1To John Adams from George Wythe, 5 December 1783 (Adams Papers)
Often had I almost resolved to write to you, to supply, in some measure, by an epistolary correspondence, the want of that conversation, which I had no other cause to regret than the interruption of it by the distance between us; and had more reasons than I can enumerate to covet. But uncertainty of communication, and a doubt whether the merit of any thing I could say would be an apology for...
2From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 3 January 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
As some Indian Tribes, to the westward of the Missisippi have lately, without any provocation, massacred many of the Inhabitants upon the Frontiers of this Commonwealth, in the most cruel and barbarous Manner, and it is intended to revenge the Injury and punish the Aggressors by carrying the War into their own Country. We congratulate You upon your Appointment to conduct so important an...
3To Benjamin Franklin from George Wythe, 6 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Thomas Shore, a young gentleman of Virginia, about to embark for Europe, will probably do himself the honour to wait upon you. My acquaintance with him, and the testimony several very respectable persons bear of his good qualities authorise me to say, that I have great confidence he will not be found unworthy any kindness you may be pleased to shew him....
4Thomas Jefferson and George Wythe to Benjamin Harrison, 18 June 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
The committee appointed in pursuance of an act of General Assembly passed in 1776, intituled “An act for the revision of the laws,” have according to the requisitions of the said act gone through that work, and prepared 126 bills, the titles of which are stated in the inclosed catalogue. Some of these bills have been presented to the House of Delegates in the course of the present session two...
5To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 1 November 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
An apt begining to a letter containing a prescription. Put on sheeps clothing. It will cure rheumatic pains, is comfortable in winter, after one summer not unpleasant in that season, less unpleasant than linen in all seasons, when we perspire freely. Probatum est . You send Kuster for my perusal. I can peruse nothing but court pa pers. This employment by habit is become delectable. In it I...
6To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 10 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
My neighbour Madison, just now, sent to me a pacquet , which i perceived, by the superscription, to have come from you; a favour little deserved by one who had not writen to you since you crossed the atlantic. I will not say what was the cause of this silence; but can swear, that the cause was not forgetfullness of you, nor want of good will for you. Before i opened the pacquet observing it to...
7To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 15 August 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you lately, kind sir, begging the favour of you to direct in every thing about the seal, and undertaking to add twenty pounds to the money allowed for it by the general assembly. The smallest size will be most convenient; and perhaps the figures may be represented on a small as well as on a large one. I pray you to remember me affectionately to all your family, and that you will...
8To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 1 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I extracted, thirty years ago, from the journals of the british house of commons, the parliamentary rules of procedure, but left the copy of them among the papers belonging to the house of burgesses, among which a search for it at this day would be vain. Since 1775, I have thought so little of those rules that my memory doth not enable me to supply such of them as may deserve your attention....
9To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 27 July 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Brend tells me he will finish the binding of your books in two or three weeks. The committee appointed to collect and publish the laws relating to land property, seeing your letter , in january, to me, declined proceding in the business, for the present, in hopes the general assembly may be persuaded by the reasons which you suggested to extend the work. Will you permit me to deliver a printed...
10To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 10 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
When you can attend to trifles, tell me your opinion, in general, of the drawing inclosed with this; particularly, should not parties appear before the judge? Is not the skin of Sisamnes , whose story, you know, Herodotus relates, added by Mr. West to the original design, an improvement? On the reverse, are not the words ‘state of Virginia,’ on the exergon, since within it are represented...
11To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 13 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
By the letter, which i lately received from you, i find myself indebted further for that kind attention to me, to prove which you never suffer an opportunity to pass unheeded. I am endeavouring to satisfy the inquiry of the Tagliaferris, near Florence, about their emigrant kinsman, according to Mr. Fabbroni’s desire. At present i incline to think that this person was he whom Buchanan, rerum...
12To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 11 November 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
The resolutions describing treasons are inclosed. The report for ascertaining the value of coins , &c. remains in the same state of repose as you left it in, among several others that are, as the president says, not acted upon. I gave Col. Harrison an extract of that part of your letter which related to him, and asked him what answer I should make? He told me he would do what you desired so...
