1To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 15 February 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am really ashamed of myself for the total silence I have observed since my arrival in America, and am at a loss to account for it, excepting that the affairs of our Country have been in such a situation as scarcely to admit of a Letter’s being sent across the Atlantic, which touched upon their present state or future prospects. But now we are advancing to greater regularity and the period...
2From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 2 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on two interesting circumstances, your safe arrival in your own country, and your having got rid of me; for I think you will not find there so troublesome a neighbor as I was here. I hope Mrs. Smith has well weathered the voyage, the little one also, and the half a one, for I presume he was begun. You arrive just in time to see the commencement of a new order of things. Our...
3To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 29 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last fryday’s post and by Mr. Parker on Saturday. In the former, I find I left out, on the credit side, the 2 pr. of shoes which Mr. Short paid for, amounting to 13/4, which deducted from the £1.10.7 which I make the ballance between us, reduces it to seventeen and three pence. Mr. Adam , setts off this morning for the Hague to take leave in person of their High Mightinesses and...
4To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 22 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Calculation and Business only I have received your favour of the 2d. inst. and will attempt to explain the two articles with which I credited you in my account Current of the 3d. of Decr. ulto. The first article ammounting to Liv. 113.₶ is stated by Mr. Short in his letter of the 21. of Novr. 1787 and is composed as follows, viz. 8 ells of double florence at 4.₶15. = 38.₶ 0 6 ditto of White...
5To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 22 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote by this evenings post and attempted to explain in a satisfactory manner our account. I shall be pleased to be informed that I have succeded, and that every article appears clear to you. You have never yet informed me whether the picture I send you was the one you saw at Bermingham or Brumigum, and whether the price I gave, was anything near what you could have obtained it for, previous...
6From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, with Enclosure, 2 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Payne happened to be present when I received your favour of January 16. I read to him that part which stated the circumstances of your delivery of the letter of Dec. 3 to Mr. Littlepage and of the place where he put it for greater care. Payne conjectured what had happened, that it’s separation from the common mass of letters had occasioned it to be overlooked. He repeated the circumstances...
7To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 16 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours of the 31st. of Decr. ulto. and cannot express my astonishment sufficiently strong at the perusal of the first sentence relative to Mr. Littlepage’s not having delivered my Letter of the 3d. of Decr. I waited upon him with it, and when I gave it him, begged he would be particularly carefull of it as it contained our accounts. He promised, and put it into a small box of...
8To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 9 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
After sincerely wishing you many happy returns of the season, I take the liberty of introducing Mr. Thomas L. Shippen of Philadelphia. He has many interesting and not a few amiable lines of Character, and promises fair to make a shining and respectable Character. He has sometimes appeared to me rather exposed to step on slippery and dangerous ground and risk his usefulness in future life to...
9From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 31 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 6th. inst. but that of the 4th . therein mentioned to come by Mr. Littlepage, has never come to hand. He remembers nothing of it. It was the more material as you mention it to have contained my account of which I must therefore trouble you to send me another copy. I must remind you also of Mr. Adams’s picture, as I should be much mortified should I not get it...
10To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 6 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by Mr. Littlepage on the 4th. inst. That Letter contains an account of Cash recieved and disposed of on your account. I do not know whether I have made a just calculation of the Livrs. expended in Paris on my account, but this and every other article is submitted to your alteration. I enclose the reviews of the last Month as both your and Mr. Adams’s Names are mentioned, and have...
11To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 3 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured by the receipt of your Letter of the 13th. ulto. and notice the alarm of your patriotic spirit, on the subject of the newly proposed project, of a fœdral Constitution. I have read it frequently and with great attention, and tho’ I am a great friend to fœdral Men and fœdral measures, and am decidedly of opinion, that some alterations were necessary, still on the plan...
12From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 13 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now to acknolege the receipt of your favors of October the 4th. 8th. and 26th. In the last you apologize for your letters of introduction to Americans coming here. It is so far from needing apology on your part, that it calls for thanks on mine. I endeavor to shew civilities to all the Americans who come here, and who will give me opportunities of doing it: and it is a matter of comfort...
13To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 26 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
By introducing the bearer Mr. Daniel Parker (who I think you encountered once at my lodgings in Leicester fields) I have the satisfaction of doing him a favour, and presenting to you a fund of Commercial and political knowledge, which you may draw freely upon during his stay at Paris, without being in the least apprehensive of failure or protest. I have been guilty of this, so frequently,...
