51To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, 17 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
From my own knowledge of Majr. Harris’s charactor and services, and from information received from many officers of distinction, I have no doubt of the correctness of the accompanying narative, and I think his claim to rank, as stated by Genl. Ripley, no more than he is clearly entitled to. His highly respectable standing in society, added to his faithfull and distinguished services, form such...
52To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 19 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
As an additional apology for detaining the Frigate as well as for believing that an answer somewhat satisfactory is to be given to my note of the 10th. Novr. I ought perhaps to state to you more fully than I have done in my official letter what past at the diplomatic audience to which I there alluded. It was on the 1st. of Decr. the anniversary of the Coronation. The court was uncommonly...
53Reuben Perry to Thomas Jefferson, 23 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received yours of the 9 th nov. in which was inclose d Three pounds on acc t of money advance d for nails for you also your directions to have the cellars Clean d out &c by Phill. but as he is to go away at Ch r istmast he will not have the Chance to do it as M r
54From James Madison to the Senate, 26 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate of the United States. The considerations which led to the nomination of a Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, being strengthened by evidence since received of the earnest desire of the Emperor to establish a diplomatic intercourse between the two Countries, and of a disposition in his Councils favorable to the extension of a commerce mutually advantageous; as will be seen by the...
55From James Madison to William Pinkney, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 19. came duly to hand, and I tender my thanks for it. I have very little to add in return for your acceptable observations, especially as the opportunity, happens to be reduced to a very few minutes. Mr. Smith will send you the communications to Congs. with whatever else is important. The career of Mr. Jackson, has been equally short & singular. His correspondence as far as...
56To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 1 December 1813] (Madison Papers)
It is not known that the British govt. has accepted the mediation of Russia; nothing has been receved from our ministers employed under it; and no intimation to that effect has been communicated to this govt., either from the Emperor of Russia, or from the British govt. Early accounts, after the appointment & departure of our Envoys, indicated the rejection of that friendly overture, & altho...
57Archibald Robertson to Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made enquiry of the Inspectors & others that saw Mr Bankheads Tob o inspected and must decline for the present making an offer for it, the quality not being such as would suit us— I take the liberty of troubleing you with a letter herein for Mr Higginbotham , which you will have the goodness to forward on your return to Albemarle — By the bearer you will receive the articles in your mem...
58From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 6 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
Other parts of your letter of yesterday may be remembered hereafter; but “ Brimborion ” must not be delayed nor trifled with. I shall produce an authority or two. Deletanville’s Dictionary. Brimborion SM. A trifle, A thing of little value. Lallemonts Dictionary. Brimborions. S.M.PL. Bagatelles choses de peu de valeur. Apinæ arum. Crepundia orum Children’s Playthings. Baubles as Bells Rattles....
59To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 17 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1812, Treasury Department. Encloses a letter from Winslow Lewis [not found] “proposing to sell his patent right for lighting the Light-Houses in the United States, and also to fit up all the said houses with the proper apparatus, for 24,000 Dollars.” That sum would include “his compensation and personal expenses; the purchase of the apparatus and expenses, other than his own, to be...
60Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 14 March 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved by the last post your letter of the 9 th expressing your desire to study half the day in your own room rather than in the school, if mr Gerardin’s consent should be obtained; & I have consulted your father on the subject. we both find ourselves too much uninformed of the regulations of the school to form a proper judgment on this proposition. if it would break through any rule which...
61To John Adams from William Cunningham, 14 June 1809 (Adams Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 7th. inst. After telling me that the employment of your thoughts upon your public essays precludes your attention, for the present, to my letters, I should be bereft of apology for filling again a whole sheet, if you had not also said that you are in no apprehension of being inundated. Amidst the heaviest outpouring which may be supposed to be congregating in...
62To James Madison from Charles Hall, 8 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have conversed with several passengers who arrived here last week in the Ship William direct from London, and who are not employed by the English Government, consequently do not endeavour to make their miserable condition appear to be desirable. These passengers represent the disaffection of the Natives of England to their Government as extreme, and the wretchedness and misery of the great...
63From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 18th. inclosing a commission for me, as one of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle. With a reservation of the time required by my remaining duties at this place, I shall, with pleasure contribute my services in promoting the welfare of so beneficial an Institution. Accept Sir my esteem & great respect RC ( Vi : Executive Papers).
