1To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 23 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Herewith I take the Liberty to cover you a Letter from my Father, Colo. Mason of Virginia, which had promised myself the pleasure of delivering, but a Want of the Language and Engagements in Business have obliged me to defer my Trip to Paris untill some period during the Winter; when I shall do myself the Honour of paying my Respects to you in person. As perhaps you have had no late Accounts...
2To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 25 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 25 Oct. 1788. Gratefully acknowledges TJ’s letter of 2 Sep. with its “friendly Contents” will pay his respects when he comes to Paris. Forwarded a letter from his father “on the Subject of procuring some french Manufactures to suit the Consumption of the Southern States of America,” about which he would like TJ’s opinion; is willing to show samples to the manufacturers. “We have been...
3To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 20 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 20 Dec. 1788 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 24 Nov.; would have replied sooner, but he expected a ship from America with “samples of the manufactures” mentioned; they did not come by her; will order them from London. They “have a vessel sailing for Potomack in eight or ten days,” and if TJ has any commands he will be “extremely careful in forwarding them.” RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; endorsed.
4To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 11 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 11 July 1789 . On Cutting’s information, he informs TJ that the Washington , Capt. Bond, is there, destined in 10 days for Potomac river but can touch at Norfolk: “a fine fast sailing ship of 250 to 300 Tons with excellent accomodations and a very clever Man as Captain.” If TJ wishes to take her it will give him pleasure to detain her. “She goes out in ballast and being an american...
5To George Washington from John Mason, 4 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honour to address you twelve or fourteen days agoe by way of Potomac covering a collection of Pamph[l]ets relative to the Revolution we have just experienced in this Country which from their extraordinary nature hoped might have been acceptable —now by way of Phila. I take the Liberty (in case of miscarriage) to send you a Acct of them with an addition of some which have since...
6To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 8 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 8 Sep. 1789 . Regretted extremely to learn from TJ’s letter of July that he was not at liberty to sail then, as “the Ship and Season provided a safe and agreable Passage.” Will be glad to keep him informed about boats sailing from Bordeaux and to make arrangements there.—“I am sorry Sir to be troublesome to you about my little affairs, when you may be occupied about those of much...
7To George Washington from John Mason, 26 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Having lately heard from France it was probable that, that Government Would make Application to You, to Supply them with the different products of this Country in payment of the American Debt; Embolden’d by a persuasion that my Situation in Commerce (having a House there & another here, & a good experience in Negotiations with that Country) may in the present Juncture enable me to Serve the...
8To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 26 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Having lately Seen it was proposed in france to make Applications to the Executive of the United States to furnish in American Produce part of their Debt, and Supposing it probable if such a measure is adopted Some of the purchases might be made to greater advantage on Potomac, Rappahanok and James River than North of them, I take the Liberty thro’ you Sir to Offer my Services (Say those of my...
9To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 4 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In due course I was honoured with your Letter of 20th. Ulto. It is from our Connection with that City quite as convenient, to receive in Philadelphia at present as here, and not to trouble you with remitting, we send now to our Friends Messrs. Joseph Anthony & Son who will present it—F. M. & Cos. Draft on you for 205 Ds. 42 Cts. We have written to our Friend in Baltimore for the amount of the...
10To George Washington from John Mason, 24 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
The Letter you did me the honor to write me on the 2d Inst. reached me at Annapolis, in due time, on the Day after its date. It had the fullest Effect to do away an opinion with some that you were not so sanguine as formerly as to the Importance of the Potomak Navigation & disposed many to be more friendly to the Petition of the Company, but unfortunately for some time before, the Members in...
11To George Washington from John Mason, 4 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
Knowing the great Interest you have always taken in the promotion of the Navigation of the Potomak—I lose not a moment to inform you that I have at length suceeded to get this great Object aided by a grant of the Legislature of this State to the full amount contemplated by the Company—and it is with extreme Pleasure I have it in my Power to enclose a Resolution to that Effect which has this...
12To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 10 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time agoe in conversation I took the Liberty of suggesting to you, the propriety of placing one or two more Magistrates, than there are now, in the Country part of the Counties of Alexandria & Washington, & now make use of your permission to give in this way the Information I have acquired on that Subject. In the country part of that Section of Washington County which was formerly...
13To James Madison from John Mason, 2 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
When Mr Orr was going to Kentuckey he left with me the enclosed Engagement, for the amount of which, I accommodated him with the money. As it is now due, I take the Liberty to send it to you, and if entirely convenient should thank you for its amount. Very respectfully I am Sir your mo: obt: Hbe Sert I send this my [ sic ] Mr Suttle one of the young Gentlemen of my counting house. RC ( DLC )....
14To James Madison from John Mason, 4 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1802, Georgetown. “Mr Nicholas King of the City of Washington, who will do himself the honor to hand this Letter, has requested me to make him known to you, being desirous, as he is at present out of Business, to obtain a Clerks place in your Department, should there be a Vacancy.… I have known Mr King for many years & can most safely recommend him as a Man of Abilities Integrity and...
15To James Madison from John Mason, 28 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1804, Georgetown. “I find your note for 1200$ falls due on Wednesday next, and therefore, to be renewed, must be offered for, tomorrow—agreably to your request, I sent you by one of my asisstants [ sic ] a note ready drawn for your Signature—the rest I will take care to have done.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; docketed by JM.