14To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 15 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce the Bearer Dr. Walker a young Gentleman from Virginia.—Nothing new has transpired since my last of the 8th. inst.—Amsterdam I have no doubt has surrendered, as letters from there of the 9th. say, that 2 deputies were sent to the Princess, to know what terms she finally required, and authorized to give assurances of the disposition in the people to comply with her wishes...
15To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 8 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 8 Oct. 1787 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 28 Sep. ; would be “much flattered if Congress would join you in opinion relative to the appointment you mention”; agrees “fully respecting the proper conduct which ought to be pursued relative to the Island ”; thinks “it would be fortunate for U.S. if we could see it once fairly entered upon.” Sends copy of John Adams’ letter of 25 Aug. which...
16To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 4 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Stewart was an officer in our troops during the war and some time under my immediate command. He proposes returning to America in the French Packet of November. Permit me to introduce him to your Excellency and recommend him to your civilities during his stay at Paris. Any Letters you may commit to his care when he departs for America will be taken care of, and he will be able...
17From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 28 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor by Mr. Cutting. I had before had a transient acquaintance with him, and knew him to be sensible. Your recommendation is always a new merit. I really think, and had taken the liberty some time ago of hinting to Congress that they would do well to have a diplomatic character at Lisbon. There is no country whose commerce is more interesting to us. I wish Congress...
18To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 18 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
In the first place I must introduce my very particular friend Mr. J. B. Cutting as a Gentleman of genius and merit. There may one or two lines shew themselves, which at first will be rather apt to prejudice against him, at least I was sensible of it, and have not been able to obliterate them from his Countenance and motion, but they are really only superficials. I know you will put them aside....
19To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 18 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 18 Sep. 1787 . Introduces Benjamin Parker, nephew of Daniel Parker, a student at “Cambridge Colledge in Massachusetts,” who will spend three months in Paris before returning to America; “being hard of hearing … prevents him from seeking society with that goùt which might be expected from his age and situation.” RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 23 Sep. 1787.
20From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 31 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
In your favor of June 30. from Madrid is the following paragraph. ‘Mr. Jay sais 562. 163. 449. 350. 92. 213. 479. 609. 57. 189. 547. 407. 407. 642. 186. 48. 449. 186. 72. 290. 136. 92. 368. 38. 582. 518. 48. 186. 149. 327. 48. 186. 92. 547. 324. 290. 82. 518. 72. 393. 525. 371. 407. 82. 570. 189. 339. 380.’ I have four cyphers, two of which it was possible you might have copies of, and two...
21To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 3 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I propose embarking in the Packet for Falmouth the day after to-morrow. It is probable I shall be in London in about 18 or 20 day’s. My last Letters from Mrs. Smith inform me that she had received a Letter from General Sullivan addressed to me as follows: Dr. Sir I take the Liberty of enclosing a draught in your own favor upon Govr. Jefferson for 46£. 17. 10s. stgr. payable at 10 day’s sight,...
22To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 30 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I must most pointedly express my obligation for the Letter of introduction which you forwarded for me to Mr. Carmichael. He has done every thing in his power to make my time pass agreable here. It is with pleasure I observe him perfectly well received in the first Circles of the Court, and think him fully accomplished for a political career. I have been detained here much longer than I...
23From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 26 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I find here the letter you were so kind as to leave for me and am truly sorry I did not arrive in time to have the pleasure of meeting with you here. I hope however you will take Paris in your way back, and indemnify my loss. I am to thank you as usual for favors, attention to the press, the mathematical instrument, books, letters &c. This done I will pass to a more pleasing subject still,...
24To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 19 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Short having informed you from Paris of my intention of being here about the 14th. and of the prospect of my remaining 2 or 3 day’s, I doubt not but I should have had the pleasure of a line from you had that Letter reached you in time. I shall leave this place in the morning for Madrid, where I should be happy to hear from you. I move by order of Congress to Portugal on temporary business....
25From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 19 February 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of Jan. 29. and Dr. Burney’s which was inclosed in it. If the harpsichord be not sent off, perhaps it may as well await the last of March or beginning of April when it may be less exposed to rains. But it is not material. I shall be absent till the 1st. of May. Franks was unlucky with the instrument made by Jones. It was stolen out of his carriage in the...