13To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 22 February 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
George Keith Taylor sent to me a letter written to him by Caleb Lownes , in which that benevolent man consenteth to superintend our hospital for reception and amendment of sinners formerly doomed to the gibbet. i was desired to hand the letter to the governor, which hath been done, and to do what is mentioned in the subjoined extract from his letter to me: ‘will you be so good as to write to...
14To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 6 April 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday, I have looked cursorily over all the charters in my office. Of those sent by Mr. Montagu the three which seem to concern the matter you are considering are the same that are in the appendix to Mr. Stith’s history and the other which is all that I have of them besides is an ordinance relating to the appointment of a council in England for the affairs of the colony....
15To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 31 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Peter Tinsley, the brother of the officer , concerning a demand against whom i took the liberty to write a letter to thee not long since, apprehends, that the letter may make some impression thy mind unfavourable to the officer, and may produce a suspicion in others of some unjustifiable conduct in captain Tinsley. this i write for the purpose of declaring that i know of no such conduct; and...
16To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 22 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able, after long inquiry, to obtain the writings of Phlegon mentioned by Ferguson in his tables and tracts. Probably you can tell to whom and where application may be successfull. When you find convenient to give this information, add to the favour an etiquette, which may direct my London correspondent, to whom, with it, i shall transmit a bill of exchange, in procuring some...
17To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 1 January 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The general assembly, at their late session, enacted that a collection of the laws, public and private, relative to lands , shall be printed. Those, who are appointed to perform the work , despair of doing it, without your aid. If you will permit your copies to be sent hither, I will be answerable for thear restitution in the same order as when they shall be received. Be so good as let me...
18To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, [before 19 June 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the ‘rights of man’, which you sent to me. When you have leisure, I beg the favour of you to employ Mr. Scott, or some other good hand, to make a seal for our court of chancery. The diameter of it I would not have more than that of a dollar. I send the design by Mr. West. Put any part of it, or any thing else of which you more approve, on the seal. The assembly have given...
19To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 23 April 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Whenever that εγχειριδιον περι την σνμβουλην νομοθετικην , which thou art preparing, shall be published, as i anxiously hope it will be, reserve two or three copies for me. Adieu. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Apr. and so recorded in SJL . εγχειριδιον περι την σνμβουλην νομοθετικην : “Manual of the Legislative Counsel,” or, more literally, “Handbook of the Lawmaker’s Advice.”
20To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 10 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The books , which you sent last september did not arrive here until this day. They shall be distributed according to your appointment. For my part of them i owe many thanks but indeed, my good sir, such presents are too costly. P. Carr still attends me daily. I think him well advanced in the greek and latin languages. Your directions for prosecution of his studies will be profitable to him and...
21To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 7 December 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Your sollicitations are with me more cogent motives than with his slave are the mandates of a despot. Page 1, line 9, &c. is not the parliamentary term ‘leave out’ instead of ‘strike out’? 21. the statement seemeth exact. 23. the question is simply, that the committee do agree to it, if amendments be not made, or, if they be, that the committee do agree to it, with the amendments 24. the final...
22To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 28 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 18th instant , by some accident or other, did not come to hand before it was too late to answer it by this days post. Make use of the house and furniture. I shall be happy if any thing of mine can contribute to make your and Mrs. Jefferson’s residence in Williamsburg comfortable. Adieu. RC ( DLC ). TJ’s letter of the 18th instant is missing. It must have contained a request...
23To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 27 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Lord Dunmore, driven from Gwins, retreated to St. George’s island in Potowmack, a station we hear he found no less unquiet than what he left, so that he hath gone up that river, distressed, it is imagined for want of water. Ought the precept, ‘if thine enemy thirst give him drink,’ to be observed towards such a fiend, and in such a war? Our countrymen will probably decide in the negative; and...
24To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 10 April 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
After the seventh decad of my years began i learned to write with the left hand, as you may see by this specimen, and that with ease, although slowly. yet if to write were painfull, i should, before this time, have answered your letter of 28 of february: but i have been endeavouring to recollect what little of parliamentary procedings i formerly knew, and find myself unable to give information...
