201To John Adams from Theodore Foster, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
In the event of the Hon. Benjamin Bourn being appointed a circuit judge in the first circuit, under the act providing for the more convenient organization of the courts of the United-States, we beg leave to recommend to you the Hon. Ray Greene , for the office of judge for the district of Rhode–Island, now held by Mr: Bourn. Mr. Greene has been uniformly and deservedly esteemed in private...
202To John Adams from Elizur Goodrich, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Having inclosed to the Secretary of the Treasury, a petition, addressed to your Excellency soliciting an Appointment to the vacant office of Collector of the Port of New Haven, I hope it will not be deemed improper to express, my motives leading at the present time to a wish for retirement. I have an affectionate family and young Children to support and educate—I have always considered the...
203To John Adams from Elizur Goodrich, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The Office of Collector of the Port of New Haven in the State of Connecticut having become vacant by the Death of David Austin Esquire, I take the Liberty to solicit of your Excellency an appointment to succeed him in the office. A friend has in my absence, transmitted from New Haven the accompanying Certificate, signed by respectable Men. Perhaps it will not be deemed improper to observe,...
204To John Adams from Harrison Gray Otis, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Upon perusing with more attention a letter from Judge Lowell which I had the honor to mention to you, it appears to me to be a duty not only to him but to the Executive, to communicate the letter itself under his hand, as it seems to contain not merely an expression of his wishes in relation to the office of Circuit Judge, but an eventual resignation of his office, which he relies upon me to...
205From John Adams to United States Congress, 16 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I wish to know the pleasure of Congress and request their direction concerning the disposition of the property of the United States now in my possession; whether I shall deliver it into the hands of the heads of Departments, or of the commissioners of the city of Washington, or of a committee of Congress, or to any other persons Congress may appoint, to be delivered into the hands of my...
206To Alexander Hamilton from George and Jacob Gilbert, 16 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
As the period when Congress will rise is close at hand, and the opportunity of your saving us from ruin by a fair representation of facts must then, in all probability, cease, we take the liberty, with great respect, of praying your attention, to the Letter we address’d you some time since, and remain Your Most obedient & very humble servants. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The...
207To Thomas Jefferson from John Breckinridge, 16 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The general beleif, which prevails here, that the present Marshall for this State, will not be reappointed, has induced Colo. Joseph Crockett to come forward as a candidate. I was not informed by him of his intentions untill this day. His character, was, I presume, well known to you during his residence in the neighbourhood of Charottesville. It has suffered no diminution here.—In the exercise...
208From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 16 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 7. came duly to hand. a part of it gave me that kind of concern which I fear I am destined often to meet. men professing minds of the first order, and who have had opportunities of being known & of acquiring the general confidence, do not abound in any country beyond the wants of the country. in your case however it is a subject of regret rather than of complaint, as you are...
209Notes on a Newspaper Article, 16 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 16. see the Wilmington Mirror of Feb. 14. mr Bayard’s elaborate argument to prove that the common law, as modified by the laws of the respective states at the epoch of the ratificn of the constn, attached to the courts of the US. MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 108:18534); entirely in TJ’s hand; on same sheet as Notes on a Conversation with Gen. John Armstrong, 14 Feb. Wilmington Mirror : Mirror of...
210To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Richardson, 16 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
having Received yours of January the 8th I now have the pleasure of answering it with pleasure. I am sorry to have omited it so long— nor would I have done it on any other provisor a tall But not having of my helth so as to admit of my going from home till now has ocasioned it my not writing to you Before now I was at your place since I wrote you or as I may say since new years day to know why...
211Thomas Boylston Adams to William Smith Shaw, 15 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Your favors of the 10 th: & 11 th: inst t: are received. We have heard of the proceedings in the Representative chamber as far as the 22 d: ballot, and we have admired that firmness, which puts the issue of the choice upon strength of nerves, rather than numbers. I have but little expectation, that the thing will go through, as it began— Some body will go over to the majority, but it is not...
212To Alexander Hamilton from John Jay, 15 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
At present I have not Leisure to mention more on the subject, than that the Gentleman who was thought of for a certain Employment, declines it—nor does he know of any Person who wd. probably be willing and also well qualified to execute what would be expected from him as necessary to ensure Success to the Plan. Yours ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In JCHW John C. Hamilton, ed.,...
213To James Madison from William Taylor, Jr., 15 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have lately learnt that their is a Probability that the office of Marshal for this state will in a Short time be made vacant, and some of my friends have induced me by Persuasion, to apply for it. This has induced me to mention the circumstance to you and if you think my abilitys and fidelity intituled to it will feel under many Obligations to you for your attention. I have deemed it...
