1To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 19 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 October 1809, Warren. Introduces Maj. James Morrison of Kentucky, “one of the most respectable of the revolutionary Officers, and one of the most amiable men I am acquainted with.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Nicholas was nearing the end of his service as a Virginia congressman (he resigned on 27 Nov.).
2To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 21 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the pleasure of seeing you I forgot to deliver the inclosed. I wou’d not give you this trouble at a moment that I know you must be very much engaged, if it was not important to Mr. Randolph to be able to command all his resources, under his present circumstances. I am Dear Sir with the greatest respect & regard your hum. Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
3To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 5 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I find from a conversation with Mr. John Montgomery, that it wou’d be very grateful to him, to receive the appointment of collector of the port of Baltimore. The soundness of Mr. M— political principles his honor and integrity as a man, are without blemish. Other considerations you can appreciate better than I can. I am with the greatest respect & esteem Your most humble Serv. DNA : RG...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 5 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I last night received the enclosed, It is a subject that I am incompetent to give an opinion upon. I am with the greatest respect & esteem Your most hum Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
5To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 26 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your notes of this date, with their enclosures the subject was not acted upon to day, nor do I presume it will be for several days. in the mean time I hope to have the pleasure of conversing with you more fully upon the subject, to which your notes refer. I am Dear Sir with the greatest respect your hum. Servt. The papers shall be returned, as you request. RC...
6To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 28 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
Be pleased to accept my cordial thanks for the inquiries you have made as to an engineer for this state. I am obliged to Mr. Latrobe for the information he has given it is very satisfactory and will be useful. Before I wrote to you I took the liberty to enclose to the Secretary of State a letter to Mr. Adams, and to request the Secretary to have inquiries made through our ministers, as to the...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 24 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with great regret that I intrude upon you at a moment when I know you are very much en gaged, I hope you will pardon it. It appears to me, that I have no right to demand the balance that is due upon the enclosed paper unless it is assigned to me. The engagement of Messrs. Pendleton & Lyons, is to you and Mr. Short, which is transferred by you to the U.S. I presume the money will not be...
8Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 15 th of July by my servant messenger. Circumstanced as you were and indeed as M r Appleton , is, I regret extremely that I gave you the trouble of the application I made . I am sure you will believe I cou’d have had no wish that a deserving man shou’d be removed from office to make way for my son , and that the last thing that I cou’d have expected or wished was...
9To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 May 1800 (Madison Papers)
I was charged by Mr. Charles Pinckney of South Carolina, with a message to you that entirely escaped my memory when I had the pleasure of seeing you; he begs that you will write to Colo. W. Hampton, and urge him to exert himself to secure the vote of S. Carolina to Mr. Jefferson, (if they vote for Genl. Pinckney, they had as well not vote for Mr. Jefferson). Mr. Pinckney so frequently...
10To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 8 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to you Mr. Joseph Daviess the district attorney for Kentuckey, he is a man of merit, and one who has the strongest claims upon me for all the good offices that I can do him, from the extraordinary attention that he has paid to the interest of My brothers family, there is nothing I cou’d do for Mr. D. that wou’d be so acceptable to him, as making him acquainted with...
11Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The first of the two notes you were so good as to endorse for me will come round by the time I get to Richmond . I enclose two others which you will be pleased to endorse. RC ( DLC ); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 13 Nov. 1818 from North Milton and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures not found.
12Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 14 September 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I was sincerely concerned to hear of your indisposition: On saturday it gave me infinite pleasure to hear you had recovered. Will you pardon me if I take the liberty to entreat you, to spare your self the fatigue & exposure you so frequently encounter. Your life is too precious to be risqued. But for your indisposition, I wou’d last week have sent you the enclosed with a request that you wou’d...
13Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that you are appointed one of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle , and to forward you the enclosed commission . It is hoped that it will not be inconvenient for you to undertake the execution of this office. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Nicholas ; at foot of text: “ Thomas Jefferson , Esq.”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Oct. 1816 and so...
