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
11To James Madison from William Thornton, [3 March 1817] (Madison Papers)
To prevent any Suspicion of a deficiency in respect to you and your Lady—whom we have never ceased to more than respect & esteem—I am unwilling to permit you to depart without expressing our sincere regret that when your Departure was made known to all our Friends by her farewell visit to them, and they were thereby enabled to pay their parting respects, we remained ignorant thereof, and were...
12William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been waiting till this Day to obtain a Copy of the List of Patents, and lose not a moment in writing to you.— Colonel Trumbull has been here some time, & has expressed satisfaction on viewing the Copy I made of your Portrait. I have placed it in the Congressional Library , in a very superb gilt Frame, that when the members view the works by w ch the inside of your head was so well...
13William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 20 July 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I lamented very much when you wrote to me for the Portrait by Stewart , that I had not finished a Copy of it; for I was in hopes that the Gentlemen who were engaged in taking the Heads of our worthies, would have done more justice than I could do: but when I saw, on their return, the Portraits of yourself of M r & M rs Madison , I beheld them with amazement.—I did not admire them, but I...
14William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 9 June 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your very friendly Letter , & I really feel ashamed at putting you to the necessity of writing for the Paintings you were so kind as to lend me to copy;—but still more so to offer any apology for not immediately sending them: however I must do it, for they are yet here. The Head by Stewart I really think one of the finest I ever saw, & having commenced it, I was in hopes of...
15William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I expected long before now to have returned the fine painting of Stewart & the Drawing of West that you were so obliging as to send to me and for which I am very much obliged, but I have been disappointed in getting the Head modelled, which I wished to have got done by an Italian artist who promised to do it, but has since expressed a wish to do after the original: his name is Valaperta . He...
16William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 4 April 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
W: Thornton ’s respects to the Hon ble Thomas Jefferson, and, according to promise , sends a Copy of the List of Patents for the last Year: he has also the honor of presenting a Copy of the Piece he wrote some years ago, and incloses one for the Hon: Colonel Randolph .— W.T. has this Day seen a model of a machine which prepares Cotton for spinning without Carding. It is a very simple machine,...
17William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I should before now have answered your esteemed favor of the 9 th Feb y last , but I wished to communicate something relative to the Looms: I find nothing yet worthy of your attention.— I have made several Enquiries relative to the mode of lining the Cisterns for Water. In the West Indies where Pouzzolane abounds, they plaster them in the inside with this Substance mixed with lime & sand, and...
18Enclosure: William Thornton’s Drawing and Description of a Water and Cider Filter, [ca. 3 April 1815] (Jefferson Papers)
Filtering Machine;—which filters per assensum .— A . Under Vessel B . Upper vessel C . Netting or Hair-Cloth when Cyder is to be filtered.— D . Tube of Wood or metal leading from B to A .— E
19William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 11 January 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much obliged by the kind promise you have been so good as to make of me , of the loan of the two paintings; of which I shall take great care.— A few Days ago a M r Crossbie , formerly from England , called at my Office, and asserts that m r Janes , who took out the Patent for the Loom, obtained the same from one that he ( Crossbie ) had invented, & had then in operation. He means to...
20William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long owed you a Letter, relative to Clopper ’s Looms: but I wished to see him or hear from him before I should write again. I wrote but received from him no Answer. I wrote to his Brother to enquire where he was, & the proprietor of the Patent right called on me. I said so much to him on the Subject, that I he acknowledged he had done wrong in hold g his rights in Virg a at such a...
21William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 2 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I had this Day the honor of your Letter of the 23 d Ult o inclosing Janes’s Papers, which came in safety.— At the same time I received the inclosed Letter from Janes , and wrote immediately to M r George Greer of Baltimore to know his Terms.— I enclose a Copy
22Enclosure: William Thornton to George Greer, 2 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
The late President of the U.S. M r Jefferson being desirous of knowing how & where he could obtain one of the Looms of M r Janes’s Improvem t I wrote to M r J: & received this day his answer , referring me to you or to M r Robert Miller
23William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I only received your favour of the 9 th Inst: a few Days ago, & I have been trying to get a copy made of the Drawing & Specification &c of m r Janes’s Patent, but fearing it might take more time to do it correctly than your call for it would admit, I thought it best to run the risk of sending the Papers, and take the responsibility on myself, for I know that nothing but a miscarriage of the...
