51To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 14 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Some of our friends have a great anxiety that the non intercourse law should expire at the end of the next session of Congress, and that a clause shou’d be added to the bill repealing all the embargo laws at the same time. You seemed to disapprove of it, and I have given no encouragement to the idea. Mumford & Masters say if this is done all the New Yorkers will vote for the bill, and the New...
52To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 28 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
The fortunate and happy restoration of peace, has caused all those whose patriotism alone induced them to engage in the military service of their country, to resume their former occupations. Of that number is my son Robert Carter Nicholas, lately a Lt. Col in the army of the U.S. When the war commenced he had lately returned from Italy, where he had been twelve or eighteen months, with a very...
53Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
The misfortunes of our friends in Baltimore , and the dreadful state of commerce all the world over, has determined my son to break up his establishment at Leghorn , & return to the U.S. as soon as he can wind up his business which he expects to be able to do in a few weeks after he gets there. He expects there will be a considerable Naval depot at Pensacola , where he is disposed to settle....
54Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Gibson has stated to me your wish to obtain a loan from the Bank of the U.S. (at this place) of an additional sum. From particular circumstances there is a great unwillingness at this moment to make loans for a longer period than sixty days. I have therefore advised him to let the application be made at the Farmers Bank , where my brother thinks it wou’d be obtained without any difficulty....
55Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 1 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose two notes which I beg the favour of you to endorse for me & return by the first mail. I ought to have done it by the last mail but it escaped me. Two of my daughters & my grandchild will leave this for Milton the first good day. What can or ought to be done to alleviate the distress of the country at the present moment? Is the question asked by every man I see, but no man answers it....
56To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to request that the appointment of my successor may be made as soon as possible, believing that it wou’d be perfectly convenient to you, to make the appointment before that time, I had fixed my departure from this place for the 26th. and made several appointments that require me to be in Albermarle as early as possible. and I do not think it wou’d be proper, either in respect to the...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 18 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish it was in my power to give you the information you want, as to a proper person for collector at the port of Hampton; there has been an entire change of inhabitants in that part of the country since I was there. the person that you mention I am unacquainted with. Col. George Booker of that neighbourhood, is the most influential republican in the County of E. City; I shou’d think his...
58To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
After the indecent attack that was made upon you in Congress in the course of the last Session, you will not be surprised to hear that efforts are made in conversation to lessen your popularity. I will not repeat to you what has been said, because there is abundant evidence in the possession of every man to contradict most of the calumnies in circulation, indeed your life has been so pure that...
59To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, [ca. 25 March] 1802 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter was sent to me by Genl. Marshal, who begs that you will send it under cover to Mr. Livingston with a request that he will give it a conveyance. I have obtained a list of all the French Vessels that were captured by the vessels of the U. S. upon comparing that list with your report I find it contains upwards of twenty vessels not included in your report, I have marked all...
60Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 9 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
a M r Coffee , a sculptor of great eminence who is here, is very anxious to go to your house to take your Bust: I have promised him I wou’d make his wishes known to you. He is said to be a master in his art: Your friends feel a solicitude you shou’d indulge him . nothing can be more acceptable to the american people, than the preservation of the likeness of those of our Citizens, most...
61Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 25 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
You have heard I know, that your College is made the University of Virginia . I call it yours, as you are its real founder, its commencement can only be ascribed to you, to your exertions & influence its being adopted can only be attributed. The object was always dear to me, it is doubly so, as it is now so compleatly identified with your fame. The sum given is too small but it will be...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 21 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I was yesterday informed by both the Senators from R. Island, that there state was very much discontented; with all the most valuable offices remaining in the hands of Federalist’s; and from recent letters they did fear, that spirit wou’d manifest itself, by a rejection of the amendment to the constitution. the Legislature will meet in a week. I presume the rule that you have adopted of giving...
63Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 16 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as I came to Richmond , after receiving your letter of the 19 th of march , in which you express a wish to have that part of Col Byrd ’s journal printed that I sent to you, I applied to M r Thomas Taylor , the agent & friend of the family, to obtain the permission, he promised to do so and there was no doubt it wou’d be readily given. In consequence of your letter of the 10 th instant...
64To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 18 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that you are appointed one, of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle, and to forward you the enclosed Commission. It is hoped that it will not be inconvenient for you to undertake the Execution of this office. I am, Sir, With great respect, Your Humble Servant RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC and enclosure in a clerk’s hand, signed by Nicholas. Cover...
65To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 11 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
The distress of the people of this country under the embargo, is and will be such, that every effort ought to be made to convince them not only of the propriety but the necessity of that measure. In the various communications to Congress, and the publications in the news papers, the justification of this measure is to be found. Unfortunately there is such a Mass before the people, that the...
66Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 18 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
But for Macon , who thinks no man honest or independent, who does not abuse his friends, the law to permit letters from you to be franked wou’d have had an unnanimous vote, notwithstanding his opposition the vote was nearly so. There was no opportunity to mention the prosecutions while I stayed in Washington , I had several conversations with Granger , his recollection of the circumstances did...
67To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 4 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have in a few days past received from Virginia $2500, which will prevent the necessity of my availing myself to the utmost extent of your goodness to me. I now only want $2000, for which I have sent a note. Be pleased to return it by the bearer. I am Dear Sir your hum. Serv. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Filed with the RC is an undated promissory note, in Nicholas’s hand but with signature...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I was very much mortified on my return to this place to find the inclosed in my desk, in a letter written at the moment of my departure, I suppose in my hurry I had put it there instead of sending it to the post office. I beg you Sir, to pardon this seeming inattention to your request & that your letter to Col. Newton shou’d be returned immediately. The business of my office is in such a train...
69Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Large appropriations have been made for internal p improvements & I expect the literary fund will be increased several hundred thousand dollars. I am sure the application of public money to these objects will meet your approbation. You are made one of the Directors of public works . I took the liberty (thinking it cou’d not be agreeable to you to serve) to suggest it was unreasonable to impose...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 4 October 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty to put into the hands of Mr. John Breckinridge a copy of the resolutions that you sent me , he says he is confident that the legislature of Kentucky (of which he is a member) will adopt them. he was very anxious to pay his respects to you but we both thought it was best that he shou’d not see you, as we believed if he did the resolutions wou’d be attributed to you. I...
71Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation that I have been in for some time past has prevented my answering your last letter and making my acknowledgements for your friendly attention to M r Armistead . I have the pleasure to inform you, your application procured M r A. an appointment that if he is prudent will enable him to support his family. A long and intimate acquaintance with you has given me a thorough knowledge...
72To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 18 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure two days ago to receive your favour of the 27th. of November. I beg you to be assured I feel great regret at the cause of the delay in your writing to me and anxiously hope your health is now perfectly restored. I understand communications to the Executive of the U.S ought properly to be addressed to the heads of departments these I shall make with pleasure. At the same time...
73Bond of Wilson Cary Nicholas, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Jefferson Randolph to the Second Bank of the United States … (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that we Wilson Cary Nicholas , Thomas Jefferson , and Thomas Jefferson Randolph , all of the county of Albemarle are held and firmly bound to the President, Directors and company of the Bank of the United States at Richmond in the sum of forty thousand dollars, to be paid to the said President Directors and company & their successors, their certain attorney or...
74To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 11 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
When at war with the only nation that has the means of serious annoyance, to have the force of the nation impaired if not neutralized by faction, heaps upon the government difficulties that are almost insurmountable. With the maratime ascendency of G.B. it cannot be doubted she is able to make us feel most sorely her power. Grievous as she has and may continue to make the war, I feel more...
75To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 24 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
To be remembered by you amidst the pressure of important public concerns, that present themselves upon the new arrangement of the government is to me highly gratifying, it is no less so to find my feelings of personal attachment to you, the warm interest that I take in the success of your administration, and my opinion of the measures that the public good requires, concur in suggesting the...
76Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 8 November 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much obliged to you for allowing me to read your letters to M r Eppes . I have done it with great satisfaction and attention. Your letters contain the ablest system of finance that I believe cou’d be devised, if the U.S. were now to commence their financial operations, with all the powers of the State and Gen l Governments and we were free from prejudices against paper money and the...
77To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 14 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It gives me the most sincere pleasure to have it in my power to congratulate you upon the amicable termination of an affair that must have given you great uneasiness. I am sure it ought to be the wish of all parties that it shou’d be consigned to eternal oblivion. permit me however to say that the honorable manner in which you have uniformly asserted the innocence of the lady , and all the...
78Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
With the most anxious desire to serve my country I fear my ability will not be commensurate with my wishes. The last assembly , had as little mercy in the labour they assigned me, as they showed discernment in the selection of an agent. There are some of the duties I have to perform, that, I feel myself entirely incompetent to and shou’d be quite in despair, but for the hope of obtaining your...
79To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 23 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
I feel the utmost reluctance to address you upon a subject of a personal nature or about one with whom I am nearly connected. My feelings & distress are such, that I cannot forbear to do it, and I trust to your goodness to pardon the liberty I am about to take. The eldest son of my brother George, who has serve’d in the army eight years & risen to the command of a Regt. has been involved in...
80Wilson Cary Nicholas’s Circular to the County Courts, 12 May 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The “ Act to provide an accurate Chart of each County and a general Map of the Territory of this Commonwealth,” directs the Executive “to cause such surveys to be made of the exterior boundaries of the Commonwealth, as may be necessary to ensure greater accuracy in the details of the preceding Charts where they present the boundaries of adjacent States, and to cause such surveys to be made of...
81Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I am about to take a liberty with you, that I hope you will pardon. Before I do, I beg you to understand, it is sincerely my wish, that you shou’d not comply with the request, I am ab o ut to make, if it shou’d be either inconvenient or unpleasant to you, in any respect. I want the use of a sum of money for a short time, I can obtain it from one of the Banks, but to do so, I Must have an...
82Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just heard that M r Arthur Brockenborough , is willing to engage with you to do the carpenter’s work at the University & wou’d undertake the superintendence of all your work of every sort at that place. M r Brockenborough is the brother of the Doctor & the Judge , & like them is a man of excellent character. He is a compleat workman himself and is moreover said to be more scientific...
83To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 31 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had not the pleasure of receiving your favour of the 22d. of Apl. until the day before yesterday. Be pleased Sir to accept my most cordial thanks for the very friendly attention that you have paid to my letter, asking an appointment for the son of my brother and be assured that I wou’d not in his case, or any other propose any person to you for an office, where I believed there was a...
84To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 20 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I most anxiously hope the almost unanimous wish of your country men, may induce you to consent to serve another term, I expressed my wishes to you upon this subject before the last election. I have seen most of the occurrences take place that I expected wou’d render it necessary for you to make a further sacrifice of your inclinations, to the public good. The reasons for your continuing in...
85To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 20 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Most sincerely do I wish, both for the public interest and for your sake, either that our countrymen had more public spirit, or that the occasion called for the exertion of less. At a moment when we are beaten and buffetted by foreigners, our people very valiantly turn from their enemies, and wage a cruel war upon their best, their only friends. When I compare the real state of things with the...
86Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 17 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the mortification to inform you, that the information I gave you of the consent of the Bank to let my paper continue with your endorsation alone, was a mistake . I was lead into this error by the information of two of the directors and it wou’d have been so I have no doubt, but unfortunately the Va. Bank , after giving every other accommodation that I asked as to time &c required...
87To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 4 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you a resolution of the Assembly of the State of Virginia, instructing the Governor of the Commonwealth earnestly and respectfully to submit to you, the importance of effectually providing for the defence of the Chesapeake Bay. Your knowledge of the Chesapeake Country, its population, the value of its products and its importance in a political and commercial...
88Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 30 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of a paper which was some time in your hands, which you turned over to the treasury & it was afterwards assigned to me. In an attempt to s ettle with Robinson ’s estate they claim a credit for £396.10 said to be paid to Gibson & Jefferson in Nov r 1800. G & J. say they received the money & gave you credit for it. I was only disposed to admit a credit for the three sums...
89Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 5 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with the greatest pain & mortification I communicate to you that I was obliged to suffer a protest the day before yesterday. Until within a few days of its happening I was under no fear of it; I made every effort in my power to prevent it but without effect. The people who have money think they can not get its value, & those who have it not in hand, will not make engagements for money....
90Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel great reluctance at asking of you what from its nature I fear cannot be very agreeable. I am confident I ought not to impoze so much trouble upon you. I trust however you will pardon me if it shou’d not be agreeable to you to interest yourself for a family, with which I am nearly connected. my Eldest sister you know married M r Norton & had the fairest prospects in point of fortune. The...
91To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 2 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24th. instant has impressed me beyond measure. I feel with its utmost force the obligation that every man is under to render service to his country, and permit me to say my devotion and attachment to you are such, that it wou’d be with the utmost reluctance I wou’d with hold my services when called upon by you. For wou’d I do it, but for considerations that I am sure you...
92To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have reflected much upon the conversation that I had with you, when I had last the pleasure of seeing you, about the power of the government of the U.S. to acquire territory, and to admit new States into the union. Upon an examination of the constitution, I find the power as broad as it cou’d well be made, 3d. sec. art. 4th. except that new States cannot be formed out of the old ones without...
93To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 1 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Every man who loves his country must feel great uneasiness at the defects that have been discovered in our constitution, in the short time that it has been in operation and must doubt its permenence when he recollects that in the 12th. year of its age, it was in the agony of death, that it was on the point of expiring under its own forms—that a similar state of things may be produced at any...
94To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 30 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I feel great reluctance in giving you the trouble of what I consider a personal application. The second daughter of my sister Norton (who you may remember at Mr. Randolph’s) married a Mr. Armistead, a gentn. who was bred a Merchant, but was unfortunate in business and obliged to retire to the country, where he has for several years supported his family by his labour. The event of a law suit by...
95Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 4 February 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I was excessively mortified two days ago, to find in my possession a letter written on the 20 th of Dec r in answer to your favour of the 16 th of that month . I am the more distressed lest you shou’d suppose from my silence I had not received as I ought the reproof it contained. Admonitions from you, I shall ever consider as proofs of your friendship and I beg you to be assured, there does...
96To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 23 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The character of the republicans’ party in this place is not easily understood by persons who have not been admitted behind the scenes, it is divided into two grand divisions, and into as many subordinate ones, as can be created, by interest, jealousy, and intemperance. The grand divisions, are composed of moderate men, and violent; the first think it the interest of the community, and of this...
97Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 2 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have written to M r Harrison for his permission to print the work of Col. Byrd , that I Sent you, I have no doubt he will consent to it, I am satisfied your wishes will be conclusive, & that the family of Col. Byrd will be highly gratified. When I received your answer to my application about the consulate at Leghorn for my son, I at once abandoned all thoughts of it, as nothing can induce me...
98To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The present is the most critical state of our affair that has existed since you came to the administration. In every aspect in which it can be viewed, the questions which present themselves are the most solemn and interesting. War or national degradation seem to be inevitable, for I do not believe there is the least reason to expect G.B. will make reparation for her offences in any way that...
99Enclosure: Commission Appointing Central College’s Board of Visitors, 18 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Virginia , to wit:— Whereas, by an Act of the General Assembly , Passed the 14 h day of February 1816, intitled, “An act for establishing a College in the County of Albemarle ,” it is made the duty of the Governor for the time being, as Patron of the said College , to appoint Visitors thereof—Therefore, I, Wilson C. Nicholas , Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia , do, in pursuance of the...