101From Thomas Jefferson to Antonia Reynon Carmichael, 30 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to return you my thanks for the copy of the memoire you have been so good as to send me. It contains just and interesting observations on the importance of a navigation through the isthmus of Darien . The late Mr. Carmichael had hoped he could procure for us the copy of a survey of that isthmus said to exist in the archives of the Spanish government. But I imagine it is too carefully...
102From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 30 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the pamphlet of Erskine inclosed in your favor of the 9th. inst. and still more for the evidence which your letter afforded me of the health of your mind and I hope of body also. Erskine has been reprinted here and has done good. It has refreshed the memory of those who had been willing to forget how the war between France and England has been produced; and who ape-ing St....
103From Thomas Jefferson to John Oliver, 30 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Tho strongly impressed myself against the possibility of forming a self moving machine, yet I do not place among impossibilities the invention of a machine whose moving power may be constantly renewed by some of the natural agents every where present, as air, gravity &c. If your son has invented any thing effectual in this way he will need no other patronage than the importance and value of...
104From Thomas Jefferson to John Gibson, 31 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
In my Notes on the state of Virginia I have given a translation of the celebrated speech of Logan to Ld. Dunmore with a statement of facts necessary to make it better understood. A Mr. Luther Martin of Maryland has lately come forward, denies the facts and also the authenticity of the speech. As far as my memory serves me we received the speech as a translation of yours, and tho’ I do not...
105From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1 June [1797] (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 18th. of May. The address of the Senate was soon after that. The first draught was responsive to the speech and higher toned. Mr. Henry arrived the day it was reported. The addressers had not as yet their strength around them. They listened therefore to his objections, recommitted the paper added him and Tazewell to the committee, and it was reported with considerable...
106From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 1 June [1797] (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of May 24. is recieved, and I have directed the springs to be made according to your desire. Your other commissions shall also be executed with pleasure, and shall go with some things of mine in the course of this month. Your tobacco is not yet arrived. Mr. Johnston’s express directions to ensure has induced us to do it: otherwise, considering the safety of the season I should have...
107From Thomas Jefferson to Dugald Stewart, [2 June 1797] (Jefferson Papers)
It is as much as six years ago that I proposed to our Philosophical society to add the respect of your name to the list of their members, which was done at the first [ensuing] election. The diploma was to have been delivered to me to be transmitted you: but having soon after had occasion to be long absent from this place I desired it to be forwarded, as soon as made out, by the Secretaries. A...
108From Thomas Jefferson to Peregrine Fitzhugh, 4 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with yours of May 19. and thank you for your intentions as to the corn and the large white clover, which if forwarded to Mr. Archibald Stuart at Staunton will find daily means of conveyance from thence to me. That indeed is the nearest post road between you and myself by 60. or 70. miles, the one by George town being very circuitous. The representatives have at length got through...
109From Thomas Jefferson to Wakelin Welch, 4 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 22. never came to my hands till about a fortnight ago. In the meantime, that is to say about January or February last the subject of it had been included and settled in a general settlement of the debt of the late Mr. Wayles to Cary & Co. between Mr. Wickam acting for them and Mr. Wayles’s executors, of which I have no doubt you recieved information in due time. Your letter...
110From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 8 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 1st. inst. You will have seen by the public papers that the amendment for putting France on an equal footing with other nations was clogged with another requiring compensation for spoliations. The objection to this was not that it ought not to be demanded, but that it ought not to be a sine qua non, and it was feared from the dispositions of the Executive that they...
111From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of May 20 came to hand the 1st. inst. I imagine you recieved mine of May 18. about six days after the date of yours. It was written the first post-day after my arrival here. The commission you inclosed for Maria is executed, and the things are in the care of Mr. Boyce of Richmond, who is returning from hence with some goods of his own, and will deliver them to Mr. Johnston.—I recieve...
112From Thomas Jefferson to French Strother, 8 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with the desire you expressed in the few short moments I had the pleasure of being with you at Fredericksburg, I shall give you some account of what is passing here. The President’s speech you will have seen; and how far it’s aspect was turned towards war. An opinion here is that the Executive had that in contemplation, and were not without expectation that the legislature might...
113From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 9 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have scarcely a moment left to write to you, having waited till the morning of the departure of the post to see Barnes in expectation I could inform you of the sale of our tobacco . Your’s arrived yesterday. I had found it safest to sell for 10. Dol. as no more than 9 1/2 D. has been given for new tobacco and Lieper would not take it, as he formerly did, at the old tobacco price, giving a...