24To James Madison from William Thornton, 28 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
I lately received from Mr. Floy, nursery & Seeds-man, New York, the inclosed, on the Subject of a Botanic Garden, & I think it my duty to submit it to your perusal. It is certainly a Subject of the highest Importance to this Country, for by clearing lands, whole Families of plants are likely to be lost to the world, but a Garden would preserve, what the Almighty has given as a blessing to...
25William Thornton to John Tayloe, 8 June 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1813, Washington. Observes that “the President is entitled to four Aids in the Army; & two in the militia as Commander in Chief of this District, in the same manner as the Governors of States. He has not reviewed the Army; otherwise he could not well dispense with Aids: but the militia of this District he has reviewed & would certainly not lessen the dignity of the military System by...
26William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 13 July 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
With the Drawings &c I received your Letter of the 3 rd Inst: & am sorry that the Description of the Spinning machine had not been more perfectly executed, by which you would with greater facility have comprehended the several parts. The roving part is described very much in the Stile of the Descriptions in the Cyclopadia; referring to the roving Jack is like referring to a Book out of print....
27William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d your Favour a Day or two after I wrote , and by your Servant Davy an order for the machine, which I went to the point to have packed up immediately; but hearing that one of his Horses was galled I advised him to rest them a Day or two, & to manage the Geers so as to prevent any further harm, which was done.—He arrived on the 24 th and after the machine was put up I paid Judge Cranch...
28William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 18 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of your Letter of the 24 th Ult o inclosing fifty Dollars, which I delayed answering from day to day till I am astonished at the lapse of time. I waited in daily expectation of the arrival of your Servant, and had the machine prepared accordingly. I have heard nothing of him yet, and cannot remain any longer silent, lest some accident may have happened.— I am still unwell, but...
29Enclosure: William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 9 May 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a measurement made of the Box or Case in which the Machine came packed, and I find it is 7 feet 7 Inches long— 3 feet 3 Inches wide, 2 feet 5 Inches deep.— I thought it necessary to give the dimensions, that you might be better enabled to determine in what way it should be conveyed, provided you conclude to take it. I saw M r Barrett spin a good deal of wool on it, & believe it to...
30William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your Letter concerning the Spinning Machine, & am sorry that I did not know sooner your Inclination to have one of them, and that M r Barrett should have hesitated a moment in sending you one.—He purchased some property of me, and not having made sales of his Machine sufficient to pay me, he gave me a power of attorney to sell his rights in Virginia and to pay...
31William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 20 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this Day had the honor of your Letter of the 14 th Inst: enquiring into the goodness of the Domestic Spinner by Ebenezer Hearrick . Having been very much confined by sickness I sent to the office for the Drawing of Hearrick’s machine. It may possibly answer, but I think it cannot spin fast the length of the thread every motion being very short. It consists of a Frame, a principal Band...
32To James Madison from William Thornton, 12 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
The boy that Mr. White meant to have sent down has met with a dreadful accident, been severely bit by a Horse that he was training, I must endeavour therefore to look out for an other if I can meet with one in time. I still remain sick in bed, of what the Doctors call a Rheumatick favour [ sic ] which must wear itself out, but I think is wearing me out very fast, we have had very severe rains...
33To James Madison from William Thornton, 3 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I lie still so very sick in bed I am obliged to get Mr. Lyon to write a few lines for me, we were exceedingly obliged by the kind attention of your amiable Lady and self, at the time of your departure, and if your good wishes could have reinstated me I should not be now lieing in the low situation I am in. Since I had the pleasure of seeing you Major White was here, who has trained some of my...
34To James Madison from William Thornton, 20 December 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1810, Washington. Encloses a letter from Mr. Eccleston that arrived in the U.S. some time ago. Has heard rumors of a change “in the Situation of the Post Master General” and mentions that his friend Mr. Fairfax, a gentleman of integrity and “firmly attached to the Government,” would be gratified to receive the appointment. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Fairfax”). 1...
35William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 4 September 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have so long delayed to write a few Lines to acknowledge your last favour , with an intention of making my Ans r more acceptable, by giving you news &c, that I am really ashamed of an appearance of forgetfulness; and, at this time, when exceedingly pressed by Business, I write, lest I may be still more engaged hereafter. I am exceedingly indebted to you for the very kind present you made me...
