1From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 3 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Apr. 28. from Bordeaux came to hand yesterday as did Mr. Rutledge’s of the 27th. (for I must still have the privilege of acknoleging both together). The incertainty you express whether you come by Nantes, and of course whether this letter (a copy of which goes there) may not get into other hands will very much shorten it. Madame de Tessé, whose constancy to you is above reproach, has...
2From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 4 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
We arrived here on Monday morning 28th. Sep. having had no accident on the road, but an axle tree broken on the Phaeton and the bad tire which Rocounier had put on the chariot wheels broke in two places. We have been detained here ever since by the most tempestuous weather ever seen. A ship and a brig, put in in distress, have been driven aground. To-day the wind has lulled, and tho’ as yet...
3From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 7 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The day after my arrivel here the equinoctial gales commenced and have prevailed now for nine days with a fury almost unexampled. Three days ago there appeared a small abatement, we got our baggage aboard a packet and tried to get out of the harbor but it was impossible. For my comfort the weatherwise tell me these winds will continue till the change of the moon, that is near a fortnight...
4From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 17 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Our ship has arrived here this evening, and if the wind permits we shall sail tomorrow. We have now lost exactly three weeks by contrary winds: so that in spite of my efforts to be in readiness for a passage between the equinox and winter, we shall surely be thrown late into December and perhaps into January, for our captain tells us we cannot expect less than a nine weeks passage. The ship is...
5From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 23 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
We are now under way, with a hopeful breeze. The Montgomery for New York on board which is Trumbull, Days , and Mr. Hillhouse, an American goes close along side of us, so that we are in easy conversation with them. Our ships are such equal sailors that we hope to keep together half the voiage if no accident happens. We have agreed on signals of reconnoissance. We go just North of the Western...
6From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 21 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Tho’ a committee of American captains at Cowes had determined we must expect a nine weeks passage, the winds and weather have so befriended us that we are come to an anchor here 29. days after weighing anchor at Yarmouth, having been only 26. days from and to land. After getting clear of the eternal fogs of Europe, which required 5. or 6. days sailing, the sun broke out upon us, and gave us...
7From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 14 December 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter was written to you on our coming to anchor. Since that my time has been divided between travelling and the society of my friends, and I avail myself of the first vacant interval to give you the news of the country to which therefore I shall proceed without further prelude. Marriages. Ben. Harrison of Brandon to a daughter of Mrs. Byrd. Doctor Currie to a widow Ingles, daughter...
8From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 12 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Passing this place on my way to New York and finding a vessel here bound for France I cannot omit the opportunity of writing you a line and sending you some newspapers. I have received but one letter from you since I left France. That expected to find me at Havre still. I am sure no other had come to New York 10. days ago because I have received my letters from thence very regularly every week...
9From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
There being no vessel here bound to any port in France, I avail myself of one going to Amsterdam to inform you of my having entered on the duties of the Department of state, comprehending that of foreign affairs. Your letters come to hand before the 3d. inst. have been acknoleged by Mr. Jay in one of that date. Those of the 18th. and 30th. of Nov. and 15. 22. and 26. of December have been...
10From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of March 28th. Since that yours of the 2d. and 6th. of January have come to Hand, together with the Ratification of the Consular Convention. I send you herewith a Letter from the President to the King notifying my Recall, with a Letter of Leave to M. de Montmorin, and another of Credence for you to the same, all of which you will be pleased to deliver to him. Copies of them...
11From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
At Philadelphia on my way here I received your favor of Nov. 19. and since my arrival here, those of Nov. 3. 25. 30. Dec. 25. and Jan. 12. have come at different times. My last private letter to you was from Alexandria. I shall send a duplicate and triplicate of it because of it’s importance to me. On delivering my letters of leave I will beg the favor of you to make the accustomary present...
12From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Mr. Horrÿ, is a citizen of So. Carolina, of distinquished connections in that country who is about to visit Paris. Tho’ not having the honor of a personal acquaintance with him, I am authorised on good information to assure you of his worth, and therefore take the liberty of asking you to render him all the services, and attentions, which may lie in your way. I am not...