64To James Madison from Samuel Huntington, 22 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
Agreably to the request of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, I have the honor to transmit you their Resolution of the 19th. Instant approbating the measures of the General Government—and am with high respect your most obedt. Servt. In General Assembly. Resolved by the general Assembly of the state of Ohio, that we highly approve the Candid, firm, and dignified Conduct of the executive...
65Thomas Jefferson Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Cary is unfortunately from home; I have ordered Phil to wait and have left a message for him with his W w ife . I am afraid there is little prospect of getting him: Will you sign my bond RC ( ViU : TJP-ER
66Enclosure: Resolutions of the Antient Plymouth Society, 16 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Members, of the “Antient Plymouth Society . (Instituted in the Seventeenth Century; in commemoration of the first landing of our Fore Fathers, in New England , and preserved, thro succeeding generations to the present day:) in the City of NewLondon, State of Connecticut , on the 16 th March 1809 , at Otis’s Hall ; previous notice being given to all the Members; James Hochie...
I must beg of you to tell the Doctor to give me and my brother our pay they are going to arrest me of Breaking down the door of Number one and I and my brother say we did not do that I think we ought to have our pay Mr Stradway wont give it to me I am your affectionate Son MBAt .
68Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 16 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Either inaccurate expression in myself, or the misapp r ehension of a friend to whom I had communicated my former letters on our finances , having obliged me to write another in explanation, I inclose you a copy of it because you had taken the trouble to read the others. I should wish this to be seen by those to whom you had communicated the former, lest they also should have misapprehended...
69Thomas Jefferson to John Melish, 14 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 18. came duly to hand. I w very willingly become a subscriber to your intended publication, judging from the table of contents, and your familiarity with the subjects treated of, that the work cannot fail to be useful to ourselves by pointing out advantageous pursuits not yet attended to, and to Great Britain by shewing what their ignorance and injustice have lost to them...
70To James Madison from Joseph Kent, 11 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Joseph Kent. 11 February 1814. “Hoping that it is your intention to select a character from Maryland to supply the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Mr. Rush, I take the liberty of mentioning to you John Johnson Esqr., one of the judges of our supreem Court, a gentlemen of acknowledged talents and great legal acquirements. “No one stands higher in his native state than Mr. Johnson,...
71To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 14 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I regret, that So often I must wearÿ you with mÿ complaints about myself, and yet I must do it, in apologÿ to myself, when I write a dull Letter. I have again be tortured with head-ache, and enjoÿ now only a little relief, which I am apprehensive Shall not last long—but I must take hold of this interval, to give me the pleasure, of answering your last favour of the 2d inst. I believe, I Shall...
72Thomas Lehré to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
It affords me at all times great pleasure, to see that my countrymen, either at their private or public meetings express themselves grateful to you for the blessings they have enjoyed under your Administration.— On the 4 th of July last , an Oration was delivered here in S t Michaels Church , in which the Orator never once mentioned the good that resulted from your Administration, that of your...
73To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
The difference between a communication & sollicitation is too obvious to need suggestion. While the latter adds to embarrasments, the former only enlarges the field of choice. The inclosed letters are merely communications. Of Stewart I know nothing. Price who recommends him is I believe a good man, not otherwise known to me than as a partner of B. Morgan of N. O. and as having several times...
74Benjamin Morgan to Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your note of the 19 th Ult o Covering a Copy of an Instrument signed by Burwell Logwood , Rob t Peyton &
75From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 2 September 1810 (Adams Papers)
Petition to the Burgomasters and Regents of Amsterdam . The subscribers, all merchants and manufacturers of this city, with all due respect, give to understand, that the difference arisen between the kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America, has not only given occasion for a long and violent war, but that the arms of America have covered themselves with a success so happy,...
76To James Madison from William Cross, [ca. 18 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of William Cross most respectfully represents. That he is a mechanic of the City of Washington, supporting a large family by his honest industry. That some time during the Session of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia for the County of Washington at December Term 1815, Your petitioner was fined by the Court for an assault and Battery of which he was convicted by the...
