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...