13From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 27 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you a private letter on the 6th. inst. inclosing in it a duplicate of that of Mar. 12. These went by the way of Baltimore and Bordeaux. Again on the 7th. I sent by the English packet a duplicate of Apr. 6. and a triplicate of Mar. 12. The present will be accompanied by a triplicate of Apr. 6. I have thus sent three copies of these two letters of Mar. 12. and Apr. 6. on account of their...
14From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you was of the 6th. instt. acknowledging the receipt of your favors of the 2d. and 6th. of January, since that Mr. Jay has put into my hands yours of the 12th. of January, and I have received your note of Feby. 10th. accompanying some newspapers. Mine of the 6th. covered the Presidents letter to the King for my recall, and my letters of leave for myself, and of Credence to...
15From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 27 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
A periodical headach has put it out of my power for near a month to attend to any business, or correspondence public or private, and such is my present situation that, favorable as the opportunity is by Mr. Crevecoeur, I had not meant to venture to write to you. But the receipt of yours of Mar. 25. has decided me to try it. On my arrival in Virginia, as there was a vessel just sailing for...
16From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Having written to you so lately as the 27th. of May by M. de Crevecoeur, I have little new to communicate. My head-ach still continues in a slight degree, but I am able to do business. Tomorrow I go on a sailing party of three or four days with the President. I am in hopes of being relieved entirely by the sickness I shall probably encounter. The President is perfectly reestablished, and looks...
17From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 1 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
A bill has past two readings in the Senate for removing the seat of government immediately to Philadelphia, there to remain ten years, and then to be established permanently in Georgetown. It is to receive it’s third reading to-day, and tho’ it depends on a single vote, yet I believe we may count surely that it will pass that house. As it originated there, it will then have to pass the lower...
18From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 26 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My publick letters to you have been of the 28th. of March, the 6th. and 30th. of April. Yours, which remain to be acknowledged, are of Mar. 9. 17. 29. Apr. 4. 12. 23. and May 1. being from No. 21. to 28. inclusive except No. 23. which had come to hand before. I will state to you the dates of all your letters received by me with the times they have been recieved, and length of their passage....
19From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 26 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My publick letter of this date will convey to you public information and there is little of a private nature which the newspapers will not give you. Your last letter to me was of Mar. 25. and was acknoleged in mine of May 27. Since that I have written you three short letters of June 6. July 1. and 8. to apprize you of the removal of government from hence to Philadelphia on the bare possibility...
20From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 9 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress rises tomorrow. Your successor will not be appointed till they meet in December. Consequently he cannot go till the next spring. RC ( DLC : Short Papers); entirely in code, except for date, having interlinear decoding in Short’s hand; at head of text (also in code): “private.” PrC ( DLC ); accompanied by text en clair in TJ’s hand. Decoding verified by Editors, employing partially...
21VI. Secretary of State to William Short, 10 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter, with the very confidential papers it incloses, will be delivered you by Mr. Barrett with his own hands. If there be no war between Spain and England, they need be known to yourself alone. But if that war be begun, or whenever it shall begin, we wish you to communicate them to the Marquis de la Fayette, on whose assistance we know we can count in matters which interest both our...
22From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 12 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being just now informed that a vessel sails this afternoon for a port of Normandy, and knowing that the President wished to have some Champagne, and that this is the season to write for it, I have been to him, and he desires 40. dozen bottles. The execution of this commission I must put upon you, begging the favor of you to procure it of the growth of M. Dorsay’s vineyard at Aÿ opposite to...
23From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 25 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The President will leave this on the 30th. for Mount Vernon and will return to Philadelphia towards the latter part of November. I go hence a day or two after him, for Monticello, and shall return to Philadelphia about the last of October. The other offices will be removed to Philadelphia between the middle of October and of November. I very much wish my letters, written for this purpose, may...
24From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 26 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last Letters to you have been of the 26th. of July and 10th. instant. Yours of May 16th. No. 31. is come to Hand. I enclose you sundry Papers by which you will perceive that the expression in the 11th. article of our treaty of amity and commerce with France, Vizt. that ‘the Subjects of the United States shall not be reputed Aubaines in France , and consequently shall be exempted from the...
25From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 31 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my letter of the 26th. it has been decided to commit to your care the transaction of very important money matters at Amsterdam. It is thought necessary that you should go there immediately, and remain there about three months to possess yourself of the ground. The Secretary of the Treasury will detail to you the particulars requisite there. With respect to our affairs at Paris,...
