6551From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 24 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
The question presented by the letters you have sent me is the most momentous which has ever been offered to my contemplation since that of independance that made us a nation; this sets our compass, and points the course which we are to steer thro’ the ocean of time opening on our view. and never could we embark on it under circumstances more auspicious. our first and fundamental maxim should...
6552From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
The letters from Mr. Cabell are herein returned. I just see that he has succeeded in defeating the project for removing the College from Williamsburg. I hope your concurrence in what I said of Mr. Barbour will not divert your thoughts from others. It is possible that the drudgery of his profession, the uncertainty of a Judicial appointment acceptable to him, and some attractions at the...
6553To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Harrison Smith, 22 July 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Although withdrawn from the political scene, and for some time, merely a spectator of passing events, I have not felt indifferent to their influence on the welfare of the human family. This feeling, with the impression that your fortitude, on the same subject, remains unabated, & as previous to this communication, which, whatevers its fate may be, I am satisfied you will take in good part. The...
6554Samuel Smith (of Maryland) to Thomas Jefferson, 13 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
In publick life those to whom we render the greatest service are little sensible of it—I have rendered to Col o Monroe the greatest service that Could have been rendered to a President of the U. S —I have brought the publick expenditures within the receipts for which I ought to have his thanks, instead of the hostility (I fear) he entertains towards me. In 1819–20. I was Called to be Chairman...
6555To Thomas Jefferson from Adamantios Coray, 30 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Veuillez bien me faire le plaisir d’accepter un exemplaire de la réunion des opuscules politiques de Plutarque, que je viens de publier. Mon âge ma vue ne me permettant plus d’éditions fatigantes, il faut bien que je finisse ma carrière par des occupations qui me sauvent au moins de l’ennui d’une inaction complète. Dans le Dialogue qui sert de Prolégomènes à ces opuscules, vous observerez que...
6556Richard Young to Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will indulge the freedom of a Stranger who has no other motive than is natural to an inquisitive immagination in thus trespassing on your valuable time, I notice in your Seventh Querry of your note on virginia that you there treat of the climate Generally after haveing Shewn by a Table the general currant of the winds from observation for one year you that you remark that ⹁⹁ The...
6557Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Account with Patrick Gibson, 13 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Tho s Jefferson Esq r In Acc t /curr t with Patrick Gibson D r 1818 Jan 5 To cash p d
6558Thomas Jefferson to Julius B. Dandridge, 19 November [1819] (Jefferson Papers)
I now return you the deed of Trust recieved from you, executed and certified by 2. magistrates to have been acknoleged before them, to authorise it’s admission to record in Bedford . but I have made one alteration of indispensable justice. the draught authorised a sale on 2. weeks publication in some newspaper of Virgini a. the abuse which might have been possible under this is obvious,...
6559To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 17 March 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Contrary to all precedent I have by me a letter from you which has remained for two months unanswered. I have been silent only because I feared to give you trouble. I know how laborious it is for you now to write—& I have always known how unwilling you were to employ an amanuesis. Yet I am not the less anxious to hear that you are perfectly restored to the use of your arm, & have retained your...
6560Charles Cocke to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of submitting to your examination the accompanying address to the people of Albemarle , with a request that you will decide the question started in the letter of my friend M r Gordon , which you will herewith receive. As soon as this paper was written, I laid it before a few of my friends, and the friends of the University , and desired them to say whether its publication...
6561Eyriès Frères & Compagnie to Thomas Jefferson, 2 April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
nous avons l’honneur de Vous donner avis que nous avons embarqué Sur Le navire americain Cadmus Cap e Witklok une petite Caisse de graines, qui vous est adressée par messieurs les administrateurs Directeurs du jardin du Roi a Paris nous avons mis cette caisse ainsi que d’autres pour plusieurs personnes des Etats unis , a L’adresse de Monsieur Hosack Directeur du jardin de Botanique de l’Etat...
6562Thomas Jefferson to Horatio G. Spafford, 11 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
The interest on the late derangement of my health which was so kindly expressed by many, could not but be gratifying to me inasmuch as it manifested a sentiment that I had not been merely an useless cypher of society. yet a decline of health, at the age of 76. was naturally to be expected, and is a warning of an event which cannot be distant, and whose approach I contemplate with little...
6563A. F. De Laage to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Une chaine d’evenements me force de quitter Lynchburg j’ai acquis la malheureuse conviction que pour y réussir il faut un Capital considérable, et le mien est presque nul—j’y ai beaucoup de marchandises, et depuis 2 mois je ne peux rien vendre parceque les marchands étant trop nombreux, vendent peu, ont trop de marchandise, et ne peuvent pas acheter: j’ai du, Monsieur à votre protection le...
