1To John Adams from William Thornton, 28 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
We do ourselves the honor to present to you a state of the business under our care, and of the public property belonging to the federal seat, with an estimate of its value, founded, not on mere supposition, but on the average of former sales. This report would have been made at an earlier day, had it not been delayed by the unfortunate death of Mr. Scott. We have the honor to be, with...
2To 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...
3To George Washington from William Thornton, 29 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been informed that your Secretary, Mr Lear, has taken his departure for England, on private Business, and as I imagine the multiplicity of your Engagements, and the extent of your Correspondence will require a Substitute I take the liberty of tendering my Services; yet with a degree of hesitation mixed with Confidence. I hesitate, lest my Abilities may not be equal to all that...
4To George Washington from William Thornton, 12 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have laid before my Colleagues my Sentiments relative to the propriety of raising the foundation of the Capitol, and in requesting your Attention to this Subject I comply with their desire as well as gratify my own wish to know your pleasure concerning it, that in pursuing our Duty we may proceed under the Sanction of your approbation. It is to be lamented that the Capitol was placed so far...
5To George Washington from William Thornton, 24 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 24 July 1795. On 29 July, GW wrote to the commissioners for the District of Columbia: “The memorial dated the 24th instt … came duly to hand; as did Doctr Thornton’s letter of the same date.”
6To George Washington from William Thornton, 26 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
In dissenting from the Memorial of the 24th Instant which my colleagues sent to you by the last mail, I request you will not consider me as having differed in toto, for, in general it expresses my Sentiments. I shall in as few words as possible state wherein we do not coincide in opinion, and submit with great deference to what may be determined. It is agreed that every person shall be...
7To George Washington from William Thornton, 2 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I address you at this time with the greatest reluctance because I know that the weighty concerns of State must demand a disengagement from all matters of less Importance; the object of my Epistle I hope however will be considered of sufficient moment to apologize for this intrusion. Since Mr Hadfield was engaged by the Board of Commissioners he has called their attention to several parts of...
8To George Washington from William Thornton, 7 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 4th Instt addressed to the Board of Commissioners, I had the honor of receiving very late last night. Mr Scott set off for Baltimore on Sunday last, and, by a Resolution of the Board, was to proceed immediately to Annapolis, if a Letter from the Executive were received at Baltimore, in approbation of the measure last contemplated. Your Letter therefore of the 30th Ulto never...
9To George Washington from William Thornton, 13 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
Washington, D.C., 13 September 1796. Thornton supported GW’s desire to construct and fund a national university in the Federal City. He discussed practical challenges related to such an institution and its best location. Df , DLC : William Thornton Papers. For a full transcription, see Harris, William Thornton Papers , C. M. Harris, ed. Papers of William Thornton: Volume One, 1781-1802 ....
10To George Washington from William Thornton, 1 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
As I disagree with my Colleagues in some Sentiments contained in the Letter from the Board of this Date I thought it necessary to trouble you with a separate Communication. I perfectly agree with them in the Scite contemplated for a National University, as my last Letter to you will testify. The Botanical Garden I think would have been better situated in the Square of the University if there...
11To George Washington from William Thornton, 4 December 1796 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Thornton, 4 Dec. 1796 . GW wrote Thornton on 26 Dec. : “Your letter of the 4th of the present month came to my hands.”
12To George Washington from William Thornton, 14 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
I imagine there will not be a full Board for two or three weeks, and, as I consider the Subject of extending the reservations to the areas which are formed by the Intersection of several Streets & Avenues as very interesting I thought it would border on neglect were I to fail to lay them before you, although I with great unwillingness intrude again upon your time. When the Subject of...
13To George Washington from William Thornton, 6 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have sent the Section of Square No. 21, with an Alteration made by the red Line, which is allowing as much as the Surveyor, on attentively considering the Ground, thinks can be made with propriety. I have directed the general plan of the Levels to be made correspondent. I request you will be pleased to accept a Dozen Bottles of what may be truly called The heart of Oak. It is old Spirit that...
