1To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
You will not, I am persuaded, be displeased with any hint, though from one who has not the honour of being personally known to you, which aims at public utility.— The advantages which must accrue to the community, from the establishment of uniform weights and measures throughout the United States, are obvious at first view.—I would beg leave to suggest what appears to me a matter very proper...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 29 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
The drawings, model, and description of your mold-board of least resistance , which you have been pleased to submit to my inspection, and which I had not seen before, I have now examined with much attention and pleasure; and do not hesitate in giving it my approbation, if that can be thought of any consequence after the one it has already received from Mr. Rittenhouse. The doctrine of...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 March 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing the bearer Mr. Smith an acquaintance of mine from Bucks county. He wishes to see the model of your mould-board , as he and his brother have turned their attention a good deal to that subject. He has with him the description and model of a mouldboard for which he has had thoughts of obtaining a patent—It is I believe the spiral or twisted-board, which, in...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 2 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favour of the 10th. of last month, and communicated your desire to the Society at their meeting on the 19th. I perceived, however, among the members, an universal wish of continuing you at the head of their Institution: For though they would highly prize the advantage of your personal presence at their sessions, yet they considered this as but of secondary importance—and,...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson and Andrew Ellicott, 9 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Should the office of Superintendant of the military stores of the United States, created by an Act of Congress passed the 2d of April 1794, and now held by Mr. Harris , become vacant; we would take the liberty of recommending Mr. George Ingel, of this place, as a suitable person for that office. For several years during our revolutionary war , and till the close of it, he served in a similar...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 8 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Relying on your known goodness—I have taken the liberty of thus introducing the bearer, Mr. John Woodside, who wishes for this opportunity of paying you his personal homage and respects.— He is a man of the strictest integrity, & most exemplary morals— was an officer, and served with great reputation, in the Pennsylvania line, during our revolutionary war—Has now for many years been a clerk in...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 19 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The art of secret writing, or, as it is usually termed, writing in cypher , has occasionally engaged the attention both of the states-man & philosopher for many ages; and yet I believe it will be acknowledged, by all who are acquainted with the present state of this art, that it is still far short of perfection. A perfect cypher, as it appears to me, should possess the following properties.—...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 12 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your favour of the 22d Ult. and feel, with a lively sense, the obligation I am under for the interest you were pleased to take in behalf of my friend, though the appointment has fallen on another worthy gentleman of the same name. I am not a little flattered with the notice you have taken of my cypher—Your alteration will certainly very much facilitate the labour of...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 17 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour, a few days ago , of mentioning to you an interesting experiment which Mr. R. Peale had exhibited before a number of citizens; namely, the depuration of foul or putrid water, by simple filtration through sponge, sand, & charcoal;—that he had also succeeded in an attempt to render salt water fresh, and that he was preparing to make the experiment with true sea-water—He has this...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 24 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to the directions in your favour of the 17th I am getting a stand made for the sextant , and the whole will be carefully packed up, and, by Mr. Roberts, sent on, by water, in the course of a few days. With respect to the cypher, when applied to a single word or line, I would observe, that in strict conformity with the general system, each letter must, in this case, be considered as a...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 1 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not till the day before yesterday that, upon coming to the city, I received your favour of the 16th. ulto; and this must be my apology for not replying sooner. The usual course with the Phil. Socy. is to refer every communication to a committee, who report their opinion to the socy, merely on the propriety of publishing the communication in their Transactions: but neither the Socy, nor...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 15 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your favour of the 2d. and thank you for your confidence, which I will never abuse—I am preparing a set of astronomical formulæ for Mr. L. and will, with the greatest pleasure, render him every assistance in my power—I take the liberty of subjoining the formula which I commonly use for computing the longitude from the common lunar observation, illustrated by an...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recommended to Capt. Lewis, the use of a statistical Table , in which to set down his Astronomical observations, in the course of his intended expedition; as an expedient that would save a great deal of time, and be productive of many other obvious advantages. I had proposed to draw him out a sketch of such a table, but an unusual hurry of business prevented me, while he was in the city—I...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding from the Secretary at War to Dr. Hunter of this expedition is fitting out for the purpose of exp of the rivers &c of Louisiana, I hope it will not be as officious in me to recommend to your notice a ge ntleman, who I am persuaded would do no dishonour to any appointment which you might think proper to give him, either in this or in any other similar undertaking. The gentleman I...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 30 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your unexpected & very flattering favour of the 27th. demands my most grateful acknowledgements. My long services in this institution, & the respect I have always experienced both from the trustees & students, so strongly & justly attach me to the seminary, that the offer of a more lucrative employment could not of itself induce me to have it. But, happily, in the present instance, this, as...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 29 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your favour of the 13th. announcing the resignation of Mr. Boudinot, and your pleasure in appointing me as his successor, I entered into a free communication with him on the subject of the mint. He has shown me the most friendly attention, & has formally introduced me to the other Officers of the institution; from whom I doubt not to experience the most cordial co-operation....