6564Benjamin L. Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 19 September 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Wirt has probably informed you that he had transfered to me the papers wh: you sent him relative to the Estate of Gen l Kosciuszko , and requested me to administer upon it, as you had desired him to transfer it to Some other person, if he could not himself conveniently undertake it.— I have now the honor to inform you; Sir, that I have received Letters of administration with the will...
6565Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Adams Wells, 12 May 1819, with Jefferson’s 6 August 1822 Note (Jefferson Papers)
An absence of some time at an occasional and distant residence must apologise for the delay in acknoleging the reciept of your favor of Apr. 12. and candor obliges me to add that it has been somewhat extended by an aversion to writing, as well as to calls on my memory for facts so much obliterated from it by time as to lessen my own confidence in the traces which seem to remain. one of the...
6566John F. Oliveira Fernandes to Thomas Jefferson, 25 June 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
The Letter you honoured me with on the 28 th ultimo , was received on the 3 d instant; I do highly appreciate both your Sincere wishes, for my native Country’s, as well as my own prosperity; I am much obliged to your goodness and phylantropy. I would not trouble you again, was it not for the interest I realy feel for the State-University ; as well as for my friend Doct. Andrews having a...
6567To Thomas Jefferson from Antoine Louis Claude Destutt de Tracy, 8 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Recevoir une marque de Souvenir de votre part est toujours un vrai bonheur pour moi. j’y suis d’autant plus sensible en ce moment que j’en etais privé depuis longtems. La derniere de vos Cheres lettres que j’aye reçue est celle du 26 X bre 1820 qui repondait à la mienne du 10 mars 1819 et qui S’est croisée avec une autre de moi du 24 9 bre 1820. Vous voyez, Monsieur, par mon exactitude à...
6568Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 4 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege your two kind favors of Feb. 12. & 26. and they make it a duty to go into some explanations. age and ill health, and still more the loss of plantation skill and management by an absence of 50. years from such attentions, had for some time rendered me unequal to the proper management of my possessio ns insomuch that those in Bedford had been entirely unproductive and those...
6569Thomas Jefferson to Mathew Carey, 22 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The reverend mr Weems called on me a few days ago on the subject of your letter of Oct. 6. and recieved the same answer which I had given to yourself in mine of the 25 th in the course of our conversation however I mentioned to him that there was indeed a history of England which, could we get it reprinted, I would risk the presumption of inviting the attention of readers to it, meaning...
6570Thomas Jefferson to Frederick A. Mayo, 9 April 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I am so well satisfied with your bindings that a box of books which I had made up to send to Millegan , I have addressed to you and sent it to Milton to be forwarded by Johnson ’s boat, being the particular one I trust with all my water carriage. be pleased to bind them all in your best manner, gilt and letter according to the labels, & above all solidly pressed. when ready, deliver them to...
6571To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Waterhouse, 24 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The Rev. Joseph P. Bertrum, an Englishman of the established church, has an inclination to become a Professor in the University which you have taken so much pains to found & rear; and solicits me to communicate his wish to you. He is a son of Oxford, & I conclude a close, and successful student. I believe we have no one in this place equal to him in Greek: I am satisfied there is none in...
6572Destutt de Tracy to Thomas Jefferson, 24 November 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Il y a precisement aujourdhui deux ans que vous avez pris la peine de m’ecrire une lettre bien aimable —et qui a excité toute ma reconnaissance. elle m’est arrivée le 13 janvier 1819 avec la traduction de mon Economie Politique, et qui lui fait tant d’honneur puisque vous avez Daigné y donner vos Soins. Je Suis confus de la peine que cela vous a causé, et je voudrai bien pouvoir me flatter que...
6573Joel Yancey to Thomas Jefferson, [before 26] January [1819] (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter by Dick & Jerry , this morning, they arrived here late, last Evening, and I am very sorry that Dick , has faild to deliver his loads, he has many excuses, and seems now to be much mortified, I hope another case will not occur, I now send by Jerry the balance of the pork intended for monticello , in a box containing pieces 95 ps, also all the poplars that are in the...