114From Thomas Jefferson to John Moody, 13 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I might sooner have acknoleged the receipt of your favor of May 15. but I could not sooner have done it with any thing satisfactory on the subject it concerned. The first [offering?] of the session of Congress was rather [inau]spicious to those who consider war as among the greatest calamities to our country. Private conversation, public discussion, and thorough calculation, aided by the...
115From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, [14 June 1797] (Jefferson Papers)
I learn, my dear M. with inexpressible pleasure that an union of sentiment is likely to bring on an union of destiny between yourself and a person for whom I have the highest esteem. A long acquaintance with him has made his virtues familiar to me and convinced me that he possesses every quality necessary to make you happy and to make us all happy. This event in compleating the circle of our...
116From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Stevens, 14 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved duly through your kindness the survey from Mr. Strode of the road from Georgetown to Stevensburg. I propose on my passage through George town to confer with the Bridge company and get them to undertake having the road conducted from their bridge to the Culpeper line, after which I presume every county will go on with it till it gets into the direct and proper road at Prince Edward...
117From Thomas Jefferson to John Strode, 14 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your favor of May 7. together with the survey of the road from Georgetown to Stevensburgh. As I believe there will be no difficulty in getting the road established from it’s entry into Culpeper till it gets into the established and direct road in Prince Edward, I propose to confer at Georgetown with some members of the Bridge company and get them to undertake...
118From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 15 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of the 8th. inst. I had inclosed you separately a paper giving an account of Buonaparte’s last great victory . Since that we recieve information that the preliminaries of peace were signed between France and Austria. Mr. Hammond will have arrived at Vienna too late to influence the terms. The victories lately obtained by the French on the Rhine were as splendid as Buonaparte’s. The...
119From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 15 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
It was expected the last week that we might have risen on Saturday next. Those expectations are now pushed off to Saturday the 24th. and perhaps it may be even later than that. I conclude however that instead of sending off my chair and horses on Saturday the 24th. as I had desired, they must set out on Wednesday the 28th. so as to be at Fredericksburg Thursday evening of the 29th. This will...
120From Thomas Jefferson to Aaron Burr, 17 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The newspapers give so minutely what is passing in Congress that nothing of detail can be wanting for your information. Perhaps however some general view of our situation and prospects since you left us may not be unacceptable. At any rate it will give me an opportunity of recalling myself to your memory, and of evidencing my esteem for you. You well know how strong a character of division had...
121From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Remsen, 17 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
It is so long since I have made any paiment for the New York papers that I am entirely ignorant what my arrears are, and I have been so much engaged here hitherto that I have failed to make enquiry of you. Pray be so good as to let me know, and to do it immediately as I shall not be here after the 23d. inst. If you could take the trouble of enquiring of Mr. Freneau also what I owe him you will...
122From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 21 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
It was with infinite joy to me that you were yesterday announced to the Senate as envoy extraordinary jointly with Genl. Pinckney and Mr. Marshel to the French republic. It gave me certain assurance that there would be a preponderance in the mission sincerely disposed to be at peace with the French government and nation. Peace is undoubtedly at present the first object of our nation. Interest...
123From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 22 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The Senate have this day rejected their own bill for raising a provisional army of 15,000. men. I think they will reject that for permitting private vessels to arm. The Representatives have thrown out the bill of the Senate for raising artillery. They yesterday put off one forbidding our citizens to serve in foreign vessels of war, till Nov. by a vote of 52. to 44. This day they came to a...
124From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 22 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The Senate have this day thrown out their own bill for raising 15,000 men as a provisional army. I think they will also reject the bill for permitting private ships to arm. The Representatives rejected the bill from the Senate for raising artillery, and have this day by resolution proposed to the Senate to adjourn on Wednesday the 28th. Under present appearances I may by possibility be 3. or...
125From Thomas Jefferson to John Gibson, 24 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to thank you for your favor of the 17th inst. and the [infor]mation it contained, but have still to trouble you for an explanation [of a] passage in [which?] you say ‘Capt Cressop was not present when [Logan’s relations] were killed.’ How then are we to understand that passage in Logan’s speech which says ‘Colo. Cressop the last year in cold blood and unprovoked killed all the relations...