14To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have endeavoured to ascertain how the notes wou’d be in the Senate upon the nomination of Mr. Galatin to be Secretary of State. My information is that there are seventeen votes against him—ten Gentn. will vote for him, some of them reluctantly, and that there are seven doubtful votes. This information is obtained through sources not friendly to Mr. G —— but I fear it is correct as to the...
15To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 14 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 September 1804, Warren. “It gives me great pleasure to hear that you and Mrs. Madison, are to be in our neighbourhood; Mrs Nicholas and myself woud have met you at Col. Coles this day, but for an indisposition that I have had for some days, and from which I have not sufficiently recovered to venture out. We promise ourselves the pleasure of seeing you and Mrs. Madison at Warren, and that...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 18 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you Mr. Quincy’s Speech. In the anxiety that I feel upon the subject I mentioned to you last night, I beg you to be assured I am influenced by personal considerations towards you as well as considerations of public welfare; indeed I have always considered the public weal, and your popularity as most intimately connected; perhaps in my solicitude for both I annex more importance to...
17To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 30 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
By a resolution of the General Assembly of Virginia, the President and Directors of the Literary Fund are requested to digest and report a system of public education, calculated to give effect to the appropriations made to that object by the Legislature, and to comprehend in such system the establishment of one University, and such additional Colleges, Academies and Schools, as shall diffuse...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 20 August 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
A most unfortunate and Melancholy event , makes it necessary that I shou’d go in a few days to Kentucky. I believe you think it proper that the legislature of these two States, shou’d defend the ground that they have taken. if that is still your opinion, and you will put upon paper what you think the Kentucky assembly ought to say, I will place it in safe hands. They now require aid more than...
19Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the 26 th instant . I have mentioned to as many of the directors as I have seen, your wish to obtain a further accommodation at our office of $3000. It is their opinion as well as mine, that it will give the board pleasure to comply with your request. Much country paper (I mean exclusively) has been done, it is however contained . but how long this...
20To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, [ca. 3 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have endeavoured to ascertain how the votes wou’d be in the Senate upon the nomination of Mr. Galatin. My information is that there are seventeen votes against him—ten gentn. will vote for him, some of them reluctantly, and that there are seven doubtful votes. This information is obtained through sources not friendly to Mr. G—— but I fear it is correct as to the number of votes he will lose,...
21Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 1 July 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I expected for some time past to have the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow, but I cannot venture from home, until I have securd my wheat. I shou’d have finished my harvest yesterday but for the wet weather last week. I have yet 150 acres to cut. I suspect nine or ten shillings a bushel has been given for wheat to be delivered early. wou’d it not be well for us to embrace that price? I shou’d...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 23 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of several of the most respectable people of Kentucky I take the liberty to mention Mr. Fortunatus Cosby, as a person every way qualified to fill the Office of Judge in the Indiana territory I am informed Mr. Cosby is a most respectable man and a good lawyer. I am not not myself acquainted with this gentn. Mr. Pope, can give you full information of his character and...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 21 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
When I accepted the office of Collector of this port, I was very much influenced by a wish to save you the necessity of deciding between the number of persons who I knew had applied for the office. More reflection wou’d have convinced me that I only delayed and did not obviate the difficulty of deciding between the rival candidates. Since I have been in the office I have had full time to...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 2 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
If the most ardent hopes and wishes of your countrymen, cou’d have availed you wou’d have been spared that most cruel affliction that has fall upon you; you so fully command their affections that they participate most warmly in every thing that can interest you. in you their best affections and dearest hopes are concentrated. If the condolence and sympathy of a friend can in any manner...
25To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 17 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
My reason for mentioning to you this Morning the subject we conversed about, was that this is the mail day for Detroit, so that if you wished it you might have it in your power to counteract the effects of the intimation that has been given. It is said the Gentn. who is appointed a general in New-York, will not accept the appointment. Perhaps this appointment wou’d be accepted as full...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 30 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delivered your letter to Griffin , who has been to see your estate since you left Albemarle, from his account of Clarke’s management, I am confident that you will be very much benefited by the change of men; you may expect an increase of crops and a great improvement of your estate, but to effect this you must allow Griffin two years. It gives me great pleasure to hear that there is a...