6574Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the enclosed paper calling a meeting of the Visitors of the University , having procured the signatures of M r Johnson & Gen l Taylor , and annexed my own, as requested in your favor of 30 ult . I have also shewn the paper to Governor Randolph , & the course pursued is satisfactory to him & the Executive . A Bill in favor of the University
6575To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 13 August 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
It is now more than a fortnight since I arrived at the ancient capitol of Scotland. The first four or five days were spent, in making inquiries for persons fit for any of our purposes, but especially for anatomy, natural history, and natural philosophy, for I had well satisfied myself in England, that we could not, except by chance, procure either of the latter there. In all Scotland, from all...
6576Thomas Jefferson to Jonas Keller, 8 January [1818] (Jefferson Papers)
On seeing it announced in the newspapers that a number of stocking weavers from Switzerland were arrived at Washington under direction of mr Lee , and supposing they would not all find business there I proposed to him to send one to Charlott e sville , which I thought a good stand. he informed me that the whole constituted a company which could not separate; but that an apprentice should be...
6577Thomas Jefferson to Bartholomew Fuller, 17 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly read the pamphlet you were so kind as to put into my hands on the new method you propose of observing longitudes both at sea and land. the subject, you know, is one of the difficult ones of Astronomy, and, to be investigated understandingly, would require time, considerati on and research. these neither the state of my health, of my mind, or occupations permit me to give to it,...
6578From Thomas Jefferson to William Radford, 30 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
The enquiries you make in your favor of the 19. are perfectly proper, and I am happy in the occasion they furnish me of explaining to you the solidity of the titles of the lands of Poplar Forest conveyed to you. I have in my possession mr Wayles’s land books in which are recorded the title papers of all the lands he owned, from the patent thro all the subseq t conveyances down to himself. the...
6579Jefferson Chambers to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Early taught, by my father , to venerate you, now he is taken from me, I solicit a correspondence with you, that I may, by your wisdom and experience, become wise also. I am now at the most critical period of my life, my circumstances are embarrassed, my passions are violent and ungovernable, and without the advice of an intelligent friend, I am, continually liable to be led by them into...
6580Levett Harris to Thomas Jefferson, 2 July 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a few days Since from Professor Fischer of Moscow , two Copies of his Essai Sur la Turquoise et Sur la Calaite , with a request that I would Seek to make one of them acceptable to M r Jefferson . In hastening to meet the request of M r Fischer I beg leave to profit of the occasion to bring myself anew to your kind remembrance. Among the lively recollections I Shall long retain of my...
6581Peter S. Du Ponceau to Thomas Jefferson, 18 July 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope I shall not be considered intrusive in communicating to you the Substance of the answer I have just received from M r Heckewelder to a Letter I wrote to him on the Subject of the Nottoway Indians. He thinks with me they are of the Iroquois, not of the Lenape family. He considers their name Nottaway , to be the Same with Nadowési or Naudowessie the denomination which the Chippeways (a...
6582William January to Thomas Jefferson, with Postscript by William Blagrove, 30 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
My conscience is very much perplexed on the question following—Having been Sworn, according to law as a clerk to Support the constitution of the United States , I am at a loss to decide, whether that Support is expected to be negative, or positive: If negative , that is to Say, that no more is expected of me than to refrain personally from doing it any injury, disregarding the injuries that...
6583Dominick Lynch to Thomas Jefferson, 14 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
“ The American Society for the Encouragement of Domestic manufactures ,” instituted in this city, sensible of the zeal you have uniformly displayed in the promotion of every object, connected with the Welfare and Independence of our country, had the honor to elect you a member, at their last meeting, convened, for the purpose of initiating into the Society James Monroe , President of the...
6584Arthur S. Brockenbrough to Thomas Jefferson, 4 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment rec d your two favors of the 29 t & 1 st as I was disappointed in geting a pump borer , I set our overseer & hands at and have actually gotten some hundred feet bored . but a new difficulty has arisen the spring that was said to be so good has almost entirely dried up, we must therefore get water before we employ M r
6585Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 23 April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I have procured R. & T. Gwathmey ’s bill on London for £369.18; (of which the enclosed is a triplicate) & remitted to New York , to be forwarded by different Vessels, letters to M r Williams enclosing the duplicate, & first of these bills, together with your letter to M r W. , there being no vessel to sail from this place either to London or
6586Samuel Adams Wells to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter dated the 12 ultimo . The information you have given yourself the trouble therein to communicate, demands and receives my warmest acknowledgments. The observations, which I took the liberty to make in my former letter to you on the subject of committees of correspondence, related to those which were instituted in Massachusetts and Virginia , in the...
6587John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 3 February 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just read a sketch of the life of Swedenborg , and a larger work in two huge volumes of Memoirs of John Westley by Southey , and your kind letter of January 22 d came to hand in the nick of time to furnish me with a very rational exclamation, “What a bedlamite is man”! They are histories of Galvanism and Mesmerism thrown into hotch potch , they say that these men were honest and...