14William Thornton to GW, 8 October 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: William Thornton to GW, 8 Oct. 1797. On 10 Oct. GW wrote Thornton : “Your favours of the 6th & 8th instant have both been received.”
15To George Washington from William Thornton, 16 October 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 16 Oct. 1798. On 18 Oct. GW wrote Thornton : “I regret, not having received your letter of the 16th until last night.”
16To George Washington from William Thornton, 25 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Some Days before the Board had the honor of your last Communication I had applied to Mr Blagdin to make out all the various Estimates expressed in your Favour to me of the 18th Instt, and I meant to obtain a Specimen of the different mouldings; thinking your People could work better by them, than by Drawings. What I requested was only in proviso; for I thought it might finally be a matter of...
17To George Washington from William Thornton, 30 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor of your very kind Letter, inclosing a check on the Bank of Columbia, for five hundred Dollars, to be appropriated to the erection of the Houses you contemplate, which shall be duly applied. The Deeds will require re-copying on stampt paper, which I will take care to execute. I return my sincere thanks for your goodness in offering me the Advantage to be derived from...
18From George Washington to William Thornton, 2 November 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Thornton, 2 Nov. 1798. ALS , sold by B. Altman & Co., December 1969. Altman’s advertisement indicates that the letter was signed “with very great esteem and regard.”
19To George Washington from William Thornton, 21 December 1798 (Washington Papers)
I had this Moment the honor of your Letter of yesterday’s Date, inclosing a Check for five hundred Dollars, on the Bank of Alexandria; wch shall be duly appropriated to the prosecution of your two Houses in the City of Washington. I will make the necessary Enquiries of Mr Blagdin relative to any Alteration you may be pleased to direct. It is a Desideratum in Architecture to hide as much as...
20To George Washington from William Thornton, 25 December 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 25 Dec. 1798. On 30 Dec. GW wrote Thornton : “Your favor of the 25th instant . . . has been duly received.”
21To George Washington from William Thornton, 28 January 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 28 Jan. 1799. On 30 Jan. GW acknowledged the receipt of Thornton’s “favor of the 28th instant.”
22To George Washington from William Thornton, 12 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
This morning I received the Statement of the Glass requisite for your Buildings, which I take the earliest opportunity of transmitting. Mr Blagdin has not yet called for any part of the thousand Dollars you deposited in the Bank of Alexandria. If your forbearance to others should render any Application for Discounts at Bank necessary, I would advise that you do not take up any until it is...
23To George Washington from William Thornton, 14 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have this Morning obtained the Prices of the Boston Glass, which is of a very good quality; and, if, on enquiry, no cheaper can be had, equally good, it may be sent for at any time you will be pleased to direct. I should not have failed to make the necessary Enquiries here, but we have no Importers. My Colleague Mr Scott has been for several Days indisposed, and incapable of meeting me. I...
24To George Washington from William Thornton, 18 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I received your Favour of the 14th Inst. with the present of the three valuable Trees with which you have honored me by Coll Lear—The weather was so bad that he could not send them till the Day before yesterday, so that they were two Days out of the Ground, and there was no mould round them. I know as a Farmer that good mould is very scarce in some places. As soon as I got the Trees I planted...
25To George Washington from William Thornton, 19 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
When Colonel Lear was here he said you were desirous of knowing if Mr Blagdin had laid in all the materials requisite for your Houses, as you thought they would not only be likely to rise, but probably be difficultly obtained properly Seasoned. I called on him, but not meeting with him I went the Day before yesterday to his Partner Mr Lenthall, who informed me that every Contract was made, and...
26To George Washington from William Thornton, 24 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your Letter of the 21st, and am afraid that I have not expressed sufficiently clearly my Direction to have the Cills of the exterior Doors of the Basement of Stone. The Cills of the Ground Floor or Entrance are to be, by Specification, as you supposed, of Stone, as well as the Frontispieces. I meant the Cills of the exterior Doors opening from the Areas into the passages...