25To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My kinsman James Westwood Wallace proposeth to remove to New-Orleans, invited by the prospect of providing for a numerous and increasing familie there better than he can provide for them here. he professeth medicine. any kind office to him will be grateful to me. adieu. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Sep. and “Wallace Dr. James for N. Orleans” and so recorded in SJL ....
26To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 31 December 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days after the reduction of York I returned to Williamsburg, and accompanying Mr. Madison, waited on general Washington, with an address of the university among other things, desiring him to give orders, that the college, which we found employed as an hospital, might be evacuated so soon as it could be done conveniently. He was very civil, and gave a kind answer; but for that business...
27To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 31 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The report which you, my much respected sir, sent to me, had been seen and read over and over again by me three weeks ago. Thanks are due for it, and it is deposited among my treasures. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 14 Sep. 1790 and so recorded in SJL
28To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 18 November 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Whenever you and the speaker think I should return to Virginia to engage in the part which shall be assigned to me in revising the laws , I shall attend you. As to the time and place of meeting and my share in this work, I can accommodate myself to the appointment, and be content with the allotment my colleagues shall make. In the mean time, I purpose to abide here, if the enemy do not drive...
29To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 5 April 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not know that the terms on which the crown engaged to grant the lands in Virginia are contained in any other charter than that by Car. ii. the 10. of Oct. 28 of his reign. The original, I believe although the seal is not now to it, I found in my office; and I understand it is recorded in the Secretary’s office. A copy of it I now inclose to be sent by the first opportunity. In the mean...
30To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 9 March 1770 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you some nectarine and apricot graffs and grapevines, the best I had; and have directed your messenger to call upon Major Taliaferro for some of his. You will also receive two of Foulis’s catalogues. Mrs. Wythe will send you some garden peas. You bear your misfortune so becomingly, that, as I am convinced you will surmount the difficulties it has plunged you into, so I foresee you will...
31To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 10 February 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter, written lately to you, after acknowledging the receipt of a pacquet, i begged you, if it would not be inconvenient, to procure for me the arms of Taliaferro, engraven on a small copper plate, with the name Richard Taliaferro, and this motto, taken from Επτα επι Θηβας Αισχυλου, S.598. Ου δοκειν αριςος αλλ’ ειναι or without αριςος , if you think it, omitted, will be understood. In...
32To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 9 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Notwithstanding those to whom the bills were drawn immediately payable, could not have been entitled to more than the value received for them, I think that Mr. Nathan, the endorsee, if he were not privy to that transaction, and actually paid cash, or an equivalent for them at par when he took them up, may equitably, as well as legally, insist upon the assumpsit; because the terms of the...
33To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 12 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In the list of successfull candidates for office, in the territorie latelie ceded by the government of France to the united states, his friends will rejoice to find the name of Humphrey Brooke . He is reported by those best acquainted with him to be a man of capacitie, diligence, benevolence, urbanitie, blameless manners. The object of his contemplated migration from his present residence in...
34To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 24 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish, my dear sir, to refer the whole business of the seal to your judgment; and if the cost excede the general assembly’s allowance so much as twenty pounds, will advance the money, although they may refuse to reimburse it. My best wishes ever attend you and your connections. A seal of a small size seems most convenient; but I know not the fit size to admit a proper exhibition of the...
35George Wythe to Thomas Jefferson and Edmund Randolph, 17 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The citizens of Richmond wish you, or one of you, if the other be absent, to present to the president their address which is inclosed with This. I am your friend RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson secretary of state and Edmund Randolph, attorney general, Philadelphia.” Enclosure: Inhabitants of Richmond and vicinity to George Washington, Richmond, 17 Aug. 1793, expressing approval of...
36To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 26 March 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Can you contrive that people who want, may obtain, copies of the acts of general assembly , now to be found in your collection only, without trouble to yourself, and without danger of loss or detriment to the books? Farewell. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ and recorded in SJL as received 7 Apr. 1795. This letter and TJ’s 18 Apr. 1795 response began the protracted but successful effort to provide...