214To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Crockett, 15 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By the law establishing federal Courts I beleve it is provided there shall be a reappointment to the Office of Marshal to that Court once in four years. If that is the case applications I Suppose will be numerous to you for the Office; That Supposition is founded on its being generally beleved that Some one will succeed Saml McDowell Junr the present Marshal, I flatter my self that I hold an...
215From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 15 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter, my dear Maria, of the 2d. inst. came to hand on the 8th. I should have answered it instantly according to our arrangement, but that I thought, by waiting till the 11th. I might possibly be able to communicate something on the subject of the election. however, after 4. days of balloting, they are exactly where they were on the first. there is a strong expectation in some that they...
216From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 15 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved several letters from you which have not been acknoleged. by the post I dare not, and one or two confidential opportunities have past me by surprise. I have regretted it the less, because I knew you could be more safely and fully informed by others. mr Tyler, the bearer of this, will give you a great deal more information personally than can be done by letter. four days of...
217From Thomas Jefferson to John Tyler, 15 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 30. by mr Tyler your nephew has been duly recieved, and I read in it with great satisfaction the expression of friendly regard which I can with truth reciprocate. we have had a long course together, and in the moments of trial, I have seen you always at your post. our political vessel has rode very uneasily under the gales of monarchy: I hope, when put on her republican...
218Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 14 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I wrote to you last Evening requesting You to meet me at the susquahanah; but I did not reflect that it was two days Journey. this Evening Leiut Parker has arrived and has tenderd me his services; Mr Evans furnishes me with a carriage to Philadelphia provided we can cross the River if I cannot get over, I must depend upon the chapter of chances— if I can get over I expect to be in on twesday....
219Abigail Adams to William Smith Shaw, 14 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Altho I was much fatigued last Evening, I wrote a few lines to the President to let him know we were safely housed. the Roads were so bad, that the Mail tho two hours before us in the morning did not get in, untill half an hour after us, and there was not any mail from Philadelphia. we took colds all of us; I have a very Soar throat & Louissa a stiff neck— Susan this Morning complaind her...
220John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 14 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I last week informed you that I had withdrawn from Amsterdam all the stocks I held there, and had remitted to M r: King, in London fourteen hundred pounds sterling, for which I authorised you to draw, and requested you to place the proceeds in the most advantageous manner; but not in any institution or fund depending upon our national Union; for the generality of our Countrymen are so far from...
221To John Adams from Willis Alston, 14 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the passage of a law during the present session of Congress for organizing the courts of the united states the appointment of a circuit Judge in the state of North Carolina becomes necessary I therefore take the liberty of recommending to your consideration the character of the Honorable Samuel Johnston, at present a Judge of the Supreme court of said state, for the Honor of...
222To John Adams from Richard Bland Lee, 14 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
When I left Virginia a vacancy in the Collectorship of Alexandria seemed to be expected. Should that event happen I requested some of my friends to nominate me to you as a candidate to supply it. It was also expected that a government for the territory of Columbia would be adopted, which would include in its organization a judiciary System, consisting of one Judge & two associates—I took the...
223To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Barnes, 14 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had last the pleasure of addressing you, my best friend Mr. Jefferson, from this place Decemr. 22nd 1800—I Suggest’d in the Postscript, that hostilities had recommenc’d between the French and imperialists; and that report said, tho’ I reced. it confidentially thro’ a private channel, the French & Russians were about to come to an understanding, that if So, you would judge of the effect...
224From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, 14 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 18 . is duly recieved. the subject of it did not need apology. on the contrary should I be placed in office, nothing would be more desireable to me than the recommendations of those in whom I have confidence, of persons fit for office. for if the good withold their testimony, we shall be at the mercy of the bad. if the question relative to mr Zantzinger had been merely that...
225From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Ellicott, 14 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favors of Feb. 5. & 9. and to thank you for the pamphlet contained in the former one which was a desideratum to me. I will forward the diplomas to Chr. Livingston & mr Stewart. the latter is almost out of date. I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Mr. Andrew Ellicot”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. Ellicott’s letter of 9...
226Notes on a Conversation with Gen. John Armstrong, 14 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 14 Genl Armstrong tells me that Gouvernr. Morris in conversation with him today on the scene which is passing expressd himself thus. how come it, sais he, that Burr who is 400. miles off (at Albany) has agents here at work with great activity, while mr Jefferson, who is on the spot, does nothing?’ this explains the ambiguous conduct of himself & his nephew Lewis Morris, and that they were...