77Enclosure: William Thornton to George Greer, 2 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
The late President of the U.S. M r Jefferson being desirous of knowing how & where he could obtain one of the Looms of M r Janes’s Improvem t I wrote to M r J: & received this day his answer , referring me to you or to M r Robert Miller
78To James Madison from James B. Johnson, 15 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
Ruler the period has now arived when we are hailed by the glorious dispenser of human blessings, when we are hailed by that which spreads universal love and harmony amongst the sons of men, when we are hailed by that which consoles the weeping widow and forsaken orphan, not that it can recl their husbands and fathers for alas they are gone to return nomore but because they consider the sword...
79Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 23 July 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you Janes’s description of his loom with many thanks for the communication of it. the improvement for the moving the treadles without using the feet is highly valuable, inasmuch as our weavers are for the most part women. it appears too to be sufficiently simple for country use. the winding up the cloth is also useful, & not complicated. I do not well understand the mechanism for...
80From James Madison to Robert Brent, [ca. 11 September] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The mode provided in the letter to General Harrison, for distances in pay-offices, may answer. But blank Appointments would seem a more regular mode. The filling them implies the same confidence only, and in both cases the appts. are equally annullable. As assistant paymasters are not named in the act, it may be better to appt. additional paymasters in the same District with instructions...
81Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 9 February 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to thank you for the drawing of the beautiful hydraulic machine with which you favored me in yours of Jan. 11. in simplicity and effect it promises to go far beyond Montgolfier ’s hydraulic ram. I have endeavored to constitute a supply of water at Monticello by cisterns for recieving and preserving the rain water falling on my buildings. these would furnish me 600. gall s of water a...
82Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 30 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 20 th came to hand last night only, and the same post brought me an answer from mr Morton which I inclose for your perusal & consideration, with a request to return it to me. mr Morton is a native of this state, not personally known to me till lately, but long ago much recommended to me by many here; but most particularly by mr Coles , who was much with him in Bordeaux ,...
83Indenture for Sale of Land, [11 May 1814] (Madison Papers)
This Indenture made this the 11th day of May in the year 1814, between James M. Hite and Cornelius Baldwin and Nelly C. Baldwin late Nelly C. Hite of the county of Frederick and State of Virginia of the one part, and James Madison of the county of Orange and State aforesaid of the other part—Witnesseth, that whereas Isaac Hite of Belle Grove in the county of Frederick and State of Virginia did...
84From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 15 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 10th. and the Pamphlet inclosed “American Unitarianism.” I have turned over its Leaves, and found nothing that was not familiarly known to me In the preface, Unitarianism, is represented as only thirty years old in New England. I can testify as a Witness to its old Age. Sixty five years Ago, my own Minister the Reverend Lemuel Briant, Dr Jonathan Mayhew of...
85Charles G. Paleske to Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel it a duty as a just tribute to Your foresight and patriotism, to inclose the first printed copy of the report of the Board of managers of the Union canal company of Pennsylvania , and their Memorial intended to be presented by me next month to our Legislature, and anticipate the benefit, our country will derive from Your cooperation in the Administration, and the promotion of internal...
86Presidential Proclamation, [9 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Whereas the Congress of the United States, by a joint Resolution of the two Houses, have signified a request, that a day may be recommended, to be observed by the People of the United States, with religious solemnity, as a day of public Humiliation and Prayer: and whereas such a recommendation will enable the several religious denominations and societies so disposed, to offer, at one and the...
87From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 2 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hartley’s memorial—June 1, 1783. The proposition which has been made for an universal and unlimited reciprocity of intercourse and commerce between Great Britain and the American United States requires a very serious consideration on the part of Great Britain, for the reasons already stated in a memorial dated May 19, 1783, and for many other reasons, which in the future discussions of the...
88Thomas Jefferson to Isham Lewis, 1 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real concern that I learn the disagreeable situation in which you are for want of emploiment, & the more so as I do not see any way in which I can propose to you any certain relief. as to offices under the government, they are few, are always full, & twenty applicants for one vacancy when it happens. they are miserable also, giving a bare subsistence without the least chance of...
