requisitions on the Sec of the Treasury for more than a million are yet unsatisfied. I am distitute of money in all quarters. Seamen remain unpaid and...
22To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 19 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
Tis truly glorious news & nothing could have been better timed. We can now strengthen Chauncy so as to man the 15 Gun Boats and small Vesse[l]s. This will tend to diminish the lustre of our blazing Capitol in the eyes of the Cockneys and the ministry may probably take wit in their anger. Yours ever RC ( DLC ). Undated; conjectural date assigned here based on evidence in n. 1. Docketed by JM...
23To 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...
24To James Madison from William Jones, 30 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 30 November 1814, Navy Department. “The promotions and appointments designated on the enclosed paper are required for the naval service of the United States.” RC ( DLC ); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC 1 p.; draft of JM
25To James Madison from William Jones, 5 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The resolution of the Senate of the 31st of December last requests the President of the United States to cause to be laid before that body a Statement of the value of all articles manufactured or composed of wool or of which wool is the material of chief value; also the value of all articles manufactured or composed of cotton, or of which cotton is the material of chief value; and also the...
26To James Madison from William Jones, 12 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Last night Coll Duval of Annapolis came up from that place in haste to see the Secretary at War who had left this place the preceding day. Col D. states that the enemy in great force are approaching Annapolis with the evident intention of attacking it and that Colonel Carbery had received orders from Gen Smith to repair immediately to Baltimore the execution of which had been suspended merely...
27To James Madison from William Jones, 21 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have pleasure in sending the enclosed letters which show that com. Chauncey has determined upon the course which you were so solicitous he should have done, and has thereby in my mind greatly elevated his Character as perhaps there are few Naval officers who would have resisted the temptation to exalt their fame! Have the goodness when you have perused to send the letters to my Lodgings....
28To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed report is prepared in consequence of a call from the Chairman of the Naval Committee of the Senate for a return of the number of Gun Boats in service and their Stations, with a view as I understood him in conversation to propose an additional special defence for Baltimore of a number of Barges or Galleys which the City of Baltimore during the late excitement built and now wish to...
29To James Madison from William Jones, 21 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I return the proceedings of the court martial in the case of Lieut Sevier and upon reflection I think it will be better to remit than to reverse the Sentence and will be in conformity with General Pinckneys letter. Indeed as he has confirmed the sentence though stayed the execution I believe there is no other regular course but to remit. If you think to please say at the foot of the...
30To James Madison from William Jones, 13 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The letter & Postscript which you saw published in the National Intelligencer giving an acct of the tremendous Battle between Chauncey & Yeo was from Gen. Wilkinson whose imagination had converted a running fight into a close action dismasting boarding &c. Indeed there is nothing so deceptive as nautical appearance to those not familiar with such scenes. Yeo’s constant object has been to...
31To James Madison from William Jones, 25 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Unless some additional proposals come in by the northern mail this day which I do not expect, the Loan will be closed at 88¼ money for 100 Stock payable agreeably to the instalments in the advertisement. I could have closed it at 88½ allowing them to pay the whole down at the Second Instalment but some inconvenience would have arisen in varying the terms from those published and moreover the...
32To 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–
33To James Madison from William Jones, 13 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
The proofs I have had of your confidence and regard and the belief that the opinions which I have formed upon a deliberate view of the state of the national currency and its effects upon public and private property, will not be unacceptable to you in the present crisis of our affairs; I take the liberty of submitting to your inspection the copy of a letter which I had occasion to address to a...
34To James Madison from William Jones, 14 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The northern mail of yesterday brought an account of the partial success of Chauncey in capturing 4 of Yeo’s Schooners with about 300 regular troops onboard. I hope the mail of to day may bring me his letters. Tristram Dalton whom you had designated for one of the Collectorships in Massachusetts is also an applicant for that Office in the District of Columbia which it is thought he would...
35To James Madison from William Jones, 14 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Accept my congratulations and the glorious little victory of the Enterprize over the Boxer. It is in as high style and [ sic ] any that has preceded it and serves to enliven the national feeling during a period of suspense and anxiety. Gen Bloomfield has recieved a private letter from Col Brearley with a postscript of the 7th at Fort George. Our fleet was out on the Lake in pursuit of the...
36To James Madison from William Jones, 22 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I took occasion, some short time since, verbally to represent to you the merits & qualifications of Mr E W Duval, which fit him for the correct discharge of more important duties than those in which he has been engaged in the Navy Department, and to suggest his peculiar fitness for the trust of paymaster of the Navy, should that office be created by law. My regard for this gentleman, founded...
37To James Madison from William Jones, 14 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
The promotions designated in the paper herewith are required for the Naval Service of the United States. I have the honor to be with very great respect your Ob. Servt. Letterbook copy and partial letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3). The enclosure (1 p.; printed in Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the...
38To 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...
39To 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.
40To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 18 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy respectfully submits the accompanying proceedings to the President and asks his decision on the sentence against Joseph Wallace. He also refers the President particularly to that part of the proceedings and testimony which develope the nefarious robbery committed upon the public magazine on the eastern Branch and the perpetrators of that act. The Secy intends to...
41To 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...
42To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 14 November 1814] (Madison Papers)
The President will perceive that Com Chauncey is of opinion that two Ships of the line and one frigate can be built at Sacketts Harbour in due time and that the enemy Cannot prepare an equal force. It will also be observed that he agrees with me in the expediency of seizing a port, on the St Laurence near Hamilton in order to intercept supplies going to Kingston and I still question the policy...
43To James Madison from William Jones, 14 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed extracts and copies from Com Chauncey & Captn Perrys letters and from the private letters of General Williams to the Secretary of War will convey to you the state of things on the Lakes. The prospect is propitious whatever may be the result. The presence of the British fleet on the Lake is I take it a desperate (but successful) effort to relieve the forces at the head of the Lake...
44To 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...
45To James Madison from William Jones, 8 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose for your perusal the official letters of Commodore Chauncey 27, 28, 29. June which the bearer will take to the printers after you have perused them if you think proper. I also enclose a letter from Com Bainbridge covering Commodore Brooke Challenge which I am happy Captain Laurence did not receive as the post mark is the day after the Battle. I also enclose Com. Decaturs letter. The...
46To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 31 July 1814] (Madison Papers)
Blocks and Iron work were under his entire direction with ample means of procuring. In Com. C. letter of the 8th July he mentions some little Iron work wanting for the Mohawk but does not intimate any detention on that account. The only cause of delay which then appeard arose from the necessity of changing the Officers and crews on account of Captain Smiths absence. This with some final...
47To James Madison from William Jones, 27 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I owe you an apology for so long detaining the enclosed letter. You are probably informed that Mr Corbin is a Director of the Office of the Bank of the United States at Richmond which will go into operation as soon as the necessary preparations can be made. You are now my dear sir about to retire from an arduous but glorious carreer followed by the grateful recollections of a free and virtuous...
48To James Madison from William Jones, 18 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The importance of the matter and of the observations contained in the enclosed letter compel me to submit it to your perusal though there is one suggestion which the writer would not readily forgive me for exposing. The subject connected with that suggestion is so exceedingly momentous as to justify its exhibition to the person best qualified to appreciate its value and the fitness of the...
49To 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...
50To James Madison from William Jones, 11 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
Agreably to a Resolution of the Legislature of this State, pass’d at their Session the last week, I do myself the honour to forward you the enclosed Memorial, and beg leave to observe— That as the War in which the United States are engaged is particularly distressing to this State, and as the danger of an Invasion most certainly increases as War progresses, and the distressing privations of...