2351From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 18 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The scale on which the military academy at West point was originally established is become too limited to furnish the number of well instructed subjects in the different branches of artillery and engineering, which the public service calls for. the want of such characters is already sensibly felt, and will be increased with the enlargement of our plans of military preparation. the Chief...
2352To Thomas Jefferson from William H. Cabell, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I received by the last nights mail your favor of the 13th. and shall forward the letters alluded to according to their address. I sent you by the mail before the last a copy of the Acts of our last Assembly, and requested your attention to that clause in the Militia law which prohibits the Executive from granting certain commissions—You will readily perceive its effect—I regret it extremely,...
2353From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed case of Thos. Norris I first observed in the Aurora, and consider it a duty to have it enquired into,& on obtaining credible testimony, to make it the subject of representations to the British government. as I imagine he must have applied to you with his papers, could you find means to invite him to send me his own affidavit in due form, with as many others as he can procure to...
2354From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I think it will be impossible to form general rules for carrying into execution the 7th. section of the law of Mar. 12. without a fuller view of the number and nature of the cases which are to come under it. I have waited in expectation the applications would multiply so as to give one a general view, but have recieved but about half a dozen. but indeed nothing short of a knolege of all the...
2355To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Henderson, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
From information which has come to my Knowledge, within a very short time past, I am induced at this time to trouble you with an account of its tendency and purport.—It is presumed that you are already possessed of information relative to Gen. Findley’s Robbery last Year—I myself having to acknowledge an account thereof, under an anonymous signature wherein it was stated that it was the...
2356To Thomas Jefferson from Reuben Humphreys, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
you will recolect that not far from the 1st. of February last; I handed some communications, relateing to Transactions , in the North —purporting to be, the Deliberations of A Council of War held at Montreal , &c—This I did with the best intentions; confideing fully, in the Gentleman (Mr. Hopper) who wrote me, encloseing the same— I have now the Mortification , to forward you evidence of...
2357From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heretofore communicated to Congress the decrees of the government of France of November 21. 1806. and of Spain of Feb. 19. 1807. with the orders of the British government of January & November 1807. I now transmit a decree of the emperor of France of Dec. 17. 1807. and a Similar decree of the 3d. of January last of his Catholic majesty: with the letter of our Charge des affaires at...
2358To Thomas Jefferson from John Shee, 17 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment honored with your letter of the 15th. inst. Captain Hand having departed hence, only the day before Yesterday; I flatter myself, no danger is to be apprehended of your receiving the articles comprehended in the bill lading received by you, in perfect order; which I confidently anticipate, he having promised to take the utmost care of them. With the most respectful...
2359To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Belding, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Wisdom and Justice requres Mercy and Forgiveness and may these Lines reach Congress with truth and Amity satisfy Justice and the Remedy will be a Cordial of Light with the testimony of your Stuard Honorable Mr. Th Jefferson Esq I have Read your Proceedings at Congress to January 20th 1808 I find there is need of a Door of Truth to be Opened in the Case of Wilkinson John Randolf and Burr Your...
2360To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Row Bradley, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately upon being acquainted That Mr Atwater would be nominated Secretary of the Territory of Michigan &c I wrote him on the Subject to know whether he would accept thereof—And have the Honor to inform you that I received Mr Atwater’s Answer Yesterday, that he has concluded to accept if appointed, and will be ready to go on, as soon as he Shall receive official notice of his...
2361To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "A Citizen Among Ten Thousand", 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Read the within. Who are the enemies of this Country? It’s Rulers. What do they deserve? Hell. Avaunt thou Tryant. If thou canst not be saved by reformation go to hell as thy proper abode. O thou disturber of the peace—thou destroyer of thousands! What hast thou done? Ask Bonaparte. Ask the Devil. Thy grave will not secure thy bones from burning. NB. We shall have a Civil War soon DLC : Rare...