27To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 6 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
At the beginning of the session we cou’d have carried any plan connected with the repeal of the Embargo in the course of it. It has been our misfortune that the various expedients have been offered too late. The only honorable course was from Embargo to non-I ntercourse . We cannot now obtain it, and I fear we must submit to the plan least disgraceful, in which we can unite the greatest number...
28To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The President once mentioned to me that he expected he shou’d find it necessary to remove the Post master Genl. from his office; at that time he spoke of a respectable gent. who he had thought of for that place, this conversation took place early in the winter, I do not know what his determination, may now be, if it shou’d be to make a change in that department, and he wou’d confide it to me I...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Rawlins the Gentn. who will deliver you this letter, is anxious to obtain an appointment in the Custom house at New Orleans. This Gentn. formerly lived in Virginia in a mercantile house engaged in extensive business, I have not had such an acquaintance with Mr. Rawlins as woud justify me in asking an office for him, I can only speak of him, as to his having been regularly brought up to the...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here on friday last, after all the information I have been able to collect I have determined to accept the place of collector of this port. I have had very great doubts whether I ought to do it, or not, there are strong reasons why I shou’d not, but it seems to be thought, by the republicans that I shou’d be able to do some service to the cause and I am sure if I do not, you wou’d be...
31Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 14 July 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Most unexpectedly to me, my son Robert , writes me from Washington , “ that he had received such proposals in Baltimore , as induced him to determine to go immediately to Leghorn & to settle at that place. He says “it wou’d add very much to my prospects to be appointed Consul for the U.S. at Leghorn .” will you my Dear Sir, add to the obligations that I am under to you by interesting yourself...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 4 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I last night had the pleasure to receive your favour of the 26th. of march, your letter was delivered to Col. Newton this morning. he accepts the appointment. I this day write to Mr. Gallatin to request that I may be permitted to resign, and that my resignation may take place the 26th. of this month, by that time the business of the office will be as nearly up, as it is possible it ever shou’d...
33To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 14 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favour of the 2d. instant at this place a few days past. When my son desired to be named for the consulate at Leghorn, he beleived that office was or wou’d be vacant. Under the same impression, I took the liberty to make the application to you in his favour, contained in my letter from Richmond. I am sure Sir, you beleive me incapable of wishing a deserving...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a conversation with Genl. Sumpter in Genl. terms about his country man P—y . Sumpter says his standing in S.C. with our friends is not good, that he is not respected either as a public or a private man, that he has been made use of by the republicans, and that he has made use of them because they were convenient to each other—the opinion of one man cannot be conclusive, you will...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 19 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. William Robertson a very respectable gentn. has been advised to go to Europe for his health, the embargo has made this difficult, he wishes to avail himself of a public visit, or of any vessel that may be sent by the government in the course of a month or six weeks. I take the liberty to ask the favour of you to inform Mr. Robertson, if it is expected a vessel will be sent in the course of...
36Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, [received 3 July 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
Under cover to M r Dandridge I enclose two notes which you will be so good as to endorse, and after sealing my letter, you will be pleased to give it the earliest conveyance by the mail to Richmond . In renewing this kindness to me, be pleased again to accept the strongest assurances, that whether I live or die, you nor yours, shall never receive the slightest inconvenience from your goodness...
37To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 19 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
When I was in Richmond lately, it was said Judge Griffin, wou’d probably, never be able to take his seat on the bench again. Will you pardon me if I take the liberty to place before you the name of a Gentn. as his successor, with whom you are as well acquainted as I am? I am far from expecting or wishing more than that, his fitness for the office, shou’d be decided by a comparison with others...
38To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 2 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
As you no doubt are informed, the last assembly made large appropriations of money to the internal improvement of this state, to ensure the judicious application of this money, it is essential that we shoud be able to command the services of one or more able civil engineers. Among the citizens of this State, I have looked in vain for such a man, and I fear there is no native of the U.S....
