1To 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;...
2To 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...
3To 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...
4To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1813 , “ Mint of the U. States .” Forwards an annual report on the operation of the Mint. Enumerates gold, silver, and copper coins struck, amounting to $1,115,219.50 in value. “The supply of gold & silver bullion still continues to be abundant; the deposits for coinage, at this time in our vaults, amounting to upwards of half a million of dollars.” RC and enclosures, two copies (...
5To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 20 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
It becomes my heart-affecting duty, to announce to you, the decease of Doctor Rush. He died yesterday evening, after a short Typhus fever. illness of six days. By his death the office of Treasurer of the Mint has become vacant: such arrangements, however, may be made that no material inconvenience or impediment in the operations of this Institution will be experienced for two or three weeks,...
6To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have now the honour of laying before you a Report of the operations of the Mint, for the last twelve months. From the Treasurer’s statement of the coinage, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that during that period, there have been struck and issued— In gold coins, 95,428 pieces, amounting to $477,140 In silver coins, 1,241,903 pieces, amounting to 620,951 80/100 In copper coins, 418,000...
7To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 8 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
It has become my duty to announce to you the decease of another officer of the Mint, Mr. Henry Voigt, the Chief Coiner, who died yesterday evening. Mr. Adam Eckfeldt, the Assistant Coiner has been employed in the business of the Mint from the very commencement of its operations; is perfectly acquainted with the construction & repairs of all its various machinery, and has, for a considerable...
8To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 2 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have now the honour of laying before you, a Report of the operations of the Mint for the last year. From the Treasurer’s statement of the coinage, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that during the above period, there have been struck & issued— In Gold coins, 15,454 pieces, amounting to $77,270 In Silver coins 1,460,575 pieces, amounting to 561,687 50/100 In Copper coins, 357,830...
9To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 25 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I would hereby take the liberty of introducing to your notice the bearer of this, Mr. Hassler, who has recently returned from Europe, with the apparatus of instruments, which, in execution of his mission for that purpose, he had there procured for the Government of the United States. A descriptive list of these instruments (which are at present in my custody) has lately been transmitted to the...
10To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour, at this time, of laying before you, a Report of the operations of the Mint during the last year. From the Statement of the Treasurer, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that during that period there have been struck at the Mint— In gold coins, 635 pieces, amounting to $3,175 dollars; In silver coins, 69,232 pieces, amounting to 17,308 dollars; Making in the whole 69,867...
11To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 11 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the mortification to inform you, that this morning, about 2 o’clock, a fire broke out in the Mill-house, a wooden building, belonging to the Mint, which is consumed, together with an adjoining building containing the rolling & drawing machines; & also the melting-house. The front part of the building, containing the coining presses, the office, & assayers department is uninjured. The...
12To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 15 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
On the morning of the 11th. I had the painful task of acquainting you, with the destruction of a part of the mint, by fire. At that hour, its origin was totally unknown & unsuspected by any of the officers or workmen belonging to the establishment. But on examination, we have now very little doubt, that it must have originated from a barrel, in a neighbouring yard, partly filled with...
13To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 6 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
The ordinary repairs of the Mint, the director has considered himself as authorized to make, from the annual appropriations for that purpose, without troubling the President with repeated applications for his sanction. But the repairs which the late fire has now rendered necessary, being so considerable, I would not venture to undertake, without your approbation; which is, therefore Sir, most...
14To James Madison from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have now the honour of laying before you, a Report of the operations of the Mint during the last year. From the statement of the Treasurer, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that within the above period, there have been struck & emitted— In silver coins, 67,153 pieces, amounting to 28,575 dollars & 75 Cents & in copper coins, 2,820,982 pieces, amounting to 28,209 dollars & 82 Cents. The...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20To 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,...
21To 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...
22To 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...
23To 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.—...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To 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...
31Robert 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...
32Robert 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 ,...
33Robert 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...
34Robert 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...
35Robert 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,...
36Robert 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...
37Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d & read your interesting communication of the 10 th Nov r with great satisfaction, and have laid the same before the Committee appointed on the subject of your former communication; who, I am sure, will give it that consideration which it so highly merits. In the meantime, Sir, you will permit me to make a few observations, which may not, however perfectly agree with the ideas...
38Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
At length M r Voigt has finished your timepiece. The delay, notwithstanding repeated solicitations to the contrary, has been shamefully long; for which no apology can be made but the common one among Mechanicks—a great pressure of business. The workmanship, however, appears to be well executed. A week or so will be necessary to regulate the pendulum; after which it shall be shipped for...
39Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
This day I had prepared to ship your Time-piece &c on board the Happy Return , Capt Hand , for Richmond , to be addressed to M r Gibson , as you direct in your favour of the 27th Ult . But our river is now frozen over, & we must wait for an opening, when the shipment will be made:— The pendulum has a compensating thermometer attached to it; the invention, I believe, of M r Rittenhouse , and...
40Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your time-piece has been packed up, ready for shipment, in the manner you directed, for a considerable time. But as soon as our river was had been rendered navigable, by the breaking up of the ice, it was again stoped & still continues to be so, by a British fleet. I am therefore, Sir, about to set it up at my own house, as it will be better to keep it going than standing; & shall wait your...
41Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favour of the 8 th . Your time-piece, agreeably to your desire, I have had set up at my own house, & shall with great pleasure make experiments on its going with the rod-pendulum. This pendulum is at present suspended by a few inches of watch-spring attached to the upper end, as in common pendulums: But M r Adrain , an able mathematician, in...
42Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
It requires an apology that I have not before now sent you the Time-Piece, which has been so long in my custody. The commencement of the late war before the Time-Piece was finished, & the consequent depredations of the enemy on our coast, prevented its being sent before the restoration of peace. When this event had taken place, I perceived that some parts of the veneering were scaling off from...
43Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 October 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 13 th & shall immediately take measures to send on your Time-piece as you have directed. I have had, for some years an artificial horizon , which, by means of a reflecting sextant, answers the purpose of measuring all altitudes of the sun, or any other visible object, from 0 to 90° as well as all depressions not exceeding 50° with great ease &...
44Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The Author of this Synopsis (formerly Secretary of Congress) desires me to send you, by this opportunity, a copy of the work, of which he begs your acceptance; & Requests that you would please to favour him with your remarks on the same RC ( MHi ); dateline beneath signature; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 27 Dec. 1815 “with the clock” and so recorded in SJL ; with...
45Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 28 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
A pretty severe attack of the prevailing epidemic, with a good deal of sickness in the family, must be my excuse for not sending on your Time-piece somewhat sooner. It was, however, last saturday shipped on board the Guinea Hen , &, according to your directions, consigned to mess rs Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond. On examining the pendulum mentioned in my last, & which I proposed to substitute...
46Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 2 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Hassler has just transmitted to the Sec’y of the Treasury , a descriptive list of the instruments which, in execution of his appointment for that purpose, he had procured in Europe , & has lately brought with him to this city. Presuming that you might be pleased to have a copy of this list, I herewith send you one, for your acceptance. M r Hassler ’s circumstances are, at present, somewhat...
47Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
You have no doubt been informed, at least thro the medium of News-papers, of M r Peale ’s complete success in illuminating his Museum with gas - lights , & presuming that it would not be uninteresting to you, I shall do myself the pleasure of giving you a description of his apparatus & process for generating & distributing the gas. It is well known that any substance containing hydrogen will,...
48Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 13 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
A considerable time ago, you made some enquiries relative to a good clock & watch-maker , who, you suggested, might advantageously settle in your neighbourhood. Neither then, nor since, till the other day, could I hear of one that I could recommend, who was willing to make the trial. From the enclosed letter , you will be able to judge whether the persons therein Recommended by m r Hassler ,...
49Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Sometime in the beginning of winter, a young gentleman, M r Trist , I believe, brought me a telescope which he said you had sent to be repaired. He also informed me that you had sent me a letter , but that he had left it, inadvertently, at Washington , with his portmantua & would forward it from N. york where he expected it would be sent. I have not yet, however, received it. The telescope was...
50Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
You are most respectfully requested to accept the accompanying ‘Treatise of practical Arithmetic.’—It is a trifle which can lay no claim to your personal perusal; but if it should be thought worthy of being placed in the hands of any of your grandchildren, the author will be highly gratified. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “ Thomas Jefferson ”; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Mar. 1819 and so...