2362To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I will write to Genl. Macon for a return of the Militia of the District, and request him to inform me whether a return may be soon expected. Yours respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
2363To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The 7th Section of the Embargo act seems to require the adoption of some general rule for its execution. The President is authorised to grant permission &c.—, if he shall be satisfied by the proofs exhibited that the parties had property of value in any port &c. Three questions arise on that section. 1. Are the words is authorised imperative?, or do they leave a discretion even in those cases...
2364To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have paid Colo Monroe $:153.33—he says there are no charges on the box, it being so small that the freight under any circumstances would have been scarcely any thing—but that he paid for his passage by the lump , having been left at liberty to bring what he pleased. the duty he has not paid, to which I will attend. I have forwarded the box by Wm Johnson, having gotten Oldham to put a...
2365To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Statement of the Expenditure of the $15,000 appropriated 3d March 1807 for repairs & improvements on the Presidents house & Lot. estimated to be due Amt. paid Amt. of Accounts settled & properly charged to that fund $6,800.90 Cost of wall and Gates built, & materials remaining to be used
2366To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Allyne Otis, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I request you to be pleased to order the copy of the Ex: proceedings of Senate returned to my office to enable me to bring up the record. I have the honor to be your most humble Sevt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
2367To Thomas Jefferson from William Patterson, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Convinced of your good intentions for the promotion & Success of our Manufacturing establishment at this place, I have the pleasure to inform you that we have obtained Subscriptions Sufficient for putting our plan into operation, & that we shall commence as soon as possible, the bearer of this Mr. Willm. Jones has taken a very active & useful part in bringing forward this Business, & I beg...
2368To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to a Suggestion in my letter to you of the 10th. Ultimo I did on the 1st. instant dissolve the General Assembly. In order that you may be fully informed of the motives and reflections which dictated this measure, I inclose a Copy of my letter to the Secretary of State, in addition to which I will observe, that this did not take place, as long as there was any probability that...
2369From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
It appears that Skipwith did not communicate the Milan Decree; nor is it otherwise authenticated to us than in the Madrid Gazette & the reference in the Spanish decree. It cannot be said, that all ports are forbidden to neutrals except their own. The British decrees permit a trade with Enemy colonies, not forbidden by the mother Countries. The ports of neutrals are also open to each other, as...
2370To Thomas Jefferson from John Clennell, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The attention that you pay to the arts & manufactures of america emboldens me to inclose the small Pamphlet you will receive with this—Honour me so far as to accept it—& should it appear worthy a reprint in america—it may not be unworthy your protection—yrs with the greates respect MHi : Coolidge Collection.
2371To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac A. Coles, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It has long been my determination if ever the U.S. should be engaged in a war to take an active part in it—In a peace Army I would accept of no commission whatever, but if the forces now about to be raised are destined, in the event of a rupture with Great Britain, for the invasion of Canada, there is no situation however subordinate which I would not be pleased to fill. entirely ignorant of...
2372To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith Returns of the Militia of the United States, made from such returns as have been received by this Department. Accept Sir, the assurances of my high respect & consideration DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
2373From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a bill of lading for 12. packages sent from here on the 12th. instant by the sloop Miranda, Tooker. as the first 7. of the packages contain groceries I must pray you to entrust them to the most faithful of the boatmen returning to Milton. I expect Congress will rise the first or second week of April, and that soon after that I shall be able to make a short trip to Monticello. I...
2374From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Latrobe and returns his report in which he will find some notes. they respect to a misplacing of the expences of the roads on the North & South sides of the President’s lot to the debet of the fund of 15000. D. for the Pr’s house & lot, instead of charging it to the fund of 3000. D. for avenues and roads. 2. a special statement of the account of the...
2375To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears that Skipwith did not communicate the Milan Decree; nor is it otherwise authenticated to us than in the Madrid Gazette & the reference in the Spanish decree. It cannot be said, that all ports are forbidden to neutrals except their own. The British decrees permit a trade with Enemy colonies, not forbidden by the Mother Countries. The ports of neutrals are also open to each other, as...