27To George Washington from William Thornton, 31 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
Finding that the Board of Commissrs were exceedingly urged, by Mr George Walker, to lay off and divide certain small portions of Ground, within the lines of his property, between the intersection of various Avenues & Streets, which do not appear in the general plan of the City to have ever been designed for private Occupancy; and perceiving the Board were disposed to adopt the proposal, I...
28To George Washington from William Thornton, 5–6 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
According to the Desire you signified of knowing how soon Mr Blagdin would require a further Advance of Money, I requested him, the Day after your Departure, to state the Sum and time. He told me that he should shortly have to remit Money to Mr Littleton Dennis, on the Eastern Shore, for Materials, & should want a thousand Dollars by the 15th Instant. I told him that such rapid payments were...
29To George Washington from William Thornton, 25 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
The Day on which I had the honor of receiving your last favour I waited on Mr Blagdin, and communicated the contents. He had not then gotten the Boxes of Glass, therefore Coll Gilpin would no doubt take the first opportunity of returning the Box which came to him by mistake. I should not have delayed answering your Letter, but at the time it arrived I received one from Mr Anderson, by which I...
30To George Washington from William Thornton, 3 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your Favour of the 2nd Inst: and am highly sensible of your goodness in estimating so much the little I have yet been capable of doing to serve you. I only lament that I have not had it more in my power to shew my Inclination to repay in part your manifold kindness. The check on the Bank of Alexandria for one thousand Dollars, which you enclosed to me I immediately paid on...
31To George Washington from William Thornton, 19 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
I was honored, in due Course of post, with your Favour of the 14th to which I should have replied sooner, but was desirous of knowing, from as many quarters as I could, the probable rent of Houses to be built for the accommodation of Congress. The general Idea of renting Houses in America is, to charge 10 ⅌ Ct on the Expenditures, if these are made with Economy; for Taxes are high; the abuse...
32To George Washington from William Thornton, 1 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
As soon as I had the honor of your Favour of the 28th Ulto I made the necessary Enquiry of Mr Blagdin, but did not receive his Answer till yesterday Afternoon, as he had a Statement to make of some Ironmongery wanted for the Houses. This return I enclose, but if it should be inconvenient to you to order the Articles, either Mr Blagdin or I will get them for you. He informs me he shall have...
33To George Washington from William Thornton, 24 September 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 24 Sept. 1799. On 29 Sept. GW wrote Thornton : “Your letter of the 24th instant . . . came to my hands.”
34To George Washington from William Thornton, 3 October 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 3 Oct. 1799. On 6 Oct. GW wrote Thornton : “Your letter of the 3d was recd last Night.”
35To George Washington from William Thornton, 13 November 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 13 Nov. 1799. On 18 Nov. GW wrote Thornton : “Your favour of the 13th inst: came duly to hand.”
36To George Washington from William Thornton, 30 November 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 30 Nov. 1799. GW wrote Thornton on 1 Dec. : “Your favour of the 30th Ulto . . . came to my hands this morning.”
37To George Washington from William Thornton, 5 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the Letter which I had the honour of receiving from you Yesterday I have the pleasure of informing you that there is nothing to be paid for the Fruit Trees in addition to what you subscribed to Leflet, therefore if you will be pleased to specify the numbers of each Sort omiting any kinds you may not be inclined to have & calculating what you take at 1s. Maryld Cury ⅌ Tree to the...
38To George Washington from William Thornton, 7 December 1799 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Thornton, 7 Dec. 1799. GW thanked Thornton on 8 Dec. for “the communications contained in your letter of yesterday.”
39To James Madison from William Thornton, 16 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had expected, with more satisfaction & pleasure than I can express, your arrival in this City, when I heard of your late afflictive loss, in which I sincerely sympathize. I also lament, on another Account your detention in Virginia. The President, whose tender regard for you makes him always speak with an uncommon degree of Interest for your Welfare, informed me that you had long experienced...
40To James Madison from William Thornton, 15 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of your Favour of the 8th: Instant, and have paid particular attention to its Contents. I saw Mr: Harbaugh and I find it impossible to make such an Agreement with him as to accommodate you, even were I to stipulate for an advance; because his Son now occupies the House & has rented his own. I know that his Son would not urge but delay the completion of the Building, and Mr:...