16To James Madison from John Mason, 18 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
I find your note for $1200 endorsed by me & discounted at the Bank of Columbia, becomes due next week. Presuming from what you observed to me the other Day it may be your wish to renew it I enclose you a note drawn in proper Form for like Sum—as in case of renewal it is necessary to offer it tommorrow, if you will return it with your Signature I will take care to give it the proper course &...
17To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 8 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
My Neighbour Mr. W. O. Sprigg having intimated to me his Wish to fill the office of Attorney for the District of Columbia, lately, as I understand, resigned by Mr. Mason I beg your Permission to state to you my Knowledge of his general character and habits. Of his legal capacity, I am not qualified to give an opinion, this, I can only say, I have heard very respectably spoken of, by...
18To James Madison from John Mason, 24 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
Mr Suttle caled on you as you requested with a note in due Form to offer tomorrow at the Bank of Columbia to relieve one for similar Sum drawn by you becoming due there this week. You will oblige me Sir by informing me at your leisure to whom I am to charge the discounts on this negociation to Mr Monroe, or yourself. I have now paid 40$ or 50 at different times for this purpose—a particular...
19To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 13 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed I take the Liberty to hand you for your consideration my Friend Hodgson’s Invoice of the two Glasses which I mentioned to you some time agoe; you will be pleased remark, that in estimating these plates, by the square inch, the Frames are included, which are said to be remarkably elegant large, and richly ornamented— I do my self the Pleasure also to send you herein a Sketch of the...
20To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 20 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having no expectation that you would remain in the City after the 1st. of July I did not promise to myself the pleasure of seeing you. But having arrived here on the 16th my regret was unavoidably excited when I heard you had only left it on the day before. Gen. Dearborne has communicated to me a message from you, respecting the place of A.G. of the U.S., and has very earnestly pressed me to...
21To James Madison from John Mason, 26 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
On the 15th. Inst your note for $500 endorsed by me became due in the Bank of Columbia. As I was not provided with a note of yours to offer for renewal I obtained leave to discount my own note in lieu thereof for 20 Days, to give time to receive yours. I now take the liberty to enclose one in due form, which be pleased sign and return me so as to be here by the 4th of Septr: the day, on which,...
22To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 19 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
On my Return last night from an absence of two or three Days at Alexandria (which circumstance will be my apology for not having sooner replied) I found your esteemed Letter of the 17h enclosing your note for 1000$—I have with great Pleasure given it my Endorsement & put it into Bank this morning it will be discounted to day—, and the money will be ready at one o’clock—, at which time I shall...
23To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 26 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
J. Mason presents his respects to the President, having informed himself better on the Subject of the Presidents note of the Day before yesterday—He can now state, that of the Persons named—,Joseph Bromley, and Thomas Hewitt are Republicans; Michael Nourse and Dr. Phineas Bradley are Federalists, there are several John Smiths in that Part of the city, it is therefore known Which is meant—Dr....
24To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 7 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter which I take the liberty to enclose, I received yesterday, and will be my apology for thus addressing you: it is always painful Sir to me, to intrude on the time of yourself, or other officers of the Government on occasions of this kind, but to Mr. Scott, since he has requested it, I cannot refuse to give my Testemony of, at least, his general worth This Gentleman has been, untill...
25To James Madison from John Mason, 10 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Mason. 10 February 1806, George Town. “Lieutenant Wormely of the Marine Corps, has intimated to me his Wish to obtain the appointment of Consul to one of the Barbary States. “Of the great respectability of the connections of this Gentleman in Virginia I presume you are informed; of his qualifications for such a post, I am not enabled to speak from personal Knowledge, as I have but...
26To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 26 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to you, Dr. Triplett Surgeon in the Navy, who will do himself the honor of handing this Letter, and who, understanding that he has been appointed to reside as Physician at Algiers, is desirous of having some conversation with you on the Subject. With great Respect I have the honor to be Sir your very obt Sevt MHi : Coolidge Collection.
27To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 6 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to the note you did me the honour to write me yesterday I really cannot think of any person in this County, who is a Judge of Law, but those who are in the practise, & whom I suppose the appointment you mention would not suit.— If this is not an indispensable requisite, and as, Mr Hewitt, the Register of Wills, is a competent Lawyer and much a Man of Business, I presume, in this...
28To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 11 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
J Mason [does for] himself the honor to call on the President this afternoon and to converse with him on the Subject of the note he has pleased to write him this Morning—his only doubt on the Subject which the President has thought proper to propose to him, is the impossibility of leaving home at an early period DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
29To James Madison from John Mason, 7 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
The loss I experienced a few Days agoe, of my Summer Residence, by fire, and the consequent derangement of my domestic affairs making it impossible for me, in justice to my family, to be absent from home, during the Summer and Fall, so long, as would be required to execute the Commission, in which I was lately joined, by the President of the united States, to lay out a Road from Cumberland to...
30To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 7 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Having this day sent in my Resignation, to Mr. Madison as Commissioner of the Cumberland-Road, I feel that, I owe to you some personal explanation on that head— In the beleif that I could have rendered Services in that business, I undertook the Duty you were pleased to assign me, with great chearfulness, looked forward to its Execution, with much pleasure, and was successfully making my...