8501To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
What is the proper quetus for the solicitudes within expressed? DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
8502To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the copy of your letter to Judge Johnson inclosed to me in your favor of the instant. your statement relating to the farewell address of Gen l Washington is substantially correct. If there be any circumstantial inaccuracy, it is in imputing to him more agency in composing the document than he probably had. Taking for granted that it was drawn up by Hamilton, the best conjecture is...
8503To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the two communications from the president inclosed in your letter of Aug. 30. I am afraid the people of Spain as well as of Portugal need still further light & heat too from the American example before they will be a match for the armies, the intrigues & the bribes of their enemies, the treachery of their leaders, and what is most of all to be dreaded, their priests & their...
8504To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter of the President. The correspondence from abroad has gone back to him as you desired. I have expressed to him my concurrence in the policy of meeting the advances of the B. Gov t having an eye to the forms of our Constitution in every step in the road to war—with the British power & navy combined with our own we have nothing to fear from the rest of the world: and in the...
8505To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 6 th My preference of F Gilmer for the law professorship, to any other name brought into view, has not changed; & I know of no one better suited for the mission now declined by M r Cabell. It will be well I think to hold out, in the first instance at least, not more than $1500 for the Salary, as the reduction of the number of professors from 10 to 7. may not be...
8506To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 December 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter from M r Gilmer. It would have been more agreeable if he had not suspended his decision as to the ulterior object offered him: but he can not be blamed for yielding to the reasons he gives for it. There is weight in what he suggests as to an extension of his research into Germany; and there may be some advantage in the attraction w ch a professor from that quarter might...
8507To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letters from Doc r Cooper inclosed in yours of the 7 th It is truly to be lamented that at his stage of life and in the midst of his valuable labours, he should experience the persecutions which torment , and depress him. Should he finally wish to exchange his present birth for one in our University, and make the proposition without any advances on our part, there could be no...
8508To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose the letter dated Jan y 24. 1796—referred to in your memorandum. You will observe that it acknowledges two of mine, one of Dec r 27. 1795, the other of Jan y 10. 1796. As these are not among the letters from me to you, which you were so good as to transfer from your files to mine, and as it may be proper for me to examine them, for the reasons you wished a return of the one inclosed,...
8509To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 9 th was not rec d till the evening before the last, and c d not be sooner answered tha n by the Mail which p asses our Court House today. As it is proper to give as wide an opening to the University as we can, I readily accede to the p rovision of an Anatomical as an 8 th Professor, which you propose as within a f air estimate of its resources. I think how ever that unless a...
8510To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letter from M r Cabell with your answer to it inclosed in yours of the 16 th just come to hand. It is not probable that a removal of the College from Williamsburg, will be espoused by a Majority of the Visitors, controuled as they will be by the popular voice in that quarter. If it should, Richmond will not be without competitors. The pretensions of Petersburg have already been...
8511To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d from M r H. Wheeler who is engaged in a Biography of the late W. Pinkney a letter w ch I enclose with my answer. If your recollection or memoranda can confirm or enlarge the information I have given with respect to the origin of the Embargo, be so good as to return my answer that it may be improved: If otherwise, it may be sealed & forwarded; the letter from M r Wheaton to be...
8512To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer M r E. Ta y loe, son of Col: Tayloe of Washington is desirous of making a respectful call at Monticello, and I can not refuse to his motive, the gratification of a line presenting him to you. He is at present a resident at Fredericksburg, reading Law with his kinsman M r Lomax; and appears to be quite estimable & amiable. M r T. is so good as to take charge of the 4 last volumes of...
8513To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledged in my last yours of the 8 th and now return the letters of M r Gilmer & M r Rush inclosed in it. It would be matter of much regret if insanity should befall such a man as Ivory; but it is to hoped his condition will be fixed before he leaves Eng d or rather before any engagement of him. I hope M r Gilmer will be able to avoid also men much advanced in life. After a certain age...