39To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 14 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last mail I had the pleasure to receive your favour of the 6th. instant. I feel myself very much embarrassed how to act; I have not considered myself at liberty either to communicate my intentions of resigning, or to take such measures in the office for closing my business as wou’d discover that intention. Being obliged to be at home early in Jany. I fear it wou’d be impossible for me...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, [1 April 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to inform you that I have heard some uneasiness expressed at the arrangement of the officers made by the Secy. of War, under the law of this session . It is said that all the field officers are taken from the Eastern States. I am told they stand thus Artillery. Burbeck Col. Freeman Lt. Col. Jackson Majr. Porter ditto, Williams Massachusetts, McRea Virginia, Infantry,...
41Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a severe attack of the rheumatism, which has prevented my going to Washington , I am now better and I hope in four or five days to be able to set out if there is a necessity for my going. Will you do me the favour to give me your opinion as to the probability of the duration of the present session? It does not seem to me that any legislative measure wou’d now be necessary or proper...
42Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 6 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment heard that the doctor, who attends your brother left his house last night, under a belief he cou’d not live many hours. It is reported he has lately made a will; by which he has given the whole of his property , except, about six hundred acres of his back land, and eight or ten negroes to his wife in fee simple. I thought I owed it to you to give you this information as it...
43Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
My first impression after receiving your letter , in answer to mine about M r Coffee , was that I wou’d not let him go; on account of your reluctance, but upon more reflection, I determined otherwise. I had experienced that he did not give much trouble, I was sure he wou’d give an excellent likeness , and was satisfied it wou’d be a great gratification to thousands of your country men to...
44Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
On account of the uncertainty of what cou’d be gotten from the Banks, after writing to you , I advised M r Gibson , to apply at the U.S.B so as to take the chance at both. your note was done there for one half the sum, on that day it wou’d not have been done for any other man for any part, but it was done with the understanding it wou’d be paid when due. On account of that circumstance, I...
45To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 27 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
You have laid me under the greatest obligations. The favour that you have done me will be forever remembered. The caution that you suggest shall be observed. I wou’d rather suffer any inconvenience than you shou’d ever have cause to regret this instance of your friendship to me. You will observe the blanks as to date and sight; I did not know how to fill them up with out seeing one of the...
46Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter will be delivered to you by M r Arthur Brockenbrough , who I anxiously hope you will be able to employ on some terms or other, I wish it most on your account, as I am sure he wou’d save you much trouble & vexation. I enclose two notes which you will be so good as to endorse & return to me by the mail. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 31 Mar. 1819 and so recorded in SJL . RC (...
47Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 13 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able to see M r Brockenborough , but expect M r Garret , will carry you a communication from him. I am very anxious you shou’d get him on every account, but particularly on your account. If you have not such a man your trouble will be endless, and after all I fear even if you go there every day, the work will not be done in a manner satisfactory to you, & I fear too at a...
48To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 10 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
Nothing could induce me to give you so much trouble, but, a belief that your desire to serve our Country will cause you to pardon it. An act of the last Assembly directs an accurate Map of the State to be made, from actual surveys. I am anxious to have it well done and as economically as possible. With these views, I should be very glad to avail myself of any surveys made or to be made by the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 20 April 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I saw Mr. Carter on my return who promised that he wou’d leave in your hands a sum of money for me. Be pleased to send me bills upon Philadelphia for whatever sum he intends for me, Mr. Staples receipt will be a sufficient voucher of the payment. I am with great respect Dear Sir your hum. Serv. RC ( DLC : William Short Papers); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.”; endorsed by TJ; with receipt...
50Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the bond executed by me . you may rely with the most absolute certainty upon me to prevent your having to advance any thing. I will take care to pay the interest which being done regularly I understand the principal will not be demanded but at the periods that the money will be due for my property. It is to me the most afflicting thing of my life, that I shou’d have involved you above...