2376To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved the letter you honored me with of the 21st November, inclosing one for Mr Eccleston, which I forwarded. This Town, so long famed for its immence commerce with the U.S.A., in all probability, is shortly to experience a sad reverse. Last year no less than 489 American ships cleared out at this port with cargoes to an amount far beyond precedent. We have no information later dated than...
2377To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Moore, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners of the western road will be glad to know as early as circumstances will permit whether they are to resume the business of locating this Spring & what route. T. Moore will wait on the President this evening to know whether he is yet prepared to give any instructions on the subject DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
2378From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You will see in the public papers an account of proceedings of the legislature at Lancaster, which you will not understand without explanation. the members in Caucus have named electors of President & V. President without saying whom they are to vote for. the fact is this. the Democrats had more at heart the election of Snyder for Governor than any thing else. the Feds named Ross. the Quids...
2379To Thomas Jefferson from United States Senate, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Senate resumed the consideration of the treaty between the United States and the cherokee nation of Indians, concluded on the 2d day of December 1807. Whereupon, Resolved, that the further consideration thereof be postponed until the first Monday in December next. Attest, DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
2380From Thomas Jefferson to John Shee, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You were so kind as to forward me a bill of lading signed by the younger Capt. Hand for 7. boxes & a jar dated Feb. 5. so long a time having elapsed without hearing any thing of him I begin to apprehend some inattention on his part, and the rather as I am told he has been here since that date. will you be so kind as to have some enquiry made and to inform me what has become of the boxes. I...
2381From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favor of Genl. Smith to dine with him on Saturday the 19th . at half after three, or at whatever later hour the house may rise. The favour of an answer is asked. Privately owned.
2382To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your Excy the Bearer of this Letter—a Mr. Jesse Brown (an Unfortunate Merchant of my Neighbourhood) who comes to Washington for permission to send a Vessel or Vessels in Ballast to the Island of Martin[ico] for the purpose of transporting Property from thence to the UStates for the payment of his Debts due to Citizens within these States—The lack of his having...
2383From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Walker, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I must pray that this letter be deemed confidential, & especially that the person who is the subject of it may not know that it has been written. the inclosed, as you will see, is from a M. de Ronnhorst who says he was many years an officer in the Prussian service, and that he is well acquainted with the service of the light artillery, as now practised by the French. it is probable we shall...
2384To Thomas Jefferson from Willis Alston, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You will oblige me by attending to the enclosed letter from a respectable merchant of the city of New York I am with respect yr mst obt St MHi : Coolidge Collection.
2385To Thomas Jefferson from George Bourne, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been requested to prepare for the press, under the sanction of a variety of most respectable republican friends—the history of the United States during the eight years of your presidency; and the materials and documents being in a considerably forward state of arrangement: those who wish my undertaking success have advised me to rely upon your kindness to procure from you permission to...
2386To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Acts of the last Session of the General Assembly having been just published, permit me to enclose a copy for your acceptance—It is with infinite concern that I invite your attention to the 15th section of the “Act farther to amend the laws respecting the Militia of this Commonwealth. Whatever may be the legal effect of this section upon the powers of the Executive, I am inclined to believe...
2387To Thomas Jefferson from P.A. Guestier, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Il y a environ trois ans, que Monsieur Reibilt, me temoigna, le desir de procurer pour vous, du Bled de turquie ou d’Italie, quelque livres de graines de raves, appelleés raves à huile ou huile Chinoise, et environ Cinquante Livres de graines d’un espece de foin, appellé Sulla. J’écrivis en conséquence, à mes Correspondants en france, et les priai, de me procurer ces objets, depuis l’epoque de...
2388To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your desire I submit to you an estimate of one intercolumnation as erected on each side of the Presidents house, calculating for a Stone entablature, on the South front,—and also stating the difference if the entablature be of Timber. Should the public offices be accomodated in these rooms, the necessary security from fire might require them to be arched as in the Treasury...