§ From Thomas Sloo and Others. Ca. 1 September 1815. “The undersigned inhabitants of the Circuit composed of the Counties of Gallatin & Edwards in the Illinois Territory: most respectfully beg leave to represent: “That in pursuanc⟨e⟩ of the Act of Congress ‘Regulateing & defineing the duties of the United States Judges for the Territory of Illinois’ approved 3d. March 1815. the Judges in &...
90Benjamin Morgan to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I defered answering your letter of the 29 th October last until I could get Lieut Rob t Peyton here hoping his presence was all that was wanted to settle the administration of his brother John’s Estate. He arrived last week and it now appears that he must have a power of Attorney from the Coheirs &ca as stated in the above memorandum— Please to forward these documents and I will do all in my...
91From John Adams to James Madison, 22 October 1816 (Adams Papers)
Thank you for your favour of the 12th. The Anecdote mentioned in my Letter of the 4th of September, is of no consequence to the Public, though, it may interest the private Feelings of your Family and mine. Mr Stodert was my Auther. After all possibility of thinking seriously on the Subject was passed, Mr Stodert informed me of the Letter from Mrs Madison to Mr Steel mentioned in mine to you of...
92Resolutions of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, [20 December] 1811 (Madison Papers)
The present is a period replete with National occurrences as momentous as ever marked the Annals of the World. That Collision of Kingdoms and Empires, which has deluged Europe with blood, borne down the practice and nearly extinguished the principles of justice and humanity, is not in its effects confined to that unhappy quarter of the Globe. The Unparalleled prosperity, the enterprising...
93Thomas Jefferson to William McClure, 10 September 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to commence the establishment for family manufacture in our neighborhood, on which we conversed the other day, I will, for myself, engage of you a spinning Jenny, and a loom with a flying shuttle, doing towards them myself whatever my workmen can do; I will furnish six women or girls to work for myself on them under your direction, build a house for them to lodge in, contribute to a...
94Enclosure: Drawing of Charles Redheffer’s Perpetual-Motion Machine, [ca. 30 November 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
MS ( MHi ); ink-and-wash drawing in an unidentified hand; undated. A photograph of an extant contemporary model of this machine is reproduced elsewhere in this volume.
95To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 2 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of offering, for your acceptance, the life of the Duke of Malborough lately published here by the Emperors’ instructions. He has intimated his intention of engaging certain literary Men to write the lives of other distinguished Generals according to the same plan. I also inclose two brochures relating to Mr Barlows’ Poem, and am, Sir, with the greatest respect Your very obedt...
96From John Adams to William D. Williamson, 25 December 1812 (Adams Papers)
When the House of Representatives, under the Charter of Charles I “broke out” as Huchinson expresses it, I presume they were chosen by the Towns. I never heard of any Elections by districts before the revolution, except of Registers of deeds and County Treasurers, by Counties, nor by General Ticket except of Governors and Lt Governors and perhaps of Secretaries Under the Charter of W. and...
97Thomas Jefferson to Alexander McRae, 5 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely wish you success in the object of the visit which yourself & Maj r Clarke propose to make to Europe . to your country it promises advantage, & I hope it will yield it to yourselves also. as you seem sensible of the danger to which it will expose you, under the laws of those countries, I need say nothing on that head but that the secrecy enjoined on me shall be observed. the letters...
98From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 23 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 20th inst. The claim of W. Knaggs involves an important question; what is the effect produced on the salaries of persons made prisoners by an Enemy, by and during their captivity? Civil officers are of two classes. 1st. Those holding during good behaviour 2dly. Those holding during pleasure. Whilst the offices of the 1st class continue and the officers are not removed...
99To James Madison from Marinus Willett, 3 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
I request your patience to the talk of a man of three score & thirteen. The failure of the expedition of General Wilkinson affords as much exultation to the Malcontents in our Country as it has produced mortification to our friends. That the want of success has in some measure been oweing to the want of foresight is evident. Measures to prevent the rear of the army from being harrased in...
100From Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Smith Adams, 9 January 1810 (Adams Papers)
I never received a Letter from my dear Mrs. Adams but that an emotion was awakened which is not felt in every epistolary intercourse.—When I saw her signature under date of Decr. 31st: my heart glowed with the same affection which had long been cherished in my bosom, towards one I had loved and placed confidence in, without a suspicion, that the regard was not mutual.— You assure me that there...