126From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Rutledge, 24 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege your two favors of May 4. and 19. and to thank you for your attention to the commissions for the peas and oranges, which I learn are arrived in Virginia. Your draught I hope will soon follow on Mr. John Barnes merchant here, who, as I before advised you, is directed to answer it. When Congress first met, the assemblage of facts presented in the President’s speech with the...
127From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew G. Fraunces, 27 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
It would have highly gratified me had it been in my power to furnish the relief you ask: but I am preparing for my departure and find, on winding up my affairs, that I shall not have one dollar to spare . It is therefore with sincere regret I have nothing better to tender than the sentiments of good will of Sir, Your most obedient servant, MS not found; reprinted from Hamilton, Observations,...
128From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 27 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your two favors of May 26. and 29. which came to hand in due time and relieved my mind considerably, tho’ it was not finally done. During the vacation we may perhaps be able to hunt up the letters which are wanting, and get this tornado, which has been threatening us, dissipated. You have seen the speech and the address, so nothing need be said on them. The...
129From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew G. Fraunces, 28 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I know well that you were a clerk in the Treasury Department while I was in the office of Secretary of State; but as I had no relation with the interior affairs of that office, I had no opportunity of being acquainted with you personally, except the single occasion on which you called on me. The length of time you were in the office affords the best presumption in your favour, and the...
130From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 29 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The day of adjournment walks before us like our shadow. We shall rise on the 3d. or 4th. of July. Consequently I shall be with you about the 8th. or 9th. The two houses have jointly given up the 9. small vessels. The Senate have rejected at the 3d reading their own bill authorizing the President to lay embargoes . They will probably reject a very unequal tax passed by the Repr. on the venders...
131From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 29 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The day of adjournment walks before us like our shadow. It will not take place till the 3d. or 4th. of July. Consequently I shall not be at home till the 10th. or 11th.—Yours of the 19th. inst. came to hand on the 27th. We still go on undoing what in the beginning of the session had been too ardently begun. A bill to authorize the President to lay embargoes, brought into the Senate, has been...
132From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Mar. 31. was delivered to me yesterday. I learn by that that my letters must have been unfortunate in their passage to you. I have no papers here which enable me to cite dates; but I know that I have written to you once or twice every year. There had been a longer interval indeed from the time of your leaving Madrid, because the last letter you wrote me thence (which is the last I...
133From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mifflin, 1 July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Blacon having some business with you desires me to give him a line of introduction. He was a good revolutionist of the first National convention, closely connected with La Fayette, a worthy and wealthy person well known to me in France. On these grounds I take the liberty of presenting him to you. He will have with him a friend Mr. Sermaize whom I have not before known. I...
134From Thomas Jefferson to Volney, 5 July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I am really uneasy at your stay here, during the heats of the present season, and in your weak state. You mentioned that you were detained by business. Perhaps it may be some retardation of funds, or some other matter in which I can be serviceable to you. I am rarely rich in money, but probably can command such sums as might accomodate wants as moderate as yours. Be it this, or be it any thing...
135To Thomas Jefferson from William Wirt, with Jefferson’s Notes, 15 July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
In a day or two I will come up and settle with you for the nails which were furnished us some time ago —and at the same time for 500. 8d. and 50. 30d. do. if you will be so obliging as to have them sent by the bearer. Yr. obt. Servt. (500) 5 ℔ VIII d. 12d 0-5-0 50. 3 ℔ XXX 10d. 0-2-6 0-7-6 RC ( MHi ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson Monticello.” Furnished us some time ago : see Wirt to TJ, 4 May...
136From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, [18] July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
After parting with you at Philadelphia, I recollected that the box which Mr. Johnston was forwarding to you for me, went from this place and contained a large tooth and another bone of the Mammoth. I must ask the favor of you to open it and to take the tooth, have it packed in a box of exact size, to be directed to ‘the Prince of Parma,’ and delivered to the Chevalier Yrujo, Minister of Spain,...
137From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
In hopes that Mrs. Madison and yourself and Miss Madison will favor us with a visit when Colo. Monroe calls on you, I write this to inform you that I have had the Shadwell and Secretary’s ford both well cleaned. If you come the lower road, the Shadwell ford is the proper one. It is a little deepened, but clear of stone and perfectly safe. If you come the upper road you will cross at the...
138From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 31 July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Just after closing and sending away my letter of the 18th. Mr. Lott desired me to pay you for him 40. Dollars which I undertook to do. The last post day however escaped me without observing it: so that there has been a fortnight’s delay not at all imputable to Mr. Lott . Be pleased now to debit my account and credit his by that sum, or perhaps it might be a dollar or two or some cents more,...