227From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Sayre, 14 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favors of Jan 12. & Feb. 5. it is far from being certain at this date that I shall have any thing to do with the executive councils of the country. yet as you make the movements of your son to depend in some measure on the circumstance stated in your letter of Jan. 12. I will hazard an observation which will merit no more weight than would have that of...
228From Thomas Jefferson to John Stuart, 14 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
You were chosen a member of the American philosophical society so long ago as 1797. and as I lived at a distance from Philadelphia, the Secretaries were advised how to address your diploma when it should be filled up. by some accident unexplained to me it seems it has never been forwarded. I did not know this till I recieved it a few days ago. I have the honour now to inclose it. the bones you...
229From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 14 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Doctr. Thornton. he has recieved his friendly invitation to pass the evening on Monday next; but for 10. years past he has been in the habit, from considerations of health, of never going out in the evening. his friends have been so kind as to indulge this habit, & he is sure Dr. Thornton will accept it as an apology. RC ( DLC : William Thornton...
230Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here about half after Six, without any accident, but beat and bang’d enough I do not wish for the present, a severer punishment to the Jacobins & half feds who have sent me home at this Season, than to travel the Roads in the san culot stile just now; the Roads were hard frozen points up, all the way. we were 4 hours making our first stage, and then commenced a voilent snow storm....
231From John Adams to United States Senate, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I nominate James A. Bayard, member of the house of Representatives from the State of Delaware to be minister plenipotentiary from the United States to the French republic DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
232To John Adams from Timothy Bloodworth, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The Act pass’d this sessions, for the revisal of the Judicial sistem, will require the appointment of a Judge for the State of No Carolina, permit me, with resepectfull submission, to recommend Mr Samuel Johnston, as a Gentleman suitably quallified to fill that Station. his Charrecter is so wel established as a Lawyer, that any observations on that subject, would be superfluouse. I beg leave...
233To John Adams from William Cooper, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
By the provisions of the Act respecting the Judiciary, which has just become a Law—a new District in the Northern part of the State of New-York is created; In which the Offices of Attorney & Marshal are to be filld. by new appointments—relying upon the belief that your Excellency is willing to receive all information relating to the suitableness of persons for any employment which is vacant—we...
234To John Adams from Theodore Foster, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
The Act to provide for the more convenient organization of the Courts of the United States, contemplating the appointment of judges of the Courts in the several circuits, we take the liberty of recommending to you Benjamin Bourn Esqr: the present district judge of Rhode Island as a proper character to fill the office of a judge of the circuit Court in the circuit with which that State is...
235To John Adams from Jared Ingersoll, Jr., 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I extremely regret that my business requiring an immediate Return, prevented my having the honor a further Interview with you before I left the City of Washington. permit me to repeat, what I have already mentioned to you verbally, my resignation of the office I now hold, as District Attorney of the United States for the District of Pennsylvania. If the Result of the late Presidential election...
236To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
When I sported the Idea of an Ambassadorship I meant Nothing more than that it must be a most desirable Thing to the People of the United States to have their forign Affairs Again committed to the Charge of the ablest Minister they ever had in Europe; And that too under Circumstances more dignified & singular than any other Nation ever exhibited. As Farmer of Stonyfield You certainly can unite...
237To John Adams from James Wilson, 13 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty of addressing you upon a Subject, which, though of little Importance to you, is yet highly interesting to me. On the 26th of May last you were pleased to give a verbal Order to the Secretary of War, through Major Tousard, to make out for me a Commission of lieutenant in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers. Mr McHenry, then in the Hurry of Business necessarily attendant...
238To James Madison from Hore Browse Trist, 13 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr Peter Dobell of Philadelphia (an Intimate & very particular friend of mine for many years) in case of a Republican Administration intends applying for the Consulship at Bordeaux. For that purpose he has already obtained the recommendatory signatures of all the respectable commercial part of that City. Those of the Assembly of Pennsylvania—Gov: McKeans & Dallas’s—Doctors Shippen—Wistar &...
239To Thomas Jefferson from Diodati, 13 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Les Sentiments pleins d’estime & d’Attachement que je Vous avois Voues à Paris , étoient de nature a deVoir Vous Suivre par tout, avec mes Voeux & c’est avec un grand plaisir & un grand intérest que j’ay appris a la continue, les postes éminents dont l’estime & la confiance de Vos Concitoyens vous avoient d’abord revetu, des Votre retour en Amérique, & enfin a présent, de celui de Président...
