1To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your knowledge the bearer of this, Mr. Benjamin Rittenhouse. Mr. Rittenhouse is the brother of our late illustrious astronomer. He is a man of the most amiable character, and of pure, unsoiled republican principles. Permit me, Sir, to congratulate your country upon the great event which has just taken place. To you, I am persuaded, the event is of much less...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 9 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honour to introduce to your knowledge, one of our countrymen, Dr. John Watkins , a gentleman of much information, and of great merit. Dr. Watkins has just returned from Spain, and is on his way to the Missisipi, where he proposes to settle. In that part of North-America, he will have ample opportunities of collecting important materials for the natural history of the new world;...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 13 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed, that a Marine Hospital is about to be established, at the expence of the government of the United-States, in the city of New-Orleans. Should this be the case, permit to observe, that I think Mr. Oliver H. Spencer , a young man who has just completed his studies in our University , would be a very proper person to serve in the capacity of a physician to the institution. Mr....
4From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 29 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13th. came to hand on the 20th. instant only. I now inclose you, from the Secretary at war, a letter to Colo. Meigs our agent with the Cherokees, and one to yourself which may answer with those of any other nation you may chuse to visit. should you visit the Creeks, you will find them assembled in May and June and with them General Wilkinson, General Pickens and mr Hawkins...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 27 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your knowledge, the bearer of this, Dr. Edward D. Smith , of Charleston, S. Carolina, who is now on his return to his native place. Dr. Smith is a young man of very uncommon merit, ardently attached to science, and not less so to the interests of republicanism. These circumstances have procured for him many friends in Pennsylvania. I could not deprive...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 27 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a copy of two discourses sent you by mr La Cepede through the hands of mr Paine, who delivered them with some sent me. what follows in this letter is strictly confidential. you know we have been many years wishing to have the Missouri explored, & whatever river, heading with that, runs into the Western ocean. Congress, in some secret proceedings, have yielded to a proposition I...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 27 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Some propositions having been made to the public on the subject of a natural bed of Sulphur in Genesee, we wished to obtain information respecting it. Capt Williamson tells me you passed some time in examining it, and I am sure therefore you can give me better information respecting it than any other person, & on which I shall more rely. I pray you therefore to do it without delay, as we are...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 30 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your letter , which I received this morning, I shall, with great pleasure and strict sincerity, communicate what I know respecting the Sulphur in Jenisseia. I visited this bed of sulphur, or, as it is called in the country, the “Sulphur-Springs,” in August, 1797. I observed a quantity of sulphur in and about the springs. The whole quantity might, perhaps, have amounted to a...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 28 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. F. A. Humboldt. I am persuaded that I need not offer any apology for introducing to your knowledge and attentions, the explorer of South America, and one of the most intelligent and active philosophers of our times. We all regret that his stay among us is to be so short. With sentiments of the highest respect, I remain, Dear Sir, Your obedient and affectionate...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 20 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to Dr. Barton & has this day put on board Capt Ellwood’s schooner bound for Philadelphia a small paper packet addressed to him, containing a copy of mr Volney’s Tableau des E.U. for Dr. Barton, & 2. others for Mr. John Mifflin and the late mr Bordley . Th:J. asks the favor of Dr. Barton to have these last delivered. they were recieved, with many...