8514To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
On the rec t of yours of Aug. 8. I turned my thoughts to its request on the Subject of a Theological catalogue for the Library of the University: and not being aware that so early an answer was wished, as I now find was the case. I had proceeded very leisurely in noting such authors as seemed proper for the collection. Supposing also, that altho’ Theology was not to be taught in the...
8515To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return M r G Gilmer letter. The uncertainty of his success , and the increase of his expences, give an unwelcome aspect to his mission. It is to be hoped that Scotland will do more for him than Eng d is likely to do. Germany may open a field of choice better in some respects than either: But the alien language, and less affinity of manners are grounds of unfavorable comparison. It w d seem...
8516To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The list of books you have made out will do very well as a nest Egg for the Library. May not the high prices of some of them have been occasioned by a scarcity since removed by Editions both better & cheaper. I know nothing of Fayette’s movements but through the newspapers from which it appears that he cannot leave Philad a before the 1 st of October. It becomes questionable I think whether he...
8517To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 6 th inclosing the letter of M r Gilmer did not reach me till la st evening. The foreign prospect for the University is very gloomy, and the domestic far from bright. We must not however despond. What occurs to me as best on the occasion, is that M r Gilmer pro to exhaust the experiment in G.B. and if necessary then extend it to Ireland. On the ques tion how long he should be...
8518To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
It is very lucky that Gilmer was so soon able to relieve us from the alarm he had excited. He does not say whether his Mathematician is an Astronomer also; or does he look for one in a professor of Nat: Philo y ? If so, his remaining task will be greater than might be wished. His good spirits however authorize ours. CSmH : Emmet Collection.
8519To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return your letter to Gilmer as fairly copied. Will he understand that he is not to return without a Nat: Philosopher, tho’ bringing the other Professors named, and despairing of that one? There will however be time for final instructions on this point after hearing further from him. ViU .
8520To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 3 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the letters from M r Gilmer enclosed in yours of Nov r 30. His account of the engaged Professors is very encouraging. It is a happy circumstance that none of them are beyond the ages mentioned. They will be the less inflexible in their habits, the more improveable in their qualifications, and will last the longer. It would seem that Gilmer’s mind leans now to the station he declined...
8521To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I return M r Gilmers two letters to you & that of M r Emmet to M r Calhoun, inclosed in yours of the 10 th . I have so much confidence in the )pinion of M r Gilmer, & respect for the testimony of the father, with every abatement for partia that I can not doubt the chemical & other mine ascribed to young Emmet. As a letter however such as you propose, would be viewed by him as equivalent nearly...
8522To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 31 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours without date inclosing the letter of M r Cabell & your answer. I approve entirely the course you recommend to the friends of the University at Richmond, on the proposed removal of the College at Williamsburg. It would be fortunate if the occasion could be improved for the purpose of filling up the general plan of Education, by the introduction of the grade of Seminaries...
8523To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry M r Tucker requires time for deliberation. It shews the difficulty in our Country of withdrawing talents from rival pursuits into the service of Education. I do not think he will have chosen the best of literary careers, if he devotes himself to Novel writing. The public taste is nearly satiated with the fashionable, perhaps the best species, in which the success of Walter Scott has...
8524To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 23 d inclosing a copy of the Bill sent to M r Cabell; but omitting the letter from him. Without that I cannot estimate the reception such a measure will have in the Assembly. The grounds on which the Bill dissolves the Charter of the College , & disposes of its funds are captivating . But there will probably be a powerful opposition to it. The uncertain & scanty...
8525To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The letters from M r Cabell are herein returned. I just see that he has succeeded in defeating the project for removing the College from Williamsburg. I hope your concurrence in what I said of M r Barbour will not divert your thoughts from others. It is possible that the drudgery of his profession, the uncertainty of a Judicial appointment acceptable to him, and some attractions at the...