17To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 23 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your favour of the 16th. inclosing a method of finding the longitude without a time piece by Mr. Moore; on which, as well as on other methods for the same purpose, suggested by yourself, & sometime ago shewn me by Mr. Freeman, you are pleased to ask my opinion. It is scarcely necessary to remark that all the methods here proposed are strictly true in theory; and...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 14 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Committee from the Directors of the Bank of the United States have represented to me, as Director of the Mint, that, in order to prevent, as much as possible, the exportation of Spanish dollars, so injurious to the general interest of the country; it is their wish, as well as perhaps that of most of the other Banks in the United States, to send this species of money, of which there are now...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 16 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Theodolite, which by advice from Mr. Freeman I purchased of Mr. Biggs, is carefully packed up, & put on board, a sloop for Georgetown—The bill of lading is here inclosed—The draft for 54 dolls was this day recd. & paid to Mr. Biggs—I have taken the liberty of enclosing, for Mr. Freeman, a Formula for solving a problem in practical Astronomy which I concieve may be of some use in his...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 30 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Some years ago, I remember to have laid before you a scheme of secret writing , which you were pleased to honour with a friendly notice: And relying on your well-tried patience; I would again take the liberty of submitting a few further remarks on the same subject. That scheme, in common with all others heretofore practised, had one defect, which it is the object of the present attempt to...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 3 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to former practice, I have the honor, at the commencement of the present year, to lay before you a statement of the Issues from the Mint of the United States, and the Expences of the Institution, during the past year: and conceiving, that it might not prove unacceptible, the Treasurer has, at my request, drawn up, and exhibited, in one comprehensive view, (Schedule No. 4) a Statement...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 3 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your notice Mr. Hassler, a Gentleman lately from Switzerland. He is a man of science & education; and, as will appear from the inclosed paper, written by himself at my request, was a character of considerable importance in his own country. It is his wish to obtain some employment from the United States, which would require the practice of surveying or astronomy. He...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Chandler Price, 8 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed Mr Patrick Ysnardi Son of Joseph Ysnardi Esqr. American Consul at Cadiz, is now on his way from Charleston to the City of Washington. with a view to solicit the Consulship for Havanna which I understand now is or very soon will be vacant by the resignation of Mr Hill— With Mr Ysnardi I have been intimately acquainted several years—in my opinion he is well qualified to fill the...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer, Mr. Alexr Stuart, is about to remove from this city to the Havanna in the line of mercantile business. His moral character, as well as reputation in his profession, so far as I have learned, stand fair with all such as know him; And it is confidently believed, that any appointment which you might please to give him, as agent or Consul in that city, would be ably & faithfully...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 4 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of the author, I have the pleasure of transmitting you the enclosed pamphlet, which you will find to be an ingenious performance, though somewhat deficient in point of perspecuity. From the author’s known abilities, and indefatigable application, there can be little doubt that the work he is about to publish will merit the public attention— I am, Sir, with sentiments of the...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 14 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Adam Eckfeldt, being a skilful mechanic, was employed by Mr. Rittenhouse, when director of the mint, to harden the dies; with a compensation for this service alone of 500 dollars per annum. Shortly after Mr. Boudinot was appointed director, rightly judging that the whole time and labour of so able an artist as Mr. Eckfeldt would be useful to the Institution, he accordingly employed him, in...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 21 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I have sent you by post, N. As. for 98. 99. 06. 07. & 08 The two first have seen service and bear the usuel marks. English Almanacs for .09 & 10 may be had, but our own will soon be published, and will be preferable in many respects. Of the above five, two only have been purchased $2.50—the others are duplicates which I can spare without the least inconvenience. I...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is subjoined, by way of appendix to the 1st vol of an American edition of Adams’s Philosophy, the proof sheets of which I examined, making a few occasional notes & corrections. As the Author frequently alludes to the principles of modern chemistry, but without sufficiently explaining them, this outline , it was presumed, would not be unacceptable to the reader. My aim has been to...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