2389From Thomas Jefferson to Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 11th. is recieved, and is the best letter you have ever written me because it is the longest and fullest of that small news which I have most pleasure in recieving. with great news I am more than surfieted from other quarters, and in order that your letters may not be shortened by a bad pen of which you complain, I have got a pen for you which will be always good, never...
2390To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 17th. August last year, I had the honor to address Your Excy. expressing my fears that Mr. Hackley would separate from the good understanding with which we began; being very sorry to have to acquaint Your Excy. that such has taken place, proofs of which, and of the unjust principals on which the complaints are founded, I send by this opportunity to the Secretary of State to clear my...
2391From Thomas Jefferson to William H. Cabell, 13 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 10th. there can certainly be no present objection to the forwarding the letters therein mentioned, according to their address. We have nothing new of importance, except that at the last reading of an Amendatory bill a few days ago, the H. of R. were surprised into the insertion of an insidious clause permitting any merchant having property abroad, on...
2392From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There have been several appmts of Marshal to N.C. all of whom have refused to accept. West has acted till lately, merely to give us time to procure one, & he has recommended a man about whom mr Macon & Turner have written & will get an answer in a fortnight. the meantime and addition of 400. D. to their emoluments may induce acceptance.—Peppin’s application appears unauthorised, but may he not...
2393To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 13 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Latrobe offers his most respectful compliments to the President UStates & sends his annual report for consideration. It has taken up the whole of his time & attention for the last two months.—The accounts may be perhaps more clearly stated but their result is correct.— Mr L. will have the honor of waiting on the President on Wednesday morning for his further instructions unless it should...
2394From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 13 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Feb. 21. was recieved in due time. a public vessel will be going to France & England once in every month during the embargo, on board of which mr Rembrandt Peale can obtain his passage by application to the Captain as usual. very soon after I came into office I found it not only proper but necessary that I should make it a rule never to write letters of recommendation to persons...
2395From Thomas Jefferson to Rembrandt Peale, 13 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson President of the United States of America to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting. The bearer hereof, Rembrandt Peale, a native citizen of these United States, proposing to travel into foreign parts for his private concerns, and especially to visit the countries of France & Italy with a view to improve himself in the art of painting, of which art he is a professor:...
2396To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 5th. Instant advising you of the death of my esteemed friend J. W. Gurley, Mr. Robertson has consented to act as Attorney General, but with an intention of holding it no longer, that a suitable Character can be selected to fill the office permanently.— If the appointment of Register of the Land office, which is now vacant, should be confered on Mr. Robertson, I am...
2397From Thomas Jefferson to Zadok Cramer, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Cramer and his thanks for the volume of Brown’s dictionary of the Bible which he has been so kind as to present him. it was certainly his intention in subscribing at that work to do it on the footing of all others, and however sensible and thankful for the kind intentions expressed in mr Cramer’s letter, yet knowing that the artist cannot live but...
2398To Thomas Jefferson from Irenée Amelot De Lacroix, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In a government, as popular as that of the United States, it is of high importance, that every class of citizens should be honestly informed of those things, which involve their dearest interest. The diffusion of knowledge facilitates the arduous task of rulers, who depend so essentially on the spirit of the governed, to bring about those measures, which tend to the preservation of their...
2399To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears from the enclosed extract of a letter from the collector of Wilmington that we have no Marshal in North Carolina; which stops our business and even prevents serving process on a vessel which had violated the embargo. Respectfully Your obedt. Servt. I enclose the letter itself, which be pleased to return. He has been referred to the district attorney for the proper mode to pursue....
2400To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I understand that the part of South America where Mr. Peppin the writer of the enclosed is going to settle for the purpose of superintending a commercial British house is Brasil. The vessel is daily expected & will sail without delay for that country. I have thought that perhaps some use might be made of that opportunity for the purpose mentioned the other day. If Mr P. did not go on British...