139Note on Diplomatic Appointments, July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
1797. July. Murray is rewarded for his services by an appointment to Amsterdam ; W. Smith of Charleston to Lisbon . MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 102: 17461); entirely in TJ’s hand; written as initial entry on same sheet as Notes on Alexander Hamilton, 24 Aug. 1797 , a truncated version of Note on Spanish Expenditures, 13 Oct. 1797 , and Notes on Conversations with John Adams and George Washington,...
140From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 3 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I scribbled you a line on the 24th. Ult. It missed of the post and so went by a private hand. I perceive from yours by Mr. Bringhurst that you had not recieved it. In fact it was only an earnest exhortation to come here with Munroe, which I still hope you will do. In the mean time I inclose you a letter from him, and wish your opinion on it’s principal subject. The variety of other topics, the...
141I. Petition to the Virginia House of Delegates, [on or before 3 August 1797] (Jefferson Papers)
To the Speaker and House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia The Petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the counties of Amherst, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Goochland sheweth That by the constitution of this state, established from it’s earliest settlement, the people thereof have possessed the right of being governed by laws to which they have consented by representatives chosen by...
142II. Revised Petition to the Virginia House of Delegates, [7 August–7 September 1797] (Jefferson Papers)
The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the counties of Amherst, Albemarle, Fluvanna, and Goochland, sheweth: That by the constitution of this State, established from its earliest settlement, the people thereof have professed the right of being governed by laws to which they have consented by representatives chosen by themselves immediately: that in order to give to the will of the...
143From Thomas Jefferson to Volney, 5 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Our post having failed to come as far as Charlottesville the last week delayed my reciept of yours of July 19. and consequently the answer to it one whole week. I consider it the more unfortunate as the period you have still to stay with us is flowing out. It is the wisest philosophy which directs us always to view circumstances under their most pleasing aspect. I will not consider therefore...
144From Thomas Jefferson to John Stuart, 15 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
With great pleasure I forward to you the Diploma of the American Philosophical society adopting you into their body. The attention on your part to which they are indebted for the knowlege that such an animal has existed as the Great claw, or Megalonyx as we have named him, gives them reason to hope that the same attention continued will enrich us with other objects of science which your part...
145Notes on Alexander Hamilton, 24 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Aug. 24. About the time of the British treaty, Hamilton and Taleyrand , bp. of Autun dined together, and Hamilton drank freely. Conversing on the treaty, Taleyrand says ‘mais vraiment Monsr. Hamilton, ce n’est pas bien honnete, after making the Senate ratify the treaty to advise the Presidt. to reject it.’ ‘The treaty, said Hamilton is an execrable one, and Jay was an old woman for making it,...
146From Thomas Jefferson to Willem H. van Hasselt, 27 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your favor of June 30. and feel myself indebted to the partiality which at so great a distance, has drawn your attention to me. It is with great sincerity I assure you that there are traits in your letter which interest me strongly in your favor, and increase the regret that my particular position does not permit me to avail myself of talents so well entitled...
147From Thomas Jefferson to St. George Tucker, 28 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your two favors of the 2d. and 22d. inst. and to thank you for the pamphlet covered by the former. You know my subscription to it’s doctrines, and as to the mode of emancipation, I am satisfied that that must be a matter of compromise between the passions the prejudices, and the real difficulties which will each have their weight in that operation. Perhaps...
148From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lawson, 31 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your favor of June 27. and to assure you of my sincere dispositions to render you the service therein desired, in the best way in my power. This cannot be however to any effect during my absence from Philadelphia. But on my return to that place at the meeting of Congress I shall be able to interest those on behalf of your son whose applications at the war...
149From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan, 31 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of July 20. and have read with great pleasure the piece it contained. I have just heard too of the publication of a pamphlet which I had expected with impatience, as I am sure it will convey to the world some truths which require some caution in their conveyance. The mind of the people is not prepared to recieve them abruptly. Your manner is well...
150From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 31 August 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing how far the inclosed address may serve to give a certain conveyance to the letter, I have thought it safest to put it under your cover, not doubting that your communion with the person would enable you to procure it a sure passage to it’s destination. I am with esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Mr. John Vaughan.” Enclosure: TJ to Benjamin Vaughan,...