At the commencement of the present year, I have the honour of laying before you a Report of the operations of the Mint during the last year. From the Treasurer’s annual statement, it will appear, that during this period there have been struck at the mint, gold coins to the amount of 324,505 dollars, and silver coins to the amount of 471,319 dollars; making the total amount 795,824 dollars, and...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 7 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The American edition of the nautical Almanac for the year 1809 being just published, I have the pleasure of sending you a copy; as also a copy of Garnetts Requisite Tables. In these you will find several valuable additions & improvements not to be met with in the English edition—and I have little doubt that these Almanacs & Tables will in a short time supercede the necessity of importing the...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The prospect of full employment at the mint still continues, and is likely to increase. It is probable that in the course of the present year we shall strike to the amount of not less than a million of dollars. Our present Engraver, Mr. Scott, though indeed a meritorious and faithful officer, is yet so far advanced in life, being I believe upwards of seventy, that he cannot be expected very...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 3 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
With your approbation, I have employed Mr. John Reich as an Assistant Engraver in the Mint, at the annual salary of 600 dolls. He has covenanted “to execute any work, in the line of his profession, that may be required of him, either by the director or chief engraver, whether for the immediate use of the mint, or for that of the U. States, when ordered by any special resolution or act of...
33To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 27 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
Mr. R. Morrison, a gentleman from England, has lately arrived here, with the design of taking his passage for Canton on board some American vessel. His sole object at present is to perfect himself in the knowledge of the Chinese language, in which he has already made some progress; his final view being to translate the scriptures into that language. He is sent by the "Missionary society of...
34To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 4 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
There is not, I am well informed, by Capt Wm. Jones, and others, who have been lately at Canton, any person in the character of a British Consul at that place. The factory of the British E. India company, and all their commercial concerns, are at present under the direction of Mr. Drummond, chief agent for the company. His power, however, over the British subjects there is very extensive. This...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 6 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to solicit your acceptance of another morsel of nut-shell philosophy , in the form of a “collegiate examination”. I have aimed at nothing more than a systematic view of the subject, in as small a compass as was consistent with any degree of perspecuity; believing that something of this kind might not be a useless accompaniment to the larger treatises which are commonly put into the...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 24 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I regret exceedingly that I have not been able to procure a translation of the two little Arabic manuscripts you were pleased to send me for that purpose. Capt. Obrien, though he understands the oral, has no knowledge at all of the written language. I have shown the papers to a native of Smyrna, Mr. Sennup? , now in this city—He says “they are written in one of seven of the Arab dialects,...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
At the commencement of the present year, I have the honour of laying before you a report of the operations of the Mint during the last year. From the enclosed statement of the Treasurer, it will appear, that during that period there have been struck at the Mint; gold coins, to the amount of four hundred and thirty seven thousand, four hundred and ninety five dollars, silver coins, to the...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 29 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
A balance of 125 cents has long remained in my hands for the purchase of a Nautical Almanac for the year 1810, which I now send you. That for 1811 Mr. Garnett will soon put to press, with sundry improvements; Particularly, the moon’s right ascension will be calculated to hours, minutes & seconds of time, as that of the sun & stars has usually been. The moon’s passage over the meridian will...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor, once more, of laying before you an Annual Report of the operations of the Mint. From the Treasurers statement, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that during the last year there have been struck at the Mint, 1,368,600 pieces of silver coins, amounting to 684,300 dolls. 58,288 pieces of gold coins, amounting to
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your desire, your letter of the 30th. Novr. last, directed to the Vice Presidents of the American Philosophical Society, was laid before them, and by them, before the Society, at a stated meeting, on the 2d of Decr. and again, on the afternoon of this day, at thier annual meeting for the election of officers. The Society, as such, have had no opportunity of expressing their...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 26 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
With most respectful compliments, I would request your acceptance of the inclosed pamphlet—a Discourse lately delivered by the Pastor of the church to which I belong. It contains many sentiments and observations relative to the present circumstances of the nation, which, I presume; will meet with your approbation. With sentiments of the greatest respect & esteem I have the honour to be your...
42Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My younger son, Robert Maskill , having gone thro the usual course of collegiate studies in our Seminary , and of medical studies under D r Barton , and obtained degrees both in the Arts & in medicine; has devoted the last twelve months chiefly to the study of mineralogy under M r Godon ; in which, it is said, he has made considerable proficiency. He has a strong desire of visiting some parts...
43Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 6 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, that the people of Passamaquoddy are now furnished with a new object of pursuit— gold finding . There was yesterday brought to the Mint , as a deposit, part of a grain or lump of native gold , weighing 14 oz 7¼ grs which was lately found, by a little boy, on Sewards neck beach , in the town(ship) of Eastport , near the mouth of the bay. This piece of gold ,...
44To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour of laying before you a Report of the operations of the Mint for the last year. From the Treasurer’s statement, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that during this period, there have been issued from the Mint, of gold coins, in half eagles, 33,875 pieces, amounting to 169,375 dollars; of silver coins, in half dollars & dims., 1,450,520 pieces, amounting to 707,376 dollars;...
45Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I am directed, by the Philosophical Society , to acknowledge the reciept (under cover from you) of a paper from M. Du Jareau of New Orleans , on the construction of a saw-mill to be worked by a horse. This paper, according to the usage of the society, was referred to a committee , who have reported, in substance, —That the paper does not appear to be intended by the Author as a communication...
46To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1811, Philadelphia. Forwards annual report on the operation of the Mint. Enumerates gold, silver, and copper coins struck, amounting to $1,155,868.50 in value. The Bank of the United States continues to furnish an ample supply of bullion for coinage. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 11A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E5); FC ( DNA...
47Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your desire I send herewith Garnetts’ Nautical Almanacs for the years 11. & 12—& shall not fail, life remaining, to forward those for succeeding years as soon as published. I have lately added to the common artificial horizon, (the polished plane surface adjusted by a spirit-level) a very simple appendage, by the aid of which any altitude of the sun &c may be taken, on land, from...
48Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 23 September 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days ago, I received your favour of the 11 , with the French poem on Astronomy. The Society had rec d a copy of the same work from the Author , & therefore they wish me to return your copy. They have eagerly embraced your proposal respecting the universal standard of weights and measures , and have referred the subject to a Committee who earnestly solicit, not merely your co-operation,...
49Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that you may not as yet have seen a little tract, by Doctor Buchanan , on “Christian Researches in Asia ,” lately republished in Boston ; and not doubting that you would find it highly interesting, I have taken the liberty of sending you a copy, of which I most respectfully request your acceptance. Some time ago, inclosed I believe in A Nautical Almanack for the year 1813, I returned...
50To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1812, Mint of the United States. Forwards a report on the operations of the Mint during the past year. “With the exception of a few weeks, after the expiration of the charter of the Bank of the United States, the supply of bullion, now furnished chiefly by the other Banks in this city, has never been more abundant.” The enclosed statement from the treasurer shows the amount of...