26To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 29 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
No my dear Sir it is not me. It is impossible that my heart would ever permit me to pen a line to you, charged with the reflection which that line single and alone seems formed to admit of. When in haste I said I had no more letters in my file unanswered and therefore should not trouble you farther, I intended to hold up this Idea, that I could only spare the time for the necessary business...
27From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 15 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Franks’s delay here, occasioned by that of his baggage, gives me an opportunity of acknowleging the receipt of the map. I am now occupied in correcting it. I have got thro about two thirds of the map and have a list of 172 errors, so that we may expect in the whole about 250, and I reckon only those which are material. Small and immaterial changes of orthography I do not correct. Except...
28From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 20 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
‘Not having any letters on my file unanswered, I shall not trouble you further.’—Is this you?— Did you count 10 . distinctly between the origin of that thought, and the committing it to paper? How could you, my dear Sir, add reproach to misfortune with a poor cripple who but now begins to use his pen, a little, and that with so much pain that it is real martyrdom? However I believe I am even...
29To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 5 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed are the Copies of the Letters which you requested in one of yours. I have no tolerable excuse to offer for not sending them before and I cannot yet tell a——without a qualm of conscience. Mrs. Smith I suppose is disposed to open a Corespondence, as she requests me to forward a note addressed to you. I am too Gallant a H——d to enquire of the contents, as it is sealed. I also send those...
30To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 28 November 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 28 Nov. 1786. Requests that TJ obtain letters of introduction from his friends in Paris for James and Nathaniel Hayward, of Charleston, S.C., who expect to reside for some time in Dijon in order to acquire a knowledge of the language; has made the same request of Lafayette. They are “young Gentlemen of Character and Fortune” who will “do honour to your Introduction”; if they go to...
31To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 11 November 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed is Mr. Jones’s answer to your Question. I have given to Mr. Stockdale 4 Vols. of Pope’s Iliad and Odysey, which were not ready in time for the last parcel. They will accompany those last ordered from Stocke . The Compendio del Vocabolerio degli Accademici della Crusca for Mr. Short at 13/6 and Cicero on old age, I think for you, price ⅙.—I forward Lackingtons list of the books sent...
32From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 22 October 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
How the right hand became disabled would be a long story for the left to tell. It was by one of those follies from which good cannot come, but ill may. As yet I have no use of that hand, and as the other is an awkward scribe, I must be sententious and not waste words. Yours of Sep. 18 and 22. and Oct. 1. and 4. have been duly received, as have been also the books from Lackington and Stockdale,...
33To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 4 October 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Adams wrote you on the 11th. ulto. by post, accompanied with an Answer to Mr. Lamb signed, the receipt of which is not yet acknowledged. I immagine he is waiting for your answer to that before he decides on the subject.—The business of the Secretary has been long done, but whether it will be made use of I cannot yet discover. I am Sir your Excellency’s most obedt Humble servt., RC ( MHi );...
34To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 1 October 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours of the 23d. ulto. The first printing press has been forwarded some time. Mr. Woodmason is disposed to consider himself free’d from every obligation respecting the safe conveyance of his machine to Paris. He looks upon himself acquitted on presenting the Bill of lading, and receipt of the Captain. Upon this principle, the one is forwarded and payed for. I hope no...
35From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 23 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Being desired by a friend to procure him a copying press I take the liberty of putting the inclosed under cover to you and of requesting you to pay for it and have it sent as therein desired. I wish it may be in time to come with the other articles that it may not multiply my applications for passports. Be so good as to let me know whether Mr. Tessier has any hesitations about going beyond the...
36To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 22 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you on the 18th. inst. in answer to your favor of the 9th. of August, since which I have received yours of the 13th. inst. Mr. A. returned here on the 7th. or 8th. He took up the subject on which you impatiently wait an answer on his arrival, a short letter on which, you must have received before this. However he is still thinking on it, and you will hear more...
37To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 18 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have only time to enclose your Excellency a Copy of a Letter received yesterday from Mr. Barclay, and to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 9th. Ulto. by Mr. Bullfinch. The maps, occasioned by Mr. B’s excurtion in the country after his arrival, did not reach me untill the 6th. inst. Mr. Neele took them in hand on the 7th. and will finish the plate within the period mentioned and...