8526To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday your two letters of the 12 & 15 th & return the letter from M r Cabell inclosed in one of them. I approve the course you have in view of obtaining an eventual meeting of the Visitors. The Judicial appointment of M r Barbour will, I understand, be accepted; and as it is in the road to the Court of Appeals, lessens the chance of him for the University. I am sorry you hear...
8527To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 26 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d some days ago yours of Mar. 10. The last mail brought me that of Mar 22. inclosing the letter of Col. Barbour & your answer, both of which I return. If you have not satisfied him of the value of your proposition, he must at least be convinced of the unreasonableness of his own. I have not yet seen him since I rec d your letter requesting me to do so, having been confined by a very bad...
8528To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I saw Col. Barbour yesterday, as I intended. He remains decided ag st relinquishing his Judgeship without a previous experiment of the chair in the University. He feels evidently a strong attraction towards it; and I think a growing one. It is quite possible that the experiment he is making of his Judicial duties, carrying him as they will beyond the Mountains, will diminish his preference of...
8529To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter for Judge Barbour inclosed in your last to me, did not reach him, till his return on saturday evening from his visit to Culpeper. Yesterday he called on me on his way to his Court in this County. I found that he adhered to his purpose last communicated, and that such would be his answer to you. There can be no chance therefore of obtaining him for the University, unless the vacancy...
8530To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
When I suggested, some time ago, Judge Carr for the Law Chair in the University, I did not know that he had been taken into view by any other member of our Board; and inferring from the silent reception given to my letter, and the attractions of the place he now holds. that I ought not to persist in the idea of his appointment, my thoughts were turned altogether to other chances. By a letter...
8531To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 21 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 15 th relating to a purchase of the parcels of land offered for sale by M r Perry. and very chearfully concur in your proposition for making it. The advantage of thus connecting the separate parcels of the University. and securing the sources and ducts which are to supply it with water, seems well to justify the measure on the terms & in the mode explained by you....
8532To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 May 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not receive yours of the 12 th in time to be answered by the last mail. My thoughts, as heretofore intimated, had been turned to Judge Dade for the Law Chair; and with the recommendatory opinions which you enumerate, I cannot hesitate to concur in the offer of it as proposed. I concur also in the issuing of a Commission on the written sanctions of the Visitors without the formality of a...
8533To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Having but little hope that Judge Dade will accept the place offered him, & having occasionally heard M r Lomax of Fred g spoken of favorably , I sought an occasion yesterday of learning more of him from Judge Barbour (without disclosing My object ) who has long been at the same Bar with him, and is otherwise well acquainted with his character. The Judge considers him as a man of solid talents...
8534To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Circular of the 4 th instant did not come to hand till yesterday. In the present attitude of things the reappointment of M r Gilmer to the Law Professorship seems a matter of course: though I am sorry to learn that there is some ground to apprehend that his qualifications are not as well understood & as highly estimated as they deserve to b DLC : Papers of James Madison.
8535To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Browere (pronounced Brower) is so anxious to pay his respects to you that I can not refuse him a line of introduction His object is to take your likeness in plaster, much desired it appears by patrons of a Public Gallery. His success as an Artist is very highly attested. His bust of Gen l Lafayette is pronounced by other imitation Artists as a conspicuous proof of his talent. The little...
8536To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday evening yours of the 24 th inst: inclosing a paper drawn up with a view to the question of “Roads & Canals,” and to the course of proceeding must expedient for the Legislature of Virg a now in session. In my retired position it is difficult to scan the precise tendency of measures addressed to the opinions & feelings of the States & of their Representatives; these being...
8537To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I return D r Emmet’s letter as requested. Wall’s qualifications as a Drawing Master, are sufficiently authenticated to make his connection with the University very desirable. But there seems little ground for hope, that he will exchange for it his present advantages in New York. The only material attraction, beyond the fees, is that of a Pavilion. rent free; of which his tenure would be of...