26From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am here on my way to Virginia, to which place I set out tomorrow. The President left this this morning on his way to Mount Vernon. He engaged me some time ago to get him some wines from France, to wit 40. dozen of Champagne, 30 doz. of Sauterne, 20. dozen of Bordeaux de Segur, and 10. doz. of Frontignan, and he took a note of their prices in order to furnish me with a bill of exchange...
27From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last from Philadelphia. Your public letter of June 29. and private of June 14. and 29. are delivered to me here. My several letters, private, will have left me little to add on the subject of your stay in Europe. One circumstance only in your letters must be corrected, that is, your idea of my influence in the foreign affairs. You have forgotten your countrymen altogether, as well...
28From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 25 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Donald having it in contemplation to make overtures for the purchase of tobacco for French consumption, and the public papers rendering it uncertain whether that business will be left in the hands of the farmers general, or committed to a new board, or perhaps left altogether free, insomuch that we know not here to whom application must be made, I cannot do better than recommend him as my...
29From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 23 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters which have come to hand are as follows Date Recd. Passage Weeks— Days Weeks— Days No. 29 May 9. Oct. 14. 22–4 No. 38 Aug. 4. Nov. 20. 15–3 30 11. 14 22–2
30From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your several private letters unacknowledged are May 9. June 14. 29. July 7. 11. 16. August 4. 15. 22. Sep. 26. Oct. 3. 27. Nov. 27. Mine to you have been Aug. 9. 12. 25. 31. Sep. 6. 30. of which the two first and two last have not yet been acknowledged. That of Aug. 9. indeed was only a postscript.—To business. Goldsmith’s Encyclopedie I can meddle no further with. Just before I came away, I...
31From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 8 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
A conveyance offering by which we can send large packets you will recieve herewith the following articles. You are desired to have a medal of gold struck from the diplomatic die formerly ordered and present it with a chain of gold to the Count de Moustier who is notified that this will be done by you. I formerly informed you that we proposed to vary the worth of the present by varying the size...
32VII. Secretary of State to William Short, 12 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed papers will explain to you a Case which imminently endangers the peace of the United States with Spain. It is not indeed of recent date, but it is recently laid before Government and is of so bold a feature as to render dangerous to our Rights a further acquiescence in their Suspension. The middle ground held by France between us and Spain, both in friendship and interest,...
33I. The Secretary of State to William Short, 15 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
In mine of Jan. 23. I acknoleged the receipt of your letters from No. 29. to 48. inclusive except 31. 44. 45. 46. Since that I have recieved No. 45. and 50. The former in 3. months, 7 days the latter 2 mo. 17 days by the English packet which had an uncommonly long passage. Nos. 31. 44. 46. 47. 48. 49. are still missing. They have probably come through merchant vessels and merchants who will...
34From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 16 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your private letter of June 5. by Dr. Bancroft came to hand Feb. 12. that of Oct. 25. was received Jan. 27. and that of Dec. 23. four days ago. If in consequence of my former letters Petit cannot be prevailed on to come, I will beg the favour of you to enquire about Mde. de Corny’s Maitre d’Hotel, who I know understood his business well, and if she considers his character as an honest one, and...
35X. Secretary of State to William Short, 19 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Nov. 6. No. 46 by Mr. Osmont came to hand yesterday and I have just time before the departure of Mr. Terrasson the bearer of my letter of the 15th. inst. and dispatches accompanying it, to acknowlege the receipt, and inform you that it has been laid before the President. On consideration of the circumstance stated in the 2d. page of your letter, he is of opinion that it is...
36From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 1 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Mr. Daniel Ludlow, a merchant and citizen of New York, being about to go to Europe and probably to France, for the purpose of establishing mercantile connections, I take the liberty of introducing him to you. The assurances I recieve of his worth and respectability are such as to merit any services or kindnesses you can render him, and shall be considered as personal...
37From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 25 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
My late letters to you have been of the 8th. 12th. 15th. and 19th. of March. Your’s recieved and unacknoleged are as follow. No.49. dated Dec.2. rec’d Apr.8. No.55. dated Feb.7. rec’d Apr.23. 51. 30. 14 56. 18. 23. 52. Jan. 16. 20 57. 22. 23. 53.
