31To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, [before 11 December 1798] (Jefferson Papers)
It would be happy indeed for us, if agriculture and farming still continued to be interesting subjects—but alas! can we, when our house is on fire, be solicitous to save the kittens? How long is it to burn, or will it ever be extinguished? I would be almost content to save a single apartment. If a sufficient spirit had appeared in our legislature, it was my project, by law, to declare the...
32To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, 15 February 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter concerning a successor to Mr. Tazewell , took the rout to Richmond, and found me at home a few days past, for the assembly had risen before its arrival. It was my wish to have tried Colo. M. against Wood at the last session, of which I informed Colo . Nicholas previous to its meeting, but it was prevented by a doubt of success. This however would have been a pledge for my exertions...
33To James Madison from John Taylor, 4 March 1799 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday I received a letter from the southward of this state, written by a gentleman upon whom I can rely, containing the following sentence. “Mr: Henry has certainly declared for the next Assembly, in obedience to the call from General Washington, who has called on him to step forward and save his country —this is laughable; after the abuse formerly lavished upon that character, they now...
34To James Madison from John Taylor, 10 September 1800 (Madison Papers)
When Majr. Lindsay died, I have heard that you interested yourself on behalf of Mr: F. Taylor, as his successor. Colo. Byrd is now dead, and I take the liberty of informing you, by the request of Mr: Taylor, that he is again soliciting the naval officer’s place at Norfolk. I have heard Mr: Taylor frequently spoken of by merchants on this river, of opposed political principles, in terms of the...
35To James Madison from John Taylor, 15 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 November 1802, Caroline, Virginia. Introduces his neighbor Landon Carter of Cleve, who comes to Washington “with an invention, which, if it is as successful in practice, as it promises in theory to be, will serve still farther to exalt the American character.” “Altho’ you may have no particular acquaintance with him, his reputation must undoubtedly have reached you.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p....
36To James Madison from John Taylor, 26 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 December 1803, Port Royal, Virginia. “Inclosed is the copy of a letter addressed to the Secretary of the treasury, for reasons therein stated. My motive for writing it, is an opinion that neither yourself or Mr: Gallatin, have the most distant chance of employing a clerk, likely to be so agreeable and useful as Mr: Mc.Allister; and I felt it a duty to make one of you to avail yourself (if...
37To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, 1 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith send you the Swedish turnip seed promised. This species of turnip seems to me to require earlier sowing than the common kind, to be drilled and cultivated. Accept the highest esteem and respect, of, Sir, Yr: mo: obt: St. RC ( ViU ); endorsed by TJ as received 5 July, but recorded in SJL as received 6 July. TJ had introduced the Swedish turnip , or rutabaga, to Taylor in 1795, and...
38To James Madison from John Taylor, 10 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
Robert Baylor Carter, is the son of a person who was minister of the parish in which I formerly lived. There the father died, and there the son was born. I have known him from a child, and therefore can say positively, that he is a native of Virginia. This young friend of mine writes on the 4th. instant from Norfolk, that he was to sail the next morning for the Bay of Honduras, and he desires...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Taylor, 26 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
If this letter should be improper; its apology is, that no evil design suggested it. An idea is circulated, that after the expiration of the next presidential term, you purpose to decline a re-election.—as one of your constituents; as one of your friends; I am about to inform you of its reception within the compass of my observation, and to add several remarks as to its propriety. The...
40To James Madison from John Taylor, 15 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
Although I see that you do not like my letters, yet as I like your friendship, I write again, and ask a favor or two, to shew you that I do not feel an atom of that little sensation, which sometimes lurks in the bosoms of the best friends, who happen to differ, even in speculative subjects. Indeed, I cannot persuade myself that we do differ; for I believe that the government are pursueing...