36To James Madison from William Thornton, 27 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of your Note acknowledging the receipt of the Medallion, and shall take the earliest opportunity of forwarding your Letter to England. I am very unwilling to trouble you, but I have received two Letters from Mr. Joseph Cerneau a French Citizen of the U. States, resident in New York, who wishes to send a Vessel to France but is afraid of the Rambouillet Decree; and solicits any...
37William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 8 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very glad that the young Fig trees arrived safe, and also that the former ones were still alive. I am much obliged by your kindness in reserving one of the Sheep dogs for me, and if not yet disposed of in consequence of not meeting with a good conveyance hither I must request your further kindness in sending them by the messenger you will despatch for your Merinos to the President’s ,...
38William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival in Town on monday Even g last I found the Post had departed that Day, & I therefore buried the Figtrees. I was obliged to take very small ones as you had requested me to send them by the Post as the safest way.— On my return I heard that some merinos had arrived, among which there were a male & Female for you, & a pair also for the President . I went to Alexandria to see them, &...
39William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
We came here to spend two or three Days, for the first time these six months, so closely have I been confined by my Duties, which have encreased to six fold, and I am yet without any Assistant, except when I hire, one at my own expense.—The Patents amounted last year to 219! Among them are Inventions that do honor to our Country. I think the coming Season will be the most abundant in fruit...
40Account 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....
41William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 16 November 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of your very friendly Letter of the 11 th Ultimo , and am much pleased with your wishes to colonize so many Objects of utility and delight. In this Country we have every climate & soil, and certainly whatever will flourish on Earth will flourish with us. I am glad the pair of Sheep got safe, & I will with great pleasure send some more Fig trees in the way you mention, or by...
42William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I had last Night the honor of your Letter of the 24 th Inst t and am much gratified by any opportunity of testifying in the smallest degree my high esteem & respect. I am exceedingly obliged by your kind wish to have seen me with the President & his Lady , and M r & M rs Gallatin . To see you, and your amiable & excellent Family would at all times be sufficient Inducement, but if any...
43To James Madison from William Thornton, 17 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
Not wishing my reasons for visiting my Farm at present to be generally known, but at the same time thinking it a duty I owe to you & myself to account for my Absence from public Business at this Season, I must take the liberty to trouble you for a few moments with my private Concerns. I have been very unfortunate in the recovery of debts due to me, & have lost many thousand Dollars in the...
44To James Madison from William Thornton, 9 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
that your petitioner has invented certain Improvements in Steam boats, including modes of propelling the same by Paddles, or a wheel or wheels at the Stern and improvement in boilers for Steam Engines for the Same, & for every other purpose where large & very hot fires are required; and also for the use of a certain kind of coal which gives out much heat in proportion to its quantity which...
45To Thomas Jefferson from William Thornton, 22 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed was written by the Chinese Mandarin in my presence, and the Translation I wrote as he delivered it me,—though not precisely in the same words, but as nearly as the Idiom would allow.—Your name he wrote himself, both in the Roman & Chinese Characters, with a Camel’s-hair pencil & Indian Ink. I am Sir with the greatest respect & highest Consideration yr. &c ViW .
46To James Madison from William Thornton, 9 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
From the fine Weather that has succeeded the late rain I am in hopes you & the Ladies, have had an agreeable Journey. I meant to have sent down the mare, if John had returned in a reasonable time with her, but he came back about 2 o’Clock, without having seen her: I learnt however yesterday that she had returned to the Farm; where we meant to have spent the Day, but I felt too unwell to ride,...
47To James Madison from William Thornton, 27 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
After troubling you so often on the Subject of Patents, without meeting with any Encouragement, it is with inexpressible reluctance that I again address you: but without some further representation from you I cannot presume the Committee to whom the Business is now referr’d by Congress will take into view all that relates to the Subject. The room I now occupy is admitted by all to be...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William Thornton, 17 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
W: Thornton’s respectful Compliments to the President of the United States, and sends the Papers of Paul Pilsbury, & Levi Stevens, also the Model of Pilsbury, which by Experiment seems to be a very good machine. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
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 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.”