37Enclosure: Queries on Parliamentary Procedure, 7 December 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
9. In Committee . The paper before a committee, whether select or of the whole, may be a bill, resolutions, draught of an address &c. and it may either originate with them, or be referred to them. in every case the whole paper is read first by the clerk, & then by the chairman by paragraphs, Scob. 49. pausing at the end of the paragraph, & putting questions for amending if proposed. in the...
38To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 22 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Lest a letter, which, a few days ago, i wrote to you, should not come to your hands, i now write this, to entreat, that you will let us have your thoughts on the confederation of the american states, which is proposed to be revised in the summer following. I mentioned in that letter, that Peter Carr was attending the professors of natural and moral philosophy, and mathematics, learning the...
39To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Would not the figures to which one must advert in studying geometry, formed of wood, metal, or ivory, be more instructive than those, which are delineated on paper? If you think so, and if such figures can be procured where you are, i wish to know the cost of them, that i may remit money to pay for them, when i will beg the favour of you to send them to me. RC ( DLC ); endorsed: “Wyth George.”...
40Election Writ Issued to Sheriff of Fluvanna County, 30 June 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 30 June 1777 . George Wythe, Speaker of the House of Delegates, directs Martin Key, Sheriff of Fluvanna co., to summon freeholders on some convenient day to elect “two of the most able and discreet men” of the county and to notify the elected delegates to attend legislature at Williamsburg in October “to consult of such things as may be for the glory of God, and for the honour...
41To James Madison from George Wythe, February 1785 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. February 1785, Williamsburg . This letter informed JM that the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws had been conferred upon him by “the University of William & Mary.” See JM to Wythe, 15 April 1785 .
42To James Madison from George Wythe, 8 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty, my dear Sir, to desire a mr Prince to call upon you; in case he do not meet with mr. Wickham in Newyork, for about three guineas, the price of some fruit trees, which he is directed to send to me, including freight, &c. I am, as much as I can be any man’s, dear sir, your well-wisher and obedient servant RC ( MeHi ). Addressed by Wythe to JM at New York and franked.
43To George Washington from George Wythe, 25 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The professors of William and Mary are separated by various avocations so that it will perhaps be difficult suddenly to convene them. The answer therefore to their address, if it please your Excellency, may be inclosed in a letter directed to me. Permit me to interrupt your important deliberations with saying a word or two more upon the subject of it. Last year, until the british invasion, the...
44To George Washington from Robert Carter Nicholas and George Wythe, 27 May 1760 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday we received your Letter of the 21st Instant & are sorry to find you are likely to be involved in so much Trouble by your late Purchase of Clifton’s Neck, & the more so, because we don’t find ourselves able, even after the maturest Deliberation, to point out such Measures for you to conduct yourself by, as can with any Certainty be relied on; however, as you desire it, we ⟨&⟩ will...
45To George Washington from Robert Carter Nicholas and George Wythe, 3 June 1760 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Carter Nicholas and George Wythe, 3 June 1760. The catalog entry describes this letter as being “on legal matters, concerning the assignment of mortgages and titles.” LS , sold by Charles Hamilton, catalog no. 157, item 123, 11 Aug. 1983.
The continental congress having been pleased to appoint us a committe for collecting an account of the hostilities committed by the ministerial troops and navy in America, since last March, with proper evidence of the truth of the facts related, the number and value of the buildings destroyed, and of the vessels inward and outward bound seised, by them as nearly as can be ascertained, and also...
47George Wythe: Will and Three Codicils, 11 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Contemplating that event, which one in the second year of his sixteenth lustrum may suppose to be fast approaching, at this time, the twentieth day of April in the third year of the nineteenth centurie since the Christian epoch, when such is my health of bodie that vivere amem, and yet, such my disposition of mind that, convinced of this truth, what supreme wisdom destinateth is best, obeam...
48Enclosure: Legal Opinion of George Wythe, 15 December 1773 (Washington Papers)
Col. Washington seemed to be satisfied as to the King & Queen lands, which belonged to Mr Story, without inquiring into the title before the date of his Will in 1717, if the title be regularly deduced from him. I think by the Will the estate devised to the daughter was a contingent fee, determinable by her death, without leaving issue or without having alienated, so that the estate in fee,...