38From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 13 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of addressing you on the 9th. of August and since that have received yours of Aug. 23. I have not yet heard of Mr. Adams’s return to London, nor when that may be expected if it has not already taken place. I have nothing public and proper for the post. A letter from Mr. Barclay dated at Mogadore in July shews he was on his return. I impatiently wait an answer from Mr. Adams as...
39To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 1 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency a Copy of a Letter I received this day from Mr. Barclay at Morrocco dated the 16th. of July ulto. I have sent a Copy to Mr. Jay and shall forward a duplicate by the next Vessel. I am your Excellency’s most Obedt. Humble Servt., RC ( MHi ): postmarked; addressed. Noted in SJL as received 23 Sep. 1786. Enclosure: Barclay to Commissioners, 16 July...
40To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 23 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I replyed fully to yours of the 9th. Ulto. on the 18th. of the same sinee which I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you. Mr. Dilley informs me the Books are shiped agreable to the inclosed Bill of Lading accompanied with the account ammounting to £25/14.0 sterg. I have also the honor of forwarding a Copy of a Letter received this morning from Mr. Barclay at Morocco of the 26th. of...
41From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, [10] August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
An opportunity will offer by Mr. Bullfinch of acknowleging the receipt of your favours of July 5. and 18. and as I mean by the same hand to write my American letters, the number of these obliges me to abridge with you. I therefore make this previous declaration that there shall be neither prayer nor compliment in this letter, nothing but a simple tho’ sincere proffer of respect to Madame,...
42To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 18 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreable to your request I have been to Woodmason’s as I informed you in my last. He was to have sent the press to Mr. Garvey at Rouen, and in addition to the mode of obtaining payment suggested by you I have told him if it would be more convenient I would pay his Bill immediately after you had acknowledged the receipt of the press. This seemed to suit him best. The Letters which you requested...
43From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 9 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 16th. of June. Since that your favors of May 21. 21. and June 12. have come to hand. The accounts of the K. of Prussia are such that we may expect his exit soon. He is like the snuff of a candle; sometimes seeming to be out; then blazing up again for a moment. It is thought that his death will not be followed by any immediate disturbance of the public tranquillity; that...
44To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 5 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours of the 16th. Ulto. When I sent the press I gave the Gentleman who carried it a Letter for you of the 21st. of May which you do not acknowledge the receipt of, or at least but one of that date. It contained the ammount of what I gave for the press, which was 5 Guineas and 5/ for the Box = £5.10. The press shall be sent agreable to your request. I am called off, and have...
45From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 16 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the receipt of your favor of May 21. I have been in daily expectation of receiving from you a particular state of the cost of my press &c. Mr. Paradise wrote me that it was about five guineas, but I knew there would still be some additions. The moment you will be so good as to favor me with this information I will remit you a bill for that and the eight guineas I formerly took the...
46To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 12 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours of the 4th. inst. and am glad you have found a horse that will suit you. I am pleased that the affairs of the Cardinal and Cagliostro are so well terminated. I suppose by this time the whole affair is sunk beneath the horizon of notice. May not something be soon expected to command the public attention in a more serious and important line? What is the News from Potsdam? I...
47From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 4 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Having found an opportunity of furnishing myself with a horse here, I notify it to you according to what we had agreed on, to prevent you the trouble of getting me one in England. No news to give you but of the decision of the celebrated cause. La Villette banished. Madame la Motte condemned to be branded and whipped and to remain in a hospital all her life. But it is said the branding and...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 21 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I was much pleased by the receipt of yours of the 4th. inst. to find you had arrived safe at Paris, and that the rout you took proved so agreable, as to induce you to recommend it to me, when I visit Paris. If that should ever happen again, St. Omar’s and Arras shall be visited, not only on account of your recommendation, but to indulge my natural disposition which sometimes throws me out of...
49To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 21 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
In a Letter which I wrote your Excellency this morning, I mention forwarding by Mr. Smith your press, but it is not in his power to take it. I shall send it by the first Gentleman who will not be much incommoded by it. Perhaps Mr. Trumbull or Dr. Bancroft will have the pleasure of presenting it. This delay will enable me to have a board made to fit it, in which tho’ no great ingenuity is...
50From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 17 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur de Tronchin, minister for the republic of Geneva at this court, having a son at this time in London, I take the liberty of introducing him to your acquaintance. A respect for the father induces me to this liberty, together with an assurance that the son merits it. He is young and may need a monitor, who, with the gay, may mix the serious, when it becomes necessary to keep him out of...