1To James Madison from William Thornton, 1 March 1824 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer of this Letter Mr. John Finch, is the Grandson of Dr: Priestley, who comes recommended to me in the highest manner. He is travelling merely to view the Country, & is not only very desirous of seeing our great mountain’s & Rivers, but our great men, & of course you & Mr: Jefferson. Mr: Finch has given Lectures on Geology, and has visited New York & Philada. Your Country will furnish...
2To James Madison from William Thornton, 2 September 1823 (Madison Papers)
I know that Complaints must at all times be very disagreeable, but especially when made against those with whom we have any Connection, & I have written to you more than once, & suppressed my Letters, to endeavour, if possible, to avoid so unpleasant a Task: but my Necessities have pressed so heavily upon me, that I can no longer forbear to make known to you the injury I have suffered through...
3To John Adams from William Thornton, 3 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
When your highly respected Son the Honorable John Quincy Adams sent me the Papers which Mr. William Mellus had the honor of transmitting through your Favor to the Dept of State, I found you had done me the honor of stating, that if you thought I was still in the Patent Office you would have addressed a Note to me; and you requested your Complimts.—I think myself highly flattered by this...
4To James Madison from William Thornton, 20 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have just heard that Mr. Charles Todd, of Kentucky, is returning from the Republic of Columbia, & as another Agent will most probably be appointed, I am exceedingly desirous of succeeding him. I had been very highly recommended to the President before Mr: Todd was appointed, by the honorable Colonel Johnson, & some other respectable Senators, & the Colonel & many other Friends are desirous...
5William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never been honoured with a line from you since your favor of the 9 th of May 1817 —which I answered on the 27 th relative to the College about to be established in your Vicinity.—I am in hopes my Letter reached you, not so much from any advantage it could possibly offer you, as to shew my desire to fulfil to the utmost of my ability every wish with which you have honored me.—I am in...
6To James Madison from William Thornton, 18 June 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer of this, Mr: Thomas Freeborn, is desirous of visiting Mr: Jefferson & yourself, and has requested me to favor him with a line. He would have brought Letters from respectable Gentlemen of New York, where he is a very respected Character, as I have ample testimony of, but he did not think of going further South than this. He has no particular Business, but to see those great men of...
7William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 18 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
W: Thornton ’s respectful Complim ts to his highly esteemed Friend m r Jefferson , and begs leave to present the Bearer M r Thomas Freeborn , as a very respectable Inhabitant of New York , who is desirous of paying his respects to one of whom he has heard so much, and whose Principles he has long admired.— RC ( MHi
8William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I was very much gratified by hearing that the two Drawings arrived safe, and am highly obligated to M r & m rs Madison for their kind attention to them. I return my particular thanks for your kindness in lending them to me, and I am also under great obligation for your further favour in granting me permission to employ an Artist to take a Cast of that superb Bust, which I think one of the...
9Enclosure: William Thornton: Sketches for a Corinthian Pavilion, [ca. 27 May 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( ViU: TJP ); in Thornton’s hand; undated.
10William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
M r & M rs Madison left this City for Orange County on the 6 th Inst. and were so kind as to take the Drawing by M r West and the Painting by M