6588Thomas Jefferson to John D’Wolf, 30 October 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Th:J. returns his thanks to mr De Wolf for his excellent oration on the 4 th of July sent him either by mr De Wolf or some friend who has not named himself . he is happy to see an example set of something solid substituted for the usual froth of that day. our citizens have much need of being reminded of the doctrines of this oration, for altho’ we have are entitled to religious freedom by law,...
6589David M. Randolph (1798–1825) to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
A man named Warrener , a bricklayer & plasterer by trade, desired me to ask of you whether he could get employment at the Central College . I have seen some of his work and as far as I can judge it is very well executed, he will work one month on trial on any terms you please, and if at the expiration of that time you chose it , he will engage to remain as long as he is wanted, satisfactory...
6590Thomas Jefferson’s Cost Estimates for University of Virginia Board of Visitors, [by 2 October 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
Notes for the consideration of the Visitors . This Report proposes to the Legislature : qu. 1820.? 1. to cancel the loan authorised & transform it into an approprian of 60,000 . 2. to relieve the present annuity from the further charge of buildings 30,000
6591Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 17 December 1818 (first letter) (Jefferson Papers)
The select committee of the House of Delegates on the subject of the university has just had a third meeting. 13 members attended. On the question whether the bill should be reported with a blank as to the scite, it was decided to fill in the negative by the casting vote of the Chairman . The Central College was selected as the scite, and the bill
6592From Thomas Jefferson to Lewis M. Wiss, 27 November 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Disqualified by age and ill health from undertaking minute investigations, I find it will be easier for me to state to you my proposition of a lock.-dock, for laying up vessels, high and dry, than to investigate yours. you will then judge for yourself whether any part of mine has anticipated any part of yours. While I was at Washington, in the administration of the government, Congress was...
6593To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Moore, 14 February 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
It is not without hesitation and reluctance, that I prefer a request that will be the occasion of any inconvenience, to one who has acquired so high a claim to be exempted from intrusion; but I know not to whom I can address myself with the hope of obtaining information so accurate as you, I doubt not, possess, on a subject to which I now respectfully solicit your attention. The character of...
6594Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you sincerely for your letter of Dec: 25 th which I found here on my arrival on 30 th . Indisposition confined me in Williamsburg rather longer than I expected when I last wrote you . Since my arrival I have been incessantly engaged on the subject of the University . We have a powerful combination to oppose, & the result is extremely doubtful. If you will examine the enclosed...
6595Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 6 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from D r Cooper , considerably important to the first successes of our college. I will request you to return it to me. I inclose also the answer which I think should be given. if you think so likewise be so good as to seal & forward it. if not, return it, as I should be unwilling to take on myself alone so important a relinquishment. yet I think it right that we should...
6596John S. Skinner to Thomas Jefferson, 30 January 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Observing on the part of our countrymen a disposition to abandon visionary & profitless speculations, for the cultivation of more certain and solid sources of social comfort & happiness; it struck me that a publick journal, which should afford the means of promulgating scientific researches, and of recording the results of actual experiment; as connected with Agriculture and Internal...
6597To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza Kello Flournoy, 24 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Language is inadequate to form an apology for this presumptous address and if mental distress or isolation of situation were not the only plea to meet the forgiveness of You most Respected Sir I would not dare to elicit its incentive now to apologise is impossible & to you I feel no humility; of a Proud & deserving family of Virginia Educated with Maternal care Widow of a highly eminent...
6598Francis Brooke to Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
your Letter containing proposals from the visitors of the Central Collige to be established near Charlottesville to the Society of Cincinnati has been received and will be laid before it, as soon as it assembles, it has for Some time been the object of the Society to make an appropriation of its funds in Some degree corresponding with the views of its founders, having by the application of the...
6599Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 10 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I now do myself the pleasure to enclose you a printed copy of your bill, the printer having just sent the copies to the House . The subject will be agitated in the House of Delegates on tomorrow or the next day. I have no reasons to change my anticipations as to the result of the measures respecting the Literary fund stated in my former Letters to you. Yet I have thought it my duty still to...
6600Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your favor of 14 th ins t which arrived to-day, & has been shewn to M r Johnson . The plan of suspending the interest would be practicable, if the income of the fund were not too low even to satisfy existing appropriations. The accountant ’s estimate makes the appropr revenue more than $62,000: but the stocks are ascertained to be so unproductive, as to bring the income for...