38From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 10 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 25th. of April. Since that date nothing has occurred worth communication. On this day, in consequence of orders given, we expect a sudden incursion will be made from Kentuckey into the Indian country by a corps which will return immediately, and others repeat the same thing successively, till a force shall be collected sufficient to meet any numbers the enemy can bring into...
39From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 13 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. James Jones proposing to visit Paris in a tour of travel, I take the liberty of recommending him to your acquaintance and friendly offices. The general worth of his character will sufficiently recommend him to you, and you will probably derive particular satisfaction from conversing with him on the subject of New Orleans, where having resided 20. years, he will be able to...
40From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 14 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Russell proposing to visit Paris, I take the liberty of introducing him to your notice. His father is the most eminent merchant in Boston, I might perhaps have said in the United states: his brother I believe you knew in France. Tho less acquainted with himself I am authorised to assure you he will do justice to any marks of attention you will be so good as to shew him,...
41From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Custis, a citizen of Virginia, proposing to make application to the government of France for redress of a wrong which he thinks he has sustained from them, I am to ask your patronage of his claims so far as they shall be just and so far also as a denial or delay of justice in the ordinary modes of application may render an extraordinary interference necessary.—I am with great & sincere...
42From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 28 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last I have received Letters from you as follows. No. 59 March 4. received June 21. No. 63 April 8 received July 8. 60 ” 11 ” ” 21. 64 ” 25 ” ” 23. 61 ” 12 ”
43From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 28 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
My last private letter to you was of Mar. 16. Yours to me recieved since that date have been of Nov. 7. Dec. 29. Jan. 17. Feb. 18. Mar. 30. Apr. 26. May 2. Young Osmont arrived here safely, and is living with Colo. Biddle in a mercantile line. He appears to me a young man of extraordinary prudence. I am endeavoring to help him in the case of his purchase of le Tonnelier, if the latter had any...
44From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 29 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknolege the receipt of your No. 67. June 6. 68. June 10. 69. June 22. 70. June 26. 71. June 29. the three last by the British packet. My last to you was of July 28. by a vessel bound to Havre. This goes to the same port, because accompanied by newspapers. It will be the last I shall write you these two months, as I am to set out for Virginia the next week. I now inclose you a copy of...
45From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 1 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding it necessary to send to Bordeaux for my year’s stock of wine, I inclose herein a bill of exchange of Mr. John Vaughan of this place on Messieurs Le Coulteux & co. for a thousand livres Tournois. Besides this, being in the moment of my departure for Virginia, I leave my letter open with a friend to put into it another bill of £40. sterling on London, which a broker is now in quest of...
46From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 9 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Pinckny of S. Carolina has this day the offer of the mission to London as minister Pleni. When we know whether he accepts, or not wch. will not be these six weeks, the nomination of a minister pleni. for Paris and a minister resident for the Hague will be made. The former is in suspence between yourself and another. If you do not have that you will have the latter. There was never a...
47From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 16 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Majr. Mountflorence, proposing to visit France on his lawful affairs, I take the liberty of recommending him to your attention and good offices. He is a citizen of the state of North Carolina, and of the profession of the law there, and his merits in every respect will do justice to any civilities or services you can render him, and which will at the same time be esteemed an...
48From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 17 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Morris, eldest son of Mr. Robert Morris being about to visit Europe, and to make a considerable tour through it, I trouble him with this line to you, in order to renew your former acquaintance with him, and also to ask the favour of you to procure for him such letters as may be useful to him in those parts of Europe to which he may go.—I know he will receive from you personally the...
49From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of Aug. 29. acknowledging the reciept of your Nos. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. and informing you I was about setting out to Virginia, and should not again write to you till my return. Only one vessel has sailed from hence to Havre since my return and my notice of her departure was so short that I could not avail myself of it. Your Nos. 72. 73. 74. 75. 78. came here during my...
50From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 25 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you a private letter on the 9th. inst. but the vessel was gone before it was ready. Therefore it goes now, and I have nothing to add on that subject, but that nothing more has past thereon. My last private letters before that were of Sep. 1. and Nov. 9. Tho it is long since I received your’s of Nov. 7. 1790. and Dec. 29. on the subject of our accounts, yet it is never till now that I...