41To James Madison from William Thornton, 8 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have this Day heard that the Treasurer of the United States has resigned. An opening therefore presents, which is too respectable not to be coveted, and I should have applied sooner for this, had I not conceived an Application indelicate, previous to his resignation; though I heard, some time ago, that it would take place. Indeed, of all the Offices in the Gift of the President, I do not...
42To James Madison from William Thornton, 17 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I heard Mr: Payne say last night that he had received a Letter from Mrs. Madison, and that you were all well. It gave us much pleasure to hear such good Intelligence. I hope, for the character of Orange, and particularly for the reputation of Montpelier you will not expose yourself to the Fatigues that your Industry may prompt you to call pleasures as you traverse your extensive Domains. Some...
43To James Madison from William Thornton, 26 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I received your very kind favour of the 19th. Instant, and am much obliged by your friendship. I have only one objection to the Exchange you offer me. I am much afraid you have put yourself to inconvenience to oblige me, which I should be sorry for; it is what the sincerest friendship cannot require, and, I beg you to be candid with me and let me know what you value the Horses at, and what you...
44To James Madison from William Thornton, 9 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
Jason arrived here safely on Tuesday Eveng. and Payne came up the Day after in good Health. Mrs: Dick of Alexandria wrote to my Wife that there was no danger of any Fever, but subsequent Accounts from others differ very materially. It is said that the Fever has taken off several persons very suddenly, and the Inhabitants fly the place from alarm. It is a melancholy reflection that there is...
45To James Madison from William Thornton, 19 November 1804 (Madison Papers)
The Terms on which I have let brood Mares are these— The Person who takes them breeds from them by putting them yearly to the best Horses, and after rearing the foals till they are three yrs. old sets a price on each which he will either give or take; he being at all expense till then. On the above Terms I will let two Mares; one by Driver out of the full sister of Nontocka by Hall’s Eclipse...
46To James Madison from William Thornton, 3 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
We have been lately much flattered with the hope of soon seeing you again; and I assure you there is a general pleasure expressed in hearing that your amiable Partner is compleatly recovered. I was certain that it would only require attention and great patience; but it is a severe tax upon a Lady to be obliged to stay at home in Philada: where she would have given and received so much...
47To James Madison from William Thornton, 11 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Thornton. 11 February 1806, Washington. “I have five hundred Dollars to pay this Day Into the Bank of Columbia, and I have all but two hundred, which I expected to have had from the inclosed note, but it has been returned to me in consequence of the Flour not having all arrived. I have put off any application to my Friends till I find the hour approaching, and I had determined...
48Account of William Thornton, 21 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Account of William Thornton. 21 April 1806. “For Services rendered in the Patent office” from “the 1st: Day of October 18⟨05⟩ ⟨to 31⟩st. march 1806 inclusive” for $700. “Please to pay the above to Christopher S. Thom Esqure.” RC ( DNA : RG 217, First Auditor’s Accounts, no. 17,988). 1 p.; docketed by JM : “April 21. To be allowed.”
49To James Madison from William Thornton, 6 August 1806 (Madison Papers)
As you will probably see the President soon, I shall take it as a particular Favour if you will be so kind as to make known to him the following. It will preclude the necessity of my troubling him on the Subject. When General Washington saw the foundation of the Capitol laid by Mr: Hallet which tended to make the middle part square, to the exclusion of the centre Dome he was so affected by the...
50Account with William Thornton, [5 December] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Account between the Honble. James Madison—and Mr. Thornton. William Thornton Dr: 1806 Augst. 4. To a Loan of one hundred and fifty Dollars $150.— 1807— To Interest one year on the above 9.— To Interest on fifty Dollars till 1809 from Augst. 4th: 1807 till Decr. 1809. 2 yrs: 3 months 7.50 1805 Octr. To 120 Bushels of Coals at 28 Cts. ⅌r: Bushell 33.60 March 18. To 196 Bushs: of Coal at 28 Cts....