8538To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 January 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Circular of the 20 th instn post marked 23 rd was rec d last evening, and the letter from M r Pictet, is forwarded as desired to our Colleagues at Rich d . I concur in your mode of providing for the foreseen vacancy which, I sincerely lament, on every account; as I should in any admissible mode that would avoid the necessity, for an Extra meeting of the Visitors. I am
8539To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 17 th was duly rec d . The awkward state of the Law professorship is truly distressing, but seems to be without immediate remedy. Considering the hopeless condition of M r Gilmour, a temporary appointment, if an acceptable successor were at hand, whilst not indelicate towards the worthy moribund incumbent, might be regarded as equivalent to a permanent one. And if the hesitation...
8540To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 21 st The refusal of the Offer to M r Wirt. inviting as it was. does not suprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that M r Lomax takes so well with everybody, I hope his success will make some amends. for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recommended in...
8541To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the correspondence enclosed in yours of the 3 d inst. The reluctance of M r Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
8542To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose two letters from Monroe recd. since your departure. The intermediate ones referred to, of the 16 & 18. of Decr. are not yet recd. I inclose also a Letter of Decr. 24. from Armstrong; who I am pleased to find understands the language in which the honorable & honest policy of this Country ought to be expressed. you will find that I obey the wish of Govr. Claiborne in taxing you with a...
8543To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed a Letter from Mr Bracken, who was appointed administrator for Mr Bellini, to Mr. Mazzei, which, he informs me, gives particular State of the affairs of our deceased Friend.—It appears from what Mr Bracken says, that there is Property remaining to the amount of nearly £300. A Certificate of the Death of Mr Bellini is forwards by this Post to Govr Page, with a Request, that he...
8544To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. on monday evening your favor of Mar. 23. with the return of Armstrong’s & Monroe’s letters first sent you. I cannot entirely despair that Spain notwithstanding the support given by France to her claim to W.F. may yield to our proposed arrangement, partly from its intrinsic value to her, partly from an apprehension of the interference of G.B. and that this latter consider may, as soon...
8545To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I find by a letter just recd. from Mr. Tomkins that he declines the appointment lately given him; so that it will be necessary for you to think of another Successor to Judge Hobart. Writing at present without having the letter by me I can not inclose it A decree of Genl. Ferrand commanding at St. Domingo dated the 5th. of Feby. has just been forwarded from N. York, which transcends every...
8546To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 1st. instant has been recd with the letters of James Monroe & Pinkney. I had a conversation yesterday with Turreau on the subject of Ferrand’s decree. He was perfectly rational and accomodating, expressed a wish to receive without delay a note from me on the subject, and promised to interpose as requested. He regretted that Logan’s motion to prohibit the trade with St. Domingo,...
8547To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
By this Mail you will recieve the letters last received from Mr. Erving. No others have come to hand from any quarter worth troubling you with. Mr. Gallatin left Washington the day I believe you did. I am still detained here by the situation of Mrs. M’s complaint. The Doctr. does not claim less than seven or 8 days from this time, at least, in order to render the journey safe; and her recovery...
8548To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
At the date of my last, I hoped by this time to be making ready for my journey on your track. A consultation of the Doctors Weems & Elgey on the situation of my wife’s knee has ended in the joint opinion that an operation is indispensable which can best be performed at Philadelphia; and that it is prudent to avoid delay as much as possible. We shall accordingly set off tomorrow, in order to...
8549To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having passed Dalton on the road, I have received the dispatches from M. & Pinkney under the delay of their coming hither from Washington. You will have recd. copies from Washington, according to instructions I left there. The business at Madrid has had an awkward termination, and if nothing, as may be expected, particularly in the absence of the Emperor, shd alleviate it at Paris, involves...
8550To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I select the inclosed papers relating the ship N. Jersey from a mass of which this is but a certain portion. They will enable you to decide on the question to which alone the case is reduced. This is whether in the claims under the French Convention Insurers stand in the shoes of the insured. The printed memoire by DuPont (de Nemours) deserves to be read as a Chef d’oeuvre of the kind....