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 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...
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To 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...
9To 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...
10To 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...