240To Alexander Hamilton from Edward Tilghman, 12 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
February 12, 1801. Acknowledges Hamilton’s letter of February 11, 1801 . Discusses several lawsuits involving the capture and resale of American-owned vessels by foreign nations and the settlement of the cases in United States courts. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Letter not found. H wanted this information for the case of John C. Vandenheuvel v United Insurance Company , which...
241To James Madison from John Dawson, 12 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am much hurt that I cannot communicate to you, and to my other friends in Orange and Madison the pleasing information which I anticipated in my last—the enclosd paper will shew to you our proceedings —on today we met at twelve and gave one vote, the result of which was the same as before—we then suspended voting untill tomorrow at eleven, and all other business is prohibited by a rule. What...
242To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
The H. of R. has been in conclave ever since 2. oclock yesterday. At 10. P.M. 17 ballots had been tried, & were invariably 8. 6. & 2 divided. I have not heard from the Capitol this morning. I can venture nothing more by the post but my affectionate salutations, to yourself & mrs. Madison. P. S. 1. P.M. The H. of R. suspended the balloting from 7. to 12. this morning, & after trying a few more...
243To Thomas Jefferson from Aaron Burr, 12 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
It was so obvious that the most malignant spirit of slander and intrigue would be busy that, without any enquiry, I set down as calumny every tale calculated to disturb our harmony. My friends are often more irritable and more credulous: fortunately I am the depository of all their Cares and anxieties, and I invariably pronounce to be a lie, every thing which ought not to be true— my former...
244I. To Philip Norborne Nicholas, 12 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The H. of R. has been in conclave ever since 2. aclock yesterday. 25. balots have been taken at intervals of from half an hour to an hour. they were invariably 8. 6. & 2. divided. I can venture nothing mo[re by] the post but my affectionate salutations. PrC ( DLC ); faint, text in brackets supplied from Documents ii–v ; in ink at foot of text TJ wrote the names of Mann Page, John Page, James...
245II. To James Madison, 12 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The H. of R. has been in conclave ever since 2. aclock yesterday. at 10. P.M. 17 ballots had been tried, & were invariably 8. 6. & 2 divided. I have not heard from the Capitol this morning I can venture nothing more by the post but my affectionate salutations, to yourself & mrs Madison. P.S. 1. P.M. the H. of R. suspended the balloting from 7. to 12. this morning, & after trying a few more...
246III. To James Monroe, 12 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The H. of R. has been in conclave ever since 2. aclock yesterday. 25. ballots have been taken at intervals of from half an hour to an hour. they were invariably 8. 6. & 2 divided. I can venture nothing more by post but my affectionate salutations to yourself & mrs Monroe. P.S. 1. P.M. the H. of R. suspended the balloting from 7. to 12. this morning & after trying a few balots with the same...
247IV. To Thomas Mann Randolph, 12 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The H. of R. has been in conclave ever since 2. aclock yesterday. 25. balots have been taken at intervals of from half an hour to an hour. they were invariably 8. 6. & 2. divided. I can venture nothing more by the post but my affectionate salutations, to yourself & my dear Martha. P.S. 1. P.M. the H. of R. suspended the balloting from 7. to 12. this morning & after trying a few balots with the...
248V. To Archibald Stuart, 12 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The H. of R. has been in conclave ever since 2 aclock yesterday. 25. ballots have been taken, & were invariably 8. 6. & 2. divided. the intervals of balloting were from half an hour to an hour. I can venture nothing more by post but my affectionate salutations. P.S. 1. P.M. the H. of R. suspended the balloting from 7. to 12. this morning, & after trying a few balots again with the same effect...
249To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Niles, 12 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to indulge a very sensible pleasure in congratulating my Country on the prospect, which I hope is this moment realized at the seat of Government, that you are elected President of the United States. In times so strongly marked as the present are, by the virulence of faction at home, & by the rage of nations abroad, a friendly heart can hardly congratulate its respected object upon...
250Notes on a Conversation with Edward Livingston, 12 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
1801. Feb. 12. Edwd. Livingston tells me that Bayard applied to-day or last night to Genl. Sam. Smith & represented to him the expediency of his coming over to the states who vote for Burr, that there was nothing in the way of appointmt. which he might not command, & particularly mentioned the Secretaryship of the navy. Smith asked him if he was authorised to make the offer. he said he was...